When I think back to Caleb and Ramsey’s Magnolia Plantation wedding in Charleston, I can’t help but smile—it felt like the perfect reflection of why I’m so excited about this new chapter. After more than a decade photographing weddings in the mountains of Colorado, I’m bringing Rylo Creative home to the Southeast, with Birmingham, Alabama, as my new base.

Colorado shaped me as a photographer. The ever-changing mountain light, wild weather, and stunning landscapes pushed me to blend editorial artistry with a natural, documentary style. That mix has become my signature—images that feel both timeless and alive.

Now, stepping into the heart of the South, I’m inspired all over again. There’s just something about golden hour spilling through Spanish moss, the charm of historic chapels, and the way Southern hospitality makes every celebration feel like home. While Birmingham will be where most of my weekends are spent, Colorado will always have a piece of my heart. Each summer, I’ll still take on a select handful of weddings in the Rockies—because those alpine lakes and golden aspens are part of what keeps my creativity fresh.

This move isn’t about leaving something behind—it’s about expanding what I love most: celebrating people and their stories in beautiful places, whether that’s a mountain overlook or a candlelit Southern ballroom.

Caleb & Ramsey’s Magnolia Plantation Wedding in Charleston

Caleb and Ramsey’s Magnolia Plantation wedding was the kind of day that makes you pinch yourself—because it really did feel like a dream. Magnolia itself is magic. The Spanish moss swaying above the water, the historic charm of the plantation buildings, and that golden Charleston light wrapping everything in a warm glow—it’s the setting photographers live for. But more than that, it was the emotion of the day that made it unforgettable. These are the in-between moments that tell the real story—the ones that feel alive every time you look back at the photos.

This is where my approach shines: blending the candid, documentary feel of real moments with the polished artistry of editorial images. I want my couples to see their gallery and feel like they’re flipping through the most meaningful magazine spread of their lives.

Luxury Wedding Photography in the Southeast

The Southeast is such a gem for weddings—it’s honestly one of the most beautiful and diverse regions to celebrate love. Charleston’s cobblestone streets and historic plantations, the timeless charm of Highlands, the coastal elegance of Sea Island, and even Alabama’s tucked-away chapels and rolling countryside—it all feels so full of story and soul.

For years, I worked in Colorado, surrounded by those jaw-dropping mountain peaks and wild alpine lakes. And while nothing quite compares to the grandness of the Rockies, the South has its own kind of romance. Golden hour here is softer and slower—the light lingers.

I bring over a decade of experience working in intense natural light and unpredictable weather, and I pour that same expertise into creating elevated, editorial-quality images here in the Southeast. Surely there is no shortage of unpredictable weather in the South, either (as you can see from Keller and Hudson’s Rockhurst Farm wedding). But it’s not just about the pretty details. It’s about photographing the soul of the day.

Luxury to me isn’t about being stiff or overly posed. It’s about giving you the space to be fully present, while I quietly capture it all. That’s what makes Southeast weddings so special: they hold this perfect balance of heart and elegance—and I’m here to make sure your photos reflect exactly that.

Top Southern Wedding Venues I Can’t Wait to Photograph

One of the best aspects of moving to the Southeast is the opportunity to explore all the dreamy venues this region has to offer. Here are a few that I can’t wait to capture:

• A. Hamilton Reid Chapel – Samford University (Birmingham, AL) – Classic, elegant, and filled with history, Reid Chapel’s Southern architecture makes it a dream backdrop for editorial-inspired wedding portraits.
• Windwood Equestrian (Pelham, AL) – Nestled in the Alabama countryside, Windwood offers sprawling fields, horses grazing in the background, and golden sunsets. It’s the perfect spot for couples who want that mix of Southern charm with a relaxed, storybook feel.
• Pursell Farms (Sylacauga, AL) – Ideal for couples who want a high-end experience without losing the warmth of the outdoors.
• Sea Island Resort (Georgia) – Palm trees, sea breezes, and sunsets over the ocean—it’s the kind of place where weddings feel like a destination getaway, even if it’s close to home. I love how Sea Island combines refined luxury with a relaxed, coastal vibe.
• Highlands, North Carolina – A little slice of magic tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mix of cool mountain air, lush forests, and intimate venues makes it one of the most romantic destinations in the Southeast. It has that same natural beauty I fell in love with in Colorado—just with a Southern twist.

Planning a Southeastern or Colorado Wedding with Rylo Creative

Wherever you are, planning your wedding is all about finding the right timing and team to bring it all to life. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up after more than a decade behind the camera:

Best Seasons for the Southeast: Spring and fall are absolute magic here. Think azaleas blooming, golden light that lasts forever, and those perfect temperatures that make outdoor ceremonies so dreamy.

Best Seasons for Colorado: Summer is hands-down the best. Wildflowers, crisp evenings, and alpine lakes that look like a painting—it’s the season where Colorado really shows off.

Booking Timelines: The best venues in both regions fill up quickly—really quickly. I always encourage couples to book 12–18 months in advance if you’ve got your heart set on a specific spot. It gives you peace of mind and ensures you have your dream team locked in.

Full-Weekend Coverage: One of my favorite parts about Southern and destination weddings is how they often turn into a full-on weekend celebration. From the welcome party to the farewell brunch, there are so many moments beyond the ceremony and reception that deserve to be remembered. Investing in full-weekend coverage means you get the whole story, not just the highlight reel.

At the end of the day, my heart is in both places. I feel so lucky that I don’t have to choose. Photographing a limited number of weddings in each region allows me to stay inspired, keep things intentional, and give every couple my full energy and artistry. Whether it’s a Magnolia Plantation wedding, ballroom in Birmingham, or a lakefront ceremony in Aspen, my goal is the same: to create images that feel alive, meaningful, and timeless—photographs you’ll treasure for decades to come. Click here to take the next step!