A Stunning Charleston Wedding at Dunes West Golf & River Club

Weddings

If you’ve ever wondered what a wedding infused with pure joy, deep roots, and a whole lot of personality looks like—this is it, friend. Mills and Brooks tied the knot on a dreamy November day at Dunes West Golf and River Club, and let me tell you… it was everything. This Charleston wedding was full of golden sunshine, marsh views, Spanish moss trees swaying in the breeze, and a group of people who brought the kind of energy that could light up the entire Lowcountry.

From the first moment I met these two during their Clemson engagement session (Go Tigers!!), I knew their wedding was going to be one for the books. Mills and Brooks are FUN. They’re the kind of couple who giggles easily, who’s down for a good time, and who love their people so well. And that energy radiated through every second of their wedding day.

bride and groom portrait with a big tree and water behind them

bride and groom smiling at each other for their Charleston Wedding

editorial wedding photo of the couple walking

Bridal rings displayed in blue velvet and floral boxes, surrounded by white roses and baby’s breath under the veil.

Close-up of the bride and groom’s wedding bands and engagement ring styled with Clemson rings.

From Clemson to Charleston

I first met Mills and Brooks in person in June 2024 for their engagement session in Clemson, South Carolina. We shot on campus and at the rowing docks on Lake Hartwell, two spots that meant the world to them. They’re both alumni and huge Clemson fans, and it showed in every little detail of their story. That session was full of laughter, goofiness, and the kind of connection that makes you feel like you’ve known someone forever. From the start, I knew their wedding was going to reflect all the things they love most. Their people, their roots, and their joy-filled, easygoing energy.

And when their Charleston wedding day arrived, it felt like the perfect continuation of that story. Elevated, intentional, and overflowing with love.

Mills and Brooks smile at each other under a mossy oak by the water in Charleston, SC.

Brooks twirls Mills in the middle of a live oak-lined street during golden hour portraits.

A Wedding That Felt Like Them

Mills and Brooks spent their entire wedding day at Dunes West Golf and River Club, and it honestly could not have been more fitting. This wasn’t just a venue—it was home. They have family that lives in the community, so every part of the day felt personal, and filled with meaning. And with nine full hours of photography coverage (yes, we were there for all the goodness), we had the space to truly slow down and soak in every part of their celebration.

The couple shares a sweet embrace by the water.

The couple shares a quiet moment with foreheads touching beneath the mossy trees by the water.

Romantic moment as the couple walks together along the riverbank, surrounded by fall foliage and golden light.

This place brought together everything Mills and Brooks love most—endless skies, coastal views, the comfort of family, and of course, a whole lot of golf. The course wrapped right around the event clubhouse, so while guests were arriving and the day unfolded, you could spot golfers out on the green in the distance. It added such a fun, familiar rhythm to the day!

Brooks twirls Mills in the middle of a tree-lined Charleston street in a joyful moment.

couple walk hand in hand beneath Charleston oaks in their wedding attire.

You could look in any direction and see something that mattered to them. Boats gliding past, the sun catching on the water, cozy homes across the way. And the light was that soft, golden kind Charleston does best.

And oh my goodness—the details! They leaned into that timeless Lowcountry feel with the most thoughtful touches. Classic tuxedos, navy bridesmaid dresses, monogrammed golf tees, a signature bourbon bar, and a cocktail hour under glowing market lights that felt like a scene straight out of a Southern movie. Oh—and yes, they absolutely buried a bottle of bourbon on the course before the wedding day and dug it up together after the ceremony. If you know, you know. It was playful and classic and personal all at once.

Wedding favor table decorated with golf tees, custom koozies, and signs, styled with magnolia leaves.

Framed sign reading "Brooks' Bourbon Bar" sits beside personalized koozies at the outdoor wedding bourbon station.

Groom unearths the buried bourbon bottle while the bride watches and laughs near the water’s edge.

Newlyweds laugh together during a southern "bury the bourbon" moment, bride holding a shovel with ribbon.

Surprises, Support, and So Much Joy

One of the most memorable parts of the day was their ceremony. Held beneath a canopy of twisting, moss-covered branches, with the water quietly stretching out behind them. It was calm, meaningful, and completely centered on the love they share. You could feel how much they cared about being present. Not just with each other, but with everyone who came to celebrate them.

Father of the bride walks her down the aisle beneath sprawling moss-draped oaks.

Groom places a ring on the bride’s finger during their waterfront wedding vows under golden light.

Groom dips the bride for a kiss during their joyful ceremony recessional under a canopy of oak trees.

Bride and groom walk hand in hand down the aisle as guests cheer at their waterfront South Carolina ceremony.

The newlyweds walk away together, holding hands beneath the Spanish moss after their vows.

And just when everyone thought the surprises were over… the Clemson mascot showed up after the cake cutting! Mills and Brooks had no clue, and their faces were pure joy. It was such a fun, unexpected moment that lit the room up all over again—and you better believe there was dancing and cheering like we were back in Death Valley on a Saturday.

Bride and groom cut their tiered wedding cake adorned with white and blue flowers at their Charleston reception.

The tiger mascot points playfully while coming down the staircase at a Charleston wedding celebration.

Couple celebrates joyfully with raised arms and bubbly next to their three-tier wedding cake.

Couple kisses surrounded by cheering guests and Clemson mascot during their lively wedding celebration.

Earlier in the day, they chose to do a first look (one of my fav timeline choices!), and it made everything flow so smoothly. We were able to get almost all of their portraits done before the ceremony, which meant they had more time to enjoy friends and family during the reception. It was such a good example of how thoughtful planning can lead to more freedom and ease throughout the day.

Mills raises her arms with excitement moments before surprising Brooks during their first look.

Mills gently places her hands on Brooks’ shoulders during their first look beneath mossy oak trees.

But the part that really stuck with me was their families. From the beginning, Mills and Brooks were surrounded by people who showed up with open hearts and full-on excitement. You could see how proud their parents were—not just of the day, but of the people they’ve become. It reminded me that weddings aren’t just about two people saying “I do”—they’re about every hug, every teary-eyed smile, every quiet moment of support that led them there. And this day had so many of those moments.

The father of the bride looks emotional seeing Mills in her dress for the first time on the porch.

Mills' father kisses her on the cheek during a sweet first look at Dunes West Golf & River Club.

Why Dunes West Was the Perfect Backdrop for This Charleston Wedding

As a Charleston wedding photographer, I’ve had the joy of capturing love stories in so many stunning places—but this Mount Pleasant gem is one I’ll always be excited to return to. With sweeping coastal views and a setting that blends natural beauty with classic Charleston charm, it’s the kind of spot that feels like it was made for celebration.

The ceremony space is truly stunning—effortlessly romantic and naturally beautiful. And from there, the celebration flows into the clubhouse, which is spacious, bright, and full of character. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate dinner under string lights or a lively dance floor and bourbon bar combo, this space can hold it all—and look beautiful doing it.

There’s a certain ease to this place—a way it draws you in and reminds you that the best days are the ones you slow down and savor. From classic to coastal and everything in between, this venue adapts beautifully to your day. It’s charming without being overdone, and it gives you so many options to truly make it your own. I’d come back here in a heartbeat.

Exterior of Dunes West Golf & River Club on a sunny day, framed by palm trees and brick arches.

White-clothed tables with gold chairs and hydrangea garlands set on a sunny veranda at Dunes West.

Wedding party cheers around the couple outside the clubhouse at Dunes West.

the ceremony space under the trees from afar

Sweet Words From Mills

“Can’t recommend ELP enough!!! Let me tell you, the #1 thing we would pick again and again for our wedding day is having Ely there to capture it all. She made our day easy, worry-free, and totally brought our entire group out of our shell. She was genuine and kind and authentically herself throughout the planning process. We did our engagement shoot around Clemson’s campus (because we are both Alumni), and she captured it so beautifully. Then, at our Charleston wedding she PERFECTLY captured the overall day but our favorite part, the landscape. The water, the oak trees, and the overall essence of our day can be felt through the pictures. She was and forever will be our best decision we made on our wedding day (besides the I Do part )! I feel like we hired a photographer and gained a friend.”

bridal portraits for a Charleston Wedding

editorial bridal portrait of the bride's dress

bride and groom smiling at each other with a palm tree towering above them

Ready to Plan Your Charleston Wedding?

Mills and Brooks’ day was a beautiful reminder that weddings aren’t about perfection—they’re about presence. About creating a day that feels like you.

Your story deserves to be celebrated in a way that feels uniquely yours. I’d love to be the one to help capture it. Contact me to begin!