Jekyll Island Photographer - A Jekyll Island Club Wedding - Rhonda Rowell Photography

While my photographic style naturally leans towards light and airy compositions, I was recently presented with a unique challenge as a Jekyll Island Photographer. One of my clients had a specific vision in mind – they wanted to embrace the darker, moodier side of photography. Instead of my typical light and effervescent approach, they desired images that exuded a sense of drama, depth, and mystery. Fortuitously, the rainy day provided the perfect backdrop to achieve this desired aesthetic. Basically, as an artist, I relished the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and explore the captivating realms of shadow and contrast. This project pushed me to experiment with new techniques, lighting setups, and post-processing methods, ultimately allowing me to expand my creative repertoire while delivering a cohesive set of images that perfectly aligned with my client’s desired aesthetic.

Sydney and Evan’s Jekyll Island Engagement

It was an overcast day on Jekyll Island when I met up with Sydney and Evan for their engagement photo session near the riverside. Despite the partly cloudy skies, their excitement was evident as we began our stroll along the marshy banks of the riverfront lawn. The moody weather complemented the darker, moodier vibe they wanted to capture.

We moseyed through the majestic, Spanish mossed draped, live oaks, making our way to the Chichota Ruins. The crumbling, vine-covered ruins provided an interesting backdrop with some vintage character. After spending some time there, we continued our journey to the famous Driftwood Beach. The sun-bleached trees and scattered driftwood created a unique, natural scene that differed from the typical beach setting. We utilized the textured landscape to create some distinctive engagement portraits before wrapping up their Jekyll Island session.

Sydney and Evan’s Jekyll Island Wedding by a Jekyll Island Photographer

As the Jekyll Island photographer for this intimate rainy day wedding, I arrived at the charming, historical Cherokee Cottage to document the bridal party’s preparations and all the important details of the day. The pitter-patter of raindrops on the windows set a romantic ambiance that my lens eagerly drank in. Despite the dreary skies, the cottage’s cozy interior overflowed with warmth and excitement as the bride’s radiant smile and the groom’s joyful anticipation filled each frame. My camera captured streams of natural light filtering through the speckled windows, casting a warm glow that seemed to enhance the floral arrangements and delicate lace accents.

When it came time for the ceremony, we transitioned to the Morgan Center where rain continued its steady cadence outside. As vows were lovingly exchanged, joyful tears and tender glances abounded. With each click of the shutter, I preserved the raw emotions and beautiful togetherness that defined this rainy day Jekyll Island celebration. The inclement weather only heightened the coziness and intimacy felt by all.

The Jekyll Island Reception

The ballroom was aglow with the soft flickering of hundreds of votives scattered across the tables draped in crisp white linens. The newlyweds made their grand entrance, smiling joyfully as the Jekyll Island wedding photographer captured their first dance as husband and wife, swaying slowly to the crooning of the live band. Following the first dance, the dance floor quickly filled with guests busting out their best moves as the band transitioned into upbeat funk and disco. Grandmas were shimmying, big kids were break dancing (doing the worm to be exact), and even the shiest wallflowers were getting down. Lastly, the jovial revelry raged late into the starry night until the bride and groom’s exit, running through a tunnel of blazing sparklers and cheers. What had begun as an elegant, romantic affair evolved into an unforgettable dance party they’ll never forget.