Some weddings are full of so much love and emotion that they completely remind me of why I fell in love with them in the first place! This was absolutely the case with DJ and Dorinda, whose wedding in Sumter, South Carolina was overflowing with joy. Although the navy and gold wedding theme was beautiful and the decorations were such a classic touch, this was a day that I wouldn’t soon forget because it brought home the fact that weddings aren’t all about the styling and the details. Weddings are about friends, family, and uniting yourself to your best friend for the rest of your life! As for me, I simply get to play a role in preserving those memories forever, and was beyond honored to do so for Dorinda and DJ at their O’Donnell House Wedding!

I can clearly remember meeting Dorinda and DJ for the first time at a Panera Bread in Columbia, South Carolina! Although Dorinda had already shared a few details with me about how the two of them met and how DJ proposed, hearing it again in person was even better. The couple met at a church in Anderson, South Carolina. DJ was so taken with Dorinda and began pursuing her heart in a way that I would be SO happy if my daughter’s future husband did! After dating for about a year and a half, he proposed at Moncks Corner in South Carolina (yes, that’s where “The Notebook” takes place!). You bet I was excited to see those proposal photos!

When DJ and Dorinda’s wedding weekend rolled around, I was so thrilled to fly out to South Carolina to be a part of the wedding! The ceremony took place at Trinity United Methodist Church in Sumter, South Carolina while the reception was at the O’Donnell House, which is right down the street. The day was punctuated with accents of navy, cream, and gold as well as touches of cotton (love that) – simple, yet classic. I loved that although the details were lovely, the happy emotions of the day were not overshadowed one bit. What better way to celebrate being married to the love of your life than by celebrating with friends and family?

When all was said and done, I felt incredibly blessed and honored to photograph Dorinda and DJ’s wedding. Getting to know these two has been wonderful, and I can’t wait for you to see just how beautiful these two are together!

Simply gorgeous details – and I LOVE the idea of cotton boutonnieres, don’t you?


Sentimental bridal details…







Such a sweet moment between bride and mother!

Dorinda, you are stunning!





Goodness, this bride and groom have amazing smiles – and there’s so much to be happy about today!






Dorinda and DJ praying together before the wedding…love when couples take a moment together!








And they’re married!





Seriously, could they be any cuter together??



I am in love with all of the joy in these images!







The O’Donnell House looks amazing all lit up at night. And don’t you love the idea of boiled peanuts for favors? Perfect for South Carolina weddings!







This bride and groom LOVED to dance together! (And he’s wearing the shoes that she gave him as part of his gift!)








More and more dancing at this fun wedding reception…

A choreographed dance number – I just LOVE THEM!

Ending the night in style with a sparkler exit! What a night – congratulations, Dorinda and DJ!

Emily Chappell is a Dallas Texas Photographer and is available for lifestyle family photography as well as weddings throughout the Dallas Forth Worth Metroplex. She also serves as a Plano, Allen, McKinney, and Frisco Wedding Photographer and loves photographing destination weddings across the United States and internationally.