Lit by Love by Savannah Wedding Photographer Charles Maring
“Lit by Love” by Savannah Wedding Photographer Charles Maring
Capturing Real Moments with a Refined, Glamorous Touch
There’s something extraordinary about the first few moments of a wedding reception. The excitement is palpable, the energy electric, and the love—it’s everywhere. As a Savannah wedding photographer, my passion lies in capturing these fleeting moments as they naturally unfold, preserving them forever in a way that feels authentic yet elevated. This is exactly what makes my photojournalistic approach stand out: a refined, glamorous touch that ensures every image tells a story, but with an elegance that transcends the moment.
One of my favorite recent images, titled Lit by Love, perfectly exemplifies this approach. The photograph captures a bride and groom just moments after being announced into their reception. The groom, with pure joy and passion, dips his bride into a kiss as fireworks explode behind them. Their guests cheer and clap, their smiles lighting up the room as much as the sparklers. It’s real. It’s emotional. It’s unforgettable. And yet, the image feels polished and cinematic, a piece of art that lives beyond the day itself.
Balancing the Moment with Expert Lighting
Achieving this kind of imagery requires more than just being in the right place at the right time. It’s about preparation, expertise, and a deep understanding of how to work with light. In this particular ballroom, the decor was stunning—a perfect mix of elegant floral arrangements, soft candlelight, and warm hues that created an inviting atmosphere. My goal was to enhance this ambiance without overpowering it.
Using my signature lighting techniques, I was able to blend the natural glow of the fireworks with subtle, diffused lighting that illuminated the couple without casting harsh shadows or distracting from the room’s beauty. This approach not only preserved the integrity of the decor but allowed me to work from a distance, giving the couple space to fully immerse themselves in the moment. They weren’t posing for the camera; they were simply living their love story, and I was there to document it as it happened.
A Photojournalistic Approach with a Glamorous Twist
What sets my work apart is my ability to blend the authenticity of photojournalism with the sophistication of fine art photography. I’m not interested in creating images that feel staged or overly polished. Instead, I focus on capturing the raw emotions, genuine interactions, and spontaneous joy of a wedding day—all while ensuring the final image looks timeless and glamorous.
In Lit by Love, you can see this balance. The emotion is raw and real, but the composition, lighting, and framing are deliberate. The result is a photograph that feels both deeply personal and universally stunning—a reflection of who the couple is and the magic of their day.
Why Savannah Weddings Are Perfect for This Approach
Savannah offers an incredible backdrop for weddings, from historic squares to elegant ballrooms. But what truly makes Savannah weddings special isn’t just the scenery—it’s the people. The love stories that unfold here are as unique and vibrant as the city itself, and my goal as a photographer is to honor that individuality in every frame.
For me, the charm of Savannah isn’t just in its cobblestone streets or Spanish moss; it’s in the way a couple’s love can light up a space, whether it’s a grand ballroom or an intimate garden ceremony. By focusing on real moments and working with the natural flow of the day, I’m able to create images that feel deeply connected to both the couple and the setting—never forced, always genuine.
Your Story, Captured Perfectly
If you’re planning a wedding in Savannah, or anywhere in the world, and are looking for a photographer who will capture the real, unscripted beauty of your day while giving it a refined, glamorous edge, I’d love to chat with you. My approach is all about giving you the freedom to live your moments fully, while I work quietly and unobtrusively to document them in a way that feels effortless and timeless.
Lit by Love is just one example of how I bring this philosophy to life. With the right balance of artistry, technical skill, and an eye for the authentic, I create images that don’t just document a day—they tell a story, one frame at a time. Let’s create something beautiful together. Reach out to schedule a consultation and start planning how we’ll capture your unforgettable Savannah wedding. Reach out today at (203) 537-1509 and visit the wedding photography page of our website to explore more beautiful photographs.