First image by Brian D Smith Photography, second by Nicholas Gore Photography at Fairweather Studios in Charleston, SC, third in New York City by Anne Rhett Photography.

Howdy, folks! I’m so pumped you’re here! My name is Stephen and I’ve spent my whole life in the creative arts and have found the perfect home in capturing the joy of wedding and personality in each person who hires me for portraits. I feel so honored that every weekend I get up and my office is out on the city, in the mountains, or in the gardens putting a visual touch to the character of a relationship between two people. I’ve been doing this now for over 10 years and I never want to take for granted how incredible this job is.

On days I’m not working, you can probably find me hanging with my wife and our daughter, Monroe. We love to spend time in our backyard vegetable garden, often with our cats, Galadriel and Sauron. Every year we also set aside time to travel, this year we’re visiting Guatemala and the Smoky Mountains. Finally, we love our local city of Charleston and we’re often just trying out a new restaurant or visiting a brewery with friends.

I grew up with a huge family of 36 cousins! My childhood experience was with the chaos of kids everywhere and strong matriarchal figures in my mother and grandma. My style is informed by that experience. I am enthralled with the “in between” moments and I put so much intentionality in capturing those snapshots in time. We might call this “photojournalistic,” but maybe an easier way to think about it is to imagine me working with you to grab those dazzling couples photos but also staying in the moment when grandma wants to come give you a post ceremony hug!

be sure to follow @stephenatohi for wedding related content!