Alyona Photography

Capers Island Adventure

2012-02-03T19:04:00.003-05:00

Some of you might already know this about me and some may be surprised to find out that I absolutely love adventure! I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie I suppose. When a friend asked me to join his group to camp out on an uninhabited Capers Island how could I refuse! Asking me to photograph the experience and knowing that there will be an article published about this was icing on the cake. We started our day with an Eco tour on our way to the Island. Once we arrived we had a very knowledgeable survival guide who taught us about shelter making, fire starting, weapons, traps, water filtration and other fun stuff. I now might be able to survive if I ever get stranded on an Island! (knock on wood) My favorite part of this adventure was photographing a sunrise over the ocean. Absolutely breathtaking view of God’s creation! If anyone is interested in getting hooked up with an adventure check out On Purpose Adventures website and Facebook.

me exploring

gathering wood for shelter building and fire

Anniversary {Shari + Dan} ~ Charleston, SC

2012-02-02T13:45:00.000-05:00

This was sooo sweet I don't even know where to begin the story! Andrea (daughter of Shari & Dan) wanted to do something super special for her parents 30th anniversary. On December 30th when Shari and Dan were in town visiting from MI Andrea planned a day full of surprises one of them being a photo session. I couldn't help but tear up seeing her mother filled with excitement when Andrea revealed to her that the reason they are meeting me is to do photography session! What a beautiful moment! Absolutely lovely couple and what a great example of true love!

Lowndes Grove Wedding {Laura + Randy}

2012-01-27T17:49:00.001-05:00

First of all get ready cause this blog has a lot of images! When Laura asked me to photograph her wedding and mentioned that it was going to be at Lowndes Grove I was super excited! It happens to be one of my favorite venues. I'm sure you'll see why when you look through these photos. What can I say I love details! Laura found me through Emily who's wedding I happened to shoot two years prior. At the time Laura was in Emily's wedding and guess what? Emily was in Laura's wedding! It's sooo nice to see couples that I have photographed two years ago still as crazy about each other as they were on the day of their wedding! Laura and Randy well what can I say you can see it in the photos are absolutely in LOVE and were a joy to work with!

Special thanks to all the vendors who put their time and efforts to make this wedding extra fabulous!

Venue Lowndes Grove | Officiant Father David Williams | Ceremony Music Pete Jock at GigMasters

Event Planner Amanda K Events | Rentals & Florals Ooh! Events | Catering, Bar, Cake Lowndes Grove

Makeup & Hair Susie Griffin | DJ Ric Rush DJ | Videographer Lowcountry Lens | Transportation Black Cab

If you would like to see more images from this wedding check out the slideshow at the end of the blog.

First look

Valentines Contest!!!

2012-01-21T15:38:00.000-05:00

Alyona Photography Facebook Page.

Blend of Cultures Wedding {Amber + Sherief}

2012-01-06T14:07:00.001-05:00

Amber is from US but Sherief and his family is originally from Egypt. These two decided to combine their cultures into their wedding. Amber's bouquet and Sherief's boutonniere were both made out of palmetto flowers. The cake and guests gifts both had an Egyptian influence. Absolutely delicious desserts were bakes by groom's relatives. Yes I actually got to taste it! Yummm!!! I even witnessed some belly dancing at this wedding. What a fun time!

First look.

Once more delicious!!!!

The hearts is how Sherief proposed to Amber.

Sherief and his grandmother... sooo sweet!

Seacoast Church & Double Tree Wedding {Lia + Wes}

2012-01-04T19:06:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! Now that the wedding season is over it's time to catch up on my blogging. Lia and Wes wedd at Seacoast Church and their reception was held at Double Tree in downtown Charleston. The day was absolutely beautiful and who could complain photographing the wedding party in downtown Charleston!

Special thanks to Philip Casey who helped me capture this beautiful wedding.

Dunes West Family Session {Maltezos & Rolfes}

2011-12-21T15:43:00.000-05:00

Over Thanksgiving weekend I had an opportunity to photograph three family sessions. Two of the sessions were on black Friday.... what can I say I would rather be shooting then shopping anyways! :) Wanted to share a few of my favorites from this session.

Cypress Gardens Family Session {Jacobs Family}

2011-12-19T14:11:00.000-05:00

Even this time of the year Cypress Gardens is beautiful! We even found some blooming flowers! There are sooo many images from this session that I absolutely love that I had a hard time deciding which ones to post. Hope you enjoy these as much as I do... so many precious moments!

Cousins... cuties

Mother with her girls. :)

Grandchildren

Engaged!!! {Michelle + Vince}

2011-12-14T17:29:00.000-05:00

Beautiful day for a lovely couple. We started the session in downtown and ended at Folly Beach. I loved being able to capture some sunset silhouette shots. Can't wait till your guys wedding in May!

Pets are Part of the Family {Hudak Family}

2011-12-13T13:52:00.001-05:00

Recently I've had quite a few clients bringing their pets to family sessions. All I have to say I love it... please, please, pretty please bring them! :) I'm definitely an animal person and I believe pets are part of the family so it only makes sense to include them. These groups of folks were sooo absolutely awesome to work with I even joined them for some ice cream afterwards.

Family Session in Downtown {Chris, Vina, Sophia & Juno}

2011-12-08T13:52:00.000-05:00

Loved photographing this session! Finally getting a chance to blog about it. Here's a few of my favorites.

Laura + Randy {Sneak Peek}

2011-12-06T14:56:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Laura and Randy who wedd yesterday at Lowndes Grove Plantation! I'm sooo thankful that the rain held off till the reception and only rained a little bit. Here's a few of my quick picks. Full blog will follow later.

Photography Workshop

2011-11-18T18:18:00.000-05:00

I'm now offering one on one photography workshops! This would be a good fit for someone who has always wanted to learn more about photography but doesn't have enough of time for traditional classes or simply someone who prefers one on one learning. Also a perfect gift for a loved one who would like to enhance their photography skills! If interested please email me.

Just wanted to share a few photos from a workshop I taught today! Special thanks to our beautiful model Anya.

Rome, Florence & Venice {Simply Amazing!!!}

2011-10-24T15:36:00.000-04:00

I finally took a vacation this year and visited one of the most beautiful places in the world! Italy was absolutely amazing and a dream come true! We started in Rome exploring some of the historic sites in the city. Then ventured to the Vatican. Which apparently is not even Italy but a country of it's own! After Rome we took a train to Florence and then Venice. Here are a few photos from my vacation. I'm sure I'll be posting more soon.

Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Pantheon, Rome, Italy

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican

Florence Cathedral, Florence, Italy (One of the biggest Cathedral's I have ever seen!)

Ponte Vecchio, Florence Italy

Me enjoying a Tuscan vineyard :)

Tuscany landscape

Tuscany village

Venice, Italy

Downtown Family Session {Sneak Peek}

2011-10-13T17:07:00.000-04:00

First signs of fall in Charleston! Loved this family session!!!

Sneak Peek From Tonight's Session!!!

2011-10-06T23:57:00.000-04:00

Ok ok I was just very excited about this e-session and had to post a few sneak peeks. Michelle and Vince were one awesome couple to work with!

Folly Beach Wedding {Heather + Yates Sneak Peek}

2011-09-24T21:58:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Heather and Yates who tied the knot today!!! I was soooo excited about these photos I couldn't wait to post a few! Enjoy!

Kiawah Island Family Session {Emily, Linda & Roger}

2011-09-20T22:34:00.000-04:00

What a super sweet family to work with! They were so excited because they haven't had their family portraits done in many years. Here's a few of my favorite shots.

Legare Waring House Wedding {Katie + Marc Sneak Peek}

2011-09-19T19:20:00.000-04:00

I had soooo much fun this weekend photographing Katie and Marc's wedding at Legare Waring House at Charles Towne Landing! Check out this sneak peek :)

If you would like to view more images from this wedding follow Alyona Photography on Facebook.

Vintage + Modern Bride

2011-08-30T15:30:00.000-04:00

Sarah asked me to photograph her in a vintage style with a modern twist. The vintage style came in with historic downtown Charleston setting with modern poses including her passion for dancing. BTW check out the back of her dress... sooo hot! Love her fun personality!!

Church of the Holy Cross & Alhambra Hall Wedding {Sneak Peek}

2011-08-24T17:57:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Erin + Christian who recently tied the knot!!!! Here's a little sneak peek. If you want to see more please visit my Facebook page.

Folly Beach Trash the Dress

2011-08-08T14:27:00.000-04:00

Here's a little sneak peek from Amy's trash the dress at Folly Beach!

Patriots Point Golf Links Wedding {Kelli + Michael}

2011-08-02T15:15:00.000-04:00

I know it has been a while since I’ve posted a full wedding. This past spring I’ve been really busy with lots of weddings and I’m finally getting around to blogging about them. First of all to all the couples who’s weddings I recently shot thank you for being soooo absolutely wonderful to work with! I felt truly blessed to be a part of your special day!

My day started with photographing at Stella Nova of Kelli, her bridesmaids and family getting ready. BTW for all you folks looking for a place to get ready and pampered Stella Nova is absolutely one of the best places! Ceremony and reception was held at Patriots Point Golf Links overlooking the water. While editing ceremony photos I noticed how much Michael couldn’t keep his eyes off of Kelli while she was walking down the isle… soo sweet! You could tell that these two are so in love and perfect for each other! Lovely, lovely, lovely and can I say lovely one more time!!!

Special thanks to David Strauss for helping me shoot this wedding.

Lia + Wes {Sneak Peek}

2011-07-19T14:34:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Lia & Wes!!! Here's a little sneak peek from a wedding this past weekend. More photos are posted on Alyona Photography group on Facebook.

Kiawah Island Family Portrait Session

2011-06-28T18:07:00.000-04:00

I don't drive out to Kiawah much so it's always exciting to head out there and drive through an alley of Oak Trees. Family of Zile invited me up to Kiawah Island where they were having their weekend getaway and spending some time with their family. Such a close-knit family and great people to work with! Here are a few of my favorite photos from their session.

Charleston Engagement Session

2011-06-16T19:02:00.000-04:00

Lia and Wes are to wedd in July!!! It's fun when couples bring their pets to sessions. If you are wondering what Lia's dog is looking at? He was staring at a squirrel the whole time! ha! I'm glad he didn't dodge right after it. Good doggie! Last few photos were shot at St. Philips Church where these two like to spend their time together enjoying downtown. Love it!

Downtown + Beach E-Session

2011-06-09T23:48:00.000-04:00

I loved the idea being able to shoot an engagement session at two different locations! If you plan out the timing just right you can even catch the sunset at the beach, which we did. Katie and Marc were so much fun to work with! I absolutely adore these images!

Pepper Plantation Wedding {Mary Brooke + Jared}

2011-05-26T19:51:00.001-04:00

I'm really excited to post these photos from Mary Brooke & Jared's wedding! So many great images that I had a hard time deciding which ones to blog about. Mary Brooke & Jared are one of the most polite couples I had a pleasure to work with not to mention they sure know how to break it down on the dance floor! Your welcome to also check out their engagement and bridal session blog posts.

Special thanks to David Strauss for helping me capture this wedding.

Head Shots

2011-05-16T23:17:00.000-04:00

My friend Josh asked me to take a few head shots for his business card and other advertising material. He was dressed way to sharp to just take head shots so I snapped a few additional ones. Check out this handsome guy!

Vintage Bride

2011-05-16T15:56:00.000-04:00

Lovely sunny day, a simply beautiful bride and an adorable flower girl what more could you ask for to shoot an incredible bridal session!? Not to mention a historic College of Charleston campus located in downtown Charleston. So many pretty photos I had a hard time deciding which ones to post. Laura was a pleasure to work with! This girl needs to become a model!

Magnolia Gardens Bridal Session

2011-05-09T22:48:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Kathryn & Ty who tied the knot this past Saturday! In the beginning of spring I had an opportunity to photograph Kathryn's bridal session at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. Although I have photographed several weddings at Magnolia Gardens this was my first time shooting a bridal session there. I was sooooo thrilled!!! Already picturesque setting was even more beautiful because everything was beginning to bloom. Love these!

Gorgeous Bride

2011-04-20T21:27:00.002-04:00

I love shooting bridal sessions! It's a fun to get to know the bride without being pressed for time. Mary Brooke was such a wonderful bride to work with easy going, fun and absolutely gorgeous! We started our session at the Rainbow Row and finished up at the Waterfront Park. It was a beautiful day with plenty of sunlight and wonderful lighting as you can see in the photos. Hope you love these as much as I do!

Mary + Ashraf's Engagement Party

2011-04-18T23:32:00.000-04:00

This weekend I was invited to my friend's engagement party. When I go out and socialize I try to leave my camera behind because otherwise... well I end up going into my photography mode and just shoot away. ha! Yup that's what happened at the party, but I got some great photos! Congrats Mary and Ashraf!!!

Kelli + Michael E-Session

2011-04-18T20:09:00.000-04:00

Kelli and Michael are to wedd this weekend!!! Wooo hooo! I shot their engagement session in downtown Charleston starting from Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park and ending at the Wentworth Mansion where they actually got engaged!

Seeking Indigo Event

2011-04-13T22:22:00.000-04:00

Last week I had an opportunity to photograph Seeking Indigo Event. A 6,000 square foot retail store and wellness center featured their vendors and wellness services. Loved hanging out with a bunch of fun creative people!

Elizabeth's Bridal Session

2011-04-10T20:26:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth and CJ got married this past Saturday and I got a chance to be in their wedding!!! It was such a fun and an interesting experience to be in front of the camera vs behind the camera. I shot my friend's bridal session about two weeks before the wedding and just couldn't wait any longer to post these photos! I love how Elizabeth's fun, easy going and silly personality shines through in these photos. Congrats guys!!!

2011 Water Mission International Walk

2011-04-06T20:52:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to photograph Water Mission International walk. There were over 1,900 participants and 200 volunteers. Over $186,000 was raised for the cause! Wooo hooo!!! I also met mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and Masaii Warrior from Kenya!
To make a donation for this honorable cause please visit Water Mission International website.

Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. with his granddaughter in the middle image.

The photo on the left Masaii Warrior from Kenya and I. It's fun meeting interesting people!

Amy + Ricky

2011-04-05T16:01:00.000-04:00

Lovely lovely couple! These two love birds are to wedd in August. Speaking of love birds as I was photographing Amy and Ricky on a boardwalk of Folly Beach two pigeons kept on getting in the way of the shot. I finally figured oh why not photograph them as well. I'm still very excited about these couple of images! Amy and Ricky you guys are great and I had lots of fun photographing you two!

Miriam & David Wedding on Kiawah Island

2011-03-28T16:58:00.001-04:00

Miriam and David had an intimate wedding at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, SC. Followed by a small reception with their 5 lovely children. Special thanks to Rev. Dianne J. Shaver for recommending me as a photographer.

Michelle's Bridal Session

2011-03-27T22:13:00.000-04:00

Michelle & Joshua got married this Saturday! Again congrats to the happy couple!!! On that note I would love to share these bridal portraits of Michelle that I no longer have to keep hidden away.

Savannah, GA

2011-03-25T16:55:00.000-04:00

Few days ago I took a day off and visited Savannah, GA. Ended up strolling through the streets the whole day. Of course I did not leave my camera behind. Can't go anywhere without my camera! Love visiting this city!

Carolyn & James are Getting Married!

2011-03-17T15:54:00.000-04:00

Ok, ok I realize that I'm extremely behind on my blogging but I'm back to introduce to you a lovely couple Carolyn and James who are to wedd on May 28th. I'm thankful to finally have some warm days to shoot sessions without feeling like ouch these guys are freeeeezing! All the photographs were taken in Charleston, SC downtown. I'm sure if you’re from Charleston you have already recognized that. Well what can I say our downtown is quite picturesque. I'm absolutely looking forward to shooting their wedding!!!

I simply have to comment on this photo. Completely a cadid shot! Did not realize that it looked like the horse was singing till I

downloaded the photo and was completely surprised!

Tulips!

2011-03-17T15:29:00.000-04:00

This is completely unrelated to photography but I just had to share my passion for gardening and how excited I get when I see a flower bloom in my garden! Last fall/winter I planted over 150 bulbs of flowers mostly tulips. They remind me of Ukraine the country I came from over 20 years ago. Although the darn squirrels have been nibbling on the leaves and digging up the flowerbed looking for nuts some of the flowers are still surviving! Yesterday I had quite the surprise a first tulip!!! :) Even though he is short and stubby looking it just makes me super happy to see a little fellow bloom!

Spring!!!

2011-03-09T22:14:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you guys but I'm ready for spring and warmer weather. Even though I live in the south this winter seemed very cold brrrrrrrr!!! I was starting to think that I didn't move enough down south. This past weekend I shot a bridal session at Magnolia Gardens. Although I cannot post those pretty bridal photos till after the wedding I can share a few I took after the session. Check out these fabulous spring blooms at the garden.

All these are available as prints if you are interested in purchasing any of these images just ask.

Emma & Ross

2011-02-17T01:28:00.000-05:00

Cute cute cute couple! These two love birds are to wedd in May. I'm glad I got a chance to do their engagement session. Check out a few of my favs.

Experimenting

2011-02-11T23:38:00.000-05:00

Recently I have been revisiting some photos I took 2 years ago on my vacation in CA. Been trying out some new editing techniques and playing around with some textures. Just wanted to share a few of my favs. All these are available as prints.

Driving on the PCH.

Balboa Park in San Diego, CA.

Mission in Santa Barbara, CA.

Golden Gate Bridge

Andrea & Matthew Engagement

2011-02-02T01:41:00.000-05:00

This engagement session was shot in downtown, Charleston, SC. We started at the Battery Park then walked to Rainbow Row and ended at the Waterfront Park. Their easy going and kid at heart personality allowed me to capture a lot of fun candid shots. Thank you guys for a cup of hot tea and a wonderful time!

Great Smoky Mountains

2011-02-01T19:20:00.001-05:00

Tis the season for catching up! I've had a busy year and I'm finally getting a chance to edit some of my personal photography. This past summer I went on a little camping trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. Here are a few of my favorite images. Let me know if you would like to purchase any prints!

Autumn Colors & Textures

2011-01-26T03:14:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to post some fall photos for a while now but just now getting a chance to. While I was visiting my parents in November I decided to test out my new Nikon 70-200mm lens and capture the array of autumn colors. All the surroundings were simply breathtaking from the fading away rose, the mixture of colors, twisted grape vine, to the last fig. Ahhhh the beauty of the ever changing seasons!

Mary Brooke & Jared

2011-01-24T17:26:00.001-05:00

As beautiful as downtown Charleston is it was nice to get break from the typical and shoot an engagement session at the Pepper Plantation in Awendaw, SC. Surrounded by beautiful landscape and even some horses to throw in the mix. Even though it was freezing outside and I had to keep reminding myself that I couldn’t have shaky hands it was truly a joy to work with this couple!

Julie & Chris Wedding

2010-11-09T22:19:00.000-05:00

Julie and Chris traveled from VA to get married in our beautiful city of Charleston. Their ceremony was held at Hampton Park with a backdrop of a gazebo near the Citadel. We met up at the Battery Park to do family group shots prior to ceremony. Afterwards I strolled with the couple through near by streets for some fun shots with colorful historic buildings and a brick layered road. Reception was held at a beach house at IOP. I absolutely love some of the photos in the back yard with the pool and also a few shots with the beach in the background.

Runner

2010-10-28T17:59:00.002-04:00

Recently a friend of mine asked me to photograph him running on the beach. Here are a few of my favorite shots of Bruce.

Doggies

2010-10-18T21:04:00.002-04:00

Recently took a few photos of dogs. It was fun they all just wanted to attack me to play with them! Here's few of my favorite shots.

Don't let the angelic look fool you he's quite a rascal! One of my roomie's his name is Jowee.

Trying to make them sit down was pretty funny.

She finally decided to stop running after me and relax! haha!

What a funny face!

Exploring the Marsh

2010-07-22T01:44:00.002-04:00

A few photos from exploring the marsh. Shot in high ISO and then edited with a vintage look to work with the graininess.

Beautiful Charity

2010-07-21T23:38:00.002-04:00

Charity and Matt wedd about a month ago so I can finally post some of these bridal portraits. Even though it was a hot muggy day Charity was a good sport and we were able to walk around and capture some of Charleston's downtown area. I loved her fun and energetic personality!

Furniture

2010-07-21T01:13:00.002-04:00

A few photos from a photo shoot for Furniture Rentals Inc.

Happy Independence Day!!!

2010-07-04T17:30:00.002-04:00

Happy 4th of July everyone!!! Here's a few photos from Take it to the Streets 4th of July celebration. The kids had so much fun playing with water balloons, on the slip and slide, watermelon seed spitting contest and a bunch of other games.

And that is how you slip and slide!

Water balloon madness.

The kids had more fun eating the watermelon than spitting out the seeds.

I love this shot.

Yummy pies!

Attitude

2010-06-29T16:55:00.002-04:00

Attitude anyone? I love this pic and just had to share it!