Cana Dunlap Studios

08/31/2026

The William Aiken House handed me a Gothic doorway and perfect fall light, and Tiana + Jake Ryter handed me six years of a love story to fall in love with.

Quick version: they met on a double date at a bowling alley right before the world shut down in 2020. Fell for each other during lockdown. Got a puppy. Never looked back. This past November they said “I do” under that famous arched doorway with 140 of their favorite people watching and the sun setting right on cue.

Golden hour dropped behind the garden wall right as cocktail hour kicked off, like the whole day planned it that way. Long feasting tables under string lights, Power 2 Party playing live, and nobody wanted the night to end.

The full story (and a whole lot more dreamy photos) is up on the blog now: https://canadunlap.com/blog/tiana-jake-william-aiken-house-wedding

Meet the dream team who made it happen:

Venue: The William Aiken House, Patrick Properties Hospitality Group

Planning and Day-of Coordination: Chauncey at Bouquets and Bowties Charleston

Florals: Pretty Petals of Charleston, Janice and the Petal Team

Hair and Makeup: Charles Bridal Collab

Catering and Bar: Patrick Properties Events

Cake and Desserts: tarts

Live Band: Power 2 Party

Officiant: Bettina Yiannakourou, Weddings by Bettina

Furniture Rentals, Lighting, and Draping: Snyder Events

Linens: BBJ La Tavola

Signage and Custom Builds: Sawdust and Sweetgrass

Wedding Gown: L’Elite Bridal Boutique

Groom’s Suit: Jos. A. Bank

Photo Booth: Bunn DJ Company, Charleston

Videography: Cameron Kincheloe

A romantic wedding at The William Aiken House in Charleston, SC, captured by Cana Dunlap Photography. See the venue, the details, and the full day.

08/28/2026

After 300+ weddings, here's what I know for certain: the photo that stops you mid scroll five years from now was never on anyone's shot list. It's the exact way your dad's hand landed on your shoulder right before he walked you down, or the messy, real laugh mid vow that nobody choreographed. That's the whole reason I chase these moments instead of directing them.

It's also why the cheapest quote is rarely the best deal. A price tag can tell you what someone charges. It can't tell you if they'll notice the moment, trust their gut when the plan falls apart, or show up as an artist telling your story instead of a vendor working through a checklist.

New blog post is up with everything I wish every couple knew before booking a wedding photographer! Real talk on padding your timeline more than you think you need, why a family formals list is a total game changer, the case for a first look, what a second shooter actually catches that you'd never see otherwise, and the questions worth asking before you sign with anyone.

Save this one, you'll want it when vendor season hits. And if you know someone currently wedding planning, tag them below, this one's for them!

What's something else you wish every couple knew before their wedding day? Unpopular opinions welcome, drop them in the comments!

Check it out: https://canadunlap.com/blog/charleston-wedding-photographer-tips

Charleston wedding photographer Cana Dunlap shares what every couple should know before booking: timelines, first looks, and why price isn't the only factor.

05/07/2026

Sunset lady