There’s something magical about winter at The Cloister on Sea Island—the soft golden light over the river, the timeless charm of the chapel, and the hush of the oak trees swaying in the breeze. For the Cody family, this place holds an even deeper meaning. It’s where they exchanged vows years ago, and now they returned to celebrate a new chapter—awaiting the arrival of their newest little one.

Some traditions are meant to be captured year after year, and the McLaughlin family’s annual Hilton Head Island vacation is one of those special times. This year, we met in South Forest for a sun-filled afternoon of beach fun, laughter, and family connection.

Montage Palmetto Bluff is always a stunning backdrop, and this session with the Billingsley twins and their family was no exception. Capturing both senior portraits and family moments in one session made for a perfect mix of milestones and memories.

Some traditions just keep getting better every year. The Desko family’s annual picnic at Wright Park in Bluffton is one of those days I look forward to photographing. This year marked my third time capturing their gathering, and it was every bit as joyful as the first.