How to Archive Your Wedding and Family Photos

One of the most common questions I hear from my former wedding and family portrait clients is, “How can we preserve our precious photos?”

I’m thrilled to share that my good friend Jennings King, a former professional photographer who is now a talented professional organizer, has written a fantastic guest blog post on this very topic!

Jennings, the owner of Space Maker Professional, is amazing at helping people organize, digitize, and preserve their cherished photo collections. I can’t recommend her enough! If you’re looking for assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to her. You’ll be in great hands!

Hi, I’m Jennings King! I help families organize, digitize, and protect their photos so

their stories can be shared and loved for generations. As a photo manager, I’ve

seen how much peace of mind comes from knowing your memories are safely

preserved. Whether you’re just getting your wedding photos or sorting through

old family albums, these steps will help you build a lasting photo archive you’ll be

proud of.

Let’s be honest — our photos are some of our most treasured possessions. They

tell our stories, capture our milestones, and keep our loved ones close even as

time passes. Whether it’s your wedding day or a Sunday family session, those

images deserve to be cared for and protected.

The good news? Archiving your photos doesn’t have to be complicated. With just

a few smart habits, you can make sure your memories are safe, organized, and

easy to enjoy for years (and generations!) to come.

For Digital Photos

When your photographer sends you a flash drive or download link, don’t just save

the files in one place and call it a day. Make multiple copies right away!

Here’s my favorite formula — I call it the “three places rule”:

1. One copy on your computer or external hard drive

2. One copy on a flash drive or second drive

3. One copy in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, etc.)

This way, if one location fails, you’ll still have backups. Flash drives only last

around 10 years (less if used often), so the cloud copy gives you an extra layer of

safety.

For Printed Photos

If you’re working with printed photos — maybe wedding prints, family albums, or

old shoebox treasures — it’s time to digitize them. You can scan them yourself or

have them professionally scanned at 600 dpi for high-quality digital versions.

Once you have those digital scans, store them using the same “three places rule.”

How to Keep Everything Organized

Here’s my favorite little secret: the easiest way to keep your photos organized is

to name your files by date, not by name.

Start each file name with the year, month, and day, like this:

2025-10-21-JenningsAndBrennen-Wedding-001

This way, your photos automatically sort in chronological order on your computer

— and you’ll instantly know when the memory happened. The date is the most

powerful piece of information you can include.

Try to avoid naming files like JenningsAndBrennen-Wedding-1. It doesn’t tell you

when it was taken or how it fits into your life story.

Final Thoughts

Creating a photo archive isn’t just about organizing files — it’s about protecting

your story. By keeping your images in multiple places and naming them in a way

that makes sense, you’re building a beautiful timeline of your life.

Start small, stay consistent, and before you know it, you’ll have a digital archive

that’s easy to navigate and filled with moments you’ll love revisiting again and

again.

Ready for a Little Help?

If this all sounds wonderful but a bit overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone.

I love helping families organize, digitize, and preserve their photo collections in a

way that feels simple and personal.

Feel free to reach out — I’d be honored to help you create a system that keeps

your memories safe and easy to enjoy for years to come.

Website: www.spacemakerprofessional.com

Instagram: @spacemakerprofessional

Facebook: @spacemakerprofessional

The Best Time of Year for a Charleston Wedding

Outdoor Charleston Wedding

Greetings! If you have stumbled across this blog, chances are you are in the process of planning your wedding. Congratulations! With all of its beauty, history and renowned southern charm, Charleston is one of the most popular wedding destinations. Fortunately, temperatures are typically moderate year-round here in the Holy City.  This is fabulous news for all future brides! Truly, you really could get married in Charleston on any arbitrary day of the year and have it be a roaring success. That being said, tourism rates rise and fall depending on the seasonal climate. Read on for some further insight so you can pick the perfect date for your upcoming nuptials!

High Seasons (March - May and September - November)

• The climate during the two high seasons is moderate and mild, with temperatures ranging from the low to mid-70s°F.

• April, May, September and October are the most popular months for weddings.

• These two high seasons are ideal for an outdoor ceremony, seeing as temperatures are still genial and pleasant from late March to early June. Charleston is prone to heavy heat and humidity during the summer months which can be overwhelming for those unaccustomed to scorching heat waves.

• Fall is also a gorgeous season during which to tie the knot, as the city experiences a reprieve from the humidity and heat of the late summer months and temperatures fall, creating a nearly perfect climate.

Beat the Heat Season (June - August)

• June through August are known for hellacious humidity as temperatures can climb well above 90°F and into the triple digits.

• These summer months are less ideal for outdoor ceremonies as a result of the thick humidity and soaring temperatures. If you decide to schedule your ceremony during Charleston’s hottest months, make sure you provide a tent with fans or some form of shade for attendees who can’t handle the humid weather conditions.

• During these months, natives and visitors alike flock to Charleston’s various beaches in hopes of catching some cool sea breezes to avoid the peninsula’s heavy humidity and high temperatures.

Low Season (December - February)

• Budget-savvy brides looking to book the city’s most sought-after venues for a reduced rate would be smart to consider tying the knot during the winter months.

• Charleston’s mild winter is perfect for people looking to escape colder climates. During the day, the temperatures average around 60°F and the winter months offer some of the most beautiful days of the entire year.

Here are some additional tips for future brides looking to be wed in the Holy City:

TIP #1: Let’s talk about money, honey! As with every vacation destination, Charleston’s venue prices also abide by the rule of supply and demand. Therefore, expect to pay higher prices when reserving your venue during either of the two high seasons. Alternatively, venue prices drop significantly during the low season when tourism levels slightly decline. To illustrate, Charleston County Parks and Recreation offers various venues for rent, including a luxury lake house. This particular venue is perfect for wedding receptions and can accommodate innumerable guests on the exclusive lakefront property.

• Peak Months (March - June & September - November): $4,500 rental fee which includes two overnight stays for up to twelve individuals.

• Non-Peak Months (December - February & July - August): $3,500 rental fee which also includes two overnight stays for up to twelve individuals.

*If you’re a bride on a budget, be aware of these price discrepancies so you can make fully informed financial decisions.

Outdoor Ceremony in Charleston, SC

TIP #2: Be aware of Charleston’s large annual events that drive prices and occupancy rates sky-high. Charleston hosts several widely attended events and festivals, during which the city is swarmed with visitors, ultimately making the city difficult to navigate. Here are a few notable events to take into consideration when scheduling your wedding:

• April: The Cooper River Bridge Run and The Credit One Charleston Open Tennis Tournament are both held during the same weekend in April.

  • The Cooper River Bridge Run is one of the largest 10ks in the Southeast and requires the closure of several vital roads and bridges.

  • The Credit One Charleston Open Tennis Tournament is held on Daniel Island and brings several visitors from all over the world.

• May: The College of Charleston graduation ceremony

• May - June: For 17 days starting in late May, Charleston is home to the Spoleto Festival, America’s premier performing arts festival. The festival seemingly takes over the Lowcountry during Spoleto during which the city experiences a profound influx in tourism.

*Visit the Explore Charleston website to stay abreast of local events that could impact your special day. You should always verify and double check exact dates on the Explore Charleston Website.

Charleston Groom

TIP#3: Be Aware of Hurricane Season:

• Charleston Hurricane Season spans from June 1 to November 30th of every calendar year.

• Hurricanes have been known to only make landfall between the middle of August and the middle of October.

• It’s good to be aware of the potential for a hurricane to hit on your big day but typically, by the time these storms make landfall, they have been downgraded to a lower level hurricane or sometimes even a tropical storm.

• Charleston hasn’t seen any hurricane as devastating as Hurricane Hugo which made landfall in September of 1989.

Okay, bride to be, you are well-informed and better positioned to decide upon a date and venue that is ideal for your wedding celebration. We’ll be seeing you in two shakes of a lamb’s tail!

Photos by: Kate Thornton

Written by office and photo assistant: Chase Porter

Picture Perfect Prints: The Importance of Ordering Prints from Your Photographer

Kate Thorton with examples of Captured by Kate’s Professionally Printed Gallery Offerings

Step right into the enchanting world of Charleston, where love, joy, and playful moments abound. As a premier wedding and family portrait photographer in this charming city, we are here to sprinkle a little magic and show you why printing your Captured By Kate photographs with us is an extraordinary and immensely special investment. Get ready to unleash the magic as we present seven delightful reasons why printing your images through your favorite photographer will create everlasting memories filled with joy, charm, and a touch of enchantment.

1) Complimentary Edit Requests: Say "Abracadabra" to Perfection!

We believe that every family should shine like stars in their portraits. If there's something you'd like to tweak or adjust in your group images, fear not! With our printing services, we offer complimentary individual edit requests to make you look absolutely spellbinding. Our team of expert sorcerers will give special attention to fix any concerns (global or individual), ensuring your portraits are nothing short of magical.

Beautifully preserved pet portraits displayed in one of our folios!

2) Archival Prints: Capturing Moments That Stand the Test of Time:

Just like a magical time capsule, our archival prints are crafted to preserve your cherished moments for years to come. These prints are carefully created for longevity, ensuring that the colors remain vibrant and the memories stay alive. With our enchanting prints on your wall, you can revisit those special moments and share the magic with future generations.

Beautiful deckled prints add a little drama to your special photographs

3) Beautiful Framing Methods and Dimension- A Gallery of Wonder:

Prepare to be bewitched by the wide variety of beautiful framing methods and dimensions we offer. Each frame holds the power to transform your portraits into captivating works of art. Whether you prefer a touch of whimsy or classic elegance, our enchanting frames will add an extra dash of charm, turning your images into a gallery of wonder.

Different framing options for your printed photographs

4) Calibrated Devices: The Magic of Unparalleled Quality:

Our printing process involves the use of calibrated devices, akin to magic wands, that ensure the highest quality images for you and your family. Every detail, color, and emotion will be brought to life with astonishing precision. Immerse yourself in a world of stunning visuals, where the magic of your portraits truly shines through.

Captured By Kate beautiful black and white framed family portrait

5) 100% Success Rate - Casting Spells of Printing Perfection:

Prepare to be amazed by our flawless track record. With our printing services, we've achieved a 100% success rate, leaving every client spellbound with the results. Our commitment to excellence and attention to detail guarantees that your portraits will be nothing short of extraordinary. Leave your worries behind and trust in our spellbinding expertise.

6) Supporting Local, Women-Owned Magic Makers:

By choosing us as your printing partner, you're not just acquiring remarkable portraits but also supporting a local, women-owned business that thrives on spreading joy and magic. Your decision becomes a part of the whimsical tapestry that makes our community vibrant and full of wonder. Join us in supporting the magical artisans who bring dreams to life.

7) Boosting Confidence: Unleash Your Family's Inner Superstars:

Hang your children's portraits on the walls and watch as their confidence soars! Displaying these magical moments helps your little ones embrace their inner superstars. Each glance at their portraits becomes a reminder of their unique talents, beauty, and the love that surrounds them. Let your walls become a stage for their confidence to shine!

In the charming city of Charleston, printing your portraits with us is an invitation to embark on a personalized aesthetic adventure. With complimentary edit requests, archival prints that stand the test of time, beautiful framing options, and unparalleled quality, we promise to sprinkle a touch of enchantment on your cherished moments. By supporting a local, women-owned business, you become a part of the magical tale that unfolds within our community. So, wave your wand and let the magic of printing your Captured By Kate portraits begin!

Written by office and photo assistant: Chase Porter

How to Include your Pet in your Wedding

Kiawah Island Engagement Portrait

Pets are an essential part of our families so it is understandable that you’d want them to play a part in your wedding. Couples should check with their wedding venues if pets are allowed.

Next, you should consider your pet’s personality. If your dog is shy and is going to get scared easily, having your pet walk down the aisle may not be the best idea. Once you’ve locked in a pet-friendly location and assessed your pet’s personality, you’re good to go. Here are 5 ways to include your fur-baby in your nuptials.

1. Walking down the aisle with a bridesmaid or groomsman. It is very important to hire a dedicated sitter for your pet to make sure they are well taken care of prior to when it is time for your pet to walk down the aisle. On the wedding day, everyone will be busy getting ready so asking a family member or friend to watch your pet is not the best idea.

2. Include them in your wedding photos. Let your wedding planner know that you’d like your pet to be part of the photos so this can be included in your day of timeline.

3. Include them in the engagement photos. A fun way to integrate your pets without having them come to the actual wedding the day of is taking your engagement photos with them. The memories will be the same without the stress of big crowds for your pet.

4. Use their picture in the invitations or save the dates.

5. Incorporate them into your events on a custom cocktail napkin or signature drinks named after your pets!

This text is based on a post from: https://sjsevents.com/

Destination Wedding Photographer

This weekend it all starts. We have one of our busiest summers ever, and by we, I mean my associate photographer Larry Dennis and myself. (Be sure to check out Larry's bio if you have not already. He's been my right-hand man for three years, and he is fabulous!)  

Today we are headed to Charlotte, NC, for the wedding weekend of Cate and Mack. Last month I met them early one morning to photograph engagement portraits on the streets of Downtown Charleston. You do not want to skip these images - you have never seen Charleston like this!

Follow along on my Instagram stories this weekend as we celebrate at the Charlotte Country Club. On Memorial Day weekend, we will be photographing Ann Chandler and Peter's wedding in the backyard of a historic generational home in Downtown Charleston. 

The momentum keeps going as I head to the Finger Lakes in NY state for Alina and Ross' Inns of Aurora wedding. The couple flew down to Charleston this winter for an early morning engagement portraits with me. Another downtown Charleston stunner, here are their must-see - images. Our summer destinations weddings wind down as we head to Chapel Hill, NC, for Caroline and Stephen's Fearrington House Inn wedding in late June.