We feel so lucky that Hampton Park is only a short walk from our home; we visit nearly every day.  The park is so quiet, well-maintained, and is constantly bursting with new color and floral inspiration. We enjoyed spectacular camellias throughout the winter months, and spring brought on a wonderful display of azaleas. It might be my favorite spot to shoot in Charleston — the light never disappoints.  I am always looking for good shade and radiant backlight, and the oak trees provide favorable conditions somewhere in the park, no matter the time of day.

This year, the azaleas bloomed early and lasted for weeks. With so much pink lighting up Hampton Park,  it was a no-brainer to invite our friends Julia and Thomas to come shoot with us.  We thought there would be no better way to enjoy the great weather than with a tea party!  I remember the first time Julia came to our house, within five minutes she had spotted my little collection of tea pots from my Grandmother — Julia has such an eye for beautiful, girly things. We both love beautiful china and textures, and it was fun to combine our collections.  I love these tea cups Julia had just found, and her new table cloth from Lindroth that she picked up in Palm Beach with Carly.

My husband Will is from England and neither of us is a stranger to a nice cup of tea.   We all giggled our way through the afternoon with Will providing etiquette oversight and Julia very bravely trying a Kumquat whole. We still haven’t figured out whether that’s how they should be eaten — they were extremely sour.  Thomas and I enjoyed shooting a bit on film. All in all it was a lovely way to enjoy some of the beauty Charleston has to offer.