Summer Kai — Hilton Head Wedding & Couples Photographer

It’s funny how unbelievably awkward it is to introduce yourself online but hellloooo here I am! I’m Summer, the lady behind the lens. I’m grateful to capture love stories around the world but mostly in my hometown, Hilton Head Island, SC. I live in the Lowcountry with my fiancée, Christian, whom many of you know and love. He’s a talented videographer and we’re lucky to work together often. I enjoy a simple life. My favorite days are spent consumed by a book, hanging out at the beach or adventuring somewhere new. I’m currently obsessed with the Wolf King series, black tea (though I’m typically a matcha gal) and Sabrina Carpenter. I just got back from Boston visiting my sweet sister in law and I’m plotting a trip to Europe to visit my cousin. My dad is from Maui and my parents fell in love on Oahu so we were raised on aloha on our little island in the Lowcountry. I’m stoked to be shooting primarily weddings and couples this year but love taking on any projects that inspire me. My approach to photography is laid back so you and your partner feel comfortable being yourselves and confident we are documenting the moments you dreamed of. Whether you’re a friend, fellow photographer, past or future client, I’m happy you’re here & I’m excited about an adventurous year ahead. I’ll be sharing my travel dates soon tuned so stay tuned for upcoming availability! Photos 1&2 by @eddietucker.film the rest by @christian_perry26 . #hiltonheadweddingphotographer #hiltonheadphotographer #blufftonphotographer #hhi #couplesphotographer elopmentphotographer mauiphotographer destinationelopement northcarolinaphotographer italyengagementphotographer montanaphotographer charlestonphotographer

Grateful to be on the cover of the fall/winter issue of the bluff @palmettobluff Photos from SEWE at Palmetto Bluff this past March. The day started with a shooting tournament through PB’s lush course. There was an immersive artisan experience waiting for guests after the tournament. Talented artisans like Tom Boozer were there with his beautiful carvings of decoys. Bluffton very own, Brims on the Bluff was there creating hats of all styles along with locally crafted jewelry, clothes and bags from other artisans. The Center for Birds of Prey brought incredible wildlife to the event including the Barred Owl you see on the cover. Thankful for the beautiful spread that highlights such a wonderful event! Check it out in person or online (linked in stories). Hosts // @palmettobluff @sewe Florals // @woodsmanswifeandco Artisans // @brimsonthebluff @brackish @ggfieldshop @burlsandsteel . #palmettobluff #palmettobluffphotographer #blufftonsc #charlestonphotographer #scphotographer #thebluff #sewe #lowcountrylife #editorial #editorialphotographer

Lauren & Joey in downtown Charleston. It was so a joy to document these two in the city they went to school in. Places hold so much meaning. The bliss the beach brings from the liveliness the city singns, I cherish it all. Lately, I’ve been loving engagement sessions with two locations. It allows for more of your love story to unfold and captures your connection in various scenes. + Mahalo to @haganfineart for letting us play in your space.

A glimpse into Lauren and Joey’s winter wedding at the Legare Waring House in Charleston, SC. When it comes to capturing your memories, my intention is to bring you right back to how the day felt. That moment when your sister reached for your hand, when your brother gave your grandma a big hug and when your mom was teary during your father daughter dance. I focus on capturing the sentiment of the day instead of over producing moments that feel stiff and uncomfortable. When you book wedding photography, we work closely together so I can get to know both you and your partner to confidently deliver a gallery that feels true to the love you share. Venue: @legare_waring_house Planning: @beautifulbrideevents Florals: @poppyflowersco HMU: @lashesandlacechs DJ: DJ Bunn Co Dress: chosen by @kyhabride Catering + Bar: @southernbearcatering Heaters + Tent: @eventworksrentals #charlestonwedding #charlestonweddingphotographer #legarewaringhouse #charlestonsc weddinginspo

I recently went to Italy with my cousin where we explored 5 cities in 7 days. It was such a wonderful trip and I wanted to share some of Italy’s beauty with you through my new print collection. Whether Italy is a favorite destination of yours or is on your bucket list, I hope these photos inspire you to be generous with your heart, listen intently and not take life too seriously. I was constantly reminded of these things during my journey through southern Italy. I was embraced by the warmth of Italian culture and the Mediterranean sunshine which gave me a brighter outlook on life. Use the code “ciaobella” for 15% off your order. Link below & in stories to shop prints. Grazie mille! /-italy/gallery?inviteptoken2=AAAAAC4AAAC8oCmlQEnr3IFDqUhvGCYV4g%2C%2C #italy #shoplocal #mediterranean #capri #naples rome scilla tropea springbreak europeansummer ciao

Behind the scenes of photos for The Bluff magazine for @palmettobluff . Click the link in stories to view the full spread & the incredible video by @breachedmediaco #palmettobluff #farmlife #farm #visitsc #bts editorialphotographer

I cannot believe we are coming around on Sage and Blake’s anniversary and this is my first time sharing their wedding photos! It was such a joy to document their intimate wedding at Colleton Point in Bluffton, SC. Their day was all love. The energy was vibrant, relaxed and infectious in the best way. Sage and I first met working at Hilton Head Coffee Roastery and now we both work full time in the wedding industry. It’s been such a joy to grow alongside her and capture this special time in her and Blake’s life. Their first look was so sweet and sentimental and their party was an absolute blast. I am so lucky to have such legendary local clients! Planner // @madeitcute_ Florals // @flowersbykatieford . #blufftonweddingphotographer #hiltonheadislandweddingphotographer #hhiweddingphotographer #charlestonweddingphotographer #beaufortweddingphotographer 2027bride dock weddingdressinspo lowcountrywedding sunset Charleston wedding, Lowcountry wedding, dock, sunset in SC, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island SC, Beaufort, wedding inspo, couples photos, storytelling photography

One of my favorite things about the Lowcountry is the diversity of landscapes it offers. During Serena and Matt’s wedding day in Palmetto Bluffton and Gascoigne Bluff, we were surrounded my oak trees, palm trees and the serene marsh. It served for the perfect backdrop for a lovely and vibrant wedding day. While getting ready, the girls were singing and dancing around the kitchen and the guys were chilling together and took a moment for presence and prayer before getting whisked away by the day. The talented vendor team made this day all the more special! Planning & Design @anniescottevents Florals @jardiniere_events Tenting @amazingeventrentals HMU @makeupmadameartistryllc Cake @bloomcustomcakes Ceremony @montagepalmettobluff Videographer @sumkai.creative x @breachedmediaco Photographer @sumkai.creative @capturedbyrachel #palmettobluffwedding #palmettobluff #charlestonweddingphotographer #blufftonweddingphotographer #blufftonstateofmind hhiweddingphotographer

A cozy morning in Hampton Park in Charleston, SC with Annika & Ian. Our time started with coffee at @sightseeshop before we headed across the street to shoot some photos together. Our session was playful, dynamic, and fun, allowing Annika and Ian’s true personalities to shine. I helped the couple style their outfits by providing plenty of inspiration. I used to think what you wore wasn’t a big deal, but the more I shoot, the more I’ve come to appreciate the importance of outfits and styling. I recently changed the structure of my sessions to devote more time and energy to supporting the planning process and tending to the little details that make all the difference. For most of the couples I photograph, it’s their first time being in front of the camera outside of school pictures. When we collaborate to document this season of life, my intention is for you both to feel confident, cared for, and comfortable. When you show up prepared, in an outfit you know looks good, it completely changes the tone of the session. That confidence allows you to move with ease so you can focus on what really matters. Hire a photographer you trust throughout the entire process, from curation and creation to gallery delivery. Your memories are worth all the extra effort. Link in bio to inquire about couples sessions in the Hilton Head Island and Charleston area. #charlestonphotographer #charlestoncouple #dirtybootsandmessyhair #authenticlovemag #charlestonsc jcrew hiltonheadislandphotographer hhi hiltonheadislandweddingphotographer charlestonengagementphotographer charlestonweddingphotographer Charleston Engagment Photographer, Charleston Film Photographer, Hampton Park, Charleston Love, J. Crew Inspired, Couples Photos, Hilton Head Island Photographer, HHI Photographer, SC Photographer, Film, Storytelling

BRANDI 01.31.206 It was a rare snow day on Hilton Head Island when we documented Brandi’s maternity photos inside the Campbell’s cozy home. Brandi has embraced this changing season with such grace that it was truly inspiring to document this intimate and evolving chapter for her and Kevin. I’ve been enjoying some creative sessions over the slow season and am stoked to dive back into weddings this weekend. . #hiltonheadphotographer #maternityphotos #motherhood #motherhoodjourney #pregnancy

A winter wedding in Charleston, SC at the beautiful William Aiken House. It was so lovely celebrating Kevin & Jill and the unity of their incredible families. Documenting their wedding day was like weaving sentiment, celebration and unconditional love into a gallery that felt true to their candid connection. There is just something so magical about a winter wedding! Lately, I’ve been thinking about what it means to not only prepare for a wedding but to prepare for a marriage. Getting married is about so much more than the aesthetic elements of your wedding day. It’s celebrating all the challenges you’ve conquered together, the clarity you’ve discovered when deepening your connection, and learning again and again that love is limitless. When you look back on your gallery, I hope you feel proud of the love you share. How beautiful and strong it felt when you said your vows. How powerful it is that it brought so many people together to celebrate and support you and your partner. If you want to be reminded of these feelings when flipping through your wedding photos, I’d love to connect. Link in bio to submit an inquiry. Planner // @pinnacle_weddings Florals // @modernfloral Venue & Catering // William Aiken House Photogrpahy // @sumkai.creative Rentals // @curatedeventscharleston Ceremony music // @palmettostrings Tent // @snyderevents HMU // @40volumesalonandspa Lighting // @bunndjlighting Dress // @ivoryandbeau Suit // B. Campbell Custom Heaters // @ibarentals DJ // Becca @pinnacle_weddings Stationary // @mintedweddings #charlestonweddingphotographer #charlestonwedding #williamaikenhouse #charlestonsc #hiltonheadweddingphotographer

When looking back on 2025, one of my favorite projects was the Off Course Dinner with @palmettobluff Off Course is an immersive dining experience in remote areas of Palmetto Bluff. Think culinary artistry, devine wine and a serene back drop that fills your heart with love for the Lowcountry. My fiancée, Christian, and I teamed up for photo + video coverage of this beautiful evening and it was truly a joy to capture. Every detail of was thoughtfully curated to bring the guest a personal and peaceful experience. Planning & Design @palmettobluff @stephsekula @miabenvens Florals @woodsmanswifeandco Videography @breachedmediaco Culinary Team @rhywaddington @beth.cosgrove.31 @janopequeno @abraham.rubiocastillo #palmettobluff #palmettobluffphotographer #blufftonweddingphotographer #blufftonphotographer #hhiphotographer hiltonheadphotographer floralinspo oaktrees spanishmoss lowcountrylove