Introducing Jodi Lee! Born and raised in Charleston, SC, Jodi went to Winthrop University for college, but couldn’t resist the beach or the delicious food, so she moved right back after graduating in 2018. When she’s not filming a wedding, editing a video, or talking with clients, you can find Jodi with her friends at a local brewery, walking to the nearest coffee shop, or sitting on the beach with her favorite people.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I grew up with my mom and sister in Mount Pleasant and currently live in West Ashley with my sister!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Does making snow cones at a concession stand in middle school count?! I worked in different boutiques and restaurants throughout high school and college. I studied communications at Winthrop and took video courses as electives. I started filming friend’s weddings as a hobby during college. I never would have guessed that through this hobby I would discover my passion, and it would become my full time job! I fell so in love with the whole wedding process– the couples, the love story, the wedding day, all the big and small moments added up– that I decided to take this job full-time in October 2021. And viola! Jodi Lee Films was born!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite restaurants are sprinkled throughout downtown, Mount Pleasant, and North Charleston! Some of my go-to’s are Taco Boy, Lewis Barbecue, Saltwater Cowboys, Shelter, and Holy City!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’m a Charleston native but started working professionally after college in 2018. My first job post-college was for a local government agency doing digital marketing and some accounting. I’ve been in the wedding industry a few years but am now working full-time in this community!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Shout out to Ashleigh Baker with Everything After the Ring! Ashleigh is one of the first wedding planners that I met and connected with. She is easy going, personable, sweet, and SO good at her job! (@everythingafterthering)
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’ve wanted to go to Santorini, Greece ever since I saw Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants! No shame lol. The culture, the views, the architecture- it is all so beautiful, and I would love to see it in person one day!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
It’s too hard to name just one! Here are some of my favorites that never get old! Movies- Crazy Stupid Love, 17 Again, and She’s the Man. TV Shows- One Tree Hill, Friends, and The Office. I could watch these on repeat forever (I do..oops).
Q: What advice would you give to people?
“Do something that matters!” Whether that means activism in your local community, taking that step to conquer a personal fear, or spending time with a loved one, making an impact on something/someone can happen every single day!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to go to Arizona and see The Wave and The Grand Canyon! Anyone wanna elope there?? I’ll travel anywhere!
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I’m a Swiftie and a One Direction stan, so I’m always listening to them! I saw One Direction twice in concert before they broke up (rip). Seeing Taylor Swift in concert is my DREAM, so hopefully she announces a tour in the near future!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Caroline Howard is a wedding photographer who has played a major role in my life as a business woman, a creative, and a friend! I have known Caroline for 15 years, and I would not be the filmmaker I am today without her guidance, support, or friendship! (@carolineroro)
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to take Jess Ambrose to lunch!! I listen to a podcast called Chatty Broads, and she is one of the hosts. They talk all things dating, friendships, pop culture, and more, so I feel like convo would flow so easily for us! Her vibe seems like she would like to experience downtown Charleston, so I would take her to Little Jack’s Tavern for lunch and then go to Cocktail Club for drinks!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how welcoming the community is! I am newer to the wedding industry in Charleston, and I have been welcomed and supported by all of my fellow vendors and clients. I feel super lucky to be a part of this community!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’m not sure exactly where I will live in five to ten years, but my goal is to still have Jodi Lee Films serving the Charleston area and beyond! I would love to travel more for weddings in the future!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I can watch Law & Order SVU and Criminal Minds to go to bed but will be up having nightmares for days if I watch a horror/scary movie, hahaha. I watch true crime documentaries, tv shows, and listen to podcasts all the time, but if you put on movies like the Halloween series or The Purge, I’m out!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I went with some of my friends to Maui in 2019, and it was absolutely breathtaking! The views didn’t even look real. The beach looked like the desktop wallpaper when you get a new computer, haha. I would love to go back!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I LOVE the month of October! The weather starts to cool off a little bit (sometimes lol) and then you can break out the sweaters and jeans! Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Best food with family and friends, the parade, and of course, the dog show lol. My favorite day on the calendar might be New Year’s Day! I love the feeling of new beginnings that the new year brings.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Wearing a face mask and drinking wine in my robe while watching The Bachelor. THIS is a 10/10 night for me, haha.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My sister, Jami! She is the most courageous, loving, and resilient person I know. She’s my sister but also my best friend, and she inspires me to be better every single day!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of the beach and creek!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, familiar, and inviting
