Renee + Geoff || Citrus-Inspired Spring Wedding in New Orleans

From the bride: We chose a gorgeous Catholic Church called Immaculate Conception for our ceremony which I've always thought was one of the prettiest cathedrals in the city.  Our reception followed at a venue called il Mercato in the heart of the Lower Garden District...one of my favorite areas of the city.  Built in 1931, il Mercato is a Spanish colonial style building designed by prominent local architect Sam Stone and originally constructed as a neighborhood market. The 2014 renovation by local restaurateur Joel Dondis added herringbone wood floors, Italianate chandeliers, and a furnished library with banquet seating. The property also features a large private courtyard and that I fell in love with the second I stepped foot through the wrought iron gate.  It epitomizes old New Orleans and is out of the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter and Bourbon St...what most people unfortunately think of when they hear New Orleans.  I wanted people to feel like they were a local for the weekend and getting a taste of the hidden and off the beaten path gems of the city.  I wanted my ceremony and reception to welcome people with open arms, in the same way I feel the city does when people come to visit.

A big congratulations to the happy newlyweds!!

Vendor Credits:

Planning: Brooke Casey Weddings

Venue: il Mercato

Rentals: Perrier Party Rentals

Catering: Joel Catering

Florals: Antigua Floral

Hair: Ali Vasquez

MUA: Lynna Vo

Lounge: Distressed Rentals

Reception Band: The Phunky Monkeys

Second Line Band: Kinfolk Brass Band

Dress Designer: Alyne

Ring Box: The Mrs. Box

Church: Immaculate Conception

Prep Location: Henry Howard Hotel

Bakery: Swiss Confectionery

Lighting & Hedges: Luminous Events

Marie + Chris Elopement

Marie + Chris traveled all the way from Nevada to elope in their favorite city - New Orleans, Louisiana. Bringing only their two best friends along with them, (and the bride's amazing red-bottom Christian Louboutin's OF COURSE), we all hopped in a fancy limousine and headed across the river to the beautiful Algiers Courthouse. After the couple said "I do", we explored around the French Quarter for more photos and ended the day in the best way we knew how -- ordering delicious beignets at the iconic Cafe Du Monde for the bride & groom's slice of cake! The day was so simple, all about the love between these two, and it couldn't have been more perfect for them. If you know me, you know I LOVE a sweet & simple elopement!

Leigh Ann + Jonathan | Engaged

Some rainy-filled days changed up our original plan, leading us to this beautiful Mississippi harbor instead. And we're so happy it did! That's the beautiful thing about life, it twists and turns and sometimes you end up in unexpected places meeting wonderful new people and discovering things you could have never imagined if you tried. Leigh Ann & Jonathan's togetherness reminded me of the waters surrounding them. Calm, serene, and free. They moved together, as the wind moves the sea, finding stillness in between. We cannot wait to be a part of their wedding celebration later this year!

“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?”

— Rumi

Katelyn + Neil | New Orleans Engagement

Simple and madly in love. That's All. 

Congratulations to Katelyn and Neil!

Anna + Pierre | New Orleans Elopement

Elopements come with a special tone. They are so very intimate and warm. Just the two of them and the love they share between. This is one of the many reasons I adore being able to be a part of such an endearing day. Anna and Pierre's destination elopement in New Orleans was so uniquely them. They tied a special knotted rope to seal their bond, they kissed under the big sweeping lover's oak tree, and they danced in the street. Congratulations to two kind souls!

Janet + Bryan || Audubon Park Engagement

Janet is calm and kind hearted, which shows itself easily in her body language. Bryan compliments her well by adding some playfulness to their alliance. While getting stung by a caterpillar hanging out on my camera bag wasn't a great way to start their session, I was in good hands with these two soon-to-be doctors. Congratulations to Janet and Bryan!

Lindsey + Mike || Race & Religious Wedding

Lindsey and Mike know how to throw one amazing wedding party. After meeting them during their engagement session, I knew the wedding was going to be spectacular. And then to find out they would be having Brooke Casey (my personal favorite) as their wedding coordinator, I knew it would be a dream come true kind of day. What I didn't know, was how much love and excitement their family and friends would bring to top off the icing on the cake. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were equally one of a kind friends. I could tell by the moment I walked into the bride's suite as each bridesmaid was so attentive to helping Lindsey in whatever she needed. And not to mention, her glass of champagne was never close to empty! From their first look all the way to the second line parade, there wasn't a moment that went by lacking a heartfelt expression. Congratulations again to these two newlyweds! 

Venue // Race & Religious 

Planning // Brooke Casey Weddings 

Florals // Fat Cat Flowers 

Hair // Ginger Dickey at Color Bar Salon 

MUA // Verde Beauty Studio 

Rentals // Event Rental 

Video // Russo Films 

Bakery // La Louisiane Bakery 

Catering // Highlights Catering 

Erin + Anthony || New Orleans Anniversary

Olivia + Dillan || Wedding

When I first met Olivia, Dillan, and their sweet pup they were as calm and loving as ever. We got to know each other for their engagement, wedding shower, and then really celebrated on their gorgeous wedding day at Race & Religious. The day lacked nothing, but instead involved everything to do with full-hearted emotions and moments of pure joy. One of my favorite recollections of their evening was Olivia's grandfather joining her for an unplanned shake down on the dance floor. Dillan held her all day long with a seemingly 'never letting go' touch.  They celebrated among strung lights and glittering palm trees.  She glanced into his eyes with a gaze of newness, of a loving admiration for her now husband and he looked back delightedly at his brand-new wife. Congrats to the newlywed lovebirds!

Venue // Race & Religious

Donuts // District Donuts

Florals // Beth's Flowers

Dress// Bustles & Bows

Shiloh + Daniel || NYE Wedding

On their wedding day, one year would be coming to a close while a new year beginning. It's almost like their love for each other, as it refreshes and becomes new with each day and the passing of time. A new year, a new marriage, and a new life together for these two as the clock struck midnight. Daniel was all smiles, especially when he saw his bride walking down the aisle. Shiloh looked back at him with excitement beaming in her eyes, viewing him in a new light. With confetti flying, toots whistling, music playing, and kisses abound, Shiloh and Daniel tied the knot on New Years Eve. We couldn't think of a happier way to ring in the New Year than celebrating a genuine and true love! 

Congratulations and happy 2016!

Venue// Fleur De Lis

MUA // Shnaz Morgan

Hair // Paris Parker, Hammond LA

Dress // Marchesa Notte

Florals // Samantha Bates

Wedding Cake // Cocoa Bean

Wedding Invitation Suite // Impression Paperie

Kira + Jose || City Park Engagement

When I first met up with Kira and Jose, we connected immediately. Sometimes, it just happens like that. And sometimes, a bird decides to drop one at the precise moment you pose a client for their first photograph of the session. Jose took it like a champ, not only by laughing it off, but also by turning the unfortunate event into a good luck charm instead. These moments are all part of the story and that's what interests me. We walk and talk and joke and get to know each other through the lens. There's playful moments and there's deeper ones. Exchanging good energies, we are all experiencing the present moment and that's what I love. Kira and Jose are getting married, but that's no surprise. It's clear these two were made for one another. 

Congratulations K + J!

Ranell + Bach || New Orleans Engagement

These two arrived hand in hand on a brisk Louisiana morning. We walked around the Quarter, getting to know each other while capturing the moments in between. Ranell has a very relaxed air about her, while Bach a more inquisitive one.  Having been together for a while now, you can tell that both R & B delight in the comfort of being held in one another's arms. 

Lorena + Francisco || Anniversary Session

"One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving." 

~Paulo Coelho

Olivia + Daniel || New Orleans Wedding

When I arrived at the Degas House, ready to capture O + D's special day, one of the first things I noticed was how calm and composed Olivia was. Clearly in love, Olivia and Daniel not only show compassion for each other, but also an overwhelming sense of playfulness as laughter fills the room when these two are together. The weather and the day couldn't have been more perfect. Congratulations to these darling lovebirds! 

Venue // Degas House

Planner // Brooke Casey Weddings

Florals // Poppy & Mint

Hair + MUA // Flawless Bride

Decor // Firefly Ambiance

Ami + Darshan || Engaged

A simple kind of love is the greatest kind of all. 

We can't wait to be there for Ami & Darshan's big day next year!

Olivia + Dillan || Engaged

Olivia and Dillan arrived with a symbol of their love, in hand. Their pup, Colbie, was Dillan's muse for welcoming Olivia home one day with a little bling tied around her collar. Since then, it's been nothing but love for each other as they started planning the wedding and the rest of their lives together. They way she looks at him says everything. He held her hand as she walked over the rocky pathways, which was a simple gesture implying how he kindly watches and takes care of her. Like the sun gracefully shines down upon the flowers, a love like this can help the other to grow. 

Congratulations again to Olivia & Dillan! We can't wait to be there for their wedding next year! 

Puja + Praveen || Hindu Wedding Ceremony

There are so many wonderful things about Indian culture. The traditions are so rich and alive with passion. The colors are so vibrant and vast. The music, the dancing, the smells, the silk garments, the never-ending celebrations. It is all so beautiful, this wonderful, exciting, over-the-top experience. I leapt off my feet at the request to be there to document it all. Puja and Praveen blew us all away. Downtown New Orleans. Two full days. Laughter abound. Music. Love. Compassion and people. This is their enchanting day.

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C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S 

to the newlywed lovebirds!

Venue // JW Marriott New Orleans

Hair + MUA // Flawless Bride 

Wedding Coordinator // Events by Sarah Ashley

Anne-Michelle + Dave || 10 Years of Love

When Dave contacted me over the phone about doing an anniversary session, I knew off the bat that these two were going to be a delight to work with. Little did I know, until I met them both, how very delightful their session would actually be. And to put the icing on the cake, they wanted the location to be in one of the city's oldest cemeteries, which is exactly where I have been wanting to shoot ever since moving to New Orleans. The session started off there, on the exact day of their 10 year anniversary. The air was crisp, but the light was ever so soft. I felt connected to them both, like we had been friends before now. Anne-Michelle's confidence was striking. The way Dave looked at her and would gently move the hair out of her eyes showed a beautiful understanding. This is Anne-Michelle & Dave, after 10 years of an undying love.