Gotta llAMA LOVE For your valentine, your galentine, or for yourself!

I don’t always celebrate Valentine’s day every year, simply because I think love is something that should be shown, given and celebrated EVERY day! However, below are a few of my personal favorite things that I think are perfect for giving to your lover, bridesmaid/girlfriend, or for yourself if you need a little extra sweetness in your life! Don’t forget to take care of yourself first and give a little love wherever you can, whenever you can. Happy Saint Valentine’s, lovebirds!

Something as simple as a decorated cookie (with a pun!) like this adorable and affordable cookie pair from Baking Me Happy is the perfect gift for your significant other to share together!

Pamper yourself or your galentine! You just can’t go wrong with a warm bath sprinkled with these rose himalayan bath salts from Mullein and Sparrow, some Essie nail polish, this rose quartz facial roller that feels divine, and of course a glass of your favorite wine in this personalized stemless glass from Bridesmaids Gifts Boutique that stays cold up to 9 hours and hot up to 3 hours! This is also the PERFECT gift for asking your bridesmaids to be in your wedding or for a gift set to give to them on the day of, ladies!

There is no greater love you can give than the love you give yourself! Buy yourself flowers, drink more water, eat more fruit, take more baths, and don’t forget to take care of your pretty skin.

“Be the type of love you deserve, if for no other reason but to show us all how it’s done.”

— Cleo Wade

Run Wild, Hustle & Shine

We recently had the pleasure of working with a group of fitness girls on their trip to New Orleans for a conference and it was too much fun! Their motto is that empowered women, empower women. The goal these coaches strive for is to inspire other women while gaining confidence and a love for a healthy lifestyle. They definitely had me craving a nice big, healthy salad and bowl of fruit after their photo session! We love having a variety of clients. Hire us for your next girls weekend trip, family session, or big milestone! Cheers to the weekend, ya'll!

Baby Luke

It's amazing how life can change all in one day. We had the joy of getting to meet sweet Baby Luke and all his adorableness at the hospital less than 24 hours of his arrival here on earth. This session, in particular, totally melted my heart with his Mama, Sarah, being one of my dear friends and artist colleague at Auburn University. Hearing her speak to her brand new baby for the first few times in his life was incredible to watch. It's like she had known him all along, so confident and sure of his nature. This fresh 48 session had my heart fluttering and was surely one I won't forget. Thank you Sarah and Matt for letting me be a part of this exciting time for your family! We can't wait to see those little chubby cheeks this summer for an at home session ON FILM!! These are the moments that define dreams.

Crystal + Erik | Engaged

"I want to love you wildly. I don't want words, but inarticulate cries, meaningless, from the bottom of my most primitive being, that flow from my belly like honey. A piercing joy, that leaves me empty, conquered, silenced." -Anïs Nin

Curtis Family under the Sweeping Oaks

We had the pleasure of meeting the tiniest little bundle of giggles and her parents. Naomi would light up and couldn't stop from laughing every time her dad would lift her up in the air. His arms may have gotten slightly tired from all the playing but it was worth every single snicker. The dynamics of new family sessions make me so happy. It's a gentle kind of love while parents are teaching the ways to their children, and learning from their little ones in return. I love it all!

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 

Ami + Darshan || Baton Rouge Indian Wedding

These two light up when they are near each other, which is why I expected nothing short of pure elation on their two-day wedding extravaganza in Baton Rouge. What I didn't realize, was how welcoming and happy their families would be and how much that joy would rub off on everyone who was in their presence. I have been drawn to the unique, rich cultural traditions that each Indian wedding includes since I photographed my first one. Without going into huge detail about every single thing I love about this wedding, I will just mention the dancing. Oh, the dancing! The women, the men, the children! Everyone dances together, spinning their brightly colored dresses, singing, laughing, twirling and I can't get enough. You become a part of it behind the camera too, intertwined between circles of dancing capturing these fleetingly compelling moments. It was truly a celebration of something beautiful. We wish you a wonderful life together, Ami & Darshan!

Baby Samantha

After getting to know Virginia + Mike during their maternity session, I couldn't wait to meet their baby girl who would soon be entering a house full of love. A mere five days old, Samantha is already an adorable little bundle of cuteness. She was happiest outside in the warm sunshine. Something about seeing, holding a brand new little human gives me all types of feelings. How tiny those hands and ears and feet are. It's remarkable, really. Her life on earth has just begun and she will grow and learn and stretch and cry and laugh just like all of us. They have loved her before they met her and that is nothing short of beautiful. Congratulations to the newest little family!

Erin + Anthony || New Orleans Anniversary

Virginia + Mike || Baby Bump

It was early in the morning when I arrived at a nearby coffee shop to meet Virginia and Mike. Juniper was there to greet me as we all walked along getting to know each other. Glowing, as most expectant mothers do, Virginia had a glittering light that surrounded her. Mike looks at her with such affection eyes, awaiting the arrival of their baby girl. A family already, Juniper led the pack as we explored a little corner of New Orleans. We can't wait to meet the little one and capture the exciting milestone of a new addition to this lovely family!

Westbrook Remodel || ZCDC + Krywicki Curated

I don't tend to post very many personal entries on here, but when I do, the post entails a gorgeous house renovation by my other half and his team. ZCDC along with interior designer Jamie, from Krywicki Curated, worked together to make this out-of-date home come to life. They started by opening up the entire 1-story space to make it feel larger, while also adding on an upstairs office addition. The exterior was lathered with a fresh coat of white paint to brighten the property up. They combined elements of old and new to tie together the personality of the owners. After a long seven months of work, the project neared completion at the beginning of this year. Establishing unique little niches along the way, this home truly turned into a rare jewel for a very special family. 

Grace + Chris || Lifestyle Engagement

From the first time we spoke, I sensed Grace's vibrant energy and right away wanted to be friends with her. She had the door open for my arrival when I pulled up. Inviting as ever, Grace and Chris welcomed me into their weekend oasis, into a slice of their lives together. I was overly excited to photograph them after talking over all the little details of Grace's ideas and the adorable getaway spot they had booked. It was a crisp and serene morning. The clouds were covering the sun, but it eventually shone through. They were smooth and effortless together, their movements complimenting each other. Allowing me into their world, I did my best to observe. By the end, I didn't want to leave. The spirits were too high. I shoot their wedding later this year and I wholeheartedly cannot wait. 

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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. 

Caitlin + Naveed || Proposal

We had the pleasure of capturing this surprise proposal Naveed set up for his future fiancé at the Pharmacy Museum in the French Quarter. The surprise element is always so exciting for everyone involved because of the anticipation of the precise life-changing moment. Both Pharmacists themselves, Naveed found this would be the perfect spot to ask his lady to share forever together. Foolproof indeed, Caitlin was shocked, and thrilled and ecstatic and in love. Congratulations again to the beaming couple!

Krista + Clay || Engaged

I've known Krista from an earlier stage of life, possibly in another lifetime. Her and I have always connected on another level and her cheerful aura fills any room she enters. At once a graceful dancer, her personality has always consistently embodied a classic lighthearted way of elegance. When she met Clay, her heart skipped a beat and the two had much in store for a life ahead of them. Who they are together is loving and playful, so naturally consists of a lot of laughter. When Krista called to tell me Clay had asked her to be his future wife, she was elated as was I. Honored to photograph this romantic time in their life is an understatement. Engagement sessions are always exciting because the anticipation of beginning a life together imparts for a gleaming, and ever so energetic couple. When the engagement happens to be between your best friend and the love of her dreams, it is infinitely that much more exciting. 

Above images shot with a Hasselblad 500 cm on Kodak Portra film

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