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

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

Jillian + Josh || Editorial Engagement

This couple. Where do I even start? The only way to describe their energy when they're together is with the word contagious. Jillian and Josh showed up in style, of course, as they casually sipped their drinks sitting together on a lively New Orleans street corner that reminded them of when they first met. Jillian walks with an extra beat to her steps, and Josh compliments her aura perfectly. We shared an incredibly sunny and beautiful spring day, as the azaleas bloomed among us. I feel so lucky to be a part of such an intimate and inspiring time of their lives together. Excited is an understatement for their wedding later this year, which I already know will be nothing short of runway-fabulous. 

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

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

Virginia + Bryan || New Orleans Wedding

When Virginia and I first started communicating about her small, intimate wedding, I couldn't wait to meet her and Bryan. What I didn't know, was how truly genuine, creative, and inviting this couple would be. Virginia's dad saw her in her wedding dress for the first time and the moments of hugs and tears between them was so incredibly moving. Bryan walked up the stairs not long after, to hug his stunning bride and the moments between them were nothing short of loving embraces, loud beating hearts, and pure euphoria. Bryan and Virginia look into each other's eyes and see something that no one else can. They are so in sync and that their love can make an outsider feel something. The day continued smoothly on from there...made up with vows, more kisses, families uniting, music playing, dancing, new left hand rings, happy toasts, AND a quintessential Second Line down Bourbon & Royal Street. 

Beyond being intelligent and a beauty, Virginia also picked out the flowers to make her bouquet and corsages, drew and designed the guest fans, AND made the 'Just Married' banner for the Second Line parade! She is one talented lady, to say the least. 

Hair + MUA // Paris Parker Salon

Florals // Flora Savage 

Puja + Praveen || Hindu Wedding Reception

Day 2 was just as lively and beautiful as the first for Puja & Praveen's big wedding weekend. The details were stunning and fit their personalities to a T. Cheers and congratulations again to the sweet lovebirds! 

Venue // JW Marriott New Orleans 

Hair + MUA // Flawless Bride

Wedding Planner // Events by Sarah Ashley