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

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! 

Christina + Miguel || Engaged

Christina and Miguel arrived with a sense of calmness. I could tell right away that they share a unique bond by the way they communicate so softly with each other. It was a fall day, slightly warmer than the others but still shining a soft, beautiful light. I was first off captivated by Christina's long, luscious locks shimmering and bouncing about as she walked hand in hand with her new fiancè. These two were beaming. We spent the day walking through the large oak trees and the Quarter. After a few ants crawled into her shoe mid shoot, Christina handled it all with grace and a smile still on her face. A big celebration is in store for these two next year as they embark on a journey to share the rest of their lives together. She looks at him, he draws her in to hold her tightly and the world is theirs to take on together. 

Lindsey + Mike || Engaged

As Lindsey and Mike reminisced about when they first met, the way she looked at him revealed a delightful sense of contentment. Her eyes lit up as she asked him to tell the story of how it all began. The lighting was golden as we walked through the park, stopping to hop on trees or pause for a moment on dreamy footbridges. Comfortably in love, these two were made for each other. We can't wait to be there on their special day next year!

Amber + Shelby || Anniversary Session

When I first saw Amber and Shelby, Amber was off in the distance petting one of the French Quarter mules. Little did I know, this couple adores animals and Amber has two horses along with an array of other furry friends on their land back home! It was a beautiful morning as the sun dusted the faces of this lovely couple, who's hearts are full for each other. Amber and Shelby radiate pure joy as they walk hand in hand and talk about their lives together. Congratulations on yet another successful anniversary and we look forward to seeing these two in New Orleans again next year! 

Brynn + Parker || Anniversary Session

When I met up with Brynn and Parker, there was a beautiful light in the early morning and fresh smells were in the air. Brynn had a twinkle in her eye as she talked about how handsome Parker looked. Married for one year, the sweetest continued on as they reminisced in telling me about how they met, and how they got engaged and so forth. In celebration of their one year anniversary, these two were about to embark on an adventure together later that day. The energy was high and the love was real. Happy anniversary again, B + P!

Liz + Alex || Wedding in the Tennessee Hills

When Liz and Alex reached out to me about being there to capture their wedding day, I knew there was no way I could miss it...even if it was a couple of states away. They were, after all, one of the first couples to book me for their engagement session after moving to New Orleans last year. When I showed up on the day of their wedding, Liz was refreshed and nervous yet so incredibly excited to marry the love of her life that she was beaming with light. It was like you could almost hear her heart pitter-patter. Alex showed nothing but composure knowing he would soon be a husband to his dream girl. As the families gathered and mingled, it was beautiful to watch the two become one. Many emotions were conveyed, the most significant being that of pure tenderness. We couldn't be happier for these two and to nothing thrills me more than becoming friends with my clients! Congratulations again to these two extraordinary souls!

Venue // Sacred Stone

Hair + MUA // Kristin Cashion + Katie Lamb

Band // Music City Rhythm Venue

Brewery // Bearded Iris Brewing Company

Cake // Slice at a Time

Eden || Brand New Baby

This little guy is already a heart breaker, and he has only been here just a few short weeks! Megan and Davis have been long time friends so we especially couldn't wait to meet the newest tiny addition to the family! If one thing turns out to be true, we know Eden will have some cool parents and a great taste in music. We had a big day, full of photos with all the furry and non-furry family members. By the end, Eden was ready for dinner and a nice long nap. We love him already and can't wait to watch him grow! Congratulations again to the happy & proud Mama and Dad!!

Sheniqua + Lionel || 5 Years of Love

When I saw Sheniqua for the first time, her elegant look matched the sweet demeanor of her voice over the phone perfectly. Her and Lionel showed up holding hands, looking dashing as ever. It was a steamy summer day, but that didn't stop these two from stealing the show. Lionel grew up in New Orleans so he was all about the culture, music, and vibes of this city. He would throw in some stories about his childhood, and growing up in New Orleans as we moved about. Sheniqua looked at him with loving eyes. Going on 5 years and keeping the love strong is a beautiful thing. Congratulations again to these two! 

Samantha || Portraits

She had an air about her that seemed calm, and confident. Maybe it was in the way she batted her eyelashes or moved about the room. Samantha was a pleasure to meet and work with in many ways. She was able to let loose and be herself. As an upcoming actress who is used to smiling for all her shoots, we had fun throwing in some more serious tones here and there. You can see Samantha in action on one of Lyft's commercials - here!

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 

Catherine + Justin || New Orleans Engagement

When I met Catherine and Justin just outside of Preservation Hall, they were both looking swanky in their vintage inspired outfits. Catherine was calm and Justin would always be watching out for her, giving her sips of water when she needed it. It was a blistering hot summer day in New Orleans, but they braved through the heat looking gorgeous the whole day through! Congrats to the happy couple!

Aimee || An Artist in Her Studio

While in NYC, I (of course) got a chance to visit my talented sister, Aimee McLaughlin in her studio. She is a Brooklyn-based textile artist and designer who works with all-natural dyes, silk, and simple linocut prints. For the past 9 months, she has been an Artist in Residence at the Textile Arts Center creating a new body of work along with 7 other artists from all over the U.S. and world. I couldn't be more proud of her, who she is becoming, and the progress she's made. Here is a little peek into her studio, and every-day life. 

Aimee states about her work: "Physicality continues to be an integral part of my work as I am drawn to manual processes. There is something so calming about repetitive action and transforming cloth with ancient practices like dyeing and block printing. My hope is to create fabrics which illuminate these tactile rituals and embody some sense of timelessness." 

You can view more of her work on her website here : A I M E E M C L A U G H L I N

Kelly || Portraits

New York City is full of talent and happenings, all of the time. We had the chance to make it up there to photograph a special, upcoming actress with a big heart. Kelly was beaming with a bubbly spirit which made it a lot of fun to prance around the city, while getting some stunning headshots for all of her upcoming auditions.  

Tina + Damian || Intimate Wedding in the Park

Tina and Damian have been longtime friends of ours, so when she asked me to come to Atlanta to photograph their wedding I was of course, ecstatic! She told me that they would be getting married on the two year anniversary of their engagement and it would be a very intimate ceremony in a park near their home. The whole thing was very fitting for the two of them. I showed up to the house and Tina was as calm as ever, helping Gabriella put on her darling little shoes. When we arrived at the park, Damian was all smiles, as per usual. His energy is always vivacious, but on that day it was on another level. He would soon be marrying a most elegant and bright lady. After a few tears and cheers, these two became one on a golden summer's day in the park.   

Congratulations again to these two beautiful souls! 

Florals // Candler Park Flowers

Baby Lucia + Gender Reveal

Ana and her lovely family flew all the way in from Colorado to share some exciting news with their family in New Orleans. With one big box and an energetic burst of cheers and tears, pink balloons flew out revealing to their family and friends that they will be having another little girl! Lucia will be a big sister to a brand new baby that will be arriving soon. Congratulations again to this lovely, growing family :)

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