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

Stephens Family Lifestyle Session

When Lauren contacted me about wanting to set up a lifestyle family session as soon as her second baby was born, I was over the moon as I love intimate at-home settings. It is an honor when a family lets you in to their personal lives and home to create beautiful images. The icing on the cake is when there's a 7 day old newborn involved! Baby James slept like a champ the entire time as his big sister was still getting used to figuring out how to hold him. With Dad being a Pilot in the U.S. Navy, we got creative with his helmet, which the baby fit right inside like a puzzle! To finish up the session, we went on a little walk to watch the St. Charles trolley pass by while trying to re-create one of Lauren & Adam's wedding photos with their now family of 4. Does it get much sweeter than this??! Thanks again to the Stephens' family for allowing me into a snippet of your lives to capture these timeless moments!

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!

Kat + Chris | New Orleans Wedding

These two were such a delight to work with! Kat and Chris contacted me all the way from Brooklyn, New York asking me to be their wedding photographer for their New Orleans destination wedding and I was thrilled. We love working with both in town and out of town brides, and we are always excited to meet a couple who loves the heart and soul of New Orleans as much as we do! Kat and Chris started out their wedding day at the beautiful Melrose Mansion to get ready, complete with a clean room for their first look and a serene pool which made a perfect spot for bridal party and family photos! They hopped on over to Maison Montegut for a quintessential French Quarter ceremony. There in the greenery filled courtyard, they read aloud their own personal vows to each other. It was a perfect, romance-filled moment in this classic hidden gem on Royal Street. Finally, these two danced the night away starting with a second line leading them along with their closest family and friends on the walk to their reception at the stunning Old Ursuline Convent. They even had their own choreographed first dance to 'I Found You' by the Alabama Shakes. Congratulations again to these happy newlyweds! What a day! 

Wedding Planner | Ruby & Pearl

Hair + MUA | Blush & Bashful

Decor | Luminous Events

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 

Erin + Anthony || New Orleans Anniversary

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. 

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

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! 

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! 

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.

Kings & Queens || Mardi Gras 2015

'The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbans.' This rich history comes alive every year as people celebrate this legal Carnival holiday throughout Alabama, Mississippi, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Although exclusive, mystic societies still exist with their formal masked balls and elegant costumes, the festival has transformed over the years to include public parades where members of the societies are positioned on floats and horseback tossing gifts out to those with their hands up. Being a first timer at this year's Mardi Gras celebration, I would have to agree 100% with the New Orleanians who like to call it the "Greatest Free Show on Earth!"

Liz + Alex || Engaged

Liz and Alex recently moved to New Orleans to start their new life together in the Big Easy. They were both extremely easy-going and you could tell all they really care about is being together! We had such a lovely time bopping around the city while celebrating their engagement on this particularly beautiful, sunny day. Congratulations to them both!