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
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.
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
Meghan + William || A Surprise Proposal
When William contacted me about being there to capture his proposing to Meghan in New Orleans, I could tell by the way he talked about her (just through emails) that he was infatuated with this girl. His plan was so well thought out with every effort to surprise her, even I was taken back by how good it was. The plan went like this: First, bring her from out of town to visit New Orleans for a weekend of togetherness. Second, take her out to eat on the last night at the exact spot they went on their first date. Third, surprise her with a brand new camera for their anniversary. Fourth, hire a photographer to be there to capture the big moment on day of May 10th, their anniversary. Fifth, bring her to Jackson Square at sunset after dinner and ask random 'tourist' (a.k.a. me) to take a photo of them with her new camera. Finally, get down on one knee and the tears rolled down her cheeks...
Congratulations again to these lovebirds!
Paris, and so much love || Natalie + John
Sometimes, life throws you for a loop. In this particular loop, I ended up in Paris, France with my most favorite photographer, Vivian. When we arrived at Natalie and John's to stroll around the city, capturing their little moments, I knew instantly that this couple had a strong bond. Little did I know how awesome they would be. As two entrepreneurs, co-founding their company La Saison, it was easy to see the passion they both possessed. It poured out from their souls. The positive attitude of Natalie was contagious. John's amicable demeanor complimented her ever so politely, and with humor at that. We all couldn't get enough words in, ending up in a little restaurant - trying out escargot for the first time. I feel so lucky, so thankful, for experiences like these when I have the chance to meet people like this. Connecting is everything. I am moved just writing about it.
Baby || Atlas
Tiny humans are the greatest. With all of their little wiggles, squirms, and tiny noises, the awe of newborn never fails to light up a room. Is is the new life they bear that brings smiles to faces? Or is it the innocence of seeing a baby grow and discover this new world they just entered? I think it's both of those, plus a whole lot more. Here's baby Atlas, 4 months brand new, and just starting to discover all kinds of emotions.
Shot for Vivian Sachs Photography
Jessica + Joel || Tahoe Wedding
The morning of Jessica & Joel's wedding, the snow was coming down at a rapid pace looking as magical as ever. The day started off in a winter wonderland of flurries. Jessica and Joel both remained very calm and easy going as the decision to move the wedding indoors appeared to be a must. Upbeat and happy, they went on to dance the night away. They may have had to slip and slide in the snow and make their own music after the power went out, but nothing was going to stop these two lovers from having a gorgeous winter wedding day. It was definitely one for the books. Congratulations, Jessica and Joel!
Shot for Vivian Sachs Photography alongside Mark Chua
Venue // Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort
Florist // A Bud and Beyond
MUA // Kiss & Make Up
Mia || Portraits
When I first met Mia in Audubon Park, her eyes were sparkling. I could tell she had a calm soul and a warm heart from the get go. We enjoyed the day with a break from the rain and connected over a mutual love for the city of San Francisco & the beautiful, large oak trees in the south. She radiates beauty all around. In the upcoming months, she will be graduating from Tulane Law School. Congratulations again, Mia!
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.
Laura + Krista || Dea Salon + Boutique
Having a passion for fashion, I am always delighted when I am able to work with models. All of the stars were aligned for this particular photo shoot and I was able to team up with some of my dearest friends from Atlanta, GA. Leigha and Kiyanna are two bright, beautiful hair stylists at Déa Salon who work to make people look extra marvelous every day. The word déa translates in Italian to mean 'goddess.' With all of our energy combined, we had a lovely day revealing the inner goddess in these beauties!
Hair + MUA // Leigha Chapman & Kiyanna Rivers
Salon // Déa Salon + Boutique
Jewelry // Jwo Jewelers
Venue // Anchors Seafood & Ale House
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!"
Karina + Alex || Wedding Bells
At some weddings, the energy is high and so very connected that as an outsider you can feel it in your bones. This was one of those weddings. Karina and Alex were so open and loving with their guests, friends, family, and to all of the people who helped to make their wedding an enjoyable one. These two families joining together shared a bond that was unbreakable and the love was written in the sky. Congratulations to the lovely couple!!
Shot alongside // www.viviansachs.com
Venue // Cornerstone Sonoma
MUA + Hair // The Glamourist -Jane Kim