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

Niki's 30th Birthday with The Southern Atelier

I was honored when Fashion Blogger and Stylist, Sarah of The Southern Atelier, approached me for a feature celebrating her gorgeous friend, Niki, for her big 30th birthday. Sarah is so talented and does everything with a sense of style and grace. She has been known in the Birmingham, and now Fairhope, community for styling the most stunning photoshoots and helping to define an artistic individuality that focuses on a modern Southern style. We started with her husband and pup outside my studio so we could get some fun shots of them together. The rest of the shoot was filled with all things cake, champagne, confetti, glitter, and a modern fashionable play on the most popular + fun children's birthday party -cake smash- theme! Be sure to schedule your next birthday, shower, or fashionable styled shoot with us at Lacey's new studio in downtown Fairhope, AL! We photograph everything from engagements, to baby showers, birthdays, newborns, anniversaries, fashion editorials, seniors, and more! The possibilities are endless!!

“Her courage was her crown and she wore it like a Queen.”

— Atticus

Stylist: Sarah Levey, The Southern Atelier

Hair + MUA: Kristen Johnston, Vanity Hair Studio 

Jewelry: Zundel's Jewelry 

Cake: Ellen Jay Sweets 

Models: Niki & Keith Coker

Clothing contributors: La Robe Boutique

Set Design: Leslie Bradley

Leigh Ann + Jonathan | Engaged

Some rainy-filled days changed up our original plan, leading us to this beautiful Mississippi harbor instead. And we're so happy it did! That's the beautiful thing about life, it twists and turns and sometimes you end up in unexpected places meeting wonderful new people and discovering things you could have never imagined if you tried. Leigh Ann & Jonathan's togetherness reminded me of the waters surrounding them. Calm, serene, and free. They moved together, as the wind moves the sea, finding stillness in between. We cannot wait to be a part of their wedding celebration later this year!

“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?”

— Rumi

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

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.

Anna + Pierre | New Orleans Elopement

Elopements come with a special tone. They are so very intimate and warm. Just the two of them and the love they share between. This is one of the many reasons I adore being able to be a part of such an endearing day. Anna and Pierre's destination elopement in New Orleans was so uniquely them. They tied a special knotted rope to seal their bond, they kissed under the big sweeping lover's oak tree, and they danced in the street. Congratulations to two kind souls!

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!

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. 

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. 

Samantha + Brett || Engaged

Samantha and Brett were yet another one of those couples who I could just sit down to enjoy cider with and chat on a lazy sunshine day. The sun was shining, in fact, when I showed up to meet these two at the Carousel Bar. Incredibly calm and happy together, we pranced around the city getting to know each other with camera 'round neck. Samantha stated at one point how neither of them tend to wear much color. The more I got to know them, the more I realized their colors were within. You could tell by the way they looked at one another, they have a love that has matured over purely content moments. Samantha was all smiles that day. Brett brings out the laughter in her. It seems to work best that way.

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!

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!