Crystal + Erik | Engaged

"I want to love you wildly. I don't want words, but inarticulate cries, meaningless, from the bottom of my most primitive being, that flow from my belly like honey. A piercing joy, that leaves me empty, conquered, silenced." -Anïs Nin

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! 

LMPhoto-44.jpg

Erin + Anthony || New Orleans Anniversary

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!

LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-83.jpg
   

   

Venue // Race & Religious

Donuts // District Donuts

Florals // Beth's Flowers

Dress// Bustles & Bows

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!

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. 

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

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. 


Caitlin + Naveed || Proposal

We had the pleasure of capturing this surprise proposal Naveed set up for his future fiancé at the Pharmacy Museum in the French Quarter. The surprise element is always so exciting for everyone involved because of the anticipation of the precise life-changing moment. Both Pharmacists themselves, Naveed found this would be the perfect spot to ask his lady to share forever together. Foolproof indeed, Caitlin was shocked, and thrilled and ecstatic and in love. Congratulations again to the beaming couple!


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! 

LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-7.jpg
LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-13.jpg

 

 

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!

LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-8.jpg
LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-5.jpg
LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-4.jpg
LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-7.jpg
LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-1.jpg
LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-6.jpg

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! 

LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-1-2.jpg
LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-1.jpg
LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-2.jpg
LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-6.jpg
LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-7.jpg
LaceyMcLaughlinPhoto-10.jpg

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!

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. 

LaceyPhotography-51.jpg

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!


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 :)