MQ Photography, New Orleans Wedding Photography » Weddings

Newlymaid.com | Little Black Dress

melissa — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:27:23 +0000

Check out this awesome idea for your old bridesmaids dresses! Tired of seeing bridesmaids’ dresses hanging in your closet? Need a new black dress for any occasion? Check out Newlymaid! From their website:

“Browse NewlyMaid’s latest selection of dresses and find the perfect Little Black Dress for any occasion – whether you are looking for a sophisticated style for the office, a classic style for brunch with the girls, a glamorous style for a night out on the town or all of the above.

NewlyMaid dresses are designed and manufactured by The Dessy Group. Since you are buying your dress directly from us, the manufacturer, you are getting a much better value than you would get from a retail store. The price of your new little black dress also includes a prepaid mailer for sending us one of your old bridesmaid dresses.”

They will either donate your old dress to charity, or recycle it. Win win situation ladies!!

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Latrobe’s on Royal Wedding ~ Aimee and Homer Wedding 12/10

melissa — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:26:03 +0000

What a beautiful day wedding in December. For Aimee and Homer’s wedding, the excitement was high and the mood was pure happiness.

Aimee and her entourage got dressed at the Bienville House on her wedding day. A lot of laughter and chit chat as each of the girls were getting ready. Aimee was very laid back and calm and was truly enjoying herself on her wedding day. It is so nice to see brides just savor every moment and enjoy their day. Homer was in a nearby room at the same hotel getting dressed and hanging out with his guys and his little man.

Aimee and Homer decided to do a first look. Everyone knows by now those are my favorite moments! But, let me say it again – my FAVORITE moments. Special moments between the bride and groom full of excitement, anticipation and happiness. They had a sweet first look together. Aimee was all smiles and Homer’s expressions said it all – he was so happy to see Aimee and how beautiful she looked. Smiles, laughter, happy tears, hugs and kisses – what better moments on their wedding day and how darn cute they are together! Ladies, give your groom time to look at you on the wedding day and see what you have been planning this whole time AND to see that dress! The poor groom never has any idea about the dress and they are anxious to see it and YOU.

After grabbing all of the family shots after their first look, it was time for their ceremony at Latrobe’s on Royal. They got married under a gorgeous arch of flowers and curly willow designed by Fat Cat Flowers. The flowers smelled soooo good. Their ceremony was heartfelt and warming. Aimee and Homer did not take their eyes off of each other while committing to each other to marriage and love. I honestly don’t think they realized they had a room full of people witnessing it all! What a great moment for them both and you can see how committed and in love they are. To have something like that is very special.

Once they became husband and wife, it was time to party with Groovy 7 at the reception. Groovy 7 is just an amazing band who keeps the party going. I know Aimee was having a blast on the dance floor! Surrounded by friends and family and a whole lotta love, they couldn’t have had a better time celebrating. Good food, good music, great friends, dancing, great venue – what a better way to start their new life together and celebrate their wedding day!

Aimee and Homer I truly hope you had the best time at your wedding. Congratulations!! mq

Florist – Fat Cat Flowers

Band – Groovy 7

Hair and Makeup – Alphonse (contact info coming)

Muriel’s & Beauregard Keyes Wedding ~ Michelle & James 11/19

melissa — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:27:22 +0000

Sweet souls and sweet people is the way to describe Michelle and James. They are very laid back and truly happy people who enjoy each other, their friends and family. They are sweet souls to me.

Michelle and James both started their day getting dressed at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel in the French Quarter. Yes, it is a wonderful destination wedding for them! They live in Texas and decided to have their wedding in the French Quarter. My destination brides are so cool to trust their vendors to their big day! Michelle was surrounded by bridesmaids and friends while she got ready on her wedding day. She was so calm and just extremely happy. Michelle and James decided to do a first look – you know that makes MQ happy as can be. I just truly love those moments and see the two interact with no one else around with emotions running high. It’s an amazing thing to watch and photograph. They had such a heartwarming first look and spent some time giggling and talking. They are perfect for each other.

We then headed to the Beauregard-Keyes House where their ceremony was to be held in the courtyard. We got to get all family photos done beforehand so that they could enjoy their cocktail hour and reception and not miss a beat. The ceremony was right before sunset and it was beautiful, the lighting was beautiful, the smiles and giggles were beautiful and the love they share is beautiful. They were married in front of family and friends who travelled to New Orleans to witness their love and share in the celebration of their marriage. They exchanged vows, rings and a kiss. It’s official!! After their ceremony in the gardens, they had a receiving line to personally welcome each and every guest to their wedding. It was adorable watching the two greet their guests – they are truly happy, welcoming, heartwarming people and Michelle lit up as each person came by. They were very thankful and appreciative and it showed.

The cocktail hour was during sunset which made the courtyard behind the Beauregard-Keyes house just glow. For out of town guests, a French Quarter courtyard is special to see. It’s something different for them to experience. And, then their guests got treated to more New Orleans traditions with a second line parade through the streets of the French Quarter with a jazz band. It is always fun to experience a second line parade for destination weddings – they really get into it and enjoy it since again it’s not something they are used to. New Orleans does celebrate in different ways down here and that is why so many couples decide to marry here! The second line parade took Michelle, James and their guests to Muriel’s by Jackson Square. The food, the service, the ambiance, the decor and the balcony – there is SO much to be said for Muriel’s for a celebration. Michelle and James got to enjoy each and every guest at their reception as the guests got to experience the cool rooms Muriel’s offers upstairs like the Seance Room – that room always draws up interesting conversations. And, the balcony overlooking the French Quarter and Jackson Square. What a cool experience for them all. Their wedding truly reflected their personalities as they seem to be laid back, enjoy each and every experience they have, savoring the moments and sharing them with family and friends. What a great couple.

Michelle and James, congratulations on your marriage and your new life together as a married couple. I truly enjoyed meeting you both for the engagement session and being a part of your wedding day. Thank you for having me as part of the family that day – you, your family and friends were truly welcoming!!

Coordinator – Aimee Barousse with Plan B Productions

Florist – Christina O’Malley

Latrobe’s on Royal Wedding ~ Lauren & Jared 11/12

melissa — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:21:44 +0000

Lauren and Jared’s wedding can be explained with these words … elegant, sophisticated, relaxed, fun, gorgeous, rocking. From start to finish that explains it.

Lauren and Jared both started their wedding day by getting dressed at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel in the French Quarter. Lauren surrounded by her bridesmaids and friends and Jared was surrounded by his groomsmen and friends as they both prepared for their big day … and their first look Yep … love those words “first look”. I can say that Lauren was so sweet and just giddy while getting dressed. The best part of my “job” (I giggle every time I call it a “job”) is that I never feel like a “vendor” on a wedding day – I always feel part of the family and welcomed with open arms. I don’t want to be a stranger on your wedding day and my clients are awesome for that. They become friends and I am there for their moments shared.

Lauren and Jared had an amazing first look on the balcony of the hotel overlooking the French Quarter streets. I mean amazing by wow they have a connection and I thought she was going to run to him. The moment they connected it was powerful. Powerful I say. The first black and white image below is just breathtaking – can you feel the sexiness of that moment?? Brides, take note – see your man before the ceremony and give him TIME to love on your sexy self!!! Moments … between the two of you and no one else around.

After doing some fun group shots around the French Quarter it was time to for the ketubah signing and the bedekken ceremony. I love being a part of so many different religious customs at weddings! None of them are better than the other – it’s the way you respect it and cherish it. From the signing and the bedekken, it was time for the Jewish wedding ceremony under the huppah. Wow their huppah was gorgeous. Let me say it again … gorgeous Candles hanging above their head, adorned by purple flowers and custom made by Urban Earth. It had a romantic feel to it. And it also helped by the looks Lauren and Jared were giving each other during the ceremony. That pure excitement and love for marrying their love under this beautiful huppah. Okay, I could go on and on but will stop.

It’s party time! Mazel Tov! They treated their guests to a night to remember. A second line parade through the streets of the French Quarter, amazing food by Latrobe’s on Royal AND the best band in the city … Groovy 7. They danced the night away and the dance floor stayed packed and rocking. Groovy 7 definitely always delivers the best music for the best time. I think everyone enjoyed every second of the night to celebrate their love and their marriage. Their wedding was a destination wedding in New Orleans, so to see the love and support from friends and family who came long distances to share this night with them was just pure awesome.

And a major shout out to Aimee with Plan B Productions – her team and crew had every detail handled and flawlessly scheduled. Plan B what a great job! I know you worked with the families for a long time to perfect their day.

Lauren and Jared, congratulations! It was wonderful to be a part of the family and share those moments on your wedding day. mq

Wedding Coordinator – Aimee Barousse with Plan B Productions

Wedding ceremony and reception – Latrobe’s on Royal

Band – Groovy 7

Florist – Urban Earth

Hair/Makeup – Just Face It

Maison Dupuy French Quarter Courtyard Wedding ~ Susan & Jimmy 11/5

melissa — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:07:50 +0000

A great group of people to photograph, a wedding, a New Orleans celebration … what more can I ask for when I go to work?? What can I say – Susan and Jimmy were too precious to photograph! Unbelievably sweet, caring, happy people who came to New Orleans to have a wedding! I love my destination weddings in the French Quarter.

Susan and a ton of her girlfriends hung out while Susan was getting ready in her bridal suite at the Maison Dupuy Hotel. Tons of laughters, talking, drinking and football watching was going on in her room. Yes, girls do watch football. All of this primping was going on while Jimmy was enjoying some guy time while getting ready in his room. After listening, laughing and talking to all of the girls, it was time for Susan and Jimmy’s first look in the courtyard. They had a quick but extremely sweet first look while being away from friends and family and then it was straight to family group shots. They were both all smiles when they joined the family and friends waiting to see them after their first look. Pure genuine emotion that I love to see plus family and friends so excited for them on their wedding day. After a few family shots, it was off to grab some fun shots of just the two of them around the French Quarter. Those shots are some of my favorite.

Susan and Jimmy’s wedding ceremony took place in the courtyard of the Maison Dupuy Hotel right at sunset. They were surrounded by many close friends and family as they exchanged their wedding vows and sealed it with a kiss. They were supported by all and loved by all who journeyed to New Orleans for the wedding day. Their reception immediately followed in the candlelit courtyard with the sounds of the band Burgundy. Burgundy played some great music all night for everybody. I think the women enjoyed the dancing more than the men as the dance floor was packed with Susan’s girlfriends What a great group of women to party with! They certainly had a blast and partied it up. Their reception then ended on a high note – a second line parade through the streets of the French Quarter which they all loved! A great ending to a great party.

Susan and Jimmy, congratulations! It was a joy to be with you and your family for your big day! Thank you for welcoming me in. mq

Florist – Nola Flora

Hair and Makeup – Two Sisters

Band – Burgundy

Ceremony and Reception – Maison Dupuy

St. Louis Cathedral & Omni Royal Orleans Hotel Wedding ~ Chrissie & Jeff 10/15

melissa — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:31:09 +0000

What a wedding, what an event and what a celebration for Chrissie and Jeff! I know they both had a great time on their wedding day.

Chrissie and Jeff both started their day getting dressed at the Omni Hotel. The excitement, the laughter and the emotion all running high. I love my job. Chrissie was of course surrounded by her gorgeous bridesmaids, mom and family while getting ready for her wedding day. She was calm and relaxed and we chatted about the LSU game happening just then. (Of course LSU won!). She looked amazing and perfect thanks to Heather with Flawless Bride. The hair, the makeup, the dress all were perfect. The purple bridesmaids dresses were just plan adorable and Chrissie did little extras for her girls which was special and touching. Jeff hung out with his groomsmen watching football (of course LSU game day!) and seemed relaxed and laid back. Anticipation of seeing his bride in a little while, but he remained calm and collected. I am thankful to have clients who are so laid back, happy, excited yet calm on their wedding day. It’s finally here for Chrissie and Jeff.

Chrissie and Jeff chose to do a first look in the Omni courtyard. She teared up as soon as she saw Jeff. He was captivated. Emotions run high during a first look and I truly love when my clients choose to see each other. It’s a chance to really talk on your wedding day … without anyone else around. It’s a chance to really see each other. A bride puts so much into her “look” on her wedding day and it gives the chance for a groom to see it all and really appreciate her. What a moment they shared.

Their ceremony was held in the St. Louis Cathedral. Always a majestic feel in that church. A grand kinda feeling perfect for Chrissie and Jeff. Let me just say that a first look did not affect Chrissie’s grand entrance whatsoever … or her emotions. She was teary eyed the whole way up the aisle while looking at her dad. Daddy’s little girl is getting married. It was sweet how she looked at her dad while walking to her future husband. I love how emotional and sincere they were. After their wedding vows and rings were exchanged, it was time to announce the newly married couple AND to start the party and celebration. They had a second line band waiting for them outside of the church in the square. They celebrated through the streets of the French Quarter and then continued the party in the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel ballroom. Every time I am at the Omni Hotel I am impressed more – impeccable service to their couples. Their couples never have to worry about a thing when the Omni is taking care of them.

The reception had amazing purple uplighting complete with a initial monogram on the dance floor. The purple flowers with candles hanging from the centerpieces and all over the reception added that extra ambiance and sparkle. They wanted to create their own elegant party room. They had sushi from Rock n Sake and a snowball stand from Plum Street Snowballs. They treated their guests to extra treats along with the food served. And, they especially treated their guests to the sounds of Mojeaux. Mojeaux rocks any wedding anytime. They keep the dance floor packed and they are just a talented group of people. Chrissie and Jeff definitely served up a party all night long continued by an after party!

Chrissie and Jeff I had a blast at your wedding and photographing an amazing couple like the two of you. You both had such a good time on your wedding day and truly enjoyed every second together. You look so happy and in love and it is always wonderful to see. Your families are precious and supportive … enjoy your marriage! mq

Wedding Coordinator – Unique Weddings in New Orleans

Florist – Bella Blooms

Hair and makeup – Flawless Bride

Band – Mojeaux

Cake – Royal Cakery

Video – Blink Video

Maison Dupuy New Orleans Wedding ~ Sarah & Adrian 10/14

melissa — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:32:25 +0000

What a fun wedding day for Sarah and Adrian’s destination wedding in New Orleans. Sarah was too funny … and apologetic for no reason on her wedding day. Sarah, I can see, is not used to being the center of attention but on your wedding day that all changes. The bride and what she wants matters. Such a sweet couple her and Adrian. That moment Sarah took to breath right before tapping Adrian on the shoulder for their first look was priceless.

Sarah and Adrian both got dressed in the French Quarter at The Maison Dupuy Hotel. Sarah was surrounded by her girlfriends and family while preparing for her wedding day. They were all very laid back and calm. Adrian hung out with his boys on the balcony overlooking the French Quarter. A beautiful, sunny October outside wedding in New Orleans – a perfect day. Sarah and Adrian chose to do a first look and spend a few extra minutes together for pictures. What a sweet and touching first look for them. I love the anticipation and the emotion! Once we finished all of the family pictures, we hit the streets of the French Quarter for a few images of just Sarah and Adrian. We didn’t go far but I appreciate the extra time my couples give me for fun shots.

The ceremony and reception were held in the beautiful courtyard of the Maison Dupuy Hotel. The ceremony took place near the fountain with all of their friends and family joining them. I love destination weddings where everyone joins them in our beautiful city to show their love and support. Once the ceremony took place and vows were exchanged, it was time for some dancing and drinking. The reception took place in the courtyard as well which gave them ample room to get their groove on – even all the way to dancing on the fountain edges After the reception came to end, the party continued during a traditional New Orleans second line through the streets of the French Quarter – with a quick crossing over Bourbon Street. I know they enjoyed every second of that second line. And what a treat for their out of town guests.

Sarah and Adrian, I truly hope you enjoyed your wedding day in New Orleans. Congratulations and so thankful I got to be there on your wedding day! mq

Florist – Nola Flora

Maison Dupuy Wedding ~ Courtney & Stephen Wedding 10/8

melissa — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:25:15 +0000

Courtney and Stephen had a beautiful October day wedding in a French Quarter courtyard. Absolutely perfect weather, a happy and excited couple, friends and family enjoying the city and a wedding!

Courtney and Stephen both got dressed at the Maison Dupuy in the New Orleans French Quarter. Courtney was surrounded by her bridesmaids and family members and just pure giddy to see Stephen in a few hours. The excitement in Courtney’s room was high, which makes for some incredible photos! To see so much happiness shared between family members is just an incredible reminder of love and support. Courtney’s mom was just precious all day … just in awe of her daughter getting married. Some incredible moments for them. Makes me tear up thinking about when my kids get married … gasp they are only 11 and 8 so I have time! Stephen chilled out quietly in his room and enjoyed the morning. He read sweet words from his soon to be bride Courtney and anxiously waited for her to come down the aisle. The great reveal, the great moment.

Courtney and Stephen’s ceremony was held by the beautiful fountain in the courtyard of the Maison Dupuy. Nola Flora decorated the fountain for the wedding and covered it with floral arrangements for everyone to enjoy. They shared smiles, laughter, looks, vows and rings. And then they shared a kiss as husband and wife. Yes, now Mr. and Mrs.! Off to the celebration with all of the family and friends who travelled to New Orleans to celebrate their unity!! Time for some fun … and dancing. Mojeaux provided the music. Mojeaux is one band full of talented musicians and can definitely make a party rock. After dancing the day away, Courtney and Stephen planned a second line around the French Quarter for all of their guests. Out of town guests truly love the second line as it is something they have never experienced. Yes, “in awe” is always a word to describe that moment for out of town guests. They think New Orleans is crazy … they are right. We love our city and we know how to throw a celebration and show you a good time. Courtney and Stephen did just that.

Congratulations Courtney and Stephen! What a great October day to spend with you both! mq

Hotel, ceremony and reception – Maison Dupuy New Orleans

Hair and makeup – Just Face It

Cake – Haydels

Band – Mojeaux

Florist – Nola Flora

Omni Hotel Wedding in New Orleans ~ Kelly & Todd Wedding 10/1

melissa — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:23:44 +0000

What does being in love and happy look like? Well, look at Kelly and Todd and you can see it and feel it. They are in love, happy and compliment each other so well … and I may add incredible in front of the camera! They made my job so easy. I didn’t have to do anything for them to turn on the charm for the camera I’m thinking they have done this many times already. They may be professionals I swear.

Kelly and Todd both started their wedding hanging out with their bridesmaids and groomsmen in separate rooms at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel in the French Quarter. Kelly and her girls were fun to be around – telling funny stories, laughing and of course watching the funniest video ever from Bourbon Street. Yea, the girls were a hoot and I enjoyed them. Kelly was very calm and laid back while getting ready. She laughed a lot … she smiled a lot. She’s happy and in love and marrying her best friend. Todd and his guys hung out in their room – eating, toasting and probably some football watching I’m guessing. Kelly and Todd decided to see each other before their ceremony. You know I LOVE it when my clients have a first look. It is so emotional and touching. I truly love photographing that part of the day. It’s exciting and happy and I love seeing how they are together without anyone else around. I love seeing them connect with so many emotions on their wedding day. It’s a special moment to experience and watch. And, of course Kelly and Todd delivered on the touching side. Wow they just mush together and have some amazing body language together. They fit and it’s so cute!

After their first look and family group shots, we got to go play on Royal Street for some fun shots. Yep, we had tons of time to play and I so appreciate having that time for extra pics with my clients. It’s not rushed and you can have fun with it plus you get more images of the two of you. They danced in the street with their wedding party to a street band playing nearby. We got to be goofy and they got to be more loving I don’t think they were complaining on the loving part. They were working it and cracking me up.

After all of our play time, it was time for the ceremony. The ceremony was held in the courtyard at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. They exchanged cute looks, smiles, laughs, vows and rings in front of so many family members and friends who came in town to celebrate with them. They could look around during the ceremony to see all the love and support plus everyone made that trip to New Orleans for them. Kelly and Todd live in New York and all of their guests traveled from different parts of the country to be with them. That’s special. I love destination weddings in New Orleans and that people travel to show the couples love and support – and, of course to celebrate and party!! After the ceremony, guests enjoyed food and good music inside and in the courtyard for the reception. It looked like everyone was really enjoying themselves.

Kelly and Todd I truly loved being a part of your wedding. Your love shows a whole other level of love everyone should experience. Congratulations!

Hotel for ceremony and reception – Omni Royal Orleans

Hair and make up – Flawless Bride

Flowers – Fat Cat Flowers

Videographer – All About You

House of Blues Wedding ~ Kathleen & Shane 9/10

melissa — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:40:01 +0000

A few weeks ago I got the chance to hang out with Kathleen and Shane and photograph a wedding “session.” We did a mini session on the day of their wedding … before their ceremony at the House of Blues. We had amazing weather that Saturday morning and I laughed the whole time. Kathleen, Shane and their maid of honor and best man were just hilarious!! Good hearted and full of silliness and laughter – what great people. After the session, they joined family and friends for a quick wedding ceremony and luncheon. Congratulations to you both!