Marta and Tyler both started their day by getting dressed in two separate suites at the Windsor Court in New Orleans surrounded by all parents and friends.  Very close family bonds for these two!  They then did a first look outside of the Windsor Court.  You know MQ LOVES first looks as it provides such an amazing emotional moment for my couples.  Plus, I get great raw, pure emotions as their expressions as the entire world seems to disappear around them.  What a moment.  And what great smiles and laughter for Marta and Tyler – they just light up around each other.  And, since, the streets of downtown were pretty much closed for the French Quarter Fest, we had full use with no cars.  Now that never happens.  I think they planned that  Their second request was to make sure to incorporate the sign of Tulane University into their wedding day – as that is where they met while working on the university’s newspaper, The Hullabaloo and a few pics in Audubon Park.  We then headed to the beautiful Audubon Tea Room for family pics before the wedding ceremony.

The ceremony was held under the grand oak trees in the courtyard of the Audubon Tea Room right at sunset.  Can you say incredible lighting that a wedding photographer dies for?  I definitely thank them for thinking of lighting on their wedding day.  (Couples – lighting can make a big difference in every aspect of your wedding.  If you have questions about lighting for your wedding day, call me.  I will be glad to discuss options for dreamy lighting!)  They exchanged vows and rings under the sprawling New Orleans oak trees with guests looking on.  I always feel that being surrounded by the branches of oak trees just have a romantic feel to great Southern weddings.

Marta and Tyler then treated their guests who came far distances for their New Orleans wedding to a traditional second line from the cocktail hour into the beautifully decorated Tea Room.  Superb wedding coordinator Melanie Martin with New Orleans Celebrations had the event run perfectly with being hands on overseeing every aspect of the day.  Gorgeous table centerpieces from Dunn & Sonnier, custom made Mardi Gras beads and beautifully set up tables made for a gorgeous start to their wedding reception.  Guests enjoyed a sit down dinner followed by a full blown New Orleans style reception with music by Louisiana Spice.  What a great night for the couple plus all of their guests.  They danced the night away to celebrate!

Marta and Tyler, I truly enjoyed meeting you both and being a big part of your wedding day.  You two are extremely sweet, loving people and you are truly surrounded by amazing family and friends.  Congratulations!!

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Wedding Coordinator – Melanie Martin, New Orleans Celebrations

Hotel – Windsor Court

Ceremony & Reception – Audubon Tea Room

Cake – Zoe’s

Band – Louisiana Spice

Florist – Dunn & Sonnier

Hair – Warren English, 504-232-3863

Makeup – Make Me Up, Celeste

Jessica and Jason’s wedding day was full of excitement, laughter, dancing and full blown celebration.  What a phenomenally in love couple!  I am so blessed to have met them and their families and to be a part of their wedding day.  I couldn’t ask for better people to work with.  They were all so welcoming and thrilled to see me – and you wonder why I love going to work!  Jason’s mom was a doll as she learned I LOVE Starburst gummies and cannot work a wedding without them and when I walked in to the suite, she had a LARGE gift bag for me full of Starburst gummies.  Oh I was in heaven and still am – I think it may take many weddings to go through this many bags of gummies.

Jessica and her girls were hanging out at the Westin while getting dressed in the suite.  She was joined by her mom, Jason’s mom and sister also which added to the fun and laughter.  What I LOVED about this suite is that Jessica and her gals got dressed on one side (very large suite) and then Jason joined later and got dressed in the other side of the suite – which made my job of going back and forth from the bride to the groom VERY easy.  That explains the pic of them giggling at both sides of a wall  This joined both families as everyone was together and sharing in the moments.  Now, of course Jessica and Jason did not see each other in the suite, BUT they did a first look on the balcony overlooking the Mississippi River which was awesome. And talk about absolute perfect weather for their outside shots and a first look that was precious.  They were both full of excitement and thrilled to see each other privately.  I always recommend a first look as it provides private moments for my couples that you may not get during the rest of the wedding day. Since they did a first look, we got to head out to Woldenburg Park for pics during sunset and fun pics of hanging with their wedding party.  The lighting was to die for out there right before sunset!

It was then time to head to the Riverview Room for their candlelit ceremony overlooking the Mississippi River surrounded by friends and family.  Beautiful moments during the ceremony for Jessica, Jason as their parents watched with so much joy for the both of them.  Then it was time to party at the reception.  Now, let me say – this was a DANCING group and both sides of the family danced all night long!  Plus Jessica and Jason were all over the dance floor with their guests.  I can tell they truly were enjoying every single second.  I love see families and friends enjoying the music and celebrating and just downright having a good time.  So many great moments to celebrate a beautiful, fun loving couple.  What a fun night.

Jessica and Jason – I loved being a part of your wedding day and THANK YOU for allowing me into your private moments.  Your families were amazing and loving and you are both lucky people to have that much love and support by your side. Congratulations!!

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CONTACT MQ about shooting your fun wedding! Find MQ on Facebook for new happenings and thoughts.  Call MQ to chat about your wedding vision, 985-807-8127.

Hotel:  Westin Hotel New Orleans

Ceremony & Reception:  Riverview Room

Florist:  Petals n Stems

DJ:  Jim Hanzo, 504-905-3111

Makeup:  Emily Tatum, 504-259-0501

Hair:  Adam Gaeta

Abbey and Bridges had a classic, elegant, sophisticated, energetic wedding.  Beautiful people and beautiful families came together on their wedding day to surround them with love, support and laughter. 

Abbey and her girls started their day hanging at her mom’s beautiful house in Old Metairie.  She, her bridesmaids and family are hilarious and so so close.  What a tight knit family that I am so jealous of.  What great love and support she was surrounded with her whole life.  Some emotional moments as they thought of Abbey’s father, who was sick.  I know he was in their hearts and minds all day.  After hanging out and laughing with the girls, and grabbing a few quick pics of the beautiful group, I met Bridges and his family at the church.  I noticed immediately what a dynamic family duo to bring together with this wedding.  I can only imagine that household with all boys and mom.  Mom was outnumbered, but she looked so loved by all of her boys.  Both families had such an amazing spirit and sense of humor – I was anxious to see what would go down at the reception.

Right before their wedding ceremony, Abbey and Bridges decided to do a first look in the courtyard.  An emotional and sweet moment for just the two of them before they said I do.  What a precious moment to watch and I love seeing so much love in my couples during a first look.  Their wedding ceremony took place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lakeview with friends and family witnessing their love, commitment and union.  And following their ceremony, it was time for the party at City Park’s Arbor Room near Popp Fountain.  What a beautiful new venue City Park has.  Abbey and Bridges had an outside seating area and bar for guests, which was illuminated by candles and the light coming from the fountain.  The weather was perfect for the outside area.  The inside was decorated with light green hues for St. Patrick’s Day and gorgeous flowers done by Tommy’s Flowers.  Elegance and classy.  It looked beautiful.  The guests were treated to some great food plus Phat Hat, a wonderful band that kept the party going all night.  First time I had seen or heard this band and I can tell you, they put on a great show and were great to hear.  They definitely are a talented group.  Both families were getting down all night together on the dance floor and truly having a great time and enjoying every second of that reception.  I love seeing that.  I was anxious to see this party and boy they partied and had a good time.  It’s always great to see people let loose and have fun and celebrate.

Abbey and Bridges, you were a true joy to work with and I cherished every moment with you both.  I am thankful to have been a part of your wedding day and meeting your families.  You both are just amazingly sweet people and so precious together.  Congratulations!  mq

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Church – St. Paul’s Episcopal

Reception -City Park Arbor Room

Band – Phat Hat

Cake – Royal Cakery

Florist – Tommy’s Florist, 504.522.6563

Makeup – Ryan from Bobbi Brown counter at Dillard’s

Romance and love lure so many people to our wonderful city of New Orleans and now so many people are eloping here.  How awesome is that?  Jenny and Mike are one of those couples who decided to elope on a beautiful spring day in March.  They had a private ceremony in City Park and then met me on the streets of the French Quarter to document their wedding day and to have some fun.

Libby and Mark’s wedding in New Orleans was just perfect and fun.  What a sweet couple to know and be a part of their wedding. To be welcomed into a couple’s private moments on a memorable day is just the best feeling.  I get to see intimate, personal moments with pure emotion.Libby and her girls started their day getting ready in the Hotel Monteleone, with Mark and his guys in the Bienville House down the street in the French Quarter.  The weather was a little windy, and the French Quarter had a parade going on, but wedding mode was in full swing.  Libby was surrounded by her best friends and family as she prepared to marry the love of her life.  She was a little anxious and excited to see Mark for their first look in Exchange Alley.  Mark and his guys were just hanging out and getting ready.  Guys get ready and then chill on wedding days – they have it a little easier in the getting ready department!  They had a loving private moment to share on their wedding day – time to see your future wife and husband and cherish those few minutes alone on their wedding.  A wedding day you are never alone – this is your chance to have those moments and share your feelings and emotions on marrying your best friend.  Libby’s smile smiled brighter as she was near Mark and her expression was pure joy.

Their ceremony was held at St. Agnes Church and once the vows and rings were exchanged, it was time to celebrate!  Their reception was held at Pat O’s on the River, which is always a great place for a wedding reception.  The started the party off right with the first dance being to the Wobble with the entire wedding party, and Mardi Gras masks.  Way to go Libby and Mark for doing it your way and having fun with it.  They had Band Camp as their band, who plays all kinds of genres of music to keep the party going.  Their guests were having a good time as they celebrated with Libby and Mark and their families.  Both sides of the family could not be any sweeter.  I love being so welcomed into the families at each wedding.  I love the connections I feel with them and watch them experience so much emotion at so many times during the wedding day.  And I love the families coming together and enjoying themselves – what a great thing to experience each weekend.

Libby and Mark, thank you for welcoming me into your wedding day and your private moments.  What an honor it has been.  Congratulations and I know you truly enjoyed your wedding.  The expressions say it all in the photos!

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Hotel:  Hotel Monteleone

Ceremony:  St. Agnes Church

Reception: Pat O’s on the River

Band: Band Camp

Florist:  Villere’s

Videographer:  Blink Video

“You are blessed, but you are beyond talented.  I still look at my wedding photos almost two years later with the same excitement as well when I first saw them.  You do beautiful work!”  Annie & Billy  October 2009

Wow, thank you Annie.  I LOVE that you are still enjoying and excited about your wedding photos.  Hearing that makes my work even better and sweeter!!

You can see Annie and Billy’s original wedding blog post HERE.

Contact MQ Photography for your wedding and be excited about your wedding photos even years after your wedding!

    Liz and Anderson, oh what a night!  Your wedding was truly beautiful, sophisticated and downright fun.  What made it even better was being able to work with you both and being able to see the love you share.  You both are so happy and so in love and it shows in every look, every laugh and every smile.  

Liz and her gorgeous bridesmaids started their day prepping at Liz’s parents’ house off of Metairie Road.  It is always crazy busy when the girls are getting dressed, but it’s always fun to watch.  Liz is very laid back and sweet as can be.  She went with the flow on every minute of her wedding day and just enjoyed every second.  She has such a great personality, no wonder she is loved so much by the people around her.  Her bridal style was just gorgeous and her makeup was glamorous, but it looked natural. Her hair, dress and makeup were just perfect.  Her entire wedding look and her bridesmaids dresses were sophisticated, stylish, yet sassy.  The bridesmaids dresses were adorable.  And, thanks to EllenL, the necklaces for the girls finished their look.  Her parents were getting teary eyed and emotional, especially dad.  I honestly do not think her dad could look at Liz without tearing up.  It was so sweet and, as a parent myself, it definitely tugs at my heart.  I cannot imagine the emotion the parents go through on their child’s wedding day.  After taking some quick pics of Liz, her family and her bridesmaids, it was time for some toasts to Liz and Anderson.  Liz was surrounded by such amazing love and support on her wedding day.

I then met Anderson and his groomsmen and family at Sacred Heart Chapel on St. Charles for some quick pics.  They were looking dapper I must say.  Tuxedos with tails, white bowties and white gloves.  What a grand look for the whole wedding day.  And I must say, both Liz and Anderson’s family were so welcoming and goodhearted people (who definitely have a lot of fun too). They were gracious and thankful for me being there to capture their day.  I truly loved their families. After spending a few minutes with Anderson and his family and grabbing some quick family shots, it was off to the courtyard for Liz and Anderson’s first look.  Yes, I cannot contain my excitement when my couples choose a first look on their wedding day.  It makes me giddy.  What a moment for them – sweet, funny, loving and perfect.  I always suggest a first look for my couples for SO many reasons.  Most important reason – sneaking off to spend a few quiet minutes together that you may not get for the rest of the day and to be able to be emotional with each other rather than trying to contain it during the ceremony.  And, I get to photograph those moments while emotions are running high.

They had a beautiful church ceremony at Sacred Heart, and then it was off to celebrate … in a BIG way.  Their reception was at the Southern Yacht Club, which was a perfect setting by the Lake.  I have to say the staff were amazing at SYC and the place was run perfectly.  Liz and Anderson’s friends and family were treated to some amazing food and some great get down music all night.  I loved their idea of having two bands for their wedding reception!  Walrus played for two hours starting off the night and then Shaon & The Girls took over and rocked the rest of the night to the end.  I know each person had a blast at their wedding as the dance floor was PACKED … and so was the stage  Anderson’s family came from out of town and I think they got a taste of a good New Orleans wedding celebrations! I loved how Liz and her girls jumped up there to show their moves, and then Anderson and his guys tried to show them up.  Not only them, but the parents and grandparents got on stage to see who could get down!  Shaon & the Girls put on an amazing show and got the guests involved – now that’s entertainment there.  They also had Frenchy doing a live painting, which always draws a small crowd as he paints and puts his heart into it.  Pretty fun to watch him in action too.  I ended up knowing quite a few people at their wedding, so it was great to see so many familiar faces too.

Liz and Anderson, your wedding rocked.  That is the best word for it – rocked.  From every little detail to every little moment between the two of you, it rocked.  You two are just so wonderful and I am thankful I was a part of your wedding day and welcomed into your private moments.  I wish you all the best!  Congratulations!  I will see you both for Abbey’s wedding

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Ceremony – Academy of Sacred Heart

Reception – Southern Yacht Club

Cake – Royal Cakery

Florist – Meade Wenzel

Makeup – Tisa Camet, Tisa’s Beauty Bar, 504.891.8992

Hair – Scarlet Howell

Bridesmaids Jewelry – EllenL

Videographer – Bob Eustler

Band – Walrus

Second Band – Shaon & The Girls

Kristin Wolfson, Fine Art

“Dear Melissa,

Thank you for capturing our wedding perfectly.  ALL of the photos are absolutely beautiful! It will be very difficult to pick out photos for our wedding album.  You really captured the emotions during all aspects of the day.  Thanks to you and your amazing work, we’ll be able to remember and re-live our special day for years to come.  Best, Jared and Lauren.”

Wow. Just warms my heart totally.  Thank you Jared and Lauren for inviting me into your most personal moments on your wedding day!  You can view their original wedding blog post HERE and their engagement blog post HERE.

CONTACT MQ about shooting your wedding! Find MQ on Facebook for new happenings and thoughts.