I joined the couple at their rehearsal dinner to capture a few images of that night and that was a great time to meet everyone, including the bride and groom.  I had not had the opportunity to meet Caroline and Jack until that night since it was a destination wedding, so the rehearsal dinner gave me a chance to see who was who.  I then joined Caroline and Jack on their wedding as they got dressed at the Omni Hotel on Royal Street in the French Quarter.  Caroline and her girls were enjoying some girl time while getting dressed and Caroline was very calm. Smiling and calm. Yes, I love those brides.  Caroline’s hair and make-up looked amazing and done by Flawless Bride.  Jack, in the meantime, was chilling out in another hotel room with his groomsmen and waiting for his first meeting with his beautiful bride Caroline.

Caroline and Jack saw each other before the ceremony (yes, another one of my loves is a first meeting!).  They had a sweet few moments on Royal Street for their first meeting and we grabbed a few images from that moment. Nice images of them spending time together on their wedding day.  The ceremony was then held at the Trinity Episcopal church in Uptown New Orleans.  The reception was held back at the Omni Hotel in the French Quarter.  The guests enjoyed music from the band Jubilation, as well as some great food and service from Celeste and her crew at the Omni.  The flowers were done by Meade Wenzel and the yummy cake was from one of my favorites, Flour Power!  The dance floor was packed for pretty much most of the night so I think the guests really enjoyed themselves.  I know Caroline and Jack were having a good time and enjoying every moment of their day.

At the end of the night, Caroline and Jack surprised their guests with a traditional New Orleans second line along with the New Wave Brass Band and then left on a horse drawn carriage for a ride in the Quarter.  Caroline and Jack, I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon and congratulations!

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The ceremony was at sunset with the sun beaming through the stained glass. The vows spoken, the rings exchanged, the parents looking on and happy and then off to the reception for a night of fun and dancing. The reception was held at the City Park Pavilion with No Idea rocking the house.  The grand entrance was truly grand – jazz band, second line with the couple and wedding party throwing customized Mardi Gras beads and doubloons with Courtney and Matt on them as well as second line handkerchiefs.  Details, details!! Courtney and Matt made sure each detail was customized for them and showcased their style and taste.  The cake was goregous from Melissa’s Fine Pastries.  Just beautiful.  The dance floor was packed, the guests, family and wedding party danced the whole time. To me, a fun party celebrating just for Courtney and Matt.  Courtney was definitely fun to watch as she truly loved that dance floor. I got a few chuckles that night, and again while editing.  So, thanks Courtney!!  I had a great time at the wedding and congratulations!!

Flowers – Fat Cat Flowers; Video – Suzy Marks Videography; Hair and make-up – Nicole Hopper-Klein.

The ceremony was held at the beautiful Sacred Heart Church in Baton Rouge. A big smile from Brandon as his bride came down the aisle. A sweet exchange and vows and then off to the reception. The grand reception was held at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Baton Rouge. The ballroom is large, but they filled the whole room. Surrounded by tons of friends and family to celebrate their day. The music was rockin’ from the Wiseguys – plus a few songs on the guitar played by Brandon’s dad and brother. A personal touch to their night. The cake … well, the cake was gorgeous. The guests enjoyed a fun photo booth to add some fun to the guest sign in book. Laura and Brandon definitely had a great time – they made sure to take it all in and enjoy every second.

Make-up  - Erica Dunn; Hair – Cherie Kelly; Video – Chad Dyle; Florist – Designs by Milissa, Baton Rouge; Cakes – Mary Aycock and Fairy Dust Cakes (groom’s cake)

The ceremony began at Latrobe’s on Royal in the French Quarter.  They began with the signing of the Ketubah and then the Badeken for Bradley to place the veil over Daniela’s face for the Jewish ceremony to begin.  The ceremony was held under a beautiful Huppah designed by Luminous Events. Daniela and Bradley were surrounded by family and friends who came from all over the country to witness and celebrate their union. The smiles, the looks, the traditions were all sweet and wonderful to photograph.  A very traditional ceremony to be respected.  Once the ceremony was over, the celebration began- first dances, a traditional New Orleans second line with Ron Jones Jazz and the Hora. I always love to see the Hora as it brings much happiness and excitement and it is a great way to start the night of celebrations.  Daniela and Bradley truly were enjoying their day.  They danced, celebrated, smiled and laughed.  I love seeing couples this happy and having a good time.  I saw the dance floor packed the entire night so I know the guests were having a great time! Jack Magic was rockin’ the house with his tunes.

Daniela and Bradley, congratulations!! I had a great time at your wedding and I wish you much happiness!

Hair and makeup – Get Polished.  DJ, Jack Magic Entertainment. Video, Suzy Marks. Wedding Coordinators and Decor, Luminous Events.

Caroline and Sabri started their day getting dressed at the Omni Hotel in the French Quarter on Royal.  I got the chance to hang out with Caroline, her sister and her parents as she was getting ready. The mood was happy but calm. Her dress …. wow. Her dress was unique and stunning. Unique is always good!!  When it was time, Caroline and Sabri had their first meeting. I truly love love love when my couples see each other before the ceremony. You just don’t realize how much more you get out of these meetings instead of limiting your time for photography.  They had a sweet, cute, funny and silly first meeting.  We let the rain pass and then decided to go to Royal Street for some more pics.  Yes, it was still drizzling, but it did not phase Caroline or Sabri at all.  We were running, jumping, laughing, smiling and having a good time – rain or not.  Once we had a little fun, we then did all of their family group shots. Done, out of the way so they can go straight to enjoying their reception after the ceremony.

The ceremony and reception was held at my all time favorite place – Latrobe’s on Royal.  The atmosphere, the food, the service, the attention to detail is always phenomenal.  Out of town guests are always amazed at the beautiful architecture and history in Latrobe’s and it makes for a great wedding location.  Caroline and Sabri had the privilege to work with Michelle and Brittani of Unique Weddings in New Orleans. Michelle and Brittani make sure every detail is taken care of for their couples and families so that they can just enjoy every moment of their wedding day. Unique Weddings did a fabulous job for Caroline and Sabri and everything went perfectly.  The ceremony was set up with everyone circling Sabri and Caroline and they said their vows with guests and family from all over the country and a few that came from out of the country. They were surrounded by love in their circle.

Once the vows were said and the rings were exchanged, it was out the door to enjoy a traditional New Orleans second line throughout the streets of the French Quarter with a brass band in front.  I have seen my couples really enjoy the second line, but Caroline and Sabri rocked it the whole time.  Again, so full of energy and happiness and it showed every second of their wedding day.  After the second line, it was time to return to Latrobe’s for the reception, good music and good food.  The guests were treated to Groovy 7 – a band that I love.  Groovy 7 has so much talent in their band and it shows. They are really awesome and keep the party rocking all night.  I actually think Caroline stayed on the dance floor the entire time and just didn’t stop. I heard so many compliments from guests on every vendor they chose for their wedding day and saw so many guests dancing and enjoying every second of the night.  It was an awesome wedding and full of energy the entire time. Makes my job so easy when the energy is on such an incredible level.

Caroline and Sabri your wedding was amazing and I truly had a great time with you both.  Your families were amazing and I can see you are surrounded by great family and friends for your journey in your life.  Congratulations and hope to see you again!

Hair and makeup – Flawless Bride.  Florist – Bella Blooms.  Ice cream station (yum!) - Creole Creamery.

Katie and Chris were troopers on their wedding day since it was HOT. And HOT. But they and their guests still enjoyed the evening and the celebration went on no matter what the temperature was! The chose to see each other before the ceremony which, as you know, I love! We got some cute pics of the two of them before they melted and got all of their family group shots completed before the ceremony. I love when my couples see each other beforehand. I get more “emotional” images that shows the true them. They then exchanged vows under the oak and then everyone moved to the back of the property for the reception area for some good music from the Funky Heart and Souls Band. I snuck off to the lakefront with Katie and Chris for some quick sunset pics before losing that incredible light. It truly makes my day when my couples give me extra time for fun pics, plus they got a few quiet moments away from everyone.

Their decor and floral arrangements were done by the fabulous Lisa Clapper-Smith with Petals n Parties, 985-373-5500. Lisa is amazing to work with and is truly gifted – plus just puts a smile on your face. I have worked with Lisa before and she always amazes me. The grounds for the wedding ceremony and reception were provided by a family friend and what a beautiful space they have close to the lake. The video was done by Chad Dyle Videography. The cake was Mandeville Bake Shop and the groom’s cake was done by Cocoa Bean in Hammond.

Nina and Larry’s wedding ceremony was held at the Immaculate Conception Church right across the street from The Roosevelt. They then second lined into their reception back at the Roosevelt to make their grand entrance and to get the party started. It’s always great to start the party with a cool New Orleans tradition with the second line.  Nina and Larry’s wedding rocked all night with Louisiana Spice entertaining their guests.  Louisiana Spice is such a talented band and great for your wedding and they keep the dance floor packed, which is always good!  The gorgeous bouquets were done by the fab Diane at Fat Cat Flowers and the videographers Nina and Larry chose to capture their moments was Suzy Marks Videography.  They had some amazing vendors to work with which makes the day fantastic. And the food, staff and cake at the Roosevelt Hotel was absolutely top notch and was very impressive.

Nina and Larry, I hope you enjoyed your wedding day. You both were so great to work with and looked fantastic!! Congratulations! mq

Laura and Tommy, congratulations and wishing you a lifetime of happiness!! mq

Both Sonya and Jason got dressed at the Marriott Hotel on Canal Street.  Beautiful suites on different floors kept the bride and groom comfy and happy.  The view from both of their rooms looked over the river and the French Quarter.  I spent some time in both suites and enjoying the calmness of everyone and the laid back approach for the wedding day.  Jason was a little bit more anxious that day – he was excited and ready for the wedding!!  Sonya looked gorgeous. Her hair and make-up were done by Heather of Flawless Bride. Heather always does a fantastic job for her brides. The flowers were done by the talented Diem with Bella Blooms.  And I got to work with Suzy Marks Videography again that weekend. We are on a roll working together.

After some fun grabbing some candid shots at the hotel, we headed to Jackson Square in the French Quarter for their wedding ceremony in front of the St. Louis Cathedral.   Sonya arrived New Orleans style by horse and carriage and the ceremony began.  Jason took a deep breath and was full of smiles when he saw Sonya heading down the aisle. A very happy groom that day.  They had a very personal and sweet ceremony surrounded by the family and friends who came in town to celebrate with them.  After the ceremony a traditional New Orleans second line began with a jazz band heading the couple and wedding guests through the French Quarter and to the reception at the Marriott Hotel.  The Marriott Hotel did an amazing job for their reception.  The staff, the food and the cake were top-notch. Decades Entertainment kept the guests going.  Beautiful all around view of New Orleans for everyone to see.  A great weekend for Sonya and Jason and their guests.

Congratulations Sonya and Jason! mq

The reception was rocking that night with the band Mixed Nuts. They had the dance floor packed all night long. I know Rebecca and Jeff enjoyed themselves on that dance floor. It’s great to see a bride and groom truly enjoy their reception and have a good time.  I was joined by Suzy Marks Videography that night and it’s funny we have worked together three weeks in a row!! Great to see that crew.  And, Crystal Flower did the beautiful flowers.

I saw that Rebecca and Jeff really enjoyed their guests and they made sure to have a great time that night.  It’s so good to enjoy every second after all of the planning and waiting.  Congratulations Rebecca and Jeff!