Getting Ready
They got ready separately, each surrounded by people talking, moving, and helping. For destination weddings we always work as a team, so I stayed with the bride while the second photographer in my team followed the groom. This setup allows us to cover both sides of the story without interruptions and without moving back and forth between rooms.
The atmosphere in both spaces was the same: fast, energetic, and full of movement, exactly what you expect from a New Orleans wedding morning. Working in two keeps the workflow professional and consistent.
If you want to dive deeper into the bride’s getting‑ready photos, click here.
First Look Indoors
The first look was supposed to happen outside. Then the rain decided otherwise. We moved into the restaurant hall, not dreamy, not planned, but absolutely theirs. This is why flexibility matters: plans A and B are great, but handling last‑minute chaos is what makes the day real. They didn’t get the “perfect” first look, but they got the right one.
Outdoor Ceremony
The ceremony took place outside, and the atmosphere was charged. Guests were fully locked in: quiet, focused, some holding their breath without even noticing. I moved around the space catching every shift — hands tightening, eyes following every step, small reactions that said more than words.
If you want to explore more about outdoor ceremonies, click here.
Second Line
In New Orleans, a second line isn’t just an option, it’s part of the wedding culture. They knew from the beginning that they wanted it, and it became one of the moments I was most excited about.
A second line is a short street parade with a brass band, guests following, and a lot of movement. It turns the transition from one place to another into a celebration. When it started, they were fully in it, loud, fast, and completely present.
I photographed it from inside the flow, not from the outside. Being part of the movement allows me to stay close and capture everything in a raw, direct way, without losing the energy of the moment.
If you want to know more about second lines, click here.
First Dance
Their first dance set the tone, everyone slowing down for a moment. She danced with the groom first, keeping the moment clean and simple. Then she moved to her mother, shifting the atmosphere again. I stayed close, catching the small reactions that made each step hit differently.
The Party
The party took off immediately, with everyone jumping in as soon as the music started. Glasses, necklaces, and even the shoes were customized with their last name, small details that made the atmosphere unmistakably theirs.
Being inside the crowd is part of how I work. It’s a gesture that allows me to stay close, and move with them. I stayed in the middle of the dance floor, following the movement, the light, and all the details that kept the energy high.
If you want to read more about how I approach wedding parties, click here.
Want me to photograph your wedding day with the same direct, real approach? Click here to contact me.
