Katherine and Matthew....Lafayette, LA Wedding

Last week I mentioned the resilience of our brides this year. Katherine and Matthew and how many changes for them throughout the planning of their wedding is no exception.

I think I’ve lost count of how many changes Katherine and Matthew had to make. They pushed back the wedding and for a time it seemed they still wouldn’t get to have it. Even the actual reception had some extra changes they didn’t foresee. But, as with each of our brides this year, Katherine and all those involved handled it like champs.

Congratulations to Katherine and Matt! May you have many years of joy together no matter the changes that come:)

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire

Katherine Fruge Bridals...Lafayette, Louisiana

Fridays call for some beauty and celebration…especially in the midst of a pandemic.

Katherine has had to reschedule and reorient her wedding plans multiple times since Covid-19 came our way. This is every bride this year, and yet I’m still continually amazed at the resilience of our brides and their adaptability in the unforeseen.

More on Katherine and her wedding to come! For now, enjoy these photos that make it look like it wasn’t a Louisiana summer night and have a happy Friday! :)

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire

Melanie and Jeffery....St. Francisville Wedding

Melanie and Jeffrey are one of many couples over the last several months who had to go with what we’ll call Plan B…a theme of 2020. We actually got to meet them because of Covid-19. They were supposed to have a springtime wedding in Savannah, Georgia but as so many things have been pushed back or canceled they like so many ended up celebrating on a warmer Louisiana day instead. It was still a beautiful day with their closest family. I’m struck by the perseverance and joy these couples still have in the midst of so much change, alterations, and getting used to their wedding not being the original plan. It just goes to show that when it’s all said and done the vows, the people, the celebration of marriage are what matters most.

To Melanie and Jeffrey, I pray you have a wonderful life together and though we weren’t originally supposed to meet, I’m so glad we did:)

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire

"Weddings by Corona"....Mollie & Toby's Wedding

In the age of Covid-19, I just want to thank Mollie and Toby for getting married because it was so nice to finally celebrate something.

This will forever be an incredible memory marking the first group we were in post-pandemic. What a way to celebrate too.

Mollie and Toby of course couldn’t have their big celebration with all friends and family, but that didn’t stop this sweet, genuine, deep celebration of what God has done in Mollie and Toby’s lives with closest family present. Their families were so welcoming to us and we really felt a part of this.

Corona simply can’t stop us from celebrating what matters, even if it’s via zoom with friends and family when you should’ve been able to be there.

To Mollie and Toby, you guys have started off on the best foot against literally all odds. May God bless every other obstacle in the future and may it lead you to all the more celebration and deep joy.

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire

Mollie & Toby's Engagements....Baton Rouge, Louisiana

In times like these, it’s important…dare I say, vital…to fight for the smiles.

I find it very appropriate that Toby and Mollie’s photos are the ones we’ve got scheduled to post on this very week. These two are masters at making each other crack up and that made our time with them such a joy.

As we grieve with friends and family that events and weddings are having to be postponed or canceled and as some of you reading may be faced with those very decisions right now, we look forward to a day when we all will get to gather again. Whether it’s sooner or later, whether you’re postponing your wedding, engagement, or many other things we are looking forward, expectantly, to a day when we’ll see all of our couples smiling together and celebrating with your people.

We know that day will come.

Until then stay safe, well, and check out these smiles from friends of ours whose wedding this year will be a celebration of hope in the midst of waiting!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Claire

Allison and David...New Orleans, Wedding

David and Allison wanted small. They wanted personal. They wanted Daisy their beloved dog who played a big role in their proposal to be given a special and important job. David and Allison’s wedding was perfect for a New Orleans vibe. And in true New Orleans fashion the rain threatened to interfere but with this adventurous trio it really just meant we got to have a wonderful NOLA adventure on the walk from the hotel to The Cellar Door where their ceremony and reception were held. I’ve known Allison for over a decade so this was a real special honor for Murray and I to get to be a part of. Their wedding was perfectly them to a T.

Congratulations David and Allison on marriage and life together! May you be granted many more adventures rain or shine:).

Thanks for stopping by!

~Claire

Meg and Derek....St. Francisville Wedding

Who loves a wedding in St. Francisville!?

What a magically beautiful place. Meg’s family generations back are from St. Francisville and these two had their wedding at a location we’ve never photographed before which is always super fun to discover new beautiful churches in lovely Louisiana.

This may be my favorite tented reception at a family home I’ve ever attended. Every detail had been thought through, the weather was amazing, the band was a hoot, and be sure to scroll to see the getaway car!!

Congratulations Meg and Derek! We are so excited for y’all.

Ceremony: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church ~ Reception: Family Home ~ Coordinator: Beverly Walker ~ Florist: Amy Louviere ~ the Cake: Nanette Mayhall ~ Band: The Wiseguys ~ Hair & Makeup: Kacy Reynolds ~ The Dress: Linen Jolie Bridal Designed by Allison Webb ("Ava Gown") ~ Catering: Heirloom Cuisine

Thanks for stopping by!

~Claire and Murray

Harry & Susan Phillips...Oxford, Mississippi Wedding

What a joy and privilege to photograph a wedding for someone I’ve known for years! Susan and her family are very dear to me and have welcomed me as their own for more than a decade so photographing such a big day for her, her family, and all their guests felt like such an honor and joy. On top of that, it was an incredible Oxford, Mississippi wedding full of fun in the square, a beautiful church, and quite the crowd to celebrate Harry and Susan. We had a blast shooting this wedding that had the best of Ole Miss, Oxford, and sparkler getaways!! 

Congrats you two! Here’s to many more years of fun with the people you love! 

JP & Lindsey....Degas House New Orleans Wedding

JP and Lindsey were married at the Edgar Degas House in Mid City New Orleans. 

 The Degas House couldn't be a more perfect place to have a spring wedding in our favorite city...we loved working with this venue and the stunning florist design of Margee Green. 

Add in an incredibly sweet and beautiful couple and that's a good mix for an excellent Saturday night in the Crescent City.  

JP and Lindsey, congratulations to you two! 

Thank you for inviting us to be a part of your wedding. It was an honor! 

Getting Ready, Ceremony & Reception:  Degas House

Florist: Margee Green

Wedding Coordinator:  Degas House

The Dress: BHLDN (Ariane Gown)

Hair & Makeup Artists: Bridal Glam on Location

Save the Dates: Little Histories

Dessert: District Donuts

DJ: Chris Logan 

Harry and Susan

What a treat when I get to take photos of such cute couples. These two were so giggly throughout our shoot and really what could be better than making each other laugh for an hour? 

Harry and Susan will have a wedding next year, so we did these photos in New Orleans City Park (one of my fave locations) in January. Harry was deployed a week after these were taken. 

What a joy to be a part of this moment for them.

Wishing you two all the best in this year apart as you look forward to forever together! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

*Claire

John & Jennifer...New Orleans Christmas Wedding

John and Jennifer's wedding took place at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans and Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church on December 8, 2017. 

The Roosevelt this time of year is unlike any other. Jennifer wanted to be sure to have some time taking photos under the "twinkling lights" and we did just that. It was a joy to be a part of such a festive occasion! From getting ready in amazing Roosevelt suites, to a ceremony in one of the most beautiful locations in New Orleans, to twinkle lights, to Bucktown Allstars, to friends on the dance floor to a second line down the escalator and back to twinkle lights...this was one for the books! 

Congratulations to John and Jennifer! May you get to experience twinkling lights in so many of your tomorrow's together! :) 

Coordinator: Laura Clotworthy

Getting Ready: The Roosevelt Hotel, New Orleans

Hair Artist: Beth Washington

Makeup Artist: Katie Malone Makeup

The Dress: Hitched Boutique, Lela Rose

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bliss Bridal

Tuxes: Perlis

Ceremony: Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church

Florist: Meade Wenzel

Reception: The Roosevelt Hotel, New Orleans

Cake Artist: The Roosevelt

Groom's Cake: La Louisiana

Band: Bucktown Allstars

Videographer: High Rise Productions

Custom Printing: Betty Hunley

Thanks for stopping by!

~Claire

Tanner & Stephanie Wedding...Baton Rouge Wedding Photography

I've known Stephanie since college and was so thrilled to be a part of Tanner and Stephanie's wedding! Their wedding was a joy and the dance floor was entertaining the whole night! 

You might remember Tanner and Stephanie's engagement session from earlier this year! You can view those photos here. 

There are some couples that I get sad about when all the wedding shoots are over! This is one of them. So thankful to be a part of this and congratulations you two! 

Hair Artist: Lindsey Pellette

Makeup:  JKL Salon

The Dress: Bridal Boutique

Cake Artist: Gambino's

Florist: Peggy Carrol

Ceremony: University Presbyterian Church

DJ: Premier Sound

Reception: De La Ronde Hall

John & Jennifer...Audubon Park New Orleans Engagements

I love it when the forecast looks grim only to surprise with the most glorious of days! 

John and Jennifer's engagement session was set for Audubon Park months in advance...and on a  day that the two could make it since they are long distance right now. John lives in DC while Jennifer is in Nola. The threat of rain is never fun for a steamy Louisiana day...especially when it hadn't stopped raining for weeks! 

But...the rain held off...literally until the last minute when we all got in our cars to leave and the bottom fell out. So thankful for that timing and for such a wonderful morning getting to know these two. 

Jennifer and John, I can't wait for the wedding day! You two are too cute. Thanks friends. 

Tanner & Stephanie - Baton Rouge Engagements

Tanner and Stephanie are getting married in July and thankfully we got to sneak in some engagements before the Louisiana heat began it's annual overnight set-in! 

We took these out at Tanner's family land in Slaughter, LA. If even for an afternoon, it's good for the soul to get out of the city and head out into the country. 

Congrats to Stephanie and Tanner! Can't wait for the wedding day:)

Mark & Lisa's New Years Wedding! -- Baton Rouge

Lisa is one of the first people I met in college. She lived right down the hall in our dorm and became a fast friend to everyone she met. Her joy, love for adventure, and heart for others makes her hard not to love! When she told me about her New Years Eve wedding, her hopes for her wedding day being more than just a day to celebrate her and her guy but also the people around them, and about her guy who sounded just as awesome as she is, my reply was a resounding:

I'M IN!

I've been telling people that Mark and Lisa's wedding was done the right way. If you're going to do New Years, this is what you should do. Complete with confetti, family bands, surprise performances, gold & glitz, a choir, midnight kisses, a limbo stick and even gluten free desserts! What is there not to love?

Congrats you two. It was an honor and a joy. May the rest of your life be as fun, full and beautiful as this night was! 

Ceremony & Reception: The Motor Exchange, Baton Rouge

The cake: Brew Ha Ha

Hair and Makeup: friend, Rachel Hutchinson: Sugar and Bronze Salon

Florist: The bride!

Catering: Mis Padres

The dress: Hautelook. Designer: Terani Couture

Band: Beaucoup Boogie

Kyle & Amanda's Baton Rouge Wedding - Old State Capitol

I love the Old State Capitol as a wedding and event venue. 

You got your one-of-a-kind stairs, your beautiful architecture, your great location for out-of-towners, your history, and your all-in-one convenience. It's a winner for sure. 

I first met Kyle and Amanda at that amazing Halloween themed wedding I did a few years ago! We had a blast being a part of Kyle and Amanda's Baton Rouge wedding. It was beautiful! 

Congrats you two! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

*Claire

Miles & Nicole...Covington Wedding

Congratulations to Miles & Nicole! 

These two were married in Mandeville/Covington, Louisiana and their friends and family know how to celebrate a wedding! 

Wishing you guys the best on your mini-moon and every day after!! 

Ceremony: Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church

Reception: Tchefuncta Country Club 

Makeup Artist: Brittany McGowan

The Dress: Yvonne Lafleur

Bridesmaids Dresses: Bustles and Bows

Tuxes: John's Tuxedo's

Hair Artist: Karlie Lacoste

Flowers: Keeth Buckley

Cake Artist: Cocoa Bean

 Live Wedding Painting: Alex Harvie  

Chairs: Gold Chiavari -  Uplighting: Mandeville Party Company - Transportation:  Southern Hospitality - Limousines: Royal Coach

Band: The Mixed Nuts

Videography: High Rise Productions

Thanks for stopping by! 

*Claire

Tray & Emma..St. Francisville Wedding

I told someone the other day "man, I just love a Benton wedding!"

I've known Emma, her siblings, and her nieces and nephews for several years. I had the privilege of photographing Cary, Emma's sister, and Paul's wedding a couple of years ago. Some of the kiddos pictured here I got to babysit for several years right after college and the Benton family and their extended folks as well have continually been a huge encouragement in my pursuit to start and continue this business. I am thankful for the Bentons! 

Tray and Emma's wedding was a beautiful southern summer evening wedding in one of the most beautiful areas of Louisiana, the one and only St. Francisville. 

I'm honored to have been a part of it and wish you two so so many years of bliss! Congrats:)

Ceremony: Grace Church, St. Francisville

Hair & Makeup:  Lisa Horn | Trends Salon & Boutique

Flowers: Family & Friends

The Dress: Yvonne Lafleur

Cake Artist: Kim Morgan

Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung

Flower Girls Dresses: Haase's 

Tuxes: Squires Formalwear

Band: Something Blue Band

Thanks for stopping by! 

*Claire

Mrs. Tray Achorn!...Emma & Tray Sneak Peek

Congratulations to Tray and Emma!

These two were married on June 25th in St. Francisville, Louisiana. 

More to come but here's some of Emma's bridals and a sneak! 

Featured! Southern Bride Magazine

I'm honored to say we've been featured in Southern Bride Magazine! 

You might remember we did a styled shoot a little while back in honor of the women at Umucyo Sewing Cooperative in Kigali, Rwanda. After seeing my blog post about our work with the ladies in Kigali, Stephanie Ringler of Roses and Lace, a wedding coordinator in Baton Rouge was inspired to do a styled shoot that reflected some of the style of the shoot we did for Umucyo. 

I'm honored to have been a part of it and thankful Southern Weddings featured us in their June print magazine! You can find it at any Barnes and Noble or Target and turn to page 100!:)

Also check out this blog post of all the images that inspired this styled shoot!