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

Lee + Jennifer's St. Francisville Wedding

In every wedding, something stands out.

Sometimes it's the dress, the cake, the attention to detail or even the 2 yr. old flower that doesn't quite make it all the way down the aisle.

At Jennifer and Lee's wedding I couldn't help but feel and notice that what stood out the most was the pure joy on both sides of the aisle from those that love these two.

The connection between Jennifer and her sisters, the deep love that Lee has for all the guys he asked to be a part of it, the flowers given by Jennifer's friend, and the details that the community of these two brought together are just a few of the things that I couldn't help but sense throughout the day.

Isn't that how it should be?

Jennifer and Lee, you guys have been such an encouragement to me in the months that I've known you. You are a joy to be around. May God bless your marriage as you serve those around you together.

Getting Ready: Butler Greenwood Plantation

Ceremony & Reception: Afton Villa Gardens, St. Francisville LA

Videographer: Apercu Films

Florist: Mia Sophia

Hair & Makeup: The Ruby Salon

The Dress: Bridal Boutique, Maggie Sottero

Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

 Tents/Lighting/Chairs: Doug Olinde

Officiant: Brandon Sullivan

 Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire

Kyle and Elizabeth O'Donnell...Charlottesville, Virginia Wedding Photography

I had never spent significant time in the hills of Virginia  until Elizabeth and Kyle’s wedding. I believe it's true what they say...it really is God's country. It was incredible! This was a special wedding for so many reasons. Not only was it the first I’ve had in a few months after a break in order to do photography for missions this summer, but it was a refreshing jump back into doing weddings this fall and one that I really needed. It made me realize how much I had missed being a part of a wedding in such a special way. I think vacation and breaks are necessary and so so helpful…but I’m glad there’s an aspect of jumping back in that made me feel like it was right to do so! On top of that, I’ve known Elizabeth since sophomore year of college. She has been a dear friend from RUF and from church for quite some time. I’ve watched her move to different areas of the country. She has the spirit of a brave adventurer with an extremely level, wise, gracious, and thoughtful head on her shoulders. In everything she does, she searches for God’s hand and work in where He has her. This time He led her to Charlottesville, Virginia to do a Fellows program. This is where she met Kyle and a community of friends who became family. It was evident during every aspect of their wedding. These two are loved and I’m so thankful to have been a part of the coming together of these two families. I can’t wait to see where God will lead you two.

Congratulations Elizabeth and Kyle!

Wishing you peace and joy for every step in this new journey!

Hair & Makeup: The Sass Factory

Flowers: Jacquelyn Collmus

The Dress: Caryn's Bridal 

Tuxes: Joseph A. Banks

Ceremony: Trinity Presbyterian Church Charlottesville, VA

Coordinator: Yoland Monet, Trinity Presbyterian Church

Charlottesville, VA

Minister: Greg Thompson

Cake: Artist: Cakes by Rachel

Reception: The Market at Grelen Somerset, VA

Coordinator: Emily Grymes, The Market at Grelen

Rentals: Gibson Tent Rental

Thanks for stopping by !

*Claire

The Beauregard-Keyes House...A Stunning New Orleans Wedding Venue

People often ask me what are my favorite venues to shoot weddings or which are my favorite vendors. This is usually a pretty difficult question as I do feel that Baton Rouge and New Orleans and really most of South Louisiana have countless incredibly beautiful areas, houses, venues, and downtown locations that make for incredible wedding venues..and then you throw in those who are awesome to work with and it ends up being a pretty difficult task!

I know many couples will be planning a lot this summer so I thought I'd send my two cents about vendors and venues that we have really thoroughly enjoyed working alongside in the last few years.

One of our favorites is the Beauregard-Keyes House in the French Quarter. I really can't believe that I spent three years in this business not even knowing this place existed. Part of the appeal of this place is just that...it's a new old and beautiful option for an authentic New Orleans wedding that provides opportunity to have a unique day but with the traditional aspects of New Orleans most brides really want. I first discovered this place when a lovely bride of mine decided she wanted to do her bridals here earlier this year. As a photographer..this house with its gardens is a dream setting.

I find what is equally important with any venue is the staff and those you'll work with. Ella at Beauregard-Keyes instantly added to the appeal of the house when I met her. She truly cares about the house and its history and equally cares about providing excellent service to brides on their wedding day. When I asked her what is most important to her and the team at Beauregard-Keyes this is what she had to say:

"This house was designed as a space to entertain so it is always exciting to see the House being used to it's full potential, full of people celebrating life. I also love knowing that new memories are being added to the story of the House and that the people that get married here will always have a connection to this place."

The House was built in 1826 by Joseph Le Carpentier, a well-to-do auctioneer. Seven years later it came into the possession of John A. Merle, the consul of Switzerland. Old plans show that a formal garden was constructed about that same time. Through the years of its checkered history, the house had many owners and in 1865 when General Pierre Gustav Toutant Beauregard, noted Confederate leader who hailed from Louisiana, returned to New Orleans he lodged there for eighteen months.

In 1944, Frances Parkinson Keyes, a well known novelist, came to Louisiana, rented the house and eventually took it over. Mrs. Keyes made the cottage her winter residence for a quarter of a century and wrote several of her books here, among them Dinner At Antoine’s, The Chess Player (Paul Morphy), and Blue Camellia.

Rich New Orleans history, great service from those who not only care about the rich history but those who get to enjoy it, and a simply stunningly beautiful place are all reasons we think this venue should be considered when planning your wedding. You can read more about the Beauregard-Keyes House online at their website below. Give Ella a call. You won't regret it:).

http://www.bkhouse.org/

Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire

Melinda Jaye Tucker...My sister & her bridal photos! {Baton Rouge Wedding Photographer}

My sister, Melinda, was married to Loren Tucker last weekend in Nashville, Tennessee. It was an awesome weekend full of many emotions and will serve as sweet memories for my whole family for years to come.

    We did her bridals in Calhoun, Louisiana at our dad’s childhood home and where our grandmother has lived long before any of us came into the world. Grandma Hutch wasn’t able to make the drive to the wedding, but she and our other fearless grandmother who was called home almost a year and a half ago now, were with us in every way on this memorable day. Their legacies and love were evident in every aspect of the wedding. What a sweet legacy it is. Grandma Hutch is pictured here helping Melinda get ready for her bridals including the necklace Melinda wore on her wedding day that has two charms representing Grandma Hutch and in memory of Grandma Jean or "Glam Gram."

I wrote a toast for Melinda and Loren that I gave at the wedding and I thought it might be best to reiterate the things I said today as I post Melinda’s bridals:)..so here it is!:

“Good Evening,  My name is Claire. I’m the maid of honor and Melinda’s younger sister.

As sister of the bride, I feel it’s my duty to educate the few folks here who may not know our bride as well as the groom. As many of you probably know when you grow up with an older sibling they are the ones that actually teach you most of the things you need to know in order to make it out there in the world. Older sisters especially teach you things like:

-what to wear the first day of school in order to fit in

-how to stay on pitch while singing along to Reba in the car

-And how to get the best results when asking Mom and Dad for more money.

Well, older siblings are also often the ones who teach you your first four letter word! Melinda was no exception...she taught me my very first four letter word at a very young age…

DIVA!

Now, before you get the wrong idea you should know that in our home growing up “Diva” was a very endearing word. Diva’s could sing very well...obviously. But beyond being a an incredible singer, being a diva..or strong woman...came naturally for Melinda growing up and she wore it well. Melinda comes from a long line of strong women, so to us a Diva was a passionate goal setter who wouldn’t give up. A diva was determined, self-assured, and persistent. My big sister fit the bill and gave an example of thoughtful perseverance and the joy that comes with knowing and accepting who you are in your own skin. In all aspects of her life, Melinda knew what God made her to do and how to do it well. Melinda is and always has been extremely talented in more ways than the one we all know her for. I’ve never seen her do anything half-way. She is a committed, talented, thoughtful, diva...sure of who she is and what she was made for and it’s contagious to those around her including the one that grew up watching it. Loren, she will be all of these things and more in your marriage. So remember what you already know...this girl is one of a kind..and trust me...you’ll never stop learning from her.

  On June 24, 2012 at 11:33 pm. I received a text message from Melinda that said...and I quote.

‘Sister! Would you say I had a good date when the guy sends home with his highlighted copy of this?!!:)’

She then sent me a picture of the book ‘Prodigal God’, by Tim Keller. It happened to be a book that I had just finished. It’s by one of my favorite authors who is a pastor in New York City so naturally I replied to her message saying ‘yes..this is a good sign.’ Melinda then began to tell me all about her successful first date with this guy named Loren and we all know the rest of the story. Well, that book being one of my favorites to this day and being such a major part of what has led us here today...I decided to re-read it in the weeks leading up to tonight and I thought I might share a favorite quote from it that I feel sums up the real reason we’re here, what led us here, and what will be the only thing that can sustain you two as you go from here in marriage.

    ‘Jesus shows us there is another way: through him. And to enter that way and to live a life based on his salvation will bring us finally to the ultimate party and feast at the end of history. We can have a foretaste of that future salvation now: in prayer, in service to others, in the changes in our inner nature through the gospel, and through the healed relationships that Christ can give us now...

But they are only a foretaste of what is to come.’

To Melinda and Loren. May God bless you in marriage and strengthen you each day in him. I love you."

Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire

Melinda Jaye Tucker...My sister & her bridal photos! {Baton Rouge Wedding Photographer}

My sister, Melinda, was married to Loren Tucker last weekend in Nashville, Tennessee. It was an awesome weekend full of many emotions and will serve as sweet memories for my whole family for years to come.

    We did her bridals in Calhoun, Louisiana at our dad’s childhood home and where our grandmother has lived long before any of us came into the world. Grandma Hutch wasn’t able to make the drive to the wedding, but she and our other fearless grandmother who was called home almost a year and a half ago now, were with us in every way on this memorable day. Their legacies and love were evident in every aspect of the wedding. What a sweet legacy it is. Grandma Hutch is pictured here helping Melinda get ready for her bridals including the necklace Melinda wore on her wedding day that has two charms representing Grandma Hutch and in memory of Grandma Jean or "Glam Gram."

I wrote a toast for Melinda and Loren that I gave at the wedding and I thought it might be best to reiterate the things I said today as I post Melinda’s bridals:)..so here it is!:

“Good Evening,  My name is Claire. I’m the maid of honor and Melinda’s younger sister.

As sister of the bride, I feel it’s my duty to educate the few folks here who may not know our bride as well as the groom. As many of you probably know when you grow up with an older sibling they are the ones that actually teach you most of the things you need to know in order to make it out there in the world. Older sisters especially teach you things like:

-what to wear the first day of school in order to fit in

-how to stay on pitch while singing along to Reba in the car

-And how to get the best results when asking Mom and Dad for more money.

Well, older siblings are also often the ones who teach you your first four letter word! Melinda was no exception...she taught me my very first four letter word at a very young age…

DIVA!

Now, before you get the wrong idea you should know that in our home growing up “Diva” was a very endearing word. Diva’s could sing very well...obviously. But beyond being a an incredible singer, being a diva..or strong woman...came naturally for Melinda growing up and she wore it well. Melinda comes from a long line of strong women, so to us a Diva was a passionate goal setter who wouldn’t give up. A diva was determined, self-assured, and persistent. My big sister fit the bill and gave an example of thoughtful perseverance and the joy that comes with knowing and accepting who you are in your own skin. In all aspects of her life, Melinda knew what God made her to do and how to do it well. Melinda is and always has been extremely talented in more ways than the one we all know her for. I’ve never seen her do anything half-way. She is a committed, talented, thoughtful, diva...sure of who she is and what she was made for and it’s contagious to those around her including the one that grew up watching it. Loren, she will be all of these things and more in your marriage. So remember what you already know...this girl is one of a kind..and trust me...you’ll never stop learning from her.

  On June 24, 2012 at 11:33 pm. I received a text message from Melinda that said...and I quote.

‘Sister! Would you say I had a good date when the guy sends home with his highlighted copy of this?!!:)’

She then sent me a picture of the book ‘Prodigal God’, by Tim Keller. It happened to be a book that I had just finished. It’s by one of my favorite authors who is a pastor in New York City so naturally I replied to her message saying ‘yes..this is a good sign.’ Melinda then began to tell me all about her successful first date with this guy named Loren and we all know the rest of the story. Well, that book being one of my favorites to this day and being such a major part of what has led us here today...I decided to re-read it in the weeks leading up to tonight and I thought I might share a favorite quote from it that I feel sums up the real reason we’re here, what led us here, and what will be the only thing that can sustain you two as you go from here in marriage.

    ‘Jesus shows us there is another way: through him. And to enter that way and to live a life based on his salvation will bring us finally to the ultimate party and feast at the end of history. We can have a foretaste of that future salvation now: in prayer, in service to others, in the changes in our inner nature through the gospel, and through the healed relationships that Christ can give us now...

But they are only a foretaste of what is to come.’

To Melinda and Loren. May God bless you in marriage and strengthen you each day in him. I love you."

Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire

Jeff + Margaret...Audubon Zoo, New Orleans Wedding

I have shot in and around Audubon Park and Zoo before and everyone knows it's a classic New Orleans favorite.

I had never shot a wedding at the Sea Lion exhibit at Audubon before though.

Let me tell you...this spot shot straight to the top of my list. I was stunned at how beautiful it was.

This was partly also due to the fact that the day of Jeff and Margaret's wedding, the weather was incredible!!!

The weather could not have been more perfect...seriously.

And I honestly have to give credit where credit is due. Jeff & Margaret are a stunningly beautiful couple. In every way. These two live in New York but knew that New Orleans would be a perfect fit for a stunning wedding and they were of course quite correct.

What was my favorite thing about this wedding you ask? Well, besides how unbelievably gorgeous the entire day was...these two and pretty much most of their guests can really...truly...dance!!!!!

In fact...I believe the groom's dancing skills are one of many reasons these two ended up together!

This was definitely one for the books.

Jeff and Margaret, you two are stunning and it was a joy to spend such a beautiful day with you guys. I hope these photos will always serve as sweet reminders of an unforgettable day!

Ceremony: Sea Lion Exhibit at the Audubon Nature Institute

Reception: Tea Room at the Audubon Nature Institute

Florist Design: Bee's Wedding & Event Floral Designs

Coordinator: Carolyn Fredricks with Bee's Wedding & Event Floral Designs

Band: Louisiana Spice Band

Cake: Melissa's Fine Pastries

The Dress: Saks 5th Avenue (designed by Austin Scarlet)

Hair & Makeup: Flawless Bride

Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew

Groom's Tux: Paul Smith

Custom Printing: Leslie Evans, Seadog Press Watertown, MA

Chamber Music: Harry Hardin

Limo Service: Audubon Limousine

Catering: Audubon Nature Institute

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Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire

Jeff & Margaret Sneak Peek.. New Orleans Wedding Photographer

Congratulations to Jeff & Margaret!!

More to come:)

Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire

Mrs. Casey Colomb Von Tress....New Orleans Bridal Photography at the Beauregard-Keyes House

Congratulations to Jordan and Casey Von Tress!

Stay tuned for more from their beautiful wedding at The Terrell House in New Orleans!

These bridals were taken at a stunning venue we didn't even know about but is quickly becoming one of my favorites!!

Ladies, check out The Beauregard-Keyes House and Garden Museum in the French Quarter.

I'm so glad to know about this incredible house tucked in a quiet corner of the Quarter. If you're looking for a wedding venue in New Orleans, trust me, you want to check

out the Beauregard - Keyes House.

Special thanks to Ella for being awesome and getting us fixed up with a wonderful spot for beautiful bridals!

Casey, you're stunning! What a joy to do these for you guys!

Thanks for stopping by!

Claire

Mrs. Casey Colomb Von Tress....New Orleans Bridal Photography at the Beauregard-Keyes House

Congratulations to Jordan and Casey Von Tress!

Stay tuned for more from their beautiful wedding at The Terrell House in New Orleans!

These bridals were taken at a stunning venue we didn't even know about but is quickly becoming one of my favorites!!

Ladies, check out The Beauregard-Keyes House and Garden Museum in the French Quarter.

I'm so glad to know about this incredible house tucked in a quiet corner of the Quarter. If you're looking for a wedding venue in New Orleans, trust me, you want to check

out the Beauregard - Keyes House.

Special thanks to Ella for being awesome and getting us fixed up with a wonderful spot for beautiful bridals!

Casey, you're stunning! What a joy to do these for you guys!

Thanks for stopping by!

Claire

A week in Kigali, Rwanda...{Baton Rouge Photographer}

Back again from photographing in Kigali.

I have to be honest, the hardest part of doing this kind of work is coming back to the states. This is not because I don’t miss people or am not ready for my own bed….because believe me….I miss both equally! This is partly because I never feel like it's quite long enough and partly due to what I can only describe as culture shock. This is something I can remember experiencing for the first time when I came back from a trip to Mexico my first year of college. I was only there a week. I spent time in huts with people who had diseases that would likely never be healed. My job was to assist the doctors there by taking vitals. The doctors did what they could to make these folks “comfortable” and occasionally provided the necessary medicine or procedure that would take them out of the state they were living in each day. After a week of working with these doctors, sleeping on the floor, and showering outside, I remember riding back to LSU trying to process what I had seen and realizing I didn't have many answers to the questions I was asking. I had only seen or heard of mud huts on t.v. with images of malnourished kids. I had only imagined such living conditions as I had seen that one week and didn’t like to think that life like that existed out there. I remember our van pulling up to LSU’s campus and through exhausted eyes, I turned and looked at something I had seen day in and day out but this time it looked very different. All of a sudden, the clock tower on campus seemed so huge to me. I remember thinking “that tower is so big!” and then I remember having a legitimately confusing thought…”Is it necessary to have such big buildings? Everything is so tall here!”

 Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not knocking large buildings and anyone who knows me knows I wouldn’t knock just about anything on LSU’s campus as it quickly became a second home to me during my time there. (Not to mention it’s the most wonderful campus and school there is but I digress).

The point is….when I go to other countries... developing, third world countries….when I see how, honestly, the majority of the world outside of America lives...when I experience the immediate slowing of time, priorities, values, and status... when I see hurting or see the effective way that other cultures live…I have a hard time coming back to the states. The states and western culture are fast-paced in a way I can’t really describe. The emphasis on success, money, fame and finding oneself is so overwhelmingly preached in every aspect of our culture that I have to be honest and say that it takes quite a few days to jump back in..and to fight a confusing cynicism.

Last week I spent a few days in Africa. I spent time with a group of 12 women at a little co-op in its own corner of Kigali, Rwanda. I saw a work ethic much like, yet so different from ours in the states in order to provide for families that had been ripped apart by war-torn nearby countries and by Rwanda’s own experience with genocide 20 years ago. I experienced confusion in trying to not only communicate with those in the culture, but understand the differences in them and in our life experiences. I spent the day with women in mud huts who live off the land, have no idea what time it is throughout the day, and who I could bet have never seen a building as tall as LSU’s Memorial Tower.

 

I experienced all these things and how do I feel now?...more confused than when I left! I feel more closely now the frustrations that there are millions out there who suffer every day. More than ever I am angry that poverty exists, uncertain why God put me where I am with what I have, and more joyful than I could have expected that he truly does comfort and care for his people.  I could sit here and write about all the things that I learned…and I will :)….or act like I understand why cultures are the way they are and what goes into them…or even pretend to define one as better than the other. The truth is…it’s times like this that the only definition or label I can put on any of it is that I only know a tiny fraction of how God is at work in this world, what he’s doing to “make all things new,” and the way that sin has complicated all of it. I don’t have all or even many of the answers and I so easily feel the effects of that when I try to jump back into our culture or as I attempt to answer others’ questions about my trip and time in these places. I don’t know how to answer many questions…but I am going to attempt to tell whatever stories God has for me to tell through my time there and anywhere else he takes me. Hopefully throughout the process whoever reads this will learn a few things about what God is doing in their own lives, understand the world a little better, and maybe even purchase some items made by folks on the other side of the world who because of reasons we can't know will never know life like we experience here.

For the next couple of weeks I will post once a week on our time in Africa, the people we met, the stories we heard, the joys and struggles that I or those I love experience there, and how you can help. This is not to pretend I have answers or to condemn our own culture or where God has each of us. It’s in order to answer the call to speak about the only one who has the answers and what he’s, for whatever reason, sent me in the world to do for such a time as this. So if you think to, please stay tuned and return to see photos and stories. This as always is a process full of uncertainty and more questions asked with every perceived answer.

What a joy to have been given the freedom and invitation to ask.

 

More to come.

Be sure to check out Noonday Collection and Azizi Life

Thanks for reading and thanks for stopping by,

Claire

Brad & Desiree...New Orleans, Louisiana {New Orleans Wedding Photographer}

Brad and Desiree were married on February 8th at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in New Orleans.

Their reception took place at The Foundry in New Orleans's Warehouse District. This was our first time to shoot at The Foundry. It was a super awesome venue in such a great location.

We got to do a little of my favorite kind of New Orleans shooting...stopping a bit of traffic to get that shot which it turns out is much less dangerous in the Warehouse District!

I especially love it when we get a chance to photograph some cool kids during a wedding day. Brad's son, Jackson, was no exception. Jackson has some swag for sure.

Take a look!

 Many thanks to Brad & Desiree for having me be a part of this awesome New Orleans Wedding!

Thanks for stopping by!

Claire

Congratulations Brad & Desiree!...Louisiana Bridals

Brad and Desiree were married last weekend in New Orleans!

Back in the fall I had the honor of photographing Desiree's bridals at Maison Madeleine outside of Lafayette, Louisiana.

This quaint bed and breakfast sitting on Lake Martin has been featured in Southern Living and the Travel Channel's Anthony Bordain: No Reservations. We got to see first hand why it gets so much attention..and it should! History meets modern art in and around this home that is an abandoned 19th Century French-Creole Style. It was moved to its current location and opened as a bed and breakfast in 2001.

Desiree's dad has done work for the family owners and so we set out to Lake Martin to grab some shots of a stunning bride in a stunning location!

Congratulations to Brad and Desiree! Stay tuned to see their wedding:)

Thanks for stopping by and have a very LOVE-ly weekend!

*Claire

Congratulations Brad & Desiree!...Louisiana Bridals

Brad and Desiree were married last weekend in New Orleans!

Back in the fall I had the honor of photographing Desiree's bridals at Maison Madeleine outside of Lafayette, Louisiana.

This quaint bed and breakfast sitting on Lake Martin has been featured in Southern Living and the Travel Channel's Anthony Bordain: No Reservations. We got to see first hand why it gets so much attention..and it should! History meets modern art in and around this home that is an abandoned 19th Century French-Creole Style. It was moved to its current location and opened as a bed and breakfast in 2001.

Desiree's dad has done work for the family owners and so we set out to Lake Martin to grab some shots of a stunning bride in a stunning location!

Congratulations to Brad and Desiree! Stay tuned to see their wedding:)

Thanks for stopping by and have a very LOVE-ly weekend!

*Claire

Congratulations Brad & Desiree!...Louisiana Bridals

Brad and Desiree were married last weekend in New Orleans!

Back in the fall I had the honor of photographing Desiree's bridals at Maison Madeleine outside of Lafayette, Louisiana.

This quaint bed and breakfast sitting on Lake Martin has been featured in Southern Living and the Travel Channel's Anthony Bordain: No Reservations. We got to see first hand why it gets so much attention..and it should! History meets modern art in and around this home that is an abandoned 19th Century French-Creole Style. It was moved to its current location and opened as a bed and breakfast in 2001.

Desiree's dad has done work for the family owners and so we set out to Lake Martin to grab some shots of a stunning bride in a stunning location!

Congratulations to Brad and Desiree! Stay tuned to see their wedding:)

Thanks for stopping by and have a very LOVE-ly weekend!

*Claire

Congratulations Mrs. Kelsi Dickerson!

Congratulations to Matt and Kelsi who were married in Monroe, Louisiana last weekend!

Here are some of Kelsi's bridals we took at Audubon Park in New Orleans right before it started to pour!! Gotta love New Orleans weather:)

Stay tuned for photos from Matt & Kelsi's wedding!

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire

Congratulations Mrs. Kelsi Dickerson!

Congratulations to Matt and Kelsi who were married in Monroe, Louisiana last weekend!

Here are some of Kelsi's bridals we took at Audubon Park in New Orleans right before it started to pour!! Gotta love New Orleans weather:)

Stay tuned for photos from Matt & Kelsi's wedding!

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire

Congratulations Mrs. Kelsi Dickerson!

Congratulations to Matt and Kelsi who were married in Monroe, Louisiana last weekend!

Here are some of Kelsi's bridals we took at Audubon Park in New Orleans right before it started to pour!! Gotta love New Orleans weather:)

Stay tuned for photos from Matt & Kelsi's wedding!

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire

Daniel & Monika...Roatan, Honduras Destination Wedding

I met Daniel years ago through Reformed University Fellowship when we both were studying at LSU. Daniel is from Honduras and was studying in Baton Rouge for his Master's at the time.

I met Monika a few months later when she came to Baton Rouge to visit Daniel. Monika is from Germany.

Now... You're probably wondering how these two met:)

After high school, Monika moved to Honduras for a year to volunteer at an orphanage. She met Daniel randomly through mutual friends during her time there.

More than 5 countries, countless Skype dates, and many international flights later, these two were married on January 5, 2014 in an incredibly beautiful ceremony in Roatan, Honduras.

Friends and family members traveled from all over  to support Daniel and Monika on their wedding day, making this ceremony and reception an unforgettable experience for all involved. The ceremony was in Spanish and German with some Polish and English mixed in there:). Several countries, 4 languages, and cities all over the world were represented at this wedding.

To give you an idea of how many miles/kilometers were traveled by guests, Daniel and Monika had it represented at the reception in just about the coolest way possible. This detail was one of my many favorites from the wedding

 It was such an honor to have the privilege of being present at Daniel and Monika's wedding and the days leading up to it. It was an extremely restful week of celebration on the island!

Daniel and Monika have become so dear to me in the last few years of getting to know them and some of the best news of all is that they've now moved to Baton Rouge to continue studying! We are so blessed to have them in our church and a part of our community.

Daniel and Monika, what joy you both bring to my life and those around you! Thank you for your love and friendship. We are so glad y'all are here to stay for a little while:)

I'll leave you with an excerpt from Daniel and Monika's Wedding Program.

"If marriage is God's idea, why is it sometimes hard?

-The Bible says in Genesis 3 that man and women sinned. 'Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths (Genesis 3:7)

-Sin has distorted our relationships, damaged our lives and our family's lives. Sin has destroyed our intimate place and has filled it with shame. It has turned us to selfishness and this was seen clearly in Adam's family and son's after sin.

-There is good news in the Bible that says: 'She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' (Matthew 1:21)

-In Jesus we have the opportunity to receive pardon from our sins and even more, liberty from them to have a marriage like Adam and Eve had in Eden.

-If Jesus is the center of our home, therefore our home will be a piece of paradise.

Thanks for stopping by!

Claire

Max & Molly...Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans Wedding

I first officially met Max and Molly at a really awesome bar and eatery in their Washington DC neighborhood of all places:)

Kate and I went to visit a friend in DC a year and a half ago and while I was planning the trip, Molly called and asked me to shoot her New Orleans Wedding the following winter.

(the fact that that was a year and a half ago....mind.is.blown.)

Max and Molly have new jobs, moved to Chicago, and are now married!!

These two are so chill in the very best way. It rained their entire wedding day...hard. It was a true Louisiana rain in all its glory, but that didn't bother Max and Molly. Seriously I never heard one complaint, worry, or concern. These two were busy focusing on the real reason for their wedding day.

In spite of a backup rain plan this wedding was still a photographer's dream:)

Max and Molly, it has been so fun getting to know you guys the last year and a half. You two are one of a kind and I'm so thankful! It was truly my joy!

=

Getting Ready: Hotel Monteleone

Ceremony: Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church

Reception: Hotel Monteleone

The Dress: Southern Bridal

Flowers: Meade Wentzel

Coordinator: Barbara Cobb, Hotel Monteleone

Caterer: Hotel Monteleone

Videographer: Montoto Productions

Cake Artist: Hotel Monteleone

Band: Louisiana Spice

Makeup: Suzzette Stuprich

Hair: Conchetta

Tuxes: Perlis

Photobooth: Mobile Memories Booth

Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire