Jacquelyn and Patrick

Back in the swing and so happy to be.

The weather has been amazing and it's a perfect time for exploring and photo taking!

Jacquelyn is one of my wonderful friends from college.

She has continually been an encouragement and light-hearted, gospel-centered buddy of mine.

I remember having lunch with Jacquelyn at Zoe's (our date place:)) a couple years ago...and we had girl talk about the future and getting married one day. I remember her talking about how much she trusted God with that detail of her life, knowing it will happen and in his perfect timing. It was a refreshing and encouraging conversation.

And now I have the unbelievable privilege and joy of shooting her wedding in a few weeks!

To Jacquelyn and Patrick...you two are bunch of cuties!!

 I'm so so excited and happy for you and ready to celebrate this awesome beginning:)

Thanks for stopping by,

*Claire

Brandee & Rhett...Baton Rouge, Louisiana

What an off season it was!

With Hurricane Isaac...football season kickoff...and most brides back in school, starting a new job, or just having to power through past the summer in adulthood...it has been quite a whirlwind of a few weeks even without shooting weddings!

But let's be real...it's so nice to be back in the swing of things...wedding season is back

and I am pumped!

Brandee is an artist..and a dang good one at that. She's an art major at LSU and as I've said before...doing shoots for artists is always so fun and entertaining.

This girl came ready with awesome ideas for her and Rhett's Save the Dates and engagement photos!

Every photo..set up...and object in these photos has a purpose and plays a role.

Brandee loves sunflowers...old furniture...painting...crafts....and picnics.

Rhett proposed to Brandee with all of her family and friends there...but hidden;)...and in front of an antique door he re-painted and built a frame around.

We knew we had to incorporate this unique detail in the shoot along with crafts they love to do together...a painting of course:)...and much more!

Brandee and Rhett...you guys were so fun to hang out with! I wish you the very best as you continue to plan and get hitched so soon!

May God bless your marriage in every exciting, humbling, and joyful way!!

Enjoy:)

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire

Alicia & Ryan...Baton Rouge Engagements

I started this little thing I call my business, I sought out to learn everything there was to know about photography & running a business. As weeks of excitement turned into months of steady learning, I quickly discovered that learning everything there is to know about photography only goes so far...

but learning everything there is to business...well there's no end to that.

In each conference, seminar, online tutorial, and class I've ever been a part of from the beginning of this somehow the discussion always comes around to making sure you get the "right kind of clients."

There are strategies and pointers galore out there to teach said inquisitor about such unknown territory, but I've found there's one rule that never fails...

 picking the clients that aren't clients at all...they're friends...or they become friends.

Ryan and Alicia have been nothing short of amazing "clients" and honestly at this point I'm so charmed by who they are and what they are together that getting to shoot their wedding is just icing on the cake.

Kate and I had dinner with these two the other night at one of their favorite sushi restaurants here in town

(Must. Try. Rock.N.Sake.)

and it was a little teaser and taste of what this wedding will be like...so awesome!

Alicia and Ryan had their first date at what was once the Wine Loft in Downtown Baton Rouge. Though the loft has a new name, I met Alicia and Ryan there and we had an amazing...(once again almost torrential down pour)...journey through downtown Baton Rouge for their engagement session.

Alicia and Ryan...I'm ready to close the gap between now and your wedding day:)

You guys are awesome and have been such a blast already.

Here's to you

Thanks for stopping by,

*Claire

Sara & Patrick...New Orleans, Louisiana

Parts of New Orleans are simply timeless...

I seem to think it's the trees.

You really can't get more timeless than those trees!!

Add in a super stylish beautiful gal and a handsome man who loves her a lot

and you have a good ole time.

Another timeless South Louisiana element?...

RAIN

This shoot was one of several this time of year that had a big fat "?" on whether it would happen when it was originally planned.

Sara, Patrick, and I all ended up driving through crazy scattered thunderstorms to make it to downtown Nola where there wasn't a drop to be found.

It was exciting to try to beat the rain....

which we did quite successfully.

The bottom fell out as we walked back to our cars.

Sara and Patrick are getting married next year at The Atlantis Hotel in the Bahamas!

To Sara and Patrick...thanks for sticking out through the rain. You guys are stunning! Here's to an amazing destination wedding:)

These were taken at the Piazza de Italia in downtown Nola and City Park in Mid City Nola

Thanks for stopping by,

*Claire

Ben...Baton Rouge Child Portraits, Louisiana

This little man knows how to do it all.

He cooks, he cleans, he fixes things...

Ben is 2.5 years old and even knows how to swim!!

Better than me!

So glad I got to spend a morning with this guy...

Happy Thursday All!

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire

Published: Pocketful of Dreams

I'm excited to share that Pocketful of Dreams, a UK based International Wedding Blog has featured Rachel and Brandon's engagement photos this morning!! (UK time of course)

Many thanks to Pocketful of Dreams for sharing Rachel and Brandon's story as well as these photos with the world!

(If the picture link doesn't work click here to view the post!)

Happy Tuesday.

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire

Kelsey & Patton

I met the couple you're about to see in probably the coolest way I've ever met "clients" before.

Kelsey and Patton are actually my neighbors.

We first met Kelsey as Kate and I were frantically moving in to our new apartment in the middle of October.

Kelsey was scooting by us on our shared balcony about to head to New Orleans and mentioned she and Patton were engaged.

My sweet friend Allison, who you've met here a few times, of course being the wonderful friend that she is suggested to Kelsey that she should most certainly allow me to shoot her wedding:)

And a few months later here we are!

I've said it before many times, but the most rewarding part of all of this is when clients are so much more...they're friends. Kelsey, Patton, Kate, and I live in, what is in my opinion, one of the best areas to live in Baton Rouge.

Spanishtown is right next to Louisiana's capitol building, a pleasant walk to all things downtown, and about 2 seconds from the river.

It is a place where you run into sweet neighbors at dinner on the town, walking down our tree-covered street, and when running the Tuesday night Happy's 5K's.

(which by the way, Kate and I did for the first time randomly last night and it reminded me that I don't care what anyone says...Baton Rouge is so fun!!)

Kelsey and Patton,

I can honestly say I can't stinking wait for your wedding next year! We're going to have a blast:)

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire

Tony, Laura & Ruby

So it's 7:00 am..

The things I say today may make no sense.

Did anyone realize May was coming up?

(Happy Birthday Jaylyn by the way:))

With the craziest wedding season I've ever experienced...

and multiple..multiple shoots a week and month...

and so many weddings coming up

(I promise I'm not complaining:))

there has been this fear in me...and sometimes it's not just been a fear....that I'll burn out. That I am burnt out.

In college while taking multiple photography classes a semester I promised myself time and time again that I wouldn't get burnt out on photography. "I love it too much" I would think.

And it's so true...I love it. But God has reminded me that work here on earth is not perfect and will at the end of some days still be work.

But THEN...

I get to do a Friday afternoon shoot with a trio like this one.

Tony, Laura, and Ruby were a gasp of fresh air in the midst of a crazy crazy week and month.

I'm so thankful God does use work...work that we love...maybe for you work that you don't love so much...to be our blessings in disguise at times and to bring us back to what matters...and hopefully in your case, even if you hate your job...to bring you back to thanksgiving knowing that you're provided for.

It may sound crazy, but I think my favorite part of this job is when a couple, a family, a grandmother, a ring bearer...whoever it is knows how to play...with each other and with those around them!

Sadly, I won't be able to shoot Tony and Laura's wedding...I'll be rocking out at Jaylyn's!...they got engaged at this park back in August and will be married this month!

Tony, Laura, and Ruby...you guys are rockstars. Thanks for a beautiful ending to a crazy week. Thanks for being so fun!

I wish you all the best in your marriage and life together!!

Thanks for letting me be a part of it:)

Thanks for stopping by,

*Claire

Jaylyn, Brian, and a wedding in one month!

You may remember Jaylyn and Brian from a few months ago when we "cooked" up a little celebration for their engagement

cheesecake style.

Just to jog your memory you can see the deliciousness here.

Jaylyn is one of my very bestest friends and has been such a vital and beautiful part of my college experience, my Baton Rouge experience, my friendship/ hardship/ sanctification experience...and oh so much more!

Jaylyn has taught me to be organized!!

She has been in massive support and on the front lines with Claire Elyse Photography and my dreams for it literally since day one.

Some of you may know her as my assistant at your wedding.

Others may know her as that girl with the stunning blue eyes.

I know her as work buddy, roommate, prayer warrior, amazing cook, dreamer, road trip-the-country companion, and so so much more.

Has anyone ever been able to put into words how special being in someone's wedding is?

If so, I'd like to read that article.

Sometimes words don't do excitement justice.

I get to stand in Jaylyn and Brian's wedding one month from today. (This is quite surreal because they've been engaged for

F.O.R.E.V.E.R.

I can say this because..well...I can. It's been forever.)

But what a worthwhile wait.

Brian and Jaylyn are one of those couples that just make sense together. And they have from the very beginning. One of my favorite things about their engagement was how meticulous Brian was about the ring. He and I would secretly meet up at the same restaurant every time there was a new development and discuss every detail of each ring he was thinking about getting because he wanted her to absolutely love it.

Just as special as being in someone's wedding is knowing that it's right..

I'm honored to stand next to them in one month and show my support and belief that this one is good and oh so blessed by our gracious and loving God.

Love you friends,

*Claire

Rebecca & Daniel, Books A Million, and the month of March

Why do big things happen all at once?

February left much to be desired in the realm of exciting..ness.

But March, oh March, how it never fails me.

March has always somehow seemed like a busy month.

Now don't think I'm complaining...because I'm definitely not.

With March there have already been countless shoots, my first ever real life fruit growing in my first ever real life garden, brand new sunshine that hasn't graced us with its presence in what seems like several months, reflection and revamping of my business... post-WPPI, and not to mention a huge East Baton Rouge Teacher protest...today...that I got to be on the front lines of.

I like doing different things.

I looooveee shooting different things.

It's inspiring.

With all that said there's much to talk about in the near future.

Whether I'll have time to do so is still up in the air:)

But for now I'll post a few from another precious couple of their engagements.

Rebecca and Daniel will be getting married this summer in LaPlace, Louisiana.

Their first date and several after took place at Books A Million in Monroe, Louisiana. So it was only appropriate to capture them there after the ever so reliable Baton Rouge rain graced us with its presence in the middle of our shoot.

Here's the lovely couple....and stay tuned for teacher protest pics coming hopefully sooner rather than later.

thanks for stopping by,

*Claire

Rebekah, Read, & Hwy 61

Every time I go home....home home that is....I take Hwy 61.

I'm convinced...and not many people agree with me...that the drive between right outside of Zachary to Natchez, Mississippi is some of the most beautiful in the South.

Some people are turning their nose up. But I have driven alllll over the South. trust me.

Now I'm not claiming the entire country. I'll be the first to admit, driving in North Carolina, Maine, or even Arizona is 10 times more beautiful than what most of Louisiana has to offer...it's true. God just held out a little from Louisiana, but it's cause He knew we could be happy enough with our 90 degree Leap Days and pockets of Magnolias/lakes to give us a taste of what the rest of the world gets on a daily basis.

The other thing Louisiana has going for it is that it's home...and North Carolina or Maine or Arizona can't compete with that!

So anyway...agree or disagree, but I think 61 is beautiful. And tucked behind the trees all along this little stretch of Heaven is St. Francisville.

Rebekah and Read had been dating for about 4 years before they got engaged.

Rebekah is a sweet friend of mine from college and such an extremely talented artist!

Which everyone knows I love shooting artists.....

with a camera.

I actually just realized I'm drinking out of one of her ceramics cups as I write!!!!!!!

I didn't even plan that.

So we went and played in St. Francisville for their engagements. Rebekah did an amazing job of picking what is one of the most beautiful spots I've ever had the joy of shooting.

These two will be getting married at the end of March here in Baton Rouge..

God's country:)

Hope everyone used their extra day wisely.

Happy Thursday,

*Claire

Allie, Ben, Jack & Isaac

So we made it back from Vegas in one piece...which due to the most eventful flight of my entire life, I didn't know I would be able to say today.

no I'm not just being dramatic.

I mean I am being dramatic, but I promise I have good reason.

Just trust me.

Vegas was awesome though! I learned so so much.

for those who don't know, Kate and I skipped off to Vegas this week for the biggest photographer's conference there is!

and I learned a ton!

It was all the opposite of what I expected to learn though.

More on that later.

I shot Allie and Ben's engagements a few days before I left.

Which was quite appropriate because Allie is a fellow photographer!!!

A lot of photographers get a little extra nervous when they shoot fellow photographers...and that's understandable.

But I find it quite a joy to get to shoot artists. It just makes the whole experience a different kind of special.

Allie & Ben are adorable together.

you'll see.

Ben is an artist as well with a voice and a guitar..and their dogs make every day a little more exciting:)

More on their story in the fall after their amazing wedding.

Can't wait!

Never been so happy and energized to be back in the office

seriously

worst. flight. ever.

just trust me

Happy Thursday!

*Claire

Caroline & Dave...Mardi Gras World, New Orleans

People used to ask me if I was planning to move for my photography business.

There were many reasons people one would ask such

(one being that I often dream of owning a sailboat and spending every afternoon on the water

and well...there aren't a whole lot of sailboats in Lousiana)

Another is because I started this business during my last year of college and who doesn't dream of moving to some exotic location like

San Francisco, Seattle, or...Georgia?

I'll admit that these are the "sexy" places to live as a wedding photographer.

(You can't be mistaken when every. single. wedding blog highlights the "Most charming Seattle romance with the perfect amount of sparkle" )

Don't get me wrong...Seattle and San Francisco and New York and...Georgia are all wonderful places with charming weddings!

But there's one they underestimate...

Only in South Louisiana....New Orleans to be exact...does a couple insist on having their engagement photos at none other than

Mardi Gras World!!

For those who don't know...Mardi Gras World is where all the floats for every Mardi Gras parade are designed, constructed, painted, and sent out to grace the streets of Nola every year:)

Both Caroline and Dave are South Louisiana born and raised.

I'll keep my cajun-french-crazy-fun lovin-cultured couples any day.

Happy...

(what day is it?)

to all!

*Claire

Rachel & Brandon...Uptown, New Orleans

This couple is soo

a. dor. a. ble.

These two have a special place in my heart.

Some shoots are just stamped in my memory because they're not work at all...it's just plain fun.

Rachel and Brandon know what they're getting in to.

Their relationship is about so much more than themselves.

Knowing this makes all the difference.

I'm thankful that God is at work in marriages before they even begin.

And that it's just evident in some people

like Rachel and Brandon

Rachel and Brandon will be getting married at the Audubon Tea Room in July.

Can't Wait!

*Claire

Lea & Kiel in Nola

 Morning folks!

Hope this Wednesday finds you well.

remember this maid of honor??

That's right..she caught that bouquet with no shame!

And not even a full 5 months later she got engaged...

If that doesn't put some excitement in the bouquet toss I don't know what does.

Lea and Kiel will be getting married in May 2012

be on the lookout for their creative Covington wedding

next summer!!

 Can't wait for May 12, 12!

*Claire