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

Matt + Kelsi...Monroe, Louisiana {Baton Rouge Wedding Photographer}

You may remember Matt and Kelsi's engagements from last summer. We took Matt, Kelsi, and their precious dogs' photos at and around Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana where Matt and Kelsi first met.

A few minutes down the road and just a few years later, these two were married on February 1st!

Matt and Kelsi, what a joy to be a part of your wedding day and to get to celebrate with your sweet families and friends! It was honor and we wish you two many years of growth, blessings, and joy in marriage with one another!

Many thanks!

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

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

Yoni & Lauren... New Orleans Wedding Photography {The Terrell House}

I've said it time and time again...

I LOVE the Terrell House in New Orleans. It continually proves itself worthy of being at the top of my list for venues in New Orleans!

Linda at The Terrell House does everything. seriously.

Lauren and Yoni's wedding was no different. The location, catering, and flowers were done by the awesome staff at the Terrell House. This is definitely a way to go for a venue if you're wanting the big things all taken care of in one spot.

Lauren and Yoni had such a fun celebration. From their 3 best friends with wagging tails in the ceremony to the smashing of the glass to a grand entrance from a brass band to even Mardi Gras Indians.... this couple knows how to put on a celebration.

Yoni and Lauren it was an awesome day! Wishing you (and your three sweet puppies) growth and joy as you live life together!

Ceremony & Reception: The Terrell House

Caterer: The Terrell House

Wedding Coordinator: Linda O'brien with The Terrell House

Florist: Linda O'brien with The Terrell House

Cake Artist: Monique Landaiche

Band: Stooges Brass Band

Makeup Artist: Stephanie Foote, "Make Me Up"

Hair Artist: Lan, Stardust Salon

The Dress: Town & Counrty Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstrom's

Tuxedos: John's Tuxedos

Ceremony String Players- James and Lindsay Hausman

Officiant: Rabbi David Gruber

Videography: Efi Productions

Thanks for stopping by!

Claire

Matt + Lindsay...Baton Rouge Wedding

I met Lindsay a few years ago when we both were in college. We knew each other through a mutual dear friend, Meredith, who was in Lindsay's sorority and whose engagements were the very first engagement shoot I ever did! I remember after I finished Meredith's photos, Lindsay came to me and said

"one day you're going to shoot my wedding."

A couple of weeks ago..I had the honor of doing just that.

That conversation was long before Lindsay first met Matt over coffee talking about mutual friends and experiences. Matt and Lindsay both spent time in Africa doing mission work with the same group...but at different times. This is what ultimately brought them together and God has provided a way for them to return...together..in just a few months.

To Matt & Lindsay...I pray the joy you experienced on your wedding is just a glimpse of what God provides and has for you two in the future. It was truly an honor to be a part of your engagement and your day:)

Ceremony: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church

Reception: White Oak Plantation

Coordinator: Allie Wester

Videography: The Loupe Theory

Florist: Fleur Du Jour

Cake Artist: Baum's Fine Pastries

Makeup: Mallory Babin, Paris Parker Salon

Hair: Shauna Avants, Paris Parker Salon

Bridesmaid Dresses: AnnTaylor

Tuxes: Squire's

Caterer: John Folse, White Oak Plantation

Thanks for stopping by!

Claire

Corey & Rebecca...New Orleans, Louisiana Wedding

Another stunning wedding at Latrobe's! I'm blessed to have been able to work with these folks so much this fall!

You might remember the wedding we did there back in September (you can see it here) AND Rebecca's bridals (see them here) were shot here a few weeks before the wedding. It's a beauty and right in the heart of the French Quarter.

Rebecca & Cory's wedding also had probably one of the coolest groom's cakes I've ever seen!

It was a fun day hopping around the French Quarter and praying for rain to go far far away

...and it did!

Congratulations Corey and Rebecca!

Here's to you two!

Ceremony & Reception: Latrobe's on Royal

Getting Ready Location: Hotel Monteleone

Florist: Carrolton Flower Market

Cake Artist: Shake Sugary-Dawn Snead

Band: The Boogie Men

Makeup Artist: Amanda Wellerman

Hair Artist: Megan Webb

The dress: I Do Bridal Couture

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bridal Boutique

Custom Printing: American Printing

Additional Details: Luminous Events Of New Orleans

Caterer: Latrobe's On Royal

Thanks for stopping by!

Claire

Brad + Desiree...Baton Rouge Engagements

Brad & Desiree will be getting married in February in New Orleans.

We thought we'd explore downtown Baton Rouge since Brad has lots of memories here.

Congratulations to Brad &Desiree! Can't wait for February 8!

Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire

Brad + Desiree...Baton Rouge Engagements

Brad & Desiree will be getting married in February in New Orleans.

We thought we'd explore downtown Baton Rouge since Brad has lots of memories here.

Congratulations to Brad &Desiree! Can't wait for February 8!

Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire

Congratulations Rebecca Robert Mayeux!

Rebecca and Corey were married this past Saturday in New Orleans.

Their photos are to come but for now here's a few of Rebecca's bridals taken at the incredible Latrobe's on Royal where Rebecca and Corey were married.

Thanks for stopping by!

Claire

James & Christen...A New Orleans French Quarter Wedding

This was the first of a couple shoots at Latrobe's in the French Quarter.

I'm a fan!!

Ladies this is quite the venue for an authentic French Quarter wedding.

Another great bridal party up for super fun photos and how can anyone resist the amazing scene the French Quarter offers on every corner.

Photographer's dream.

Wishing James and Christen so much joy as you grow together!

Special thanks to the sidekick, Kate, who rocked some of these photos. Can't thank you enough friend.

Ceremony: Latrobe's on Royal

Reception/Catering: Latrobe's on Royal

Coordinator: Stacy Parker

Cake Artist: Maple Street Bakery

Hair & Makeup: Emily Kate Warren Spokes

Wedding Dress: Bridal Boutique of Baton Rouge: Designer-Watters

Custom Printing: Paper Whites Press

Minister: Joe Pitzer

Band: River City Hit Squad

Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire

Grayson is 1 year old!

I love this time of year!

Consistent Christmas music listening officially started this week.

Thanksgiving is next week...which for me means several days in the mountains with the family.

And kids look cuter than ever this time of year!

It's the time when I get to hang out with so many families and celebrate with them what giving thanks, giving gifts, and getting older really means.

Happy Belated Birthday to Grayson.

And Happy early Thanksgiving to everyone!!

Thanks for stopping by,

*Claire

Lori & Corey are Engaged!...Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Happy Friday!!

Big things going on lately.

Let's just say I'm going to buy several paint cans today...grabbing friends and extra hands...and spending the weekend painting walls and building furniture because....

We got an office!!!!!!

This is has been the most exciting AND scary move I've made since I started this thing....by farrr!

But I'm excited. And I've already learned so much.

More on the office to come. We'll be doing some renovations and set up will take some time, but I'm looking forward to making the official announcement when it's all done!

In the meantime...check out Lori and Corey and their amazing vintage style. They wanted to jump into the past downtown and at Cheeburger Cheeburger (a diner here in Baton Rouge and beyond).

The diner idea was genius on their part! I couldn't get enough of these two.

Congratulations to Lori and Corey!!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Claire

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

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