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

Claire May 16, 2014

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

Andrew + Beth.. Bush, Louisiana Wedding Photography

Claire May 6, 2014

Andrew and Beth were married at a wonderfully quaint church outside of Covington, Louisiana. Every single detail you see at this reception was thought of and created by Beth herself or a family member. Even down to the amazing chandeliers in the barn…her three brothers made these for the wedding! Amazing skills if you ask me.

Beth has dreamed of a barn wedding and looked far and wide for one. It was a beautifully done DIY wedding and from the barbecue to the bridals with a horse…this wedding fit these two like a glove!

Congratulations Andrew and Beth! I wish you two abundant joy in your marriage

Ceremony: Hebron Baptist Church

Reception: The Barn at Southwest Horse Company

Florist: Elaine Prestwood

Cake Artist: Cocoa Bean Bakery

DJ: Joey Hollaway

Hair & Makeup: Rebecca Davis

The Dress: Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique

Lighting and Photobooth: Rock it Productions

Catering: Sweet Daddy's BBQ

Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire

Jeff & Margaret Sneak Peek.. New Orleans Wedding Photographer

Claire April 28, 2014

Congratulations to Jeff & Margaret!!

More to come:)

Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire

Jordan & Casey.. New Orleans Wedding Photographer

Claire April 10, 2014

Jordan and Casey’s wedding was at the incredible Terrell House. I can’t get enough of this place! They are absolutely one of my favorites in New Orleans!

Jordan and Casey had a beautiful wedding celebration complete with awesome gifts for one another (socks for cold feet!! ), tambourines for dancing at the reception (something the bride is known for), and even an accidental almost premature kiss by the groom who just couldn’t contain his joy at seeing his beautiful bride walking down that aisle!

Jordan and Casey, I wish you guys a lifetime of joy in marriage and growth together. I pray you rest in a love and joy greater than yourselves that will allow you to love one another fully.

Getting Ready: Terrell House

Ceremony: St. Henry's Church, New Orleans

Reception: Terrell House

Florist: Fallo Van Os Floral Co

Band: Chicken on the Bone

Makeup: Blush and Bashful

Caterer: Terrell House

The dress: Wedding Bells

Thanks for stopping by!

Claire

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

Claire March 26, 2014

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

Claire March 26, 2014

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

Brad & Kristin...Laffayette, Louisiana {Baton Rouge Wedding Photographer}

Claire February 26, 2014

Brad & Kristin were married on February 15, 2014 at La Chapelle des AttakapasVermilionville Historic Village in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Let me just say...I LOVE this girl's style!

This venue is such a wonderfully quaint and intimate, truly authentic South Louisiana cajun experience! Kristin's details at the wedding even down to the dress, flowers, and incredible cajun band complimented the entire theme of the day.

It was genuine and thoughtful just as Brad and Kristin themselves are and have been toward us!

It was an honor to be a part of this joyful celebration with you two and I pray that joy will extend into many years together of growth in marriage!

Ceremony & Reception: La Chapelle des Attakapas Vermilionville Historic Village

Coordinator: Casey Leblanc

Band: T'Monde

Hair & Makeup: Hellianna Verret

The Dress: BHLDN, veil from Veil Artistry

Bridesmaids Dresses: Lemon Drop

Tuxes: Joseph A. Bank

Paper goods design: Bride's brother!

Thanks for stopping by!

Claire

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

Claire February 21, 2014

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}

Claire February 18, 2014

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

Claire February 14, 2014

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

Claire February 14, 2014

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.

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

Claire February 14, 2014

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.

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!

Claire February 6, 2014

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!

Claire February 6, 2014

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!

Claire February 6, 2014

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

Claire January 23, 2014

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

Claire January 14, 2014

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

Jon-Erik & Tasha...Lafayette, Lousiana Wedding Photography

Claire December 6, 2013

I met Jon-Erik and Tasha via skype a few months back....Proof that the whole concept of skype just rocks.

Jon-Erik and Tasha live in Florida and met while in the same Physical Therapy program.

It's pretty awesome they did too because they both happen to be from South Louisiana:). Tasha is from the Lafayette area and Jon-Erik is from Thibodaux so it was only fitting to get married in these parts.

They were married at St. Joseph Catholic church in Lafayette with their reception at City Club at River Ranch.

This was one of those rare occasions where we actually went west instead of east on I10. It was a blast to be in Lafayette and with such an amazingly sweet couple who lovingly welcomed us to be a part of their super fun wedding day!

Thanks and congratulations to Jon-Erik and Tasha!

Ceremony: St. Joseph Catholic Church

Reception: City Club at River Ranch

Florist: Mary Andrus of Mary's Flowers

Cake: Crystal Wedding Cake

DJ: Dr. Brother Rob

Makeup Artist: Blair @ Glam Salon Opelousas

The dress: Adorae designed by Maggie Sottero

Thanks for stopping by!

*Claire

Tasha...Avery Island Bridal Portraits.. [Baton Rouge Wedding Photographer]

Claire November 20, 2013

Tasha was married to Jon-Erik last Saturday.

They had an incredible Lafayette Wedding with a super fun party to follow. (More on that to come)

I got together with Tasha and her awesome, very sweet and very helpful best friend, Tiffany, a few weeks ago at Avery Island! I had never been to Avery Island and let me tell you...anyone visiting Louisiana and especially those who are from here should experience it. It's quintessential Louisiana in every way from the bayou to the airboats to the birds to the Tobasco sauce. Even the gift shop at this place made me feel like I was coming home!

This was one of the coolest places I've ever had the privilege to shoot.

AND one of the most gorgeous.

Add in there a completely stunning bride and you have a photographer's dream!!