Congratulations to Tyler & Carolyn!
These two met online just before Tyler went on a long vacation to the Ukarine for a while. Now living in Boston, they celebrated their wedding back in the boot where Tyler's roots are and had friends & family from all over the states join them. Needless to say I've enjoyed getting to know these two & sharing travel stories!
Wishing you guys the best!!
Josh and Anna were married in downtown St. Francisville at Park Memorial Park.
The rain threatened to visit us throughout their entire wedding day but you would think neither of them knew anything ahead except getting to see each other. Josh and Anna's wedding was so very them...laid back and full of peace and joy. This is always refreshing to see.
And it just so happened to pour as soon as they drove away at the end of the night. Perfect timing.
Congratulations you two. So thankful to have been a part of this. I'm praying for many years of that joy and peace to come.
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Parker Memorial Park
Videographer: High Rise Video Productions
Coordinator: Kristen Slate
Florist: Mia Sophia; Mary Frances Smart
Cake Artist: Karen Gomez
Tables & Chairs: Tiger Canopy
Band: Carbon Copy Band
Makeup Artist: Emily Pate
Hair Artist: Mallory Mayer
The Dress: Bridal Boutique
Thanks for stopping by!
Claire
Congratulations to Josh & Anna!
Here's a peek of Anna's bridals a the wedding day! More of their wedding to come:)
Anna Pate Garmon, St. Francisville Bridals
Anna Pate Garmon, St. Francisville Bridals, St. Francisville Weddings
Anna Pate Garmon, St. Francisville Bridals, St. francisivlle weddings
Anna Pate Garmon, St. Francisville Weddings
Anna Pate Garmon, St. Francisville Weddings, Bridal Party
St. Francisville Weddings, Bridal Party, groomsmen
St. Francisville Weddings, Bridal Party, flower girl
St. Francisville Weddings
St. Francisville Weddings, Bridal Party, ceremony
St. Francisville Weddings, Bridal Party, bride and groom
Josh&AnnaWedding_ClaireElysePhotography-4339
Thanks for stopping by!
Claire
Philip and Sasha met at a hurricane party in New Orleans right before Hurricane Isaac in 2012. Philip's family and friends recalled how he introduced himself to Sasha...asking her if she knew there was a big storm coming. Sasha was on vacation from New York with her friends. One move from NYC to New Orleans and a tour in Afghanistan later...Philip and Sasha were married at the Terrell House in uptown New Orleans last weekend.
Congratulations you two...Wishing you many wonderful years together!
Ceremony & Reception Location: Terrell House New Orleans
Flowers: Terrell House New Orleans
Coordinator: Linda O'Brien, Terrell House
Band: Panorama Jazz Band
Makeup Artist: Nicole, Blush & Bashful
Hair Artist: Erin, Blush & Bashful
The Dress: Bridal Boutique by Maeme - Blush by Hayley Paige
Tuxes: Men's Warehouse
Thanks for stopping by,
Claire
There are only a handful of people in my life who I can say have been with me through awkward junior high phase, birthdays, mission trips, Vegas, English class, 2nd soprano section, student counsel elections, youth camps, graduations, leaving home, college rivalries, heartbreaks, adjustments to new cities, confusion at life's disappointments, dreams of doing what we love, and the challenges to trust God on this pilgrimage. Jaimee and I talked about this day when we were 12 years old and now I was able to be a part of it in a way I couldn't have seen coming back then...by doing what I love. I had the honor of photographing Jaimee's wedding day in New Orleans. She and Travis had a really intimate service with family surrounding them. What a memorable day it was.
The other day I told Jaimee about how much I enjoyed meeting Travis and loved seeing how God so specifically suited the two of them. I'm so excited to see how God uses their marriage and life together.
Love you friends and praying for a lifetime of joy and peace for you two!
It's hard to put into words how moving it was to photograph a life long friend's wedding. Here's a sneak peek of my dear friend, Jaimee and Travis's French Quarter New Orleans wedding.
Much more of their entire day to come.
Until then...Congratulations you two. Love you.
Thanks for stopping by!
Claire
I met Mark and Kristen last year and loved hearing how they met through a softball league for young professionals in Washington DC. Kristen wanted to get married in her home church and hometown of Baton Rouge..and who can blame her for wanting a chance to introduce friends and family from all over the country to South Louisiana for the very first time. They did that just the right way..with two second lines. These two were so calm yet so excited throughout the day and it made for a very memorable day.
Congratulations you two!
Getting Ready & Ceremony: First Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge
Makeup Artist: Amy Thornton
Hair Artist: Jody Moffit, Salon de lis
Reception: Steele Burden Memorial Orangerie
Cake Artist: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Band: After 8
Caterer: Bayou Bistro
Minister: Derek McCollum, First Presbyterian Church
Thanks for stopping by!
Claire
write something
Congratulations Mark and Kristen!
More to come:)
Thanks for stopping by!
*Claire
I've seen weddings where family members, bridal party members, and even guests arrange some sort of surprise for the bride and groom and it's exciting to shoot. I think this may have been the first time I saw a bride and groom surprise their entire wedding party, families, and guest list during their wedding reception...how did they do it?
with a Drum Line!!!
It only makes sense for Taylor and Andrea who love to have a great time, were giddy about celebrating their marriage from the first day I met them, and who wanted to show in more ways than one how thankful they are for the folks that have been a part of their relationship for more than 10 years!
Congratulations Taylor and Andrea:)
Ceremony: National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor
Hair : Ashley Sievert
Makeup: Ginger Dufriend
Coordinator: Liz Burkhardt
Florist: Arbor House
Reception: City Park - The Pavillion of Two Sisters
Cake Artist: Swiss Bakery
The Dress: MaeMe Bridal Boutique
Videographer: Chad Bower
Band: The Boogie Men
Thanks for stopping by!
Claire
Congratulations to Drew and Lexi!
I had no idea the Chicory even existed. What an amazing venue! I LOVED photographing this wedding on a rooftop in the heart of the Crescent City.
It was a great first wedding of 2015.
Congratulations you two..wishing you the best in the years to come.
Coordinator: Stephanie Young
Getting Ready: The Melrose Mansion
Ceremony: The Chicory - Rooftop
Reception: The Chicory
The Dress: I Do! Bridal Couture (Baton Rouge, LA)
Bridesmaid Dresses: Wedding Belles, New Orleans, LA (designer: Jenny Yoo)
Invitations: eDanae (Etsy)
Hair Artist: Rachel Richard, Steven Sobel Salon
Florist: Meade Wenzel
Lighting Artist: Luminous Events
Videographer: Chad Bower
Ceremony Music: Fine Arts Ensemble
Officiant: Reverend Joe Pitzer
Band: The Phunky Monkeys
Thanks for stopping by!
Claire
Thomas and Lindsay were married at the Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge.
This venue is a special place for me. It's the first place I ever did a photo session here in Baton Rouge. It's where I learned to use a large format camera in college and where I've spent time with several different brides and couples months, weeks, sometimes days before they walk down the aisle together.
Thomas and Lindsay were both so calm on their wedding day. Not everything went as originally planned, but these two were full of joy and peace throughout the day.
Thomas and Lindsay, wishing that peace and joy will go with you throughout your lives together. Congratulations and Merry Christmas:).
Thanks for stopping by!
*Claire
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
Congratulations to Lee & Jennifer!
Can't wait to share more of these two.
Stay tuned!
Thanks for stopping by!
*Claire
Mrs. Jennifer Pate Hardee was married last weekend to Lee Hardee at Afton Villa Gardens in St. Francisville.
It was an amazing wedding day that I can't wait to share.
But one of my favorite aspects of photographing wedding details is getting together weeks before the wedding day and doing bridal photos.
I think I love these not only for the tradition behind it but also because it's unique to southern style weddings.
I've heard folks saying bridals are becoming a thing of the past. I hope not. This tradition sets the stage for brides on their wedding day. It makes them more comfortable in front of the camera and helps the girls know how to prepare all details for their hair and dress. It provides sweet memories with the bride's mom, sisters, maid of honor, or even bridesmaids. And beyond that...it provides time, lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere to get photos like these of Jennifer in the location of her wedding just a few weeks before she was married there.
More from Jennifer's wedding day to come.
Thanks for stopping by!
*Claire
Mrs. Jennifer Pate Hardee was married last weekend to Lee Hardee at Afton Villa Gardens in St. Francisville.
It was an amazing wedding day that I can't wait to share.
But one of my favorite aspects of photographing wedding details is getting together weeks before the wedding day and doing bridal photos.
I think I love these not only for the tradition behind it but also because it's unique to southern style weddings.
I've heard folks saying bridals are becoming a thing of the past. I hope not. This tradition sets the stage for brides on their wedding day. It makes them more comfortable in front of the camera and helps the girls know how to prepare all details for their hair and dress. It provides sweet memories with the bride's mom, sisters, maid of honor, or even bridesmaids. And beyond that...it provides time, lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere to get photos like these of Jennifer in the location of her wedding just a few weeks before she was married there.
More from Jennifer's wedding day to come.
Thanks for stopping by!
*Claire
Happy Halloween to all!
We have some not so spooky photos to share of Jack and Nicole's amazing wedding in the New Orleans French Quarter.
What an honor it was.
More to come!
Thanks for stopping by!
Claire
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
What a joy and honor to relive this day and to have been a part of it. This wedding was special to me for so many reasons.
Congratulations to Kyle & Elizabeth.
Much more to come:)
Thanks for stopping by!
Claire
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:).
Thanks for stopping by!
*Claire
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
