Jamal and Kelli

Kelli and Jamal seem to made for each other. Amid all the craziness, there is Kelli smiling because she knows this is "their day", not just "her" day. Starting out at the Hilton, here are the ladies preping.


Jamal and the guys outside of the Second Baptist Church.

When the ceremony was over, the newlyweds exited the church and released two doves. I thought it was a fitting display for the two lovebirds.
The reception was at the Four Columns on the Westbank. It was perfect for this wedding reception because the dance floor was just big enough to fit everyone, including the 29 people in the entire bridal party to the grandmothers who got out there to show everyone 'what they workin with'.

Lane and Gina

Last Friday, the 19th I photographed Gina and Lane's wedding as a freelance photographer for Sonny Randon. Gina's family was fun to work with and even though there was one glitch in the planning, everything else went like clockwork.

October 18th

Last week I had the opportunity to photograph Lori's bridal pictures in the French Quarter, then the studio. She really really wanted some shots with the Cathedral and Jackson Square, however, it was a day of on and off rain. While I was waiting for Lori, I was pleasantly surprised to see an awesome rainbow that actually ended in the Mississippi River. BTW, that's the Steamboat Natchez going thru the end of the rainbow. Unfortunately, I can't show you any pictures of Lori until after the wedding, but the photos with the dark sky and the Cathedral in the background came out really cool and worth the trip. (It started pouring rain as soon as she got back in the car)

Kristi & Ryan

Kristi was nervous all week. (I think all brides are) However, on game day, things seem to fall in place and worries fade away, at least for Kristi. With the support of mom and the brides maids, all started off well and got better from there. Here's a pic of the bride with mom and sis tying up the dress...

Arriving at the Rose Garden for the ceremony and reception....
Ever notice how a bride and groom look everywhere but at each other during the vows. Most of the time they look at the officiant to repeat their vows. These two didn't take their eyes off each other the whole time! That's a sign of lasting love...
When the bridal party photo is almost done, these guys are ready to let loose. One way to start them off is by doing a 'crazy picture' just for the fun of it.


The first dance. Another 'sign' is the bride and groom at their first dance. You know it's true when they dance as if no one else is in the room with them. BTW, this is their private moment together before meeting and greeting all the guests, so I never interupt by asking the couple to pose for a photo.

a popular 'ring' photo ...

It's always more fun to watch the groom take the garter off than it is to catch it....

Evalina & Rick

Friday's ceremony and reception was held at Benedicts on the Northshore in Mandeville. A great location for a small outdoor ceremony and 2 buildings for receptions. We were in the main house for the reception. Below is a nice shot of the main entrance.
Rick and Evalina are groupies of the band, Kan Dee Side. While posing for this photo with the band, she kept her composure!
Ricky and the best man asking one last time if he wants to call it off..... The night ceremony was a great setting for a wonderful couple who are laid back and down to earth.

After Friday night, Ricky considers himself one of the band. He sang a couple of songs, this one dedicated to his bride who enjoyed the spotlight solo.
Thanks, guys for inviting me to be a part of your special day!

Madness!!

Ever heard the term "get a life?" I have one. Right now its just a busy one and I don't have time to breathe. This is a good thing because I would rather be busy and in demand. First, there was Bob Walker's Bridal Show in the Pontchartrain Center last week. 'Cooler' weather brought out a nice crowd for the show and it was busy talkin up wedding photography. My booth was next to "All About Honeymoons" travel agents Angel and Kerry. A great couple who can put you on a honeymoon anywhere across the world..... Did I mention I do destination weddings? Back to the show, which was good. Had a few brides call for more info or to see if I was available. BTW, brides.... don't wait to get a good photographer. January thru June 2008 is hot!

Thursday I photographed a mass at St. Mary's on Chef Hwy. A very interesting History lesson on Henriette Delille, founder of The Sisters of the Holy Family dating back to 1842. She is officially being considered for canonization by the Catholic Church and a Representative of the Vatican gave a briefing after the mass.

Friday, lunch with fellow DWF Photographer James Bass from New York. He was in New Orleans with his wife and another couple to attend a wedding. Always wanting to see/hear different prospectives on wedding photography, we had lunch and "talked shop." Seems like most brides get married for the same reasons in the North as they do in the South, but traditions are different! Sit down dinners at a reception? Ok, ok. I already know that. But why can't the bride and groom take pictures together BEFORE THE CEREMONY? I guess it makes too much sense, so don't do it. Right? Superstition. Get it done before you march down the aisle so there's more time for everything else at the reception.....

After lunch, sports pictures at Pontiff Playground..... yada yada yada.... get home at 10:30.

Saturday was a great day for a wedding. Julie wasn't quite ready when I arrived at the house, which is good because I like to get the prep shots and details. A very calm household due to the fact that there was only one brides maid (her mom) standing in the wedding. A few poses indoor and outdoor by the pool, then on to A Day to Remember Garden Club for a nice 'family' wedding. Both David and Julie's families were easy to get along with (as is the case with most weddings) but they were a friendly group. Here's a few pics of the evening.......

Sunday, sports pics all afternoon. Monday is my normal 'recover from the weekend' day and start editing photos and working on orders. This week was different. I was helping local
photographer Pat Garin at the Surgeons Convention in New Orleans all week. Add an event or sports pictures for every night this week and catching up till 1:00am on the computer = Madness. Tonight I rest for the weekend coming.

twins??

Hollie

I recently had the opportunity to photograph a young lady who is at ease in front of the camera. She is a senior at a local high school who wanted her pictures to be a little.... different. That's where I come in. My photography business revolves around weddings and I don't advertise family portraits or seniors, but word has spread and each year I get more Seniors calling for sessions. It's a great change of pace for me and we have fun with the poses, action, expressions. Hollie has a vibrant, young personality that we captured in pictures and here are a few my favorites:

Joe & Bonnie

I arrived early at the Chateau Sonesta in the French Quarter for bridal prep shots and found the bridal party relaxed with only a few underlying issues (what wedding day does'nt have issues?) but it wasn't the chaos normally associated with getting ready. After bridal prep and group shots on the patio, it was on to City Park (5th largest city park in the US and has the largest stand of live oaks in the world) at the Peristyle (built in 1907) for the ceremony and reception. For an outdoor wedding in late summer, the weather turned out great; and I have photographed weddings at the Peristyle, but this is the best catering and decoration job I have ever seen at this venue. Nice job!

The guests were enthusiastic and did'nt seem to mind the afternoon sun. After an emotional ceremony, the party was on with great music, dancing and plenty of food and drinks.

Joe and Bonnie were a terrific couple to work with.

They both enjoyed their day, which is how it should be,

leaving all the details and worrying to the vendors.

(who did an outstanding job IMO)

View of the Peristyle from across the lagoon The Gauntlet of birdseed as the newlyweds are saluted

before stepping into the horse drawn carriage

Congratulations Joe & Bonnie!!

September 10, 2007

What a great weekend! I started off with a wedding on Saturday, Michael and Beverly. An extremely nice couple who were so easy to work with and photograph. It was a small ceremony at a local restaurant in Fat City (an old term for a section of Metairie, La. that was a nightclub smorgasbord in the 80's) The small ceremonies are fun when they are more informal, with laughing and funny anecdotes during the vows. Lots of dancing followed with a mix of line dancing and latin music.

Sunday started off with some engagement photos in the French Quarter. A nice couple who won an engagement photoshoot at the last "Weddings in Style Bridal Show."

Coincidentally, there was another "Weddings in Style Bridal Show" that afternoon at the Windsor Court Hotel. Lots of vendors (over 90 vendors) and many brides showed up, most with an entourage of brides-maids and family. Even though it was crowded, IMO it was a successful bridal show with many brides interested in finding a photographer!

After all was said and done, there was still a bit of NFL football to relax to Sunday evening!