Coastal Engagement Session: Mckae + Ethan | Mandeville Wedding Photographer
"And I know you are the last thought, breath, and wish I will ever have, take, or make, because you are the daydream I am supposed to have for the rest of my life." I love photographing a girl in love. There are times in photographs that the heart, soul, and joy of her existence radiate right through into each snapshot in time. This is Mckae. As I sat flipping through her and Ethan's finished gallery of images yesterday, my heart was so full of the contentment I felt from the both of them.
I hope you enjoy a few of my favorites from their beachy engagement session!
In the spirit of engagements and love, just a little reminder about the SUMMER SALE I have going on:
From now until August 31, 2017 I am offering $500 OFF of select Wedding Photography Collections!
Email me if you’d like more info! Newly engaged? Know someone who is? Share this info with them.
Dreamy Louisiana Plantation Wedding | Krystal + Nick: New Orleans Wedding Photography
"The heart is not like a box that gets filled up; it expands in size the more you love." This is a quote taken from the movie Her but reminded me so much of the capacity for love Krystal so clearly possesses and exudes. From her positive attitude to the souls she surrounds herself, she is comprised of so much love and light.
Nothing I could say in this blog post though could portray more accurately Krystal's aura or Nick's admiration for her more than the words he wrote her that morning...
"Krystal, how do I even begin to express the way I feel about you into words? Just know that the length of this letter and the simplicity of words do not reflect the true meaning of my love for you. I wanted to take the time to explain some simple words I say to you all of the time, I love you.
I. When I say I, I mean all of me. It's everything I've got; everything about me. My last dime, my last ounce, my last second, will be for you. I put everything I've got behind that first word.
I promise to offer the best of me for the rest of my life."
To me it's that word in the phrase that connects us. Everything I've got connecting with everything you've got. Love is everything in this marriage. No matter what we face, we've got to face it together, and build everything. I feel like we can take on the world with our love."
No matter what you feel, think, or say about yourself, just know that I will love it all. You are the most beautiful person I have ever met.
You have an amazing heart that pours love for not just me, but for everyone close to us.
You are super gorgeous. I probably poke my chest out when you are on my arm. It's just subconscious. You'll have to get used to it. I'm proud of you.
You know how to take care of me and you know how to bring the best out of me. I love that you know me so well."
I'm excited for today and so excited to begin the next chapter. I love you."
Venue: Destrehan Plantation - Photo: Kali Norton - Video: Brock Gomez Productions - Hair + Makeup: Ivory Rose Beauty Co. - Florals: Something Borrowed Blooms - DJ: Quinn Landry, White Oak Productions
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New Orleans Terrell House Wedding | Marlo + Rachel: New Orleans Destination Wedding Photographer
Back when arranged marriages were the norm, couples were generally kept apart and not allowed to see each other before the ceremony actually took place. In the event that the bride was undesirable, the groom may have wanted to call off the wedding. When you consider the purpose of arranged marriages (think: political alliances, securing land and wealth, keeping specific families in power, etc.), it would be fairly embarrassing and shameful to the family should the groom be given the chance to change his mind. So, as a result, the groom and bride were forbidden to see each other prior to the ceremony. This is in keeping with the same purpose of the bride having a veil as well. Nowadays, the tradition has simply carried over and the meaning has changed significantly. Some consider it bad luck (amounting to purely superstition), while others think it simply makes the event more special and exciting.
Marlo and Rachel chose to spend the day getting ready WITH one another. While they had separate bedrooms where they spent time among close friends, they soaked in various moments and sentiments of the day together, as well. Seeing the two of them enjoy such a monumental day unfold with one another was like a huge gust of fresh, cool air on a hot summer day.
Oh man, I love the feeling of a Spring Wedding in New Orleans.
What's better than enjoying a few quiet moments and a glass of rose' with the love of your life before a monumental life event?
Haley + Jordan: An Uptown New Orleans Engagement | Louisiana Engagement Photographer
"I'm not sure about what to do in front of the camera, but we love New Orleans and we laugh a lot." That's what Haley told me during the planning phase of her session--and it was true. From the moment I pulled the camera out, the way Jordan comforted her nerves and made her giggle, left me with so much excitement that these two are planning to spend their lives together. And as I've said before, there's not much more beautiful in this world than a smiling woman.
So sleek, these two--bow ties, blazers, leather. You know I was about it.
We kept Haley and Jordan's session in Uptown New Orleans--all with colors and atmosphere that meshed so perfectly with their outfits and personalities. I wanted the session to have a classic New Orleans feel, without the hustle and bustle of the touristy sections, and I don't think we could have found better nooks and crannies than these off of Magazine Street.
I loved all of the photos from their session, but I felt myself especially drawn to these black and whites. Haley just looks so carefree and genuinely happy--safe with Jordan.
Haley and Jordan, thank you for the opportunity to document such a monumental start of life together for you two. You will be so stunning all in white on the beach in May.
Seaside Romance: Editorial | The Cottages on Charleston Harbor
During my recent travels, I had the utmost pleasure of photographing this seaside editorial on Charleston's charming harbor. Soft hues, mixed textures, and the most romantic florals--I couldn't have been more enamored with the detail. And I'd just love to talk about this TO-DIE Carol Hannah gown, but I'm pretty sure it speaks volumes all on its own.
I may have gotten carried away photographing the natural details along the beach while shooting, but gah, I just couldn't resist. All of the natural elements that pieced so perfectly with the planned elements of this shoot just had my little heart jumping for joy.
Location: The Cottages on Charleston Harbor | Bride’s Gown: Carol Hannah | Groom’s Attire: Louis Purple | Florals: Gathering Events | Hair & Makeup: Wedding Hair by Charlotte
A Christmas Tree Farm Engagement | Tulle Skirts & Flannel Shirts: Megan + Jordan
As she walked out of the car in her flannel outfit, I complimented her on her stunning brown boots. She replied, "Jordan picked them out for me for Christmas last year." After having spent some time with them already, I believed every bit of that statement was true. These two have a respect and nurturing affection for one another in the most refreshing of ways. Gentle, kind, and so clearly ready to spend the rest of their lives with no one else but one another.
Megan and Jordan's engagement sesh has me giddy as all get out for their wedding day. Seeing the fabulous eye Megan has for pairing outfits and details, I know the wedding day she has in mind will be absolutely picture perfect.
Between the fun we had trailing around the Christmas tree lot and the festive love these two have for this time of year, I just couldn't.....even.
Jordan's nurturing tendencies towards Megan truly left me in awe--as did her radiant, bright personality.
Jordan dabbles in a little guitar and brewing his own beer, so we had a little pow wow among brews and tunes in the middle of a field at sunset. Be jealous.
And in case you thought you couldn't love these two more, meet the most perfect holiday outfits I ever did see. Crunchy leaves and tulle skirts, I'm pretty sure there's a spot like this in Heaven.
Soft kisses, dances in abandoned lots, and newsboy caps--my holiday heart is so very full.
Megan and Jordan, I could not adore you two more. I absolutely cannot wait to witness your vows to spend the rest of your lives together.
A Charleston Harbor Elopement | A Low Country Boil: Reagan + Hunter
As if the town of Charleston isn't charming enough, photographing the elopement of the most smitten couple with ever-fabulous style sure is. Reagan and Hunter looked like they came straight out of a magazine with the elation that encompassed their smiles and entire personas for their day. Overcast skies, a breathtaking harbor, and the most lovely designed details made for an elopement of Low Country perfection.
She just molded into Hunter's arms with such ease--a beauty inside and out.
Seriously, give me a harbor or a beach to photograph as my landscape and I'm pretty sure I'd be forever happy. 
After having a little time for pre-event photos, Reagan and Hunter got to set their sights on the hard work of their ever-fabulous designer, Jacin of Lovely Little Details. Jacin left not a detail unturned for their reception--an intimate Low Country Boil on the harbor with their closest family and friends.
I told you not a detail was left unfinished. (:
Mint Juleps, a clam bake, and the most perfect afternoon. 
There was a little time later in the day to slip Reagan and Hunter away from guests for a few more quick shots near the palm trees and sand.
Can we just discuss Reagan's perfection of a bun?
Reagan and Hunter, the love you share for one another and your fervor for life just radiates right out of you onto those around you. I wish you nothing but a lifetime of cuddles and laughs.
Florals, Event Design, Decor: Lovely Little Details | Location: The Cottages on Charleston Harbor | Musicians: Wedding Music Charleston | Catering: Cru Catering | Tables, Chairs, Tent + Lighting Rentals: Event Haus | Reagan’s Dress + Hunter's Bow Tie: Lula Kate | Hair & Makeup: Mikel Rumsey | Paper Goods: Chelsea Petaja | Menu Production: Southern Fried Paper
Beth + Jacob
Something I've noticed more recently with my brides and grooms is the unwavering level of support they have surrounding them on their day. This isn't to say that some I've photographed have not, just that lately, this particular thing has set a certain tone for the weddings we've been photographing. Beth and Jacob's large wedding party was just that--full of life and love for the two of them. In fact, the entire wedding party kind of seemed like one big family. What can you say? That's kind of how we do it here in the South...
Classic New Orleans, simple and clean details, and a little bling were some of my favorite parts of Beth and Jacob's day. Everything was in the French Quarter and had such a homey New Orleans feel. To make it a little sweeter, the staff at Riverview Room were just phenomenal, to us as well as the guests.
Here are a few of the vendors and locations that helped make Beth's vision come to life...
Getting Ready Location: Westin
Ceremony: St. Mary's Catholic Church
Reception: Riverview Room
Florist: Beth's Flowers
Hair/Makeup: Traci Woodard Salon
Video: Carriage Films
Photography: Kali Norton
We had a large chance for rain that day, but graciously it held off and we were able to do all of the photos outside like we had originally planned. The skies were perfect, the light was perfect, and most importantly, Beth was perfect.
Despite the head, Jacob was such a trooper in his many layers of stylish formal attire as he waited to hear his bride's voice behind him.
Beth and Jacob allowed me full discretion when it came to the creative nature of their photos, which really allowed us to utilize our photo time in the most productive way possible to create a curated collection. Additionally, Preston was unable to shoot this wedding with me due to military obligations, so I had the absolute PLEASURE of my ever-creative photog friend, Desiree shoot with me. It was a nice change of pace and her artistic capacity just blows my mind and speaks volumes to my soul. We worked, chatted, and bounced creative ideas off of each other all day long.
St. Mary's is just breathtaking...
Riverview Room was such a perfect location for a truly New Orleans wedding. The views of the city from the balcony were perfection, especially for out of town guests. From the Mississippi River to the rooftops overlooking the Cathedral, it was all in viewing distance.
Beth and Jacob, thank you for the pleasure of allowing us to peek our lens into the beginnings of your life together. I wish you nothing but health, love, and happiness. Forever.
Jasmine Star Workshop: Chicago
Can I just shout to the rooftops how appreciative I am to be able to do what I love and make a living doing it? Admittedly, there are many days when I'm incredibly overwhelmed with the sheer idea of being my own boss--the idea that my success (or failure) lies soley in my hustle. Because let's be honest, as with many things in life, it's so easy to both catch and lose that hustle. It's even easier to get down on yourself. (By the way, if you are currently down on yourself, I encourage you to read one of my past posts on that topic, here.)
Nonetheless, with that rollercoaster of emotional ups and downs and wondering if my hustle will ever be fast enough, driven enough, creative enough, I'm ever grateful to have worked for several opportunities for travel this summer. My travels aren't over, but thus far, taking some time to adventure to new places and learn from others has truly been a breath of fresh air. (If you need some inspiration on the importance of taking breaks, I have a post for that too, here.)
A couple of weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of attending a wedding photography workshop in Chicago put on by one of the key people in the creative professional industry who truly inspired my own personal decision to change my course of studies from English several years ago, and graduate with a B.A. in Liberal Arts to pursue a career in fine art wedding and portrait photography. Jasmine Star is a wedding photographer based in California who has mastered her art and her business through her sheer hustle and online voice. In college, I spent countless hours in between classes, at night, and during study breaks reading every inch of her blog, daydreaming about my own business and how I hoped to someday have the hustle that she possesed. I watched every online video and course she posted, I bought the magazine she published--I wanted that drive. Well, my friends, so much sweat tears and tears go into that hustle, I can assure you and I'm so far from where my dreams lie, but a tiny bit of me felt so at peace having met a woman who had such an impact on my career decisions. And how? All through her voice, love for writing, and dedicated blogging. Her true passion for wanting to help those willing to hustle, succeed.
Not only did I have some extra time in Chicago to experience a little adventure, but I walked away from the workshop reinvigorated in how to approach my art and be of even better service to my dazzling clients. Our workshop took place at Robyn Rachel's drool-worthy warehouse/loft-esque studio in Downtown Chicago, where we spent the day learning, networking, and having the most casual business chats over delicious food. During the workshop, we had the opportunity to watch Jasmine shoot, and even got a little time to take away some of the knowledge she yielded us through our own lens.
Our shooting portion of the workshop took place at a super swanky Chicago venue, Salvage One. Also, drool-worthy. If anyone wants to have a wedding full of retro mismatched chairs and a mid-century feel, let me tell you how game I am...
The rest of the Chicago creative team that made our day ever-fabulous were:
Hair: Nicci Loiacono Makeup: Megan Hauser Accessories: Left Bank Jewelry Dress: Valentino from Belle Vie Bridal Tuxedo: Formally Modern Tuxedo Flowers: A Stem Above
During the shoot, I also snapped a few of Jasmine instructing and JD being super awesome at everything else. Literally. I'm pretty sure he's the other half of her brain--which I can only imagine, as Preston already fills in the gaps where my brain turns to mush on wedding days. Husband-wife teams for the win!
Jasmine, thank you for the countless moments of inspiration throughout my career, and for your confident, steadfast drive that lifts up this industry. Oh, and the "Gheushh." (; I mean, how do we even spell that?