Historic Uptown New Orleans Wedding: Julie + Michael | New Orleans Wedding Photographer

Do you know the origins of the wedding party? According to tradition, only an unmarried woman could be a maid of honor, and only the brother, best friend, or father of the groom could be the best man. The original purpose of the bridesmaid and the best man was to aid in the capture of the bride, get her to church on time, and keep any hostile family members away! 

The “best” in best man refers to his skill with a sword, should the need arise. His purpose was as a backup to the groom in case he had to resort to kidnapping his intended bride away from disapproving family members.

Once the flower girl’s role was not simply to spread petals down the aisle, but to protect the bride from the Devil with her shield of virginity. Today, the ring bearer can be a girl, boy, or even a dog!

Now that you're educated on a few fun facts of the origins of the wedding party, I hope you enjoy a few photos from Julie and Michael's stunning classic, Southern Spring wedding at The Elms Mansion in Uptown New Orleans.

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.

Featured In: Emmaline Bride

I'm so excited to announce that Laure & Ryan's wedding is featured on Emmaline Bride today! Hop on over to their blog HERE to check it out.

Shelli + Sean: Sneak Peek

The past week has been ever-so-exciting! Between shooting Shelli and Sean's wedding at Parc 73 and then heading to Chicago for a mind-blowing photography workshop, I've been a busy little bee. As I was sorting through their photographs from the day, I couldn't help but share a few. Here are a few of my favorites from their first look...

Stay tuned for more of their outdoor wedding on the blog next week!

Lauren + Ryan: Part II

As promised, here's part two of Lauren and Ryan's sweet and dainty affair! From blush bridesmaids, natural flowers, to the most perfect feminine touches. Their day was just a sweet mix of Southern cocktail hour at sunset and perfectly quirky vows, filled with ruffles and laughs in between.

And in case you’re planning a wedding, or perhaps you just love Lauren’s planned out details, here are a few of her ever-fabulous vendors from the day…

Venue: The Lakehouse Mandeville

Wedding Dress & Lace Duster: BHLDN

Bridal Prep: Marvilla Guest House

Makeup: Kendel with Makeup by Kendel

Invitations and Programs: Magnet Street

Paper Garland Flowers (pictured in Part II post): Love Embellished

Flowers: Florist of Covington

Videographer: BGP Productions

Photographer: Kali Norton

Lauren and Ryan, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for the opportunity to document this time in your life.