Unique, party-filled Elopement in New Orleans, LA.
When Aubrie contacted me three months before her wedding I was shocked. Her previous photographer had fallen through and when looking in her search for a new photographer, she decided to go with a local Louisiana photographer for her destination wedding. She searched and searched on google and insta for someone that fit her style. Hashtags like #moodyNewOrleansPhotographer or #RusticNewOrleansPhotographer and there were very few results. Cue in: me.
I absolutely love how different my wedding style is from other Louisiana photographers! It sets me apart and gives me an edge, while fitting the needs of most brides. From the first five minutes of my FaceTime meeting with Aubrie, I knew we were going to be a PERFECT fit. She immediately said "you wanna see my dogs" ummmmm HECK YEAH!!! She showed me her pups sleeping on the couch next to her and I naturally fell in love with her. THEN she dropped the amazing secret that she was wearing a BLACK WEDDING DRESS!!!! how amazing is that.
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About their New Orleans Elopement
I knew this wedding was going to be a stunner and portfolio masterpiece. I was so freaking excited. Gus and I drove to the Hotel Mazarin in New Orleans, LA where the bride and groom were getting ready. We took all of the detail shots, photos of her mom getting her dressed, and eventually the first look in their courtyard! We then went out onto Bourbon Street to take some couples portraits where we snuck into some bars to get some LED sign action. We went back to the Hotel Mazarin, took family and bridal party pictures, then headed to the ceremony.
They got married in the French Quarter Wedding Chapel on Burgundy Street. The ceremony was short and sweet, followed by them signing a dollar bill and pinning it to the ceiling! What a unique tradition the Wedding Chapel has!! We then second lined through the Quarter to the Reception location at Honfleur at Hotel Provincial. We were even able to sneak in a few more couple portraits around sunset!
From there, they danced the night away, gave speeches that made everyone teared up, then took bicycle taxis back to the hotel to change for a night on Bourbon Street!!
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A Message From the Bride
What part of your wedding day stood out to you the most?
Definitely the second line parade. It was sooooo much fun and passers by were all cheering for us, people even came out of their workplaces and homes or opened windows to congratulate us, it was really fun and special. Everyone had such a good time, it’s practically a bucket list item!
Why did you choose to elope in New Orleans?
We’d been there a few times before and just love the city. The idea of the second line parade really excited us and the French Quarter Wedding Chapel photos was one hundred percent our vibe. Getting married locally was becoming a hassle and the package we got through the chapel just made everything so much easier. And of course we had a ton of different reception and catering options with delicious local food.
What was the funniest moment of your day?
I don’t know about funniest, but FUNNEST was when the second line stopped at Jackson Square and I just got to dance around with my husband in the street!
What advice would you have to any new brides or those wanting to elope in New Orleans?
There are so many options, definitely do your research and see what people recommend through reviews to make sure your day will go smoothly. Also the chapel we got married at had a fantastic coordinator, Luann, and she really helped me with so much. She organized the parade and got the permits and was key in planning a wedding in another state. Definitely have help coordinating!! Our reception venue also had its own coordinator so I really didn’t have to worry about too much from the other side of the country.
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Second Shooter: Gus Stark // Videographers: Howard Photo and Film // Venue: French Quarter Wedding Chapel // Reception Venue: Honfleur at Hotel Provincial // DJ: Æxö Entertainment // Dress: Victoria Soprano // Dress Shop: Remi Raine Bridal // Floral: DriedFlowersByOlga
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