Sara and Matt: New Orleans Wedding Photography
New Orleans Wedding Photography in the French Quarter
Sara and Matt
Sara and Matt found me on Instagram. Which, I’ll admit, I am NOT the best at keeping up with! That’s something I’m working on getting better at. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, no? Matt was a visual artist and was drawn to my style. That really meant a lot to me. I know as an artist, I can be a huge critic of other artists’ work! I liked his style too so I guess it was meant to be.
Their winter wedding was going to be at Marche, an indoor venue in Dutch Alley. I had never photographed a wedding in there before but was really excited after we did a walkthrough with venue staff. The giant ballroom was adorned with chandeliers and a wall of windows that overlooked the river. Sadly, their ceremony would be after dark (it’s so hard to have ceremonies early enough in the winter!) so we planned on a first look in order to take advantage of the location with daylight. And we really got lucky!
I met up with Sarah on the day of at the venue for her to get ready with her mother. I got some of the sweetest shots of a bride and her mother that I’ve ever gotten. We got to do a few bridal shots before it was time for her first look with Matt.
Outside it was overcast (which is ideal for portraits) and looked like it was about to rain (not so ideal). But we risked it and I set Matt up just outside the doors to the venue. My second shooter, Jason Albus, and I set up for two angles on the first look and I waved to Sarah who was waiting excitedly inside the glass doors. She came out and tapped Matt on the shoulder just as raindrops started to fall. But a little bit of rain didn’t phase the couple -or their parents watching from the balcony upstairs.
The next part is the best part. We went up onto the balcony to get a view of the river in their portraits. But as I’m photographing from one direction, trying to race the rain, Jason gets my attention. At first I’m like “not now, Jason! The genius is at work!” but he insisted I turn around and thank god I did. Behind me was a giant rainbow! I moved the couple, switched the lighting, and got an amazing shot of them with a rainbow falling in between them. Now if that wasn’t a good omen on your wedding day I don’t know what is!
Their wedding was a really fun one. The staff at Marche was phenomenal. It’s not every day I’m impressed by a wedding venue. But as a fairly young venue, they were really aiming to please. I was most impressed by their catering! It may have been the only time I’ve gone back for seconds of wedding food! And there was plenty of it-they kept food rolling out the whole night. One moment that sticks out in my memory of a particularly animated server dancing with the group with a tray of mini hamburgers and fries! It’s a great sign when even the staff is having a good time at your wedding.
Before I left for the night, I organized a send-off for the couple. They hadn’t planned anything and were having trouble getting everyone to leave the venue. So I ushered everyone downstairs to line the walkway out of the venue. They all cheered for Matt and Sarah as the exited and I snapped away. I loaded up my camera and said goodbye to the couple. But as I walked away, I saw a potential shot that was too good to pass up. I went back to the couple who was busy saying goodbye to guests and asked if I could trouble them for one last portrait. I think we were all glad they said yes! We nailed it, right?
Need a photographer you can trust to help you plan your wedding day photography? How about one who will jump to get that perfect shot? I got you.
