Featured Archives | Studio Orleans

Audubon Park Engagement | New Orleans Photographers | Courtney and Dave

by Roddy | Dec 4, 2018 | Engagements, Featured

Audubon Park Engagement Session

If you’re new to New Orleans and celebrating your engagement, there are few places where you can find a little bit of everything the city has to offer like Magazine Street, which was the setting bride-to-be Courtney and her soon-to-be groom Dave chose for their engagement photo sessions. They are recent transplants to New Orleans from Pennsylvania where they met. Dave was going to a tanning salon for a little pre-vacation tan, and there was Courtney, who was working at the salon part-time while in college. A few words later, Courtney had Dave’s phone number, and a few weeks later on their first date, she had his heart. They have been together for six years now. While they were still living in Philadelphia, Dave proposed to Courtney on Christmas Eve in 2017. He cleverly hid the ring box in the bottom of a bag of Christmas gifts they were wrapping. Courtney, of course, said yes after such a wonderful Christmas surprise. Not long after they became engaged, Courtney and Dave moved to New Orleans. Since they adore the city’s food, their stroll down Magazine Street gave them dozens of excellent options for satisfying their taste buds. If they felt like a quick snack was more in order, they could just grab a hot dog or something from one of the many food trucks in the area.

There’s also no shortage of bars offering all types of drinks and live music. Courtney and Dave strolled the cobblestone streets with their two dogs, Charlie, a Boston terrier, and Tug, the Pug. The two brothers are great friends and will get to be a part of their human parents’ special day, possibly as ring bearers sporting tuxedo collars. While the dogs enjoyed sniffing the air and passersby, Courtney and Dave enjoyed the scenery, occasionally hamming it up for the camera, while talking of the things they enjoy doing together, such as watching the Philadelphia Eagles or the Phillies play ball, or planning their next big vacation. They recently went to Thailand where they road on elephants and saw the splendor of the Bangkok temples. They did pause long enough for a warm embrace as the setting sun streamed through the trees in the background. At the present time, Dave works in the nuclear power industry where his focus is on reducing human error and bringing safety to the forefront. Courtney has a background in logistics and in supply chain, and is currently a Logistics Coordinator for Nabisco. When the big day arrives, the couple has chosen to hold the ceremony back in Pennsylvania where most of their friends and family still live. Of course, they didn’t just choose their venue because of location. It was all about the food! As a tribute to their favorite dessert, New Orleans king cake, they are in search of a Pennsylvania bakery that can create a king cake-inspired wedding cake. Even though they won’t be in New Orleans for their ceremony, they are sure to laissez le bon temps roule.

Courtney, Dave, Charlie and Tug engagement session in New Orleans at Audubon Park Courtney & Dave stand by a beautiful old tree in Audubon Park in New Orleans Courtney & Dave's engagement session in New Orleans off of Magazine Street

Berry Barn Wedding | New Orleans Photographers | Chloe and Rick

by Roddy | Jul 23, 2018 | Featured, Weddings

The Ceremony: The Berry Barn

For Chloe and Rick, a Berry Barn wedding was what they’d always dreamed of for their special day. When this Northern and Southern couple met two and a half years ago, there was nothing for them to battle over, because they knew right away that they shared a love of everything, including each other. The venue for the wedding and the reception was The Berry Barn at Liuzza Land in Amite, Louisiana. This rustic farm setting was perfect for this fun-loving couple. The Berry Barn offers the option of indoor or outdoor areas for the wedding, including a beautiful lighted arbor and pergola, which are splendid backdrops for photos. Chloe and Rick opted for an outdoor wedding ceremony. The bride’s father walked the bride down the barn’s petal-strewn sidewalk to the arms of an anxious groom. Chloe wore a stunning V-neck gown with spaghetti straps and floral appliques studded with sequins and pearls. She also wore a pair of cream-colored Christian Louboutin heels. The gown was from Olivier Bridal Couture of Mandeville, Louisiana. The ceremony was presided over by Dan Hebert. The bride’s hairstyle was created by Melanie Hellmers and Marcy T., and her makeup was done by Stephanie Jenkins. The couple had ten bridesmaids and ten groomsmen in attendance, and almost 200 friends and family joined the bridal party for the festivities. The bridesmaids were all dressed in pale blue gowns with floral wreaths in their hair. The groomsmen wore gray slacks, suspenders, and blue bow ties. The groom’s three-piece suit was from The Men’s Wearhouse. The bride and groom exchanged rings after saying their tear-inducing vows. Right after the ceremony, the newlyweds shared some private moments beneath the pergola before going indoors to start the party.

The Reception: The Berry Barn

Chloe and Rick started the reception festivities by sharing a romantic dance with music provided by NO Metro DJ Services before giving their parents a chance to step in and share a special dance with each of them. Coffee Rani catered the reception and Nonna Randazzo’s created the five tiers of king cake-styled wedding cake, which seemed to float in the room on a table suspended from the ceiling. Muriel Woodward made the colorful groom’s cake and cupcakes. Decorations and lighting were provided by William Spiess. During the reception, the couple and their guests set the dance floor on fire with one groomsman’s pants becoming a casualty. Good thing Rick, who is a professional fire investigator, was on hand to make sure things didn’t get out of control. The entire affair was covered by videographer Jay Hernandez of Nandez Films. Chloe and Rick started their important day surrounded by sweet strawberry fields and one nosy ostrich who seemed a bit put out that he wasn’t invited to the wedding. In the future, the couple plans to take over Rick’s family business, Forensic Investigations Group, with him continuing as Fire Investigator and Chloe at the business administration helm. The Berry Barn at Liuzza Land A beautiful bride getting makeup applied before her wedding A beautiful wedding dress hanging at the Berry Barn in Amite LA Berry Barn wedding prep A beautiful bride waiting to put her dress on for her wedding at the Berry Barn The bride received these Louis Vuitton shoes from her husband to wear on her wedding day at Berry Barn A beautiful bride looks at her dress one last time before putting it on - At the Berry Barn A mother fastens her daughters dress before her wedding at the Berry Barn The bride looks at the window as they wrap up with some final wedding details at the Berry Barn The bride looks in the mirror and gets some fresh air before her wedding A bride puts on her garter before her wedding at the Berry Barn A brides mom and dad help her with finishing touches before her wedding ceremony at the Berry Barn The grooms bow tie lays on the beautiful wood floor at the Berry Barn The groom wraps up getting ready for his wedding ceremony at Berry Barn A groom and his groomsmen stand in a field before the wedding ceremony at Berry Barn A bride walks behind her groom for the first look at The Berry Barn The groom sees his bride for the first look at The Berry Barn The bride and groom pose for a picture at The Berry Barn A big beautiful bridal party poses in front of the Berry Barn before the wedding ceremony A bride and her father get ready to walk out of the Berry Barn for the wedding ceremony Checkout this old wooden window that the couple used for the wedding ceremony The groom waits for the doors to open to see his bride at the Berry Barn The bride and her father walk out of the barn doors for her wedding ceremony at the Berry Barn A beautiful wedding ceremony at the Berry Barn The bride says her wedding vows at the beautiful wedding ceremony at the Berry Barn The groom says his wedding vows at the beautiful wedding ceremony at the Berry Barn The ring exchange during the weddings ceremony at the Berry Barn The first kiss at the Berry Barn Bride and groom portraits at the Berry Barn Beautiful bouquet at the Berry Barn Portraits of the bride and groom at the Berry Barn A groom carrying his bride at the Berry Barn The bride and groom pose for a picture at the Berry Barn Berry Barn wedding ceremony Berry Barn wedding reception The first dance as a couple at the Berry Barn Father/daughter dance at the Berry Barn Mother/groom dance at the Berry Barn The newly married couple kisses at the fireworks go off behind them The dance floor is really moving at the Berry Barn A groomsmen gives his speech to the bride and groom at the Berry Barn The couple laughs at the speech the groomsmen gives at the Berry Barn Checkout this beautiful cake hanging at the Berry Barn The bridal party poses for a picture in front of the wedding cake Cake pulls on this beautiful wedding cake The bridemaids do cake pulls at the Berry Barn The couple do a toast at the Berry Barn The couple cuts the wedding cake at the Berry Barn The dance floor gets packed at the Berry Barn The bouquet toss a the Berry Barn The groom dives in for the garter at the Berry Barn The groom throws the garter at the Berry Barn A groomsmen catches the garter at the Berry Barn Opps! A groomsmen had a pants malfunction haha Two beautiful wedding rings at the Berry Barn A little rain never hurt for some bride and groom portraits

Marigny Opera House Wedding | New Orleans Photographers | Christine and Roger

by Roddy | Apr 2, 2018 | Featured, Weddings

When music is your life, like it is for Christine and Roger, then there’s no more perfect place to hold your wedding than The Marigny Opera House, which calls itself a “neighborhood church of the arts.” Originally established in 1847 as the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and well-known for its beautiful music, the congregation was relocated, and the building deconsecrated in 1997. In 2011, the property was purchased by Scott King and David Hurlbert, and then refurbished and renamed The Marigny Opera House, where it serves the community as a meeting place, hosts musical meditations, supports local performing artists, and hosts the occasional wedding.

The Ceremony: The Marigny Opera House Wedding

Christine and Roger met through music in 2007 when they were both part of the University of Houston orchestra – he working on his MM in Orchestral Conducting and she getting her BA in Music Education and Spanish. They got engaged on a trip to Catalina Island in 2016. They both love hiking, so at sunset at the top of their hike, Roger proposed with a spectacular view as his backdrop. Who could say no to a performance like that? While Christine calls Indiana home while she finishes her doctorate, she spends most of her time in California where Roger lives. They chose New Orleans as the site for their wedding because Christine was born here from parents who met and resided here, and the city holds a great many traditions and other family ties for her. They both also love the idea that the city is culturally and musically diverse. Although the bride and groom have different views about the beach, they agree whole-heartedly on their loves of music, hiking, food, and travel. Oh, and they both adore their little dog, Burney, a beautiful little Coton de Tulear. Their March wedding consisted of three bridesmaids and three groomsmen, and was planned by the bride and coordinated by Edith Dugas, a professional event planner and the couple’s close friend. The bridal parties prepared for the wedding at the Westin, and Burney joined the bride for some bridal portraits. The bride wore a stunning gown from Weddings by Debbie with a heart-shaped bodice adorned with lace. She also wore a long, flowing veil and carried a cascade bouquet of pink and white flowers from Nola Flora. The bridesmaid wore black formal dresses, which matched the groom’s tuxedo from Victor Talbots and groomsmen’s black tuxedos from Foresto Tuxedo. Firefly Ambiance did an wonderful job making the Marigny House look amazing! After the Marigny Opera House ceremony and some formal photographs the bridal party and guests moved to the Riverview Room on Decatur Street for the reception.

The Reception: The Riverview Room

The first dance for this music-loving husband and wife was a dance song titled Je te veux (I want you), which was a special arrangement for the couple done by the Panorama Jazz band (led by Ben Schenk) that will be released commercially on April 1. Music for the ceremony consisted of a string quartet and the couple friend, soprano Katherine Polit, and also included a piece arranged by their friend, conductor Nicholas Hersh. The couple’s three-tiered wedding cake, adorned with pink roses and some serious bling, was created by Swiss Confectionery, the cake company that also created wedding cakes for Christine’s parents’ and maternal grandparents’ weddings. Christine surprised Roger with a two-tiered groom’s cake (also by Swiss Confectionery), which was chocolate squares adorned with musical notes and a topper from Trina’s Clay Creations with replicas of the bride, the groom, Burney, and some of the groom’s favorite things. After a night of rollicking good fun, the guests were pralines and handkerchiefs to take home. But before anyone could leave, the entire group formed a second line parade and took the party to the streets, with Christine, a musicologist, and Roger, an orchestral conductor, leading the way. This couple is all set for the performance of a lifetime . . . together. A beautiful wedding dress hangs on a hotel window as a bride finishes up with her makeup Beautiful wedding rings with high heals in the background Whiskey glasses and whiskey awake celebration for Christine and Rogers wedding A grandmother watches her grand daughter get a her touches of makeup before her wedding A bridesmaid admires the bride getting her hair touched up before she puts her dress on The bride pets her dog "Burney" while she waits to put her dress on Last touches of makeup before her wedding A mom, her daughter and her dog laugh and share a moment before her wedding Last touchup of makeup before the sun goes down. The makup artist Brittany French did an amazing job! Whiskey anyone? The bride downed a shot of whiskey to calm her nerves. Checkout the Mississippi Riber in the background. New Orleans provides an excellent backdrop The bride looks up the staircase at the beautiful Westin Canal Place in New Orleans before her wedding at the Marigny Opera House The groom puts on his cuff links by the window at the Westin Canal Place in New Orleans The groom puts on tie by the window at the Westin Canal Place in New Orleans Little tux shot glasses for whiskey are so cute! The reflection of a groomn looking out of the window at the Westin Canal Place in New Orleans before we go to the ceremony at the Marigny Opera house wedding location Marigny Opera house wedding itinerary Checkout the beautful job by Firefly Ambiance at the Marigny Opera house in New Orleans The bride waiting to get out of the limo for her wedding at the Marigny Opera house in New Orleans The bride and her bridesmaids waiting for her wedding at the Marigny Opera house in New Orleans A father walks his daughter up the aisle at the beautiful Marigny Opera house for her wedding The bride and groom hold hands as they get married at the Marigny Opera House wedding in New Orleans A beautiful backdrop at the Marigny Opera House with a bride and groom. Firefly Ambiance did an amazing job setting up the candles and decor Christine and Roger pose in front of the Marigny Opera house after the wedding Roger dips Christine on the rooftop at the Riverview Room in New Orleans The bride, groom and bridal party pose for a picture on the rooftop at the Riverview Room The beautiful view at the Riverview Room in New Orleans First dance with Christine and Roger at the Riverview Room Here is a picture of a beautiful wedding cake created by Swiss Confectionery in New Orleans The bride and groom cut the wedding cake that was created by the Swiss Confectionery The bride and groom cut the grooms cake that was created by the Swiss Confectionery The dance floor is popping at the Riverview Room in New Orleans Everyone loves a second line right? New Orleans knows how to do a second line and what a better way to end an amaxing night!

House of Blues Wedding | New Orleans Photographers | Lisa and Chelsea Wedding

by Roddy | Jun 29, 2017 | Featured, Weddings

Bienville House Hotel New Orleans wedding prep
What better way to start your married life together than with a New Orleans House of Blues wedding and reception, where non-traditional reigns supreme. After being together for almost six years, the couple was ready to tie the knot and did so in a big way.
Chelsea and Lisa met while both working at a student orientation at the University of Massachusetts. About a year and a half ago, Chelsea decided to propose and chose a unique way of doing it. The couple has always kept a mason jar on their kitchen table that contains questions they each wrote as part of a favorite game. The questions are just random things, such as “What was your favorite third grade memory?” or “What is your favorite word?” On this day, however, Chelsea had a different question in mind, so she swapped all the questions in the jar for slips of paper that all contained only one question – the most important question – which was “Will you marry me?”
After attending a concert at the House of Blues, Chelsea told Lisa she wanted to do a question and sent her to retrieve one from the jar. While she was gone, Chelsea put on their favorite song, “Make You Mine,” and by the time Lisa returned with the question, Chelsea was down on one knee holding a ring. Of course, Lisa’s answer was, “Yes!”
With the couple’s love of all types of beer and food, New Orleans was a perfect wedding destination for this Austin couple. They stayed at the Bienville House prior to the wedding.

House of Blues Wedding

Alex Lamphier, the couple’s friend, officiated at the ceremony. The floral arrangements were done by Crystal of The Crystal Vase Flowers and Gifts in New Orleans. Lisa’s beautiful off-the-shoulder, tea-length wedding gown was from Brilliant Bride, and Chelsea looked dashing in her tux from Snapsuits of North Carolina.
While the ceremony was held outdoors in the courtyard, the reception took place indoors with the NOLA Dukes Band providing the music until it was time for the Kinfolk Brass Band to take it to the streets with a second-line parade.
The newly married couple will be returning to Austin where their little family awaits them – Honey and Winston – their three-year-old dogs who are best friends. While Chelsea and Lisa have been in a committed relationship for years, they can now move forward having legally committed to one another in the most traditional way.

Special Thanks to Scott with Scott Myers Photography for helping me photograph this wedding.

Beautiful watch with a reflection
The shoes for the brides. They are getting ready in New Orleans at the Bienville House
Beautiful wedding dress hanging in New Orleans at the Bienville House
Beautiful vest and tie hanging in New Orleans at the Bienville House
Lisa puts on her shirt and tie to get ready for her wedding at the House of Blues in New Orleans

The couple look at one another as they prep for there wedding at the House of Blues in New Orleans

The bride over looks the balcony in the French Quarter of New Orleans before her ceremony
The bride and bridal party look over the balcony in the French Quarter of New Orleans before her ceremony
The bride sits down to relax as her mom puts her shoes on before her wedding at the House of Blues in New Orleans
The bride checks her phone as her mom puts her shoes on before her wedding at the House of Blues in New Orleans
The bride over looks the balcony in the French Quarter of New Orleans before her ceremony
The brides do there First look in the French Quarter of New Orleans at the House of Blues - Same sex wedding in New Orleans

The bride gets walked down the aisle for her wedding in New Orleans at The House of Blues - Same sex wedding
The bride hugs her mom for her wedding in New Orleans at The House of Blues wedding - Same sex wedding

Checkout this beautiful Same sex wedding in New Orleans at the House of Blues

New Orleans House of Blues wedding
House of Blues wedding - second line in New Orleans - Same sex wedding in New Orleans

House of Blues wedding with the Nola Dukes - Same sex wedding in New Orleans

House of Blues wedding cake pulls - Same sex wedding in New Orleans

House of Blues wedding cake cut as the knife breaks - Same sex wedding in New Orleans

House of Blues wedding reception partying on the dance floor - Same sex wedding in New Orleans

House of Blues Wedding - wedding rings on a table with pretty lights in the background

Press

Jackson Square Ceremony | New Orleans Photographers | Heather and Christopher

by Roddy | Jun 13, 2017 | Featured, Weddings

A bride and her makeup artist get ready for her special day in New Orleans

When two gamers “met” online in April 2011, little did either of them realize that in 2017, they’d be beginning their new life together with a wedding at Pat O’Brien’s on the river in New Orleans.
Heather and Christian first became acquainted in an online gaming chat room. She thought he was witty and funny. One day, however, Christian dropped off the radar, and Heather became concerned, so she sent him a private message. He responded, but it was with terrible news. His stepbrother had tragically died. Sadly, Heather could relate, because she had lost a sister suddenly and tragically.
Through their shared grief, they grew even closer. They kept in touch, and through his kindness, intelligence, and charismatic personality, he was winning the most important game of all – the game of love. Heather was so taken with Christian, they finally met in person at Christian’s large, family reunion.
Christian was so nervous when he picked Heather up from the airport, he forgot where he parked his car, so they wandered the parking lot for half an hour till they found it, with Heather’s luggage in tow. Heather says when they kissed later that evening, she knew Christian was the one. She says the kiss was so amazing, she got all turned around and tried to get into the wrong car! It seems this couple were so smitten with one another, their brains had turned to mush.
In 2014, Christian finally left Cleveland to join Heather in Louisiana. They both love New Orleans for its history, music, people, food, and mystique.
Heather says Christian is not good with secrets or surprises, but it seems he managed both at least once. During a brief illness, he called out to her, and thinking he had grown worse, Heather ran into the room to find him on bended knee holding a ring. He popped the question, and she said yes.

The Ceremony: Jackson Square Ceremony

The couple were married in Jackson Square with the famous St. Louis Cathedral as their back drop.

The Reception: Pat O’Brien’s on the River

The reception was held at Pat O’Brien’s on the river. Since music plays an important role in their lives, Heather and Christian chose B Street Benny as their band, who, after only five years, has become a household name in New Orleans entertainment. They had the place jumping all night. Heather and Christian, being the fun-loving people they are, had a four-tied, octagonal-shaped traditional wedding cake, but added to the fun by also having a four-tiered New Orleans’ king cake.
With their love for each other, their four fur babies, and all things New Orleans, this couple is ready to let the good times roll on an epic scale.

A beautiful bouquet, shoes and garter for the wedding
A bride, her bridemaid and mother helping her get dressed for her wedding
A bride getting ready for her wedding. This is the last touch of hairspray before she is wed
Here are some wedding goodie bags. Gotta love that Abita beer and Zapps potato chips
A bride laughs as her makeup artist helps her get ready
The grooms shoes and tie
The groom gets ready and shows us his watch
The groom gets ready fixes his jacket before the wedding
The groom and groomsmen hang out before the wedding
The grooms looks out the window as he waits for his limo
The bride is very nervous before the wedding
The bride and her father walking down the aisle for her wedding ceremony in Jackson Square in New Orleans

The bride and groom for the wedding ceremony in Jackson Square - New Orleans

The wedding ceremony and ring exchange in Jackson Square - New Orleans

Jackson Square wedding ceremony
Second line in New Orleans with the Kinfolk brass band

Pat O Briens on the river wedding reception balcony view

Press

New Orleans Engagement Session | New Orleans Photographers | Bre and Jared

by Roddy | Jun 6, 2017 | Engagements, Featured

New Orleans Engagement Session

Sometimes when two people meet, they just know they are right for each other. When that happens, they just want to dismiss with the conventions of a typical engagement and wedding, and get on with the adventure of living life together as a couple. For Bre and Jared, a somewhat unconventional pair from Canada, a New Orleans’ French Quarter engagement trip and photo session were the beginning of that adventure.
Bre and Jared strolled through the streets of the French Quarter pausing to take pictures in front of what can only be described as the architectural art of the city’s famous buildings and homes. Colorful walls and shutters set the perfect scene for them. Jared was dressed in what could best be described as dressy-casual in a white dress shirt and yellow tie with black shorts. Bre, on the other hand, went with a deep lime green, floor-length dress with gold sandals and matching belt. They were the picture of style. They even found some graffiti art to pose in front of that rivaled Bre’s own beautiful, Picasso-esque body art.
As the sun shone brightly on this loving pair, the love they shared for each other was evident in their eyes, or more precisely in their heart-shaped sunglasses, which literally reflected one to the other!
When day gave way to night, and a sunny sky became aqua blue giving way to the royal blue of a starlit sky,Bre and Jared held each other and whispered of the joys ahead when, on the next day, they would say their vows in front of a Justice of the Peace.
The unconventionality and vibrant colors of New Orleans were just the thing for this daring duo.

New Orleans Engagement session in the Marigny