Catherine Guidry's Blog

I’ve learned a few things about myself this week. You know…I’ve realized that I make all attempts possible to be perfect. However, I fail. And will most likely continue doing so…and continue making mistakes. Because that’s life. I’ve realized that I have so much growing to do and SO much to learn. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever get to where I want to be.

Being a perfectionist is difficult because it means that I am striving for perfection…but unfortunately, perfection is unattainable. And I realize am FAR from it. I’ve noticed that as I grow, I am changing…and at the same time, some things NEVER change. One thing that I’ve always been is a goal-seeker.

With that being said, I will continue to push forward, continue growing and continue doing my very best to enjoy the journey every day. You know…I suppose it could be worse. I suppose I could fail to fall, which would mean that I would never get back up with the knowledge of how to prevent that same instance again.

You know, I would say that today…I was greatly humbled by these realizations.

Yet, this image…of these beautiful shoes hanging from this gorgeous chandelier: it makes me happy. Because it’s a sign of doing something that I love; and a reminder that I’m headed in the direction that I want to be. And THAT is something to be proud of.

If you read the title of this post, then you already know where I’m going with this. Amy is truly a bride that I aspire to be like. And I mean this in terms of her as a person. Amy is SO incredibly sweet, thoughtful, and kind. She’s organized and really, she’s just got it together.

I feel so fortunate when I think about the women I have the pleasure of working with. They’re confident, sweet, and open-minded. I think of how blessed I am to work with women who are not only beautiful on the outside to photograph but beautiful on the inside.

Amy chose to do her bridal session at Acadian Village. We were nervous about the weather but it turned out to be a wonderful day for the shoot. Her lace gown was stunning on her and fit beautifully into the surroundings of the village.

Amy, I’m SO happy for you and honored to have been your photographer for your engagements, your bridals, and your wedding day. I hope you and Brent are off enjoying your honeymoon and I’m looking forward to sharing the preview post for your wedding soon….

 

Bride’s Prep: Carriage House Hotel
Wedding Ceremony : St. Johns Cathedral
Reception Venue: City Club at River River
Catering: City Club at River Ranch
Florist: Roy-Al
Cake: Sweet Southern Laadies
Wedding Gown: A-Nets
Bride’s Shoes: BHLDN
Bride’s Hair: Dane Castille
Music: GTO
Videography: Acadiana Video Productions

Bobby loves to cook, and according to Ashley…take care of her. They are so sweet when they’re around each other and I love the way that Bobby consistently laughs when he looks at Ashley. They’re totally In Sync!

Their story began at the Reggae fest….in fact, during this time of year: Mardi Gras. She was hanging out with her friends at the bar when he bumped into her. Later in the evening, when Ashley + her best friend Lindsey decided to head downtown…Bobby willingly went along. He hopped in the backseat as if they’d known each other forever and spent the evening enjoying Ashley’s company.

At the end of the night, he got her phone number and Ashley, believing he’d never call, was pleasantly surprised when he asked her to join him at Coyote Blues the next day.

It’s hard to say what I’ve loved most about working with these two. I’ve THOROUGHLY enjoyed being there to photograph Ashley’s Bridals, Ashley + Bobby’s Engagements , and now their wedding day.

Their love is true and with all the planning that they’ve done for the wedding….their elegant and romantic dream became a reality.

I absolutely LOVED Ashley’s shoes.

And the flowers were INCREDIBLE!

This is Ashley: Always Smiling

Isn’t her dress fabulous?

Bobby surprised Ashley with this bouquet and we all thought this was the sweetest note.

While I was with the girls, Amelia was with the groomsmen, grabbing this adorable shot below.

Such a BEAUTIFUL Bridal Party….

Bobby gifted his groomsmen with monogrammed Saints socks.

Huddling up…

One of my favorite shots from their wedding day:

Ashley, you are gorgeous!

On the way to Ashley + Bobby’s wedding, Amelia and the guys stopped at UL’s baseball field for Fan Day.

Ashley’s Something Blue

Being that Ashley + Bobby didn’t do a First Look, capturing his expression was SO important to her.

It’s no wonder that tears filled his eyes as she walked down the aisle. She looked absolutely ravishing.

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Cook

After the wedding, Ashley + Bobby gave me the opportunity to photograph them as newlyweds.

This is such a special time for them and the results: beautiful images.

LOVE

I believe this is my favorite shot of the day.

They are just SO sweet together.

This is my other favorite shot of the day!

STOP IT! You are TOO beautiful.

Sweet Southern Ladies did a fabulous job with their exquisite cake.

Their first dance as husband and wife.

Ashley gifted all of her bridesmaids with Tom’s for the reception! This is such a cute and COMFORTABLE idea!

An emotional moment…

This guest didn’t get her money’s worth for the money dance…so she had a dance of her own with Bobby.

Ashley + Bobby definitely had fun at their wedding!…along with everyone else.

The night ended with an incredible sparkler exit!

Congratulations you two!!!

I am so thankful to have been a part of this for the two of you…documenting your wedding and all of the special moments between the two of you, your friends and your family. Amelia and I truly enjoyed the pleasure of getting to know you and photographing your wedding.

Thanks for being so awesome,

Catherine

 

I have never really been one for football….or beer. In fact the night of the superbowl, we had a girls night, drank wine and watched cupcake wars (Sorry Guys). It sounds sad but so true.

Maybe I never jumped on the football bandwagon but I am a MAJOR geek when it comes to photography. Since I first became REALLY interested in wedding photography in 2006 I can remember spending hours upon hours sifting through images of the photographers I admired. And even still, I enjoy spending my free time learning from others, admiring inspirational art + photography, pushing myself, and reading about business and gear.

If there was a photography shoot off on TV the night of the Super Bowl…I would have actually beeen interested.

Anyhoo….so many things have been going on lately and so much growth and development has been going on here at Catherine Guidry Photography with Amelia & I, that I really wanted to take just a minute to share one of my newest babies…a lens that has quickly become the “favorite” in my bag: the Nikkor 85 1.4. (All the other lenses are SO jealous right now). lol…

The 85 produces images that are creamy like butter; yet crisp and producing INCREDIBLE bokeh. AH! In the words of my friend Paul, “With a 1.4 (specifically the 85 or 24 on the D3s..it’s almost like cheating.” No, really he’s right..it’s that good. I get the most use out of this lens during engagement and bridal sessions (especially engagements). It gives me the intimate feel I’m going for and allows me to stand much closer to the couple when I’m focusing. AWEEESSOOMMMEEEEE.

The shots below are a few of my recent images taken with the 85 1.4.

Kayla + Eric’s Engagement Session:        SHUTTER SPEED: 1/1000th        ISO: 250        APERTURE: 2.8

I love that I’m able to shoot RIGHT into the sun with the 85 and there’s no ghosting or hazy images.

Laura’s Bridals in City Park:       SHUTTER SPEED:       ISO:         APERTURE:

Ally + Brad’s Engagement Session (Coming Soon!!!!) :        SHUTTER SPEED: 1/1000th         ISO: 500         APERTURE: 2.8

Ally + Brad’s Engagement Session (Coming Soon!!!!) :        SHUTTER SPEED: 1/1250         ISO: 500         APERTURE: 2.8

I’m not even kidding, when I switch lenses to take out my 85 I secretly get excited. I know I know…I’m a total nerd. So…..I hope you enjoyed the post!

I definitely plan to do more like this sporatically in the future highlighting different lenses, my thoughts/use for the lens, and images. Have a wonderful weekend…and be safe for Mardi Gras!

When Angelena + Greg hired me to photograph their Las Veags Wedding I was ecstatic.  We even did a Day After Session in Vegas! And to make things EVEN beetter, they asked me to photograph their Louisiana wedding as well.

Angelena + Greg’s wedding was so unique and so special! They made sure that it was fun, full of friends, and finessed in regards to detailing. Angelena is an artist so her vision was truly brought forward on her wedding day at the Springs Preserve.

For Amelia and I, it was our first Las Vegas wedding…and quite the experience! Let’s just say there’s no LACK of locations in Vegas…or casinos!

Recently, I decided to submit Angelena + Greg’s wedding to Love Wed Bliss’s wedding blog…and it was ACCEPTED!!! I’m elated that Angelena + Greg will again get to share their story with the world on a larger platform. I know many women, like myself, enjoy reading about inspiring couples and beautiful weddings. This is surely one of them.

Feel free to check out the publication here: http://bit.ly/wB4rkJ or by clicking the image below!