I truly hope that these photos can communicate just how HAPPY April + Michael are when they’re together. And you know what, even when they’re apart, they’re just so darn excited to see one another. Amelia and I talked the entire night about just how awesome these two are…and how we just love them to pieces (especially for how much they loved each other.)

I haven’t seen an engraved ring in a while. I thought it was a sweet and sentimental touch that I really appreciated.

Her dress: stunning.

…more of their beautiful florals. The colors were just so elegant and beautiful.

I believe this is one of my alltime favorite getting ready shots.

The lovely, April.

The weekend of their wedding was Mother’s Day. What better gift for a daughter to give her mother than the gift of sharing in the most important day of her life.

While I was with the girls, Amelia was with the guys grabbing some getting ready and hang out shots of them!

Oh my goodness, April. You are just SO gorgeous! April’s dress was her favorite wedding purchase. And she looked amazing in it.

How adorable is she?

Before the wedding, while I was shooting group shots of the bridal party, Amelia grabbed this photo of April practicing her dance with her father.

Before the wedding April + Michael exchanged letters with one another.

They did not see each other before the wedding but  I know that they enjoyed sharing this moment before the ceremony began.

Their reactions.

I love New Orleans.

When we arrived to the church Michael was very considerate in waiting for others, especially when he escorted his grandfather into the church.

He’s truly the southern gentleman.

The wedding was held at St. Patrick’s church in New Orleans. This church is so gorgeous! Love it.

Amelia grabbed this shot of April walking into the church and then down the aisle…moments she’ll cherish forever.

Michael’s face the moment they opened the doors…

Isn’t she beautiful?!

The wonderful thing about having a second shooter is Amelia and I’s ability to be in two places at once.

While I was on the floor shooting she was in the choir loft grabbing this incredible view of St. Patrick’s. AH! Such a beautiful church!

So sweet.

Amelia’s perspective of April during the vows….

…and my perspective of Michael during the vows.

There were lots of happy tears shed.

The Newlyweds

Although April + Michael opted not to do a first look, we did spent some time after the wedding shooting at the church and at the Omni Hotel.

These two are just so perfect together. It’s like nothing else in the world matters….

This makes me smile.

Oh my…I just love the way he looks at her.

The Omni was so beautiful and really was the perfect place for photographs! I just love Michael’s expression during their first dance.

April, you are stunning.

Their wedding cake was gorgeous!

About halfway through the reception, we made our way up to the top of the Omni.

With the rain coming off and and on throughout the day, April + Michael weren’t going to let it “rain on their parade” so to speak.

Instead, they snuck away to the rooftop of the Omni Royal to kiss in the rain.

This image below is one of my absolute favorites from the day.

Looks like somebody partied too hard.

Just in case you were wondering, this is what an AWESOME reception looks like.

Their final dance was a second line through the Omni and right out the entrance doors.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sanchez

As they stepped into the elevator, this was the last thing they saw. And seriously, how cool is this view?!

April + Michael,

Thank you so much for having us there to document your day. It’s been SO much fun getting to know the two of you and I have no doubt that your life together will be wonderful. You’ve learned to prioritize your relationship, despite distance…and that shows the true strength of your love. I hope you two are having a wonderful time enjoying the Jamaica sunsets…and I’ll look forward to hearing from you when you return.

Catherine

In fact, most of my ABSOLUTE favorite moments in life were 1. unexpected 2. spontaneous 3. filled with laughter (Oh! and IRONICALLY in 4. extreme weather conditions)…lol

This past Saturday was April + Michael’s wedding. They had been praying for a beautiful day..and after planning for months their day had arrived. The clouds moved in, and the rain started. Off and on for the ENTIRE day, it rained. And naturally, the moments in which it was raining where the times when we were moving from the hotel to the church and vice versa.

However, April and Michael, despite the circumstances never ONCE allowed it to remove the smile from their faces. They ran from the church to the limo in laughter. Then from the limo the reception smiling in the rain again…and to top it all off, just when I was sure they’d had enough of the rain, they willingly entered into it again.

About halfway through the receception, without a blink, we were off again. We snuck away. They made their way into the elevator up to the top deck, around the pool, up the stairs and stood there looking over the city of New Orleans. Michael held the umbrella strong over their heads when turned to April, grabbed her around the waist and kissed her in the rain. AHHHH…..SOO romantic. I just wanted to hold onto that moment forever for them; so I did.

Below is the shot and truly one of my favorite from the day. I think it’s not only a representation of them but of ALL beautiful moments in life…the type of moments when you take a risk, let loose, and hold onto the goodness that we’re blessed with.

That’s right, Ladies….and now she’s getting married.

A week after the wedding, BC told her his boss gave him a raise and wanted nothing more than to celebrate the occasion with her. They were greeted at the door to Tsunami and seated. BC and Cassie sat down and before she could take a sip of her drink, BC was chugging down his beer. Cassie sensed that something was going on but she couldn’t QUITE put a finger on it.

It was raining outside so naturally, Cassie felt comfortable inside sheltered from the rain. Welllll, BC had a different plan for the night. He convinced her to join him on the balcony despite his fear of heights (the things men will do for the women they love. )

At this point, Cassie was just rolling with it…totally confused as BC walked even closer to the balcony’s edge. It was in that moment that he reached into his coat pocket. But before he could even take his hand out, she had already taken the ring off of her left hand, shoved it in her pocket, and stuck her now empty left ring finger toward his chest.

Neither of them remember what was said beyond that point. They do remember BC prolonging the moment where he would put the ring on her finger…until she had YES! Cassie didn’t hestitate and the proposal ended with a kiss.

From the moment BC arrived, I felt like we had already met. Cassie and I talked so much at our initial meeting that it was really fun to finally meet him! And seriously, these two have got to be one of the best dressed couples I’ve ever photographed. I love their unique style and their attention to detail.

We started the shoot in Grand Coteau near St. Charles church, and finished the shoot in Lafayette at Oakbourne’s Golf Course…the place BC spent much time as he grew and pursued his passion for golf. I loved that we were able to get the natural, outdoor feel of Grand Coteau and the sentimental spot for BC.

Here are a few of my favorite images from the shoot!:

Thank you guys for being you…for being so trusting and for just having fun! I enjoyed spending the afternoon shooting with the two of you and I’m very much looking forward to YOUR wedding day!

I feel so fortunate to be a part of a loving family. My parents have been married this year for 36 years! I have two older brothers that I look up to and a sister-in-law that might as well be of the same blood line.  And my mama nita…well, we may be 67 years apart but we couldn’t be more on the same page.

I am SO proud of myself lately becuase I’ve been creating the balance I’ve always wanted to have. I’m staying on top of my work, but also making the time necessary for my friends, myself, and my family. With Mother’s Day being yesterday, I spent the first part of the day with David and his wife Minette taking headshots for his soon-to-be orthodontics office : Guidry Orthodontics in Morgan City! We visited, talked about their recent vacation and I made my way to Lafayette to spend some time with my parents. It wasn’t quite the visit that I had anticipated because…well, I laid down on the concrete outside and fell asleep. lol..but when I woke up we did get to catch up. My parents are well, awesome. They are the rock that my brothers and I are so lucky to have built our lives on. They’ve taught us about God, and loved us no matter the cirucmstances.

As a side note, part of why I enjoy my personal posts, is because it allows me to remember these milestone moments. I cannot even IMAGINE what my life would be without them. I woke up this morning and went to unload my dishwasher; but it had already been done. My dog had been bathed, and my place even tidied up a bit. I had cooked food in my refrigerator, a new carton of milk and eggs…and to top that ALL off a new pair of earrings. My mom had bought ME a gift on Mother’s Day. Now, seriously…that’s just too good to be true, right?!

Last night, as Mama Nita and I sat outside on the steps looking through photos I just took that moment to soak it all in. I thought of the day and even just my ability to be with her. I soaked in her laugh and the way she tells her stories, always remembering every detail. I admired her wit and her fiesty attitude. Who knows what God has planned for she and for I tomorrow but I know that the few times that I do get to spend with her I will cherish forever.

I don’t think it was until about two years ago that I realized how much I love and truly cherish my family. They are my support and the only people on this earth that I know will be there through thick and thin. It’s been hard to find my own when it’s been so easy to rely on them as I grew, but thankfully I’ve found that balance as well.

As Mama Nita and I sat on the steps last night, I came across this picture. It’s a picture of my dad with his siblings when he was little. And I can’t but help that everytime I look at it, I see my oldest brother. And it makes me smile. We really are younger versions of our parents. And THAT makes me so proud. I hope that I can be half the people that they are when I am their age…and if God does ever bless me with a family of my own, I hope that I can take care of them with my spouse the way that they’ve taken care of us.

I hope everyone takes a little time out of their busy schedules this week to appreciate their blessings in life…loved ones, friendships, and even personal time. Have a wonderful evening,

Catherine

April was dolled up for the night…looking snazzy in her heels. She walked up to the front door of her parents home, anticipating a meal with her family when she opened the door and could not believe what she saw.

First, daisies: Lots of them…daisies are her favorite flower. Before her mind could even comprehend, she turned her attention to Josh. There he kneeled, lit by candlelight, in the center of a heart of petals. (Sounds just magical, doesn’t it?)

April was speechless; so shocked in fact that she needed a moment. When she came back, with her hand extended, she accepted Josh’s proposal.

We spent their engagement session shooting in the beautiful landscape of Jungle Gardens. It’s become one of my ABSOLUTE favorite places to shoot because I just love the neutral colors, incredible locations, and gorgeous light. We really couldn’t have asked for a better day!

Josh and April have such a fun love. April keeps everyone laughing…especially Josh. She’s light-hearted, hilarious, and Josh loves every bit of her. It was so wonderful having the opportunity to get to know them even better and to document their chemistry. Here are a few of my favorites from their session:

About halfway through their engagement session, this alligator crossed our path! This was a TRUE Louisiana engagement session.

Not only is this my favorite images from their session, it is quite possibly one of my favorite engagement session images….EVER.

Have a wonderful weekend!

So, Fresh Squeezed Weddings is a blog that highlights some of the fun, fabulous, and super unique weddings taking place today…all the wonderful details that we love to spend hours dreaming about! I was so honored and excited when Laura + Jimmy’s wedding was chosen for feature. Their wedding was held the weekend of Halloween, and Laura + Jimmy did such a wonderful job of incorporating their personal style along with the season and the festivities of New Orleans.

The wedding was held at the Metairie country club…the weather was absolutely beautiful (I LOVE an outdoor wedding!!!)

If you’d like to check out the wedding feature on Fresh Squeezed Wedding’s adorable blogiste, feel free to visit: http://bit.ly/IQWhPg or simply click the image below! Have a wonderful Friday and be safe this weekend!

The proposal began with the search for her perfect ring. Mike asked Alaina’s sister to meet him at the jewelry store in Broussard. He mentioned to Alaina that his watch needed a new battery but the truth was, she needed a ring.

Mike used her sister’s finger for size and had Alaina pick up the battery the next day. When she did, the jeweler had her look at rings on her own (because seriously, what woman WOULDN’T go in a jewelry store and try on engagement rings?!) lol. He figured out the radiant stone was what she liked and she was in love with the setting!!

Soon after, a friend of their’s was married in Pensacola. Mike brought the ring along but continued to wait for that moment. The day he intended to propose was truly a day for Alaina: it was filled with parasailing, a biker wedding and a night out with friends. FINALLY, he had the chance to walk alone with just her on the beach. He asked her if she REALLY loved him.. ( … so cute! ) and he got down on one knee. After a series of questions in only Alaina’s style she said yes!

We spent their engagement session in Downtown Lafayette. I love a couple like this who, despite the now encroaching Louisiana heat, they toughed it out for a WONDERFUL shoot!!! Alaina is EXTREMLY photogenic and the passionate love that these two have for each other (after ALLLL these years) really comes through when they’re together….

I mean, truly?! Are these two hot or what?!!!! I feel so lucky to have such wonderful clients.

But you know what, not only that…I feel lucky to be someone who is surrounded by love, documenting relationships, and learning that with love…not a whole lot else matters!

Just before 4:00 (and before I had a full blown panic attack), the first person walked in, then the next, then the next. There were more people than seats. Holy cow, then I stopped being nervous about people showing and returned to being nervous baout the presentation all over again. We spent the first hour inside as I went over camera basics, everything from lighting to camera settings and equipment, posing…and workflow. OR…you can safely say that they spent the next hour watching me dance (at least that’s what the photos Amelia took show). You’d swear I was auditioning for a broadway musical.

Are you guys laughing at me or with me?

For the second half of the workshop, I was SO blessed to have model Lauren Cheely join us for the shoot. We discussed outfit, location, planning, lighting, and posing as we made our way through downtown. This is the first time I’ve EVER done this…and it was such a crazy experience speaking out loud what I was thinking as I was shooting.

It was a true challenge and I appreciate everyone’s patience and support!

Yes, I realize that Lauren looks WAAYY  better in a pose than I do. But I wanted to show them and to show her that if I’m asking my client to do something, I’m unafraid to do it too.

It made her feel more comfortable and if I can do something to make her feel more comfortable than I absolutely will.

It’s funny to see me in a still shot…because to be honest, I felt like I was talking 90 miles an hour!

On a photoshoot, I become a stylist as well as a photographer. ….and in the shot on the right, I was using myself to show how the subtle differences in a pose can make a huge difference in the photo.

Below are a few of my favorite images of Lauren….it was so hard to choose, because seriously, she cannot take a bad photo!

Lauren totally rocked it out for everyone. There were close to twenty cameras pointed at her and she was nothing but fabulous for the workshop!

We talked about backlighting which I LOVE….DANG…this lighting is Ah-mazing.

Lauren, you are gorgeous, girl!

My favorite feature of Lauren’s is her eyes. They’re absolutely beautiful!

Thank you so much to everyone who came to the workshop. It was a wonderful experience for me and I hope it was for you as well.

Thank you for showing up and giving us a few hours of your day to learn about something that I love so dearly.

Amelia, thank YOU SOOO much for always being so supportive and such a great friend. You have grown so much as a photographer over the past year and I honestly cannot say enough how much it means to me that I can count on you. Thank you for being the one to take these behind-the-scenes images today so that I can share them on the blog. And really…just thanks for being there for me.

Also, thanks to Lauren for driving ALLL the way from Patterson to model for us. I can ONLY imagine how intimidating it must have been to stand in front of so many cameras. But you did it, and you were awesome at it! I hope to work with you again in the future.

A few people have mentioned that they would like to attend a future workshop.

Angie from the Lafayette Public Library downtown was the one to initiate this workshop and has since asked us to come back! And so….at some point in the future we will be doing this again.

In the meantime, I’m going to continue learning and continue sharing in the hopes that we can all bring more beautiful images and art to the world. Have a wonderful evening!

Catherine

Wedding Venue : Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Keith’s Ballroom
Officiant: Reverend Joseph Breaux
Catering: Keith’s Ballroom
Florist: Dallas Floral Designs (337) 837-9393
Cake: Crystal Weddings
Wedding Dress; Maggie Sottero
Bride’s Hair: Stephanie & Co.
Bride’s Makeup: La Famille
Music: Digital Music Services

It’s hard to believe that the older we get, the faster the time flies. For Bobby + Heather, it’s already been 6 years since they began dating. The start of their relationship was completely adorable…and included a lot of persistance on Bobby’s part which you can read more about in their engagement post.

After years of their relationship growing and becoming what it is now, Bobby decided it was time to make things official. Bobby proposed at their camp in False River. It was cold at the time…so, Bobby told Heather they were headed there to wrap the pipes. When they arrived, Heather searched for the lights to turn on at the camp, and as soon as she did….she was completely surprised!

There in the camp, she found a table covered with roses and rose petals…..Oh! And the ring, right in the center. Her ring is absolutely gorgeous and represents the love that she and Bobby have established over time.

Heather and Bobby’s wedding was absolutely beautiful! It was elegant, with a mix of tropical and vintage details <–so unique! Heather really spent time focusing on the tiny aspects of her day that came together to make the perfect day. And the navy, champagne, and ivory palette really pulled everything together.

It was so wonderful being there to photograph their wedding!!! Amelia and I loved spending such a beautiful and special day with with Heather and Bobby.

To the Newlyweds: Thank you so much for choosing us, and for allowing us into your lives during such a wonderful time! I hope you enjoy your wedding post…and there’s many more images to come!

Seriously, isn’t Heather’s ring Ah-mazing?!!! And below is her dress…her favorite detail.

I’d have to say that my favorite detail was her flowers. I’ve NEVER seen anything like these…and they really added that extra element of color on her wedidng day.

She LOVES her godchild.

Amelia and I both spent the morning with Heather while she got ready. Her bridesmaids and her mother along with so many others were there to share in the excitement.

Heather is such a beautiful person inside and out! I really enjoyed getting to know her throughout this process….

This is Crystal, Heather’s cousin AND friend. They’re actually more like sisters! I got to know her during Heather’s bridals and she has truly made this experience even better than it already was!

She let everyone into her home on the wedding day and was just SO sweet and hospitable!

Bridal party toast….love this.

Are you kidding me with this gorgeousness?! And AH! Love the light.

Heather and Bobby opted not to do a First Look, but I did grab this shot prior to the wedding of them without them seeing each other.

Just before the wedding started, Amelia spent some time with Heather photographing the moments before she walked down the aisle. Look how relaxed she is! I believe this is one of my all-time favorites from the time just before the ceremony!

Heather + Bobby had a full choir sing at their wedding..and MAN they were awesome!

The next three images were all captured by Amelia…sweet and they tell the story of such an emotional moment.

As soon as Heather turned the corner, I was able to grab this photo of Bobby when he saw Heather for the first time on their wedding day!

Isn’t she lovely?

Heather’s friends all love her so much.

The Vows

I can’t even look at this image without smiling.

The Kiss!

There was such a mixture of emotions at this wedding! lol..There was lots of smiles and laughter…

…and a few tears were shed as well.

After the ceremony ended, I spent some time with Heather and Bobby shooting in and around Sacred Heart church.

LOVE

The Newlyweds!

Their cake was so pretty!

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Vannoy

I don’t always post images of the cake cutting, but I just love their true happy and raw emotions!

LOL

Their First Dance as husband and wife…

When Bobby is around, Heather is always smiling.

Bobby + his mother:

Congratulations to a WONDERFUL COUPLE!!!!….The Vannoy’s!

Oh man…I am nervous. Last night, I felt myself falling back into that world I was in during architecture school: the one filled with anxiety and procrastination. Finally I MADE myself sit down and get it done (The schedule, that is!) SO…now, I feel better and I’m stoked about this afternoon. We’ll spend the first 45-60 minutes inside while I present the topics below. Well take a short 15 min break, meet Lauren Cheely (our model for the day) and head out downtown to shoot! To those of you that are coming…I’m so humbled that you would take time out of your day to spend it with us!

After our break, I think it’ll be SOOO fun to go outside and apply these things from 5:15-6:00! I’m really looking forward to this afternoon! It should be a good time…or at least that’s what I’m hoping for!!

I’m thankful for the opportunity and hopeful that all goes well! Wish me luck!!!!! Have a safe and wonderful weekend.