French Quarter Destination Wedding

When we photographed our first wedding at the Orlando Science Center, we had the opportunity to work with Tori and the rest of the staff at OSC. We delivered the images to the couple and to the vendors like we always do. Shortly after we delivered them, Helen filled out our contact form and reached out to us. She said that she wanted to talk to us about having us be a part of her French Quarter Destination Wedding in New Orleans.

Needless to say, Marta and I were stoked. We love destination weddings, and at the end of the day, we are always deeply honored and humbled when someone in the wedding industry decides to hire us for their wedding day. It’s a compliment like no other.

Planning their French Quarter Destination Wedding

Helen and I had the opportunity to meet up way before their wedding at Panera where I got a chance to meet her parents. These two have a character like no other. I had a feeling that they were going to be the life of the party during their daughter’s wedding. Let’s just say I had no idea how much fun it would be.

At Panera, we had some time to talk and almost have a second photography consultation. It was a good time where we talked over coffee and bonded a little.

A Destination Wedding Photographers Nightmare

On the day of our flight to New Orleans, we had a 6:55 AM flight. The idea of such an early flight gave me the false hope that the airport would be empty and things would go smoothly. Gosh, was I wrong. We got there with an hour to spare in the morning and walked into a massive amount of people trying to get to their flights. Apparently, storms from up north caused airlines to delay and cancel a lot of flights that were pushed to that morning.

The time over the TSA line quoted a wait time of 23-28 minutes. That was a lie. We waited for a little over an hour and ten minutes. We were running and rushing to get to our gate on time in order to board. Finally, we got to the gate at 6:50 AM and the plane was already gone. It was one of the few times in my life that a plane had left early.

We went to the attendant at the gate terminal for help. There were no other flights with that airline that day. This was a destination wedding photographers nightmare. The only thing that we could do was buy tickets to another flight. In comes Southwest to save the day. We bought the first tickets that we could buy from them. By the way, they were super reasonably priced by comparison to other airlines.

After a quick drink at Cask & Larder, we were on our way to our gate to await our flight.

The Wedding Rehearsal at Abita Brewery

Once we got to New Orleans and checked into the hotel, we started to get things situated before we headed to Bar Tonique to get to the buses for the rehearsal party. It was going to be at Abita Brewery, which was a last minute decision due to some hiccups with the other venue that they had lined up.

It worked out beautifully though. The trip took about 45 minutes from Bar Tonique to the Brewery. There was plenty of food, beer, and music. They hired a local band to play. Man, it was good times.

Helen and Bryan’s French Quarter Destination Wedding

On the day of the wedding, we were closely watching the weather since there was supposed to be some rain. When we arrived at Place d’Armes, which was where Helen and everyone else was getting ready. Her dress was stunning. The makeup was on point. Everyone was excited and the nerves were there. Bryan was getting ready just around the block. He was doing his thing.

When it came down time to photograph all the details, we did a lot of work around the courtyard there. It was full of moss and greenery. Sincerely, it was right up our alley.

For the first look, we had to move Helen and Bryan into an area that both looked good but also protected them from the rain. In the end, the terrace that covered them was perfect. Afterward, we went around the French Quarter to take portraits.

Once we finished, we headed back to Place d’Armes for family formals and to finish getting things ready for the wedding ceremony. Everything was put into place. The wedding ceremony at Hermann-Grima House went through without a hitch. It was so beautiful! There were so many tears! Once the ceremony was done, everyone started to go straight to the second line. It was the first time I’d ever seen or been a part of one. It was such an experience!

At the heart of it all, this felt like NOLA. That moment felt like what a French Quarter Destination Wedding should feel like.

Broussard’s Wedding Reception in New Orleans

Once everyone got settled back into Broussard’s for the reception, things really started to kick off. The band they hired, Dat Band, was easily one of the best we’ve heard at a wedding in a long time. They had the entire dance floor full and moving the whole night. They got everyone, even the staff, dancing and just having fun. At one point, we were in the midst of it all.

Needless to say, this wedding was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. We can’t wait for our next French Quarter Destination Wedding in New Orleans. Check out Helen and Bryan’s wedding photographs below.

place d arms hotel new orleans destination wedding details french quarter wedding details kara sanchez beauty wedding