Mount Zion First Baptist, Shaw Center Wedding: Jessica + Mario

Wedding Venue : Shaw Center Baton Rouge
Wedding Ceremony: Mount Zion First Baptist
Event Planner: Diana Brown 785.393.4709
Pastor: Rene Brown
Catering: Woman’s Hospital Margie Ricks
Florist: DIY
Cake: Cake Goddess
Bride’s Gown: Madeline Gardner for Mori Lee, Pearl’s Place
Bride’s Shoes: MyGlassSlipper.com
Bride’s Accessories: Veil: BCGirls (etsy.com), Jewelry: Rita Tesolin (ideeli.com) 
Bridesmaids: Bill Levkoff
Bride’s Hair: Elayna O’Connor
Music: Everett Parker

Their love story began with a spark, right on the campus of their university. They were at the Georgia Tech orientation and as fate would have it, Mario and Jessica were seated beside one another. He knew in the first conversation they had…she was the one for him. In fact, he told me this during their engagement session. Since that initial conversation, he’s spent every moment since reconfirming his initial instinct.

Jessica and Mario have the type of relationship that’s just….easy. They enjoy each others’ company and those around them. 🙂 From the beginning, I’ve loved their laid-back personalities and the way they’ve always trusted me. It’s meant so much getting to know these two and I couldn’t have been more honored to have been there to document their day.

Jessica and Mario wanted a wedding that was clean and simple. They were planning for a day to represent their fun personalities and love for modern details and ideas. The wedding was a true celebration….and a beautiful one at that.

Jessica’s dress is absolutely gorgeous!

Mrs. Gwen helping Jess get ready for the wedding.

Jess gifted her bridesmaids with these beautiful pearl necklaces.

Jessica’s maid of honor Tracie lacing her into the dress…

LOVE Jessica’s modern head piece.

The following photos of Mario and the groomsmen were taken by Amelia. She was able to spend some time with them before the wedding! 🙂

Amelia shared how sweet she thought it was that Mario gifted the groomsmen with fresh hair cuts!

Mario looking studly. [Photo by Amelia]

Barry looking sleepy. [Photo by Amelia]

The guys were able to have a little fun with Amelia before the wedding.

When we arrived, I set Mario and Jessica up for the first look. This was Mario’s reaction when he first saw her.

Both Jessica + Mario mentioned to me later on in the day how happy they were they did the First Look. They said it was nice to see each other first before everyone else and to relieve some of the stress they had.

After the first look, we spent a little time shooting in the areas around the church.

Jessica + the beautiful bridesmaids.

Mario + the handsome groomsmen

Thanks to all the planning and effort, every detail was in place. [Photo by Amelia]

Mario’s eyes were on her as she walked so elegantly down the aisle.

I am in LOVE with this shot taken by Amelia from above.

The ceremony was beautiful; so is Mrs. Gwen. 🙂

And Jessica…..takes after her mother’s beauty.

Lighting of the Unity Candles… [Photo by Amelia]

Mr. and Mrs. Mario Taylor

After the formal photos in the church, we spent a bit of time taking pictures of Jessica + Mario. This is one of my favorites.

The reception took place at the Shaw Center in Baton Rouge, one of my new favorite places to photograph.

The lighting = Amazing

The Newlyweds!!!

This is my favorite favorite favorite photo of them from their wedding.

Mario and his mother danced as the sun set.

Jessica danced with her father, followed by….

….a dance with she and her brothers with her dad.

Their cake toppers were Jessica’s favorite wedding purchase, created and customized to look just like them!

I thought this was SUCH a cute idea! Each of the guests filled out this sheet with questions like, how do you know the bride and groom and…special wishes for Jessica + Mario.

Mario’s cake was designed to look just like he and his business partners shoe company: Slushie Kicks. Mario and his business partners also have a book called “Plan B Sucks….SO much talent!

The wedding was a true celebration…with lots of dancing.

…..lots of friends….

…..and lots of love.

Just before we left, Jessica, Mario, and I spent some time photographing around the venue.

SO sweet!

Amelia, Mario, Jessica, and I after the wedding!

I would like to extend a special thank you to Mrs. Diana Brown. Working with you as Jessica + Mario’s event planner was a true blessing. You genuinely care for those you are working with and have kept everything organized and SO enjoyable due to your hard work!

Jessica + Mario,

First, let me encourage you to sleep late, dance, and have an extra fruity drink for me in Antigua. 🙂 Secondly let me thank you for being SO incredibly awesome. Your wedding was a blast and you and Jessica have been a pleasure to work with from day one. Amelia and I really enjoyed being there to capture your wedding day and I wish you both the very best! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Catherine