Bride’s Prep: Windsor Court
Groom’s Prep: Loews Hotel
Wedding Ceremony : Our Lady of the Rosary
Reception Venue: Arbor Room, City Park – NOLA
Catering: Arbor Room, City Park – NOLA
Florist: Bella Blooms
Cake: Fairy Dust Cakes
Wedding Gown: Lazaro
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaids Dresses: Priscilla of Boston
Bride’s Hair: Be Salon – Dane Castille + John Theriot
Bride’s Makeup: Pixie Cosmetics – Katie Malone
Music: Louisiana Spice
Videography: BrideFilm – Chris Serio
I suppose one of the things that I love most about Darah + Dennis, is the way they love each other. Their magnetic personalities are truly a match for one another and life is definitely a party when these two are around.
If you read Darah + Dennis’ engagement post, then you already have a feel for how much I love these guys. So….needless to say, I’ve been anticipating their wedding for a very long time.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that opposites attract: Although Darah + Dennis are both kind, driven, and good-looking, it’s their unique and individual personalities and the way they interact with each other that make them a match. When Darah is nervous, Dennis is there to comfort her. When things need to be organized, Darah takes control. A couple like this is making strides in the world and I cannot wait to see in a few years where life will have taken them…or better yet, where they will take life.
When Amelia and I arrived at the Windsor court on Saturday, the streets were PACKED with Saints fans ready for the game. The air was crisp and chilly…and there was much anticipation on the air. The day couldn’t have been more perfect for a true NOLA wedding.
Upon entering the room, we saw the most beautiful arrangement! Dennis left just three words on a card to Darah: “I’ll Be Waiting.”Β Those three words were the beginning of a perfect day:
The Windsor Court is such an exquisite hotel and provided an excellent backdrop for Darah’s Lazaro gown. Katie of Pixie Cosmetics was able to use the fine window light for the girls’ prep, and there was lots of room for the girls to enjoy each other’s company.
This shot below was when Darah read her note from Dennis.
I’ll just go ahead and say it once. I’m in love with ALL of Darah’s details. Seriously. She said she wanted lots of details and lots of purple on her wedding day!
She definitely achieved that with her Badgley Mischka Shoes…and in everything she planned for her wedding.
Mrs. Eschete. π
Bella Blooms did a fabulous job incorporating Darah’s colors and the combination and variety was fabulous!
The girls were swooning over Darah’s rings while I photographed these symbols of their love. Do you blame them?!
Petra was Darah’s Big Sister in their sorority. They have such a special and fun connection!
Although for Darah’s bridals, we resorted to buttoning the back of her gown by hand, Darah was prepared on her wedding day with a crochet hook.
Isn’t Mrs. Cecilia gorgeous?
AND… she has three beautiful daughters!
Darah + her father truly have a special relationship. This was the first time that he saw her in her wedding dress in person. I love the way he’s looking at her here.
What a studly group of gentlemen, taken just outside the Loews Hotel in New Orleans.
It is SO nice when the bride + groom get ready in nearby locations. The Windsor Court was literally a 2 minute walk for me. And I was able to photograph the girls in their neat courtyard area at the Windsor.
I also want to give an extra shout out to the men ofΒ Be Salon in Lafayette who stayed all the way until this point in the prep. WOW. You guys really go the extra mile for those you work with. And it shows!
Every couple that I work with decides whether or not to do a First Look. Darah + Dennis opted not to, and instead wanted to take this shot below: where I can see them but they can’t see each other.
During this time, they did their gift exchange, Β as well!
Darah’s response to Dennis’ gift (below): “Are you crazy?!” lol..I love it. P.S. I made SURE to show Brad this gift…just in case he’s ever looking for any ideas. π Darah also gave Dennis an Ipad.
They are SO thoughtful! And it was really fun to photograph the exchange.
LOVE
Darah was riding in style on her wedding day in this Rolls Royce below.
As Darah made her way to the church Amelia spent some time photographing Dennis and his groomsmen hanging out in the church.
Just as the ceremony began, Amelia grabbed this shot of Darah.
And when they opened the doors, Dennis was ALL smiles.
Darah, you are stunning!
Our Lady of the Rosary is AHmazing. WoW.
Seriously, you guys are too cute.
The exchanging of the vows….
….and the rings.
First kiss as husband and wife!
Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Eschete.
After the formals, we spent some time photographing in the church. This time spent with the couples I work with produces some of my favorite shots from the wedding day. Especially if they don’t do a first look.
Darah + Dennis are so excited to be married and this was really the first chance on their wedding day that they had the chance to be alone together. π
π π π π
At the last minute, we decided that I would ride in the Rolls with them to the reception. This is where I grabbed this shot below.
And before they entered the Abor Room, we stopped just outside in front of the fountain. I truly appreciate when the couples want to take the few extra minutes to allow me to photograph them in between.
Looking back, they’ll always have these images to treasure.
The next few shots are of the details. To preface this, the few images that I’ve shot here will give you a TASTE of how the venue felt. There was so much color and beauty especially in their centerpieces and table decor.
Beautiful concepts by Darah and exquisite execution by Bella Blooms.
Fairy Dust Cakes did a wonderful job with their wedding cake as well!
This is the first thing that the guests saw when they arrived. So pretty!
The moments that are uninstructed and happen naturally are my favorites. Like this one below….
Dennis, Brad loves your cake! I thought it was so creative the way that his passion for medicine and golf were incorporated into his “Operations” cake.
Their First Dance as husband and wife!
Darah, when you smile the room lights up! The reception was a blast and the images that are going to follow in this post will give you just a GLIMPSE into the fun.
Darah + Dennis are huge Saints fans…so it was no surprise that there was a TV with the game on at their reception!
I love the way Louisiana Spice breaks out the Limbo stick!
Darah + Dennis had a huge popcorn display table with all flavors including Wedding Cake , Tiger Bait + Who Dat Popcorn!
NOLA Photo Booth was at the wedding, too! This is one of my favorite shots of Darah + Dennis. See what I mean? Magnetic personalities.
During the second line, Amelia grabbed this shot of Darah’s dad and Dennis hugging. This makes me smile.
The night FLEW by. But I think forever, everyone will remember how incredibly perfect and fun it was! On the way out, I was able to grab these last two shots of the newlyweds.
Congratulations you two! And we cannot thank you enough for allowing us to be a part of your wedding. From the beginning, I’ve felt like I could just sit and chat with you all day. You’ve treated me as your friend and for that I am so grateful. π
I hope you have a awesome time on your honeymoon in Hawaii. Don’t forget to watch the sunset and RELAX! π It’s been a pleasure working with your friends and family members, as well. Thank you for the opportunity and I hope you enjoyed the sneak preview of your wedding day!!!
Have a wonderful day!
