St. Patrick’s Church, Omni Royal Orleans Wedding: April + Michael

Wedding Prep : Omni Royal Orleans
Wedding Ceremony: St. Patrick’s Church
Reception & Catering: Omni Royal Orleans
Florist: Meade Wenzel 504.289-9883
Cake: Haydel’s
Wedding Dress: Casablanca, Lulu’s Bridal (Dallas)
Transportation: Celebrity 
Music: Topcats
Videographer: Scott Alwert

I made a mental note of April’s bubbly demeanor the first time we met. And again for she and Michael’s engagement session. On the wedding day, everyone referred to her as Bubbles (so apparantly, they feel the same and have nicknamed her to prove it). April’s bubbly personalty is the perfect match for Michael’s laid back and easy going character.

Approximately 9 years ago was when their relationship first began. April hurt her knee dancing, so she spent her afternoons at the physical therapy clinic in an attempt to heal and get back to her passion. At the time, she wasn’t in school so, according to her..the thing she looked forward to the most in her day, was seeing Michael at Physical Therapy.

When she finally healed and moved away to New York to continue her dancing career, they kept in touch. They talked on the phone, emailed, and chatted on the computer, basically any way that they could continue their relationship. According to Michael, it really pushed them to learn about and REALLY get to know each other because they had no choice but to communicate.

This went on for years. They dated for two years, talked on and off for 3, lost touch for a few years, and then came back into contact again about 1.5 years ago. It was like all along, their love was pulling at their heart strings. One and half years ago it was like everything came together after all these years.

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.) 😉

The Caspian blue, silver, and white color palette along with all the beautiful elements of the day really showed off their elegant style. April used Christopher Lowell’s philosophy and picked the things they loved: knowing that everything would work out. They wanted their wedding to be fun, blessed, and truly happy.

As their photographer, and now, someone who looks at this couple as friends…I can honestly say that their wedding was all that they dreamed of. Despite the rain, and the potential for planned moments to fall through, they had the most wonderful day because they kept in mind what mattered most!

So, the day begins at the Omni off of Chartres and St. Louis in Downtown New Orleans. I was in LOVE with April’s bouquet. Seriously, when I get married, I want this bouquet. lol..

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