I wonder if Jessica + Michael knew that day their paths would change forever. Because that day at the UL Tailgate, they met. It was the time at the university when you could just roll up, drop a tent and hang out for the day (the “good ole days” as they described it). Jess was at the game hanging with her sorority sister and a few other good friends when she glanced over and saw Michael….
Michael…showed up at the tailgate just like he would any other saturday. He was having a good time, hanging with his friends when he glanced over and saw Jess….
Simultaneously, they were both asking about the other.
One year later things really came together for them. Jess + Michael connected and began spending a lot of their free time together…just being themselves. Because the special thing about Jessica + Michael is that when they’re together, the world disappears.
But just as they really starting growing their relationship, Jessica left for an internship in Orlando. They dated long distance for 5 months with Michael flying Jess home halfway through. Originally, she intended leaving Orlando and heading to Washington, D.C. after for a leadership camp but passed up the opportunity because she missed Michael so much!
One thing that I remember Jess saying when we met was that she and Michael have been on the “up” since they met, and have never quite come down. I thought it was really sweet.
If I had to describe their wedding day, I would say it was magical. It was intimate and it was filled with love. <3
Their blue, green, and ivory palette was perfect for Spring. They really created a beautiful garden party with their own personal touch of Southern flair.
Oh! And did I mention the FABULOUS weather? I am in love with all of these lovely outdoor weddings in Spring! AH!
Michael + Jessica’s wedding was held at The Victorian. It was my first wedding there and I hope to shoot MANY more!
Upstairs at the Victorian, there was such beautiful spaces for Jessica to get ready in!
The blue decks out front and old interior wooden floors were perfect for details. Every inch of the venue was lovely and suited Michael + Jessica so well!
I thought it was super sweet that Jessica had Michaels’ name engraved in his ring. Jessica says her favorite wedding purchase was a tie between Michael’s ring and her dress. Michael says his was a tie between Jessica’s ring and the honeymoon.
Amelia had the opportunity to spend some time with Michael before the ceremony and was able to grab this shot of him getting ready below while I spent time photographing Jess.
Michael gifted Jessica with the most beautiful Mignon Faget necklace. He said he picked the oyster and black pearl so she could wear it on their honeymoon and always remember their special time in the Dominican Republic together.
Michael + Jessica opted to do a First Look….this was their reaction to seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day.
After their First Look, we were able to spend some time shooting outside on the grounds of The Victorian!
The courtyard area has been added since the last time I visited the venue. It was such a pretty addition and makes a great spot for photos!
Jessica sad that she prayed the sun would shine on her wedding day. Well, God surely granted that wish!
Their suspenders were AWESOME…and apparantely served to be a lot of fun to wear at the reception!
These girls…AH! I cannot say enough. I photographed Jessica’s matron of honor, Lauren’s wedding a few years back and I also recently photographed her bridesmaid Summar’s sister April’s wedding! These girls have been so supportive to me and I’m happy to be able to be a part of their lives as well!
As favors for their guests, Jessica + Michael gave them three kinds of homemade soap including this BLUE ALE seen below.
The guests were able to mingle and relax before the ceremony began!
Ok…Amelia, you nailed it on this image below on the left of Jessica before she walked down the aisle. WOW.
Need I say more?
For every wedding, I put up a same-day slideshow at the reception. When Jessica saw the image below on the left, she squeeled with excitement. She says it’s one of her favorites!
The details for their wedding were so well executed. There was a definite vision and style and I commend them for creating such a unique and personal wedding day.
OH yea….now THIS is the kind of fight song I love to hear! Go U-L!
Because post-its are such a huge part of their lives (even part of the way Michael proposed), they thought it’d be appropriate to ask their guests to write them notes on post-its vs. a sign-in book!
Their DJ Seth brought along a microphone for the reception…NICE.
Slow motion on the dance floor….
Jessica + her mom handmade these “Yay!” flags and ribbons for their exit!
…..which proved to be successful in creating a fun exit photo!
Congratulations you two, I couldn’t be happier for you!!!!! 🙂
Wedding Venue: The Victorian
Catering: Charley G’s
Florist: Root Floral Design
Event Rentals: Event Rentals
Wedding Cake: Poupart’s Bakery
Wedding Gown/Accessories: Allure – A-Nets
Wedding Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Groom’s Apparal: Mary Ellen’s Tux Shop
Bride’s Makeup: Sara Buteaux
Music: Acadiana Party Machine/Seth Fangue
So beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes. So happy for Jess & Michael. <3
Thank you so much! You ladies are really gifted. Special thanks to Amelia for that beautiful shot of Jess and Dave before they walked down the aisle. It’s my favorite.
I love this one as well! Thank you guys for being so welcoming; it was so much fun working with you and I cannot wait for you to see the entire gallery!