White Oak Plantation Wedding: Kelli + Michael

In life…our paths run parallel. But sometimes, these paths wind and turn and cross each other. For Kelli + Michael, when their paths crossed, it would change their lives forever.

Kelli + Michael met through her sister’s husband. He is best friends with Michael and when Kelli moved into Michael’s apartment complex, they were introduced. They lived conveniently close to each other for 2 years while they were dating and continuing to grow their relationship. And now…so many years later, they are happily Mr. and Mrs. Parker.

They love the outdoors and felt that an outdoor wedding would be fitting for them. Kelli also loves the vintage feel of White Oak Plantation and incorporated that same vision into her dress and decor.

Michael + Kelli, being there for your wedding day was such an honor. We are appreciative for the opportunity to document your love and your special day. So, thank you for believing in us and for trusting us. Enjoy the preview of your wedding! 🙂

Preparation: Marriott Baton Rouge
Officiant: Will Kleinpeter
Catering/Coordination/Ceremony:  White Oak Plantation
Florist: Designs by Milissa Duhe
Wedding Cake + Groom’s Cake: Ambrosia Bakery
Event Rentals: Event Rentals
Wedding + Groom’s Cake: Crystal Weddings
Bride’s Hair + Makeup: Style Salon

We’ll start with Kelli’s dress shot which is quite possibly…one of my favorite: ever.

Michael called me the week before their wedding; he had purchased a wedding ring set that Kelli had never seen. So, it was fun to be a part of the secret …

hiding the set from her while I photographed, all the while…thinking in my head, “WOW WOW WOW.”

Michael also gifted Kelli with a set of pearls the day of their wedding which she opened just before she walked down the aisle.

This is Kelli’s sister…they are both so lovely.

Here is Kelli having her makeup done as she got ready for her special day!

Meanwhile, Amelia was with Michael as he was also getting ready for the wedding.

Kelli + Michael opted to do a First Look, where they would see each other before the ceremony! I love the first looks…and their reactions.

Everyone is so different. For Michael, he didn’t even wait a second before turning around to see Kelli!!!

And I loved his reaction: HUGE smiles!

There are so many wonderful things about a First Look…including the couple’s ability to hug and say I love you…

I. LOVE. THIS. IMAGE….it’s potentially my favorite from their wedding day.

By doing the first look, we were able to shoot in the natural light that I LOVE….AH! The light was gorgeous on their wedding day!

SO Sweet

You guys…are perfect together!

White Oak is really cool not only because of the beautiful plantation area, but also because of the ponds and surrounding greenery.

Kelli had such an interesting mix for her bouquet! So pretty.

The fabulous females…

And the full bridal party! 🙂

Such a good looking group of guys.

As the sun began to set, Kelli and her family were able to enjoy a few special moments together.

SO ADORABLE!

This is also another of my favorite images from their wedding day. The light…their love. 🙂 AH! It makes me so happy!

In the moments before the wedding, Amelia captured this image of Kelli and her neice peaking through the window as their guests arrived.

…another cute shot by Amelia.

Kelli + Michael’s wedding was held as the sun went down. So, I bumped up my camera settings and captured the beautiful ambient light of White Oak Plantation!

 ….The Newlyweds

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Parker…headed to their reception

When Kelli finally did see her ring, she was so ecstatic. Great job, Michael! 😉

…their first dance as husband and wife.

Kelli’s dance with her father…

…and Michael with his mother.

I walked outside during their indoor/outdoor reception and saw this sweet moment happening.

Kelli + Michael had a cigar bar for their guests. This is SUCH a fun shot of Michael and his buddies enjoying the bar.

So fly 😉

One of many of Kelli + Michael’s favors were these burlap bags with homemade pralines.

The cigars…

And….they’re off…while being showered in lavender.