Hurricane Wedding in New Orleans | Andie, Jason and Ida
Man, what a memorable wedding day! Andie and Jason had been fighting for this day for a LONG time. COVID chaos and a bunch of other random, crazy difficulties in their blended lives meant that by the time they realized a hurricane was barreling down on Louisiana on their wedding day… well, it was kind of just par for the course.
I tell all of my couples that wedding day chaos is not just to be expected – it is to be embraced. The things that go “wrong” are often the very things that make our day memorable, and unique. How boring would it be if your wedding day followed some cookie-cutter pattern, and looked like everyone else’s?
This little pre-wedding chat that I’ve had with so many of my couples before was really put to the test, on this one. Stress–especially at this level–is no fun. BUT, the hard times are when those most important to us step up, and dance with us in the rain. We made memories at this wedding that would never have happened in any other circumstance. And there’s something really amazing about that!
The streets of New Orleans were almost empty just before Andie’s wedding. News crews milled about, documenting the complete lack of crowds as the city evacuated prior to Hurricane Ida. Inside, though, Andie was calm – determined to enjoy the best day of her life with those she loved most. She got ready at the Royal Sonesta, and we navigated the French Quarter’s streets (past colorful bums), and had an incredible wedding ceremony at Latrobe’s on Royal. The staff there, as always, were cool, calm and collected.
You kinda have to learn to adapt after a while, as a New Orleans wedding vendor, right?
Latrobe’s was a stunning backdrop for Andie and Jason’s gorgeous, emotional ceremony. And the reception was the MOST fun party, despite a number of guests not being able to make it at the last minute.
My very favorite live band, Capital City Soul, tore it UP! They belted out “Hurricane”, by Band of Heathens, which just shows how awesome they are even on the fly in the middle of a hurricane crisis.
Gotta make the best of things, right?!
This wedding had it all, and is a perfect example of how important it is to just live your wedding day, rather than checking things off of some expected “wedding list”. We made some of my very favorite wedding memories this day, and I’m so glad I could be there with these two and their crew!
Check out the story of Andie, Jason…and Ida. 🌀
Special thank-you to all the vendors who pulled together like bosses, this day!
Getting-ready: Royal Sonesta
Ceremony + Reception: Latrobe’s on Royal
Live band: Capital City Soul
Cake: Bittersweet Confections
Florals: Fleur de Farber
Wedding days are made up of many perfect moments, AND many hilarious ones. Documenting the feeling of your day is my number one priority!
I love that the couple’s kids were so involved in their day. Here, Jason’s son notes the need for a last minute “trim” in the bathroom!
I love this look on Andie’s daughter’s face as she sees her mom really, TRULY dressed for her wedding day for the first time!
Nothing like running into a news crew on the way to your wedding ceremony, right?
This guy was eager to wish the bride and groom the best of luck on their wedding day. Or at least I think that’s what he was trying to say…#NOLA
Groom reaction photos–and the associated tears–get me every time!
Tell me a story in one image…For the record, everyone was fine, and laughed it off! 😂
Detail photos are important…sometimes. When they’re meaningful. 😂
Cake pulls are a really fun wedding tradition!
Reaction photos to cake pulls are some of my favorites. 😂
Speeches are extra emotional when they’re given by your kids!
Sometimes you can just HEAR the “Journey” in a photo.
There is nothing in this WORLD like a New Orleans second line!
“Strange” ♥
Look, if you’re going to have half-naked strangers cheering on your second line…I’m absolutely going to take photos of it. Bet.
Is there anything more New Orleans than getting toasted by strangers during your second line through the French Quarter?
Second-lining past boarded up windows
Seeing the lobby of the Royal Sonesta COMPLETELY empty was such a surreal sight! It made for killer couple’s portraits, though. ♥
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