A Wild, Rainy, Very New Orleans Wedding at Degas House with Lily & Ryan
Lily and Ryan’s wedding at Degas House was exactly the kind of New Orleans wedding I love. Beautiful, loud, emotional, a little messy, and completely alive.
The day started in the kind of old New Orleans house where every room feels like it has a story, then turned into champagne in bathtubs, family hugs, a packed courtyard ceremony, speeches that had everyone reacting, and a rainy second line through the French Quarter.
It was not stiff. It was not overly polished. It was fully them. And that’s the good stuff.
Getting Ready at Degas House
Degas House has that old New Orleans texture that makes a wedding morning feel instantly lived-in. Tall windows, creaky floors, narrow hallways, art everywhere, and rooms full of people trying to get dressed while also keeping track of shoes, flowers, drinks, and feelings.
Lily got ready upstairs with her people around her, and the morning had the right kind of chaos. Dresses hanging, makeup finishing, friends moving through the room, her mom helping with the final pieces, and a bathtub somehow becoming one of the best portrait spots of the day.
The details were there, but the people carried it.
A Courtyard Ceremony in the Rain
The ceremony took place in the courtyard at Degas House, with guests packed in close and the rain hanging around just enough to make everything feel even more New Orleans.
Lily walked down the aisle with her dad, Ryan waited under the tent, and the whole space shifted into that quiet, emotional gear weddings hit when everyone realizes the thing is actually happening.
There were tears, laughs, big reactions, a real kiss, and the kind of ceremony exit that immediately let the whole day loosen up.
Dinner, Speeches, and a Reception That Got Loose
Once the reception started, the night found its rhythm fast.
Dinner under the tent, speeches that had everyone reacting, parents laughing, friends pointing across tables, champagne moving around, and Lily and Ryan right in the middle of all of it.
Then the dance floor stopped pretending it had manners.
People were singing, crawling across bricks, falling over, throwing arms around each other, lifting Ryan into the air, and making exactly the kind of decisions that make wedding photos better.
A Rainy French Quarter Second Line
Then the night spilled into the street.
Rain on the pavement. Umbrella in hand. Brass band behind them. French Quarter lights bouncing off the road.
Lily and Ryan led their second line through the Quarter with guests packed behind them, strangers cheering from the sidewalks, and the whole thing feeling like New Orleans decided to join the wedding for a few blocks.
Vendor Love
Venue: Degas House
Planning / Coordination: Celebration Coordinator by LEC
Photography: Swanson Photography
Entertainment: NOLA Dukes Band
Catering: Elysian Catering
Second Line Band: Big Fun Brass Band
Taylor & Taylor's New Orleans Wedding at Broussard's & Hermann-Grima House
Getting Ready at the Ritz-Carlton
The day started at the Ritz-Carlton in the French Quarter. Quiet morning light through the windows, tuxedos hanging in the background, cufflinks and bowties laid out next to invitations.
There’s always something great about photographing two grooms getting ready together. Instead of the usual separation of the morning, there’s this shared energy. Laughing while tying bowties, helping each other with cufflinks, stealing little moments before the day really gets moving.
Those quiet minutes before the ceremony always end up meaning a lot.
Portraits at the Michaelopoulos Gallery
Before the ceremony we stepped into the Michaelopoulos Gallery for portraits.
The space is filled with colorful New Orleans artwork and soft window light, which made a perfect backdrop for something a little more relaxed before the ceremony. It gave Taylor and Taylor a chance to breathe for a minute, flip through artwork, and just be together before the courtyard filled with guests.
Moments like that are always my favorite to photograph. Nothing staged. Just people being themselves.
Ceremony at the Hermann-Grima House
Their ceremony took place in the courtyard at the Hermann-Grima House, one of the most beautiful historic homes in the French Quarter.
Brick walls, lush greenery, and a garden aisle that feels like you’re stepping back in time. Even with a little rain in the air, the courtyard looked incredible.
They stood together in classic tuxedos as family and friends gathered close around them. The ceremony was simple, heartfelt, and full of laughter. The kind where people are smiling the whole time.
And when it was over, they walked back down the garden aisle together to a full courtyard of cheering guests.
A Second Line Through the French Quarter
Of course, no New Orleans wedding is complete without a second line.
Brass band horns echoed through the courtyard as everyone grabbed umbrellas and handkerchiefs. The rain didn’t slow anything down. If anything it made it better.
Taylor and Taylor led the parade through the French Quarter streets, umbrellas in the air, drinks in hand, with a full brass band marching behind them.
Cars stopped. Tourists cheered. People leaned out of balconies to watch.
That’s the magic of a New Orleans wedding. For a moment, the whole city becomes part of the celebration.
Cocktails and Reception at Broussard’s
After the ceremony everyone made their way to Broussard’s for the reception.
If you’ve never been there, Broussard’s courtyard is one of those places that feels like old New Orleans. Brick, string lights, greenery, and a bar that somehow never seems to run dry.
Guests gathered with cocktails while the band set the tone for the night. The energy built fast. Before long the dance floor was packed and stayed that way.
Parents danced, friends sang along, and every few minutes someone new would pull the grooms back into the center of the party.
A Dance Floor That Didn’t Quit
Back at Broussard’s the dance floor picked up right where the second line left off.
The band played late into the night while guests filled the courtyard under glowing string lights. Parents, friends, grandparents, everyone out there dancing.
And in the middle of it all were Taylor and Taylor, laughing, spinning, and soaking up every second of it.
Exactly how a wedding day should end.
Planning a Wedding in New Orleans
If you’re planning a wedding in New Orleans and want photography that focuses on real moments instead of stiff posing, we’d love to hear about what you’re planning.
Whether it’s a courtyard ceremony, a French Quarter second line, or a quiet elopement in the city.
This place makes incredible weddings.
And we’re always excited to photograph them.
Wedding Vendor Team
Planning a New Orleans wedding takes a great team, and this one came together beautifully.
Ceremony Venue
Hermann-Grima House
Reception Venue
Broussard’s Courtyard
Getting Ready Location
The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
Wedding Planner
Amanda Price Events
Florist
The Plant Gallery
Second Line Band
Knockaz Brass Band
Reception Band
Nola Dukes Band
Photography
Swanson Photography
David & Tricia’s New Orleans Wedding
Welcome party at the new orleans Pharmacy Museum
David and Tricia kicked off their wedding weekend the way New Orleans does best. Slowly, intentionally, and surrounded by people who showed up ready to be present.
From a Friday night welcome party at the Pharmacy Museum to a full second line and late night dance floor at Race & Religious, the weekend was layered, emotional, and deeply personal.
Getting Ready at Race & Religious
Saturday unfolded slowly, which is exactly what this space allows.
Tricia got dressed at Race & Religious while David prepped upstairs in the back house. Nothing rushed. No chaos. Just quiet moments, details laid out intentionally, and that calm before everything tips forward.
Race & Religious holds stillness without feeling empty. That space made room for real emotion to show up early.
A CEREMONY THAT TURNED INTO A PARADE
The ceremony itself was intimate, grounded, and emotional, but it did not end at the aisle.
As David and Tricia made their way back, the energy shifted. A brass band revealed itself overhead. Guests changed shoes. The courtyard filled. Then New Orleans did what it always does when love meets rhythm.
A second line poured out of Race & Religious, led by a brass band, Mardi Gras Indians, and everyone who was ready to follow. No hesitation. No holding back.
This was not a photo moment.
It was a release.
Cocktail hour, dinner, and a night that didn’t slow down
Back inside, cocktail hour rolled straight into dinner without killing momentum. Music stayed present but never overpowering. Speeches landed because people were actually listening. Outfit changes happened because why not.
As the night went on, the dance floor filled fast and stayed that way. Tarot cards in one corner. Espresso martinis later. People bouncing between moments instead of being hearded through them.
By the time the last song hit, nobody wanted it to end, which is always a sign of a damn good party.
Vendor Love:
Planner – Alchemy Events
https://www.alchemyeventsnola.com
Beauty – Ting Makeup & Hair
http://www.tingmakeup.comCake – The Cake Artistry
https://www.thecakeartistry.comCake – Gambino’s Bakery
http://www.gambinos.comEntertainment – Kinfolk Brass Band
http://neworleanskinfolk.comEntertainment – Calfee Productions
http://www.calfeeproductions.comEntertainment – New Orleans Classical & Jazz
http://neworleansclassicalandjazz.comFlorals – Kim Starr Wise Floral Events
http://www.kimstarrwise.comPhotography – The Swansons
http://www.theswansons.comRentals & Decor – True Value Rental
http://www.justaskrentalnola.comRentals & Decor – Distressed Rentals & Revival
http://www.rentdistressed.comRentals & Decor – Decor by Dulce
https://www.linenrentalhouston.comRentals & Decor – Lovegood Rentals
http://lovegood-rentals.comRentals & Decor – BBJ / La Tavola
http://www.bbjlatavola.comTents – Larkin’s Event Tents
http://larkinseventtents.comRentals & Decor – Element
http://www.exploreelement.comCatering (Saturday) – St. James Cheese Company
https://stjamescheeseco.comCatering (Saturday) – Ralph Brennan Catering
http://www.ralphbrennancatering.comVenue (Wedding) – Race & Religious
https://www.raceandreligious.comVenue (Welcome Party) – Pharmacy Museum
http://www.pharmacymuseum.org
Samhita & Ethan — A Two-Day Celebration in New Orleans
Samhita and Ethan planned the kind of wedding that really told their story. Two days, two ceremonies, two different vibes—but every part of it felt intentional and personal.
Day one was at English Turn, where they hosted a Hindu ceremony. The baraat circled the parking lot and rolled right up to the entrance, and from there, the day unfolded in the most laid-back, family-focused way. The mandap setup overlooked the pond, with soft greens and creams everywhere, but the best part was how Samhita and Ethan made space for their people in the middle of all the tradition. The way they looked at each other during the varmala, the smiles from family—those little in-between moments are always the ones that stick with me.
The next day, they flipped the script with a Western ceremony at Popp Fountain in City Park. The broken arch framed the fountain perfectly, and everything about it felt simple but intentional. No fuss, no fluff, just a couple surrounded by their favorite people. The reception at the Arbor Room vibe easy and fun the whole night.
This was one of those weddings that didn’t feel like an event—it felt like a celebration of who they are. They trusted their crew, showed up fully for every part of it, and never got caught up in the noise. That’s always the kind of wedding we want to be part of.
Vendor Love:
Planner - Alchemy Events
Baraat - Pegasus Carriage Company
Henna Artist - New Orleans Henna
Cinema - Ashley Kristen Collective
Photography - The Swansons
Decor & Rentals - Mandap Creations
Decor & Rentals - True Value Rental
Tents - Larkin's Event Tents
Venue (Day 1) - English Turn
Venue (Day 2) - City Park
Josie and Parker’s Unforgettable New Orleans Spring Wedding at Felicity Church & Il Mercato
When Josie and Parker decided to tie the knot in New Orleans, they knew they wanted a celebration that captured the city’s vibrant spirit and their unique love story. As experienced New Orleans wedding photographers, we were thrilled to document their special day. From the luxurious prep at the Royal Sonesta to the heartfelt ceremony at Felicity Church and the lively reception at Il Mercato, every moment was picture-perfect. This blog post takes you through the highlights of their magical wedding day, showcasing why New Orleans is the ultimate destination for weddings.
A Glamorous Start at the Royal Sonesta
Josie and Parker’s wedding day began in style at the Royal Sonesta, a landmark hotel in the heart of the French Quarter. The morning was filled with laughter, joy, and a touch of glamour as Virgo Beauty Studio worked their magic on Josie and her bridal party. The luxurious suite provided the perfect backdrop for those candid, intimate moments we captured as Josie prepared to meet her groom.
First Look and Ceremony at Felicity Church
The couple’s first look took place at Felicity Church, a stunning historic venue with a rich history and beautiful architecture. The moment Parker saw Josie in her wedding dress was nothing short of magical. His reaction was priceless, and the love in his eyes was a testament to their deep connection.
Felicity Church also hosted the ceremony, where the Pan String Quartet set a romantic atmosphere with their enchanting music. The historic charm of the church, combined with the couple’s heartfelt vows, made for an unforgettable ceremony. Josie, a professional dancer and dance teacher, added a personal touch by having her students perform a special dance, which brought tears of joy to many guests.
A Festive Reception at Il Mercato
The celebration continued at Il Mercato, a beautifully renovated marketplace turned event venue. The reception was a blend of elegance and lively New Orleans flair. Cry Baby Florals transformed the space with stunning floral arrangements, and Joel’s Catering & Special Events provided a delectable feast that guests are still raving about.
The evening’s entertainment was top-notch. DJ Darious Williams of DWill’s Entertainment kept the dance floor packed, ensuring everyone had a fantastic time. A highlight of the night was the Kinfolk Brass Band, who led a spirited second line parade that truly encapsulated the essence of a New Orleans wedding.
Josie and Parker’s wedding was a beautiful blend of tradition, elegance, and New Orleans charm. As their wedding photographers, we were honored to capture every precious moment. If you’re planning a wedding in New Orleans and want a team that understands the city’s unique vibe and knows how to capture its magic, look no further. Contact us today to learn more about our wedding photography services.
A Dream Team of Vendors
Josie and Parker’s wedding was brought to life by an incredible team of vendors, each contributing to the day’s success:
Ceremony Venue: Felicity Church
Reception Venue: Il Mercato
Hair & Makeup: Virgo Beauty Studio
Florals: Cry Baby Florals
Catering: Joel's Catering & Special Events
Cake: Bittersweet Confections
Ceremony Musicians: Pan String Quartet
Second Line Band: Kinfolk Brass Band
Event Planning: Amanda Price Events
Ceremony Sound: Calfee Productions
NOLA Love Story: Art Deco Bliss at Pharmacy Museum & Cane & Table ft. Liz & Devin
Liz and Devin threw the ultimate party to celebrate their love. Their wedding wasn't just a ceremony—it was a wild and unforgettable experience that perfectly encapsulated their personalities and style.
Picture this: Liz and Devin saying their "I dos" surrounded by vintage apothecary bottles and old-school medical gear at the Pharmacy Museum. It was like stepping into a cool, time-traveling adventure that mixed history with a touch of mystery, setting the vibe for a wedding that was far from basic.
Liz rocked a show-stopping gold wedding dress that screamed Art Deco goddess vibes. Devin, not one to be outdone, showed up in a red and black velvet tux that was pure sophistication. Together, they were a power couple that set the stage for a wedding that was all about being bold and unique.
Who needs regular old flower bouquets when you can have wearable floral art? Liz and Devin turned their guests into living art installations, decked out in intricate floral arrangements that added a whimsical touch to the celebration. It was the perfect nod to their love for creativity and doing things a bit differently.
No cookie-cutter vows here! Liz and Devin poured their hearts into personalized vows that spilled the tea on their love story. The ceremony featured altars that told their unique journey, making every moment Instagram-worthy and deep AF. It was all about creating a wedding that was as one-of-a-kind as they are.
After the ceremony, Young Fellaz Brass Band led a colorful parade from the Pharmacy Museum to the reception at Cane & Table. The streets of NOLA turned into a dance floor as friends and fam celebrated the newlyweds in style.
And the Pastries! Let’s not forget about Ayu Bakehouse’s Snake pastry that was beyond delicious. Everything they had was seriously amazing!
Shoutout to Rena with Alchemy Events for pulling off some serious magic. From the vibe at the Pharmacy Museum to the seamless transition to Cane & Table, Alchemy Events turned Liz and Devin's vision into reality. It was like having a personal wedding wizard making sure everything was on point.
Liz and Devin didn't just have a wedding; they threw an epic NOLA bash that will be talked about for ages. From the vintage vibes of the Pharmacy Museum to the wild second line parade, every moment was a snapshot of their crazy love story. As the night ended with a private sesh at the Carousel Bar in the historic Hotel Monteleone, one thing was clear— Liz and Devin’s wedding was a vibe that'll be remembered forever.
Planning & Coordination - Alchemy Events
MUA - Verde Beauty Studio
Dress - Sew Romantic
Suiting - Al's Attire
Ceremony - Pharmacy Museum
Reception - Cane & Table
Pastries - Ayu Bakehouse
Entertainment - NOLA Dukes
Florals - Berry Blossom Flowers
Lighting & Decor - Luminous Events
Brass Band - Young Fellaz Brass Band
Degas House Springtime Wedding starring Andrea & Polo
From the Windy City to the lively streets of New Orleans (their favorite city, hands down!), Andrea and Polo brought their Chicago cool to the historic Degas House for a late October wedding that was as trendy as it gets.
A second line down Esplanade Ave, courtesy of the Kinfolk Brass Band, kicked off the celebration. DJ Belonge kept the beats rolling, turning the dance floor into a hotspot. Andrea and Polo didn't just throw a wedding; they threw a party to remember.
Major props to Ashley Bupp of A Bupp Event for making it all happen seamlessly. She turned their vision into a reality, ensuring every detail was on point.
Andrea and Polo made a stylish, Instagram-worthy exit, surrounded by sparklers and hopping into a classic Mustang convertible.
Every detail reflected their personalities. As they drove off in that classic Mustang, it was clear – this was a love story that knows how to make an exit. Cheers to Andrea and Polo, the coolest couple in town!
Venue: Degas House
Coordination & Planning: A Bupp Event
Florals: Fabulous Flowers
MUA: Glam Nola
Entertainment: DJ Belonge
Brass Band: Kinfolk Brass Band
New Orleans Board of Trade wedding with Jordan & Jacob
Surrounded by their family and friends, high school sweethearts Jordan and Jacob celebrated their night having as much fun as possible. Their energy was infectious. The Bucktown Allstars had the dance floor hopping all night long and featured Jordan’s dad as a guest singer. The party never stopped! (Which had these old people hurting the day after the wedding!) We love a good party though! Everyone was having so much fun just celebrating the happy couple.
Vendor Love:
Ceremony - St. Dominic
Reception - New Orleans Board of Trade
Entertainment - Bucktown Allstars
Intimate Halloween Wedding with David and Renee at Bevolo
Halloween weekend is always a pretty popular time to get married in New Orleans, and its also one of our favorite times to photograph a wedding. The weather is usually pretty great ( for New Orleans ) and the couples usually treat us to something a little different than what we typically see year round. David & Renee delivered with an amazingly intimate wedding at the Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights Museum. Renee had a beautiful black wedding dress, which we hope we get to see more of because, damn, that shit looks good! They decked out their ceremony and reception space with some crystal skulls, an alligator head and beautiful deep red roses.
After the ceremony, David & Renee exited into one of the craziest second lines we’ve been apart of. While we were inside Bevolo, a windstorm kicked up, which is just so typical of New Orleans because the weather here is just straight unpredictable. As we proceeded to second line through the French Quarter with heavy heavy wind gusts, we got some of the most epic photographs. Things couldn’t have come together without the help of the amazing Meredith with Belle Soiree Events. This wedding was a whole vibe.
Planning & Coordination - Belle Soiree Events
Venue - Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights Museum
Flowers - Nola Flora
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum wedding featuring Doc & Windy
Up next on the blog, a sultry, summer wedding featuring Doc and Windy. Their wedding was far from the traditional. They had very unique, personal touches added all throughout; like using a pheasant that the family dog caught as part of their wedding decor and also using the feathers in Doc’s wedding hair, custom stickers, and this awesome piece of artwork that their guests signed in lieu of a guestbook that Windy created. Windy met Doc in the middle of the aisle and they walked together the rest of the way. That was cool as fuck. During the vows, they also made a blood pact. A Jewish Klezmer band, that was fucking awesome, provided the music for the hot & sweaty dance party that took place in the courtyard of the Pharmacy Museum. The entire wedding emanated with their personality and fun.
As usual, Alchemy Events had everything looking wonderful. They were able to take these unique touches and sprinkle them throughout the Pharmacy Museum to create the vibe Doc and Windy were going for.
Vendor List:
Planning & Coordination - Alchemy Events
Venue - New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Officiant - Sid Patrick Medium
MUA - Verde Beauty
Catering - Toulouse Gourmet
