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.

Wedding invitation suite and rings photographed during getting ready at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans

Groom getting ready at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans adjusting bowtie before wedding

Grooms helping each other with cufflinks in Ritz-Carlton hotel room before wedding

rooms helping each other with cufflinks in Ritz-Carlton hotel room before wedding

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.

Two grooms sharing a quiet moment inside the Michaelopoulos Gallery in New Orleans

Couple portrait of two grooms inside New Orleans art gallery before wedding ceremony

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.

Same sex wedding ceremony at Hermann-Grima House courtyard in the French Quarter

Two grooms exchanging rings during courtyard ceremony at Hermann-Grima House New Orleans

Wedding ceremony kiss between two grooms in historic French Quarter courtyard

Wedding ceremony ring exchange between two grooms in historic French Quarter courtyard

Wedding ceremony exit between two grooms in historic French Quarter courtyard

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.

Second line parade through the French Quarter with brass band after wedding ceremony

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.

Wedding reception dancing in the courtyard at Broussard’s restaurant in New Orleans

Guests celebrating on the dance floor at Broussard’s French Quarter wedding reception

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.

Wedding guests dancing and celebrating during reception at Broussard’s courtyard

Two grooms exiting their wedding with streamers at Broussard's

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.