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
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
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
