Megan and Hannah put their own spin on a wedding weekend. Instead of packing in as many parties as possible, they split their ceremony and reception into two days to create space for intimate connections with the people they love. Back when Megan first met Hannah, she described Hannah as “light,” and that feeling carried through the whole weekend. After a small ceremony at Audubon Park on Friday, they held a larger reception at Paradigm Gardens, a lush venue hidden in plain sight in the heart of the city.

Paradigm Gardens: An Oasis in the City

Paradigm Gardens is a New Orleans wedding venue that makes you feel like you’ve been transported from the city to a little oasis. It has all the color and charm of the city with the lush plant life and relaxed atmosphere of the country. It’s an elevated twist on a farm venue. Hannah and Megan only held their reception there, but it would be such a charming spot for a ceremony too. In fact, Paradigm Gardens regularly hosts ceremonies.

True to its name, Paradigm Gardens grows to row upon row of vegetables and flowers. The venue is also home to some Cameroonian goats who make regular appearances at goat yoga. Their sweet faces are enough to help anyone shake wedding day nerves. At night, strings of lights glow over the picnic tables, adding to the cozy atmosphere.  

Whether you want to host a small seated reception or something larger, Paradigm Gardens can provide catering. The big wood-fired grill is a hit with guests who enjoy seeing everything cooked out in the open. There’s also something special about wandering the garden and checking out what’s growing while the chef works his magic.  

An Intimate Ceremony at Audubon Park

I had a feeling Hannah and Megan’s wedding weekend would be a dream after I photographed their New Orleans engagement session. That session, photographed in the wake of Hurricane Ida, was so tender and real. We held space for all the vulnerability of the moment and love they have for each other. Their whole wedding weekend had that energy too.

In their day to day lives, Hannah and Megan are busy humans! Megan is wrapping up her fourth year at Tulane Medical School, and Hannah just got accepted to law school in Pittsburgh. Despite all of this, they kept their wedding weekend calm and focused on connecting. For a wedding photographer, clients like Hannah and Megan are a breath of fresh air! 

The weekend started with a private ceremony at Audubon Park on Friday. Only Megan and Hannah’s closest friends and family attended. The ceremony was sweet and low stress. With so few guests, Megan and Hannah got to have a really intimate experience that didn’t need to be planned down to the last detail. There was room to breathe, enjoy, and celebrate each other. It’s exactly the kind of day I love to be a part of!

A Paradigm Gardens Reception

On Saturday, Hannah and Megan had a larger celebration at Paradigm Gardens. It truly was one for the books. Jasmine bloomed everywhere, and the fragrant flowers were a gorgeous backdrop for the day. Orange and red flowers and colorful murals enhanced the joyful feeling of the night.  

Hannah and Megan’s guests were as much a joy to work with as the couple was. Everyone was kind, fun, and eager to celebrate Hannah and Megan. The whole night was very lighthearted. Because Megan and Hannah had a flexible timeline, I was able to photograph some of the other couples in attendance. Their energy was just irresistible, and I really enjoyed photographing them!

Such a great wedding weekend wouldn’t be complete without an unforgettable dance party. Hannah and Megan’s family and friends were ready to let loose on the dance floor. Amid the flowers and softly lit murals, they laughed and lived it up together.

Are you interested in having me photograph your Paradigm Gardens wedding? Let’s make it official! Reach out to me today.

Thank you to the vendors who made Megan and Hannah’s wedding possible:

Megan’s Dress: East Meets Dress

Rings: Crowe Jewelry

Flowers: Flora Narra

Venue and Food: Paradigm Gardens

Band: Dat Band LA

Hair and Makeup Artist: Leslie Claverlie