After dating for several years, Beth and Brian decided to get married outside of New Orleans. Their wedding had some traditional elements, but this active couple took a slightly different approach to their timeline. They built in plenty of time to connect and stay present. Beth and Brian also opted for an after-dark ceremony followed by an epic dance party with a live band. The creative nighttime wedding photos capture the romance and energy of the evening.
A Wedding Timeline Designed for Creativity
Beth and Brian’s wedding included lots of time for them to connect with each other and their loved ones. One of the best things you can do for your wedding day is create a breathable timeline. I collaborated with Beth and Brian to design a timeline that wasn’t rushed. Instead of packing in as many activities as possible, they prioritized what mattered most to them and left opportunities for connection in between.
This timeline also allowed plenty of time for me to slow down and be intentional with photos. Beth got ready at a bed and breakfast in Covington. It was small but pretty. Since I had time, I was able to get creative with composition and lighting for detail photos. A good wedding timeline can make such a difference in the level of creativity a photographer can bring. It was helpful for the nighttime wedding photos too.
From getting ready all the way through the ceremony, Beth and Brian’s dog Dixie stole the show. She even had her own floral arrangement. When she walked down the aisle, she wore a garland that coordinated perfectly with the wedding arch. Having her be such an integral part of the day meant a lot to Beth and Brian. It’s amazing how much pets can set people at ease and ground them in the middle of wedding preparations.
For florals, Beth and Brian worked with Sara from Violeta’s. The bouquets and wedding arch were absolutely gorgeous. Sara has an eye for show-stopping designs. Since Beth and Brian opted for an after-dark ceremony, the arch had to make an impression to look good in nighttime wedding photos. Sara came through with an arrangement that balanced bold design with good taste.
Romantic Nighttime Wedding Photos
Beth and Brian had their wedding at the Fleur De Lis Event Center in Mandeville. The courtyard was beautiful and gave their nighttime wedding photos a romantic European feeling. Market lights hang over the area where guests sit, and tiny lights line the tree branches around the ceremony area. A vintage-looking chandelier hangs over the ceremony spot, lighting people from above. Before the ceremony, Beth and Brian had their first look in a courtyard. Vine-covered walls enclosed the brick patio and made it feel like they were tucked away in their own world. Those quiet moments are so important. They really form the intimate heart of a wedding day.
The ceremony took place after sunset. The courtyard had a romantic atmosphere with the market lights above the guests and the strings of lights in the trees. Nighttime wedding photos feel warm and vibrant in a way that’s so different from typical daytime photos. All the distractions fall away, and the ceremony comes into focus in a new way. Beth and Brian looked so happy to be there with each other and all the people they love most.
As special as the ceremony was, Beth and Brian were probably even more excited for the party that ensued at the reception. They hired an incredible band, Souled Out, to keep the party going all night. And they delivered! The dance floor always had people on it, and the band knew how to get the crowd involved in the music. I loved photographing this part of the reception because people were having such a genuinely good time.
Do you want to see more nighttime wedding photos in New Orleans? Check out this French Quarter Wedding Chapel elopement and this Pharmacy Museum wedding!
Thank you to the vendors who made Beth and Brian’s wedding possible:
Venue: Fleur De Lis Event Center
Florals: Violeta’s
Cake: SugarLove Bakery
Beth’s Hair and Makeup: Bree D’Errico from Bremly Beauty
Bridal Party Hair and Makeup: Angele Pringle Beauty
Band: Souled Out
