When Jessica and Jesse reached out about their Degas House wedding, I knew we were a match made in heaven. They wanted their celebration and New Orleans wedding venue documented on film in warm, intimate images. Their Degas House wedding photos portray all the creativity, romance, and joy of their New Orleans wedding. The film photography is especially captivating.

A Romantic New Orleans Wedding Venue

The Degas House is a romantic New Orleans wedding venue situated in a charming historic residence on Esplanade Avenue. Jessica is a local librarian, and she loves all things vintage, moody, and romantic. The Degas House was the perfect venue for her wedding! It strikes that perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. The courtyard gives it a garden party atmosphere, too.

If you want to have your reception and ceremony at the Degas House, prices start around $10,000. Site fees don’t change for off-peak season, so if you want a Degas House wedding, you might as well plan for a beautiful October day like Jessica and Jesse. The venue provides catering and bar services as well as a lot of furniture and decor.

This New Orleans wedding venue translates so beautifully onto film, too. It already has a retro atmosphere. That’s why the Degas House is one of my favorite places to work. Would you like to see more Degas House weddings on film and digital photography? Check out this winter celebration and this summertime wedding with a lively second line! 

Film Photography at the Degas House

After Jessica and Jesse picked the Degas House as their New Orleans wedding venue, they found me by Googling New Orleans photographers who work with film. I couldn’t be happier about this because film photography is near and dear to my heart. Jessica said that my photos “look like what I want my grandkids to hang in the hallway forever.” That’s such an honor to me! I love the tangibility of film and the idea that it can become part of a family’s legacy. 

Before we even got to Jessica and Jesse’s wedding day, we did an engagement session in Algiers Point. (Check it out here!) They showed a lot of enthusiasm for creative images over traditional portraits. Their film wedding photos have an editorial flare that captures the vintage romance of their New Orleans wedding venue.

The film photography for this wedding incorporates Polaroid and 35mm film. Polaroid photos are fun for weddings because they give a nearly-instant look at how the atmosphere of the day translates onto film. I use a vintage Polaroid camera, too, and there’s something really cool about using equipment that countless other couples have posed in front of on their wedding days. The 35mm, on the other hand, let me experiment with lighting in different ways. 

Throughout this wedding, I really appreciated how much Jessica and Jesse were excited to work with me because of my artistry. As a wedding photographer, I couldn’t ask for anything better than working with people with whom I’m so deeply aligned. Jessica loves creative detail shots, for example, because they help tell the story of a wedding day. We obviously took all the formal portraits, but working with someone who appreciates the interesting detail photos felt great for me. 

Jessica and Jesse’s Intentional Fall Celebration

Jessica and Jesse’s wedding took place on the perfect October evening. New Orleans is absolutely gorgeous in October. That makes it one of the peak months for wedding seasons here. You can see why in these romantic wedding photos. 

For their reception, Jessica and Jesse made a lot of intentional choices that made the evening feel very personal. Jessica’s dad made the moon installation at the reception. It was very special for her to have him contribute to the celebration in this way. 

The couple also made a few nontraditional choices that felt just right for them. Typically, you see marriers have a formal exit from a venue with sparklers or ribbons. Instead, Jesse and Jessica had a last dance. I loved this idea so much. It really allows for a couple to have one final moment together and take it all in.

Are you interested in having me photograph your New Orleans wedding on film? Reach out to me here!

Thanks to all the vendors who made this wedding so amazing:
New Orleans wedding venue: Degas House
Photography: Olivia Yuen
Planning: Pennywell Events
Video and DJ: Toast Entertainment 
Hair and Makeup Artist: Kismet Cosmetics
Second Line: Knockaz Brass Band