Weddings, like photographs, are all about the details that build up to that perfect moment- the decisive moment. 
It is about catching the natural, unexpected moments in a visually stimulating way.
I have been thinking about details related to my own wedding a lot lately, and going through the photos from weddings I have recently covered. It is hard for me to be so far away from my mom, sister, cousins and best friends as I plan this event with Evan, but I am lucky to have a fiance who is sharing the planning with me, and a soon to be mother-in-law who is always there for me and willing to help. It takes a lot of people to plan a beautiful and fun wedding and one of the most important things the day of the event is to be with all the people who are important to you and have helped to shape who you are. I know all the people in my life are helping in their own way. As a photographer, catching candid moments of families, friends and couples who truly love each other is one of the most rewarding images to solidify in time.
Evan's sisters Elise and Nicole with baby Benjamin
Melanie and Billy enjoy wedding cake flavored daiquiris on the way to the ceremony
Between portraits
Sharing a sisterly moment
Catching up with friends
Family
I have been accused by some friends of approaching my wedding as a photographer, thinking about what will look good in photos, rather than as a bride. For me, however, it is hard to separate the two. I will always look at the world through a photographer’s eyes.
When planning a wedding, there are many factors that must be considered…
The flowers
Where to get ready
Melanie's sister gets close to the mirror
John looks in the mirror at his hotel
How to have your makeup done
Melanie checks out her newly applied makeup in a hand mirror
How to wear your hair and whether to wear a veil
What dress to wear
Melanie
Nicole (Evan's sister)
Anna
What shoes
Melanie's shoes peaking out from under her dress
Earrings?
Easy as 1, 2, 3
What should the bridesmaids wear?
Nicole's bridesmaids watch her get ready
Melanie has some fun with her bridesmaids
Fun with the ladies before the ceremony
How big to have your wedding party
The wedding party
The groomsmen jump
Where to hold the ceremony
The Lakefront
Sealing the deal
What type of reception to have…
Big
Center of attention
A small dance partner
or small
Cheers!
Laughs
Shall there be dancing?
The first dance
Color blur
Celebrate!
Sweet moments
Captured in time
Standing out like a star
The music
Setting the tone
Whether there will be a second line or a crawfish boil (these are New Orleans concerns)…
Starting out with a second line celebration
Crawfish boil
And, of course, the most important things are the moments between the couples
Nicole and John
Melanie and Ben
Melanie and Ben
John and Anna
Anna and John
John and Anna
All of these details work together to make a beautiful wedding and when you are taking a photograph, it is the details that make an interesting image. Never forget to pay attention to everything going on in the photo–all the layers.
Everyday moments. Beautiful memories. 