When you think of New Orleans, what images come to mind? Old brick buildings with brightly-painted shutters? Café du Monde, with its recognizable, green and white striped awnings? Or Jackson Square, swarming with tourists, street performers, horse-drawn carriages, and jazz bands? No matter what you imagine, I am pretty confident that there is a common thread throughout – COLOR. The soul of New Orleans bursts with color. The bright red of the iconic streetcars; the fuschias and purples of the flowers that cascade from window boxes all through the French Quarter; the hazy blue of the Mighty Mississippi, lazily snaking its way along, home to steamboats and more modern traffic alike.
But it’s more than visual color that gives New Orleans its unique flavor. There is color assaulting every sense. The sound of the saxophone drifting in from the next block. The smell of Cajun spices wafting from the nearest café. The cloying but familiar humidity that is cut by the gentle breeze coming off the water. Color is EVERYWHERE, and the city is anything but monochrome.
But wait – I thought this was a blog about a wedding? Correct. When I asked the wedding planner about the theme of Tonia and Ryan’s wedding, she told me the theme was “color” and “flowers.” And to be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect until I arrived . . . and then I GOT IT. Tonia and Ryan’s French Quarter wedding was bursting with color in every direction. The wedding gown was a one-of-a-kind, couture gown created just for her by her brother (an amazing wedding gown designer based in New York); on a baby blue backing, he sewed 8700 individual fabric flowers, in shades of blue, red, pink, and ivory. The groom wore a teal suit, a polka dot shirt, and a bright yellow tie adorned with a plant motif – and it worked perfectly.
And the FLOWERS.
I knew in advance that the wedding flowers would be something special, that the bride (a botanist by profession) spared no thought when it came to blooms. But man, did I underestimate the magnitude, color range, and sheer beauty of the arrangements. The bouquet was larger than my child (who is seven, so it was pretty stinking big!), and had every color flower you could imagine. Both the bride and her maids wore incredible flower crowns, and the riot of colors made their brightly-colored dresses cohesive in a way I’ve never before seen. The venue (Marché), beautiful in its own right, was enhanced by full-size trees placed between the arched windows.
I could go on, but I think it’s time to let the photos do the talking. So many congratulations to Tonia and Ryan, and to their families, who welcomed us with warmth and kindness. I hope these photos bring as much joy to you all as your wedding brought to me. Thank you.
PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER: Aislinn
