NOW Weddings Magazine Spring 2023

EDITORIAL

ARTICLES

PHOTOGRAPHY +

REAL

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Alleman

Photography from our Love on the Lake featured editorial

PUBLISHER JESSICA BURKE

JESSICA@THENOWBRIDE.COM

Dayna Dufrene

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Sarah Alleman

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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PHOTOGRAPHER + STYLING: Sarah Alleman Photography

ON LOCATION: The Big Wave Yacht

FLORALS

Blooms Botanica

WEDDING GOWN

Pearl’s Place Bridal

TUXEDO

John’s Tuxedos + Suits

HAIR + MAKEUP: Faces of Virtue Beauty Studio

MANICURE

Passport Polish

MODELS: Brittney Nicole + De’Zheon Haynes

gk photography

L.O.V.E.

on the lake A FASHION + DECOR EDITORIAL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SARAH ALLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Brittney is wearing a sleek, polished satin gown, available at Pearl’s Place Bridal, featuring a full corset bodice and a skirt with a high slit trimmed with pearls. Detached puff, tulle sleeves with shimmering pearl and seed bead cuffs add a touch of whimsy to the look. A gold, floral motif crown, also available at Pearl’s Place serves as her bridal headpiece.

Faces of Virtue Beauty Studio styled a soft, elegant updo and a natural makeup look and Passport Polish put the finishing touches on her look with their long press-on nails in the color Puerto Rico

De’Zheon is wearing an ivory tuxedo with black satintrimmed shawl collar from John’s Tuxedos and Suits.

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The bow of The Big Wave is the perfect setting for a romantic vow exchange. Here, Blooms Botanica created a lush garden vibe of luxurious, tropical flowers and Glo Events added pillar and taper candles amongst the colorful blooms.

Blush and ivory vow books, available at Lionheart Prints are the perfect keepsake to remember your profession of love.

For the on-board reception, De’Zheon changes into a Heather Grey Lenox Tuxedo with a satin-trimmed notch lapel available at John’s Tuxedos and Suits.

Instead of a traditional pocket square, Blooms Botanica created an on-trend, floral alternative.

Brittney is wearing a shimmering Art Deco-inspired gown with opulent beadwork from Pearl’s Place Bridal Faces of Virtue Beauty Studio transformed her hair into a low pony tail with pearl and rhinestone hair pins.

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The top deck of The Big Wave has the perfect place to treat your guests to a decadent charcuterie table. Beneath a canopy of sheer white draping from True Value Rental and greenery and suspended blooms by Blooms Botanica, The Magnola Company curated a delightful selection of cheeses, meats, and sweets. Glo Events added dramatic draping to complement the color palette of the presentation. Handpainted oyster shells by L. Fontaine Design note the cheese selections for guests.

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What could be more romantic than a sweetheart table with a dramatic sunset on your wedding day? White rounded triangle salad plates sit atop round grey dinner plates and Splash glasses and Matte Gold Flatware, all from True Value Rental sit amongst colorful arrangements by Blooms Botanica. Each seat is marked with a handpainted oyster shell by L. Fontaine Design. Glo Events styled this table with romantic candles, soft blue linen and bold satin napkins. White Bellini Chairs, also from True Value Rental complete the elegant look.

Authentic New Orleans luxury meets you at the InterContinental New Orleans—where impeccable, Four-Diamond accommodations and service are matched only by our perfect location.

This is the place to immerse yourself in Big Easy culture, just steps away from the historic French Quarter and the riverfront.

Our richly-appointed, newly renovated guestrooms and hotel spaces envelop your senses, while our exquisite rooftop pool with stunning city views make your New Orleans experience complete.

PHOTO+VIDEO MATTERS

WRITTEN BY: Jessica Burke | FEATURED IMAGE: Eau Claire Photographics

YOUR WEDDING DAY WILL GO BY IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE. ALL THE MONTHS OF PLANNING WILL, IN JUST A FEW short hours, be nothing more than a memory. It’s important to document your wedding day from the big “I do” to the smallest detail. Finding the right photographer and videographer to capture your wedding is important. Read that twice, then read on.

Quality photographers and videographers are not inexpensive and may be your biggest expense after your reception venue. However, unlike many of your other wedding purchases, photography and video have longevity. Your wedding album and video will help you treasure and relive those special moments. Don’t entrust this once in a lifetime occasion to just anyone!

Ask any couple who’s tied the knot already and they’ll probably tell you that photography and video is the last thing you want to “cut corners on” for your big day. These are your memories and the only thing you’ll have left to remember the day by. “This is one of the most important days of your life. Even if you are shy about being on video, think about the future and how your kids and grandkids will be able to see the memories from your day,” says LaVina Bostock of Your Day Video Production

Hiring someone to capture your wedding memories strictly on price is never a good idea. “The old ‘You get what you pay for’ applies here,” says Bostock.

It’s important to find pros who specialize in weddings and have beautiful portfolios. Wedding photographers and

videographers have to be more than fine artists though. They have to manage wedding logistics and know the traditions and order of events. With experience comes knowledge. Quality wedding pros know which shots are important and how to capture them. Find out how long your prospects have been capturing weddings and if your wedding involves cultural customs, be sure to make them aware of these in advance.

RESEARCH + BOOK EARLY.

The best pros fill their calendars a year or more in advance, so start looking early.

Browse through Instagram, blogs and websites to get a feel for the type of photography and video that you like.

“There are so many options and styles for photography,” says Sandra O’Claire of Eau Claire Photographics. “Find the photography style that you keep looking at over and over, and speaks to you.”

Photographer Sidney Donaldson agrees, “There are so many different styles of photography now, that choosing can

sometimes be overwhelming. I always suggest choosing a photographer that fits your personality as well as the style of photos you like. You don’t want to hire a photojournalistic photographer if you love editorial style photos.”

Once you have a feel for your style preference, it is important you book a photographer and videographer whose portfolio shows work in that style.

To help narrow down your prospects, Sarah Alleman of Sarah Alleman Photography advises couples to dig even deeper. “Look at editing styles,” she suggests. “And ask to see a few full galleries. Anyone can take a few epic photos but look at how they document the whole day.”

When you ask for complete wedding galleries and sample videos, request to see weddings at your location (or one similar) that’s at roughly the same time your wedding will be so you can get a feel for what their work will look like.

“When looking at videographers’ portfolios, look at many of their videos,” says Bostock. “If you are having a church wedding, make sure you see a video that they have shot in a church. If your wedding is at night outside, then make sure you see a video from outside at night. A professional videographer will have shot in all types of situations and will be able to show you videos from those scenarios.”

Identify three to five pros whose work appeals to you and make appointments to meet them in person (or in a video chat) before you book. Here’s why….

PERSONALITY MATTERS.

Your photographer’s interpersonal skills are as important as their technical knowledge and years of experience. “Ask the little questions,” says O’Claire, “like why they love doing what they do. It will really help you get to know your photographer and their personality to see if it clicks with yours which is so important on the wedding day.”

Photographer Andrew Alwert advises couples to look beyond a pretty Instagram profile or website. “Shooting good photos today has become so easy with digital cameras,” he says. “The magic to a true professional is experience, guidance and trust. When choosing a wedding photographer, get them on a phone call asap. Allow them to share their experience and knowledge of timeline and execution.”

As you interview your potential candidates, carefully look at their portfolio. If you make an emotional connection and you like their energy, then you have probably found “the one.” If you find yourself thinking, “I really wish they did more (or less) of this or that,” or “gosh, they’re pushy” then it may be best to move on.

GET IT IN WRITING.

You should expect your wedding pros to provide detailed information. Most have contracts that can be sent to you for review. Read them and make sure you understand what you’re signing.

Your contract should include information about retainers, cancellations, refunds and turnaround time.

PHOTO: SARAH ALLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Ask lots of questions about what is included and what extra costs there might be. There are no wrong answers, but you should be aware of what you’re getting before you sign any contracts.

For photography, you should ask how many photos you should expect to receive and if your package includes albums, prints or digital files. Every photographer is different, so there is no correct answer, but do ask for pricing for items not included in your package.

For video, you will want to ask how long the edited video will be and how it will be edited. “Some companies only give a short highlight video which would be anywhere around 5 to 30 minutes and others give the long feature length video which usually includes the full ceremony as it happened and all the footage captured at the reception,” says Bostock. “Either type of video style is great, it’s what you would prefer.”

DON’T DELAY.

After interviewing the pros on your list, it is important to secure your favorite with a retainer. Don’t expect anyone to hold a date without a retainer and remember if you wait too long to make your decision, you could lose your first choice. Always get a contract and sign and return this with your retainer payment. This contract should include the pricing and what is included with your package. Detailed documentation will avoid future frustration!

MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

COVERAGE TIMES

Ask how much is required to properly document your day and resist the urge to underestimate how long tasks will take so

you can cut down coverage time. This never goes well.

“Remember everything takes time (walking, touching up your lipstick, etc) and no one enjoys feeling rushed,” says Alleman. “Also the organic moments can sometimes be better than the planned ones. I encourage my couples to look at the timeline as a way for us to make sure I know what is most important to them and we have ample time to capture everything.”

Photographers Alyse & Ben advise prospective wedding clients, “Allow space in your wedding day for the two of you to take it all in - each other and what this day signifies. Whether that be a first look, reading private vows, or just-married portraits in dreamy light. These are often our couples’ favorite photographs!”

VENUE RESTRICTIONS

Be sure you understand your venue’s photography and video restrictions. Many churches and synagogues do not allow flash photography and many do not permit movement during the ceremony. A few don’t allow photography or video at all! Know what to expect.

“OBVIOUS” QUESTIONS

A typical assumption is that the person you meet with is the one who will be capturing your wedding. Never make assumptions!

“Beware, there are some nationally owned companies that advertise in local markets and then hire videographers to do the wedding,” says Bostock. The same can be said for photography.

Always ask who will be showing up on your wedding day. And while you’re at it, ask about backup plans. Obviously, no one continued>>>

PHOTO: ANDREW ALWERT STUDIOS

HOW LONG DO POPULAR WEDDING PHOTO OPPS REALLY TAKE?

It can be tempting, and quite frankly, easy to underestimate how long everything will take on your wedding day. With years of real life wedding day experience, photographer Sarah Alleman created this guideline for her clients to have a realistic idea of how much time they should plan into their wedding day timelines.

ever plans to become sick or get in an accident, but a pro should have a backup plan in the event that they can’t make it to your wedding. Ask what that backup plan is. There IS a correct answer here and it’s not “We’ll figure it out if we have to.” Read THAT twice.

TURNAROUND TIME

Every company has a different process for post production and editing. Editing your wedding photos and video is an art and the artists need time to complete their process. Some may have sneak peeks ready for you within a week of your wedding, while others may require several months before you see a single frame. Know what to expect and try not to become impatient.

Of course, you should expect to receive your finished product when promised or at least receive communication if there have been unexpected delays like family emergencies.

BALANCING ACT

Most wedding pros require that your balance be paid in full prior to the wedding, usually several weeks before. This is completely normal and should be expected. If the thought of paying upfront before receiving anything makes you nervous, ask for past client references to call. If you’re nervous about having someone running off with your money, think twice about hiring that company. You should never hire someone you don’t trust.

Knowing what to expect can relieve a world of stress. Hire a seasoned professional whose work you love and enjoy your wedding day!!

PHOTO: SARAH ALLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

THE WEDDING DAY

“Everything about the day was perfect,” says Amber. “The entire day was just a dream come true.”

Amber describes their favorite moment from the day as their First Look. Wesley waited on a footbridge on the property of their venue, Milicevic Farm & Vineyards in Abita Springs, Louisiana. Amber met Wesley on the bridge for a joy-filled private moment.

Amber wore a stunning off-the shoulder Allure Bridals Gown from Blush Bridal Boutique and Welsey and his groomsmen wore navy blue tuxedos from Tuxedos to Geaux. The bridesmaids also wore navy blue shimmering sequin gowns from Bella Bridesmaids, Baton Rouge, in various styles by designer Hayley Paige.

Their outdoor wedding ceremony also took place on the vineyard grounds and was attended by 165 of the couple’s closest friends and family. Afterwards, the newlyweds celebrated with their guests in the vineyard’s ballroom.

“I wish I could go back and redo the day all over again,” says Amber. “Hands down, BEST DAY OF MY LIFE and my DREAM WEDDING happened and all was perfect.”

CREDITS: VENUE + CATERING: Milicevic Family Vineyards | OFFICIANT: Britton Purvis | REHEARSAL

DINNER: Fleur de Lis Event Center | BRIDE’S GOWN: Allure Bridals, Blush Bridal Boutique | PHOTOGRAPHY: Studio Tran |

VIDEO: Nine and a Half Film Productions | FLORIST: Donna Clarkson | BAKERY: The Cocoa Bean Bakery | CEREMONY MUSIC + RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Parish | TRANSPORTATION: Big Easy Limos | HAIR: Molly Harriman | MAKEUP: Stephanie Hopkins + Jenna Kelley | JEWELER: Boudreaux’s Jewelry | FAVORS: Sip Hip Hooray | INVITATIONS: American Printing Center

D E S I G N & D É C O R

C u r a t e d L u x u r y W e d d i n g s a n d E v e n t s

S p e c i a l i z i n g i n C a n d l e l i g h t

S c h e d u l e y o u r c o m p l i m e n t a r y d e s i g n c o n s u l t a t i o n w i t h C h l o é t o d a y !

FILM.

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

WRITTEN + PHOTOGRAPHS BY: Andrew Alwert CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Maria Frischling

EVEN IN THIS CURRENT DIGITAL AGE, PEOPLE ARE falling in love with film photographs, making film the hottest trend in wedding photography right now.

There is an indescribable quality to film that is unique in the feelings and emotions it conveys. The relationship film has with the viewer affects their connection with the images in a very tangible way. A good film photographer has the ability to move the viewer closer to the memory and raw emotions of a specific moment in time using film’s perfectly imperfect aesthetic.

Now considered fine art, film photographs possess a tangible quality because of their grain, colors, texture, and framing, which enhance the emotional connection to the scene happening right in front of the lens. The ability to produce a great image has become so easy today with smartphones or amateur point-and-shoot cameras. However, the timeless experience of connecting a viewer to a singular moment in time, through the lens, requires the tangibility of a negative, the rawness and technically incorrect aspects of a film camera. It is pure magic.

When a photographer looks through the viewfinder of a film camera and decides to snap a shot, something magical happens. The entire world slows down. Breath becomes intentional, movements are deliberate. The moment being captured in front of the lens feels momentarily frozen in time. Film photographers must engage with these moments organically, while also contemplating so many other factors such as light, composition, motion, and emotion. Each image created on film has a unique story behind it—one that is attained through careful consideration to each elemental step: removing the dark slide, manually focusing and exposing, making sure the film is advancing properly, selectively opening the shutter, and staying conscious about making the limited film shots COUNT!

no guessing with shooting film—you have to know what you’re doing. This artistic medium requires a high level of skill, experience, and consciousness. For this reason, the margin for error is so much higher when shooting film, which makes the reward that much greater. Of course, mistakes can be made. Photographs can be out of focus, underexposed or overexposed, which cannot be fixed in post-production. Yet, these perfectly imperfect mistakes are the essence of film and what differentiates it from picture-perfect digital. continued>>>

While digital photography has come a long way in perfecting the look of an image and making it easier for photographers to get the “PERFECT SHOT,” film is not about perfection. On film cameras, there are no reference monitors to confirm that the exposure and focus are accurately set; there are no automatic settings. There is

“Each image created on film has a unique story behind it—one that is attained through careful consideration.”

The invention of the film camera traces back to the 18th century; yet, there was a turning point at the beginning of the 21st century when digital photography made a monumental surge moving film cameras to the back seat. This surge created a paradigm shift in how to approach photography. The ease of use and automatic settings of a digital camera allowed for an explosion of new photographers.

Digital cameras provided a much higher picture count and rear LCD screens, which allowed photographers immediate gratification or correction of a shot and thereby reduced the margin of error. Storage of digital files took up less physical space and were able to be distributed seamlessly via email and text message. Despite these clear advantages, digital images often lack depth and tangibility. The subjects look flat in comparison to the depth of a film negative.

Depth is what gives film so much existence. A film image places the viewer right back in the scene of the photograph, which is the reason that film is inherently nostalgic.

Wedding photos are meant to evoke feelings of nostalgia because of the nature of the event, and the significance behind the celebration. Unlike digital photography, film photography has the character and integrity to match the energy of such an occasion.

Personally, I like the idea of shooting a wedding in both mediums (film and digital), leaning heavily into digital for documentation and film to create art. What is important when hiring a photographer, regardless of what medium resonates with you, is how the photographer is managing and archiving the photographs. The process of handling digital files versus film negatives is very different.

For example, with film, a tangible negative will always be the source of the original image; whereas with digital, the original image lives on a hard drive or in cloud storage. Film negatives are now scanned into a digital file creating a duplicate copy of the image (both tangible and digital).

Clients are obviously concerned with the safety and protection of their wedding photos for years beyond the wedding date, so making sure these images are safe should be a top priority.

“A film image places the viewer right back in the scene of the photograph, which is the reason that film is inherently nostalgic.”

Another consideration is the desired style of the end product. Over-processed digital images lose integrity and are restricted by the whims of digital technology.

A film negative, however, lives in the real world. Properly processed film negatives do not require any real post processing and can be made into large-formatted prints without compromising image quality.

In the end, the goal is always to provide clients with a gallery of images that represents their day as it truly was, in the most authentic, creative way.

I’ve been in the wedding photography industry for over 40 years, having been raised by parents who documented thousands of weddings in the New Orleans area. My mother used to tell me, “there’s nothing like the integrity of a film image. It is true to life.”

As a child, being born in film but living in digital, my passion for film photography is rooted in my time loading film backs and counting shots when shooting weddings with my dad before the age of 12. I learned from my dad at a very early age that having a working knowledge of a camera and being present with the subject is such an important skill for any type of photographer. My parents used to tell me, “make them love a picture before they see a picture.” This is something I never forget!

Photography is a craft which requires more than just a working knowledge of a camera. It requires an ability to connect with the couples, the families, the planners, and

other artists/vendors involved in order to tell the most compelling story of any wedding.

Film is here to stay, but at a premium. The experience needed, along with the rising costs of acquiring and developing film, are making it a niche market that only some people may feel connected to, or are able to afford.

So, on your wedding day, whether you decide to hire a digital photographer, a film photographer or a photographer who can provide you with both mediums, make sure you invest in a professional.

Look beyond a few great photos on a website or an Instagram feed and search for a professional that fully understands all aspects of providing first class service, a great product and a fool proof archival system of your images.

Digital photography isn’t going anywhere, but neither is film.

about the author

Andrew has spent more than 30 years perfecting his craft and offers both film and digital photography for his wedding clients.

Learn more about Andrew at: andrewalwertstudios.com

Andrew Alwert is a professional photographer based in New Orleans, Louisiana.

THE LIST

THE WEDDING Christopher and James said their vows at Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. After the wedding, the grooms celebrated with their family and friends at The Cannery.

The grooms wore custom black tuxedos by Luca Falcone Custom Clothier. Christopher and James also wore watches they had given to each other as wedding presents.

Christopher, who owns his own event planning company, Christopher Jeffery Guthrie Events and Design, included many special touches in the event. In addition to using vintage pieces belonging to dear family and friends, he also incorporated pieces of old stained glass windows from his hometown church in Wiggins, Mississippi. “I love special things like this!” he says.

The reception decor included lush white arrangements in The Cannery's courtyard, parlor and ballroom. The parlor's centerpiece was an elaborate cake table with a 7-tier wedding cake made by Guthrie family friends Ginny Mcleod Parker and Teresa Parker Johnson. In the bar, the arrangements were in brilliant color inspired by artist Becky Fos' King Pelican paintings which were displayed behind the bar. At the end of the evening, the newlyweds departed the venue in a pedicab while guests waived handkerchiefs.

VENDOR CREDITS: GETTING READY

LOCATIONS: Hilton St. Charles + Luca Falcone |

CEREMONY LOCATION: Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church | OFFICIANT: Dr Jay Churchill

Hogewoid | REHEARSAL DINNER: Grooms’ home

| MENSWEAR: Luca Falcone (grooms) + Mens

Wearhouse (groomsmen) | PHOTOGRAPHY:

Jennifer Jones Photography | FLORALS + DECOR:

Justin Myrick, Jut’s Weddings and Special Events; Justin Hall + Kevin Cheatwood of Old Noble Interiors; Chris Hare; Perfect Presentations | WEDDING

CAKE: Ginny Parker + Teresa Parker Johnson |

CEREMONY MUSIC: Dr. Marcus St. Julien (organist), Joseph Andrew Tate + Kortney Breland Woodard

(vocalists) | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: New Orleans KARMA (band) + Sam Craft (violinist) | HAIR

+ MAKEUP: Loan Tran, Kristen Kiefer + Kandice Hanks

| WEDDING PLANNER/DESIGNER: Christopher

Jeffery Guthrie Events and Design, LLC | JEWELER:

Susan Brewer, Reed’s Jewelers | INVITATIONS

+FAVORS: GEM Printing, Darci Prescott Stockman

(artist) | COOKIES: Kimberly Norlin, Occasionally

Sweet | FLOWER GIRL DRESSES: Strausburg

Children | TRANSPORTATION: NOLA Pedicabs |

PHOTO BOOTH: Snapparazzi Photo of Biloxi

PHOTO: JESSICA BURKE

PHOTO: JESSICA BURKE

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: AMIN RUSSELL

AMIN’S STYLE: CINEMATIC. BOLD. DRAMATIC.

Amin Russell is a contemporary photographer who specializes in creating works of photographic art for his clients. With 25 years of photography experience, Amin is skilled in capturing breathtaking images of your wedding day.

Amin’s clients are drawn to his work because of his dramatic style, many desiring large format art pieces from their weddings for their homes. Amin delivers these gallery-worthy portraits showcasing not only the couple, but also the ambiance of the day.

“My client appreciates the architecture and the boldness, the cloudy sky versus the white sky, the color pop,” Amin shares. “It’s a more dramatic client versus a more traditional client. I have a smaller niche rather than the masses.”

Amin believes that having a relationship with your photographer is important. “I tell all my brides that I’ll spend more time with them than their own husband on the wedding day,” he says. “It’s important to establish rapport and a good working relationship.”

Amin spends a lot of time getting to know his clients. “You’ll get lots of emails, texts and phone calls,” he says. “We’re best friends by their wedding day.”

Amin’s passion and creativity have been praised by local publications, and his work has gained him recognition by not only clients, but also colleagues in the Professional Photographers of America.

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: ANDREW ALWERT

ANDREW’S STYLE: CINEMATIC. BOLD. IMAGINATIVE.

Andrew Alwert was born into photography. “Photography is in my blood,” he says. “My mother and father had a wedding photography business for over 37 years. Being raised in photography I started at a very young age loading film backs, carrying gear and interacting with people at weddings.”

From his parents, he learned the importance of connecting with every client. “My mother always said, ‘Make them love a picture before they see a picture,’” he shares. “My dad had a knack for remembering everyone’s names on a wedding day. I quickly picked up the importance of relating to every client and the power of authenticity. Photography is a skill that can be learned and mastered over time but connection is an ART!”

Andrew has been shooting for over 30 years, first working with his parents and then launching his own studio after they retired in 2019.

Andrew describes his style as Cinematic, Bold and Imaginative. He captures bold wedding imagery and heartfelt moments from a first person documentary perspective. “I want your future children to feel like they were in the front row of your wedding,” he says.

Andrew’s ideal client is a dreamer who values authentic emotion. “It is important that I work with people who are willing to connect on a personal level,” he shares.

The Andrew Alwert Studios Experience is just that: an experience. “From the first on boarding phone call to your 1 year anniversary we make sure you are seen and heard,” he says. “I want to become your FRIEND with a camera.”

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: SIDNEY DONALDSON

SIDNEY’S STYLE: DARK/MOODY. VIBRANT. IN-THE-MOMENT.

Although Sidney Donaldson’s professional photography career began almost 15 years ago, he’s been a photographer his whole life. “I’ve always had a camera in my hand since I was a child. Pictures were everything to me and still are,” he says. “There was no other choice [of career], honestly. I love what I do and enjoy every experience.”

Sidney started as a boudoir photographer and then expanded into weddings. “I fell in love with weddings and have been shooting them for over a decade,” he says.

“In the moment shots are what makes a photograph to me,” shares Sidney of his photojournalistic approach to photography. “The crying, the joy, the laughs, all being caught while no one knows you’re even taking the shots. That’s what I enjoy the most.”

Sidney enjoys working with couples who enjoy being themselves. “The ones who are laughing, dancing, and just enjoying their big day from start to finish,” he describes. “I love their laughter and personalities.”

Sidney puts his all into every shoot and prides himself on being fully present for each experience. “All of my previous clients can testify to my hard work ethic. I do everything possible to be 100% prepared for the big day,” he says. “Meetings, emails, phone calls, we go over everything you are looking for. The day of the wedding, I make sure that everything we’ve discussed is taken care of. When everything is done, I’m still there taking candids of everyone having fun.”

CONNECT WITH SIDNEY

SIDNEYDONALDSONPHOTOGRAPHY.NET | (504) 606-6644

SIDNEYDONALDSONPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM

FB: @SIDNEYDONALDSONWEDDINGPHOTOGRAPHY

IG: @SIDNEYDONALDSONPHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: ALYSE & BEN

Husband and wife photography team Alyse and Ben’s passion for photography was born out of a desire to be creative together. “We quickly fell in love with the excitement and beauty of photographing wedding days,” they share. “We are so thankful that we now get to work on that artistry and passion together. We are honored to play a part in the beginning of our couples’ lives together.”

The couple’s fine art images are romantic, joyful and timeless and the duo prides themselves on thoughtful attention to detail.

Their clients can expect images that look and feel authentic. “Our goal is for you to feel natural and present with the people you love most on your happiest day!”

Alyse and Ben craft a luxury wedding photography experience for their clients. “We believe in intentional wedding days where you feel so in the moment, that when you look back on your photos decades from now, you still feel the magic of the day. Our process combines artistry and emotion, giving you enchanting imagery to be cherished for generations to come.”

CONNECT WITH ALYSE & BEN

ALYSEANDBEN.COM

FB: @ALYSEANDBENPHOTOGRAPHY

IG: @ALYSEANDBENPHOTOGRAPHY

ALYSE & BEN’S STYLE: ROMANTIC. TIMELESS. FINE ART.

VIDEOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: YOUR DAY VIDEO PRODUCTION

Your Day Video Production’s principal videographer LaVina Bostock began her video career studying broadcast journalism in college. She started out on camera and then found great success producing software training videos. In 2007 a friend asked her to film her wedding. “I found my new love and passion,” LaVina shares.

LaVina describes her style as “timeless documentary.” “I shoot with the candid documentary style,” she says. “I don’t like to stage things on the wedding day. It’s your day and I like to let the events of the day unfold.”

“My team and I use multiple cameras on your wedding day and we have the appropriate audio recorders to hear your vows. Whether it’s an outside wedding or a church wedding we are one step ahead so that nothing is missed. We pay attention to details and what is important to the couple.”

LaVina offers both a full-length documentary style videos, as well as a highlight videos, showcasing the key moments and details of the wedding day edited to music.

For couples who aren’t sure if video is in the numbers for them, LaVina believes that some video is better than no video. “We offer video packages from 2 hours all the way to 10 hours to fit any budget or need,” she explains.

LaVina loves working with couples who cherish life’s little moments. “Family is important to them and they want to encapsulate their wedding day so that future generations can relive the memories,” she says. “Video will allow you to relive your day forever.”

PHOTO: JESSICA BURKE

PHOTO: JESSICA BURKE

PHOTO: JESSICA BURKE

PHOTO: JESSICA BURKE

PHOTO: STACY MARKS

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: JAMIE HEYL

JAMIE’S STYLE: JOYFUL. ROMANTIC. GENUINE.

Jamie Heyl began her photography career in 2007. “I chose photography as a career because it was so important to me to capture all the little milestones and moments in my son’s life and I wanted to be able to capture that for others,” she shares. “This naturally evolved into wedding photography, which I love so much because I get to capture those moments for the couple and their families.”

Jamie’s style is casual, fun and classic and her photos are bright and true to life. “I try to capture genuine emotion and personality,” she says.

Jamie loves working with clients who not only value photography and her work, but who also care about the whole experience. “I especially love when couples choose me because of our mutual beliefs and values,” she shares. “I want us to be comfortable around each other and to be able to laugh and have fun.”

Jamie’s wedding clients can expect her to go above and beyond to make them feel comfortable throughout the entire process. “I will also make the process extremely seamless and easy not only the booking and payment process, which is all done online and accessible anytime through a client portal, but also with the wealth of information I provide to them,” she says.

Jamie provides many resources for her clients including a list of locations around South Louisiana that she loves, engagement photo outfit inspiration and assistance planning the perfect photography timeline for their wedding day. “I want to prepare them as much as possible so that when their wedding day comes, all they have to do is get married and enjoy their day!”

CONNECT WITH JAMIE

IG:

CONTENT CREATOR SPOTLIGHT: THE SOCIAL CONFIDANT

When it comes to social media, The Social Confidant’s Amanda Bravender is an expert. Amanda started out managing her own social media accounts for her business as a professional hair and makeup artist and as the world moved towards social media marketing, she kept up with the trends and built a loyal following showcasing her work and sharing her personal life. “I do well on my own Instagram and that’s how most of my hair and makeup clients find me,” she shares.

Her skill at creating engaging content didn’t go unnoticed and Amanda soon found her brides asking her to help them film reels and TikToks while she was on-site for their weddings. “I love helping create this fun content and realized that this was a service that couples might be interested in booking for their weddings,” she says.

This idea stuck with her as she found herself helping plan her sister’s wedding. “I knew she would want instant content from her wedding to post at the end of the night versus waiting weeks for photos and months for video from the pros she’s hired.”

The Social Confidant was born to fill this need for instant gratification. “I wanted to create something affordable that brides would be able to add to their wedding day coverage,” she says, noting that her services aren’t intended to be a replacement for a professional photographer or videographer.

Amanda coordinates with the pro photographers and videographers to make sure everyone’s on the same page and captures behind the scenes footage and photos of the day as it unfolds. At the end of the wedding, the couple receives all the content she captured and can post to their hearts’ content. Amanda can even go live during a wedding so that out of town guests who aren’t able to attend in person can still feel like part of the wedding!

CONNECT WITH THE SOCIAL CONFIDANT

TIKTOK: @THESOCIALCONFIDANT

IG: @THESOCIALCONFIDANT

IG: @AMANDAFAYMUA

PHOTOS: SUZANNE SAWYER

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: SANDRA O’CLAIRE

“I was just always a photographer,” says Sandra O’Claire of Eau Claire Photographics. From her first exhibit at the age of 7 to photography classes in school, photography has been part of her life. “[It] was just a part of me and came very naturally,” she says.

Sandra describes her style as “natural.” “When people would describe my style to me, that’s the word they used most often,” she says. “Most of the wedding day photos we take are completely unposed and in the moment. Our editing process is also natural; it’s never over done.”

Sandra’s clients want great photos, but they want to spend the day having fun even more. “They feel a wedding is a wedding, it’s not a magazine photo session,” she says. “Our ideal clients are all usually very chill, very happy and they trust us to capture the best happiest vibes for them.”

SANDRA’S STYLE: NATURAL. CANDID. GRACEFUL.

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: SARAH ALLEMAN

Sarah Alleman specializes in elegant photography for weddings. “I look at a wedding as telling your story,” she shares. “Few things bring me more joy than being a part of capturing important moments. I was born in a small town, St. Francisville, Louisiana, and I was taught to value relationships and community.”

Sarah believes that the wedding day is bigger than a party. “It’s your history for the generations,” she says, noting that she and her husband still love looking at their wedding photos more than 15 years into their marriage. “I feel like each wedding should be one of a kind and unique because we are all different.”

Sarah works closely with her couples to learn their personal stories and what’s important to them. “How did the couple meet? Is the bride carrying a handkerchief made of lace from her grandmother’s wedding gown? Does a certain flower in her bouquet have a special meaning? I want to know everything!” she says.

Sarah captures not only the details but the precious moments as they unfold.“My love for people and stories motivates me to create photographs that draw the viewer into the moment and allow them to experience the energy and emotion of the story,” she says.

CONNECT WITH SARAH

SARAHALLEMANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

TEXT (225) 721-2382 | SARAHALLEMAN@GMAIL.COM

FB: @SARAHALLEMANPHOTOGRAPHY

IG: @SARAHALLEMAN

SARAH’S STYLE: TIMELESS. BRIGHT. ROMANTIC.

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: JESSICA BURKE

Jessica Burke is a photographer and artist based in South Louisiana. Jessica began her career in photography by immersing herself in the field working and studying under numerous professional photographers before opening her own studio. “I learn from everyone I work with,” she says. “From technique to new perspectives, I’ve discovered that there is no one ‘right way’ to approach a wedding and I’m always looking for ways to increase my skill and explore new ideas.”

Jessica has an extensive background in both film and digital photography, as well as graphic design and studio art. “There is nothing more exciting to me than capturing a work of art with my camera,” she shares. “When I get the lighting just perfect and everything comes together, it’s the best feeling ever.”

“My philosophy in photographing a wedding is to capture the story as a whole,” she says. “I capture everything, from what I call “scene setters” or ambiance images of the space, to the fine details. Of course I’m capturing the action and emotion throughout the day. I want you to be able to look at your wedding photographs and be transported back to the day - to relive the emotions as you experienced them.”

“I love drama in my images,” she says of her personal style. “Lighting, emotion, movement - give me ALL the drama!”

Jessica’s favorite clients to work with appreciate the idea of being fully present for their day. “It’s so important to make time to indulge in the experience of the day,” she says. “The wedding day goes by in the blink of an eye. So many couples feel like they miss their own wedding because they are rushing or worrying about things that just aren’t important. Soak up every moment you can!”

JESSICA’S STYLE: ARTISTIC. VIBRANT. EDITORIAL.

REEL

WRITTEN BY: Jessica Burke

weddings

IT’S NO SECRET THAT THERE IS USUALLY A WAIT TO GET YOUR PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PHOTOS AND video after your wedding. In this world of instant gratification, it can be oh-so-hard to be patient even though we KNOW it’s worth every second of the wait!

If you know that patience is not one of your finer virtues, you can always ask your wedding guests to send you whatever photos or videos they capture or assign a member of the wedding party to follow you around with their phone.

But let’s be real. You invited your guests (including your wedding party) to be present in the moment with you. And let’s be even more real: it’s not unheard of that a well-intentioned wedding guest has wandered into a pro photographer or videographer’s frame and ruined their shot of a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Fortunately you can get that instant gratification you crave without turning to your guests for free labor or risking ruining the professional photos and video you’ve invested so much money in.

How? I’m glad you asked: by hiring a social media specialist to cover your wedding alongside your photographer and

videographer.

I sat down recently with Amanda Bravender of The Social Confidant who specializes in this exact service.

Amanda, who began her wedding career 15 years ago in the beauty realm, found her recent clients asking for her help filming TikToks and Reels after she finished their wedding hair and makeup. As an avid social media creator, she was happy to help her brides create these videos. “I love helping create this fun content and realized that this was a service that couples might be interested in booking for their weddings,” she says. “This way you’re not on your phone all day, your bridesmaids aren’t on their phones all day - they can put it away and let me do it for them.”

Amanda notes that her services aren’t intended to replace a professional photographer or videographer, but to complement what they’re doing and get shots

PHOTO: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ANTONIODIAZ

they don’t have time for, like filming trending dances to post specifically to TikTok and Instagram. In fact, she often finds herself working for other wedding pros. “I’m often hired by photographers,” she says. “You can never have enough content.”

Amanda coordinates with her social media clients ahead of the wedding to make sure she knows what is most important for them. She sends out a questionnaire and asks for their top 3 video concepts. “We try to hit your goals for you. You want to do it all, but you can’t do it all,” she says of the number of TikTok trends at any given moment. “Sometimes we take video footage and make something entirely different.”

With trends changing by the second, it’s best to wait until closer to your wedding to decide what dances and transitions to film. “For most couples, I ask the week before,” she says. “Things are changing constantly and it’s the only way to do it with social media.”

Some shots that have been fairly popular are transitions, including hair and makeup before and afters or wedding pjs to wedding dress videos, sweet moments on the altar, process photos of the photographer posing the couple paired with the final edited photo, partying shots on the

way to the wedding, fun moments at the reception and silly reels.

Amanda’s advice for anyone wanting to recreate a viral TikTok or Reel?

If you want to do a trending dance, “You have to practice ahead of time,” she says.

If you have a favorite audio or concept, hit the “save” button so you can find it later when you’re ready to post. The chances of finding that audio when you’re ready to use it are slim if you haven’t saved it.

The benefits of having a social media specialist on your wedding day go beyond just having instant content; it’s also great for connecting with family and friends who can’t make it to the wedding. A social media specialist can post throughout the day to your account (even going live if you want that!) and at the end of the night, share all the raw photos and videos they captured directly with you.

You can start reliving your wedding instantly and share your day with the world before you even make it to your honeymoon!

PHOTO: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ PEOPLEIMAGES.COM

DANIELLA + RONALD’S STORY

“A mutual love of powerlifting brought us into each other’s lives,” says Ronald. “It started with an Instagram direct message about a special purple drink, phone calls until the early morning hours, and Danie’s first booked flight to St. Louis in March 2018.”

The couple’s first date was 630 feet in the air at the Gateway Arch and before long they became “Facebook Official.”

Daniella and Ronald dated long-distance for three and a half years before moving to New Orleans where they now live.

In June of 2021, Ron proposed to Daniella at the site of their first date, the St. Louis Gateway Arch.

Daniella and Ronald chose rich jewel tones for their wedding colors. For the ceremony, their florist, Berry Blossom Flowers, decorated the venue’s exposed brick walls with lush greenery and lined the ceremony aisle with gold lanterns and candelabra and floral arrangements in vases handmade by Ronald who is a ceramic artist.

Daniella wore a lace Lillian West gown and Ronald chose a burgundy velvet tuxedo. Their wedding party wore black.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds Second Lined through the Warehouse District with their guests.

While they were parading in the streets, their ceremony space was transformed for their reception. Guests enjoyed a 3 course dinner and then danced the night away.

ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: GETTING

READY LOCATION: New Orleans Marriott

Warehouse Arts District Hotel & Hilton

New Orleans Riverside | CEREMONY +

RECEPTION VENUE: The Gallery Venue |

REHEARSAL DINNER: Annunciation |

BRIDE’S GOWN: Lillian West, Modern

Affinity Bridal | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS:

Lulus | MENSWEAR: Indochino (groom) Men’s

Wearhouse (groomsmen) | VIDEO: Mary

M. Cinema | FLORALS + CANDLE DECOR:

Berry Blossom Flowers | BAKERY: Sucrette

Tailored Confections | CEREMONY MUSIC:

New Orleans Classical and Jazz | RECEPTION

ENTERTAINMENT: Calfee Productions |

HAIR + MAKEUP: Faces of Virtue | WEDDING

PLANNER: Alchemy Events | CATERING:

Creole Cuisine | JEWELER: Brilliance in

Diamonds | VASES: Ron Tolie Ceramics |

INVITATIONS: Abbey Printing

THE WEDDING Daniella and Ronald said “I Do” at The Gallery Venue in New Orleans’ Warehouse District.

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PHOTOGRAPHERS + VIDEOGRAPHERS

Alyse & Ben

Amin Russell Photography

Andrew Alwert Studios

Eau Claire Photographics

Jamie Heyl Photography

Jessica The Photographer

Sarah Alleman Photography

Sidney Donaldson Photography

The Social Confidant

Your Day Video Production

FASHION

Bella Bridesmaids Baton Rouge

Tuxedos to Geaux

BAKERIES

Gambino’s Bakery

Kimbla’s Cakes

CATERERS

12 Seasons Catering

Toulouse Gourmet Catering

FLORAL

Blooms Botanica

DECOR + RENTALS

Glo Events

True Value Rental

ENTERTAINMENT

Sugar Shaker

VENUES:

Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Court of Two Sisters

Higgins Hotel

InterContinental New Orleans

Royal Sonesta New Orleans

The Cannery

The Moore

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans