Featured Real Wedding in New Orleans: Nick and Jeni

Nick and Jeni’s wedding took us from a courtyard first look at The Chloe to portraits at the Tree of Life, a second line through Audubon Park, and a dance-filled reception at the Audubon Tea Room.

Nick and Jeni’s wedding had a little bit of everything I love photographing in New Orleans: a quiet first look, portraits under an enormous oak, a courtyard ceremony, and a second line that brought everyone into the celebration. By the end of the night, there were oversized cat heads on the dance floor and Café du Monde desserts outside. It was personal, a little wild, and a lot of fun to photograph.

The day began with bride and groom preparations at The Chloe Hotel on St. Charles Avenue. The Chloe is a particularly nice place to get ready because there are plenty of spots for portraits without having to leave the property. That variety helps when a wedding afternoon has several things happening at once. I can work with the setting rather than spend valuable time moving people between locations. Angele Pringle handled hair and makeup, and Becky Lampp and Spanish Oak Events planned the wedding.

The outdoor courtyard at The Chloe was perfect for Nick and Jeni’s first look. Having that moment right where they were getting ready kept this part of the day simple. A first look doesn’t need an elaborate setup; it needs a good spot and enough breathing room for the couple to be together. My advice is to leave a little time afterward, too. Once the initial excitement settles, there’s a natural opportunity for portraits before moving on to the next part of the day.

We also made portraits at the Tree of Life in Audubon Park. Its huge limbs and broad canopy give a photograph a sense of place that is unmistakably New Orleans. There are beautiful possibilities both close to the tree and farther back, where the branches can frame the couple. For anyone planning wedding portraits there, account for travel and walking time rather than treating it as a quick roadside stop. Comfortable shoes for the walk can help, especially when the ground is damp.

Nick and Jeni’s ceremony took place in the courtyard at the Audubon Tea Room. It was a beautiful setting for their vows, with the reception venue right there for the next part of the celebration. Cry Baby Floral provided the floral and decor. Big Easy Limos handled transportation for the day, another important piece when preparations, portraits, and the ceremony involve different locations.

After the ceremony, Bon Bon Vivant’s brass band led a great second line around Audubon Park and back to the Tea Room. I love the movement of a second line: the couple leading the way, guests falling into step, and little interactions happening all along the route. From a photography standpoint, it’s worth allowing enough space in the schedule to enjoy the parade rather than rush through it. The walk itself is part of the wedding, not just a way to get to the reception.

Back at the Tea Room, the reception was wild and fun, with lots of dancing and some wonderfully ridiculous oversized cat head photos. The heads were modeled after Nick and Jeni’s own cat, which made them much more personal than a generic party prop. Calfee Productions handled DJ duties, while Distressed Rentals supplied lounge and bar seating. Frenchmen Street Productions offered tarot card reading, giving guests another experience alongside the dancing.

The Café du Monde pop-up food truck came by to offer everyone dessert before the send-off. It was a fitting New Orleans finish to a day that made such good use of the city without losing sight of the two people getting married. After more than 30 years photographing here, I still appreciate weddings that feel this individual. Nick and Jeni had beautiful locations, but it’s their first look, the parade through the park, and those cat heads in the middle of the party that make this wedding theirs.

See links below the photos for all of the vendors.