I had the honor of photographing Brandi and Jeremy’s small intimate destination wedding in Brandi’s hometown of New Orleans. It was my first trip to the Big Easy and I absolutely fell in love with the French Quarter! Brandi is a dear friend and an incredibly talented portrait and wedding photographer specializing in sultry fine art boudoir photography Liberating Portraits. Her work is amazing! I was delighted to capture this wedding with another fabulously talented Philadelphia portrait and wedding photographer Alexandra Passage. We had so much fun photographing their wedding! It’s always such a pleasure to work with other artists! Please visit Brandi and Jeremy’s gallery at Louise Conover Weddings to see more images from their day!
Brandi and Jeremy met seven years ago at a gallery in Chelsea where Jeremy and his friend Lauren had their art work displayed. Jeremy noticed Brandi immediately as she walked in and approached her as she was admiring his sepia-toned photographs in his “Fish” series. They flirted later at an after party and went out on their first date a couple of days later. They’ve been together ever since. Jeremy is a certified boat captain working on the The Eagle as a first mate. His love for fishing began when he was three years old. His fly fishing lure and peacock feather boutonniere, was even made by The Eagle captain and fisherman, Robbie Barradale!
Alix and I arrived in New Orleans on Thursday afternoon and after we checked in at the Bienville House Hotel we rested a bit and headed over to Pat O’s on the River where the wedding rehearsal, ceremony and reception were to be held. The rehearsal was filled with lots of giggles and smiles and it was wonderful to meet Brandi and Jeremy’s wedding party and families. Brandi’s dad, Alan, graciously invited us to attend the rehearsal dinner at the Crescent City Brewhouse. Before we entered the restaurant, Brandi’s aunt gave her a pin that belonged to her great grandmother which would be pinned into her gown on her wedding day.
We woke up to blue skies, sunshine and low humidity. It was a perfect day for a wedding! On the way to meet the girls at Salon Diversions, Alix and I stopped for beignets, which are delicious square-shaped pastries sprinkled with lots of confectioners sugar almost like an Italian zeppole, at Cafe Beignet. Thankfully, I was only dressed in casual clothes and not my work clothes because the powdered sugar went everywhere! I don’t know what I would have done without Rachel Ray and her segment on New Orleans $40 a Day because it gave us such great leads on where to go and eat! Other than the beignets, there were the muffaletta’s at Central Grocery, but that is whole other story which I promise to post about one day!
Brandi’s stunning Alençon lace gown was purchased in Manhattan at Wedding Atelier (I was lucky enough to go with her to her final fitting) and was designed by French designer Cymbeline. Her gorgeous one-of-a-kind bird cage veil and peacock feather head piece were created by Leah Chalfen, designer and owner, of Leah C. Couture Millinery, New York.
Peacock feathers dominated their theme. As a child Brandi’s home was filled with beautiful peacock art pieces and she always equated their beauty with elegance. Her bouquet of Green Goddess calla lilies and peacock feathers wrapped in ribbon with pearl accents was created by Urban Earth Studios. The bridesmaids fans consisted of peacock feathers and Leonidas rose petals. So lovely! Also, the guests received a copy of a painting by Brandi’s mom, Dottie, depicting a beautiful Pirates Alley street scene complete with Brandi and Jeremy’s initials placed into the cast iron work of a balcony which is very similar to the cast iron railings of the elegant Pontalbo Buildings in Jackson Square. In the painting there is also a banner attached to a lamp post which heralds their wedding date with a peacock feather. It’s such a wonderful keepsake and I will treasure mine forever!
I love this photo of Brandi!
Reverend Laurie Reed officiated over the vows which were heartfelt and sweet. After the ceremony we were off to Jackson Square and Pirates Alley for portraits and they were tender and fun!
Brandi and Jeremy took their first spin on the dance floor to Marvin Gaye’s ever so romantic Motown hit Let’s Get it On.
Tears flowed when Brandi and her dad swayed to New Orleans born and raised Louis Armstong’s sentimental song What A Wonderful World.
After guests filled up on delicious traditional New Orleans cuisine they danced the night away! Laissez les bon temps rouler!
