Jackie and I have been chatting and keeping in touch for the last few weeks. I knew she didn't want posed photos but a few more organic portraits and lots of candids. We started in Armstrong Park for a private ceremony under the shade of the Southern Oaks. We then snuck out to get a cocktail because, umm...yeah they gotta do a toast! A few unexpected gratis, congratulatory shots later and off we went. Heading to Lafayette Square for YLC Wednesday in the Square free music get togethers. Perfect place to catch them being, well...them.
Jason is so easy going. He just smiled and carried the backpack. Funny story: in all the weddings I have photographed in the French Quarter I have never had a destination wedding client be mistaken for a local. A cute, young couple tapped Jason the shoulder and asked if he could have one of the flowers sticking out the back, for his girlfriend. Jackie reaches in the bag to get one out and waits until she hands the flower to her, then she says "Oh I just got married. That is my bouquet." Of course the little couple was embarrassed but Jackie and Jason just laughed it off and made two new friends in the process.
On we traveled to Fahy's, a local's favorite Irish Pub in the French Quarter. And, another round of congratulatory shots. Not me. I'm not that lucky, nor could I hold the camera steady enough after one to get a sharp photograph. We said our goodbyes and headed back out to Claire's Pour House on Decatur. Another little secreet dive bar with the friendliest staff.
And of course the yearly visitors who came in to see Claire, the owner, had to buy another round of shots. So, yeah, it's time to go so we head out the door. Not far up the street we run into the ladies who bought the last round of shots, the round that kicked Jackie into giggle mode. Just cute as hell!
Before making it to our destination, we stopped along the way to take advantage of the sun setting, so we took some silly Mardi Gras mask photos. I did manage to get one portrait of Jackie that is serious. It rocks.
Oh, and remember, I said it was a secret elopement? Well, the cat almost got out of the bag before their trip. Jackie planned well by anticipating rain so she bought a neat black umbrella, nothing wedding, not even a wedding supply vendor. The package arrives at work and lo and behold the sender is weddings.com. Her officemates see it and start the drilling questions. She fooled them and ultimately they were able to surprise everyone.
Here's to Jackie and Jason for just having a good time with each other.
Funny story. Jackie saw a penny in the street, grabbed it and then not paying a lick of attention strutted across the street, as you can see narrowly avoiding a truck mishap. Jason just shook his head as she explained that its an old Italian superstition that finding a penny on your wedding day is good luck. Apparently it was indeed.
4 Comments
Apr 29, 2015, 6:54:41 AM
Pamela Reed - Jackie, I am already experiencing separation anxiety! Get your tush back down to NOLA soon! Oh and you can bring Jason too, if he behaves...hahahahaha!
Apr 29, 2015, 6:53:33 AM
Pamela Reed - And so you will be Melanie! Welcome aboard! Looking forward to working together!
Apr 28, 2015, 1:14:30 PM
Jacqueline - Our elopement was even a secret to us until about 3-4 weeks before the "big" day. The idea of eloping on our trip to New Orleans on April Fool's Day was just too good of an opportunity to pass up. I knew the most important step for me was finding a great photographer. After scouring the internet and looking at the different websites, I knew Pam would be just what we were looking for. Professional and knowledgable, she contacted me immediately to start planning the day. Having never been to the city before, Pam offered tons of great advice on places to hold the ceremony and the name of a wonderful officiant to use. I was amazed at how flexible she was, working with our travel schedule and offering to meet us out a few days earlier to discuss the details. She also provided us with suggestions about places to eat and things to do to make our trip even better. Her pictures were fun and artistic. She is extremely easy-going and has a artist’s eye for what shots will work best. She was just the right blend of giving us the freedom to pick places that we wanted to remember and guiding us in ways to get an interesting picture. I wasn’t looking for a lot of posed shots. I just wanted to capture the mood of eloping in such an amazing city. Pam’s pictures certainly did that! It was so much fun wandering around the French Quarter, interacting with both tourists and locals. I would caution any eloping brides (who might be trying to get over their wedding jitters) to be careful about accepting too many “toasts” along the way. People in the New Orleans can be very generous and friendly to newlyweds. I would highly recommend Pam to anyone looking for a wedding/elopement photographer!!! She is the best!
Apr 27, 2015, 10:19:12 PM
Melanie - Oh my goodness! They look like SUCH a fun couple!