A couple runs joyfully down a garden path lined with tall green hedges as the bride's white dress flows behind them.

 

may 9th - may 11th


JAMIE & COLLIN


An unforgettable weekend in the French Quarter of New Orleans

 

A Love Letter to the Recently Engaged



The time of grand & glorious weddings has come and gone. Couples are beginning to prioritize the true magic of a wedding: the intimacy, the quiet moments spent with your other half, and the beginning of your forever love story.


Picture this: you are minutes away from being united as one. At this point, you have already made the journey to a bucket-list destination, spent the morning before "I Do" sharing a space to get ready together, and now you are standing in the location of your dreams saying your vows.


The Jelinski's


When Jamie came to me in search of the perfect destination location for their elopement, we had initially bounced around the idea of Jim Thorpe or the Pocono Mountains here in Pennsylvania. I had said, jokingly at first, "If you really want to embrace the spooky, whimsical vibes, somewhere like Salem or New Orleans could be perfect." The rest is history. The second Jamie & Collin heard NOLA, they were on board and knew this was going to be the place they began their story.


"I swear I haven’t been able to sleep since NOLA has been on my brain." -Jamie


Something to note about this particular uniting: the entire elopement harmonized with the stars. The ceremony date, the time the marriage license was signed, the moon phase, and the zodiac alignment were all carefully curated with Jamie's extensive expertise in numerology and astrology.


The Magic of New Orleans


New Orleans is known for its rich culture, lively music, and abundant history. The architecture in the French Quarter is romantic and heavily European-inspired. From haunting urban legends to deep-rooted historical memories, the city is buried with secrets.


If you're familiar with New Orleans, you probably know about its saturation and appreciation of Voodooism and Tarot Readings. To many locals, these practices are sacred and  cherished. If you accept and appreciate the culture, it welcomes you back with open arms and kindness.

A woman in a white dress styles her long dark hair using a curling iron while standing in a bathroom.
A person in a brown suit holds a coffee cup while standing on an ornate balcony overlooking brick buildings.
hotel st. marie // 827 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70112

 

may 10th, 2025 // getting ready, first look

The Morning Of

 

When you book me for your intimate, destination elopement, I’m your guaranteed bridesmaid. We started our chaotic morning with the NOLA humidity affecting the hold on Jamie’s wedding day curls. Overwhelmed with excitement and working on a time crunch, Jamie had given up on an elaborate hairstyle. My assistant, Mackenzie, cinched up her corset while I plugged in the curling iron and fixed up Jamie’s curls.


No amount of hairspray or storm clouds was going to put a damper on the plans these two had for their special day. The gorgeous balcony of Hotel St. Marie gave us an amazing view of Toulouse and Bourbon Street for Jamie and Collin to do their first look.

Couple poses on ornate iron balcony, person in white flowing dress reaching toward person in brown jacket.
Black and white romantic moment captured through a window showing a tender interaction between a couple in formal attire.
Someone in a brown coat gestures expressively while standing by an ornate wrought iron fence on a city balcony.
A couple in wedding attire share a moment on a balcony with windows and sun flares in the background.
A couple shares a joyful moment in formal attire by a wrought iron gate with green shutters and a vintage lantern.
A tender moment between newlyweds during their wedding ceremony, captured in black and white photography.

 

may 10th, 2025 // vows, handfasting

City Park Ceremony

 

City Park is a 1,300-acre (50% larger than Central Park, NY) public, urban park located in New Orleans' Lakeview District. The endless rows of historic oak trees and Spanish moss provided the dreamiest background for Jamie and Collin to exchange their rings and vows.


Personalizing your elopement ceremony


In the absence of guests, the overall layout and flow of a ceremony can vary from couple to couple. With only you and your partner (and me, your fave third wheel), there are no rules. For the Jelinskis, the two hand-wrote their vows and exchanged them under the serene and whimsical greenery. They each read their promises, placed their bands upon their hands, and sealed their unity with a kiss and handfastened knot that will forever remain tied.


Safe to say by the end of this ceremony, there wasn't a dry eye in sight.

-P.S. I'm an empath, your vows are always going to make me tear up.

A couple exchanges rings during an intimate outdoor wedding ceremony surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery.
A couple exchanges wedding vows beneath Spanish moss-draped trees in a romantic outdoor ceremony.
A romantic black and white wedding portrait of a couple in an intimate moment beneath trees with hanging moss.
A couple shares a romantic kiss during their wedding day, with the bride in white and groom in brown against a soft green background.
Two people share a heartfelt moment during an outdoor wedding ceremony in a lush garden setting.
Close-up of bride holding bouquet while groom reads handwritten vows during outdoor wedding ceremony.
Multiple hands holding and intertwining a braided white ceremonial rope or cord in an outdoor garden setting.
Two people in romantic dress stand together outdoors in a garden setting with Spanish moss and palm trees in the background.
Black and white portrait of a groom in a suit with boutonniere looking contemplatively downward.
A bride in an off-shoulder white wedding gown holds a colorful bouquet outdoors with trees in the background.
A couple in formal attire shares an intimate moment during an outdoor wedding ceremony under trees.
A couple exchanges vows during an intimate outdoor wedding ceremony beneath moss-draped trees.
Two people hold opposite ends of a knotted rope in a green outdoor setting.
Hands exchanging wedding rings during an outdoor ceremony with a bouquet of lavender flowers in view.

 

may 10th, 2025 // portraits, botanical gardens

Memorializing Your Wedding Day

 

Portraits throughout the park


After the ceremony, we ventured further around City Park to see some notable photo locations. The famous Anseman Oak Tree, located just beside the ceremony location, the stone footpath bridge to Goldfish Island, and the curved passageway of trees along the park's walking trail.

Couple in wedding attire poses under moss-draped oak trees, with bride in white dress and groom in brown suit.
A couple shares an intimate embrace against a backdrop of moss-draped oak trees in a serene woodland setting.
A couple shares an intimate moment together in a park setting surrounded by trees and natural scenery.
A couple in formal attire walks down a path beneath twisting tree branches in an artistic blur motion effect.
Four individuals in formal attire walking under a decorative archway of green leaves and branches on a brick path.
A dreamy vintage-style white dress photographed against Spanish moss and palm trees in a moody southern setting.
A couple in wedding attire stands on stone steps under moss-draped oak trees in a romantic outdoor setting.
A couple stands beneath majestic Spanish moss-draped oak trees in a dreamy Southern garden setting.
A white cotton dress with puffy sleeves and empire waist shown from different angles on a wooded ground.
A couple stands together under Spanish moss hanging from trees in an outdoor garden setting.
A couple dances joyfully in a garden setting, with the person in white wearing a flowing off-shoulder dress.
A bride in a white off-shoulder gown holds hands with her groom in a brown suit under draped oak trees.
A dreamy bridal portrait shows a person in a white puff-sleeve dress surrounded by Spanish moss and palm trees.
A couple in wedding attire poses among moss-draped oak trees in a dreamy outdoor setting.
Couple shares an intimate romantic moment on grassy path in outdoor park setting.
A person in a flowing white dress poses gracefully on a grassy hillside in a natural wooded setting.
The botanical gardens


The City Park Botanical Gardens were even more magical than you could imagine. From the second you step through the entryway, you're transported into magical and Alice-in-Wonderland-feeling greenery. Bold and vibrant wildflowers, cascading plants, and neatly kept shrubs.

Close-up shots of gentle hand gestures and embraces between a couple during an intimate romantic moment.
Two people in wedding attire run joyfully together down a garden path lined with manicured hedges and palm trees.
A romantic couple embrace in a garden maze with lush green hedges as their backdrop on their wedding day.
A couple in wedding attire holds hands in a garden with blooming sunflowers and brick walls.
Newlywed couple shares a quiet moment while sitting together on wooden garden bench among brick walls.
A couple in wedding attire playfully runs together across a lush green lawn during their outdoor celebration.
Bright yellow sunflowers bloom in a garden as a person in white reaches out to touch their vibrant petals.
A romantic wedding moment captured between a couple, with beautiful dried floral arrangements in warm autumn tones.
A couple runs joyfully through a garden pathway, with the bride in a flowing white gown and groom in brown attire.
A close-up shot shows gentle hands releasing an origami paper crane on a dark background.
A couple walks together on a dirt path through autumn trees in formal attire.
Elegant brown suit and boutonniere photographed in front of large agave plants in garden setting.
A couple in wedding attire holds hands while walking through a romantic garden archway covered in greenery.
A wedding couple stands in an outdoor garden setting surrounded by lush greenery and hedges.
A sequence of black and white photographs showing hands reaching out and connecting with other hands.

 

may 10th, 2025 // a walk down bourbon street

Plan Time to Celebrate & Explore

 

let the festivities begin


It was time to return to Hotel St. Marie and begin the second wave of Jamie & Collin's wedding day celebration. We stopped for an outfit change, a makeup touch-up, a family FaceTime, and of course some more portraits. Prioritizing comfort and overall flow of your elopement day timeline creates for seamless and low-stress transitions between all of your adventures.

a walk down bourbon street


Downtown New Orleans is packed with bold colors, unique architecture, and plenty of sight-seeing items to check off your bucket list. We fully embraced the rich culture and history of NOLA traditions during our Bourbon Street visit.

A black and white photo sequence shows a romantic couple sharing intimate moments beside an ornate pillar.
A series of blurred profile views against a brick wall background showing shifting focus and depth of field.
A person in a flowing white v-neck dress with billowing sleeves waves while standing next to a black metal gate.
A person in a white robe applies makeup while looking into a framed mirror with another figure in background.
A romantic couple in light colored attire stands on a balcony with ornate iron railings and brick building backdrop.
A joyful couple takes a selfie together outdoors with autumn foliage in the background.
A bride in a flowing white dress with dramatic bell sleeves poses elegantly against an ornate wrought iron gate.
Person in white pleated dress with bell sleeves poses joyfully against ornate iron gating and brick building exterior.
A person in a white backless dress stands on a balcony overlooking a brick apartment building with ornate railings.
A sequence of smartphone screens showing video chat interaction displayed in natural lighting conditions.
People having a conversation on a balcony with brick building exterior and white windows visible in background.
A couple gets ready in front of an ornate mirror during wedding preparations.
Film strip of vintage streetscapes showing old cars and buildings under blue skies in a busy town.
Black and white photo showing a person's back with a deep V-cut white dress in a crowded street scene.
Two pairs of feet stand on a sidewalk with an upside-down BOURBON text visible on the ground.
A couple in white outfits stands back-to-back outside a storefront with a green door.
Woman in flowing white dress posing gracefully on historic New Orleans street with ornate iron balconies.
Four candid moments captured of people in white clothing holding red drinks against a dark background.
People enjoying a festive moment in a historic French Quarter courtyard with coral-colored walls and white trim.
Two people in white outfits holding red drinks at a brick wall gathering.
Three connected images of a bride and groom in classic wedding attire posing against a coral-colored wall with green doors.
we had to stop for Pat's famous hurricanes in the heart of downtown nola!
Music & Jubilance: a parade of joy


It wouldn't be a downtown NOLA Elopement without a parade! We hopped into a classic New Orleans parade before stopping to grab drinks at Antoine's Restaurant (these were THE best espresso martinis ever)

A lively street scene in New Orleans with partygoers holding drinks and wearing colorful costumes and parasols.
Elegant cocktails garnished with blueberries and lime on a dark bar counter.
A jazz band and parade participants dance through the historic streets of New Orleans during a celebration.
A couple strolls together at an outdoor event, with the woman wearing a white dress and man in brown pants and white shirt.
Romantic couple sharing intimate moments in a dimly lit indoor setting.
A couple dressed in white attire enjoys a festive outdoor celebration with other guests in a candid black and white photo.
Two people clink cocktail glasses in an intimate toast, with one clear and one pink drink garnished with lime.
A festive scene with celebrants in white attire enjoying drinks and parasols at a New Orleans street party.
Two elegant espresso martinis with creamy foam tops and coffee beans garnish sit on napkin at dark wooden table.

 

may 11th, 2025 // exploring the history of New orleans

"I VooDo!"

 

a NOLA staple


If you know anything about New Orleans, it's that they're going to have the best food. Cafe Du Monde was at the top of our list for our Post-Elopement Portrait Day. These were just as delicious as they were photo-worthy!

A hand holds a takeout coffee cup next to a plate of powdered beignets and a glass of water on a marble counter.
A couple shares a playful moment together as they lean in close at a casual indoor setting.
Two people sharing a powdered pastry or donut together in an intimate close-up shot.
Two wedding rings resting on a white powdered surface with a soft blurred background.
Couple sharing a sweet moment while one tenderly feeds the other a bite of food on a couch.
Homemade powdered sugar covered chocolate crinkle cookies rest on a rustic surface with blurred background.
embracing the history


NOLA is all about the whimsical, spooky history. From ghost tours to witchcraft, there is an abundance of culture waiting to be absorbed. We stopped in Historic Jackson Square to learn about the history of Andrew Jackson and the Louisiana Purchase and Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo to grab some spooky souvenirs!

A romantic couple shares a kiss in front of the iconic St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans' Jackson Square.
Two figures in white clothing walk together in front of St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, New Orleans.
A couple walks hand in hand on a path in Jackson Square New Orleans with St. Louis Cathedral in the background.
A couple poses in front of the historic St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, New Orleans in black and white.
People dancing and moving playfully on concrete steps with New Orleans signage visible in the background.
A couple stands in front of the iconic Andrew Jackson statue and St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, New Orleans.
Two people in white outfits pose in Jackson Square with Saint Louis Cathedral in background in New Orleans.
A couple poses in front of a historic building with ornate wrought iron balconies in New Orleans' French Quarter.
People walk past historic buildings with green columns and black doors along a brick sidewalk on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

 

one last stop


We had to make one last stop for photos back at our hotel, Hotel St. Marie, because it was just too stunning to ignore. The courtyard was the perfect spot to set up shop for our mini-portrait session.

 

Maternity couple sharing tender moment on bench by vintage fountain and brick wall.
A couple shares a tender moment beneath the vintage Hotel Marie signage and covered colonnade.
Couple sharing an intimate moment along the columned exterior of Hotel Marie.
A couple in matching white sweaters share tender romantic moments by a swimming pool in a progressive photo series.
A romantic moment captured outdoors with a couple in white outfits sharing an intimate embrace.
A playful couple in white outfits share an affectionate moment outdoors.
Romantic maternity couple relaxing on bench against brick wall with decorative fountain.
A couple sits together on a stone bench against a brick wall with a decorative fountain in a serene courtyard setting.
A romantic couple embraces under the ornate covered walkway of Hotel Marie in black and white.
A couple poses together under a covered sidewalk with classic-style lampposts in an urban setting.
Five sequential sepia-toned photos showing a person in white clothing sitting and reclining on an outdoor bench.

 

Some honorable mentions

The Details

 

I couldn't let Jamie's details go unnoticed. From her handpicked crystals to the dried floral bouquet, nothing was out of place. These may just be my favorite and most sentimental details I have ever captured and I feel as if they were made for a NOLA Elopement.

Classic oil painting in ornate gold frame depicting a dramatic hunting scene in the wilderness.
Black strappy stiletto sandals with sparkling rhinestone details cast dramatic shadows on a white surface.
A mystical flat lay with palm reading cards, crystals, dried flowers, and vintage polaroid photos arranged on a dark surface.
Black and white photo of a wedding veil draped over a vintage chair by a window.
A moody still life of sandals, books, and a dried flower arrangement on a wooden deck with dramatic shadows.
Spanish moss drapes over ancient oak trees along a wooden fence line in a Southern landscape.
A mystical still life with dried flowers, old papers and a crystal ball on a dark surface.
Historic buildings with ornate balconies and shutters line a street in New Orleans' French Quarter.
Vintage styled flatlay with sandals, books, photographs and dried flowers on a dark wooden floor.
A close-up capture of two hands wearing wedding rings against a backdrop of dried flowers.
Wedding shoes and veil elegantly displayed hanging from a wall-mounted brass lamp sconce.
Elegant champagne bottles and bridal accessories displayed on a white mantel with ornate mirrors.
Wedding details arranged on a mantel including champagne bottles and a bridal veil in an elegant setting.

 

a whimsical, destination elopement


Choosing Your Forever Photographer


Being able to trust and have fun with your photographer is the most important thing to note during your search for an elopement photographer. My clients are more than just clients, they're forever friends. Being intimate and vulnerable in front of a photographer who honors your love story, creates a bond that will forever help you trust that your greatest milestones are documented in a way that feels authentically you.


I would love to tell your story <3

 

 

Have Fun.

most importantly...

 

Person in red silk robe sits on bed smoking with various items scattered on white bedding.
A black and white artistic photo showing two people lounging together in an intimate moment in a small space.
Woman in red sweater and man in olive green shirt lean against an elevator wall showing signs of exhaustion.
Two people playfully sharing a hamburger while wearing red and green tops in a casual indoor setting.
Two figures in casual clothing lying on a carpeted floor and laughing together.
Two people relax on a bed while having a casual conversation in a simple bedroom setting with vintage decor.

When you bring me along for your elopement, you're guaranteeing a weekend of beauty and bloopers! Being able to unwind and have fun in front of the camera takes the pressure of being in front of the lens off your shoulders. We made sure to make time for one silly, casual shoot during our time in NOLA and they ended up being a fun touch to the Jelinski Gallery.