• Don’t mind me, just daydreaming of being back on the steps of @chateaucocomar photographing some unbelievable gorgeousness. I’ve been itching to try out new things over the last few months and I’m trying not to overthink it. In photography as in life, overthinking is the killer of joy, the transformation from motivation to procrastination, the end of so many big ideas & dreams. But one thing I vowed when I invested in new gear was that I would spend time photographing whatever I wanted to, just for fun, without any pressure to make it sellable or please someone else. Tomorrow, Jas and I are hopping in the car for a road trip to Tennessee to see his sister tie the knot, and for the first time in I don’t even know how long I’m bringing an actual camera on a trip! We’re taking 6 days off, the weather will be beautiful, and social distancing means the perfect opportunity for peaceful hikes and sightseeing. I might even shoot some film for fun, because one lesson among the many of 2020 has been to quit waiting for someone else to live my life for me - and to stop being afraid of trying and failing, because that’s the price of trying and eventually succeeding, you know? Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica Planning & Design: @heatherbengeevents Venue: @ChateauCocomar Hair & Makeup: @sunkissedandmadeup Bridal Salon: @weddingsbydebbie Model: @dejaajanaii
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    Don’t mind me, just daydreaming of being back on the steps of @chateaucocomar photographing some unbelievable gorgeousness. I’ve been itching to try out new things over the last few months and I’m trying not to overthink it. In photography as in life, overthinking is the killer of joy, the transformation from motivation to procrastination, the end of so many big ideas & dreams. But one thing I vowed when I invested in new gear was that I would spend time photographing whatever I wanted to, just for fun, without any pressure to make it sellable or please someone else. Tomorrow, Jas and I are hopping in the car for a road trip to Tennessee to see his sister tie the knot, and for the first time in I don’t even know how long I’m bringing an actual camera on a trip! We’re taking 6 days off, the weather will be beautiful, and social distancing means the perfect opportunity for peaceful hikes and sightseeing. I might even shoot some film for fun, because one lesson among the many of 2020 has been to quit waiting for someone else to live my life for me - and to stop being afraid of trying and failing, because that’s the price of trying and eventually succeeding, you know? Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica Planning & Design: @heatherbengeevents Venue: @ChateauCocomar Hair & Makeup: @sunkissedandmadeup Bridal Salon: @weddingsbydebbie Model: @dejaajanaii
  • Tore through two cups of coffee before 9 AM and I could really use the peace and calm of this photo in my life right about now. Yes, 2020 is a nuclear garbage fire, our President won’t denounce white supremacy, and I spent $900 on emergency vet visits for our dog last weekend.....and I will take the joy I can find wherever I can get it. “Yes, and” is a mindset that requires so much discipline. It’s so much easier to be cynical. I’m trying to “yes, and” every crappy thing that comes my way so I can take comfort in what makes me happy. Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica Planning & Design: @heatherbengeevents Venue: @ChateauCocomar Florals: @collegeparkflowerstx Hair & Makeup: @sunkissedandmadeup Linens: @nuagedesignsinc Bridal Salon: @weddingsbydebbie Menswear: @themoderngroom_ Rentals: @swiftevents Shoes: @ted_baker Models: @briana.noir & Steve
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    Tore through two cups of coffee before 9 AM and I could really use the peace and calm of this photo in my life right about now. Yes, 2020 is a nuclear garbage fire, our President won’t denounce white supremacy, and I spent $900 on emergency vet visits for our dog last weekend.....and I will take the joy I can find wherever I can get it. “Yes, and” is a mindset that requires so much discipline. It’s so much easier to be cynical. I’m trying to “yes, and” every crappy thing that comes my way so I can take comfort in what makes me happy. Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica Planning & Design: @heatherbengeevents Venue: @ChateauCocomar Florals: @collegeparkflowerstx Hair & Makeup: @sunkissedandmadeup Linens: @nuagedesignsinc Bridal Salon: @weddingsbydebbie Menswear: @themoderngroom_ Rentals: @swiftevents Shoes: @ted_baker Models: @briana.noir & Steve
  • Working with other small businesses and entrepreneurs is one of the best things I get to do as a photographer. Capturing full branding sessions is such a treat because I love digging deep into the personal stories and values that lay the foundation for mission-driven, wholehearted businesses - and then translating that personality and heart into compelling, curated visuals. Even when the time and investment of a branding session isn’t feasible, though, I try to serve every business owner and creative entrepreneur I get the pleasure of working with, whether it’s capturing behind the scenes photos for them at a wedding or making sure I take the time to get beautiful photos of their hard work. Jo’s @minimobilebar had to sit out part of this shoot because of the rain, but when we got lucky with some sunlight I wanted to make sure I grabbed some shots for her! Currently wishing I was here and casually sipping some of that champagne 🍾 Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica Planning & Design: @heatherbengeevents
Venue: @chateaucocomar Bar: @minimobilebar
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    Working with other small businesses and entrepreneurs is one of the best things I get to do as a photographer. Capturing full branding sessions is such a treat because I love digging deep into the personal stories and values that lay the foundation for mission-driven, wholehearted businesses - and then translating that personality and heart into compelling, curated visuals. Even when the time and investment of a branding session isn’t feasible, though, I try to serve every business owner and creative entrepreneur I get the pleasure of working with, whether it’s capturing behind the scenes photos for them at a wedding or making sure I take the time to get beautiful photos of their hard work. Jo’s @minimobilebar had to sit out part of this shoot because of the rain, but when we got lucky with some sunlight I wanted to make sure I grabbed some shots for her! Currently wishing I was here and casually sipping some of that champagne 🍾 Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica Planning & Design: @heatherbengeevents
Venue: @chateaucocomar Bar: @minimobilebar
  • I finally made it home at 11 last night and this morning I’m sore, exhausted, and nursing my iced coffee, but holy cow was it worth it for the five blissful hours I got to spend capturing the most beautiful editorial shoots at @styledshootsacrossamerica. In the midst of coronavirus, hurricane season, and ever-worsening news cycles, what a bright spot in my year this was. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got approximately 4,000 photos to cull 😅 PS for my fellow photogs: zoom in on the sequins on her sleeves. Can you believe I shot this wide open at 1.2?! Canon’s new RF lenses are no freaking joke! Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica Planning & Design: @heatherbengeevents
Venue: @ChateauCocomar
Florals: @Beth.Oreilly.aifd
Hair & Makeup: @sunkissedandmadeup
Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
Bridal Salon: @weddingsbydebbie
Menswear: @themoderngroom_
Stationery: @emeryanndesign
Cake: @cakesbygina
Rentals: @swiftevents
Floor Decal: @mikes_dance_floors
Floor Decal Design: @deardarlingweddings
Models: @kennadyspears_ & @phillip_wimberly
#SSAAshootcrawl
#styledshootsacrossamerica
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    I finally made it home at 11 last night and this morning I’m sore, exhausted, and nursing my iced coffee, but holy cow was it worth it for the five blissful hours I got to spend capturing the most beautiful editorial shoots at @styledshootsacrossamerica. In the midst of coronavirus, hurricane season, and ever-worsening news cycles, what a bright spot in my year this was. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got approximately 4,000 photos to cull 😅 PS for my fellow photogs: zoom in on the sequins on her sleeves. Can you believe I shot this wide open at 1.2?! Canon’s new RF lenses are no freaking joke! Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica Planning & Design: @heatherbengeevents
Venue: @ChateauCocomar
Florals: @Beth.Oreilly.aifd
Hair & Makeup: @sunkissedandmadeup
Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
Bridal Salon: @weddingsbydebbie
Menswear: @themoderngroom_
Stationery: @emeryanndesign
Cake: @cakesbygina
Rentals: @swiftevents
Floor Decal: @mikes_dance_floors
Floor Decal Design: @deardarlingweddings
Models: @kennadyspears_ & @phillip_wimberly
#SSAAshootcrawl
#styledshootsacrossamerica
  • Every Wednesday evening should be filled with beautiful moments like this, right?! It’s a been a week since Sarah + Caroline tied the knot in front a beautiful, lofty cypress tree with their closest friends at their sides. It was the perfect combination of laughter, happy tears, pretty details, and, most importantly, love. It’s always an amazing feeling to get to capture these memories that will one day be just one corner of the tapestry of Sarah + Caroline’s story - and there’s nothing I take more seriously than that.
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    Every Wednesday evening should be filled with beautiful moments like this, right?! It’s a been a week since Sarah + Caroline tied the knot in front a beautiful, lofty cypress tree with their closest friends at their sides. It was the perfect combination of laughter, happy tears, pretty details, and, most importantly, love. It’s always an amazing feeling to get to capture these memories that will one day be just one corner of the tapestry of Sarah + Caroline’s story - and there’s nothing I take more seriously than that.
  • Usually I love those late afternoon, South Louisiana thunderstorms - there’s something about them that just feels magical compared to your typical rainy day. Of course, on a wedding day, that’s a different story. We had an absolutely beautiful afternoon for Emily + Devon’s wedding, even getting a slight breeze to counteract that August heat as we shot bridal party portraits under one of the towering oak trees. But half an hour before they said their vows, one of those summer thunderstorms blew in - thankfully it moved on just as quickly as it came, but left us some drizzles and heavy gray clouds as the bridesmaids and groomsmen walked down the aisle. And then, as Emily + Devon bowed their heads for a moment of reflection before they exchanged rings, the clouds shifted and the sun came out in a way that I thought only happened in movies. You truly couldn’t ask for a more perfect metaphor for life right now - aren’t we all waiting for the clouds to break and reveal some gorgeous, warm sunset behind them? In a year that’s certainly testing our patience with so many things, I’m reminded that all I can control is what I myself can do, and beyond that? Patience and hope. Easier said than done, I know, but when those clouds finally do open up, there will something incredibly beautiful.
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    Usually I love those late afternoon, South Louisiana thunderstorms - there’s something about them that just feels magical compared to your typical rainy day. Of course, on a wedding day, that’s a different story. We had an absolutely beautiful afternoon for Emily + Devon’s wedding, even getting a slight breeze to counteract that August heat as we shot bridal party portraits under one of the towering oak trees. But half an hour before they said their vows, one of those summer thunderstorms blew in - thankfully it moved on just as quickly as it came, but left us some drizzles and heavy gray clouds as the bridesmaids and groomsmen walked down the aisle. And then, as Emily + Devon bowed their heads for a moment of reflection before they exchanged rings, the clouds shifted and the sun came out in a way that I thought only happened in movies. You truly couldn’t ask for a more perfect metaphor for life right now - aren’t we all waiting for the clouds to break and reveal some gorgeous, warm sunset behind them? In a year that’s certainly testing our patience with so many things, I’m reminded that all I can control is what I myself can do, and beyond that? Patience and hope. Easier said than done, I know, but when those clouds finally do open up, there will something incredibly beautiful.
  • My sweet, silly guy. No need for me to ramble in an Instagram caption because you know how much I love you. Happy anniversary, @jassapien 🖤
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    My sweet, silly guy. No need for me to ramble in an Instagram caption because you know how much I love you. Happy anniversary, @jassapien 🖤
  • Stunning Emily tied the knot today, and my goodness was it a gorgeous, love-filled day! It felt amazing to get behind the camera again and spend time with some wonderful people after a looooong few months of very little socializing + photographing.⁣ ⁣ And of course, wedding day means I get to share Emily’s drop-dead gorgeous bridal portraits that we shot last month. I was lucky enough to get a preview of @catherineguidry’s posing course and y’all....it was a gamechanger for me. My confidence behind the camera has absolutely soared - and as y’all probably know, I’m a super-anxious person, so feeling relaxed and confident is no easy feat for me. Catherine is incredibly skilled at cutting through the noise and getting right to the things that really matter. If you’re a photographer working on finessing your skills right now, I can’t recommend it enough. You can tap the link in my bio to take her free masterclass until August 12!
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    Stunning Emily tied the knot today, and my goodness was it a gorgeous, love-filled day! It felt amazing to get behind the camera again and spend time with some wonderful people after a looooong few months of very little socializing + photographing.⁣ ⁣ And of course, wedding day means I get to share Emily’s drop-dead gorgeous bridal portraits that we shot last month. I was lucky enough to get a preview of @catherineguidry’s posing course and y’all....it was a gamechanger for me. My confidence behind the camera has absolutely soared - and as y’all probably know, I’m a super-anxious person, so feeling relaxed and confident is no easy feat for me. Catherine is incredibly skilled at cutting through the noise and getting right to the things that really matter. If you’re a photographer working on finessing your skills right now, I can’t recommend it enough. You can tap the link in my bio to take her free masterclass until August 12!
  • I had the privilege of capturing Paige + Kelly’s wedding celebration this weekend - even though it wasn’t the New Orleans bash they had originally planned, they still got to make their commitment to each other surrounded by their family and closest friends. It was absolutely beautiful in every way.⁣ ⁣ I’ve always been a big believer that your wedding day shouldn’t be the highlight of your marriage. It’s a moment that deserves a celebration, certainly, but I’m increasingly clinging to the idea that we don’t need the most stunning venue or the most gourmet dinner menu or the most insane florals to make a marriage worth celebrating. The wedding industry is just that - an industry - designed to sell us things, and while I’m a part of that industry, my soul gravitates toward the value of experiences over aesthetics; to the people you love over what’s popular. Your love and your commitment to one another deserve nothing less than a celebration that is true to *your* values and *your* priorities, not the spreads in a fancy magazine or the styled photos on Pinterest or whatever your sister/cousin/coworker/judgmental Facebook friend did for their wedding. All that to say: I’ve fallen in love with intimate weddings and I hope they stick around long after “social distancing” has left our daily vocabulary. Anyone else feeling it too?
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    I had the privilege of capturing Paige + Kelly’s wedding celebration this weekend - even though it wasn’t the New Orleans bash they had originally planned, they still got to make their commitment to each other surrounded by their family and closest friends. It was absolutely beautiful in every way.⁣ ⁣ I’ve always been a big believer that your wedding day shouldn’t be the highlight of your marriage. It’s a moment that deserves a celebration, certainly, but I’m increasingly clinging to the idea that we don’t need the most stunning venue or the most gourmet dinner menu or the most insane florals to make a marriage worth celebrating. The wedding industry is just that - an industry - designed to sell us things, and while I’m a part of that industry, my soul gravitates toward the value of experiences over aesthetics; to the people you love over what’s popular. Your love and your commitment to one another deserve nothing less than a celebration that is true to *your* values and *your* priorities, not the spreads in a fancy magazine or the styled photos on Pinterest or whatever your sister/cousin/coworker/judgmental Facebook friend did for their wedding. All that to say: I’ve fallen in love with intimate weddings and I hope they stick around long after “social distancing” has left our daily vocabulary. Anyone else feeling it too?
  • Lengthy self-reflection on my white privilege is work that I can do privately, so I’m not here to make a diary entry and center myself in a conversation that is meant to champion + advocate for Black people in America.⁣ ⁣ Instead, I’m using my corner of the Internet to commit to donating at least $20 a week to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color every single week through 2020 and beyond - that means orgs + non profits fighting for racial justice; activists + authors who spend time creating resources to educate us; and victims of racist violence.⁣ ⁣ Tonight, I’m supporting the National Bail Fund Network and the James Scurlock memorial fund. If you’d like to join me, please visit blacklivesmatters.carrd.co and click Donate, or click More Resources and read their thread on how to help if making donations isn’t something you can do right now. Going forward, I plan to share in my Stories every Sunday about where I’m donating. This is perhaps the easiest possible way to commit to anti-racism after it’s no longer 24/7 news coverage and trending topics (and by “easiest” I mean it’s not the only thing you should be doing - but it’s a great place to start). I’d really love for you to join me. Put it in your calendar. Set a weekly reminder. It really doesn’t take much at all.
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    Lengthy self-reflection on my white privilege is work that I can do privately, so I’m not here to make a diary entry and center myself in a conversation that is meant to champion + advocate for Black people in America.⁣ ⁣ Instead, I’m using my corner of the Internet to commit to donating at least $20 a week to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color every single week through 2020 and beyond - that means orgs + non profits fighting for racial justice; activists + authors who spend time creating resources to educate us; and victims of racist violence.⁣ ⁣ Tonight, I’m supporting the National Bail Fund Network and the James Scurlock memorial fund. If you’d like to join me, please visit blacklivesmatters.carrd.co and click Donate, or click More Resources and read their thread on how to help if making donations isn’t something you can do right now. Going forward, I plan to share in my Stories every Sunday about where I’m donating. This is perhaps the easiest possible way to commit to anti-racism after it’s no longer 24/7 news coverage and trending topics (and by “easiest” I mean it’s not the only thing you should be doing - but it’s a great place to start). I’d really love for you to join me. Put it in your calendar. Set a weekly reminder. It really doesn’t take much at all.