New Orleans Wedding Photographer | Slidell, Baton Rouge, MS Gulf Coast | Michael Caswell » st. jude – our lady of guadalupe chapel

Harold & Brandy’s Wedding at St. Jude & the Marriott – 8/7/10

Michael Caswell — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:59:23 +0000

When I first met with Harold and Brady, I was impressed by how he was able to name every church in my sample albums and portfolio images! Both of them were just the nicest people imaginable.

Their ceremony took place at St. Jude, and was a Latin mass, a bit different than the regular Catholic ceremonies I often photograph.

Their reception was held at the Marriott Hotel’s ballroom. Both cakes were beautiful, but Harold’s groom’s cake consisted of a collection of meaningful quotes.

NOTHING was going to stop this bridesmaid from catching the bouquet! (the lady in the red dress almost got flagged for pass interference)

At the end of the night, the guests were treated to a wonderful Mardi Gras Indians performance, with elaborate costumes and a couple of stilt walkers, and accompanied by the Sons of Jazz brass band. What I really loved was when these performers, the couple, and the big crowd all headed downstairs, passing through a somewhat startled convention of lawyers, ending up in the lobby, where mingling hotel guests joined in the fun!

Kelly & Phillip’s Wedding at Our Lady of Guadalupe & St. Louis Hotel – 5/2/09

Michael Caswell — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:57:02 +0000

This Washington DC couple’s ceremony was held at St. Jude / Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel just outside the French Quarter. After the ceremony, we walked the few blocks to the St. Louis Hotel, stopping along the way for a few photos of the newlyweds. At the hotel’s courtyard, I was a little surprised to see Fleur de Lis, an 8-piece band with a horn section… I’ve never seen such a big band at the St. Louis Hotel. It was a bit of a tight squeeze, but they did indeed fit, and they did a great job!

St. Jude & Royal Sonesta, New Orleans Wedding – Patty & Michael

Michael Caswell — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:14:59 +0000

Patty is an event planner, and was largely responsible for putting together this truly spectacular wedding. After some bridal prep shots and formals at the Royal Sonesta, we headed over to nearby St. Jude – Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel at the edge of the French Quarter on N. Rampart for the ceremony. The church was beautifully decorated by floral designer Meade Wenzel.

After the ceremony, as we did a few more formal group shots in the church, the Storyville Stompers entertained the guests outside. We then second lined through the French Quarter, which was thrilling for everyone (especially the guests from out of town!).

Back at the Royal Sonesta, the ballroom was beautifully set up for the reception. New Orleans band Burgundy provided the entertainment. This rather large group has a fantastic sound, thanks in large part to the inclusion of two keyboardists, multiple male and female vocalists, and a talented brass section. They did an excellent job of performing softer, unobtrusive background music during the dinner, then ramping it up to a raucous party at the appropriate time.

And later in the night, the couple and I were able to sneak out for a little while to grab a few shots around the French Quarter!