Heidi & Luke’s ceremony and reception took place at the St. Louis Hotel’s beautiful courtyard. We started the evening with an emotional “first look”, and then the drizzly weather cleared up just in time for us to get some quick shots around the French Quarter before the ceremony. Groovy 7 was on hand for the reception entertainment, but Nick, the band’s jazz-influenced guitarist, performed for the ceremony as well, and the couple’s recession music selection was the end section of Layla.
One of the best aspects of being a wedding photographer is that I frequently get to listen to great live music without having to go into a smoky bar. And although it’s hard call any band “the best” in this city full of outstanding musicians, I really think you’d be hard-pressed to find a better wedding band than Groovy 7. The demo songs on their website are good, but don’t even come close to showing how incredibly entertaining, versatile, and tight this band is.
And as good as they are, this night they had a little help from an Australian guest on Luke’s side, who brought his trumpet and wowed everyone with his Satchmo-like playing and singing as he sat in with the band for several songs throughout the night.