Groom lifts bride at Gallery Venue at Tomas Wedding
Michael Caswell Photography

Groom lifts bride at Gallery Venue at Tomas Wedding

This handsome United States Marine groom lifted his beautiful bride and twirled around a few times during their first dance at their Gallery Venue at Tomas Bistro wedding reception, making for a great series of photographs. I'm always on the lookout for this kind of thing, but if the couple has something special like this during their dance planned, I always appreciate being made aware of it beforehand, as this bride did (telling me what was going to happen, and approximately at what point during the song).

Their first dance was well-choreographed, with several other impressive and crowd-pleasing moves. As it turned out, the couple had used the services of wedding dance instructor Judi Scudder back in San Clemente, California, and their spectacular performance was a great testament to her work!

First dance at Gallery Venue at Tomas Bistro

Groom dips bride during first dance


Their ceremony had also taken place at this venue, which is a beautiful space to get married in. The floral arrangements for this event were created by Beth's Flowers.

Wedding Ceremony at Gallery Venue at Tomas Bistro


Because this same space is utilized for the reception, it can be helpful to plan for a second line parade through the streets, to give venue staff time to flip the room and arrange it for the party.

Second Line Parade in Warehouse District


But the venue does also have ample other space aside from this main room, which gives guests somewhere else to go while staff is working if you're not doing a second line.

Here are the kind words the bride had for me in a thank-you note a few months later:

Thank you so much for capturing our special day with such beautiful photos! We will have them forever. It was such a joy to work with you. If we end up doing an anniversary back in New Orleans, we will definitely look you up!

Location: 755 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130.