For Marissa and Keisha, a French Quarter wedding felt just right. New Orleans has been the backdrop for the biggest moments in their relationship, including a surprise proposal at a beignet shop! Since their families were traveling from New York City and South Carolina for the wedding, it made sense to plan their wedding in their favorite city. Their sweet wedding day at Hotel Mazarin was full of loving moments, thoughtful details, and a lot of fun! 

An Intimate Courtyard Ceremony at Hotel Mazarin

Marissa and Keisha met while they were attending the University of Alabama for their doctorates in Clinical Psychology. Having a background in mental health as an LMSW, I immediately clicked with them. They really enjoy each other’s company and showing people how much they care. Their wedding day reflected that from beginning to end.

On the morning of their small wedding at Hotel Mazarin, Keisha and Marissa decided to get ready together. They do this in their regular life and value the time together. Incorporating this into their wedding day made for some beautiful moments. These two are so in love with each other. It really made my job easy!

Keisha and Marissa embraced some wedding traditions, including classic white dresses and a formal ceremony. They made the day their own by putting their own twist on elements of their wedding. In addition to getting ready together, they had “guests of honor” as a kind of joint wedding party (as opposed to Keisha and Marissa each having their own). 

One of the most prominent details of their French Quarter wedding at Hotel Mazarin was their hand painted runner. Keisha and Marissa wanted to pay homage to the LGBTQ activists who came before them. Keisha painted Justice Kennedy’s famous quote from Obergefell v Hodges, the case which, in many ways along with Loving v Virginia, set the precedent for gay marriage. The runner reads: “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, sacrifice, and family.” It connected Keisha and Marissa’s marriage to a whole history in a truly moving way.

A Joyful French Quarter Wedding Parade

After their heartfelt ceremony at Hotel Mazarin, Keisha and Marissa treated their guests to a favorite feature of a French Quarter wedding – a second line parade! The Knockaz Brass Band led guests through the streets playing celebratory music that got everyone dancing. As they danced down the road, Keisha and Marissa poured their guests Yellowhammer cocktails. The bright fruity drinks matched the vibrant energy.

Because Keisha and Marissa planned their second line during the daytime, I captured some really amazing images of them and their guests enjoying every moment. Some people choose to do a second line after dark, but the light makes it easier to photograph the joy and movement of the occasion. These photos say it all!

Even though their wedding day was a touch chilly for March, the sunshine made it ideal. We took some portraits around the colorful neighborhood as everything turned gold. The French Quarter has a romance about it that suited Keisha and Marissa’s day.

Keisha and Marissa’s Emotional Reception

Keisha and Marissa’s French Quarter wedding ceremony set a tender and thoughtful tone that carried through their whole reception. For their wedding favors, Keisha and Marissa did something I’d never seen before. They gave away their own books! I really loved this idea. It’s personal, practical, and cuts down significantly on waste.

Throughout their reception, Keisha and Marissa connected with their most important people in ways that translated to images I know they’ll treasure. They shared dances with family members and soaked up the kind toasts their guests gave. Afterward everyone hit the dance floor!

Before the night was over, though, Keisha and Marissa set one more moment aside for just the two of them. They opted for a private moonlight dance at the end of their reception. This gave their guests time to get the sparkler exit ready, but it also gave them a chance to connect with each other and be present with all the love they’d received throughout the day.

Do you want to see more New Orleans weddings like this one? Check out this Tigermen Den wedding  and this Riverview Room wedding!

Thank you to the wedding vendors who made Marissa and Keisha’s day possible:

Ceremony Venue – Hotel Mazarin 

Reception Venue – The Moore Venue 

Makeup/Hair – Glam Nola 

Wedding dresses – Uniquely You Bridal 

Food – 12 Seasons & Mr. Mudbug Catering 

Videography – Smoove Films & Media Productions LLC