New Orleans Wedding Photographer Michael Caswell

New Blog!

2008-08-22T23:51:00.002-05:00

My blog has moved! To visit it, please click here.

Amy & Eddie's Wedding – St. Louis Hotel Courtyard, New Orleans French Quarter – 8/9/08

2008-08-11T11:47:00.008-05:00

Amy & Eddie's ceremony and reception were at the beautiful courtyard of the St. Louis Hotel.

Amy's son, wowing the crowd with his dance moves!

A quick shot on nearby Bourbon St.

Ashley & Sam's Wedding – St. John the Baptist & St. Louis Hotel Courtyard, New Orleans French Quarter – 7/26/08

2008-07-28T13:42:00.007-05:00

Ashley & Sam's ceremony took place at my favorite church, St. John the Baptist, and their reception was at one of my favorite venues, the St. Louis Hotel's gorgeous courtyard.

There was some light rain in the area, but thanks to the courtyard's retractable canopy, the event was able to remain outdoors.

Towards the end of the reception, surrounded by friends and family, Ashley sang a beautiful love song for Sam, and then the night was capped off with a second line around the courtyard!

Claire & Aaron's Wedding – First United Methodist Church, Slidell & Abita Quail Farm, Abita Springs – 7/12/08

2008-07-14T17:51:00.009-05:00

I did Claire & Aaron's engagement portrait about a month ago, and was looking forward to this very nice couple's wedding! The ceremony took place at First United Methodist Church in Slidell.

Braiding the cord of three strands... the couple insists that the LSU colors are purely coincidental!

In memory of Claire's father, a small photo of the two of them was attached to her bouquet. He and other deceased loved ones were also recognized by memorial candles placed in the church foyer.

The reception was at the Abita Quail Farm in beautiful Abita Springs.

Claire's longtime friend serenaded the couple with a truly breathtaking performance of Angel of Music from Phantom of the Opera. Then he sang Love Shack. :)

Amanda & Kyle's Wedding – Diamondhead Country Club, Mississippi – 7/6/08

2008-07-07T22:14:00.009-05:00

Like other Mississippi Gulf Coast couples whose weddings I have photographed, Amanda & Kyle were just really nice, down-to-earth people, and I had a great time shooting their engagement portrait and wedding. Their ceremony and reception took place at the elegant country club in beautiful Diamondhead, Mississippi.

The gorgeous green and white floral arrangements were crafted by Rekers in Slidell.

Kate & Wes's Wedding – Southern Oaks Plantation, New Orleans – 7/4/08

2008-07-05T18:17:00.009-05:00

This couple's ceremony and reception were at the beautiful Southern Oaks Plantation. Kate was an absolutely radiant bride, with an infectious laugh and ever-present smile.

We were all a bit nervous about the weather, as there were a few storms in the area. But thankfully, the sky remained clear for the ceremony on Southern Oaks' front lawn.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, we were all treated to a spectacular fireworks display!

Wes is an Ole Miss graduate, and his groom's cake featured "Go Rebels!" and mascot Colonel Reb. Kate, being a graduate of rival LSU, couldn't let that go unchallenged, and devised a secret plot that was flawlessly executed by the Southern Oaks staff. As the couple finished cutting the Ole Miss cake, suddenly the LSU Fight Song was heard over the speakers, and then LSU-decorated cupcakes were brought out and passed around!

The legendary Deacon John entertained, keeping the dance floor packed, and then closing out the night with a Second Line around the ballroom.

Stephanie & Joe's Wedding – St. Joseph Church & Maison Dupuy, New Orleans – 6/28/08

2008-06-29T20:59:00.007-05:00

Stephanie & Joe exchanged vows at St. Joseph, a truly magnificent church in New Orleans. Heavy rain that afternoon forced the reception at the Maison Dupuy to move indoors, but the weather cleared up in plenty of time for the wonderful second line parade through the French Quarter, led by the Algiers Brass Band.

Amanda & Kyle's Engagement Portrait – Audubon Park, New Orleans

2008-06-23T22:20:00.004-05:00

I photographed this delightful Mississippi couple at Audubon Park... we had a great time, and captured some wonderful images!

Christin & Ben's Wedding – Holy Trinity Church & Silver Lake Ballroom, Shreveport – 6/21/08

2008-06-22T22:22:00.006-05:00

For Christin & Ben's wedding, I traveled to beautiful north Louisiana... the church was gorgeous, and the coordinator, Dottie, was very friendly and helpful.

The reception was at the nearby Silver Lake Ballroom.

A talented blues trio, The Bluebirds, entertained with a good mix of dance tunes and music that was just plain fun to listen to.

Ben's cake was in the form of a guitar, as he is a guitar player. Bluebirds guitarist Jimmy handed off his Telecaster to Ben, who played a blues tune with the band, and later, Christin's brother sat in with the band on drums.

When Ben tossed the garter, the ring bearer was swiftly thrust up by his dad so that he could snatch the garter out of the air... a truly spectacular catch!

Congratulations Christin and Ben!

Claire & Aaron's Engagement Portrait – Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville, LA

2008-06-20T11:08:00.002-05:00

I had the pleasure of photographing this nice couple at the beautiful Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville.

Mandy & Vasu's Maternity Portrait

2008-06-18T22:10:00.003-05:00

I photographed this wonderful couple's wedding almost two years ago, and was very excited when Mandy contacted me recently for a maternity portrait session... their baby girl is due next month!

Ashley & Zach – St. John the Baptist & Conti Wax Museum, New Orleans French Quarter – 6/7/08

2008-06-08T10:03:00.001-05:00

Ashley & Zach's ceremony was at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Orleans. Not only is this church absolutely beautiful, the people there are very friendly as well.

With a loft right above the altar, an angle not often seen in church weddings can be captured.

We then headed over to the Conti Wax Museum for the reception. The event space, located directly above the museum, has a very nice warm, rustic feel.

Harvey Jesus & Fire rocked the house, and Zach sang a few lines during some songs as well.

At the end of the reception, Ashley's family put on a surprise little skit for the couple, in recognition of their impending move to Dallas. Masquerading as long-lost relatives from Texas, this rootin' tootin' gang of gunslinging outlaws expressed their discontent at not having been invited to the wedding, but enthusiastically welcomed Ashley and Zach to the lone star state.

Congratulations Ashley and Zach!

The Elms Mansion Open House – 6/5/08

2008-06-06T22:47:00.006-05:00

This elegant venue hosted an open house to let couples considering The Elms get a taste of what a wedding is like there, and to showcase a handful of select wedding professionals... having photographed several weddings there, I was thrilled when Faith invited me to attend. I had the opportunity to meet with numerous wonderful brides and couples.

Here's a sampling of some of the food and decor!

Beth & Randy's Wedding – St. Anna's Episcopal Church / Historic French Market Inn, New Orleans – 5/31/08

2008-06-01T14:59:00.007-05:00

This Indiana couple exchanged vows at St. Anna's Episcopal Church on Esplanade Ave.

After the ceremony, we stopped by Jackson Square for a few quick photos, and then dropped in to Beth & Randy's favorite New Orleans bar, Chartres House, for a few minutes. It was then on to the reception at the Historic French Market Inn.

The groom's cake was a tribute to Randy's favorite band, Yes.

At the end of the reception, the fantastic Pin-Stripe Brass Band led a Second Line parade to Pat O's on Bourbon St., much to the delight of the tourists enjoying drinks and dinner in the courtyard.

Christin's Bridal Portrait – New Orleans City Park

2008-05-30T00:24:00.002-05:00

Christin is from Shreveport, which is where her wedding will be next month. But she was in town this week, and we had a great time shooting in City Park.

Skye & Michael's Wedding – Bible Baptist Church, Gulfport MS – 5/24/08

2008-05-28T07:55:00.005-05:00

Skye & Michael were wed at Bible Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS, with the reception being held in the Church's gym, which they did a fantastic job at decorating. Michael had a great groom's cake... a perfect replica of his guitar!

Megan & Matthew's Wedding – Ormond Plantation, Destrehan, LA – 5/23/08

2008-05-26T17:12:00.006-05:00

This Texas couple's ceremony and reception were at the historic Ormond Plantation located on the Mississippi River in Destrehan. Their precious little daughter was the flower girl, though she was a bit overwhelmed and needed a little help getting down the aisle!

Tonya & Greg's Wedding – Maison Dupuy, New Orleans French Quarter – 5/17/08

2008-05-19T13:29:00.004-05:00

For the second weekend in a row, I photographed a wedding at the beautiful Maison Dupuy. Rev. John Zimmer officiated this Washington DC couple's ceremony... their baby daughter was adorable! The courtyard was very nicely decorated, with lots of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.

After the reception, the Algiers Brass Band led a thrilling second line parade through the French Quarter, and everyone had a great time!

Elizabeth & Kevin's Wedding – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary / Pavilion of the Two Sisters, New Orleans – 5/17/08

2008-05-18T21:14:00.011-05:00

Elizabeth & Kevin's ceremony took place at the beautiful Our Lady of the Holy Rosary church on Esplanade Avenue.

Afterwards, we headed over to the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in nearby City Park for the reception. Elizabeth and Kevin performed a spectacular first dance that had the crowd cheering! The Mixed Nuts provided the entertainment.

The groom's cake was very unique... a giant king cake in the shape of a fleur de lis.

Later, when Kevin tossed the garter, it hit the ceiling and fell short of the group waiting to catch it. While everyone else stared at it for a moment, Elizabeth's brother Steven leaped into action, snatching it off the floor in an impressive dive.

When it came time for the couple to leave, they changed into street clothes and went outside to find their car had been "decorated". But the best was yet to come... when Kevin turned the key to start the car, a massive plume of baby powder spewed out of the a/c vents!

Jennifer & Brian's Wedding – Maison Dupuy, New Orleans French Quarter – 5/10/08

2008-05-11T12:19:00.010-05:00

This Texas couple's ceremony and reception were at the Maison Dupuy Hotel's lovely courtyard. Urban Earth created the beautiful bouquets and decorated the cake as well, while the gorgeous table centerpieces were made by Jennifer and her mother.

Brian's eyes teared up a bit as he saw his beautiful bride walking up the aisle... you could just tell that they absolutely adored each other!

Kristen & Steve's Wedding – Pat O's on the River, New Orleans – 4/26/08

2008-04-27T18:25:00.012-05:00

This wonderful couple was to have been wed at Jackson Square, but inclement weather forced the ceremony to move to the wedding chapel at the Hilton St. Charles. Though I'm sure Kristen and Steve were disappointed, they didn't show it, and refused to let the rain dampen their spirit. Thanks to Michele Adams and her Unique Weddings in New Orleans team, and Steven with Dunn & Sonnier Flowers, the last-minute venue move went surprisingly smooth.

After the ceremony, as we awaited transportation to the reception, the fabulous Pin-Stripe Brass Band entertained in the lobby of the hotel, which the guests (most of them from out-of-town) as well as the steady stream of Jazz Fest refugees returning from a rainy day at the Fairgrounds seemed to really enjoy.

After the beautiful reception at Pat O's on the River, the couple received a wonderful sparkler sendoff, and rode away on a horse-drawn carriage.

Elizabeth's Bridal Portrait – New Orleans City Park

2008-04-21T22:08:00.007-05:00

I had a great time today with Elizabeth and her family at City Park, capturing some wonderful images of this beautiful bride. We even got a few shots on the old bridge where her fiancé Kevin proposed to her, with the church where they are to be wed next month visible off in the distance.

Carolyn & Thom's Wedding – The Elms Mansion, New Orleans – 4/19/08

2008-04-20T20:28:00.007-05:00

Carolyn & Thom's wedding took place at the beautiful and elegant Elms Mansion on St. Charles Ave. A special guest in attendance was the couple's teddy bear, a special gift that Thom gave Carolyn a while back... the bear goes everywhere with them, so naturally he accompanied them to their wedding, escorted by Carolyn's niece, a bridesmaid (who, incidentally, managed to snag the bouquet when it was tossed).

Sheila & Jeff's Engagement Portrait – Washington DC

2008-04-15T15:28:00.005-05:00

While in DC for a commercial job, I was able to meet up with this great couple for an engagement portrait session amongst the cherry blossoms and monuments. They live in the DC area, but their wedding will be in New Orleans at Latrobe's, which I am certainly looking forward to!

Ginger & J.W.'s Wedding – Broussard's, New Orleans French Quarter – 4/12/08

2008-04-14T22:01:00.005-05:00

This friendly and easy-going couple's ceremony was at the historic Hermann Grima House, with the reception right next door in Broussard's gorgeous courtyard. One of the many great things about New Orleans weddings is the tradition of having a groom's cake... J.W.'s was in the form of a whiskey bottle!