Kristin and Jason had a wonderful New Orleans wedding at the historic Beauregard-Keyes House in the French Quarter.
The couple started out with a joyful first look in the beautiful garden adjacent to the home. A first look, also referred to as a first glance, or a reveal, is when the couple has chosen to see each other before the ceremony, usually with just the two of them (and the photographer, of course!) present. In addition to making for a beautiful series of photographs that are inevitably among the favorites of the wedding day, many couples enjoy sharing this special moment just between each other. Additionally, it can often make for a significant improvement in the logistics of the event (with a corresponding reduction of stress!), since it enables us to get most or all of the formal group shots done before the ceremony, allowing the newly married couple (and their family and bridal party) to proceed to the reception without delay as soon as the ceremony is over.
For weddings with ceremonies scheduled to begin near or after sundown, a first look also enables us to get these group shots, along with portraits of just the bride and groom, with the benefit of natural light to work with, which otherwise would not be available. This is especially a factor for Fall and Winter weddings, when sunset can be as early as about 5:00. Sometimes the first look occurs at the same location as the wedding, while in other cases we use a different spot. In this instance, the garden where the ceremony was to take place was perfect.
After the formal group photographs, the ceremony was held in this space as well, with Benny Hardy and his band providing the prelude and ceremony music.
The reception took place in the spacious courtyard behind the house, and inside as well. The winter-theme decorated cake was gorgeous, and with each layer being a different flavor, supplemented with a couple of classic New Orleans doberge cakes, the guests had lots to choose from! Krystle with Everly Event Planning & Design coordinated the wedding and was a pleasure to work with.
This historic property was originally owned by Ursuline nuns, and the home was built in the mid-1820s. The name is derived from the fact that General Pierre G.T. Beauregard lived in the home for several years in the 1860s, and around one hundred years later the author Frances Keyes bought the residence and actively worked to restore the property and garden to its former glory. The Beauregard-Keyes House currently serves as a museum, with exhibits representing both of the historic home’s namesakes, and also hosts weddings and other special events.
