Ready for a story time?  One way back to when I was just starting as a wedding photographer in the Houma area.  It was back when I was starting my photography business in Morgan City.   One of my college friends, Corine, and her husband, Beebe, had gotten into photography a couple of years before.  When I became interested in photography myself, Corine encouraged me to go for it and helped me with gear and website recommendations.  Once I was ready to start diving into weddings, she and Beebe were gracious enough to let me tag along with them to a few of their weddings.  That is where I met Kristin Guin, who was second shooting for Corine and Beebe at the time.   Kristin eventually moved to Florida and has created some of the most beautiful beach portraits since living there.  I’ve referred people to her over the years, but I haven’t seen her since those first couple of years in business.

Fast-forward to this past October, when I got a knock on my door at 9:30 at night.  I had no plans to open it until I heard my neighbor’s voice.  When I opened the door, she was standing there with her friend, Jacie, who had recently gotten engaged and was looking for a wedding photographer.  After chatting with them for a few minutes, we exchanged numbers and email addresses and Jacie booked me as her wedding photographer.

Jacie and Braiden met at Victory Church of Houma, developed a friendship, and started dating earlier last year.  I only met Jacie briefly for a second time when we visited the church so she could explain where the ceremony and reception would take place.  In that brief meeting and over a few phone and text conversations, I experienced such a sweet soul and kind heart.  Jacie is kind and gracious, trusting in me and my abilities, and above all – she was SO ready to get married!  During that brief meeting, she also mentioned Kristin Guin and that she was related to Braiden (turns out, she’s Braiden’s nanny)   We live in such a small world!

Jacie got ready at my neighbor, Nicole’s house, which made my commute the shortest I’ve had in 16 years.  About 20 steps from my driveway to the front door!   Jacie had all of the details and some decorative elements ready to go, which helped with showcasing her gorgeous rings and the invitation suite that she designed herself.  Her beautiful gown from Chez Lili was perfect for her – she made such a stunning bride!

After the rush of bridal prep, I headed over to the church to meet Braiden and take photos of him and his family.  Braiden was quiet and reserved, didn’t seem too nervous, and was just ready to get things going.   Once I saw his sister, Payton, I was immediately struck by how much she looked like her aunt, Kristin, and remembered that she would be attending that day.   We took family photos, I got to meet sweet little River, Jacie’s precious little boy, and the bride and groom exchanging letters and gifts.

The ceremony, performed by Pastor Tyler Lirette, was a beautiful sermon on marriage and how couples must keep Jesus at the center to grow together.  He spoke about Jesus being at the top of a triangle with the bride and groom at the corners and how the closer they move upward towards Jesus, the closer together they get.  Jacie and Braiden wrote their vows, shared communion with their guests, and spent time in prayer together.

Jacie and Braiden were naturals at posing and I just love how all of their portraits came out.  It’s so hard to pick any favorites!  I mention in my bridal guide how it’s important to trust me with portrait locations because it doesn’t take much to create gorgeous portraits!   Kristin did some scouting for me and found this open driveway area in the back of the church that had some beautiful lighting.  And that’s what it’s all about – if you can find the lighting, you can make magic happen!   It was also at this time that I was able to chat with Kristin a little to catch up and reconnect.  It was so great seeing her again!

After some portraits and traditional reception moments like their first dance and the bouquet toss, Jacie and Braiden visited with their guests for a little while before it was off to their honeymoon!  And that was that for our first Houma wedding of 2024!

Jacie and Braiden – it was an honor to be a part of your wedding day.  It was a great day full of meeting your sweet family and friends and I wish you all the happiness that you both deserve!

DETAILS:
Ceremony and Reception:  Victory Church (The River Church)
Wedding Dress:  Chez Lili
Invitations:  Zola
Groom’s Attire:  Chez Lili
Cakes:  Chez Cake
Decorator:  Inspired Designs as well as the bride, family and friends