How have I gone 14 years without photographing a wedding at this stunning location? Seriously, I’m obsessed with Jessica and Jeff’s wedding day! They had a gorgeous sunset ceremony at LSU AgCenter Botanic gardens followed by an outdoor reception there – it was so beautiful – and so much fun!
We started our morning at the Crowne Plaza where Jess and her girls got ready. She has some of the prettiest details, including her florals and unique invitation (designed by Jeff!); the light pink bridesmaids dresses and blue groomsmen suits all just worked so beautifully in the gardens. And Jessica’s dress – she had it custom made for her and it was perfection. You can see more of her dress in her bridal portraits which we took at Rosedown Plantation.
Jessica and Jeff had a first look, so we were able to get tons of photos of the two of them together – even though Jeff wasn’t thrilled about photos! When I tell my couples that I’m very quick and efficient with photos and I promise the groom that he won’t hate taking them, I’m not kidding. We got all of these photos of them together (and tons more) in less than 10 minutes (7 minutes to be exact, spread over 3 different times).
After their ceremony, which took place on the lawn in front of the Orangerie, their reception began under the pavilion just steps away. Beaucoup Boogie did an awesome job keeping the crowd dancing once the festivities began. The cakes, made by Jeff’s Aunt Allison (just look at their pups peeking out of the wedding cake) and all of the food, including traditional Chinese food catered by Crowne Plaza, were all in the Orangerie. This is a beautiful brick building that I should really read the history on LOL
Not only was this wedding beautiful to photograph, but Jeff and Jessica are just so wonderful as well. Both of them are so kind and fun-loving – I loved watching them together on the dance floor. They both really have the best smiles! And when I say they are kind – it was just so evident throughout their day. Jessica asked me to take a few photos of her sister and brother-in-law because their wedding had to be cancelled due to Covid, so they didn’t have wedding photos. And for the special dances, Jessica invited all the dads and daughters on the dance floor, Jeff invited his whole family to dance with he and his mom, and they invited all couples to join them for their first dance. It was truly just the sweetest moments to see them sharing their happiness with everyone they care about.
Details:
Prep: Crowne Plaza, Baton Rouge
Ceremony / Reception: LSU AgCenter Botanic Garden
Wedding Dress: I Do Bridal Couture (Custom Anne Barge gown)
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids (Bill Levkoff)
Hair and Make-Up: Jessica Plaisance
Invitations: Designed by Jeff, printed by Express Printing
Groom’s Attire: SuitShop
Cakes: Jeff’s Aunt, Allison Luparello
Band: Beaucoup Boogie
Catering: Crowne Plaza
Videographer: Lauren Simon Films
Second Photographer: Amanda Broussard
