A little over a month ago, I flew down to New Orleans to photograph Georgia & Peyton’s gorgeous October wedding. We first met over a video call earlier in the year, and from that moment, I knew their day would be something special. When I arrived in Louisiana, Georgia, and her wonderful mom welcomed me in with such genuine warmth. We met in person the day before the wedding for her bridal session—my first true bridal session since I’m not in the South —and I absolutely loved every second of it. (Yes, I know bridal sessions are usually much earlier, but this timing worked perfectly for us!)

Because we had spent that morning together, it felt so natural to walk into her parents’ home on the wedding day. Per usual, I started with her beautiful details. Her invitation suite was so elegant, and I loved that the envelope liner featured a painting of St. Patrick’s Church, where they would be married. And the flowers were truly incredible, filled with layers of texture and color, making them so fun to photograph!

Their Nuptial Mass in New Orleans was absolutely stunning. Georgia & Peyton chose a Traditional Latin Mass, and it fit the grandeur of St. Patrick’s beautifully. Minutes before the ceremony, they prayed together, and I loved how the crucifix stood directly behind them in that quiet moment. At a Latin Mass wedding, the vows and exchange of rings actually take place right after the procession, before Mass officially begins—meaning the very first act of their married life was attending Mass together. I’ve said it before, but I love the beautiful variety within our Catholic traditions!

Getting portraits of the two of them inside the church after Mass was a top priority for Georgia. The schedule was tight (St. Patrick’s, like many churches, allows only a short window after Mass), but we made it happen—and I’m so glad we did!

After leaving St. Patrick’s, we drove back across Lake Pontchartrain (over one of the longest bridges in the world) for their reception at Beau Chene Country Club. We had just enough time for a few more portraits before the festivities began. Between the live band, the incredible food stations, their gorgeous cake, and the lush florals, the entire evening was elegant and joy-filled. Everyone gathered around for their first dance and the sweetest parent dances and it felt so intimate and special.

One significant moment happened before they cut the cake. Georgia’s family has an heirloom toasting cup that has been used since her great-grandparents’ wedding, and continuing the tradition, they shared a toast together before slicing into the cake. After a few more hours of dancing, the night concluded with a petal-toss grand exit—a first for me as I’ve only ever had petal-toss exits from the church, and it was honestly so fun and beautiful to do it at the end of the night!

Georgia & Peyton, it was such a joy to get to know you and your families, and truly an honor to photograph your wedding.

Xoxo,

Mary Kate

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A huge thank you to all the other vendors who came together to make this day possible!

CHURCH // St. Patrick’s Church

RECEPTION // Beau Chene Country Club

FLORIST // Dreamweavers Florist

VIDEOGRAPHER // Willo Films

BAND // The Benchwarmers

MUA // Kristen Noel Makeup

HAIR STYLIST // Baylynn Johnston

CAKE // Maple Street Bakery

DRESS // Natasha Marie Bridal

INVITATIONS // American Printing Center

GROOMSMEN // Tophat Tuxedos

BRIDESMAIDS // Dessy Group