Classic French Quarter Wedding at Broussard’s | New Orleans Wedding Photographer
If you’re looking for a New Orleans wedding photographer who captures the energy, elegance, and emotion of the city, Kendall and Miles’ black tie wedding in the heart of the French Quarter is the perfect inspiration. Their October celebration was a seamless blend of classic southern charm and vibrant New Orleans culture complete with second lines, bananas foster, a croquembouche, and unforgettable portraits on Bourbon Street.
As a fine art wedding photographer specializing in cinematic, documentary-style storytelling, I was honored to capture every detail of this exquisite day from the sacred vows at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church to the lively reception at Broussard’s.
Getting Ready at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
The day began with the couple and their closest loved ones getting ready at the iconic Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. Wyeth Metz and the Ritz-Carlton staff provided a peaceful, luxurious backdrop, allowing Kendall and Miles to settle into the excitement of the day. Flawless Bride + Beauty worked their magic, creating elegant hair and makeup looks that perfectly complemented the timeless style of the wedding.
A Ceremony Steeped in Tradition at St. Mark’s UMC
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church offered a reverent, warm space for Kendall and Miles to exchange vows. Officiated by Blake Prestage, the ceremony was heartfelt and intimate, with beautiful classical music performed by the NOLA String Quartet. The church, with its historic architecture and warm wooden tones, added an extra layer of timeless beauty to the day.
As a New Orleans wedding photographer, I always look for those quiet, unscripted moments—like the way Kendall clutched her bouquet of cream and deep red florals from Leaf + Petal, or the emotion on Miles’ face as she walked down the aisle.
Portraits in the French Quarter (Yes, on Bourbon Street!)
After the ceremony, we ventured into the French Quarter for portraits that fully embraced the energy of New Orleans. Bourbon Street was buzzing, and Kendall and Miles were total stars. We paused for a few epic shots with the colorful chaos of Bourbon as their backdrop complete with cheering strangers, cocktails in hand. It was the perfect mix of elegance and spontaneity that defines a true New Orleans wedding.
These portraits were shot on a mix of digital and film specifically Portra 400 and Portra 800 on my Pentax 645. The grain, the tones, the mood it all gave this black-tie affair a distinctly cinematic, documentary feel.
The Reception: Broussard’s Elegance Meets French-Inspired Revelry
Broussard’s provided the perfect venue for the reception: classic, romantic, and full of New Orleans character. Monica Castillo and the team at Broussard’s created a setting that was equal parts regal and celebratory. The couple’s French influences were evident in the croquembouche and refined details throughout the evening.
Guests were greeted by the sounds of the Kinfolk Brass Band during cocktail hour, setting the tone for a night of joyful celebration. Gulf Coast Entertainment’s DJ kept the dance floor packed, while bananas foster was flambéed at the table because no New Orleans wedding is complete without it.
Element handled the linens, tables, and lounge furniture with an eye for refinement, while Nuage Designs added specialty napkins and linens that elevated the entire tablescape.
A Second Line (or Two!) and a Street-Wide Celebration
As the music poured out into the street, second lines formed organically nearby. While Kendall and Miles didn’t have their own formal second line, the essence of New Orleans couldn’t be contained—the streets around Broussard’s were alive with music, movement, and celebration.
The atmosphere was electric, and it was one of those weddings where the line between guest and performer, insider and outsider, completely dissolved in the most beautiful way.
Vendor Team That Made It All Happen
Planning & Coordination: Keely Thorne Events
Ceremony Venue: St. Mark’s UMC
Reception Venue: Broussard’s
Florals: Leaf + Petal
Hair & Makeup: Flawless Bride + Beauty
Accommodations: Ritz Carlton New Orleans
Ceremony Music: NOLA String Quartet
Cocktail Band: Kinfolk Brass Band
Reception DJ: Gulf Coast Entertainment
Paper Goods: The Essential Market
Transportation: Burton Transportation
Furniture & Linens: Element
Chargers: Party Rentals Delivered
Specialty Linens: Nuage Designs
Photography: Autumn Cutaia Photography
Why This Wedding Represents the Heart of New Orleans
There are a million reasons couples fall in love with New Orleans for their wedding day. The architecture. The music. The food. The energy. But for Kendall and Miles, it was also about honoring the spirit of the city while staying true to their refined, romantic style.
They showed how a classic black tie wedding can embrace the wild, vibrant soul of the French Quarter. From their ceremony in one of the city’s most beloved churches to their portraits on Bourbon and their joyful reception at Broussard’s, this was a New Orleans wedding done right.
As a documentary-style wedding photographer in New Orleans, I love working with couples who want more than just pretty pictures. Kendall and Miles wanted to feel their day all over again every time they look at their images. They wanted motion, emotion, and truth. That’s what I aim to deliver.
If you’re looking for New Orleans wedding photographers who can tell your story with elegance and energy, I’d love to chat.
Planning Your Own New Orleans Wedding?
Whether you’re dreaming of a black tie affair in the French Quarter or a romantic elopement with a second line to follow, New Orleans offers endless inspiration. As a wedding photographer deeply familiar with the city’s best venues, streets, and rhythms, I help couples craft wedding photos that feel cinematic, editorial, and deeply personal.
Looking for venues like St. Mark’s UMC or Broussard’s? Want to add a second line, a croquembouche, or some Bourbon Street magic? Let’s make it happen.
Reach out to learn more about working with me for your own New Orleans wedding day—and let’s tell your story with all the soul, light, and love this city has to offer.
Autumn Cutaia Photography
New Orleans Wedding Photographer | Fine Art | Documentary | Film + Digital
