A Classic New Orleans Wedding Weekend: Marche, Windsor Court and Il Mercato

Samantha and Holden hosted a classic New Orleans wedding weekend for all of their guests with some of my absolute favorite venues. Marche for their rehearsal dinner, Windsor Court for prep for both the bride and groom and Il Mercato for their wedding ceremony and reception.

This wedding weekend was filled with love, laughter and most importantly for beautiful photographs, streamlined locations in beautiful settings.

A Marche Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Iris and Oak hosted a beautiful rehearsal walk through at il Mercato the evening prior to the wedding ceremony.

Marche is one of the absolute jewels of the New Orleans French Quarter. The rehearsal dinner at Marche was perfectly timed with the sun setting so that the guests were able to enjoy the beautiful golden hour on Marche’s balcony.

A Classic New Orleans Wedding Day

Iris and Oak planned a beautiful wedding day for Sammy and Holden emphasizing beautiful classic New Orleans venues. One of the most clever things planned was having the bride and groom getting ready at the same hotel. With everyone under the same roof it made coordination of the bride and groom streamlined and provided more opportunities for in between moments of photography of the bride and groom.

Pro Tip: The Windsor Court, a family favorite of mine, is DOG FRIENDLY! Their dog got to be a part of not only bridal prep but also had her own personal first look with her parents on the private balcony of the Windsor Court.

Pro Tip: Having the bride and groom getting ready at the same hotel provides a very cohesive wedding gallery, creating beautiful photographs.

Very Quiet Pro Tip: I LOVE video teams, but this wedding did not have a videographer. This provides for photography to be the emphasis and we did not have to “recreate” moments for the video team during prep. Authentic moments were captured during prep with a calmer environment. Want the ceremony and reception videoed? You can always book a half day package so they are not there during prep!

Looking for an incredible vendor team? Clients feel free to reach out to me and I will share my vendor list!

Il Mercato Wedding Ceremony

Il Mercato is one of my all time favorite wedding venues to photograph in New Orleans. The beautiful Spanish architecture, lush greenery and beautiful floral design made for the perfect backdrop for photographing family portraits.

A special shoutout to my favorite floral team in New Orleans, Duia & Jean, for the beautiful floral installations.

Pro Tip: If you plan to do a second line right after saying “I Do” I highly recommend doing all wedding portraits prior to the wedding ceremony. No matter the time of year, everyone will be sweaty and ready to get to the party after the second line.

Il Mercato Wedding Ceremony

Digital, vintage film and drone photography were used to capture this beautiful wedding ceremony. The centerpiece of Il Mercato’s courtyard, the fireplace, made the perfect backdrop for the ceremony. The beautiful blue and white floral instillation was an absolute dream for photographs.

A New Orleans Night Time Second Line

A New Orleans second line at night is one of the most romantic things to photograph on a wedding day. No matter the time of year, New Orleans is hot. Photographing the wedding at golden hour transitioning to dusk, makes a beautiful transition for photos.

Pro Tip: Never let your guests be empty handed! Sammy and Holden had a tower of champagne for guests as they left the ceremony.

A Blue and White Il Mercato Wedding Reception

Il Mercato is a beautiful backdrop for a night time wedding reception. White walls and high ceilings make for a perfect canvas for the design of your dreams.

Pro Tip: Il Mercato’s open concept layout makes for a wonderful wedding reception. Using furniture to break up the spaces allows for everyone to be a part of the festivities.

Are you planning a beautiful New Orleans wedding? Tell us all about your dream photography HERE!

This wedding day came together due to the incredible team hired!

Planning: Iris & Oak Events

Floral Design: Duia & Jean

Photography: Cheryl Cole Photography

Prep Location: The Windsor Court

Wedding Ceremony and Reception Venue: Il Mercato

Bridal Gown: Mikaella Bridal at Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique

Hair and Makeup Artist: Flawless Bride and Beauty, Makeup by Melanie

Cake: La Lou Bakery

Catering: Joel Catering

Music: Dat Band