Sam and Nav’s Multicultural Il Mercato Wedding

A beautiful blend of cultures comes together at Il Mercato in New Orleans. Vibrant pops of yellow, orange, rainbows and thunderclouds brought this magical day together. This wedding is the perfect example of how a little storm during the vows can never rain on a celebration!

Bridal Prep at the Nopsi Hotel

The Yellows and Oranges of Il Mercato

One of my favorite things to photograph are bold colors! The classic neutrals of Il Mercato make the perfect canvas for beautiful bold colors.

Fashion at Il Mercato

The number one thing I always tell my clients who dream of a beautiful wedding gallery is to have a very specific dress code. You can have all the beautiful decor of your dreams but your guests’ wardrobe are what stands out in your final gallery.

A Ceremony in the Rain

Some people worry about rain on their wedding day. Others embrace it! The drizzle began during the procession and the skies fully opened during the vows. Magic is the only word I can do to describe this ceremony. And yes, we do not stop shooting just because we are soaked!

New Orleans Second Line and Rainbows

There was never a doubt that after the ceremony that everyone was going to celebrate with a classic New Orleans Second Line!

An Il Mercato Wedding Reception

Incredible entertainment, bold colors, delicious food and a fabulous traditional Indian outfit change made for an unforgettable wedding.

Pro Tip: Il Mercato not only makes a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs, but after working with hundreds of venues in Nola, it is one of my all time favorites for staff, layout and food. The food is some of the absolute best in the city (never misses), the staff from sales to servers is top notch and the layout ensures a perfect flow for any wedding.

Lucy’s Retired Surfers’ Bar Afterparty

If you follow Cheryl Cole Photography at all, you know we LOVE to photograph an afterparty! The best afterparties are planned out in advance. I have had too many clients say “let’s meet at this bar!” only for it to have an hour wait or no space for everyone to drink and mingle. Sam and Nav hired transportation for all of the guests and rented out the upstairs ton Lucy’s to keep the party going! Brilliantly they paid for a dj, open bar as well as catering of finger food. This is the best way to keep the guests hyped up and celebrating!

Are you looking for a wedding photographer in New Orleans that is happy to keep the party going? Reach out to us HERE and tell us all about your dream wedding!

Special thanks to the brilliant wedding vendors! As always, the day would not have been so beautiful without such a brilliant team! Special shoutout to all of the staff at Il Mercato!

Photography: Cheryl Cole Photography

Venue: Il Mercato

Gown: MaeMe Bridal Designer: Ashley & Justin Bridal

Planner: Love in Bloom Floral + Events

Florals: J Mercer Designs

Hair Stylist: Kraze Beauty

Makeup Artist: Makeup by Meggan Cosmetics

Catering: Joel Catering

Rentals: Distressed Rentals

Afterparty: Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar