Baton Rouge Wedding at Mount Hope Plantation

All the weddings, all the joy and happiness one can imagine! Ever been in a place where all is right in everyone’s world? Even the bartender? Well, this was the case for Caroline and Eric’s wedding in April at Mount Hope Plantation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Upon arriving we had just had the largest downpour in all of our Spring. The sky falling down is quite common for Baton Rouge. In fact, it’s the norm. However, when it’s your darling wedding day, nothing could possibly be worse. Well, Caroline and Eric had the favor of heaven shining on them because no more than 3 hours before show time arrives, the clouds cleared out and the blue came with it. It was a Christmas miracle and we were all celebrating for it. 

Ladies just note that when planning that darling day in Louisiana, there is NO guarantee of no moisture! This tight-knit-crew wasn’t phased a bit though and everyone dove right into having a blast! There was nothing but merry-making, jesting and champagne toasting. These lifers had known each other since high-school and carried the moments and memories of it all with them. One would ask for help, three would come to aid. Nicknames were thrown around and sweet, sister-like love was covering one end of the room to the other. It was as if they all had been made for one another and I just loved seeing it all unfold. 

They popped bottles and shared memories. They gave hope for Caroline’s next season and cheered her and Eric’s new beginning on as if it was their own child walking down that aisle! 

The time came for first look. The unconventional to your mother but very modern tradition in the making to see your spouse before you walk down the aisle. There are of course pros and cons to this moment and everyone seems to fall on the “absolutely not” or the “absolutely yes” side of the fence. As a photographer and former bride and lover of good lighting, I always vouch for First Looks. I think the moment of you walking down the aisle up to your forever love will remain sacred no matter if you just held hands and looked into each other’s eyes minutes before. 

There is the school of thought that first looks take away from that aisle moment but I honestly think it’s so special within itself that it will not be overlooked. Everyone is different though and I always encourage brides to do what they want to do most because it’s only their day and their moment to have and share. Caroline and Eric wanted to have First Look to help some of those formal pictures afterwards to go a little quicker. It landed to so very beautiful and special photos of just the two of them. And for someone like me who loves shooting very candid, natural photography it was a perfect little session with the two of them. 

Next they were off to the races!! 

We did some formals with all her girls and got ready for the big ceremony!!!