Melinda + Nelson : Pavilion of the Two Sisters - New Orleans, LA

There is something surreal about watching one of your best friends get married. Nothing like being 36 weeks pregnant (with your second child) in a bridesmaid dress photographing the girl that has been like a sister since age 18 who is standing before you glowing in a bridal gown to bring you down to earth to realize that you are both growing up. We’ve shared countless conversations over enormous amounts of pizza complaining about boys (that we admittedly put up with for way too long), and yet somehow we got to this day where I had the honor of watching her commit her heart to a man whose heart is equally as committed to her. You know when you smile so hard that you cry? That’s what happened to my face as I watched Nelson and Melinda vow to choose to love each other every day. True tears of joy.

This day was absolutely perfect in every way. From the unusually temperate and not-humid New Orleans weather, to the people, to the music, to the abounding feeling of love – it was simply a dream. Nelson and Melinda were married under the chuppah built by one of their long-time friends, they danced the night away to one of the most fabulous cover bands I’ve ever heard, and their first dance was a duet rendition of the choreography from “Love on Top” that would make Queen Bey herself proud. I looked around the room and saw so many faces lit up with joy for these two, and it was a testament to how loved they are as individuals and as a unit.

Melinda and Nelson, I am honored to have been a witness to your sweet, joyful day. May your years be filled with love and patience and fun (because Lord knows y’all know how to have fun together). xoxo

// Special shout out to the amazing Jess Robertson of Girl With the Tattoos for being an amazing associate shooter and helping to capture the moments when I was taking part as a MOH. You're the best. //