Our Lady of Wisdom, Lafayette LA: Katelyn + Ben

Since the first time I met Katelyn and Ben I knew their wedding day would be an adventure. These two have been dating since Middle School and their wedding party was full of friends from Middle School and High School! It’s pretty rare to have an entire wedding party that have all been friends for years  and it makes for a great time! I don’t think I’ve ever seen bridesmaids more dedicated to making the bride’s day the best ever. Kate’s bridesmaids showered her with laughter, concern and fun all day (year) long. I just fell in love with this group of ladies!

Katelyn and Ben decided to have a first look for two great reasons. 1) They wanted amazing pictures together and with their friends and family in beautiful, natural light! 2) They didn’t want to miss an hour (or more!) of their reception taking pictures. They wanted to maximize the time they had with their guests.

First looks are one of my favorite things and we were so ahead of schedule we were able to get a TONS of  couple pictures afterward! I’m still trying to figure out all the ones I want to print for my studio!! The UL swamp made a gorgeous setting for all of these portraits and I’m so glad the weather cooperated. Kate is definitely a planner and every detail of the day was organized and thought-through. I loved all the little details such as Kate leaving her wedding reception in her mother’s wedding dress!! How special! I had the biggest surprise of any wedding EVER when all of Ben’s groomsmen made a grand entrance into the reception (a few hours in) dressed in “country” attire–i.e. rubber boots, plaid, jean shorts, straw hats…you have the idea. No one knew this was coming and I laughed about it all night! Their goal was to get donations for the bride and groom’s honeymoon but they provided far more entertainment than donations, lol!!! You don’t want to miss all of these favorites :)

Our alligator friends always show up to watch portrait time!!! :)

All the tears <3

The Vendor List:

Videographer: Apercu Films – Alexander Breaux alexander@apercufilms.com
Florist: Something Borrowed Blooms – Lauren Bercier lauren@sbblooms.com
Cake Artist: Crystal Weddings crystal@crystalweddings.net
Band/DJ: Digital Music Services – Mike mike@digitalmusicservices.com
Makeup Artist: Styled by Shelbi – Pryorstyledbyshelbi
Hair Artist: The Headquarters Salon – Lori Fruge
Bridesmaid Dresses: Deshotel’s Dress Shop Eunice, LA
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse