In Praise of New Orleans

By now I think we've established that I love my job.  I enjoy being part of such an important day in my client's lives - witnessing their happiness, meeting their families and occasionally sharing their cake. ;)  I think it's important to note that WHERE I do my job contributes to that enjoyment as well.  

Every single time I shoot a wedding in New Orleans, I'm blown away by the generosity, kindness and support of the people here.  Whether it's the street performers beneath Artillery Park who take a break from their routines and redirect their audiences attention to the ceremony in progress "Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a couple about to recite their vows on the platform above...let's give them a nice round of applause and we'll get back to the show in just a second,"  the passengers on the streetcar who cheer for the couple married in transit,  the crowds of people we pass who shout "Congratulations!" or "You look beautiful!" or even the people who ask if the couple will stop and take a picture with them, I'm always a bit humbled and always grateful that I live in such a welcoming place.  

Yesterday we were stopped on the way to the reception by a couple who had witnessed the ceremony in Artillery Park.  They stopped us not only to congratulate the newlyweds, but to share their story.  Of course they remarked on how beautiful and touching the ceremony was, but they also had words of encouragement: "We've been married for over 30 years and if we can do it, you can do it!  We wish you a lifetime of happiness together!"  

It may seem like a small gesture, but it's profound to me.  Marriage is a big leap of faith and it's nice to have that feeling that everyone is in your corner.  So here's to my favorite city and the people that make it such a joy to live here.  What an inspiration you are!