As a Pittsburgh and New Orleans wedding photographer, I’ve seen some pretty amazing celebrations. Carly and Lucien’s intimate backyard wedding stands out because it was so filled with meaningful details. Even the decor had significance for this thoughtful couple. Their wedding was a model for doing things because they matter to you instead of following trends.

An Intimate Backyard Wedding in Louisiana

Carly and Lucien’s wedding photos show what fun they are to be around. They’re sincere, silly, and loving. We connected so deeply that I still have dinner at their home. Their wedding at Carly’s father’s house in Covington perfectly reflected the kind people they are.

A custom wedding invitation sits on a wedding bouquet of roses and eucalyptus.

A bride sits with her hands folded showing her unique engagement ring.

A bride's father smiles and opens his arms when he sees her for the first time in her dress.

Flowers and white fabric drape over a set of antique doors for an intimate backyard wedding.

The ceremony for Carly and Lucien’s intimate backyard wedding was full of unique, emotional moments. To honor Lucien’s aunt and the loved ones guests had lost, Carly and Lucien did a balloon release. They played Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” and took a quiet moment to reflect together. Officiant LaToya Papillon Herr also took time during the ceremony to bless the couple using lavender and sage.

A bride and groom smile from across the aisle.

A bride holds a groom's hand and waves to her wedding guests at an intimate backyard wedding.

A bride wipes away tears during a balloon release in her backyard.

A bride and groom hold hands and walk back towards the altar while their guests watch.

A bride and groom share the first kiss at their intimate backyard wedding with a chandelier hanging overhead.

Joyful Details Incorporating a Lifetime of Love

At first glance, Carly and Lucien’s more dramatic decor may look like high end rentals. They had some rentals, but the most eye-catching pieces were actually from Carly’s childhood home in Arabi. After Katrina, her father salvaged the doors and chandelier. On their wedding day, Carly and Lucien walked through the doors together and stood underneath the chandelier for their ceremony. These pieces of Carly’s childhood home were really a testament to love’s endurance.

A bride and groom hold hands at an outdoor wedding ceremony beside an oak tree.

Carly and Lucien point to the back of her custom bridal leather jacket with her name embroidered on it.

Some of the details showed Carly and Lucien’s creative, lighthearted side too! Carly wore a custom leather jacket with her new last name and “Ya heard” under the color - a very New Orleans touch. Lucien’s floral shoes also look like they were made to walk those antique carpets.

Lucien shows off his floral groom's shoes.

Wedding guests dressed in pink and floral outfits pose on a lawn.

Carly and Lucien embrace during the first dance at their intimate backyard wedding.

This wedding was so special! New Orleans Wedding Magazine even featured it on their blog and in print. You can see that feature here

Carly and Lucien dance with wedding guests.

A groom smiles at a New Orleans wedding photographer while he dances with a bride at their backyard wedding.

Would you like to see more New Orleans weddings with thoughtful details? Check out this romantic Music Box Village wedding and this colorful New Orleans Botanical Garden wedding!

Thank you to the vendors who made Carly and Lucien’s intimate backyard wedding so special:

Wedding Planner: Lonney Jane Productions

Photographer: Ashley Biltz Photography

Caterer: Katierey’s Cheesecakes and Bakery

Custom Painted Jacket

Florist: Doris Ione

Baker: Giavanna’s Bakery:

Make Up Artist: Lauren Chemin:

Hair Stylist: Rachel Blanchard:

Dress: Grace Loves Lace

DJ: Toast Entertainment

Officiant: LaToya Papillion Herr