When Emily and Patrcik described their ideal wedding photos, they used three words: “authentic, fun, and natural.” This easy going couple was so much fun to work with! Not only did they take a laid back approach to their wedding day, but their wedding venue, Margaret Place New Orleans, provided the perfect space for an intimate celebration that felt true to them.

Margaret Place New Orleans

Emily and Patrick’s wedding was actually the third that I’ve photographed at Margaret Place. I love whenever I get to go back to this cool wedding venue. Ceremonies and receptions take place in the courtyard. The string lights create the perfect ambiance for an intimate evening. The gazebo where people typically hold their ceremony is really charming. Emily and Patrick chose to have it covered in stunning flowers and candles. Fat Cat Flowers went the extra mile carrying the lush garden aesthetic throughout the decor.

A bride stands in a window laughing with her bouquet.

If you want to get married at Margaret Place New Orleans, you might consider doing it outside of peak season. Rates for prime dates in Spring, Fall, and Mardi Gras season can cost upwards of $6,000. Off-peak dates run closer to $4,000. It’s one more good reason to have that winter wedding you’ve been dreaming of!

A groom dips a bride in a kiss in the courtyard of Margaret Place New Orleans.

A bride poses beside a tall window against a wall with botanical wallpaper.

As a boutique hotel, Margaret Place has rooms where you can get ready and even stay the whole weekend. There are five rooms available. It’s located on the edge of the Garden District, just a mile from the French Quarter and within walking distance of some great restaurants Uptown.

Emily and Patrick’s Sweet Wedding

For their wedding at Margaret Place New Orleans, Emily and Patrick wanted to focus on the parts of their relationship that matters most to them. Emily said, “We are better people together, and we are so excited to share that with the world. We also have two fur babies, Beau and Morticia, who are our entire world!” You can guess how excited I was when they brought their pups out for pre-ceremony portraits!

A bride and groom crouch in front of a decorated arbor to pet two dogs.

Candles and flowers decorate a white iron arbor in the courtyard of Margaret Place New Orleans.

So many moments stood out from this loving wedding, but the first look was especially memorable. I love the photo where Emily is standing in the window right before she sees Patrick for the first time. Her joy and excitement are so genuine.

A bride's father kisses her on the cheek when he walks her up the aisle.

A bride and groom exchange vows in the courtyard of Margaret Place New Orleans in front of a floral arbor.

These two wanted their wedding day to feel like a “moody, romantic garden.” To keep the atmosphere intimate, Emily and Patrick limited their guest list to 70. They achieved that garden look with abundant florals in burgundy and mauve hues. Even the cake table was like a sculpture.

A brass band plays at the start of a New Orleans wedding parade.

A bride and groom kiss while wedding guests wave white handkerchiefs.

Wedding guests dance down the street during a second line.

This Margaret Place New Orleans wedding featured some special Crescent City traditions. After the ceremony, Emily and Patrick hired the Knockaz Brass Band to lead guests on a second line. In lieu of a guestbook, they asked guests to sign a New Orleans cookbook. It all felt very thoughtful and personal.