When you think of New Orleans, images of vibrant jazz, mouthwatering Creole dishes, and streets alive with culture likely come to mind. For Victoria and Drew, this iconic city wasn’t just a vacation spot—it was the perfect backdrop to begin their married life together. Their springtime wedding in NOLA was the kind of celebration guests will talk about for years, and I was lucky enough to witness (and photograph!) every beautiful moment. The Sully Mansion Boutique Inn in was the perfect venue for their New Orleans destination wedding.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s as unique as your love story, let Victoria and Drew’s weekend inspire you. So grab a cup of chicory coffee and a beignet, and let me share a few highlights from their unforgettable Nawlins wedding weekend.

Best Time for a New Orleans Destination Wedding

One of the first things I noticed when Victoria and Drew reached out was their impeccable timing. Picking the perfect date for a destination wedding can be stressful, but these two nailed it! They planned their New Orleans wedding for early April—a sweet spot right after Mardi Gras and Spring Break, during peak crawfish season, and before the infamous summer heat.

The crowds had thinned out, leaving behind quieter streets and blossoming gardens. Everything around us felt fresh and alive. The temperatures were ideal, and the city itself seemed to celebrate alongside them.

Kicking Things Off Cajun Style

Victoria and Drew wanted guests to truly experience Paris of the South, which meant kicking off with a good old-fashioned crawfish boil. They hosted the gathering on the lush patio and lawn of their venue, the Sully Mansion. It was an elevated backyard gathering with close friends and family featuring authentic Cajun cuisine and that special New Orleans flair.

Victoria wore the cutest white sundress, effortlessly radiant as ever. As a photographer, moments like these are gold. Guests laughed together, shared stories, peeled crawfish, and toasted to the weekend ahead. It was the perfect leisurely beginning, setting the tone for the entire celebration.

A Unique Take on Wedding Parties

One thing I absolutely loved about this wedding was Victoria and Drew’s take on the wedding party. Instead of grappling with picking who would stand beside them and potentially leaving friends out, they kept their ceremony intimate. It was just Victoria, Drew, and their officiant beneath the sprawling oaks.

This thoughtful approach didn’t exclude anyone. In fact, they made time afterward to take fun, relaxed group photos with friends and family. Victoria had the cutest parasols for her and the girls to take pictures with. I highly recommend this for anyone worried about wedding-party politics or those with a small ceremony space. It’s a beautiful compromise that puts the focus right where it belongs: on the couple. Plus, everyone feels like an important part of the celebration—because they are!

First Look Magic and Heartfelt Vows

Before the ceremony, Victoria and Drew opted for a private first look and personal vow exchange. I’ve photographed countless weddings, but moments like these still get me every time. Watching them interact genuinely, laugh together, and wipe happy tears was priceless. Every couple shares these moments in their own unique way.

Victoria and Drew are such a fun-loving, kindhearted couple; it wasn’t hard to catch genuine moments between them. They are very much in love and aren’t afraid to be themselves or have fun together. A New Orleans destination wedding was perfect for them!

An Unforgettable Ceremony at the Historic Sully Mansion, Louisiana

Speaking of the ceremony, let’s discuss the setting. The Sully Mansion in New Orleans’ Garden District is pure magic. Under a canopy of ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss, Victoria and Drew stood hand-in-hand, exchanging their vows.

After they sealed their marriage with an iconic kiss, this adventurous duo took things up a notch—quite literally. Guests were treated to a choreographed first dance on the mansion’s balcony while friends and family gazed up at them. Yes, this all really happened, and yes, it was every bit as dreamy as it sounds!

Garden Party, the Second Line, & Charming New Orleans Wedding Traditions

The celebration eased into a delicious dinner and garden party under the ivy-covered pergola. Warm candlelight lit up the banquet tables while guests mingled, laughed, and toasted to love. But the fun didn’t stop there—this is New Orleans, after all.

True to local tradition, the night wrapped up with a spirited Second Line parade—a brass band leading the way through the streets, friends and family dancing behind. Victoria swapped her wedding gown for a swanky outfit and carried a feathered umbrella that sparkled even under the evening lights. It was the perfect culmination, full of energy, joy, and Southern charm.

What Victoria and Drew’s Louisiana Wedding Taught Me

As a wedding photographer, each wedding I photograph teaches me something new. Victoria and Drew reminded me how powerful it is when a couple stays true to themselves, embracing traditions they love and skipping the ones they don’t.

They created an authentic celebration that represented who they are—adventurous, warm-hearted, and a little whimsical. Their wedding wasn’t about checking boxes or fulfilling expectations. It was about joy, relationships, and memories they’ll cherish forever.

Inspired by New Orleans Magic

If you’re planning your wedding and looking for inspiration, consider taking notes from Victoria and Drew. Choose traditions that speak to you. Celebrate your unique love. And if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe even consider New Orleans for a once-in-a-lifetime wedding extravaganza!