Catrina & Chase have been living in Milwaukee since Hurricane Katrina, but knew they wanted to come back to New Orleans for their wedding. And with Mardi Gras being a favorite holiday, they chose to hold their wedding on Ash Wednesday, the day after carnival ends on Fat Tuesday. I first met Catrina & Chase carnival time last year when I did their engagement pictures in the French Quarter, which can be seen here on my old blog.

Catrina & Chase started the day getting ready at the Marriott Hotel, then headed off to Austerlitz Baptist Church for the wedding ceremony.  Following the wedding everyone took off for the reception at The Fine Arts Center in New Orleans, which has a unique art deco style and was used a few years ago in the Ray Charles movie.

Their wedding was full of small children, including their own newborn baby girl, Mailee. The day was also filled with lots of love, laughter, and dancing, including a traditional New Orleans second line.  I think they broke the record for the most toast, as everyone seemed to have something to say to these longtime “friends.”  It was a fun joyous celebration and thank you Catrina & Chase for allowing me to be a part of it!