Top 10 Places to Pose for Pictures in New Orleans
By Carlo Loria

New Orleans is one of the most beautiful cities in the world for photographs. The options are endless, and there are numerous historic locations dripping with charm. Whether you’re planning your engagement shoot, prepping for post-bridal shots, or simply wish to capture a special moment with your spouse to be, a romantic pose is a great memory to capture! Here are a few location suggestions for memorable pictures:

1.  City Park: The LOVE sign in the Sculpture Garden - What better way to express your love then by saying it with life-size, bright red letters! Not only can this romantic accessory be a backdrop for a great photo, it sums up what your wedding is all about.

Photo By: Fine Art Exposure

2.  Rooftops: The Omni Royal Orleans & Le Pavillon Hotel offer great rooftop spaces that have spectacular cityscape views. They are great for daytime photos but are even more magnificent at night. What could be more romantic than a rooftop surrounded by city lights for a couple who loves an urban atmosphere?

Photo by: Ardent Studio

3.  The Louisiana Superdome: Why not snap a shot during a Saint’s winning touchdown? For some men their most emotional moments come from the excitement of a football game. Share the moment with each other, and it will make an excellent memory on film. Action shots make great pictures for collages that you can be featured at your reception.

Photo by: Fine Art Exposure

4.  Jackson square: If you like taking pictures next to historic buildings, then Jackson Square is about as historic as it gets in New Orleans. The square has it all: history, open green spaces, statues, a fountain, the St. Louis Cathedral and surrounding buildings. The fountain is a favorite spot for couples to be photographed seated together. The imposing statue of Andrew Jackson with the massive facade of the Cathedral sets the scene for a dramatic backdrop to any engagement or wedding photo. (Be advised though, you must get a permit to take pictures in Jackson Square; call 504-658-3200 to speak with the Department of Parks and Parkways regarding permit fees).

Photo by: Arte De Vie

5.  The Streetcar: The streetcar is a local treasure, and serves far more purpose than transportation alone. If you’re looking for something positively New Orleans, then a shot with you and your hubby to be on the trolley is perfect for you. Ask a fellow rider to capture a romantic moment that you can treasure forever!

Photo by: Eau Claire Photography

6.  Outdoor Fountains: Dramatic fountains can be found in the courtyard of the Maison Dupuy Hotel and The Piazza D'Italia next to the Loews New Orleans Hotel. Their architectural styles weigh in at two completely opposite ends of the spectrum. While the Maison Dupuy has a classic white, multi-tiered fountain topped with a cherub sculpture, the Piazza at the Loews has water cascading over stone cutting into clean lines and topped with chrome and neon accents.

Photo by: Arte De Vie

7. The Mississippi Riverfront: We may not have a sandy beach for sunset strolls in New Orleans, but we have plenty of riverfront! A romantic walk along the river under the moonlight can easily turn into the right moment for a great photo. The glimmering water, the moonlight, the boats floating by, the city lights and the river breeze all combine to make the perfect romantic backdrop. Take a ferry ride so that you can even capture the moment floating on water!

Photo by: John Alwert Photography

8.  Balconies: The Chicory, The Bourbon Orleans, The Omni Royal Orleans and The Royal Sonesta have beautiful balconies. Balconies were the perfect spot for a romantic rondezvous in the days of Romeo and Juliet and they still are today. Hopefully your beloved doesn't have to climb up to meet you though!

Photo by: Eau Claire Photography

9. Café du Monde: Whether you’re blowing powdered sugar or giving sugary kisses to your future hubby, this iconic New Orleans café is the perfect backdrop for a romantic pose. Enjoy the scrumptious beignets while making delicious memories with the one you love.

Photo by: Fine Art Exposure

10. In a carriage: Take a romantic ride in a horse drawn carriage in the arms of your prince charming with the beautiful city of New Orleans as your backdrop. Live out your fairy-tale moment and snap a few pictures as you ride down the romantic moonlit streets of our fair city!

Photo by: Fine Art Exposure

 

FaLl iN lOvE N.O.W.

By New Orleans Weddings Magazine

We paid a special visit to our good friends at The Bride’s Lounge today to decorate our fall window!  The Bride's Lounge is an innovative, exclusive lounge featuring select wedding vendors in the greater New Orleans area.  If you’re planning your wedding, stop in to see our window and meet the lovely ladies at the lounge!  

A very special thank you is in order for John’s Tuxedos, Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique and Nola Flora for making us FALL all over our window!  

You can find The Bride’s Lounge at 1920 Magazine Street.  And be sure to stop in Nola Flora this Saturday, October 1 for Art for Art’s Sake (4536 Magazine Street)!

Fall In Love N.O.W.

We Want REAL Women!

 

We want you to nominate your bridesmaids and moms to be featured in our next issue!  They’ve made your wedding special, now honor them with a nomination to be a real model in our March 2012 issue. 

To nominate your mother and/ or bridesmaid, email your submission to info@neworleansweddingsmagazine.com.  Please include a recent picture (full length and close up photos), her name and why you want to nominate her.  Submissions will be accepted starting today until next Wednesday, September 28 at 5 p.m. 

Once we’ve narrowed down our finalists, YOU will be the judge!  We will post your submissions on our Facebook fan page, and our fans will vote for the winners.  Be sure to spread the word if you want your mother or bridesmaid to win. 

We can’t wait to read about the amazing women in your lives. 

New Orleans Weddings Magazine: Expect to be Inspired!

If you have any questions regarding your nomination, you can reach us at 504.832.2775. 



 

Is beauty only “skin deep?”

By: Melissa Mitchell

Beauty is one of those words that brings to mind so many things that it can be hard to define.  Then you have those pesky subcategories: traditional beauty, nontraditional beauty, beauty in the eye of the beholder, the list can go on and on.

When it comes to your wedding, it seems to me that you have to go with what makes YOU, the bride, feel beautiful.  What makes you feel like a million bucks when you wear it?  What makes you feel like you can conquer to world when you put it on?  Those are the things to look for on your wedding day.  

One thing is for sure when it comes to your wedding (or any special event, for that matter), you want to make sure your skin is clear and you feel confident.  If you are having an issue with breakouts, flakiness, dryness, too much oil or any other skin issue that makes you crazy, get to the bottom of it before your wedding.

Recently, I met with a bride who was desperate for a solution to her skin issues.  She had breakouts, excess oil, and was worried about scarring from the breakouts.  Her wedding was six weeks away and she told me she was desperate to find a solution.  My heart went out to her, “She should be having fun and getting ready for the most important day of her life, not worrying about her skin,” I thought to myself.  I knew I could help her.

When we met, she tried the products I recommended and literally, we both saw a difference after one application.  I gave her plenty of samples because I wanted to be sure everything was really right for her.  When I saw her about 10 days later, her skin looked relaxed, if that makes sense, and she also looked relaxed.

I’m sure I can speak for all skin care and makeup professionals when I say that one of the reasons we do what we do is to assist people in bringing out their very best and helping everyone to feel beautiful.  Beauty on the outside definitely helps beauty on the inside.  It may only be “skin deep,” as the saying goes, but I believe it goes much deeper.e text here

The most important way to control your abdominal fat is to better understand it and what it is doing to you inwardly.

In a recent survey, many of you were most concerned about your belly fat and the way it made you feel about your self image. Several brides have emailed or written to me with great concerns regarding belly fat and asked for tips on reduction of the area. Belly fat is very dangerous and is the biggest threat to your overall health.

Waist circumference is a very important factor.  Measuring waist circumference helps screen for possible health risks that come with being overweight and obesity. If most of your fat is around your waist rather than at your hips, you are at risk for heart disease, type two diabetes, strokes and even certain types of cancer. The risk goes up with a waist size that is greater than 35 inches for women.  If you fall into this category you must adopt a new way of thinking about food and working out.

There are two types of abdominal fats:

1. Subcutaneous fat – this is the squishy fat located on the top of your rib cage and waist that you can grab. The good thing about this fat is it vanishes as you lose weight.

2. Visceral fat –this is the fat you cannot see with the naked eye. This fat accumulates around your organs causing problems and putting you at risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Most all women have weak abdominal muscles.  The weaker the area the more prone you are to visceral fat. This fat pushes forward and pushes the abdominal muscles outward. It creates a bulge in the abdominal area and that muffin top appearance all of us hate with a passion!  Without the extra flab, you’ll be healthier, more confident, and more energetic. Nothing says “health” better than having a flat, sexy stomach to show off to the world.

The most important part of controlling your abdominal fat issues is to take full control of one’s self.  Do not put it off any longer! Start with these tips today.

1. Focus on eating foods such as whole grain cereal, oatmeal, green tea, tuna, salmon, apples, walnuts and almonds.

2. Eat simple foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, organic chicken, organic beef, organic pork and organic eggs.  (Note: No can or boxed foods. These have hidden ingredients in them such as processed sugar & excess sodium.)

3. Eat more often and on schedule:

-Eat breakfast - This is your most important meal!

-Eat a mid-morning snack consisting of a protein, fat and a carb

-Eat lunch

-Eat an evening snack consisting of a protein, fat and carb

-Eat dinner

Eating on this schedule will solve the biggest problem many face when it comes to losing weight - you will not feel deprived if you eat small healthy meals often and therefore will be less likely to face hunger cravings.

4. Drink smart (no soda!)  Drink a full 8 oz glass of lemon water when you wake, before mid morning snack, before lunch and at lunch, before your evening snack, before dinner and at dinner and finally around 7:30 p.m.

If you stick to this plan, you will find that you will crave soda less. Drinking water on this schedule will help you get in your water intake for the day. Try crystal

light tea or lemonade for your beverage if you aren’t a fan of water - it only contains 5 calories and has no sugar and no carbs. Skipping all the hidden sugars will help speed up your metabolism.

Use this plan to help you better organize a path to your success and become a healthier person in the future.  You can do it!

Photo by: istockphoto.com/acanonguy 

His Time to Shine

By Gretchen Lynn

The doors open, and you begin the long awaited walk down the aisle. You are wearing your dream dress, you look up, and what do you see- your man looking extra sharp! For most brides, her wedding day may be the first (and only) time she will see her future husband in a tuxedo; therefore, it is important to find the perfect look.

 Although the weather does not change much throughout the seasons in Louisiana, it is still important to dress comfortably and appropriately for the time of year. Black tuxedos are appropriate for weddings in any season and for day or evening wear. John’s Tuxedos suggests tails be reserved for evening weddings since they provide a more formal vibe. Regular coats can be formal or dressed down. If you are looking for a different style other than black for your daytime wedding, you can try a dark grey for a lighter, softer look. Light grey and chocolate brown tuxedos are the latest trends on the market right now. Keep in mind that these trends come and go, so if you are looking for a timeless look, you may want to stick with a more traditional style. If you want to be different but keep your traditional feel intact, John’s proposes smaller touches such as different tie colors or unique cufflinks for groomsmen.

 LeDaine Clark of Bridal Manor says, “A classic tuxedo always works and is the choice for 80 percent of grooms. A more tailored look has been trending for a while.” As long as you are measured correctly, a classic tuxedo will look good on everyone. The same way you do not want to wear a dress you have never tried on, you do not want your groom or groomsmen in an ill-fitting tuxedo or suit. “The baggy pants and large coats are out. Men are looking for a more fitted garment for a cleaner and neater look,” says Joey Hunter of John’sTuxedos.

 Using a pocket square is a unique and non-traditional way to accessorize your groom and his groomsmen. John’s Tuxedos recommends a boutonniere for a more traditional wedding look, and stresses that only one (either a pocket square or boutonniere) should be worn at a time.

 Most grooms are staying fairly traditional when choosing their look, but there are small ways to express individuality. John’s Tuxedos carries a variety of New Orleans and sports-related cufflinks to add a flash of character and personal charm. Recent trends are black tuxedo shirts versus the traditional white. A fun way to express yourself and remain comfortable is to accessorize with tennis shoes instead of formal footwear. The small, unique touches are great ways to make a statement without going to the extreme.

 “The most important thing to remember when choosing attire for your groom and groomsmen is often overlooked- finding a shop that has in-stock inventory and a seamstress on hand,” stresses Joey Hunter. This allows for last minute changes and alterations, which is very important for out-of-town guests and difficult-to-fit men. Timing is also key is tuxedo fitting. Each groomsman should pick up his own tuxedo so he can try it on at the time of pick up and have time to make necessary adjustments.

 Tailor your groom’s look to your special day. Keep him comfortable, and make him happy. The tuxedo is the most popular choice, but suits are coming around. Vests are more common rather than cummerbunds. LeDaine Clark adds, “The vest and necktie are the more common combination. While the James Bonds of the worldnare still supporting the cummerbund and bow tie!”