I could hear the stress in her voice when we first spoke on the phone. She was a single mom, who also worked full-time and was going to school to finish up her Masters degree. And as if that wasn’t enough, she was also planning one of the most important days of her life … her Wedding Day. It’s no wonder why we instantly clicked, her path was just like mine. Single mom, working, going to school and planning every precious detail of a wedding. Oh and lest I forget the kicker, we both met our sweethearts online 😉

After our fabulous engagement session with Shay + Tron we knew their Wedding Celebration at The Ebell Club in Long Beach would be equally perfect. And really, it was …

Their day started off with preparations at the chic Avia Hotel in Long Beach and from there, everyone headed over to The Ebell Club for their New Orleans themed wedding festivities! Shay planned everything to perfection with help from Donya, the fabulous owner of As You Like Wedding Services. There are so many words I would use to describe this incredibly touching and intimate celebration, but I think my words alone wouldn’t do this exquisite wedding justice. The pictures truly tell the story … it. was. simply. beautiful.

Shay was overcome with emotion when she first looked at herself in the mirror with the wedding dress on … I love that I get to capture moments like this <3

As usual Tommy captured some fun moments with the guys during their preparations …

Their ceremony was truly beautiful, with special little touches that included an aisle full of red petals, special songs sung by friends and the essence of love in every tear and heartfelt word shared …

I LOVE Tron’s expression when he first sees his bride appear … it’s a mixture of awe + excitement wrapped in ribbon of love at first sight 😀

Can’t say enough how incredibly beautiful this bride looked on her Wedding Day … oh and she had a ceremony + reception dress. Certainly the key to my photography + fashionista heart 😉

Frankly they’re both incredibly good looking, and together they’re just one hot couple 😉

Love this photo of Shay and her handsome son Xavier <3

And when it comes to the dancing ~ this party was fierce!! Tommy and I caught ourselves bobbing our heads to the beat and dancing along with them throughout the night ~ good thing we’ve got steady hands 😀

Shay + Tron also planned a few surprises for their guests, starting with a Second Line Band — a sweet New Orleans tradition — accompanied by festive parasols …

And next, this fun couple surprised their family and friends with a tossing of Mardi Gras beads from the balcony. Yes Internet, this was a party of *EPIC* proportions.

The entire celebration remained lively and joyous from beginning to end and needless to stay, Tommy and I are now itching to visit New Orleans to experience more of this wonderful down south tradition and culture!

Shay + Tron many heartfelt thanks to you and your amazingly sweet families and friends for allowing us to be a part of such a wonderful moment in your lives. We adore each and every one of our brides and grooms, but when we feel like our couples have also become our friends — like the two of you – we feel blessed twofold! We wish you both the very best in love, life and marriage. And make no doubt about it, we are here as your lifelong paparazzi any day of the week 😉 Oh and “Shaytron” or “TronShay”, we are ssoooo ready for you too, hahahahaha 😀

Special thanks and love to the fabulous crew of vendors who help make this Wedding Day a success! Here’s a list of some of the important details and vendors:

• Donya Vaughn, Wedding Coordinator/Planner : As You Like Services
• Ceremony Dress: David’s Bridal
• Reception Dress: Milly’s Bridal
• Shoes: Glint ‘Devyn’ from Nordstrom
• Ceremony Headpiece: David’s Bridal
• Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse
• Makeup Artist:  Julie Engelton of Beauty Accents
• Hair Stylist: Shawnda Bolden of Oasis Hair Salon (contact: lsrbolden@aol.com)
• Videographer: Impressive Creations Wedding Cinematography
• Caterer: Jay’s Catering
• Cake/Bakery: Erica O’Brien Cake Design
• Floral Designer: Empora Flora
• Ceremony Quartet: Divisi Strings
• Second Line Band: New Orleans Jazz Band
• DJ: DJ Dense
• Officiant: Bishop A.B. Brown (contact: abbrowntractministries@gmail.com)
• Linens/Rentals: Del Rey Party Rentals
• Transportation: American Limo, Inc.

To see more images from this gorgeous New Orleans themed wedding celebration, click on the slideshow below and don’t forget to push those speakers up!