New Orleans Wedding — Nilo Hodge Photo-Nilo Hodge Photo Blog

Last year was so different in terms of wedding photography. Since I made the move to New Orleans in the beginning of 2020 I saw a dramatic change in the wedding industry worldwide and it was such a challenging year for wedding planning. There were so many uncertainties that couples had to endure. Covid outbreaks, vendors closing indefinitely, venues having occupant restrictions, dates being postponed and the list goes on. Matt and Val weren’t immune to these wedding planning hurdles. After figuring out their venue needed to severely restrict their wedding, they decided to plan their wedding in more DIY and personal fashion. I love that couples are adapting to the situations being to dealt to them and creating something completely different!

French Quarter Elopement During the Covid-19 Pandemic

As we all know, this Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone. Whether you’re an essential employee or a photographer such as myself, you’re feeling the effects of this crisis. Being a photographer in New Orleans, I definitely haven’t been immune to how this effecting business. People are having to cancel or postpone their bigger weddings and events which sends ripples through our industry. Being that I was just married a few months ago, I couldn’t imagine all the plans for our wedding having a wrench thrown into them. It has been devastating for some couples, others are choosing alternative means of expressing their love and trying to make the best of the situation presented to them. Which brings me to Shekema and Kevon’s wedding I had the pleasure of covering a little over a week ago.

Sara + Tom's Bethlehem Engagement Shoot

For most of my wedding packages, I included a complimentary engagement shoot. It provides a great chance for me to meet with the couple and start getting to know them before their big day. It adds a bit of familiarity and makes the wedding day so much smoother. Sara and Tom are Bethlehem locals and really liked the idea of walking around Downtown Bethlehem and getting a few shots around our beautiful town. It was nearing the end of fall, so we had all the great fall aspects to choose from and the possibility of those wonderful autumn sunsets.