Derbes Mansion Wedding | Crawfish, Taco Trucks, and One Emotional First Look
Chelsea and James got married at the Derbes Mansion in Mid City back in March of 2019. It’s one of those classic New Orleans wedding venues that feels tucked into the neighborhood. Big old house, tons of character, and enough outdoor space to make the whole wedding feel relaxed and open.
The day started with some pre-ceremony photos while Chelsea was getting ready.
Before the ceremony, she did a first look with her dad. Honestly, it got me a little. You photograph enough weddings as a New Orleans wedding photographer and you get pretty good at staying focused during emotional moments—but this one hit. It was one of those really genuine reactions where everyone around could feel it.
The ceremony took place outside in the front yard under the metal gazebo at Benachi House. Beautiful weather. Beautiful setup.
James’s father officiated the ceremony, which made everything feel even more personal. At one point during the ceremony he stopped and told them to really look around and take in the moment and all the people there with them. I remember thinking that was such a simple but meaningful thing to say.
After the ceremony we grabbed a few quick portraits around the front of the venue while guests started heading toward the reception.
And then the party started.
The reception was in the backyard with crawfish boiling and a taco truck parked out back serving food. Which honestly feels very New Orleans in the best way possible. People hanging outside, drinks in hand, music going, everyone relaxed and having a good time.
That’s one of the things I love most about New Orleans weddings. They can feel elegant without feeling stiff. Personal without feeling overproduced.
As a wedding photographer in New Orleans, those are the moments I’m always drawn toward. The emotional stuff during the ceremony, then the shift into people laughing, eating crawfish, dancing, and enjoying the night together.
It was just a really good wedding. The kind you leave feeling happy you got to be there.
