Vibrant Garden District Charm: Malory & Billy’s The Columns Hotel Wedding
Featured Wedding
Malory & Billy
New Orleans, Louisiana
Event Planner: Becky with Spanish Oaks Events | Photo: Mike Lirette Photography | Venue: The Columns Hotel, New Orleans | Hair & Makeup: Mckenzie Drury | Cake: Bywater Bakery | DJ: Everything Forever | Rentals: True Value
There is a specific rhythm to St. Charles Avenue. It’s the rumble of the streetcar, the rustle of ancient live oaks, and the clinking of glasses on the city’s most iconic front porch. For Malory and Billy, there was no other choice. They didn’t just want a venue; they wanted a feeling. Their celebration was the epitome of a Columns Hotel wedding—steeped in history, effortlessly cool, and exploding with joy.
The Columns stands as a testament to the grandeur of the late 19th century, functioning as the heartbeat of the Garden District. With its Italianate architecture and that massive white-columned veranda, it offers a setting that feels both grand and surprisingly intimate. It is the perfect stage for a St. Charles Avenue wedding, offering guests a front-row seat to the best view in New Orleans.
Morning Light and Historic Interiors
The day began in the upstairs suites, where the atmosphere was buzzing but relaxed. As a local New Orleans wedding photographer, I am constantly chasing light, and The Columns delivers it. The historic rooms, with their soaring 12-foot ceilings and dramatic mill work, channel a light that is moody, cinematic, and incredibly flattering.
Malory and her party got ready surrounded by Victorian mahogany and rich textiles, but the vibe was thoroughly modern. We focused on capturing candids that felt editorial rather than staged—champagne on the balcony, the final adjustments of the gown, and the quiet anticipation before the day kicked into high gear.
Porch Portraits and Live Oaks
Before the guests arrived, we took advantage of the venue’s most famous asset: the porch. The sheer scale of the white columns frames a couple beautifully, creating images that feel timeless instantly. Malory and Billy have an electric connection, and photographing them against the backdrop of the paint and grandeur of the hotel was pure magic.
We also stepped out onto the sidewalks of St. Charles Avenue for portraits after their first look in the courtyard. The canopy of oak trees creates a natural cathedral that defines the neighborhood. The juxtaposition of Malory’s elegant gown against the texture of the streetcar tracks and the lush greenery captured that quintessential New Orleans aesthetic—romantic, southern, and vibrant.
A Timeless Ceremony on the Steps
The ceremony took place right on the front steps, bridging the gap between the hotel’s interior warmth and the energy of the Avenue. It is a bold choice to get married facing the street, but at The Columns, it works. The architecture draws the eye inward, creating a focal point that feels private despite being in the center of the city.
As Malory and Billy exchanged vows, the sun began to dip, casting a golden glow over the porch. It was a ceremony that felt grounded and timeless, anchored by the history of the building and the tangible love between the couple.
A Colorful New Orleans Wedding Reception
Once the "I do's" were sealed, the vibe shifted immediately from classic romance to a high-energy party. Malory and Billy envisioned a colorful New Orleans wedding, and they executed it perfectly.
We moved into the reception space where the design elements truly sang. Gone were the muted neutrals; in their place were vibrant, riotous florals that popped against the dark wood of the hotel’s interiors. The tablescapes were a mix of warm candlelight and bold blooms, mirroring the joyful personalities of the bride and groom.
The energy was infectious. The reception spilled out from the ballroom onto the patio, with the sounds of laughter and music drifting out toward the street. Between the warm bistro lights, the clinking of craft cocktails, and a dance floor that stayed packed, the night felt like the ultimate dinner party that turned into the best night of your life.
Malory and Billy’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration; it was a love letter to the Garden District—vibrant, historic, and undeniably fun.
Photography Coverage
Malory and Billy booked our team for 7 hours of continuous coverage. It was the perfect amount of time to allow for the best unrushed portraits and vibes throughout their day. To learn more about our coverage options and to check availability for your New Orleans Wedding, contact us today!