A New Orleans elopement was never something I thought would end up changing my life, but this one absolutely did.

Sometimes, in the span of a single week, you meet some of your closest friends, an opossum, your future husband, and the best dog you’ve ever almost foster-failed. Somehow, all of those things trace back to Angela and Peter’s elopement.

Over the years, Angela and I have become incredibly close. We have mirrored lives in so many ways, and there is something comforting about having someone who understands the same seasons of life as you do. However, before this trip, we had only known each other online. The moment I met Angela and Peter in person, I knew they were my people.

Their celebration wasn’t about traditions or expectations. Instead, it was about creating an experience that felt true to them.

Although they had already completed the legal paperwork before traveling, they wanted a meaningful ceremony surrounded by their closest friends. Later, they would host a larger wedding celebration in Italy. I was supposed to attend as a guest, but pregnancy had other plans. At the time, I was spending most days battling morning sickness and couldn’t make the trip.

Still, this intimate celebration in Louisiana felt like the perfect beginning to their story.

New Orleans has a reputation for its music, architecture, and nightlife. However, spending several days exploring the city with Angela, Peter, and their friends completely shifted my perspective. Beyond the famous streets and historic buildings, I found a city full of character, community, and unexpected moments.

One of those moments involved an opossum named Saffron.

Yes, an actual opossum.

And yes, she kissed me during the elopement.

It remains one of the more unexpected experiences I’ve had while photographing weddings.

As we wandered through the streets, shared meals, and celebrated alongside their favorite people, the city became part of the story. The colorful facades, iron balconies, and centuries of history created an unforgettable backdrop. Meanwhile, the focus remained exactly where it belonged: on the people.

Looking back, this New Orleans trip marked the beginning of several important chapters in my own life. A few days after photographing this elopement, I met my husband. Friendships deepened. Memories were made. And New Orleans became far more than a destination on a map.

It became one of those places forever tied to the people who changed your life. None of the photos are really in order, which I feel is fitting for the days we spent wandering the city.