Capitol City w/ Nicole

I think it was 2006. I photographed a sweet couple's wedding and received a call from the bride's mother the following Monday. She thanked me for being patient and kind and let me know that her youngest daughter expressed an interest in photography. She inquired about letting the young girl shadow me once a week or so. I was eager to help and THIS GIRL became one of my favorite persons and shooting partners. I love when we get to shoot together, how we laugh, and the memories we've made over the past dozen years.

Cheers to Nicole! -Michelle Lea

You can see what Nicole is all about here: www.vpmadestill.com

So Rave

I met Traci in a church bathroom. It was 1999. I will never forget it. I was 5 months pregnant with my youngest child. I was getting ready after an early rehearsal for a Christmas candlelight song service I volunteered for. I had a long glittery red dress on and spent time curling my hair - a very rare thing at this stage of my life. I was feeling quite good about myself and I packed the biggest can of RAVE hairspray to help me stay ready that day. It was my favorite "spray and hold" at the time.  As I stood there in front of the church bathroom mirror making sure every curl had a real secure home, in walked Traci. She didn't say anything at first.  And then she spoke. "Oh honey, I think that's enough spray. Here, let me help you", as she nestled the sticky mess as best she could. I loved Traci immediately; who wouldn't with such honesty and a willingness to help? She's just that kind of person. She can tell you the truth without making you feel like sh**.  We quickly became super good friends and remain so today. I'm really thankful the candlelight wasn't attracted to my hair that Sunday morning...

About a decade later, Traci opened her own salon in Destrehan, LA. I love her stories and I love that I can sit in that salon chair and share my stories too. If salon walls could talk... Featured below are a few of my favorite things from Traci Woodard Salon. From RAVE to Davines and Moroccanoil, we have journeyed far.

I love that Traci features local people and companies in her shop. Everything on display there is eye popping. From the packaging to the quality, it's just a precious greeting, fun to look at, fun to wear, and so NOT sticky. I wear that arrow necklace just about everyday.

Thanks for warming my heart and keeping my hair healthy, Traci. You can find Traci's salon here: www.twsalon.com

Cheers! -Michelle Lea

They Call Us Jackson

Few things bring families together quite like camping. Even though I had a slight disdain for it as a kid (older brothers always putting dirt in my sleep space), now anytime I camp, the smells bring me back to a secure place.  Spending time on a camping trip with my truest of true peeps is a little like heaven on earth. I love my family and our little cove at Chicot State Park and I'm so proud to be a Jackson girl!

Cheers! -Michelle Lea

Night at the Saenger

This girl (my youngest) does not match her generation for their taste in music. I love when she is DJ of the car ride, as she chooses the most interesting mixes. Our night out with Lindsey Stirling was one for the memory books and the beauty of New Orleans at night is quite fun to capture. www.saengernola.com

Cheers! -Michelle Lea

Boston in the Fall

Even though there were high demands on me during this season, I blocked time out to spend with my dear mom. We used that time to reflect, and to cry, and to bond on a level we hadn't before. I'm so glad we did. Earlier this year, she had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. We traveled and talked, walked the Freedom Trail, shared some laughs and enjoyed good beer together in Boston.  We spent a night in Cape Cod and took a boat to Nantucket, and attended a women's conference in Hartford, CT.  It's the little and the meaningful things I treasure most, the real and the raw moments. For souvenirs, I brought home beer mugs, photographs, and a soul bursting at the seams. I love you, Mom.

Cheers! -Michelle Lea

Hector & Rocio

Probably the greatest joy I experience in photography is observing the interaction between couples in love. There is nothing quite like it. When I first met Hector & Rocio at the Hotel Montleone in New Orleans, I felt very blessed to capture the chemistry and creativity between them. This lovely couple met through friends in college and dated for 7 years. In December the prior year, Hector and Rocio visited the Vatican. Hector got down on one knee in front of St. Peter's Basilica.  All around them the crowd cheered, "Baci, Baci"! When in Rome...

It was such a joy to celebrate their engagement with photographs at the classic and elegant Carousel Bar. Reserving the place to take pictures at the Carousel can only be arranged if you are planning your wedding reception at the hotel; it is not open to the public for photography otherwise.

Cheers! -Michelle Lea

DETAILS: Location// Hotel Monteleone-Carousel Bar

Rocio's Gold and White Dresses// Asos

Rocio's Shoes// Stuart Weitzman

Hector's Suit// Ted Baker London

OTHER: I was unable to photograph Hector and Rocio's wedding because my mom and I planned a trip to Boston, Massachusettes. My brothers and I were informed earlier this year that our mother had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. As sad as I was to miss this wedding, I don't regret the memories my mom and I were able to make. Hector and Rocio's wedding day was beautifully captured by the creative hands and eclectic eye of my good friend, Nicole Cromer Brian. you can view the images https://www.vpmadestill.com