I talk a lot about my love of New Orleans- how I fell madly in love with this magical place almost the second I arrived on my very first trip. The secret courtyards, the lilting jazz, the heavenly food, the best people. I didn't just fall in love with a city- I fell in love with myself and how I felt when I was there.

Real love is like that too. You might fall all at once, and desperately so, but it's not just about that person and how you love them and why you love them. It's falling in love with yourself too- a better version of yourself because you're together... and it's the most beautiful, most honest way to live.

Krista and Alec's wedding last month brought me back to New Orleans, and it was the most beautiful, honest day. Krista designs jewelry, and before she slipped into her dress, she sat down at her work table to size and polish their wedding bands- just like that. We did photos in their living room with their dog Sadie keeping tabs on us, garnered a little attention from revelers on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, and then got these two crazy kids married on the Magnolia Bridge over the Bayou St John at sunset. It was the sweetest reminder that love brings out our truest and best selves- and I'm forever thankful to have been a part of their wedding day. K and A, love and happiness to you both- thank you so very much for everything!