LET
US
STAY
WITH
YOU.®
The day you’ve always dreamed of is our pleasure.
To plan the wedding you have always imagined, contact the Catering Team at
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans at (504) 670-2871 or visit ritzcarlton.com/neworleans
© 2022 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
2 | NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
SPRING 2026
CONTENTS
FEATURED WEDDINGS
32 Hailey White + Dylan Vidrine
44
Scottlin Williams + Tekove Wilson
50
Caroline Stockstill + Blake Merrifield
56 Aidalynn Allen + Ryland Howell
62 April Anderson + Kenneth Smith
ARTICLES
6 Captured: The Ultimate Guide
to Wedding Photography,
Videography, & Content Creation
10 What to Know Before You Book
36 The Rise of Wedding Content Creators
48 Your Wedding Timeline, Simplified
54 Ask the Mystic
EDITORIAL
14 THIS IS BRIDAL NOW
PHOTO CREDIT: Wonder Photography
from the wedding of Caroline Stockstill
+ Blake Merrifield page 50.
DIGITAL ISSUE 31
Inside I Do Fashion Week: The 2026
Collections from Essense of Australia at
the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans
VENDOR SPOTLIGHTS
30 Images by Robert T
40 Amelia Rose Creations
42 Sweet Scene Social
About The Cover
About The Cover
NOWWeddingsMagazine.com | 3
NOW Weddings Magazine @nowweddingsmagazine
@nowwedding
@nowmagazine504
we're social !
we're social !
Follow NOW Weddings Magazine
PUBLISHER
JESSICA BURKE
JESSICA@NOWWEDDINGSMAGAZINE.COM
Ashley Revels
EDITORIAL LIASON
Taylor Van Ness
DIGITAL MARKETING & CONTENT
DIRECTOR
Kellie Levy
CREATIVE STRATEGY
FOR ENGAGED COUPLES
Our blog is filled with tons of great resources,
inspiration, wedding stories and photo editorials
that will help you plan an amazing wedding.
FOR THE WEDDING PROFESSIONAL
NOW Weddings Magazine offers affordable
advertising packages with tons of perks.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT ADVERTISING,
PLEASE CONTACT:
NOW Weddings Magazine
Phone: 504-832-2775
Email: sales@thenowbride.com
www.NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
NOW Weddings Magazine Digital Edition
is published by New Orleans Weddings
Magazine, Inc. Copyright 2026. All rights
reserved. Reproduction of any part of
this publication without the express
written consent of the publisher is strictly
prohibited. NOW Weddings Magazine is a
trademark registered in the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office. The use of the trademark
is strictly prohibited. The information in
this publication is believed to be accurate.
However, NOW Weddings Magazine cannot
and does not guarantee its accuracy. NOW
Weddings Magazine cannot and will not be
held liable for the quality or performance of
goods and services provided by advertisers
or any other portion of this publication
NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
ON LOCATION
Our Lady of the Gulf Church
Bay Saint Louis, MS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Whitney Wilkinson Photography
GOWN
Rita Vineris
I DO Bridal Couture Covington
TUXEDO
Men’s Wearhouse
FLORALS
Blooms and Bliss by Sarah Weir
HAIR + MAKEUP
Glam on Location
BRIDE + GROOM:
Hailey White + Dylan Vidrine
OAKLEIGH GARDEN ROOM
CRYSTAL PATIO
HISTORIC.BREATHTAKING.REFINED.
6 | NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
WHY THIS MATTERS (THE HEART OF IT ALL)
Your wedding day will move quickly. Not just fast… but in that
blink-and-it’s-over, how-is-it-already-the-last-song kind of
way.
All the planning, the anticipation, the tiny details you obsessed
over and the big moments you’ve dreamed about...will live on
in one place: how they’re captured.
Photography, video, and now content creation aren’t just
services. They’re the way your memories are preserved,
revisited, and shared for years to come.
“This is one of the most important days of your life. Even if you
are shy about being on video, think about the future and how
your kids and grandkids will be able to see the memories from
your day,” says LaVina Bostock of Your Day Video Production.
That’s the real purpose behind it all.
Not just how your wedding looked…
but how it felt.
And while it may be tempting to prioritize décor, florals, or
even the dress, the reality is this:
once the day is over, your photos and video are what remain.
Which is why choosing the right team to capture it isn’t just
important… it’s essential.
continued>>>
Captured
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY,
VIDEO & CONTENT CREATION
From the Publisher’s Desk
NOWWeddingsMagazine.com | 7
PHOTO: JENNIE TEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Photos capture how your day
looked. Video brings you back
to how it felt.
8 | NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? (AND WHY YOU
MIGHT WANT ALL THREE)
Today’s couples have more options than ever when it comes
to capturing their wedding day. And with those options comes
one big question:
Do you need a photographer, a videographer, and a content
creator?
Let’s break it down.
Photographers: The Timeless Storytellers
Photographers focus on creating intentional, high-quality
images that will stand the test of time.
They guide portraits, manage lighting, and capture both the
big moments and the subtle in-between ones you might miss.
Their work becomes your album, your framed prints, your
legacy.
Videographers: The Emotional Narrators
Videographers bring movement, sound, and storytelling
together.
They capture your vows, the speeches, the laughter, the
music… the pieces that photos alone can’t fully hold.
As one perspective often echoed in the industry, photos
capture the moment, but video brings you back into it.
Professionals also bring technical expertise: multiple cameras,
clear audio, and editing that transforms hours of footage into
something you’ll actually want to watch again and again.
Content Creators: The Real-Time Memory Makers
Content creators are the newest addition to the wedding day
team, and quickly becoming one of the most talked-about.
Their focus? Capturing candid, behind-the-scenes moments
on mobile devices and delivering content almost instantly.
“A content creator’s niche is filming videos taken on their
phone… you will get 100% of the raw footage in addition to
edited reels and short-form videos,” explains Amelia Rose
Zimlich of Amelia Rose Creations.
They’re there for the moments in between:
•
Your best friend fixing your veil
•
The laughter before you walk down the aisle
•
The energy of the dance floor
And often, you’ll have those memories in your hands before
your honeymoon even begins.
So… Do You Need All Three?
Not necessarily. But each serves a different purpose:
•
Photography = timeless, curated memories
•
Video = emotional storytelling
•
Content creation = immediate, candid connection
Together, they create a full picture of your day—one that’s
both beautifully preserved and instantly relived.
“The laughter, the hugs, and
the quiet conversations often
become the most cherished
memories.”
- Britty Kelley, Sweet Scenes Social
NOWWeddingsMagazine.com | 9
IS VIDEO (AND CONTENT CREATION) REALLY
WORTH IT?
This is one of the most common questions couples ask.
And the honest answer?
It depends on your priorities; but many couples who skip
video later wish they hadn’t.
The Case for Video
Photos freeze a moment. Video lets you hear it, feel it, step
back into it.
Without video, you may never:
•
Hear your vows again
•
Watch your first dance as it happened
•
See the reactions you missed in real time
Even a simple recording is better than nothing, but there’s
a noticeable difference between a guest-held phone and a
professionally captured film.
Professionals anticipate moments, capture clean audio, and
edit everything into a cohesive story, something you’ll actually
revisit.
Where Content Creators Fit In
Content creators aren’t a replacement for video; they’re a
complement.
“Content creation focuses on capturing real, candid, in-the-
moment memories that often go unnoticed,” shares Britty
Kelley of Sweet Scenes Social.
•
They allow you to:
•
Relive your day immediately
•
Share moments with friends and family right away
•
Stay present without relying on your guests to document
everything
If You’re Deciding Where to Invest
Think about what matters most to you:
•
Do you want something timeless? Photography
•
Do you want to feel the day again? Video
•
Do you want to relive it instantly? Content creation
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the
value of each helps you make a confident decision.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TEAM (AND GET
THE BEST RESULTS)
Once you’ve decided what you want, the next step is choosing
who will bring it to life.
And this is where the details matter.
Look Beyond the Highlight Reel
It’s easy to fall in love with a few beautiful images or a short
video clip, but that’s only part of the story.
“Can I see full galleries of weddings similar to mine?” is one of
the most important questions you can ask, says photographer
Trent Spann of Images by Robert T.
Full galleries show consistency, lighting challenges, and how a
full wedding day is captured, not just the best moments.
Connection Matters More Than You Think
You’ll spend a significant part of your wedding day with your
photo and video team.
“You are inviting this person into one of the most meaningful
days of your life… you should like their work and how they
work,” says Kelley.
If the energy feels off, trust that instinct.
Communication Is Everything
From timelines to expectations, clear communication is one of
the biggest factors in getting the results you want.
“Many ideas seen on social media may not be realistic
within the wedding day timeline,” Spann explains. “Open
communication beforehand allows us to align expectations.”
Pro Insight: Trust the Process
“I wish more couples understood the value of trusting their
professional team, especially when it comes to the timeline,”
says Spann.
When couples trust their vendors and stay present in the
moment, everything flows better, and the results reflect it.
Final Thought
Your wedding day isn’t just something you experience once.
It’s something you’ll revisit - through photos, through video,
through the moments you didn’t even realize were happening
at the time.
Choose the team that will capture it well.
“The best results come
when couples communi-
cate their vision and trust
their professional team.”
-Trent Spann, Images by Robert T
10 | NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
WHAT TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU BOOK.
The Ultimate Wedding Photo, Video & Content Creator Checklist
Before you sign a contract, make sure you’re asking the right
questions. Your photo and video team is responsible for
capturing the moments you’ll relive for years to come—so
clarity, communication, and trust are everything.
PHOTOGRAPHER CHECKLIST
Experience + Style
•
How would you describe your photography style?
•
Can we see full wedding galleries (not just highlights)
similar to ours—venue, lighting, or time of day?
•
How long have you been photographing weddings?
•
Have you worked at our venue or in similar settings?
Who Will Be There
•
Will you be the one photographing our wedding?
•
Will you have a second shooter or assistant?
•
How do you typically work with planners and other
vendors?
Logistics + Reliability
•
Do you carry liability insurance?
•
What is your backup plan in case of illness, emergency, or
equipment failure?
Packages + Deliverables
•
What is included in your packages?
•
How many hours of coverage do we get?
•
Do you offer overtime, and what is the rate?
•
How many images can we expect, and how will they be
delivered?
•
What is your turnaround time?
Files + Rights
•
Will we receive high-resolution digital files?
•
Can we print and share the images freely?
•
Do you keep backups of our images? If so, for how long?
Pricing + Policies
•
What are your payment terms?
•
Are there any additional fees (travel, overtime, editing,
etc.)?
•
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
VIDEOGRAPHER CHECKLIST
Style + Approach
•
How would you describe your video style (cinematic,
documentary, storytelling)?
•
Can we watch full wedding films, not just highlight reels?
•
How do you capture audio (vows, speeches, ceremony)?
•
How many cameras will you have covering our ceremony?
•
Do you use additional lighting?
Who Will Be There
•
Will you be the one filming our wedding?
Music + Editing
•
Can we choose the music, or do you select it?
•
Are there licensing limitations we should know about?
•
Can we request edits or revisions?
Deliverables
•
What is included (highlight reel, full ceremony, speeches,
NOWWeddingsMagazine.com | 11
PHOTO: IMAGES BY ROBERT T
raw footage)?
•
What is the typical length of the final video?
•
What is your delivery timeline?
Team + Coordination
•
Will you work alongside our photographer?
•
How do you coordinate during key moments?
Files + Access
•
Will we receive raw footage? Is that an additional cost?
•
How long do you keep our files archived?
Logistics + Policies
•
Do you offer overtime?
•
Are travel fees included?
•
What happens if something unexpected prevents you
from attending?
•
Do you carry liability insurance?
CONTENT CREATOR CHECKLIST
Role + Expectations
•
What exactly do you capture (behind-the-scenes, candid
moments, social clips, staged shots)?
•
How do you work alongside the photographer and
videographer?
•
What platforms do you shoot for (Instagram, TikTok,
etc.)?
Logistics + Reliability
•
Do you carry liability insurance?
•
What is your backup plan in case of illness, emergency, or
equipment failure?
Who Will Be There
•
Will you be the one capturing our wedding?
Delivery Speed
•
How quickly will we receive content (same day, next day,
within a week)?
•
What is included: raw footage, edited reels, both?
Style + Output
•
Can we see examples of full wedding day coverage?
•
How would you describe your content style (candid,
trendy, storytelling)?
Fit + Experience
•
Can we schedule a discovery call before booking?
•
How do you tailor your approach to each couple?
Planning + Coordination
•
Do you create a shot list or work from ours?
•
How do you handle timeline changes or unexpected
moments?
Pricing + Details
•
Are travel costs included?
•
What is required to secure our date?
•
What is your cancellation/reschedule policy?
BONUS: QUESTIONS FOR ALL THREE
•
How do you prefer couples communicate their vision or
inspiration?
•
What is one thing couples can do to get the best possible
results?
•
What is the most common mistake couples make, and
how can we avoid it?
•
How do you handle timeline delays or unexpected
changes?
•
What do you need from us before the wedding day to be
fully prepared?
Pro Tip:
Trust Your Team but
ALWAYS
get a contract
The best results come when couples communicate their
vision clearly, and then trust their professionals to bring it to
life. Your vendors are there to guide you, adjust in real time,
and capture moments you didn’t even realize were happening.
That being said, signing a contract for every vendor you hire
should be non-negotiable.
NOWWeddingsMagazine.com | 13
THIS IS BRIDAL NOW
Inside I Do Fashion Week: The 2026 Collections from Essense of Australia
The trends defining wedding style in 2026,
from effortless romance to couture-level drama.
From the Publisher’s Desk
Photography by Taylor Van Ness
continued>>>
14 | NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
NOWWeddingsMagazine.com | 15
Martina Liana Luxe
16 | NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
The future of bridal fashion arrived in New Orleans
this spring as Essense of Australia unveiled its Spring
2026 collections during I Do Fashion Week.
Hosted at the iconic The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans,
the event welcomed buyers, media and industry
insiders for an exclusive first look at the trends set to
define the next wave of bridal style. NOW Weddings
Magazine was on the scene, with publisher Jessica
Burke and Digital Marketing Manager Taylor Van Ness
capturing both the runway and behind-the-scenes
moments as the collections came to life.
What emerged was a clear shift in bridal fashion—
one that moves beyond tradition and into personal
expression.
This
season’s
designs
embrace
individuality, versatility and transformation, offering
brides the freedom to define their own aesthetic.
“This season is all about celebrating individuality—
the kind that lets every bride shine in their own way,”
shared Martine Harris, Head Designer and Chief
Creative Officer of the Essense of Australia house of
brands. “From structured couture to breezy textures,
each collection offers a fresh, fashion-forward point of
view.”
Across five distinct labels—Stella York, Essense of
Australia, All Who Wander, Martina Liana and Martina
Liana Luxe—the collections revealed a dynamic mix
of silhouettes, textures and details. From minimalist
gowns to dramatic, statement-making designs, the
message was clear: there is no single definition of
bridal style in 2026.
A Runway of Possibilities
There’s a noticeable return of design elements
brides may recognize, but reimagined with a modern,
elevated twist. Think:
•
Romantic basque waists
•
Dramatic pickups making a comeback
•
Statement bows woven into contemporary
silhouettes
•
A rich mix of lace, texture, and layered fabrics
Essense of Australia
NOWWeddingsMagazine.com | 17
From sleek and minimalist to full-volume drama, the
collections truly delivered something for every kind of
bride.
“We’re seeing more customization and versatility than
ever before,” Harris noted. “Detachable overskirts,
removable sleeves, statement jackets and layered
elements… allow brides to adapt their look while still
feeling authentic.”
Designed for Real Weddings (and Real
Brides)
Beyond the runway moment, what stood out most
was how wearable and adaptable these designs are—
especially for Southern weddings.
“For Southern brides navigating warm climates
and outdoor venues, the focus is on versatility and
effortless style,” Harris shared.
From ceremony to reception, these gowns are
designed to evolve with the day—allowing brides to
move seamlessly from formal elegance to relaxed
celebration without sacrificing style.
What This Means for 2026 Brides
If this runway is any indication, the next wave of
bridal fashion isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about
creating your own.
Whether that means:
A dramatic, couture-inspired silhouette
A soft, romantic lace gown
Or a fully customizable look that transforms
throughout the day
There’s never been more freedom to define your
wedding day style.
And with these collections hitting stores as early as
July, brides planning late 2026 and beyond will be
among the first to bring these trends to life.
Explore our favorites from each label>>>
“We’re seeing especially
strong excitement around all-
over lace and modern matte
florals… bringing a fresh
sense of depth and romance.”
- Martine Harris
FROM THE SHOWROOM FLOOR
“No matter their style, brides will
find silhouettes that help them
step into the next chapter with
confidence and joy.”
- Martine Harris
18 | NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
NOWWeddingsMagazine.com | 19
20 | NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
STELLA YORK
Modern Romance, Effortlessly Realized
NOWWeddingsMagazine.com | 21
Stella York opens the story with a vision
of bridal style that feels both current and
accessible, offering designs that resonate
with the modern bride seeking beauty
without excess. This season, the collection
leans into soft structure and romantic
detailing, blending clean silhouettes with
delicate lace and thoughtfully placed
embellishments.
There is a sense of ease to these gowns—an
intentional balance between trend-forward
design and timeless appeal. Subtle nods
to returning elements, including softened
basque waists and gentle volume, bring a
fresh perspective to familiar shapes, while
lighter fabrics and refined construction
ensure wearability throughout the day.
Customization
continues
to
play
a
meaningful
role,
allowing
brides
to
personalize their look in a way that feels
authentic rather than overdone. The result
is a collection that invites individuality
while remaining grounded in a universally
flattering aesthetic.
22 | NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
At the heart of the Spring 2026 collections, Essense of Australia offers a refined
balance of structure and fluidity. These designs create a signature aesthetic.
The collection merges classic bridal elements with modern craftsmanship.
The result is gowns that are both elevated and wearable.
“This season is all about celebrating individuality—the kind that lets every
bride shine in their own way,” Harris shared, a philosophy reflected in every
silhouette.
Corsetry-inspired bodices, dimensional lace, and layered textures create
visual depth. Thoughtfully engineered construction ensures each gown moves
effortlessly with the bride. The collection ranges from minimalist designs with
architectural lines to intricate, detail-rich pieces, offering varied expressions
within a cohesive design language.
Versatility remains key. Detachable overskirts, sleeves, and accessories let
brides transform their look throughout the day. This approach prioritizes
style and functionality without compromising either.