When Sunshine first contacted me, I was super excited to get started planning her elopement. She was adamant about a simple affair that was just about her and Ben. Nothing overdone, nothing too fancy. She knew she wanted a bouquet, a nice dinner reservation, and possibly a photographer. Luckily, I was able to convince her that a photographer was a must! I scouted out multiple locations, and she eventually settled on the French Quarter, wanting something authentically New Orleans.

On the day of their elopement, I was watching the weather all morning, and it started raining throughout the afternoon. Sunshine and I were texting about alternate plans while she was having her hair and makeup done, and I was amazed at how relaxed she was (and she told me later she took her hair down, because it didn’t feel like her)! These two weren’t worried in the least about the weather. And I was worried for no reason, because as it got closer to the time for their vows, the rain stopped, and it turned into the perfect New Orleans spring day.

Captured by Jordan Blanchard, these photographs illustrate the story of their day, both Sunshine and Ben relaxed, happy, and full of joy—I can’t help but smile going through them. And definitely an authentic New Orleans elopement—vows at Pirate’s Alley, a photobomb by a horse-drawn carriage, and a Canal Street streetcar ride. And after the cutest e-sesh (e for elopement), Sunshine and Ben headed over to Café Amelie for a romantic dinner for two.

Brides take note—this is how you get married! Whether your wedding is small or a huge event, it’s really about the two of you enjoying the day. How cute are these two?!