As I walked outside of Club XLIV and looked up at the enormous photographs displayed in Champion’s Square of Drew Brees, Sean Payton and Tom Benson, the feeling was surreal. Moments later the limos, buses and Rolls Royce transporting Emily and Ron Paul to the reception arrived and a Second Line ensued around Champion’s Square.

Just like those building sized photos of Brees and the Lombardi trophy, this entire day was a winner.
We were so honored to be asked to document Emily and Ron Paul’s once in a lifetime experience of getting married.
From the charismatic bride and groom, to the heartfelt toasts at the rehearsal dinner, to the elaborate reception decor, this wedding had everything one could ask for…but Emily + Ron Paul asked us for a little something extra and we were happy to oblige.

The Same Day Edit
Same Day Edits are commonplace in other parts of the country, especially on the east and west coast. However they’re not as common in New Orleans due to our unique wedding timelines.
The key to executing a successful Same Day Edit comes down to having enough time to complete the edit so that it can be played live at the reception.
Our weddings are a lot different than the rest of the country:
Toasts rarely take place at the wedding reception. Sit down dinners are even more rare.  Also in many other parts of the country it’s common to have a 2 hour photo session or cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception which is the perfect opportunity to edit footage for the Same Day Edit.

In NOLA, an entire wedding from ceremony start time to the end of the reception typically takes place in a 4 1/2 hour timespan and despite our easy going attitude in the deep south, there is such an emphasis on expediency on the wedding day that the bridal party actually has a police escort to clear the way for transportation to the reception venue.

That being said, Emily and Ron Paul’s wedding was far from the standard wedding in New Orleans. We were able to film and edit this Same Day Edit video for the couple which was then played on Club XLIV’s flatscreen televisions at the reception.

Their reactions were priceless and can be seen in photographs captured by the amazingly talented Brandon O’Neal Photography:

Doing a Same Day Edit is an exhilarating experience. I liken it to playing music in front of an audience, only instead of using musical instruments we use our cameras, lenses and laptop. Throughout the day as we’re filming, we’re simultaneously downloading and organizing footage. Once all of the footage that would be used in the Same Day Edit was downloaded, we had 1.5 hours to complete the edit.

It was such a great feeling knowing that we were not just there to document and preserve this family’s memories for generations to come. By capturing and presenting the Same Day Edit, we were actually able to add to the experience of everyone in attendance that night.

We did it with the help of Jennie Keller of  Weddings in the City by Jennie who meticulously planned and coordinated every aspect of this wedding flawlessly. There are so many wonderful wedding planners in this city and Jennie and her team are exceptional at putting together events that exude class and sophistication.

Lastly I have to thank our team of shooters including Terry Taravella, Gary Marino, Jeana Crosby Taravella, and assistant Erin St. Pierre England. We’re lucky to have such dedicated team players who strive to go all out and put forth maximum effort all the while focusing on not being obtrusive at the event.
-Joe Taravella

Pictured from left to right- Joe Taravella, Jeana Crosby Taravella, Terry Taravella, Gary Marino.

Emily + Ron Paul’s vendors for the wedding day:
Arnaud’s Restaurant | Rehearsal Dinner
Acme Oyster House | Rehearsal Party
Hyatt Regency Hotel | Bride and Groom hotel rooms
Immaculate Conception Church | Ceremony
Club XLIV ⎸ Champion Square | Reception
Weddings in the City by Jennie ⎸ Wedding Planner
Brandon O’Neal Photography ⎸ Photographer
Flawless Bride ⎸ Hair + Makeup
The Mixed Nuts ⎸ Band
The Royal Cakery ⎸ Cakes
Bella Blooms ⎸ Floral
John’s Tuxedos ⎸ Menswear
Graceful Event Productions ⎸ Candy Table