As wedding photographers based in New Orleans, Ben and I have had the pleasure of capturing love stories in some of the most breathtaking venues across the region. Today, we want to share our experience and insights about one of our absolute favorite locations: Maison Lafitte in Old Mandeville.

A Step Back in Time

When we first arrived at Maison Lafitte, we were immediately struck by its timeless charm. This historic antebellum-style venue, built in the late 1800s, stands as a testament to the rich architectural heritage of Louisiana. Known previously as the Moore House and Johnson House, Maison Lafitte has been lovingly restored and transformed into a premier event space that perfectly blends old-world elegance with modern amenities.

The Perfect Canvas for Your Love Story

As photographers, we’re always on the lookout for venues that offer a variety of stunning backdrops for our couples. Maison Lafitte doesn’t disappoint. The property features 4,000 square feet of indoor space, a wrap-around porch that screams Southern charm, and a beautiful open-air pavilion that seamlessly connects to the main house.

The Pavilion

Let’s talk about that pavilion for a moment. At 2,600 square feet, it’s spacious enough to accommodate large gatherings while still feeling intimate. What we love most about it is its versatility. With optional panels, it can be adjusted to suit any weather condition, making it a dream for us photographers who often worry about lighting and rain contingencies.

The pavilion is beautifully lit with bistro lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that translates beautifully in photos. Whether you’re planning a daytime celebration or an evening soirée, this space adapts seamlessly, providing us with endless creative possibilities for your wedding photos.

Picture-Perfect Details

As we explored Maison Lafitte, we couldn’t help but fall in love with the thoughtful details that make this venue so special. Here are some of our favorite features that we always make sure to capture:

The charming gazebo: Perfect for intimate couple portraits or as a backdrop for group shots.

The all-white porch: A classic Southern element that provides gorgeous, soft light for photos.

The large central fireplace indoors: An ideal spot for cozy, romantic shots, especially during cooler months.

The new outdoor patio and fireplace: This addition, lit by bistro lighting, offers a magical setting for evening photos.

Unique furniture and art pieces: These add character and interest to your wedding photos, telling a story beyond just the day itself.

A Bridal Suite with a View

One aspect of Maison Lafitte that we particularly appreciate is the second-level bridal suite. This space not only provides a comfortable area for the bride and her party to prepare but also offers some fantastic photo opportunities. The natural light filtering through the windows creates a soft, flattering glow that’s perfect for those getting-ready shots that our couples cherish.

Versatility for Every Event

While we primarily shoot weddings at Maison Lafitte, it’s worth noting that this venue is incredibly versatile. From engagement parties and rehearsal dinners to corporate events and holiday celebrations, the space adapts beautifully to any occasion. This versatility means that as photographers, we can offer our clients a location that suits not just their wedding day, but potentially other significant events in their lives as well.

Check out some of our other favorite venues in New Orleans:
Elms Mansion
The Southern Hotel
The Ritz
Marche

Amenities That Make a Difference

Now, let’s talk about some of the practical aspects that make Maison Lafitte stand out. As photographers, we appreciate venues that think of everything, and this place certainly does. Here’s a rundown of some key amenities:

• Seating for up to 200 guests with beautiful gold Chiavari chairs
• A variety of table options, including rounds of different sizes
• Custom-built bars and buffet tables
• A selection of elegant furniture pieces that can be used as props or functional seating
• Outdoor bistro and twinkle lights that create a magical atmosphere
• Climate control options including patio heaters and cooling units

One thing we particularly love is the built-in rain plan. The optional panels on the pavilion mean that even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, your outdoor wedding dreams can still come true – and we can still capture those beautiful outdoor shots you’ve been dreaming of.

A Turnkey Experience

From a photographer’s perspective, one of the best things about Maison Lafitte is how it offers a turnkey experience. With so many built-in amenities and decor options, couples can create their dream wedding without the stress of coordinating multiple vendors for every little detail. This means less stress for you and more opportunities for us to capture genuine moments of joy and celebration.

Our Tips for Making the Most of Your Maison Lafitte Wedding

Having shot numerous weddings at this beautiful venue, we’ve gathered some tips to help you make the most of your Maison Lafitte experience:

Take advantage of the various spaces: Plan your timeline to utilize different areas of the venue throughout the day. This gives us the opportunity to capture a diverse range of photos.

Consider the lighting: The natural light at Maison Lafitte is beautiful, especially on the porch and in the pavilion. Consider this when planning your ceremony and reception times.

Don’t forget the details: With so many beautiful built-in elements, make sure to allow time for us to capture the unique details of the venue alongside your personal touches.

Utilize the outdoor spaces: The new patio and fireplace area is particularly beautiful in the evening. Consider scheduling some couple portraits during the golden hour to make the most of this magical setting.

Trust the venue’s experience: The team at Maison Lafitte has hosted countless events. Trust their expertise when it comes to flow and logistics.

Our Final Thoughts

As photographers, Ben and I are always thrilled when our couples choose Maison Lafitte as their wedding venue. Its blend of historic charm and modern amenities, combined with its versatile spaces and thoughtful details, make it a joy to photograph.

But beyond its photogenic qualities, what we love most about Maison Lafitte is how it seems to bring out the best in every celebration. There’s something about the warmth of the space, the way the light falls across the porch in the late afternoon, the cozy glow of the fireplaces – it all comes together to create an atmosphere of love and joy that we feel privileged to capture.

If you’re considering Maison Lafitte for your wedding or event, we can’t recommend it highly enough. And if you do choose this beautiful venue, we’d be honored to be there to document every magical moment of your day.