House of Blues Wedding | New Orleans | Todd & Carlene

Arte by Doug & CheyAnne

In typical Carlene and Todd fashion their engagement party was “Rock-n-Roll Formal” and to take place in downtown New Orleans at the Parish Room in the House of Blues.  Doug and I were attending as their paparazzi to document the party and celebrations.  This was the second weekend in a row that we were a part of friend’s events, and we couldn’t have been more thrilled!  The evening started at the hotel as they got ready — Carlene’s dress was way beyond Rockstar — it glittered and shimmered with every slice of light that hit it.  When they stepped out of the hotel with us following them — people probably really did think they were celebrities!  They sure looked the part!  Fuji (we call Todd Fuji!) would not be outdone by Carlene — his boots were incredible, the shirt fantabulous, and the mariachi pants — pardon my french — kicked ass!

They had scheduled a dinner for the two of them at Mr. B’s before the festivities started.  We sat several tables away to give them privacy, but still got our few paparazzi style photos in.  Once we arrived at the Parish Room things got underway quickly.  The couple spent the first hour greeting people, and then they snuck off for a clothes change.  Their best friends got on stage to begin a toast.  And then…Carlene and Todd stepped onto stage and wowed their crowd of family and friends.  Carlene was dressed an an amazing red gown, and Todd stepped out in his Marine dress blues. But wait….before Todd went to change he had  a fu manchu mustache –when he stepped out he was clean shaven!  It was in those 15 seconds or so that reality set in for the 225 guests in attendance.  This was no longer an engagement party — this just turned into a surprise wedding!!!  EPIC!  I know all the screams were just as much for Carlene’s dress, Todd’s dress blues — the fact that they had all been duped and this was a wedding, and because Todd went and shaved!

The ceremony was one of the most down to earth ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed because it was so off the cuff.  Carlene was more giddy than we’ve ever seen her!  I was laughing and nearly crying behind my camera the whole time.  How could I not when she corrected Trey with Todd’s name, “umm Mr. Major Hottiemoto.”  (His last name is Fujimoto and he’s a Major.)  And when Trey asks Todd is he takes Carlene as his wife, Todd responded, “with my whole heart.”  Awwwww!  Are you kidding me?!  Amazing!!

The rest of the night was a blur for everyone as we all partied and celebrated their union the rest of the night.  Our friends most popular hangout is the Boondock Saint, so it’s only natural the road would end there at the end of the night.  We couldn’t be more happy with their collection of photos.  We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!  It’s something a little different from our normal stuff, so let us know what you think!  Enjoy!