Malcolm & Jena’s Wedding at Crystal Events in Kenner
Malcolm Garrett and Jena Perez celebrated their wedding with both the ceremony and reception at Crystal Events in Kenner, Louisiana. Their celebration brought the two main parts of the wedding together at one venue in Jefferson Parish, just outside New Orleans.
I photographed Malcolm and Jena’s wedding as part of my work with couples throughout the New Orleans area. Having the ceremony and reception at the same location gives the photography plan a useful starting point: we can follow the transition between the two without building a drive into that part of the schedule.
If you’re planning a wedding in Kenner or the surrounding area, explore my New Orleans wedding photography services → for coverage options, pricing and availability.
Crystal Events: A Wedding Venue in Kenner
Crystal Events is a Kenner venue known for its crystal chandeliers and New Orleans-inspired style. Its wedding offerings include reception services and a bridal suite, giving couples several parts of their celebration to discuss with one venue team.
For photography, I look at how a venue will work throughout the day: where the ceremony takes place, which backgrounds work for portraits, and how the reception lighting affects photographs of people and details.
Crystal Events is also included in my New Orleans wedding venue guide, where I share venue context and photography considerations for couples comparing locations across the area.
One Location for the Ceremony and Reception
For couples following Malcolm and Jena’s approach, keeping the ceremony and reception together removes one location change from the timeline. There is no separate reception address for guests to navigate after the ceremony.
It still helps to plan the transition carefully. Family photographs, couple portraits and reception preparations can all compete for attention during that interval. Knowing when the reception begins—and who needs to stay nearby for portraits—helps keep the photography organized.
When planning coverage, I also ask about access to the reception space before guests enter. That can provide an opportunity to photograph the room and its details while everything is still arranged for the celebration.
Making Time for Wedding Portraits
Even when everything happens at one venue, portraits deserve their own place in the schedule.
I recommend identifying the family groupings that matter most beforehand, then allowing separate time for photographs of the couple. A clear list helps us gather the right people and gives everyone a better idea of what happens after the ceremony.
My approach combines direction for the photographs that need organizing with room for natural expressions and interaction. The goal is to create portraits that feel comfortable while keeping the couple connected to their wedding day.
Photographing the Reception
A reception changes the pace of wedding coverage. Alongside any planned entrances, dances or traditions, I watch for conversations, expressions and the people sharing the celebration.
Before a wedding, I ask couples which reception moments they are including and whether anything personal or unexpected is planned. That conversation helps me prepare for the moments they most want remembered.
For a celebration at a single venue, the photography still needs variety: wider views to establish the setting, portraits that give attention to the couple, and closer photographs of the people and details around them.
Wedding Venue and Photography Credits
Couple: Malcolm Garrett and Jena Perez
Ceremony and reception: Crystal Events, Kenner, Louisiana
Photography: Chad Populis Photography
Explore More Real New Orleans Weddings
See Dajasia and Treval’s Taravella Manor wedding in Marrero and Ramonica and Kevin’s Treme Market Branch wedding for more wedding stories from around the area.
You can also browse my featured real weddings → to explore different venues, timelines and approaches to wedding photography.
Available for Publication — Online + Print
Editors interested in featuring Malcolm and Jena’s Crystal Events wedding can get in touch to discuss photographs, wedding details and photographer crediting.
Please direct publication inquiries and image-use requests to my photography contact page →.
Planning a Wedding at Crystal Events?
If you’re planning a wedding at Crystal Events or elsewhere in Kenner, I’d be glad to hear about your day. Share your wedding date, venue and photography priorities so we can discuss coverage around your plans.
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