About Ibay Photography

New Orleans' All-Inclusive Elopement Specialists

Marcia Ibay

Founder | Lead Photographer | Elopement Planner

BIG WELCOME!

For 11+ years, I’ve helped couples ditch the wedding stress for something better…a fun and deeply personal New Orleans elopement.

I used to shoot big weddings—the kind with ballroom chaos and very little soul. I was burnt out until a “panic call” changed everything. A couple canceled their 160-person wedding in their hometown to elope in New Orleans in just four days. No guests. No fluff. Just them under a live oak. The bride even sang her vows with Tina Turner’s help (full-body chills).

We ended the elopement at Café Du Monde for a surprise gender reveal. While the couple turned around, their officiant mixed a secret envelope of blue sugar into their bag of powdered sugar…shook the bag and handed it over—seeing the joy on their faces as they discovered they were having a boy was the perfect reminder that these authentic moments are what truly matter!

elopement with suprise gender reveal in city park new Orleans

Since then, I’ve focused exclusively on elopements and vow renewals. As my business has grown, so has my vision. I’ve expanded Ibay Photography into a small, elite collective of photographers who share my “Moments First” philosophy.

Whether I am personally with you on your day or you are working with one of my trusted associates, I remain your Creative Director—personally hand-editing every image to ensure it meets my signature “Ibay Look.” This allows us to say “yes” to more love stories without ever sacrificing the boutique, high-touch experience I’m known for.

NOLA Born & Raised I know this city like my morning coffee: strong and non-negotiable. As an unapologetic Type A planner (full Scorpio alert!), I love a backup plan. I will 100% build you a custom timeline that actually gives you space to breathe.

Let’s talk through it together.

What You Can Expect?

I treat your elopement like it’s my own – organized, intentional and built to actually flow. Dependable, transparent and always ready with a backup plan.

Timeless, cinematic, and full of character – like New Orleans herself. I’ll guide you just enough so it still feels like you.

Making things easy, knowing every hidden gem in this city and handling chaos like a boss – and making even the most camera-shy couples feel like naturals.

Want a no-fluff day that’s actually FUN! The kind who ditch traditions and care more about the moment than the production.

Marcia Ibay - Owner of Ibay Photography and Elope to Nola
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Elopements

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Years Experience

Krislyn Fraser

Assistant Photographer | Creative Director in Training | Live Wedding Artist

Krislyn is our in-house creative…and yep, she’s also my daughter.
Most parents teach their kids life skills. Mine? She’s out here teaching me how to level up & see the world with more depth and style.

She’s currently studying Visual Arts at NOCCA (the only pre-professional arts conservatory in Louisiana) and already brings a fresh creative perspective to every shoot we do.

Whether she’s second-shooting elopements or sketching live wedding portraits while guests sip champagne, Krislyn adds an eye for beauty, balance and the little details most people miss.

She’s drawn to expressive couples. The ones who love color, character, kindness & aren’t afraid to be a little extra. Her style blends emotion with aesthetic, softness with structure and always has that art-school flair (yes, she’s probably in full Lolita fashion on her days off and sketching floral composition studies on any given Sunday).

Bottom line? She sees your story differently and beautifully.

What Sets Her Apart

She captures in-between moments, the candid laugh, the quiet glance, the perfect angles.

Editorial meets ethereal, with a focus on emotion and authenticity. Insightful, grounded, and a born leader. We just call her magic.

Krislyn Fraser, an artist & photographer with Ibay Photography, carefully creates a curated drawing of a couple who eloped in New Orleans, capturing the unique magic and charm of their special day through her detailed artistry.

Authentic. Unscripted. Yours.

We’re not just here to snap pretty pictures – we’re here to tell your story, your way. Our job is to capture the energy, the style, and the emotions that make your day yours.

The couples we vibe with most? They’re kind, creative, and know that tradition is only worth keeping if it actually means something to them. They love great style, appreciate aesthetics, and draw inspiration from timeless fashion. Their elopement isn’t about putting on a show – it’s about creating an experience that reflects who they are: adventurous, stylish, and unapologetically unique.

They’re not stressing over champagne walls or seating charts – they’re too busy soaking in the moment, making memories, and actually enjoying the day they’ve been dreaming about. They treat people with love and respect, prioritize their families, and know that the real magic happens when you stop sweating the small stuff and focus on what matters most…each other.

If that sounds like you, then let’s connect. We can’t wait to hear your story.

Couple shares a kiss behind their wedding cake after cutting it during their City Park elopement in New Orleans.

Welcome to Ibay Photography, a female-led elopement team specializing exclusively in New Orleans elopements and intimate weddings. Since 2014, owner Marcia Ibay, has personally planned and photographed over 375 elopements across the French Quarter, City Park, Tree of Life and beyond. We are known for our all-inclusive planning assistance and delivering timeless, cinematic photography.

Elope to NOLA – Serving couples from New Orleans & around the world!

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