Here’s what to know about including your pet in your wedding festivities
FLOWER POWER
New Orleans couples are opting for bold, nontraditional blooms
PRIMPING & PRE-GAMING
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ON THE COVER: Jack and Emma Da Via with flowers by Cry Baby Floral and their dog Tuna.
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CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Dora Sison
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CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS | Emma Da Via, Maria Boue, Gavin Donaldson, Scott Forsythe, Tiana Watts, Jasmyne White
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Fur -everAfter
rHere’s what to know about including your pet in your wedding festivities
BY KAYLEE POCHE
PET OWNERSHIP CHANGES A PERSON. It teaches you responsibility, patience and, most of all, an unconditional, cringe-embracing kind of love.
It hits you out of nowhere. One day you’re rolling your eyes at a “dog mom” hat. Then, before you know it, you’re commissioning a custom oil portrait of your pet from an artist of Etsy and setting up social media accounts for them in hopes they’ll go viral and the world will become as obsessed with them as you are.
Once you reach this inevitable phase, it becomes pretty obvious to many couples that they simply wouldn’t feel right tying the knot without involving their pet in some form or fashion.
Lizzie MB Frederick, lead wedding planner and designer at Uncommon Camellia in New Orleans, says she’s noticed a recent uptick in people incorporating pets in their wedding festivities, whether it’s having them be a part of the ceremony or naming a drink special after them.
“Oftentimes, people these days are getting married later, having children later, and pets really are our children and are a big part of people’s families,” Frederick says. “So they want to make sure that they can honor them in a way, especially if they can’t physically be there in person."
A couple poses with Fatheads of their cats at their wedding.
PHOTO BY LINKA ODOM PHOTOGRAPHY
Lizzie MB Frederick and her dog Sophie on Frederick’s wedding day
PHOTO BY GABRIELLE HAIL PHOTOGRAPHY
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Fur -ever After
Consider your pet’s temperament
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO INVOLVE YOUR PET IN YOUR WEDDING CELEBRATION, you’ll first want to consider their personality.
Involvement in the ceremony, like as a ring bearer or flower dog, is typically more well-suited to social dogs who are also well-behaved.
Meanwhile, more anxious pets may do better in a quick photo session pre-ceremony.
That’s what Ashley Meyer, owner of Nola Darlings Photography, did when she and her partner got married in 2022. They had a friend bring their two dogs Honeybee and Darla, as well as a pup they were fostering at the time named Chicken Nugget, to join them outside Hotel Peter & Paul. A photographer snapped a few pictures.
“It was really quick, probably 5-10 minutes of the photos with us holding all the dogs, and it was pretty easy-peasy,” Meyer says. “One did try to, as soon as she saw us, make a break for it
toward us and jumped out of the vehicle, which was kind of funny. But it was really sweet.”
Then their friend brought the dogs home, and the couple continued on with their day.
“It just felt natural to have them be a part of it too, especially because one dog I had before me and my partner met and then the other dog we got together,” Meyer says. “So it’s also sort of a part of our love story.”
If even a short photoshoot sounds like a lot for your pet, there are also ways to include them in your big day without
them physically being there.
Frederick says the most popular ways people do that are naming drink specials after their pet, sometimes featuring a watercolor portrait on the bar’s signage, or getting a Fathead, an enlarged photo of their pet’s face on a stick, that guests can dance with and hold in photos.
Ceremonial figures
IF YOU DECIDE YOUR PET IS UP TO THE TASK of physically being a part of your wedding, both
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Ashley and Tyler Meyer on their wedding day with dogs (left to right) Honeybee, Darla and Chicken Nugget
PHOTO BY MALORIE WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
Tuna walks down the aisle at Emma and Jack Da Via’s wedding.
PHOTO BY TRAVEN STOUT / GRIS GRIS PHOTOGRAPHY
Frederick and Meyer recommend hiring someone to be in charge of your pet for the night, from delivery to taking them home and pet-sitting them.
Your pet-loving relatives or friends may ofer themselves up for the job, but they say it’s best to leave that up to a professional so that everyone can enjoy the night.
“You want your wedding party or your family to be able to be fully present with you on your wedding day,” Frederick says.
For her own wedding in 2021, Frederick had her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Sophie, assume the role of flower dog. She attached floral to Sophie’s collar but
pet doesn’t get itchy and try to scratch of the flowers.
Frederick had her mom walk her down the aisle, and her dad walked Sophie down the aisle. They also hired someone to take Sophie back to their house.
Sophie has since passed, making it all the more special she was at the wedding.
“She really just loved people, and so everyone was happy to play with her until she went away,” Frederick says.
Meyer photographed a friend’s backyard wedding
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Tuna at Emma and Jack Da Via’s wedding
PHOTO BY TRAVEN STOUT / GRIS GRIS PHOTOGRAPHY
in Austin where the dog was the ring bearer and carried the rings attached to its collar. The dog’s chill demeanor paired with the intimate nature of the wedding made it a good fit.
“It was really easy to have her be the ring bearer (in that environment) versus something that was maybe more structured because they were able to go with the flow,” Meyer says.
Similarly, last winter Frederick had a client who made their bulldog the ring bearer. The groom harnessed the rings onto the dog. It worked for them. But Frederick advises giving the actual rings to a responsible member of the wedding party, rather than a child or pet.
“Give them a box and make them think that there are magical rings in there, but it’s a little too dangerous, especially when there’s air vents and things like that at some of these venues,” she says.
All in all, it’s all about finding what you’re most comfortable with so you can be at ease on your wedding day.
“If it’s important to include them, find a way to do it,” Meyer says. “But you know your animal best, you know yourself best, and you don’t want to add stress to that day in any way.”
Amelia Albert dances with Fatheads of her cats at her wedding.
PHOTO BY LINKA ODOM PHOTOGRAPHY
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Power Flower
New Orleans couples are opting for bold, nontraditional blooms
BY SARAH RAVITS
TROPICAL
FRUITS, PHALLIC FLOWERS, MUSHROOMS and even blinged-out citruses are taking over wedding florals, replacing traditional roses and other more demure blooms.
Wedding vendors and event planners are seeing a major shift away from formal and conventional elements, and florals are no exception. But then again this is New Orleans, where celebrations can be whimsical and even a little weird.
“People are leaning more into a nontraditional bridal look with asymmetry and looseness,” says Jessica DeFraites, director of creative design and development at Urban Earth Studios, which specializes in wedding, event and floral designs.
Many of her clients approach her with photos of arrangements they like, and often there’s not a rose or tulip in sight.
“They’re like, ‘Look at these fun, funky things,’ ” she says. “It’s kind of all over, but the unstructured look is just what locals are looking for,” she says. “And that’s been happening on a national level.”
She gets a lot of requests for anthuriums these days. “It’s a heart-shaped, very phallic flower,” she says with a laugh, adding. “It’s OK for things to be a little weird.”
Floral designers also are seeing requests for produce being incorporated into the decor.
“What we’re seeing already is a big influence of the use of fruits and vegetables,” DeFraites
Wedding decor can incorporate multiple varieties of flowers or highlight standalone blooms.
Many couples are opting for non-traditional bouquets, with organic looks and textures
says. She’s lately been incorporating seasonal fruits that are bedazzled, painted or cut in half and styled into floral arrangements.
Jacqui Roche, co-owner of Cry Baby Floral, says the days of “roundy-moundy” bouquets and arrangements are all but gone, and like DeFraites, she says a more organic, less polished look is in right now.
Personal styles run the gamut, of course, and not everyone wants a cornucopia of produce.
Some couples are opting for more understated looks, like picking a single type of flower and highlighting it as a centerpiece of a bouquet or an installation.
Roche says she’s also seen an uptick in requests for anthuriums, but says calla lilies, diferent types of daisies and blooms that add texture are also popular right now. And peonies are still a common request.
Couples are incorporating fruit and plants like anthuriums into their florals.
Both say that bold colors are especially in right now.
Clients are now looking for “primary colors and saturated hues,” Roche says. She recently designed florals for a wedding that were a monochromatic, bold red color scheme for a Valentine’s Day wedding.
“You used to think of the bride in white, and blush and bashful as the majority of the color scheme,” says Urban Earth’s DeFraites. “Now we’re seeing bold tones even in the spring.”
Planning ahead
New Orleans lends itself to spontaneous celebrations, and DeFraites says it’s always been a hot spot for smaller weddings and elopements that call for less formal elements.
“I think that the boho chick look has always kind of been a vibe in New Orleans,” she says. “People run away and get married here ... We’ve had microweddings for a long time. People are like, ‘Hey, let’s go for the weekend and get married.’ ”
Still, she cautions that details matter, and it’s important to plan ahead and come up with a budget – even if the overall look and feel of the wedding is eclectic.
There aren’t any firm rules around budgeting
PHOTO BY KATE ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY / PROVIDED BY CRY BABY FLORAL
PHOTO BY KRISTIN SOILEAU / PROVIDED BY CRY BABY FLORAL
PHOTO BY
KATE ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY / PROVIDED BY CRY BABY FLORAL
for florals, but DeFraites says to always think about the scale of the wedding, and especially the size of the venue.
For clients who are booking bigger venues and have a larger guest list, she recommends working with a florist about a year, or even more, in advance. And don’t be shocked by the price tag.
“If you are getting married at the New Orleans Museum of Art, we all know it’s a huge space,” she says. “Don’t come to a designer and say, ‘I only have a grand for flowers.’ If you’re spending a considerable amount on a large venue and catering but then you’re going to scrub down the decor, you’re not doing justice to the venue, yourself or the event.”
The scale of the wedding also determines the timeline for preparations, especially because most vendors require deposits throughout the planning process.
“If you know you’re having a 350-person wedding, don’t wait for six months beforehand and then be shocked by the cost,” says DeFrites. “If it’s a big wedding, you need to plan further in advance.”
For those who aren’t planning a blowout ceremony and reception, Roche of Cry Baby Floral says some of her clients are cutting costs
Fur -ever After FlowerPower
overall by not having bridesmaids or groomsmen parties, and keeping the ceremonies more intimate.
That relieves them of having to provide bouquets for all the wedding VIPS. But it also opens up the opportunity to focus on creating show-stopping floral backdrops, centerpieces and installations that everyone can enjoy.
“We always advise people to think of ‘impact’ moments. You don’t necessarily need a bud vase on every surface. You can take a cascading cake table or an altar versus having little flowers everywhere,” she says.
A good floral backdrop also helps enhance photographs of moments that fly by quickly.
Roche says that installations can often be repurposed from the ceremony for the reception.
“People will have a ceremony that is only 20-30 minutes long,” Roche says. “But it’s usually the most photographed moment and the thing you think about the most (afterward). The backdrop is important.”
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Fruits and natural elements like mushrooms can be incorporated into the florals.
PHOTO BY WILDHIVE PHOTOGRAPHY / PROVIDED BY CRY BABY FLORAL
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PLANNER
LOCAL VENDORS TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR BIG DAY
THE CANNERY
The Cannery is a modern, versatile event space in MidCity New Orleans, just two blocks of the Carrollton Streetcar line. Create the wedding of your dreams in their fully customizable 12,000 square foot venue that features in-house LED lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system and ample secured, of-street parking among other amenities. Venue rental rates include use of the entire facility for 3 hours, tables, chairs and linens as well hand-passed Prosecco for your guest entrance and so much more. The Cannery ofers fully customizable catering packages through their in-house caterer, Toulouse Gourmet Catering. Schedule a tour today: cannerynola.com
THE COUNTRY CLUB
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Annunciation Restaurant, neighborhood fine dining in the heart of the Warehouse District, is the ideal spot for enjoying skillfully crafted cocktails, fine wines and an assortment of classic and contemporary Cajun and Creole dishes. We are conveniently located within walking distance of the New Orleans Convention Center and a short drive from the world-famous French Quarter. Don’t miss dishes include our Chef’s Choice Ravioli with House made pasta, Gulf Fish Capri with fresh artichoke, tomato, and capers, and our Softshell Crab Monica. Cocktails are equally impressive and include concoctions like Southern Smash 2.0 featuring cognac has the highlighted liquor. Private event dining is available.
NOLA GIFTS & D É COR
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DRYBAR
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NOLAVORE
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FEDERICOS
When choosing flowers for your wedding day an eye for details is essential. That’s why the staf at Federico’s Family Florists have been a preferred florist when it comes to one of the most important days of your life. From bouquets you will treasure to centerpieces that will impress flowers are the added touch to highlight the beauty of the day.
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MISI
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MOTHER’S
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LUCKY DOG
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THE PARLOR AT THE PONTCHARTRAIN
At The Parlor at the Pontchartrain, we are experts in curating unforgettable weddings and events. Located in the Lower Garden District, nestled in The Pontchartrain Hotel, our venue ofers an enchanting backdrop for your special occasion. With exquisite catering options by the acclaimed chefs of Jack Rose and cocktails from our award-winning Hot Tin bar team, every event promises an unforgettable dining experience. Our expansive 2,790 square foot event space comfortably accommodates up to 200 guests, providing a versatile venue with a timeless ambiance. Discover more at theparlornola.com. We look forward to hosting your special day!
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The newly renovated Audubon Clubhouse by Dickie Brennan is an enchanting venue for intimate weddings, cocktail receptions, and dinners. Surrounded by the magnificent Louisiana oak trees & lagoon in Audubon Park, the Clubhouse features a charming southern wrap-around porch and elegant hardwood floors. Its versatile design, with a spacious dining area and private rooms, adapts seamlessly to various group sizes, making it the perfect setting for your special day. AudubonClubhouse.com
BEYOND THE BAR
Beyond the Bar is New Orleans’ premier luxury mobile bar, standing out as the top choice for couples seeking an unparalleled second line drink experience. Renowned for its authentic New Orleans vibes, our mobile bar combines tradition with a tailored beverage selection, ensuring an unforgettable celebration. With a commitment to professional service, flexibility, and customization, Beyond the Bar transforms your beverage experience. Elevate your special day with the epitome of luxury and the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans. Choose Beyond the Bar for a wedding experience that transcends expectations and captures the essence of this vibrant city.
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COMPASS POINT EVENTS
Located just minutes from the heart of Downtown New Orleans, Compass Point envelopes the history of our culturally rich city through its diverse architecture. Boasting six uniquely diferent Creole Cottages and our grand Acadian Mansion, Compass Point is quaint village within our fabulous city. Let us help you create a once in a lifetime experience for you on your most special day. We will work with you making your dreams and ideas come to life through your event. Compass Point Events can accommodate your wedding under our majestic oaks complete with an outdoor dance floor and string lights or an elegant afair in our picturesque mansion. www.compasspointevents.com.
TCHEFUNCTE’S
For a truly unforgettable wedding celebration, Tchefuncte’s in Madisonville ofers a seamless and memorable dining experience. With stunning views of the Tchefuncte River, couples and their guests can expect exceptional service, customized menus, and wine pairings. The elegant settings, including the Wine Room, Captain’s Room, Riverview Rooms, Madisonville Events Center, and Outdoor Terrace, provide the perfect backdrop to elevate your special day and create lasting memories. Learn more at tchefunctes.com
EVENT ESPRESSO
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BACKYARD PRINTING
Help celebrate your wedding or special event with a second line. Backyard Printing ofers custom decorated umbrellas and printed second line handkerchiefs to help make your event stand out. Visit our website to view the selection of several handkerchief designs and custom decorated umbrellas at www.secondlinehandkerchiefs.com
NEYOW’S PALACE
Neyow’s Palace is a lively reception hall in the heart of New Orleans. We provide a great atmosphere and look forward to hosting your next special occasion! In our main floor we ofer accommodations for up to 180 people. On the second floor we can accommodate up to 250 guests. We have a variety of hors d’oeuvre, appetizers and a full catering menu. Check out our photo gallery and catering menu at www.neyowspalace.com.
NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY
New Orleans & Company, the city’s ofcial destination marketing organization, ofers FREE services to make your wedding unforgettable! We help with venue and vendor connections, group hotel rates, and New Orleans brochures for your guests. With its stunning architecture, oak-lined streets, and European charm, New Orleans is the perfect wedding destination. Our wedding specialist provides resources to simplify planning, and our complimentary city guide is filled with valuable information to get you started. Let us help bring your dream wedding to life! Contact Lisa Ochomogo at LOchomogo@ NewOrleans.com or (504) 566-5065 to begin planning.
TOULOUSE GOURMET
From simple to lavish, Toulouse Gourmet Catering works closely with each couple to create gourmet menus for all types of wedding events. Whether you’re planning an intimate event and need drop-of catering or a grand bash that requires full-service catering, our event team will craft the menu of your dreams, customized to your needs and preferences. Let us take care of all your wedding catering needs, from your rehearsal dinner to party trays while getting ready and of course, your wedding reception! Catering and beverage packages are available.
Contact us for more information: toulousegourmet.com
CHATEAU GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Chateau Golf & Country Club is the perfect place for events in the Kenner and New Orleans area. Chateau’s majestic rooms are available for Weddings, Milestone Celebrations, Corporate Events, Cocktail Receptions, Banquets, Golf Outings, Showers & Teas and much more. Our team is ready to work with you to meet every need for your special day. Whether that includes selecting the right menu or the perfect room, our team is here to ensure every detail is perfect.
Contact us at EVENTS@CHATEAUGCC.COM or (504) 467.1351 for more information.
CHUCK’S ON THE AVENUE
Discover the heart of New Orleans at Chuck’s on the Avenue, home to the world’s first wedding chapel inside a liquor store! Here, every drink is a celebration, every toast marks a special moment, and every experience creates lasting memories—embodying the true spirit of the Big Easy. Exciting events are on the way, including our exclusive Wine and Whiskey Tastings in the Tasting Room. Open seven days a week, with wedding packages starting at just $500. There’s no better way to celebrate!
