NOLA Wedding Guide Summer 2012

Rockers & Mods

To Rock and Bowl Rock N’ Roll Bride

Summer 2012

LOVE, MARRIAGE AND ROCK & ROLL

Danielle @ 504.442.1743

Brittney @ 504.417.6808

k i s s a n d m a k e u p b e a u t y. w e b s . c o m

Kissandmakeupbeautyservices@gmail.com • www.facebook.com/KissAndMakeupBeautyServices

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[ in this issue ] 9 Bakeries 12 Wise Bride 13 Featured Couple Jermon Bushrod and Jessica Mendez

16 Maid of Honor Duties 17 Venues and Caterers 24 Wedding Announcements 27 Sheer 44 One Family - Three Brides 54 How It All Began Origins 59 Beauty 62 Unique Cocktail Reception 66 Unplugged Weddings 70 Mackie Says

To Stress or Not to Stress...

71 Bridal Wear 77 Rockers and Mods 84 Invitation Decision 88 Church Directory 91 Event Planning 95 Florists 99 Gentlemen Only 111 Honeymoon and Travel 117 Invitations/Supplies 119 Limousines 120 Rock N’ Roll Bride 124 To Rock N’ Bowl 137 Men’s Formal Wear 140 Honka Honka Burning Love 148 Marriage Prep 151 Musicians 155 Photographers 163 New Orleans Saint Malcolm Jenkins and Morrisa Barnes

169 Videographers 174 Directory of Services 177 Budget Planner

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[77]

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[120] www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Troy Marks MANAGING DIRECTOR Suzy Marks CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nonney Oddlokken ART DIRECTOR Ole Oddlokken MARKETING DIRECTOR Jessica Bayard SALES DIRECTOR Valerie Simoneaux SALES EXECUTIVE Jessica Mendez AD DESIGNER Stephany Geiling-Cure SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR Rachel Funel Copy Editor/Social Media Allison Rose

[ cover Image Inspiration ] Our cover is inspired by the Rockers and Mods, they were the conflicting British youth subcultures of the 1960’s. They were deep seeded, arch enemies. Mods were fashion obsessed, wore tailored suits, and drove customized scooters; while, Rockers rode on modified motorcycles and were considered scruffy and uncouth. Both Rockers and Mods would become very influential on all rock music, starting in the UK but having rippling effects on American music as well. Bands from that era, The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones or even Elvis would feel its effects. They may not have gotten along, but together they certainly changed music history as we know it.

NOLA Wedding Guide is published quarterly in January, April, July and October, and distributed in the parishes of Southeast Louisiana. NOLA Wedding Guide is a registered trademark of Troy Marks Media, LLC. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

The advertisers in this publication are solely responsible for offers contained in their advertisements. NOLA Wedding Guide does not guarantee, and is not responsible for, any offers made by any of its advertisers.

I know it’s only ROCK N’ ROLL, But I Like it!

We would like to thank so many of our talented friends for giving us their precious time so generously and helping our visions come to fruition.

Our Models: Teri Wyble, Chip Blalock, Kendall Mickal, Casey Webster, Laura Flannery, Heather Pardew, Ryan “Owl” Dwyer, Thu Vo, Ashley Mayer, Niki Jackson, Brittany Roberts, Brooke Roberts.

Our Makeup Artists who make everyone beautiful, Flawless Bride and Kiss and Makeup Beauty Services. Our Floral Friends: Kim Starr Wise Floral Events, Les Deux Soeurs, Le Grand The Florist , Beth’s Flowers, Eloquent Flowers. Our Videographers: Studio Vieux Carre, Dyle Films.

The dress shops, Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique, Pearl’s Place, Bridal Boutique by MaeMe. Thank you to Southern Oaks Plantation and Rock and Bowl for allowing us to use your great venues for our shoots.

TROY MARKS MEDIA, LLC NOLA Wedding Guide P.O. Box 640218 Kenner, LA 70065 504.469.7141 www.NolaWeddingGuide.com www.TroyMarksMedia.com On the cover: Angela Fonte Boudreaux Photographed by Atelier NOLA

YOU ROCK!!

- Nonney & Ole Oddlokken facebook.com/nolaweddingguide

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twitter.com/nolawedguide

[ letter from the editor ] Rock N’ Roll baby! I am pleased to welcome you to our first rock n’ roll issue. As a professional musician of over twenty years, combining two of the loves of my life, music and the Nola Wedding Guide makes me a happy man. As many of you know, I am the founder and lead singer of Troy Marks and No Idea and have spent the majority of my life making people smile through the magical power of music.

After purchasing this magazine 18 months ago, it was my intention to remake it in a way that would challenge the conventional thinking of what a wedding magazine was. There are simply so many cookie-cutter wedding magazines out there that it was imperative to do something different. I was completely blessed to be able to assemble the staff that I have in order to creatively offer some differing thoughts and alternatives to traditional wedding ideas. Our photo editorials, while offering prospective brides a look at the latest in bridal fashion, hair and makeup etc., are designed to also be entertaining and thought provoking. We don’t just shoot a pretty bride standing in front of a cake. We want to do something that has not been done before. We want to be cutting edge, contemporary, and just a tiny bit dangerous.

To that end, in this issue, we are pleased to introduce you to the Rock N’ Roll Bride. Kat Williams, from the U.K., who started the internationally renowned website Rock N Roll Bride, was kind enough to grant us an interview. I think you will find her amazing. We truly found a kindred spirit in Kat when she chose to run our Steampunk shoot on her blog. We were so honored.

I would really love for some of our local brides to submit their weddings to her website for possible inclusion on her blog. We have some of the most unique, awesome weddings here in New Orleans, and we should definitely showcase them to the world. Look for details in the article.

I am also thankful to be able to run the wedding stories of a couple of New Orleans Saints players. The first of the two are Jermon Bushrod and his beautiful fiancée Jessica Mendez. They were kind enough to come to our office and share their love story. Their story is incredibly romantic and cool. I know that you will enjoy it. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it and writing it.

We have also featured the wedding tale of Malcolm and Morissa Jenkins.

I am extremely intrigued by the concept of the Unplugged Wedding. It is defined by asking your guests to turn off their cell phones, cameras and video cameras and really be present at your wedding. In my opinion, unless you are depending on pictures from your guests it is a great idea. After all, it is your big day. Shouldn’t all of your guests share the experience with you while being fully present, rather than becoming somewhat of an observer as they view the wedding through their viewfinders? It certainly provokes some interesting questions. I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Share your thoughts on unplugged weddings on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NOLAWeddingGuide To the Nola Wedding Guide staff: Suzy and I are so very thankful for all of you. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication.

Happy wedding planning to all! We hope you enjoy the issue.

God Bless,

Troy Marks

Our Rockers and Mods editorial is very interesting as it features a contemporary look at two conflicting British youth subcultures of the early to mid 1960s.

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Stacy Marks Photography

nola wedding guide staff

Rachel Funel Special Events Coordinator

Nonney Oddlokken Creative Director

Suzy Marks Managing Director

Allison Rose Copy Editor/Social Media

Ole Oddlokken Art Director

Troy Marks Publisher/Editor in Chief

Valerie Simonaux Sales Director

Jessica Bayard Marketing Director

Stephany Geiling-Cure Ad Design (not pictured)

[ wedding tales ] Email us for details on how you can have your wedding tale featured in our next issue!

announcements@nolaweddingguide.com Email us or go online for submission details announcements@nolaweddingguide.com See our featured wedding tales

Courtney Shilling and Chris Campagna Page 34

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Ranada Jasmin and Thomas Harris Page 40

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Stephanie Richie and Alan Wust Jr. Page 50

Bridgette Adorno and Ryan Connorton Page 68

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Mary Farrell and Jason Malbrough Page 74

Meggan Dupre and Joseph Ory Page 114

GK Photography

[ bakeries ]

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[ wise bride ]

“Wise Bride” will be a recurring feature in the NOLA Wedding Guide, and includes helpful tips and advice from our “Wise Bride.”

Q: I want to be proper when it comes to our registry.

How do I let my guests know where we have registered? Also, what is your take on honeymoon registries considering I already have a fully stocked house? -Rebecca M. River Ridge, LA.

Stacy Marks Photography

WISE BRIDE: Generally, the way to reveal your registry is on the wedding invitations. However, a current trend is to list the registry on your bridal shower invitations as well. Either option is fine, and no guests should be offended or confused. Honeymoon registries are also great! They are becoming more common now that the average bride is 25-36 years of age and more established.

WISE BRIDE: Do not feel that you are obligated to pay or find transportation for your guests. To greet your guests, and make their stay easier, you could create a nice welcome letter and leave it in their hotel rooms.

On the list include: car rental information, taxi service phone numbers or various transportation options. You may also try to work a deal with the hotel, given the amount of rooms that you have blocked, to see if they will shuttle your guests. But if you do want to provide transportation, many local limo companies provide buses for such occasions.

Q: My fiancé’s family is very small and he is only asking his best man and one groomsmen to stand in our wedding. I have two sisters and two cousins that I want to be in the wedding and I always wanted all four girls in my wedding. Can we have an uneven bridal party? -Jenna T. Metairie, LA

Q: A concern has been raised about inviting my 6-yearold flower girl to the rehearsal dinner. My fiancé’s mother thinks she should not be invited. My parents, on the other hand do. Since my fiancé’s mother is considered the host of the event I am not sure what to do. Who is in charge of making that decision?

-Victoria B. Kenner, LA

North Photography and Video

WISE BRIDE: Great question! There has never been a rule that you need an even bridal party. There are a couple different options you can choose to make this work. You can have one-groomsmen escort two bridesmaids, one on each arm. Or you can have the extra bridesmaids walk alone. Do what thou will!

WISE BRIDE: This is one of those situations where there is no clear rule. The maturity of the child should be considered. If you and your fiancé agree that she should be at the dinner (because after all she will be at the actual rehearsal and wedding) maybe you can approach his mother together and state your case calmly. Communication trumps all. In a stalemate, go with your wishes.

Q: More than half of my wedding guests are flying in from out of town and most of them are coming a day early. I have over 50 rooms blocked at a nearby hotel, but do I also have to provide transportation?

-Erin K. New Orleans, LA

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THE LOVE STORY OF: NEW ORLEANS SAINT JERMON BUSHROD AND JESSICA MENDEZ Photography by Stacy Marks www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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[ featured couple ]

By Troy Marks

Jermon Bushrod and Jessica Mendez I

n 2008, the New Orleans Saints were travelling to London to play the San Diego Chargers. Jermon Bushrod, who was drafted by the Saints a year earlier, was thinking about Jessica Mendez. Jessica and Jermon had recently met, exchanged phone numbers, hung out a few times, and enjoyed a fabulous first date at Emeril’s. Their first date also happened to coincide with Jessica’s birthday, which made for a great evening. They stayed in touch through email while he was abroad, and while each having left a strong impression on the other, were uncertain of any future plans. Arriving back in town, Jermon and Jessica resumed dating. It was apparent that despite their initial reservations, things were preceding rapidly. Things were going so well that Jermon texted Jessica, “Va a ser mi chica,” which translates in English to “Will you be my girl?“Jessica said, “Yes” and a courtship began.

The Super Bowl 2009 was to be a huge year for Jermon and Jessica. They had begun living together and their relationship continued to grow. The New Orleans Saints were also on a magical journey toward winning their first Super Bowl. Jessica supported Jermon as, together; they experienced the joy of Jermon becoming a world champion. In Miami, which was the site of the Super Bowl, they marveled at their blessings and continued to look forward to their future together. Dreams were being fulfilled.

2011 was Jermon’s contract year, which means that his contract with the New Orleans Saints was completed, and that he was free to sign with any other team in the N.F.L. This was also the year that the league locked the players out, as the league and the players negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement. When an agreement was finally reached, it left only a few weeks for players to sign new contracts. The stress level was unbearable.

Multiple teams were bidding for Jermon’s services and decisions had to be made quickly. Jermon’s situation made the possibility of re-locating to a new city very real.

Sleepless nights and anxiety filled days were prevalent in their household. Jessica told Jermon, “Wherever you go, I am going.” Once again, Jermon was supported by Jessica and his family and ultimately re-signed with the Saints. It turned out exactly as he was hoping.

New Beginnings The weekend that the Saints played the Rams in St. Louis resulted in a devastating loss. Arriving home, despondent at what would prove to be the worst game of the year, Jessica excitedly informed Jermon that she is pregnant.

They were extremely excited and nervous all at the same time. They were going to be parents. November brought even more exciting news; Jermon had been selected to play in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. Things were happening so quickly.

The Proposal Jermon was going to ask Jessica to be his wife. He had been working with a jeweler to design a one of a kind ring for her, but there was no set date for the ring to arrive. It was New Years Eve weekend and the Saints were playing a home game on New Years Day. Jermon’s family

Meeting the Family As was his tradition, Jermon arranged a dinner for his family at a local restaurant to enjoy the fine cuisine, and to celebrate their reunion. This dinner was also to double as Jessica’s introduction to the Bushrod family. Needless to say, walking in to meet Jermon’s family, which consisted of about twenty people on this trip, was a nerve-wracking experience for Jessica. The Bushrods immediately made her feel welcome, though, and accepted her with open arms. The dinner was a huge success. Things were continuing to progress for the couple.

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was in town and it would be perfect if somehow he could propose over the weekend. Amazingly, as fate would have it, Jermon received a call from the jeweler and picked up the ring on December 30 at 7 p.m. But now what? How would he give it to her?

Jermon called Jessica’s parents, Deborah and Lenny, to ask their permission to marry their daughter. He also wanted to be sure that they would attend the dinner. Since Jessica planned the dinner, Jermon knew it would take her totally by surprise. Emeril’s also held sentimental value for them, as it had been the site of their first official date. Jermon had settled on a plan of action, but it was going to be tricky, as he had to check into the team hotel later that evening. He arranged a limousine for transportation and would meet everyone at the restaurant. the ring and Coach Payton insisted on accompanying Jermon in to meet the families. Arriving at the table, Jermon announced, “Look who I found.” Coach Payton graciously greeted and spoke to every member of Jermon and Jessica’s family. The night was off to a good start.

Jermon was trying to pass out the cards under the table as Jessica sat next to him. She still did not have a clue as to what was about to transpire. As dinner progressed, Jermon was trying to rush things along, as he had to report to the team hotel. He excused himself to go to the restroom, but previously had instructed everyone to begin passing the cards to Jessica upon the arrival of the crème brulee. When the crème brulee arrived, she was surprised and glanced up at everyone quizzically.

Jermon had written down every important date in his and Jessica’s relationship on separate cards. He had come up with six dates and had purchased seven cards. Since both families were there, he figured it would be a great idea to include everyone in the proposal. His plan was to pass the cards down the table to each specific family member without Jessica knowing. At the chosen time, each person would then hand his or her card to Jessica to read out loud.

Upon arriving at Emeril’s, Jermon snuck into the kitchen to take a peek at the crème brulee that had been especially created for Jessica. As he was admiring the great job that had been done, he noticed a familiar face. His head coach, Sean Payton, was seated in a private room in the kitchen eating dinner with his family. Jermon exchanged pleasantries with his coach and then informed him of his plans for the evening. He showed him and his family

Jermon’s father presented Jessica with the first card, for her to read aloud, it started with the date of their first official date together. Brenda, Jermon’s mom, had the second card, which included the date in which their relationship became official. Jessica’s mother, Deborah, had the third card that signified the date that Jermon and Jessica moved in together. Lenny, Jessica’s father, had the fourth card, which held the date of the Super Bowl that they celebrated together. Chris, Jessica’s brother in law, had the fifth card which signified the date that they found out they were expecting. Jessica’s sister, Jennifer, held the sixth card which had the current date of December 31 written on it. The card signified the end of a great year and the start of something brand new.

Peeking In All the while, Jermon was peeking through the crack in the door in an attempt to see how things were progressing.

He wanted to time things just perfectly. Jermon’s sister, Ashley, held the seventh card that simply said, “Turn Around!” As Jessica turned around, Jermon was walking in the room and got on one knee to ask her hand in marriage.

He presented her with the most beautiful engagement ring that she had ever seen. Jessica immediately burst into tears of joy and was so overwhelmed that she could barely mutter, “Is this really happening?” It was a night to remember. Pictures were taken, but alas, Jermon had to get to the team hotel for the next days game. Jessica couldn’t wait to celebrate with Jermon after the game on New Years Day. It was a weekend that they will not soon forget.

They couple plans to get married next year. Together they want to enjoy their engagement and being new parents.

Their new child will be the first grandchild for both families.

They are looking forward to the birth of their first child as well as their wedding.

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[ maid of honor duties ]

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by Troy Marks

[ venues and caterers ]

GK photography www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Ceremonies and more..

3016 S Carrollton Ave Uptown New Orleans (504)861-1700 www.rocknbowl.com photos courtesy of Images by Robert T

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Weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers, etc.

Accommodates gatherings of 30 to 600 people.

Ovations-Messina’s, the building’s exclusive caterer, offers virtually unlimited menu options!

Affordably priced

call now to start planning 504.465.9985

7816 H AYNE B OULEVARD • N EW O RLEANS , L OUISIANA 504.245.8221 • S OUTHERN O AKS P LANTATION . COM FACEBOOK . COM /S OUTHERN O AKS P LANTATION www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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Demitasse Weddings

Stacy Marks Photography

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[ wedding announcements ] March, 2012 Brittany Belanger & Kory Briley Ashley Bordelon & Wayne Ledet Stacy Bourque & Craig Ricks Jennifer Culotta & Brandon Baiamonte Amalie Danielson & Andrew Moller Casey Davis & Lenny Hayes Tiffany Dunson & Jason Theriot Shontrell Gastinell & Michael Clem Margie George & Charles Hamilton Ashley Guidry & Casey Morgan Caroline Grieshaber & Stephen Ashley Adriana Herrera & Aldo Diaz Ricardo Jimenez & Alicia Hernandez Kimberly Ledet & Albert Navarro Kori Sawyer & Jacob Snyder Leslie Taylor & Trey Hardin Brittany Verdin & Dustin Breaux

May, 2012 Lisa Adams & Jeremy Goux Stephanie Bazile & Carl Williams Marco Blaauw and Brittaney Vicknair Mary-Lynn Borne & Corey Jackson Sandy Bourgeois & Thomas Wilson Wendy Bourgoie & Scott Volpi Kristen Dreher & Brian Kleinschrodt Meghan Furlow & Wes Romero Patricia Gallagher & CT “Clifford” Harlan Dawn Kuerley & Michael Schaffer Amanda Moos & Matthew Kdkman Elise Reuter & Kyle McmUllen Chelsea Richard and Richard Rivers Danielle Ropollo & Garret Hartley Samantha Spanja & Gary Overton Rae Toomer & David Dykes Laura Williams & Andrew Brown

October, 2012 Ared M. Anderson & Brianne S. Hunter Stacie Cheramie and Brett Carbo Anissa Eugene & Kevin Coleman, Jr. Tania Freeman & Luke Plummer Carol George & Louis Mollere Lisa Henderson & Michael Pisani Shelly Kasen & Payton Rivet Christine Mlchelli & John Freemen

April, 2012 Christina Cruz & Bobby Odum Jr. Rebecca Bourgeois & Andrew Catalano Jessica Burg & Bradley Little Mary Elfert & Drew Oster Aegina Foto & Tim Begovich Diamielle Griffin & Craig Ransaw Tiyan Hyde & George Matthews Jocelyn Janis & Aaron Henderson Oralee Johnson & Derrick Varnado Christina Lowe & Leonel Muralles Amelia Natal & Kevin Gerken Lauren Pilie & Scott Heard, Jr. Amanda Purdin & Rhein Standish Monique Washington & Otho Nash, Jr.

June, 2012 Allison Baptist & Brian Vega Emily Breaux & Richard Horrath Heather Brignac & Brandan Comeaux Sara Cass & Jeffrey Donegan Anna Coleman & Justin Panter Lauren Dauterive & Thien Tran Jessica DeCorte & Steven Reeg Lisa Dunaway & Robert Fullerton Rachael Elliott & John Carter Amber Glassburn & Kenneth Firmin, Jr. Lyndsie Kivell & Brian Armbruster Charlotte Lin & Barret Dragon Terri Livingston & Patrick Moore Brandi Mannion & Chad LeBouf Kerri Martin & Les Bourgeois Latressa Taylor & Alex Henderson Kimberley Ward & Mike Connor

December, 2012 Crystal Boudreaux & Adam Risinger Jessica DeJean & Carl Vinterella Tenesha Fredericks & Tom Le Margaret Landry & Michael Pernici Bridget LeBlanc & Jason Faucheaux Michelle Mazerat & Sergio Noverola Heather Olivier and Ernest Stephens IV Kelly Ricks & Steven Roark

Stacy Marks Photography

July, 2012 Brittany Bode & Shane Douglas August, 2012 Alanna Johnson & Don Dright Jennifer Trahan & Bobby Morrison Kaycee Wagley & Adam Giglio September, 2012 Jena Bergeron & Cody Dupre Natalie Donnert & Peter Vecchio Jennae Faucheux & Nathan Ruth Susan Mendez & Craig Naquin Courtney Robinette & Christopher Guidry Stacie Marie Steele & Eric Boyd Humble Erin Watson & Joseph Lajoie

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November, 2012 Kristin Clay & Ryan Chabarria Kristen Ferris & Drew Golf Ashley Herman & Brandon Alford Vanessa Miller & Chad Jefferson Heather Olivier & Ernest Stephens IV Chelsea Smith & Robert Hanley Sable Vizier & Scott Hebert

January 2013 Heather Jeffreys & Kevin Farmer MARCH, 2013 Candace Pizzalato & William Turnage April 2013 Ashley Gonsulin & Eric Strain Hannah Fontenot & Kevin Wedge Sarah Dusang & Devin Lovas May 2013 Shannon Rogers & Justin Wilkes June 2013 Rebecca Erwin & Troy Glorioso

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Demitasse Weddings

SHEER Ethereal Hair and Make-up. Celestial Beauty.

Ashley Mayer Deep smokey eye with a subtle pink lip, side swept hair with big lush curls.

Brittany Roberts Natural eye makeup with a touch of color on cheeks and lips, long flowing curls.

Brooke Roberts Neutral toned smokey eyes with a nude lipstick and sleek hair.

Niki Jackson Contoured eyes, natural lip color, glowing bronze skin, half-up, half- down hair, accented with a puff.

Thu Vo Clean winged liner on eyes, rosy pink cheeks and lips, porcelain skin with sleek, sexy updo.

Atelier NOLA photography

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Billiot Photography

“Where the French Quarter Meets the Mississippi...”

Kristy May

Robert Faust Photography

Robert Faust Photography

Studio Tran

David Tompkins Photography

Robert Faust Photography

Nothing says you’re having a “New Orleans” wedding like the Riverview Room. Our location, views and attentive services await your special day.

600 Decatur 4th Level, Jackson Brewery Millhouse New Orleans, LA 70130

504.525.3000

www.riverviewroom.com www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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[ wedding tales ]

Courtney Shilling and Chris Campagna

C

ourtney Shilling and Chris Campagna met while attending Southern Louisiana University. She was in the sorority, Phi Mu and he was in the fraternity, Kappa Alpha. Chris took Courtney on their first date to his fraternity brother’s wedding in New Orleans. They did not think at that time that it would lead to a long-term relationship. Over the years the attraction developed through the great friendship that the couple shared. Courtney says that she and Chris make each other laugh and can really be themselves around each other. But there was a minor set back in the relationship; Courtney was trying to get into nursing school and had to focus more on her grades. Instead of walking away, during this period, Chris wanted to help her achieve her goals. That is when Courtney knew he was different.

Courtney and Chris had been dating for three years when he asked her to marry him on December 23, 2010. Chris was offered a new job and he invited Courtney, his sister and brother in law out to dinner to celebrate. Courtney already knew that Chris was going to propose for Christmas. “He is terrible at keeping secrets,” said Courtney. After dinner at her favorite Baton Rouge restaurant, Chris asked her if she wanted to go see the big Christmas tree downtown. Chris’s sister suggested that they take a picture in front of the tree.

It was a freezing cold night. Courtney just wanted to get the

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picture taken and hurry inside to get warm. Chris started rustling in his coat pockets frantically searching for “something”, Courtney turned to say, “Come on, it’s cold!” As she did, Chris got down on one knee and held out the ring. Chris’s sister captured the entire proposal on camera. He then surprised Courtney by having her entire family together at her aunt’s house to celebrate the engagement night. Courtney recalls that it was perfect, well planned and all during her favorite time of year, Christmas.

Courtney’s mother and sister really helped with the majority of the planning. Chris was living in Baton Rouge, which made it a little difficult for him to help, since the wedding was taking place in New Orleans. Courtney was attending Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge, as well. Chris trusted Courtney’s judgment on most things, but they would sometimes email back and forth for certain decisions. Courtney says her mother was like her planning boss and her sister was like her secretary. She says she could not have had the wedding as smoothly without them. Her mother made all of the decorations that were used at the reception and they were gorgeous. She had no idea that her mother had that talent. Courtney had her fairytale wedding and she felt like a princess, thanks to her mother’s gift.

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Courtney and Chris had a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony on December 17, 2011 at St Clement of Rome church, where Courtney has been a parishioner for the majority of her life. There were ten bridesmaids, ten groomsmen, six junior bridesmaids and one ring bearer. Courtney comes from a very large family and she wanted everyone who was important to her in the wedding. She wanted a modern/classic style for her bridesmaids’ dresses and found the perfect black floor length, one-shoulder dresses at Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique. Courtney chose an Oleg Cassini gown, because she was looking for an Audrey Hepburn timeless look. Her shoes were purchased from The Bridal Boutique by Mae Me.

“

Focus on your marriage and less on the wedding. If at the end of the day you are married to the love of your life, then everything went perfectly according to plan!

”

Courtney said that the most important thing for her to have for the wedding was the photography, since they would have these pictures for the rest of their lives. She knew that she wanted something other than plain, traditional wedding pictures. She was having problems finding what she wanted within her budget. She then met Brenda Sison, from Brenda Sison photography, at a bridal expo. Courtney assumed that Brenda would be out of her budget judging by her sample bride book on display. When she started talking to Brenda she was surprised how “amazingly affordable” she was. Courtney immediately knew that Brenda was the photographer for her.

Courtney says,” Brenda captured every moment and I was so happy with everything. She was truly a blessing to Chris and I. Everyone knows that guys hate to take pictures, but she actually made it really easy for Chris. I love what she does and I am so glad that I found Brenda.”

Courtney and Chris chose the band, No Idea for their reception because they were “so much fun!” says Courtney.

Prior to booking them, Courtney, Chris and her mom went to listen to the band at a local club. They were just going to stay an hour to get a feel for the band, but they ended up staying for three. Courtney says, “They kept my guests dancing and happy. I literally did not stop dancing the entire For her hair, Courtney Chose Shannon Diaz from Up Sa Daisy time and that’s what I told them I wanted when I booked Salon. “I knew Shannon had an art for bridal hairstyles,” says them. Everyone told us after the wedding that the band Courtney, “I knew that she could style the look I wanted. She was awesome and that they really know how to involve actually helped me choose a look that went with my dress. everyone, even the grandparents!”

She wasn’t there to style my hair and move on to the next bride. She listened to what I wanted and gave me advice Ceremony: St. Clement of Rome Church on different looks. She has a lot of experience and wasn’t just Gown: The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe my hairstylist but my therapist on my wedding day. She made Bridesmaids Attire: Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique me feel like a princess. My hair stayed the entire night and I Photography: Brenda Sison Photography did not have to fix it or worry about it.”

Beauty: Up Sa Daisy Salon

Big Easy Limos provided the limos. Courtney was very pleased Transportation: Big Easy Limos with how clean the limos were and that they were on time. Band: Troy Marks and No Idea She says the drivers were awesome, and that she and Chris had a blast taking the party limo bus from the reception to the hotel with their bridal party. www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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[ wedding tales ]

Ranada Jasmin and Thomas Harris

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anada Jasmin and Thomas Harris met in October 2004 at Thomas’ sister’s boyfriend’s house. The boyfriend was one of Ranada’s high school classmates. Ranada was ill and eating some Louisiana style “home remedy” soup. Thomas was dropping off a package to the classmate, noticing Ranada, he commented, “Don’t I look like my sister and why are you eating soup?” He asked the classmate for Ranada’s phone number a few days later, and called to ask her out on a date. The two have been dating ever since.

lives together and the future. As another couple walked past them Thomas told Ranada to ask the couple if they would take a picture of them, with the sunset and ocean as the backdrop. Ranada handed the couple the camera and as she turned around to pose for the picture, she saw Thomas down on one knee with a ring in his hand.

There was only one picture left on the memory card in the camera; Ranada was so concerned with the picture being perfect for memory’s sake, that she forgot to say “yes”. Thomas happily asked the question again.

The couple courted for a total of seven months. Since both Ranada and Thomas are from Louisiana, they shared some of the same customs growing up, like family seafood cookouts. Their first date was even at a seafood restaurant.

They met each other’s families after a few months of dating and a year and a half later, decided to move in together.

They chose the date of November 20, 2011. It was largely based on the availability of the venue. Ranada didn’t realize how far in advance most wedding venues book. They chose to exchange their vows and have their reception all in one place. The Champagne Palace was the perfect place for them as it had a beautiful garden for a ceremony, and was spacious enough to accommodate a large number of guests. Ranada enjoyed the fact that she could replace or remove some of the decor in order to get the look she wanted.

Since Thomas is a high school football and track coach, it was difficult to plan a vacation around his schedule.

In July of 2010, Thomas told Randa that he wanted to take some time off to visit one of her favorite places, Miami’s South Beach. On their first night in South Beach at sunset, they had an intimate conversation about their

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Ranada handled the planning process mainly with her mother at her side for support. Thomas’ main

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The day goes by very fast! Enjoy every moment like it’s your last. Let someone else worry about the details that day because you have been doing all of the planning and worrying prior to the big day; relax and release control! Also, I totally say ‘YES’ to having hair and makeup artists come to you. It was the best decision I made. It takes a lot of the stress away knowing that they are there only for you and your bridesmaids, and not to a salon as well.

”

worry was the budget, but Ranada was able to work with it and still achieve her dream wedding.

they offered a complete fleet at the best prices.

She also raved about their customer service.

Ranada had a specific designer in mind when it came to choosing her wedding dress. Pearl’s Place was the only boutique in town that carried her favorite designer. She wanted a timeless look, but with a modern flare. Ranada said that her consultant at Pearl’s Place was the best since day one; She took direction well and understood exactly what Ranada was looking for in her wedding dress. Ranada also remarked that the staff remembered her name every time she returned for a fitting.

Ranada wanted a theme of simple, timeless elegance.

She wanted the ability to look back at her pictures in years to come and not look dated. Her flowers from Eloquent Flowers definitely helped ensure the timeless effect she was looking for. She chose Royal Cakery for the wedding cake, based on the recommendation of a fellow bride, and was very pleased with how they worked with her theme. Ranada says that the motto of Royal Cakery, “Cake that tastes as good as it looks,” was quite accurate. Her cake not only perfectly fit her theme, but also was beautiful and delicious.

While searching for a photographer, Ranada came across the bridal portraits of a close friend on North Photography’s website. This influenced her decision to go with them tremendously. She liked the way Ryan North paid close attention to every detail and took photos in several different ways. Ranada also enjoyed that North Productions offered videography services as well. It was once again a great experience that reinforced her happiness with her decision.

Ceremony & Reception: The Champagne Palace Gown: Pearl’s Place Photography: North Photography and Video Transportation: A Regal Limousine Flowers: Eloquent Flowers Cake: Royal Cakery

Ranada and Thomas chose to use A Regal Limousine for their special day. Ranada mentioned that www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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[ one family: three brides ] M

ost families have just one wedding to plan and some may have two. But then, there are families like the Jeffreys that are on their third wedding in 4 years! Adele and Mike Jeffreys will watch their third daughter walk down the aisle next January; and they say they have thoroughly enjoyed the planning process of each wedding. Their three daughters, Ashley, 29, Heather, 28, and Erica, 26, all chose New Orleans for their dream wedding destination. The Jeffreys currently live in Hernando, MS, which made the planning process in New Orleans a little tricky at times, but they seemed to make it work each time.

Adele remembers her loving and caring daughters’ personalities as they were growing up. “Ashley was a tomboy, but loved to dance. Everywhere she went, she would dance, even in the aisle of the supermarket.” Ashley was on the Mount Carmel soccer team and the dance team in high school. After high school, she decided to go to the State University of New York

By Jessica Bayard

at Buffalo, which boasted a great dance department.

She graduated with two degrees, one in Dance and one in Communications. About a month before graduating college, Ashley fell in love with Kevin and they were married on June 5, 2010.

Heather was the cautious and motherly child. She would take care of her sisters when they would get hurt. Heather loved to play with makeup and hair. She followed a bit in Ashley’s footsteps by also joining the Mount Carmel soccer and dance teams. Adele said, “Heather was our social butterfly. She has remained friends with girls that she went to grammar school with.

Two of her grammar school friends are actually standing in her wedding.” Heather went to LSU where she

graduated with a degree in Psychology. After graduating, she enrolled in and completed the Paul Mitchell program, and became a hairstylist. She met and fell in love with Kevin after moving to Hernando. They now have a beautiful baby boy, Owen and a beautiful daughter, Honey (Kevin’s daughter). They will be married on January 5, 2013.

Erica was a happy-go-lucky child. Adele recalled, “I think she enjoyed being the baby, although growing up, she kept her sisters in line. We consider her our princess.” Erica does not like to shop, unlike her sisters, and so she would pay them to shop for her clothes and clean her room. Erica would rather read a book than get sweaty on a soccer field. But she did enjoy acting in school plays. Erica also attended LSU, graduating with a degree in English. Erica met and fell in love with Chris while attending LSU. They were married on October 29, 2011.

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where she just approved the choices. Adele added that Heather’s wedding is going smoothly as well, and is a little easier because she is living in the same city.

They are also using some of the same vendors that her sisters used.

Planning The planning process started with Ashley’s wedding.

Ashley and her mother were living in different states: Ashley in Alexandria, VA and Adele in Hernando, MS. With the wedding taking place in New Orleans, it was a challenge for them to set up appointments that fit with their schedules. Erica’s wedding was similar in the fact that she was also out of town planning a wedding in New Orleans. Erica’s only request was that her wedding takes place at a plantation home. She then turned the planning over to Adele and Ashley,

All three weddings used the same invitation company that Adele and Mike used for their wedding 31 years ago. They also used one of Adele’s close friends for the flowers for all three weddings.

Matthew Foster Photography will also be called upon for the third time. Ashley researched photographers for her wedding and the family loved Matthew’s sample photos. Adele added, ”Matt has great ideas and if you have suggestions he listens. He is very patient. I would recommend him to anyone.”

Troy Marks and No Idea will be playing Heather’s wedding, just as they did for Ashley and Erica. Adele said, “Mike, Heather and I attended a wedding where they played and we loved them. They played different genres of music for everyone. We really loved the fact that the band made the reception alive and fun.

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ter dance song for Erica’s wedding, which turned out fantastic!” Another family member getting married this July is also using the band upon recommendation by the Jeffreys.

The Jeffreys’ have great advice for families in the planning process. “First and foremost, remember that it’s their wedding. Each of our girls has different ideas and styles that made them each stand out in their own way. We tried to incorporate this in each of their weddings.” In their unique case, they did ask that their daughters give them at least one year to plan, which gave them time to accumulate their resources. Mike interjected, “Have all boys!” Adele recommended that the groom’s parents be included. She added, “Mike and I invited the parents of each groom to visit venues with us to get their input as well. It was very nice to spend that time together, to not only make them feel included, but to get to know them too.”

“Our family was always close, but when we were planning the weddings, it seems that it brought us even closer. If I had to do it all over again, I would do it just the same.”

Although the Jeffreys family currently resides in three different cities, they cherish the time they spend together as a family. The wedding planning process has been a way to bring them together. Adele said,

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[ wedding tales ]

Stephanie Richie and Alan Wust Jr.

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tephanie Riche and Alan Wust Jr. met through Stephanie’s cousin who is married to Al’s best friend.

The two started to hang out with the couple and they eventually started a close friendship. In January of 2008, they started officially dating. Stephanie recalls that just a few weeks later, she told her mother that she was going to “marry this man.” He was everything that she wanted in a husband.

On February 11, 2010, after two years of dating, Al popped the question. Stephanie was returning home from work around 9 p.m. that night, when she saw that Al was on a conference call with his work. He quietly told her not to enter their bedroom. Stephanie ate her dinner and waited impatiently for an hour before Al finished his call. Al then told Stephanie to go into the bedroom. He had dimmed the lights, lit candles, put rose petals on the bed and painted a sign that said, “Will you marry me?” Stephanie scanned the room, glossing right over the sign. She went straight for the bouquet of flowers and an unopened box on her vanity. She then realized what was on the sign. She was in

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complete shock. Al then got down on one knee and proposed. Of course, Stephanie said, “Yes!” Every detail was important to Stephanie in the wedding planning process such as venues, photos, cakes, and flowers. She wanted everything to be perfect. Al and Stephanie had the final say in everything, though both of their mothers were a huge help throughout the process. Stephanie said that the cake was the hardest thing for her to choose.

Stephanie and Al went to several different reception halls and then made an appointment to visit The Rose Garden. They made their decision within the first fifteen minutes of being there. Stephanie said that Vita, the owner, essentially sold them on the venue. Stephanie said, “At other venues we were just another couple, but Vita made sure that our needs came first. She really made us feel at ease during this stressful time. I knew that I didn’t have to worry about a thing, once I booked with Vita. She took care of everything.”

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Enjoy your special day. Although there may be months and months of planning, the day is really about you and your love. Enjoy every minute of it! For those few months of planning, all you think about is the wedding.

Make it fun, and don’t be stressed out.

The couple was married at St. Agnus Church on May 27, 2011. Stephanie’s color theme was lapis purple with deep red. Her bridesmaids’ dresses were short and also lapis. Her dress was an off white gown, plain and simple, just what she wanted. Both Stephanie and her bridesmaids carried deep red bouquets. Stephanie recalls some questions about her color scheme, but when everyone saw the deep red on the purple backdrop, they loved it.

Stephanie and Al chose Chuck Billiot Photography.

They were very comfortable around Chuck and he was great to work with before and during the wedding. Stephanie says that his experience led her to get exactly what she wanted for her special day. Her wedding party consisted of 9 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen, but Chuck handled the “crazy” group with ease.

Stephanie was especially delighted two months after the wedding when she received her album. She absolutely loved it.

”

watching the video on their anniversary every year to relive that special day. Stephanie says, “I can’t wait to show our children!”

Ceremony: St. Agnus Church Venue: The Rose Garden Photography: Chuck Billiot Photography Though Stephanie’s videographer, One Louder Produc- Videography: One Louder Productions tions, came highly recommended by family members with personal experience, she first had to convince Al that they should have a video. He eventually relented and was very happy with the end product. Stephanie says that Kirk from One Louder Productions, was phenomenal and never in the way, but captured every moment. Stephanie and Al will now have a tradition of www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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[ how it all began: origins ]

By Allison Rose

A

s the processional begins, guests turn to see the bride for the first time. While often in awe of how beautiful the moment is, the guests may notice the traditional aspects in the brides choice of dress, etc.

The bouquet is one example of many traditions brides follow today. The bouquet plays a role in the ceremony as well as the reception; but have you ever stopped to think how this tradition started? Below is a guide to origins of the traditions that most brides cannot do without. From the cake, to the honeymoon, we are excited to share the origins of some of the most popular wedding traditions.

Bouquet: The carrying of a bouquet originated in ancient Roman times as brides of that time would carry garlic, herbs and other spices. The special aromatic blend of spices was said to ward off evil spirits. They also represented specific meanings such as fertility and hope, much like bouquets of today are compiled of specific flowers with certain meanings.

Bridesmaids: The tradition of the bride inviting a couple of her close friends up to the altar with her has a similar origin as the bouquet. The bridesmaids would dress similarly to the bride to confuse other suitors while traveling to the groom’s town. They helped to protect the bride from being kidnapped along with defending her dowry from being stolen.

Matthew Foster Photography

White Wedding Dress: The tradition of the white wedding dress dates back to Queen Victoria, and after all these years the tradition is still thriving. In those days, the color white was a symbol of affluence; purity wasn’t signified by white until Christian churches labeled it so. Although many women still married in colors other than white, through the years celebrities and wealthy women married in white to show their status. Thus the tradition was set in stone.

Wedding Cake: The origin of the wedding cake was said to have gone as far back as ancient Rome. The tradition was that the groom would finalize the wedding by breaking a cake of wheat or barley over the bride’s head.

This was done for good fortune, and afterwards, the guests took all of the crumbs that were left over. They would later put them under their pillows hoping to bring good luck.

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Billiott Photography

Billiott Photography

Wedding Bands: The origin of wedding rings began in the ancient Egyptian civilization.

They twisted and braided reeds of plants into rings that they would give to their bride. The circular shape is a symbol of eternity, and the opening in the middle acts as a gateway to the unknown events of life. Just as we do today, the Egyptians wore the ring on the third finger of the left hand. They did this because of a belief that there is a vein in that finger that leads directly to the heart.

Honeymoon: The origin of the honeymoon is thought to have started in ancient times. It is not certain, but historians have found that “moon” refers to a full moon. Weddings used to be held only under a full moon. The couple would be given honey mead, a type of beer, to drink for a month. This time after marriage wasn’t always a vacation. Since couples were strongly expected to be chaste before marriage, it served as a time to get closer physically.

While the origins of some of these traditions may seem antique, they are mostly ubiquitous in modern weddings.

We don’t recommend breaking the cake over the bride’s head though. A small, playful smudge on the cheek may be just right.

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Brenda Sison Photography

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I do. I do.

Your new life together starts now.

Protect each other from this day forward. Get the life insurance that’s right for you.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CONTACT AN AGENT TODAY.

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Matthew Foster Photography

[ beauty ]

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[ marriage licenses ] When you apply for your marriage license, at least one party must appear in person. He or she must have all the necessary information and documents outlined below.

1. State law requires a cerfitied copy of each party’s birth certificate, if born in Louisiana.

Passports are not acceptable. If either party was born out-of-state, a waiver can be submitted.

If either party was born out-of-country, a valid passport, naturalization papers, or green card, along with a valid state ID card or driver’s license must be presented at the office, and to a judge to obtain a waiver.

2. If either party is divorced, he/she must present a certified copy of the final divorce decree.

License Fee - $27.50 Cash or check CBD:1010 Common St., Suite 1245 ALGIERS COURTHOUSE (Cash Only): 225 Morgan St., Rm 201, Algiers Orleans Parish Police Escorts

JEFFERSON PARISH

License Fee - $31.25 Cash/check/money order WEST BANK: Jeff. Parish General Government Ctr. 200 Derbigny St., Suite 2300, Gretna EAST BANK: Joseph S. Yenni Building 1221 Elmwood Pk. Blvd., Ste 603-A, Jefferson Police Escorts (Anywhere in Jefferson)

ST. BERNARD PARISH

License Fee - $25.00 Cash/check 1101 W. St. Bernard Hwy., Chalmette Police Escorts

PLAQUEMINES PARISH

License Fee - $25.00 Cash/check Parish Courthouse (Clerk of Court) 301 Main St., Ste. 108, Belle Chasse Police Escorts

ST. TAMMANY PARISH

3. If either party is widowed, he/she must present a certified copy of a death certificate.

License Fee - $25.00 Cash only Parish Courthouse 701 N. Columbia, Covington Police Escorts

4. Each party must know his/her social security number, but no documentation is required.

ST. CHARLES PARISH

5. Both bride and groom will need to complete a marriage license application; forms can be presented by either applicant in person.

Age Requirements

General Info

ST. JOHN PARISH

License Fee - $30.00 Cash/money order Parish Courthouse (Clerk of Court) 2393 Hwy. 18 (River Rd.), Edgard Police Escorts

License Fee - $25.00 Cash only Parish Courthouse (Clerk of Court) 5800 LA Hwy. 44 (River Rd.), Convent Police Escorts

TANGIPAHOA PARISH

License Fee - $32.50 Cash/check/money order AMITE: Courthouse 110 N. Bay St. Police Escorts (Amite) HAMMOND: 318-A NW Railroad Ave. Police Escorts (Hammond)

TERREBONNE PARISH

A Louisiana license is valid in any parish in Louisiana for 30 days. There is a 72-hour waiting period between the time of issuance and the ceremony. Only a district judge or Justice of the Peace can waive this. Newlyweds should order a certified copy of their marriage license two weeks after the marriage to ensure that the license has been returned and recorded. | nola wedding guide |

License Fee - $35.00 Cash/check Parish Courthouse (Clerk of Court) 15045 River Rd., Hahnville 985.783.6632 Police Escorts

ST. JAMES PARISH

If either applicant is under 18 years of age, but more than 16, the marriage is lawful and a license may be issued if the applicants provide: written consent of both parents (or custodian), or an order from a judge or juvenille court. In the event the applicant is under 16, all the above three things will be required.

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ORLEANS PARISH

License Fee - $30.00 Cash only 7856 Main St., Houma Police Escorts

LAFOURCHE PARISH

License Fee - $28.25 Cash/check 303 W. 3rd St., Thibodeaux (985) 447-4841 Police Escorts (Thibodeaux) Police Escorts (Other areas)

WASHINGTON PARISH

License Fee - $30.00 Cash/check Courthouse Bldg., Washington & Main, Franklinton Police Escorts

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M-F 9:00am-3:00 504.568.3620 504.368.4099 504.658.6205

M-F 8:30am-4:30 504.364.2922 504.736.6393 504.465.1480

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M-F 8:30am-4:30 985.809.8745 985.892.8181

M-F 8:30am-4:30 985.783.6237

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M-F 8:30am-4:30 225.562.2270 225.562.2200

M-F 8:30am-4:30 985.748.4146 985.748.6169 985.549.1638 985.542.3500

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M-F 8:30am-4:30 (985) 446-5021 (985)448-2111

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l a d i r B T

O O B P CAM

Mackie Shilstone’s fitness & nutrition plans are designed to get brides, maids and moms wedding-ready in just 6 weeks.

Call 504-457-3100 for more information.

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[ unique cocktail reception ]

By Allison Rose

Food Stations T

he ceremony has come to a close and your guests arrive hungry to see what food awaits them at the reception. Guests love delicious food, especially when it’s exclusive to the bride and groom. Put a twist on the same old dinner, brunch, or finger foods that guests receive at wedding receptions. A very creative approach to change the usual reception festivities is to offer food stations. Step it up a notch with off the wall oddities or keep it low key with a family tradition.

By offering signature drinks, a unique presentation, and an interactive experience your guests are sure to be out of their seats and enjoying every minute of the reception. The multiple stations of food allow a disbursed amount of people in each area, rather than a long buffet line.

Atelier NOLA photography

this back-story to let your guests know just how special this choice of cocktail is to you.

Interactive experience: Let guests mingle and socialize rather than sitting at a specific table for a great deal of time. Offering open seating or standing like tall tables or small couches can accomplish this experience. The stations of food allow guests to wander and try different foods, while also talking to other guests that also enjoy that particular food. Conversations can easily spark over guests’ favorite foods at the reception, and when a catchy tune begins to play maybe they’ll carry themselves over to the dance floor.

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Presentation:

Wedding Signature Drinks: Offer exclusive drinks that pertain to a hobby, a favorite, or one that sparks a memory of the engagement or the first time you two met. This offers a feeling of unity; one of the most important parts of the wedding is bringing two families together. By this station add a sign that tells

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There is no need to spend your entire food budget on fancy dining. Food stations offer you the freedom to organize each station differently.

This special organization can help you figure out how to personalize each station to match your wedding theme in different ways. If your theme is comprised of warm fall colors, the dessert station can be created using foods that match that theme. A warm colored desert idea is a chocolate mousse or tiramisu in a shot glass. The colors of these desserts could complement a shade of orange or yellow in the tablecloth. A precise organization and design of each food station has potential to create a remarkably memorable style of dining for your guests.

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GK photograpny

6 Station Ideas: Just for Kids - Miniature grilled cheeses served with fries or small servings of macaroni and cheese with chicken fingers.

Vegetarian - Veggie burger sliders served on wheat or white bun, with salads and variety of salad dressings; or a veggie pasta salad could be your guests’ favorite!

Salsa and Queso - Different types of salsa and queso offered with wheat or white tortilla chips.

You could also have an all out Mexican station with tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas.

Food stations have the ability to give your wedding the type of personality that guests will always remember. The serving sizes are small so guests are able to taste all the food you have to offer instead of committing to one dish, prior to the wedding.

This lowers the likelihood of guests not enjoying your food choices. Any of your favorite foods from Mexican and Asian to Mediterranean; could turn into a creative food station. With this type of creativity any food can potentially be reception food.

New Orleans Favorites - This station is all about your favorites; it could be personal plates with crawfish, corn, potatoes, or an array of different Po-boys and red beans and rice.

Wine and Cheese - Variety of wine already poured into glasses, with different types of cheese organized beautifully around them.

Miniature appetizers - Personal plates with spinach dip or hummus with pita triangles Atelier NOLA photography www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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[ unplugged weddings ]

By Troy Marks

Making Your Presence Felt Definition: An unplugged wedding is one in which all guests are required to turn off all cell phones, cameras, and video recorders.

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s the husband of a professional wedding videographer, I have heard my wife scream out in frustration on many occasions while editing her weddings. As I enter her work area, she would invariably show me the source of her pain.

When the bride and groom share their first kiss as husband and wife and turn to make their way down the aisle, the crowd is cheering, the bride is smiling ear to ear, and the couple is elated as electricity fills the room. My wife’s camera is perfectly positioned to capture every beautiful detail of their celebratory walk down the aisle. It is a magical, once in a lifetime moment. And then it happens - a woman steps out of the congregation into the aisle, completely blocking the view of my wife’s, hi-definition state of the art video camera. With her video camera in hand, the woman shakily begins filming. My wife, who was carefully chosen and paid by the bride and groom due to her expertise, now has a beautiful shot of the back of the woman as the bride and groom make their way down the aisle. As the guest backs her way down the aisle in front of the bride and groom, she only stops when she bumps into my wife’s tripod and camera. “Oh, excuse me,” she says smiling directly into the camera as the bride and groom walk past, in the background. The moment is gone forever. I have seen it happen too many times to count. Frustration ensues.

Are You Really There?

There have also been many moments where a smiling bride on the altar will turn to make contact with her family and friends only to find them all staring at the viewfinders of their cameras, video cameras, and cell phones. They are all eager to capture the ceremony on their various devices. The assorted beeps and chirps from the devices are easily heard in the hushed atmosphere of the ceremony. The guests are all attending the ceremony, but are they really present?

Unplugged weddings are growing in popularity as more and more brides seek to truly connect in a meaningful way with their family and friends, during their weddings. As the world grows more and more connected through the use of technology, we are also becoming less and less present as our attention is diverted from real world situations. A wedding ceremony is an intimate time of love, when guests should seek to be fully invested in the moment as opposed to

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their viewfinders. Rather than attempting to document every detail of the event, enjoy the event. Be present, smell the air, notice the little things, live the moment in real time.

Uncle Bob Wedding industry insiders even have a name for the aggressive amateur photographer getting in the way at weddings: Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob has ruined many professional wedding photos with the flash from his camera, kneeling in the aisle and blocking the view of the vows, and even standing on pews. The professional photographer is busy attempting to do the job he/she was paid to do and often runs into very awkward situations with Uncle Bob. It is not the photographer’s job to act as a referee and call out obvious intrusions on his workspace. Escaping all of this is the true beauty of an unplugged wedding.

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Share Your Photos Should you decide to have an unplugged wedding, make sure that you share a few images with your guests within a couple days of the wedding — for a Saturday wedding, Monday or Tuesday is ideal. You can share them via email, your wedding website, or Facebook. Speak with your photographer beforehand to make sure that this is possible. Sharing even five wedding pictures with your guests so soon after the wedding is a way of saying thank you for abiding by your wishes. As soon as all your wedding photos are available, make prints to include with each thank you card. If possible, also make wedding photos available to guests online.

Stacy Marks Photography

Tech Geeks By no means am I suggesting that unplugged weddings are for everyone. Admittedly, these days, asking someone to part with their cell phone or camera is like asking them to cut off a limb. If you are a bride on a budget that has chosen a smaller photography package, you may be counting on getting some pictures from your guests. If you have mailed your invites via email, have a wedding website and would like your wedding tweeted in real time, then unplugged is not for you. It is simply an alternative to what has become the norm in the wedding industry.

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[ wedding tales ]

Bridgette Adorno and Ryan Connorton

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ridgette Adorno and Ryan Connorton met through a mutual friend while attending college at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Bridgette is originally from New Orleans and Ryan is from Maryland. They formed a friendship for about a year before dating.

In time, they found that they had a lot of common ground concerning their outlooks on life, family and values. There were a few hardships in their lives before they made anything official. Bridgette’s family was greatly affected by Katrina, and two months after that, Ryan’s father passed away. These major life events helped them find how close they truly were to their families, and how much they really wanted to be there for each other. Through all of this they began a wonderful relationship.

The couple had been dating for five years, when they decided to take a trip with Ryan’s family and friends to Jamaica. Bridgette had never been out of the country, so this was a whole new experience for her. On their first night in Jamaica as they were getting ready for dinner, Bridgette asked Ryan, “How do I look?”

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Ryan replied, “You look beautiful, but there is something missing.” He then got down on one knee, pulled the ring out of his pocket, and asked her to marry him.

Bridgette fell to her knees, saying “yes,” and hugged Ryan until he stopped her to put the ring on her finger.

Ryan had something else planned for later on in the trip, but he couldn’t wait any longer.

Bridgette and Ryan moved to Memphis, TN, so she could attend optometry school. This made the wedding planning process in New Orleans a challenge, but they had luck on their side. Somehow every time they made a trip to New Orleans, their vendors were available to meet with them. Bridgette’s family helped out a lot in their absence, but the couple planned everything themselves without a single argument. Bridgette attributed this to the fact that they are best friends and work really well together. She mentioned that, she was indecisive most of the time, but she would narrow down things to a few choices and Ryan would make the final decision based on what he thought would be right for them. That was their system to an enjoyable planning experience.

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“

No matter what happens that night, just remember the man of your dreams is waiting down the aisle!

Together they chose to have their ceremony take place at the St. Louis Cathedral on November 19, 2011.

Bridgette wanted to be married there ever since she was a little girl. Once again luck shined down upon the couple, and the only date that they could have the wedding, the Cathedral was available. Conveniently, the reception took place right down the street from the Cathedral.

Bridgette’s favorite color is purple, and from the beginning she knew that her bridesmaids were going to wear purple. She found the perfect bridesmaids dresses at Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique. Bridgette’s dress was a beautiful Casablanca gown that she got from Town and Country Bridal Salon. She also knew she wanted accents of red and orange since it was a Fall wedding.

Her linens and flowers fit also seamlessly into her theme.

”

what she wanted and felt confident choosing them.

Her sister also used Dyle Films for her wedding and loved the finished product; as a result Bridgette chose them as her videographer.

Bridgette wanted to give Ryan’s Maryland family and friends a little taste of New Orleans. To do this she had a king cake for Ryan’s groom’s cake, while she chose a deliciously beautiful cake from Royal Cakery.

The couple hired a brass band to second line to the reception venue. Bridgette said, “It was so much fun having people on the streets throwing beads and dancing along to the music with us.”

Ceremony: St. Louis Cathedral Gown: Town and Country Bridal Salon Bridesmaid attire: Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique Bridgette’s sister heard of Atelier NOLA, from a friend Photography: Atelier NOLA photography who used them for her wedding, and recommended Videography: Dyle Films them to her. Bridgette visited their website and saw Cake: Royal Cakery their phenomenal work. She knew their ideas were www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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[ mackie says! ]

“Mackie Says!” will be a recurring feature in the NOLA Wedding Guide, and include priceless words of advice from Mackie and his staff for brides who want to look their best on their big day.

To Stress or Not to Stress... No Question!

For some, planning a wedding is a piece of cake.

But for most brides-to-be, the added pressures, timelines and financial changes cause stress well beyond normal limits— wreaking havoc on their mood, body, beauty and well being. All the research agrees that ongoing stress is not an asset to your body and health.

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t is obvious what stress can do to your mood and sleep habits (or lack there of). However, what may not be so obvious is what stress can do to your body and beauty. Your body wants to protect you, especially when you are stressed (think wedding planning). You have two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys called the adrenals or your stress organs. When faced with stress, our bodies release a hormonal cocktail of adrenaline, cortisol and insulin. Fat in the abdominal area has a greater blood supply, as well as more receptors for cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Cortisol levels rise and fall throughout the day, but when you’re under constant stress the amount of the hormone you produce remains elevated. With high stress and, consequently, high cortisol levels, more fat is deposited in the abdominal area. Take a minute

to think about this. If you live in a stressful state for months (again, while planning a wedding) think of how this could affect your wedding dress measurements!

While stress weight gain may be more noticeable, your emotions also have a powerful effect on your skin. Stress can cause fever blisters, worsen acne inflammation, and even cause you to break out into hives. Not to mention those little worry lines around eyes can become larger, following a few months of high anxiety.

How to Fight Stress: Free radicals caused by stress add to the damage that deepens wrinkles. However, antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, artichoke hearts, and red beans, are just a few of the delicious ways you can keep your skin supple even while you’re stressing.

The best way to fight stress-related damage is to decrease your day-to-day anxiety, so the adrenals do not continually release stress-related hormones. One of the best remedies for stress is exercise. Exercise is also one of the best remedies for belly fat. By adding exercise to your daily routine or increasing the intensity of your current routine, you are likely to reduce stress, lose your love handles and brighten your complexion.

Relaxing while planning a wedding might be easier said than done. But doing whatever it takes to relax (even if it’s only for ten minutes a day) can have big benefits for your health and appearance in the long run. For some, exercise or meditation works, for others a massage or a shopping trip. The important thing to remember is that your wedding day will come and go rather quickly, and you do not want stress and its nasty effects to be part of your new family.

Julie Fortenberry, RD, LDN Sports and Lifestyle Nutritionist EJGH’s Fitness Principle w/ Mackie Shilstone For an individual consultation, please call 504-457- 3100

Brenda Sison Photography

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[ bridal wear ]

Dress by Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique Photography by Atelier NOLA www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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1000 W. Esplanade, Kenner, LA 70065 • Phone: 504.442.1955 www.charlottejohnsonbridal.com • email: charlottejohnsonsbridal@cox.net Tu e - T h u - S a t 1 1 A M - 6 P M • M o n - We d - F r i b y a p p o i n t m e n t o n l y

CHARLOTTE JOHNSON’S BRIDAL

3230 Severn Avenue, Suite B Metairie, LA 70002 504.780.7090 M-F 10-6 S 10-5 www.bustlesandbowsbridal.com

[ wedding tales ]

Mary Farrell and Jason Malbrough

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ary Farrell and Jason Malbrough met in 2004 while both were attending their last year of high school: Mary at Archbishop Chappelle and Jason at Archbishop Rummel. Mary was a friend of Jason’s older sister, Ashley, but she hadn’t been introduced to Jason. While out one night, Mary recognized Jason, walked over to him and asked, “Are you Ashley’s brother?” Jason had a big grin on his face with a look that said, “Yes, and who are you?” Mary explained who she was and told Jason that it was nice to meet him. Through a mutual friend at school, Mary got Jason’s number. She finally mustered up the courage to text him, only to find that he was asking a friend about her at the same time. They soon learned that Jason worked at a snowball stand and Mary worked at a pizza shop. The two started trading pizzas for snowballs and a friendship was formed.

Mary doesn’t recall the two of them actually having a first date. She says that since they were friends first, that it may have been too weird for them to go on a “date”.

They just hung out for most of the summer before college, not really knowing how the relationship was going to work out, since they were going away to different colleges.

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They decided to take it one day at a time, which turned into months, then years. They dated for six years before Jason proposed.

One morning, Jason asked Mary to go with him to get beignets for breakfast. As they were leaving, he suggested that she change out of her gym shorts and t-shirt because they were going to walk around the French Quarter. Mary did, not thinking anymore about it. As they walked to Cafe Du Monde, they discovered that the line was outrageously long. Jason suggested that they walk around Jackson Square and wait for the line to subside.

They stopped to watch a wedding take place in Jackson Square. Jason was standing behind Mary when she heard him ask her a question. As she turned around, Jason was down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Mary started screaming and crying at the same time. Realizing that she didn’t answer his question, Jason said, “Mary, are you going to give me an answer?”

Mary and Jason got married on June 25, 2011 at Holy Rosary Church. They were looking for a church with a great New Orleans feel. They chose Holy Rosary, because it was the perfect size; the church itself was so beautiful that

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“

Allow yourself to let go a little on the wedding day. Don’t worry yourself over minor details and being in control of every little thing because everything may not go as planned.

Try and remind yourself that you only have one day. Literally you only have a few hours to enjoy that special moment, don’t let it get away spending even one minute concerned or frustrated about factors that may not be in your control. Live that day like you want to remember it forever.

”

they didn’t feel the need to decorate it with flowers. They had their reception in the city as well.

The color scheme that Mary chose was gray and yellow. She wanted colors that were light and fresh. Since the wedding took place in June and the New Orleans summer heat can be awful, Mary wanted bridesmaids’ dresses that would keep her girls cool. Mary’s dress was found at Pearl’s Place. She originally found the dress of her dreams in a magazine and she was determined to try it on. She went to Pearl’s Place to do so and fell in love with the dress instantly. The church required that Mary wear straps on her dress. The consultant at Pearl’s Place suggested that Mary order an extra piece, which came with the dress, and turn it into straps. Mary loved the idea of having such a unique addition, that she left the straps on all night!

Mary chose GK Photography because she has known George for several years. He photographed two of her sisters’ weddings, and even took her and Jason’s senior portraits. George was thrilled when he learned of Mary and Jason’s engagement. Mary says that, “George sets a presence that makes you feel relaxed and allows you to enjoy every second of what is happening around you.

He captured every moment of the night like my nerves before the ceremony, the ‘you may now kiss the bride’ moment and our ‘happily ever after’.”

cake. The two got exactly what they wanted. Mary was also very pleased with her bouquets. She added crystals to the inside of her bouquet and put broaches on the outside of her bridesmaids’ bouquets.

Ceremony: Holy Rosary Church Gown: Pearl’s Place Photography: GK Photography

Mary had a specific cake in mind that she saw in a photo. Jason wanted his favorite type of cake: cheesewww. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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[ invitation decisions ] he date has been set and the planning is in full swing.

Now you must invite your closest friends and family, to celebrate one of the most important days in your life.

Invitations can be a perfect way to set the tone for your big day. You can choose a traditional invitation, or you may want to go with a more unique and creative way to announce your intentions. Some have even preferred to use cyberspace to act as the town crier.

Traditional Invitations: A Brief History During the Middle Ages, only royalty and the rich sent out wedding invitations because they were the only ones who were literate. The invites were hand-written in calligraphy by local monks. Then in the 1600’s came the metal plate engraver, which is still used today. The tradition of a piece of tissue being placed in the invitation came from this time, when it was used to stop the smudging of the lettering.

It is also common for traditional invitations to have two envelopes. This came about in the 18th century when the postal service was unreliable, and the invites were hand delivered on horseback. The outer envelope was used as protection to the inner one during these travels.

The traditional invitation now comes in many different types of paper, including scented papers, though the wording has basically remained the same. These are the iconic invites that represent the classic, eloquent ways of the past and are a perfect way to announce your future. Melissa with Abbey Printing in Gretna said, “People are loving traditional invitations with pockets right now. Other trends are invitations in black and white and also different shades of purple. Silver is another popular color.”

DIY Invitations Some brides are choosing to create their invitations online.

The websites allow you to choose from thousands of invitations and deliver them directly to your doorstep, without having to go into a bricks and mortar store. You may not have the complete customer service that stationary stores and local printers provide, but it could save you time and in some cases, money.

Some sites even offer ways to actually assemble your invitations from home. You order the layered pieces from templates that let you fill in your names and wording. Then, you simply print them out at home with the type of paper that is required for the template. It may be a little more time consuming, but it does add a personal touch to the invite.

Two of our former Wedding Tale brides created their own invitations and loved the process. Jeana Crosby Taravella, made her invitations using a vintage typewriter theme.

Jessica Andersen Alexie, created hers using one of the home print sites.

Unique Invitations New Orleans is home to the “strangest people” according to Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 2011 reader’s poll. It may come as no surprise that some local brides have embraced the title and want to reflect that character in their wedding plans.

One way of being completely unique is to have one-of-akind custom wedding invitations. They can range from a storyboard type card, telling the story of how the couple met, to a beaded metallic invite with silk and other exquisite fabrics wrapped around the invitation.

Studio Vieux Carre

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By Jessica Bayard

Studio Vieux Carre

[ wedding dress storage ]

There are also 3D wedding invitations, which are precisely cut to open up into a scene, such as a churchyard or a popular ceremony venue. Others have a newspaperlike feel, look like a movie poster or a comic book. There was even a case where an artist made a make shift record player invite that held a small recording of the couple announcing their wedding plans. These unique invites are often extraordinarily expensive, but will definitely be remembered by your invited guests.

Online Invitations Nevertheless, some brides have chosen to forgo any sort of paper mailing invitation, and instead, reach their guests solely through the web. There are many websites that provide this service and even allow you to have moving graphics in your invite.

These sites not only email your invitations, but they send them to all of your social networking sites as well. You can even create a customizable event page to manage your RSVPs. Your guests can access this page to get more information on the big day and to read a little history on how you met. Even if you still want to send out hard copies, this may be a great way to remind your guests of your special day.

Studio Vieux Carre

No matter what avenue you take, choosing your wedding invitations can be an enjoyable and in some cases, a very creative experience.

It was love at first sight, the perfect fit for your perfect day - your wedding dress.

Although you wore it only once, if you take as much care in preserving your wedding dress as you did in choosing it, then it can be enjoyed as a family heirloom for years to come-symbolizing love and family. Here are a few tips to keep your beloved garment as beautiful as the day you wore it.

1.

You can either have your dress professionally preserved, or you can do it yourself. Either way, your dress should be cleaned within six weeks following your wedding day. Even the smallest stains cause the dress to yellow over time.

2.

Professional gown preservation costs between $150 and $500, depending on the amount of soilage.

It is recommended to bring your dress to a reputable dry cleaner who cleans about 100 dresses or more a year.

3. If you choose to take things into your own hands, then you must first decide between box and hanger storage. It may be more practical to store the dress in a box, but hanger storage is the best way to prevent hard-to-remove creases. Either way, buy plenty of acid-free tissue paper.

4. For box storage, line an acid-free cardboard box with the tissue paper and lay the hem of the dress in the box. Fold the dress like an accordion, putting tissue paper between each fold. Stuff the bodice of the dress with crumpled tissue. Put some layers of tissue on top and put on the lid (make sure the lid is solid and does not have a plastic window). Store the box in a cool, dry closet. Check the condition of the dress each year, and re-pack so the folds are in different places.

5. For hanger storage, wrap a wide hanger with cotton batting and cover it with muslin. Buy an acid-free cardboard “dress shaper� and place it over the hanger. Wrap it in tissue and place the dress over it.

Stuff the bodice of the dress and any deep folds with the acid-free tissue paper. Cover the dress with a muslin garment bag and hang it in a cool, dry closet, taking care not to crush it with other clothing.

Check the dress each year and wash the muslin cover.

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Marengo Photography

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[ louisiana church directory ] Catholic Churches Christ The King Church 535 Deerfield Road, Terrytown 70056 504.361.1500 www.ctkterrytown.parishesonline.com

Our Lady of the Rosary 3368 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans 70119 504.488.2659 www.ourladyoftherosary-no.com *6 months advance notice for weddings/extensive online info

Holy Name of Jesus 6220 LaSalle Place, New Orleans 70118 504.865.7430 www.hnjchurch.org

St. Agnes 3310 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson 70121 504.833.3366 www.stagnesjefferson.org

Immaculate Conception (Jesuit Church) 130 Baronne Street, New Orleans 70112 504.529.1477 www.jesuitchurch.net

St. Angela Merici 901 Beverly Garden Drive, Metairie 70002 504.835.0324 www.stangela.org

Mary, Queen of Peace 1501 West Causeway Approach, Mandeville 70471 985.626.6977 www.maryqueenofpeace.org

St. Anthony of Padua 4640 Canal Street, New Orleans 70119 504.488.2651 www.neworleanschurches.com/stanthony/stjanthony.htm

Mater Dolorosa 1228 South Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans 70118 504.866.3669 www.neworleanschurches.com/materd/materd.htm

St. Augustine 1210 Governor Nicholls Street, New Orleans 70116 504.525.5934 www.staugustinecatholicchurch-neworleans.org

Our Lady of Divine Providence 1000 North Starrett Road, Metairie 70003 504.466.4511 www.oldp.org * six month advance notice for marriages

St. Benilde 1901 Division Street, Metairie 70001 504.843.4980 www.stbenilde.org St. Catherine of Siena 105 Bonnabel Boulevard, Metairie 70005 504.835.9343 www.stcatherineparish.com

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church 411 North Rampart Street, New Orleans 70112 504.525.1551 www.judeshrine.com

St. Christopher 309 Manson Avenue, Metairie 70001 504.837.8214 www.stchristopherschool.org/stchristopherchurch.html

Our Lady of Lourdes 2621 Colonial Boulevard, Violet 70092 504.281.2267 www.olol-church.com *six month advance notice for marriages

St. Clement of Rome 4317 Richland Avenue, Metairie 70002 504.887.8721 www.scrparish.org

Our Lady of Perpetual Help 1908 Short Street, Kenner 70062 504.464.0361 www.archdiocese-no.org/olphlachurch *8 month advance notice for marriages

St. Cletus 3600 Claire Avenue, Gretna 70053 504.367.7951 http://stcletuschurch.myownparish.com

Our Lady of Prompt Succor 2320 Paris Road, Chalmette 70043 504.271.3441 www.olps-chalmette.org *six month advance notice for marriage Our Lady of Prompt Succor 146 Fourth Street, Westwego 70094 504.341.9522 www.neworleanschurches.com/olpswego/olpswego.htm Our Lady of the Angels 6851 River Road, Westwego 70094 504.436.4459 Our Lady of the Lake 312 Lafitte Street, Mandeville 70448 985.626.5671 www.ollparish.info

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St. Dominic 775 Harrison Avenue, New Orleans 70124 504.482.4157 www.stdominicparish.com St. Edward the Confessor 4921 West Metairie Avenue, Metairie 70001 504.888.0703 www.steddy.org *6 Month notice in advance St. Francis of Assisi 631 State Street, New Orleans 70118 504.891.4479 www.stfrancisuptown.com St. Francis Xavier 444 Metairie Road, Metairie 70005 504.834.0340 www.stfrancisxavier.com

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St. Joan of Arc 529 West 5th Street, LaPlace 70068 985.652.9100 www.sjachurch.com St. John the Baptist 1139 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans 70113 504.919.0848 www.neworleanschurches.com/stjohnno/stjohnno.htm St. Joseph 1802 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans 70112 504.522.3186 www.stjosephchurch-no.org St. Leo the Great 2916 Paris Avenue, New Orleans 70119 504.945.8750 www.neworleanschurches.com/StLeo/index.htm St. Louis Cathedral 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans 70116 504.525.9585 www.stlouiscathedral.org St. Mary 1100 Chartres Street, New Orleans 70116 504.529.3040 St. Mary’s Assumption 2030 Constance Street, New Orleans 70130 504.522.6748 www.stalphonsusneworleans.com St. Mary Magdalen 6425 West Metairie Avenue, Metairie 70003 504.733.0922 www.stmarymagdalenchurch.com St. Patrick 724 Camp Street, New Orleans 70130 504.525.4413 www.oldstpatricks.org St. Peter 125 East 19th Street, Covington 70433 985.892.2422 www.stpeterparish.com St. Philip Neri 6500 Kawanee Avenue, Metairie 70003 504.887.5535 www.stphilipneriparish.org * six month notice in advance St. Rita 7100 Jefferson Highway, Harahan 70123 504.737.2915 www.stritaharahan.com *6 months advance notice St. Rita 2729 Lowerline Street, New Orleans 70125 504.866.3621 www.neworleanschurches.com/StRita/strita.htm St. Rosalie 600 2nd Avenue, Harvey 70058 504.340.1962 www.strosalieparish.org

St. Stephen 1025 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans 70119 504.899.1378 www.goodshepherdparishnola.com *6 months advance notice Visitation of Our Lady 3500 Ames Boulevard, Marrero 70072 504.347.2203 www.vol.org BAPTIST CHURCHES Christian Unity Baptist 1700 Conti Street, New Orleans 70112 504.522.3493 St. Charles Avenue Baptist 7100 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans 70118 504.861.9514 www.scabc.org First Baptist Church of New Orleans 5290 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans 70124 504.482.5775 www.fbno.org First Emmanuel Baptist Church 1829 Carondelet Street, New Orleans 70130 504.524.8891 www.firstemanuelbaptistchurch.org Franklin Avenue Baptist Church 2515 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans 70117 504.488.8488 www.franklinabc.com Mandeville’s First Baptist Church 1895 Highway 190, Mandeville 70448 985.626.3217 www.fbcmandeville.org Parkview Baptist Church 6301 Camphor Street, Metairie 70003 504.888.1153 www.parkviewbc.com

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 1222 North Dorgenois, New Orleans 70119 504.821.0529 www.stlukesnola.org

St. Matthew United Methodist Church 6017 Camphor Street, Metairie 70003 504.888.2228 www.stmatthewsumc.com

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church 2216 Metairie Road, Metairie 70001 504.835.7357 www.stmepiscopal.com

St. Timothy United Methodist Church 335 Asbury Drive, Mandeville 70471 955.626.3307 www.sttimothyumc.org

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church 4499 Sharp Road, Mandeville 70741 985.626.5781 www.stmichaelsla.org * one month advance notice for marriages

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 6249 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans 70124 504.488.3749 www.stpauls-lakeview.org Trinity Church Episcopal 1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans 70130 504.522.0276 www.trinitynola.com METHODIST CHURCHES Algiers United Methodist Church 637 Opelousas Avenue, Algiers 70114 504.361.1334 www.algiersumc.com Aurora United Methodist Church 3300 Eton Street, New Orleans 70131 504.394.5483 www.aumc.club.officelive.com Carrollton United Methodist Church 921 South Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans 70118 504.861.7597 www.neworleanschurches.com/carrolltonumeth/ carrolltonumc.htm

EPISCOPAL CHURCHES

First Grace United Methodist Church 3401 Canal Street, New Orleans 70119 504.488.0856 www.firstgraceumc.org

Christ Church Cathedral 2919 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans 70115 504.895.6602 www.cccnola.org

Lake Vista United Methodist Church 6645 Spanish Fort Boulevard, New Orleans 70124 504.288.2242 www.lakevistaumc.com

Grace Episcopal Church 3700 Canal Street, New Orleans 70119 504.482.5242 www.gracecanalstreet.org

Metairie United Methodist Church 3741 Pontiac Street, Metairie 70002 504.888.4665

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 1101 South Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans 70118 504.866.0123 www.standrewsnola.com St. Anna’s 1313 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans 70116 504.947.2121 www.stannanola.org St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church 3412 Haring Road, Metairie 70006 504.887.4801 www.staugustinesmet.com St. George’s Episcopal Church 4600 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans 70115 504.899.2811 www.stgeorge-nola.org

Munholland United Methodist Church 1201 Metairie Road, Metairie 70005 504.834.9910 www.munhollandumc.org

First Presbyterian Church 5401 South Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans 70125 504.866.7409 www.fpcno.org Canal Street Presbyterian 4302 Canal Street, New Orleans 70119 504.482.1135 www.cspcno.org Covington Presbyterian Church 222 South Jefferson Avenue, Covington 70433 985.892.4821 www.covingtonpres.org Grace Presbyterian Church 6129 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie 70003 504.454.8905 http://web.me.com/pek83/Site/Welcome.html John Calvin Church 4201 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie 70006 504.888.1375 www.johncalvinchurch.org Lakeview Presbyterian Church 5914 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans 70124 504.482.7892 www.lpcno.org Metairie Ridge Presbyterian Church 215 Phosphor Avenue, Metairie 70005 504.833.6357 www.metairieridgepc.org New Covenant Presbyterian Church 3475 Highway 22, Mandeville 70471 985.626.4375 www.newcovenantpc.org Parkway Presbyterian Church 6200 Camphor Street, Metairie 70003 504.733.1644 www.parkwaypresbyterianchurch.com Redeemer Presbyterian Church 6200 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans 70115 504.894.1204 www.redeemernola.com

Newell United Methodist Church 229 Lamarque Street, Mandeville 70448 985.674.2486

St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church 1545 State Street, New Orleans 70118 504.897.0101 www.scapc.org

Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church 3900 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans 70115 504.899.3431 www.rayneumc.org

St. Roch Community Church 1738 St. Roch Avenue, New Orleans 70117 504.940.5771 www.strochcc.org

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church 5875 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans 70124 504.486.3982 www.saintlukes-umc.net

Woodland Presbyterian Church 5824 Berkley Drive, New Orleans 70131 504.394.7877 www.wpcno.org

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church 1130 North Rampart Street, New Orleans 70116 504.523.0450 www.frenchquarterumc.org www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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NON-DENOMINATIONAL City Church New Orleans 13123 Interstate 10 Service Road, New Orleans 70128 504.246.5121 www.citycathedral.org

White Dove Fellowship 3600 Manhattan Boulevard, Harvey 70058 504.362.3379 www.whitedove.org

Temple Sinai 6227 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans 70118 504.861.3693 www.templesinaino.org

JEWISH SYNAGOGUES

Touro Synagogue 4238 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans 70115 504.895.4843 www.tourosynagogue.com

Anshe Sfard Synagogue 2230 Carondelet Street, New Orleans 70113 605.522.4714 www.anshesfard.com

Household of Faith 9300 I-10 Service Road, New Orleans 70127 504.347.0127 www.householdoffaithchurch.com

Congregation Gates of Prayer 4000 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie 70002 504.885.2600 www.gatesofprayer.org

The Vineyard Church 4340 Sal Lentini Parkway, Kenner 70065 504.467.3257 www.vineyardneworleans.org

Northshore Jewish Congregation 1403 North Causeway Boulevard, Mandeville 70471 985.951.7976 www.northshorejewish.org

Watson Memorial Teaching Ministry 4400 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans 70115 504.899.4400 www.dkwmultimedia.com/watson/index.html

Shir Chadash 3737 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie 70002 504.889.1144 www.shirchadashnola.org

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 1200 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, New Orleans 70122 504.282.0259 www.holytrinitycathedral.org

GK photography

Hickory Knoll Church of Christ 2201 Hickory Avenue, Harahan 70123 504.737.4335 www.hickoryknollchurchofchrist.org

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[ event planning ]

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[ florists ]

Stacy Marks Photography

Stacy Marks Photography

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[ flowers speak ] Baby’s Breath - Innocence Calla Lilly - Magnificent Beauty Gardenia - Purity, Joy Iris - Faith, Wisdom Lily of the Valley - Happiness Magnolia - Love of Nature Orchid - Love, Beauty Rose - Love, Joy & Beauty Stephanotis - Marital Happiness

Stacy Marks Photography

Tulip - Love, Passion

Eloquent Flowers Delphinium orchid and cymbidium orchids

In Print And Online, We Cover Jefferson Parish

Each month, Inside Jefferson Parish Magazine brings you features about Jefferson Parish living and profiles of Jefferson Parish Residents and Business Owners.

Inside Jefferson Parish distributes 40,000 copies each issue at over 200 locations in Jefferson Parish.

Inside Jefferson Parish is the only parish wide Monthly Magazine for Jefferson Parish.

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Jefferson Parish News and Information is a mouse click away 24/7 at ClickJefferson.com.

News, Politics, Weather, Business, Traffic Cameras, Gas Prices, Free Classified Ads and an Online Business Directory of Jefferson Parish Businesses.

ClickJefferson.com is the only web site exclusively for Jefferson Parish.

Get the Information you need when you want it at ClickJefferson.com.

To advertise, please call 504-304-2712 Inside Jefferson Parish Magazine and ClickJefferson.com We Cover Jefferson Parish

[ honeymoon & travel ]

Brenda Sison www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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Brenda Sison Photography

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[ wedding tales ]

Meggan Dupre and Joseph Ory

M

eggan Dupre and Joseph Ory met through mutual friends. Their first date was to a local sushi restaurant.

Not knowing that Joe hated mayonnaise, Meggan ordered a snow crab roll. Joe almost got sick within seconds of taking a bite of the roll. The night went well other than that minor setback, and the couple continued dating for four years. They both graduated college at the same time and started their careers concurrently. Meggan recalls Joe being somewhat of a party animal when she first met him and that she was a bit more uptight. This combination worked though.

Joe helped Meggan relax and have more fun and she helped him tone down a bit. They are opposites, but complement each other totally.

Joe proposed to Meggan at Celebration in the Oaks at City Park. Joe picked Meggan up from her parents’ home that night. As they were walking to the car, Meggan’s dad and brother began shouting, “Go Joe! You can do it!” Meggan had an idea of what was to come. When they got to the park, Joe was acting nervous

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and strange. Meggan was trying to act as oblivious as possible. Finally, they walked under a gigantic tree that was sparkling with lights from top to bottom.

Joe asked a woman passing by to take a picture of them under the tree. After the first picture, Joe got down on one knee and asked Meggan to marry him. The kind woman continued to take pictures of the proposal and everyone around them started clapping. Meggan says it was perfect!

Meggan and Joe were married on January 6, 2012 at Southern Oaks Plantation. Meggan says that the venue was breathtaking. She chose Southern Oaks because of all the weddings she had attended there.

She says the food was great, the service was exceptional and that they really knew how to throw a party.

The wedding had a peacock theme with an emphasis on the color purple. Peacock feathers were incorporated in everything from her bouquet to the bridesmaids’ bouquets and earrings. Gambino’s worked with her

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So many people told me that my guests would enjoy the reception more than Joe and I. I was also told that the night would go by so fast, and that I would be too busy playing hostess to enjoy the wedding. I can see how that happens to most couples. But, I used that knowledge to my advantage and made sure that it wasn’t the case for Joe and I. We made sure to give everyone a quick hello and then we enjoyed our reception. I honestly think that we danced all night! A big help to assuring this was a fast photographer that had a game plan, not someone who is going to take an hour taking pictures.

”

theme and decorated the cake in peacock feathers.

Meggan says that the cake was both beautiful and delicious.

Meggan got her dress from Pearl’s Place. Her dress was from the Alfred Angelo Disney collection. Belle’s dress from Beauty and the Beast inspired her decision. Her shoes were showgirl peacock shoes. As John’s Tuxedos provided all the guys’ tuxedos.

Meggan and Joe chose Stacy Marks photography because Meggan says, “Stacy is such a gifted photographer.” She says that he is full of fantastic ideas and knows how to execute them in a timely fashion.

Meggan says that not only was Stacy’s service amazing, Venue: Southern Oaks Plantation but so was his work. She added, “Stacy is more than a Gown: Pearl’s Place Tuxedo: John’s Tuxedos photographer; he is an artist.”

Photography: Stacy Marks Photography Transportation: Big Easy Limos Big easy Limos provided the limos for the day and ensured that everyone arrived on time for everything.

While Beth’s flowers provided all of the bouquets. www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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[ Print Media & Online ]

[ who pays what? ]

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[ invitations/supplies ]

GK photography www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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Matthew Foster Photography

[ limousines ]

[ rock n’ roll bride ] Kat Williams R

ock n’ Roll Bride is a U.K. wedding blog that was launched in October 2007 as a simple wedding planning site. It was re-branded and re-launched in January 2009 as a “mecca for gorgeous photography and inspiring real weddings.” Founder Kat Williams explains her vision, “My aim with Rock n’ Roll Bride is to provide a little haven of kick ass weddingness in the cookie cutter, pastel and often puke-worthy wedding world. If you’ve ever picked up a bridal magazine and felt queasy, or trawled the Internet and felt disheartened by what you didn’t find, well my friend, Rock ‘n’ Roll Bride is the place for you.”

We became aware of the Rock n’ Roll Bride site when Kat was gracious enough to run one of our photo spreads on her website. Our Steampunk Shoot caught her eye and ran when it was shared on Facebook in Rome. It exposed the Nola Wedding Guide to an international audience and we saw a tremendous increase in traffic to our own website.

We were so fortunate that Kat agreed to do an interview with us. We are honored to share her insight with you here in our magazine. And we hope that you enjoy the interview.

The blog has continued to reach international audiences and achieve mass acclaim. Rock n’ Roll Bride was included in the prestigious industry awards – BrideTide’s Top 100 blogs to watch – in 2010, 2011 and 2012. It also placed first in the ‘Best Style Blog’ category of the 2010 Bridal Blog Awards, hosted by The Wedding Channel and The Knot. In October 2011, Rock n’ Roll Bride soared in Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Blog Awards as ‘Best Wedding Blog’.

We absolutely love your website. Can you explain to our readers, what prompted you to start the website?

My story isn’t that remarkable or different to that of many people who get into the wedding industry. I started my blog when I was planning my own wedding to Gareth in 2007. At the time, I didn’t even consider that this could become a career; I simply wanted a place to collate all of my wedding ideas and inspiration.

Throughout my planning, I discovered American wedding blogs. I loved the instant nature of blogging – how you could comment and feel part of a community. I wanted to be a part of that. After my wedding was over, I didn’t want to give up weddings or blogging so I decided to morph my blog into a place for alternative wedding inspiration. Although I loved the wedding blogs I’d found throughout my plans, none of them catered to the specific kind of bride or style of wedding that I wanted – the alternative, the offbeat and the Rock n’ Roll.

Did you have any experience in writing prior to starting the website?

Not really, although I did a get film degree at University, which was theory, based rather than practical (studying and writing essays about films rather than making them myself). During this time, I realized that I loved to write and that it came quite naturally to me. Although I don’t really ‘use’ my degree in a traditional sense now, I’m so glad I did it as it ignited my love of writing!

Ashton Jean-Pierre Photography

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How did the term Rock n’ Roll Bride originate and what does rock n’ roll mean to you?

Ha - weirdly from our own wedding photographers – who were wonderful and lovely but not very Rock n’ Roll themselves! They said to us that we were their most ‘Rock n’ Roll’ couple and the idea kind of stemmed from there!

Rock n’ Roll Bride is all about the charm and unique nature of ordinary people’s, extraordinary weddings. There is no ideal Rock n’ Roll Bride and being ‘Rock n’ Roll’ is not about being cool, being a rebel or even thinking of the most unique idea you can. It’s about planning a wedding that reflects you and your partner, while declaring your love in your way. To be featured on this site, you don’t have to be cool. You don’t have to be ‘out-there’ or ‘offbeat’, you just have to be you. What makes the weddings I feature so fab is the diversity of weddings and people.

I know that you are located in the U.K. Have you ever been to New Orleans?

Ashton Jean-Pierre Photography

Did you always have a passion for weddings?

Not at all, I was actually never the kind of girl who dreamt about her wedding day! However, I do have a somewhat obsessive personality so when Gareth proposed I went full steam ahead with researching, planning and getting excited about our wedding. But, once the wedding was over the obsession didn’t wane so I continued to blog about it!

I know that you feature real couples on your website. Is there a particular style of couple that you like to feature?

My main criteria really would be that the couple has a wedding that’s a true reflection of them. So, for example, if they love tattoos, 50’s music, and dancing, they might have a rockabilly themed wedding! The theme isn’t important to me though, just that the couple do something perfect for them – that’s what makes them Rock n’ Roll…that they’ve ignored what the wedding industry says they have to do and have done their own thing!

I also like to feature weddings with a lot of details – i.e. the extra ‘stuff’ they decorate their wedding with – props, flowers, stationery, cakes etc. My readers are generally brides-tobe coming to get ideas for their own wedding so this kind of ‘stuff’ is what they’re looking for.

Nope! But I’ve visited the US a few times last and this year for work so you never know, one day maybe!

We were very honored that you ran one of our pictorials on your site. What was it that attracted you to it?

I loved the Steampunk vibe and those amazing metal flowers – I thought my readers would get some great inspiration from it!

With the success that you have received, (Rock n’ Roll Bride was awarded Best Wedding Blog by Cosmopolitan Magazine), How has your life changed?

Wow so much! Before Rock n’ Roll Bride, I was working full time at a shopping TV station, which although I enjoyed, wasn’t really where I saw myself long-term. Now I work from home, with my husband, full time. I’m also a lot more confident in my ability and myself than I was before, and of course, I’ve made so many new friends. Getting recognized is something I’ll probably never get used to, but I really love meeting my readers. Having people come up to me in the street is something very different for me!

Your Rock n’ Roll Bride Magazine recently debuted. Why did you start it?

The magazine was actually my husband’s idea! We were invited to exhibit in a wedding fair last October and we wanted something to hand out to brides and suppliers as an introduction to the blog. Instead of a leaflet or something that might get lost in the bottom of a goodie bag, we came up with the idea of a print version of the site – a magazine!

When I mentioned that we were doing a mag on the blog and via my social media, my blog readers went mental for it, asking where they could get a copy themselves. We have been blown away by the response and we’re working on issue two right now!

I would like to encourage all of our brides to submit your wedding to Rock n’ Roll Bride. The website can be viewed at www.rocknrollbride.com. We have so many interesting and unique brides and locations here in New Orleans, that we must share them with the world. Show your wedding to the world!

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REGAL LIMOUSINE SERVICE

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Jeweled encrusted champage belt over ivory colored lace organza gown.

On Location Photography

Eau Claire Photographics

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Stacy Marks Photography

1. On your smart phone, download the free app at http://gettag.mobi 2. Open the app and aim your camera at any of the tags on this page 3. Your phone’s web browser will take you to the advertiser’s web site immediatly!

nolaweddingguide.com [ gifts and etiquette ]

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[ men’s formal wear ]

Atelier NOLA photography www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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[ the groom’s checklist ]

[ groom’s emergency kit ] • Cologne • Black Socks • Sewing Kit • Extra Cufflinks • Handkerchiefs • Lint Brush • Shoe Polish

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• Lotion • Cash • Contact Numbers for Vendors • Comb/Hair Spray • Razor/Shaving Cream • Toothbrush/Toothpaste­­­­

North Photography www. n o la we ddin g g u ide . c o m

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Black leatherette corset dress with eye-hook front closure.

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[ marriage prep ]

By Valerie Stiebing Simoneaux

Chuck and Bridget Stiebing The marriage begins after you say I do...

O

n her wedding day, a bride is radiant, beautiful, and every detail of her ensemble matters.

It is the day that she offers herself to another in marriage. She was meant for this one man and he was meant for her. There are numerous material aspects of the wedding day i.e. flowers, hair, make up, photos. All these things are designed to make the day about love, beauty, and perfection. However, the wedding day is just that, one day. It is just the beginning. We have interviewed Chuck and Bridget Stiebing, a married couple that has much insight in the important role of marriage counseling.

Q. What is the biggest surprise to brides after they say I do?

A. Bridget says, “I think the biggest issue with brides is their expectation that it’s happily ever after, and there will never be an issue after the wedding day. They are not ready for the stage of disillusionment.” Chuck adds, “We realized early on that males and females are often very different emotionally and philosophically. One of our goals in marriage preparation is to make them aware of those differences and show them how to use them to compliment each other. We want them to appreciate the differences, not resent them.”

Q. How long have you two been preparing couples?

A. We’ve been doing this about 12 years now.

The program we are involved with is called, “Evenings for the Engaged.” It entails a series of meetings between one engaged couple and one married couple. We cover important areas in marriage such as, family origin, marriage expectations, communication, human sexuality, making moral decisions and marriage as a sacrament. In order to get married in the Catholic Archdiocese, couples must choose the appropriate marriage preparation session; whether it be our program “Evenings for the Engaged” or another called “Re-Marriage Preparation.”

A. It has been a tremendous help for our own marriage. Chuck says, “Yes. The thing that is surprising is that in helping engaged couples, my own marriage has been strengthened. It causes my wife and I to think about our own conflicts and different ways to resolve them. We talk about topics not only for the couple to ponder but for us to ponder as well. For example conflict resolution as a learning process, because that is not taught to any couple.”

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Q. Is the process of preparing couples enjoyable for you?

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Atelier NOLA Photography

Q. What is your opinion on the topic of engaged couples having high expectations of each other?

A. Your expectations are rooted in your family of origin. We’ve all heard the saying, “You sound just like your mother/father.” Sometimes that assertion is taken offensively. However, our expectations usually stem from our learned behavior from our family. Family of origin goes hand in hand with communication, which is the single most important quality in a great marriage. Communication is an art. The ability to listen and hear your partner is a great thing. Along those lines, understanding human sexuality is another component of a healthy marriage. The vows stated on the altar take on the flesh in the marital bed. There’s an old saying “most girls dream of their wedding day, most guys dream of their wedding night...”

Q. What is the most important message that you want to convey to engaged couples?

A. To properly understand what the meaning of love is. We use the word “love” commonly with material things. Love is not really a feeling or an emotion it is a decision. Love is the most unselfish thing you do. You really must give 100% to your partner. It is no longer me it is we and this is the essence of unity. Remarkably, the goal of marriage is not happiness it is unity. The two to act as one, as a result there is no division. The byproduct of this unity is happiness.

GK Photography

Marriage Preparation is a learning process that begins once you attend these sessions, but is also a constant effort on both husband and wife. To reach unity with your partner, one must be selfless and understand that the only way to truly be happy is to constantly work as a team. Although the Catholic Church requires it, it does not carry a large religious theme. On that note, this type of preparation can help any couple of any belief, strengthen their love for each other, and create a bond of unity that will eventually lead to their happiness and fulfillment together.

To participate in “Evenings for the Engaged,” contact Chuck and Bridget Stiebing at (504) 738-7687

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GK Photography

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Matthew Foster Photography

[ musicians ]

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Fine Arts Ensemble (504) 931-5450 • (985) 727-1303 www.FineArtsEnsemble.com info@fineartsensemble.com

Violin • Cello • Piano • Organ • Voice • Trumpet • Harp • Trio • String Quartet Trust the professionals. Strings, wind instruments, harp and bagpipes to accommodate a variety of musical tastes.

Ranging from Traditional/Classic to Romantic. Also Pop/Rock/Movie Soundtracks arrangements.

GK Photography

• Live Music for your Ceremony/Cocktails/Reception • Solo, Duet, Trio, Quartet • Now serving LA, MS, and AL, will travel • Free sample CD, Free consultation

Free Gift when booking at least 3 months in advance.

Refried Confuzion 504-377-9258

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[ photographers ]

Atelier NOLA photography

NORTH PHOTOGRAPHY Photography & High-Deenition Video New Orleans Area

Outside New Orleans

504.883.8060 - 1.877.417.3419 PHOTOGRAPHY Photojournalistic & Modern Packages Starting at $1195.00 HIGH-DEFINITION VIDEOGRAPHY Broadcast HD Digital Cameras Packages Starting at $950.00 FLORAL DESIGN 35 Years of Custom Floral Design & Wedding Decorations

17 Years of Photography & Video Located in Metairie, Near Clearview

V i s a & Ma s t e rc a rd A c c e p t e d

Visit us online at

N O RT H P RO D U C T I O N S . C O M FaceBook.com/NorthProductions

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Atelier NOLA presents:

Specializing in small weddings...smaller budgets

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NEW ORLEANS SAINT MALCOLM JENKINS AND MORRISA BARNES

[ wedding tales ]

Morrisa Barnes and Malcolm Jenkins

M

orrisa Barnes and Malcolm Jenkins met in 2008, in college, from mutual friends of their sorority and fraternity, respectfully. Morrisa traveled to Ohio to visit Malcolm, after six months of communicating via Facebook, text messages and phone. At that time he was playing his last year of football at Ohio State University. They developed a relationship as just good friends. In the summer of 2009, Malcolm was drafted by the Saints and moved to New Orleans. Morrisa was at home in Mississippi, so after his move they both crossed state lines to visit and hangout with one another quite often. Malcolm asked Morrisa’s relationship became serious on February 12, 2010, just a few days after the Saints Super Bowl victory.

Exactly one year later, Malcolm proposed to Morrisa.

Morrisa went to see a play with her best friend, her mother, and Malcolm’s mother. Upon arriving back home, Malcolm had a chef there preparing dinner.

Malcolm then told Morrisa that she had a special visitor. Malcolm bought Morrisa a puppy named Roxy. When she went to pick up Roxy, she noticed that Roxy had a ring on her collar. But when she

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turned to look at Malcolm he was down on his knee proposing.

Morrisa and Malcolm decided to have their ceremony and reception at the same venue in the Warehouse District on July 15, 2011. The courtyard of the venue was tented and beautifully decorated for the ceremony. The inside of the venue was transformed, complete with an ultra chic lounge for the reception.

Morrisa made her entrance to the ceremony in a horse drawn carriage. Big Easy Limos provided transportation for the rest of the bridal party. The DJ and a brass band kept the dance floor packed all night long.

The overall theme for the wedding was black and white, with a touch of purple. This theme was reflected in the flowers, linens, decorations and cake. The cake was from Royal Cakery. Morrisa says that Royal Cakery was awesome. She also said, “Every time I open the freezer and see the top tier of our cake, I wonder if it’d be bad luck if we ate it before our one year anniversary. It was just that good.”

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“

Hire a planner and enjoy every moment of y o u r s p e c i a l d a y , i t flies by.

”

Morrisa’s dress was a strapless Vera Wang with a mermaid bottom and sweetheart neckline. She completed her look with a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. She found her bridesmaids’ dresses at Town & Country they were also strapless, but knee length.

Morrisa and Malcolm chose GK Photography and Dyle Films to capture every moment of their big day.

Morrisa says that the pictures and video “speak for themselves.” The couple was overall very pleased to work with both companies.

Transportation: Big Easy Limos Cake: Royal Cakery Bridesmaid attire: Town & Country Bridal Salon Photography: GK Photography Videography: Dyle Films

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North Photography

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[ wedding pictures ] Y

our wedding pictures are a way to relive the special moments of your wedding day for years to come.

When your photographer gives you the finished pictures and it is time to get them printed, you have an important decision to make: you can either get them printed at a drugstore/discount department store or you can have them processed by a professional lab.

Though the drugstores may have slightly cheaper prices, the professional lab has the more experienced staff that is dedicated solely to the printing of images.

The professional labs do not have seasonal employees who get limited training. They also do not sell anything else other than photo processing.

Primary Digital Imaging is a local imaging lab based in Kenner. They work with most of the professional wedding photographers in the city and have been in business for over 50 years. They are committed to providing the highest quality, color photographic services, along with dependable delivery and outstanding customer service.

Robbie Holland, with Primary, says, “Your wedding is one of the biggest events in your life. You hired many professionals to make the event as special as possible.

As a professional lab, we are making sure that you get the very best quality from your images. This is our primary focus. We are not a store with a lab in the back. Our equipment is state-of-the-art and our staff is fully trained to make sure that the images are printed correctly. Your photographer took extensive time to edit your images, giving you the very best. Therefore, you should make sure that those images are of the highest standard.�

Operating Hours 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday Saturday (by appointment only) Lab/Mailing Address 3550 Williams Blvd. Suite A Kenner Louisiana 70065 Phone Numbers 504-468-3750 504-468-3751 (Fax) 800-535-7799 (Toll Free)

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[ videographers ]

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GK Photography

GK Photography

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GK Photography

[ second line parade ] If you want a traditional New Orleans wedding, you want to hire a brass band for a Second Line Parade. It is a way of expressing the unique local flavor of the city.

The Second Line is the parade of people following the musicians, who are called the “First Line”.

The sounds of the instruments (trumpet, tuba, trombone, sax, banjo and clarinet) are coupled with a snare and bass drum. A Grand Marshal will lead your wedding guests around a French Quarter block announcing and celebrating your event. These parades began back in the 19th century, with organizations advertising for burials and honoring the deceased all in one announcement. Many newlyweds can be seen with their umbrellas, white for the bride, black for the groom, and their guests holding handkerchiefs as they follow the band.

For more information on booking a second line band, call Stu at the Howlin’ Wolf, 504-522-9653.

STREET PARADE PERMIT INFORMATION: COST: $50.25 - The Application for Parade Permit, paid for only by Cashier’s Check or Money Order payable to the City of New Orleans.

1. On your smart phone, download the free app at http://gettag.mobi 2. Open the app and aim your camera at any of the tags on this page

COST: $100.00 - Per Officer needed for your escort, payable in cash due on the day of the wedding. The parade route and size will determine the number of officers needed.

CONTACT: Officer Don Powers, 504-343-5890 or donp1961@aol.com

3. Your phone’s web browser will take you to the advertiser’s web site immediatly!

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[ directory of services ] BAKERIES COOKIES BY DESIGN.............................. Pg.10 504.455.8777 www.CookiesByDesign.com FANCY CAKES........................................ Pg.11 504.909.8666 www.FancyCakesNewOrleans.com GAMBINO’S BAKERY.............................. Pg.10 1.800.GAMBINO www.Gambinos.com HEAVENLY HOSTESS CAKES & DECORATING........ Pg.11 504.289.6251

www.HeavenlyHostess.net HUBIG’S PIES........................................... Pg.11 1.800.232.0269 www.Hubigs.com SWEET OCCASIONS BAKERY.................. Pg.10 504.235.8322 SweetOccasionsBakery@gmail.com ROYAL CAKERY....................................... Pg.10 504.246.2065 RoyalCakery@aol.com

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FEDERAL BALLROOM.............................. Pg.37 504.587.2088 www.FederalBallroom.com

RIVERVIEW ROOM.................................. Pg.33 504.525.3000 www.RiverviewRoom.com

THE FOUR COLUMNS.............................. Pg.42 504.340.4109 www.FourColumns.com

ROYAL PALM........................................... Pg.23 504.644.4101 www.RoyalPalmRestaurant.com

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON.................. Pg.43 504.885.5700 www.FourPointsNewOrleans.com

SMILIE’S................................................... Pg.38 504.733.3000 www.SmiliesRestaurant.com

GALVEZ RESTAURANT.............................. Pg.42 504.595.3400 www.GalvezRestaurant.com

SOUTHERN OAKS PLANTATION.............. Pg.21 504.245.8221 www.SouthernOaksPlantation.com

IMPASTATO’S RESTAURANT.................... Pg.56 504.455.1545 www.Impastatos.com

TARAVELLA MANOR................................. Pg.2 504.340.7797 www.TaravellaManor.com

JACKSON BREWERY BISTRO BAR........... Pg.22 504.333.6914 www.JacksonBreweryBar.com

BEAUTY

JEFFERSON ORLEANS SOUTH................. Pg.32 504.454.6105 www.JeffersonOrleans.com

ANGELA UGULANO................................ Pg.64 MAKEUP ARTIST 504.931.8329 www.Facebook.com/AngelaUArtistry BRIDAL BOOT CAMP.............................. Pg.61 504.457.3100 www.ejgh.org/thefitnessprinciple

VENUES/CATERING

LOUISIANA CASTLE................................. Pg.56 504.455.8700 www.Lou­­isianaCastle.com

ANDREAS RESTAURANT.......................... Pg.26 504.834.8583 www.AndreasRestaurant.com

MAGNOLIA PLANTATION....................... Pg.49 504.733.5020 www.Magnolia-Plantation.com

BOURBON ORLEANS HOTEL.................... Pg.57 504.523.2222 www.bourbonorleans.com

NOLA Wine CREATIONS Catering............ Pg.3 504.340.7797 www.NolaWineCreations.com

BROUSSARDS RESTAURANT .................... Pg.52 AND COURTYARD 504.581.3866 www.Broussards.com

N. O. STEAMBOAT COMPANY................ Pg.52 STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ 504.568.8777 www.NewOrleansSteamboatCompany.com

CELEBRATIONS........................................ Pg.48 504.368.5466 www.CelebrationsReceptions.com

PONTCHARTRAIN CENTER...................... Pg.20 504.465.9985 www.pontchartraincenter.com

CHAMPAGNE PALACE........................... Pg.19 504.734.2244 www.champagnepalace.com

PRESIDENTIAL PALACE............................ Pg.39 504.467.3500 www.PresidentialPalace.com

KISS AND MAKEUP BEAUTY SERVICES........... Pg.1 504.422.1743 (Danielle) 504.417.6808 (Brittney) www.KissAndMakeupBeauty.Webs.com

COURTYARD ON THE RIDGE................... Pg.25 504.737.6660 www.CourtyardOnTheRidge.com

The Ridgeway........................................ Pg.42 504.833.2800 www.PartyPlannersInfo.com

MAKEUP NOLA....................................... Pg.61 504.701.8052 www.makeupnola.com

CRYSTAL PLANTATION............................. Pg.52 504.467.1636 www.TheCrystalPlantation.com

ROCK N’ BOWL....................................... Pg.18 504.861.1700 www.RockNBowl.com

MARY KAY COSMETICS.......................... Pg.64 504.701.8052 www.makeupnola.com

ENGLISH TURN COUNTRY CLUB............. Pg.57 504.392.2200 www.EnglishTurn.com

ROSE GARDEN........................................ Pg.22 www.TheRoseGarden.com

SHEERS HAIR DESIGN.............................. Pg.64 504.454.3468

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FINISH STUDIO 843.................................. Pg.65 504.523.3555 www.FinishStudio845.com FLAWLESS BRIDE...................................... Pg.65 504.473.3621 www.Flawless-Bride.com FLEURTI TANS........................................... Pg.64 504.512.5424 www.FleurtiTans.com KIM PORCHE........................................... Pg.67 PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST 504.874.6881 www.MakeupByKimPorche.com

STUDIO NAILS.......................................... Pg.64 504.455.6267

BRIDAL SALONS

HONEYMOON/TRAVEL

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE BY MAEME................ Pg.76 504.266.2771 www.mae-me.com

DAYS INN NEW ORLEANS AIRPORT....... Pg.113 504.464.1644 www.DaysInn.com

BUSTLES AND BOWS BRIDAL BOUTIQUE......... Pg.72 504.780.7090 www.BustlesAndBowsBridal.com

GOING PLACES TRAVEL....................... Pg.113 504.286.2024 Rbarnes@vacation.com

CHARLOTTE JOHNSON’S BRIDAL.................. Pg.72 504442.1955 www.CharlotteJohnsonsBridal.com

HAMPTON INN METAIRIE...................... Pg.113 504.831.7676 www.HamptonInn.com

LINDA LEE................................................ Pg.73 504.889.1889

HARMONY ADVENTURES...................... Pg.112 504.836.6070 www.HaTravel.com

PEARL’S PLACE............................................ Pg.76 504.885.9213 www.pearlsplace.com SUZETTE’S................................................. Pg.65 504.888.7722 www.Suzettes.com TOWN AND COUNTRY................................ Pg.76 504.523.7027 www.TownAndCountryBridal.com

EVENT PLANNING & DECORATIONS ELEGANT WEDDINGS.............................. Pg.94 504.392.4069 www.ElegantWeddingsNola.com EVENT RENTALS....................................... Pg.93 504. 362.8368 www.YourEventsDelivered.com NOLA BASH............................................. Pg.92 504. 388.8637 www.NolaBash.com

LAGNIAPPE TRAVEL SERVICES............. Pg.112 504.582.2220 www.LagniappeTravel.com MAISON ST. CHARLES........................... Pg.113 HOTEL & SUITE GARDEN DISTRICT 504.620.5466 www.MaisonStCharles.com

JOHN’S TUXEDOS................................. Pg.139 504.455.5353 www.JohnsTuxedos.com SANDY’S TUXEDO RENTAL & SALES...... Pg.139 504.466.0684 504.309.1894 ROME’S TUXEDOS................................. Pg.139 504.957.8885

MUSIC FINE ARTS ENSEMBLE............................ Pg.152 504.931.5450 www.FineArtsEnsemble.com REFRIED CONFUZION............................ Pg.152 504.377.9258 www.RefriedConfuzion.com SATELLITE MOBILE SOUND.................... Pg.152 504.340.6010 www.SatelliteSound.com

INVITATIONS & SUPPLIES

SHA’ON AND SUCCESS........................ Pg.154 504.224.1562 www.ShaonWeddings.com

ABBEY PRINTING................................... Pg.118 504.392.7774 wwwAbbeyPrinting.com

TROY MARKS & NO IDEA...................... Pg.153 504.469.4002 www.NoIdeaBand.com

SZABO’S PARTY SUPPLY CENTER.......... Pg.118 504.367.1156 www.SzabosPartySupplies.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

LIMOUSINES ALERT TRANSPORTATION...................... Pg.134 504.712.5466 www.ARegalLimo.com

AFFORDABLE PHOTOGRAPHY............. Pg.166 985.885.9335 ATELIER NOLA....................................... Pg.159 504.452.8168 www.AtelierNOLA.com

A REGAL LIMOUSINE............................ Pg.122 504.712.5466 www.ARegalLimo.com

BILLIOT PHOTOGRAPHY.............................. Pg.1 504.669.3082 985.727.3535 www.ChuckBilliot.com

FLORISTS

BIG EASY LIMOS................................... Pg.135 504.466.4477 www.BigEasyLimos.com

BRENDA SISON PHOTOGRAPHY.......... Pg.160 504.250.2400 www.BrendaSisonPhotography.com

BETH’S FLOWERS...................................... Pg.96 504.455.2353 www.BethsFlowersOnline.com

BILL’S BLACK TIE LIMOS........... Directory Only 504.828.3550

DEMITASSE WEDDINGS......................... Pg.158 504.289.1028 www.DemitasseWeddings.com

ELOQUENT FLOWERS.................................. Pg.98 504.371.4006

CELEBRITY LIMOUSINES........................ Pg.123 504.888.5466 www.CelebrityLimoService.com

PARTY PLANNERS CATERING........ Directory Only 50.4.833.2800 www.PartyPlannersInfo.com

KIM STARR WISE FLORAL EVENTS........... Pg.97 504.315.5607 www.KimStarrWise.com LE GRAND THE FLORIST........................... Pg.98 504.362.5757 www.LeGrandTheFlorist.com LE DEUX SOEURS..................................... Pg.96 504.508.2786 lesdeuxsoeurs.com LINDBERGH FLORAL DESIGN.................. Pg.97 504.885.7466

EXECUTIVE LIMOUSINE OF LOUISIANA........ Pg.135 504.333.0581 execlimo49@gmail.com ORLEANS LUXURY LIVERY..................... Pg.134 504.282.LIMO

MEN’S FORMAL WEAR ELEGANCE FORMAL WEAR & LIMO......... Pg.139 504.644.4492 J&L FORMAL WEAR............................... Pg.139 504.340.4544

ELEGANT IMAGES, LLC......................... Pg.166 504.838.9550 www.Elegant-Images-LLC.com FARLEY’S PHOTOGRAPHY.................... Pg.166 504.464.9912 www.FarleysPhotography.com GK PHOTOGRAPHY................................ Pg.62 504.737.5557 www.gkphotography.com GOOD TIMES PHOTOGRAPHY............. Pg.168 504.393.0819 www.GoodTimesPhotography.com

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J & J PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC................... Pg.160 504.343.2407 www.JJPhotographyByJeffreyTyler.com

STACY MARKS PHOTOGRAPHY........... Pg.157 504.237.2173 www.StacyMarks.com

KERRY PITRE PHOTOGRAPHY, INC......... Pg.160 504.834.3266 www.KerryPitrePhoto.com

TERRI DAIGREPONT PHOTOGRAPHY........ Pg.167 504.888.4201 www.TerriDPhoto.com

LA STUDIOS........................................... Pg.161 504.669.5711 www.LaStudios1.com

VIDEOGRAPHERS

MARENGO PHOTOGRAPHY.................. Pg.168 504.952.3444/504.279.2458 www.MarengoPhoto.com MATTHEW FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHY...... Pg.160 504.237.9845 www.MatthewFosterPhotography.com NORTH PHOTOGRAPHY & ................... Pg.156 HD VIDEOGRAPHY 504.883.8060 www.NorthProductions.com ON-LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY.......... Pg.166 504.833.0402 www.StewartJohnson.com PROFESSIONAL WEDDING.................... Pg.168 VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY 504.347.2922 www.NolaVideo.com

DYLE FILMS............................................ Pg.173 504.813.4183 www.ChadDyle.com JAMES A. PERRY VIDEO........................ Pg.170 504.340.5471 ONE LOUDER PRODUCTIONS............... Pg.173 504.415.9660 www.getolp.com

YOUR DAY PRODUCTION..................... Pg.170 VIDEO ARTISTS 504.273.0005 www.YourDayProduction.com

OTHER Clarion Herald..................................... Pg.4 504.596.3035 www.ClarionHerald.org INSIDE JEFFERSON MAGAZINE............ Pg.110 504.304.2712 www.ClickJefferson.com STATE FARM INSURANCE......................... Pg.58 www.statefarm.com

PROFESSIONAL WEDDING ................... Pg.168 VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY 504.347.2922 www.NolaVideo.com SECOND LINE FILMS............................. Pg.170 504.452.4075 www.SecondLineFilms.com STUDIO VIEUX CARRE........................... Pg.173 504.528.8888 www.StudioVC.com

RICK MASSARINI PHOTOGRAPHY....... Pg.168 504.341.4240 www.MassariniPhotography.com

SUZY MARKS VIDEOGRAPHY............... Pg.171 504.469.4069 www.SuzyMarks.com

SONNY RANDON PHOTOGRAPHY....... Pg.167 504.837.1215 www.SonnyRandon.com

NORTH PHOTOGRAPHY & ................... Pg.156 HD VIDEOGRAPHY 504.883.8060 www.NorthProductions.com

Join us online to find the best information on the hottest trends, local traditions, obtaining permits and escorts, getting your marriage license and more!

Connect with the area’s best vendors who will help you plan the perfect wedding event you have always dreamed of!

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[ budget planner ] Keep track of all your wedding expenses by using our handy wedding budget worksheet.

Description Amount

Wedding Parties

Vendor / Notes

Engagement Party / Dinner

$..............................................

.......................................................

Bachelorette Party

$..............................................

.......................................................

Bridesmaids’ Lunch

$..............................................

.......................................................

Rehearsal Dinner

$..............................................

.......................................................

Brunch for out-of-town guests

$..............................................

.......................................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wedding Stationery Invitations $..............................................

.......................................................

Announcements $..............................................

.......................................................

Save the Date cards

$..............................................

.......................................................

Thank You Cards

$..............................................

.......................................................

Reply Cards

$..............................................

.......................................................

Stamps $..............................................

.......................................................

Calligraphy $..............................................

.......................................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bridal Attire and Personal Grooming Wedding Dress

$..............................................

.......................................................

Headpiece/Veil $..............................................

.......................................................

Shoes $..............................................

.......................................................

Accessories $..............................................

.......................................................

Dresses for Other Parties

$..............................................

.......................................................

Undergarments $..............................................

.......................................................

Hairdresser, makeup, nails, etc.

$..............................................

.......................................................

Trousseau $..............................................

.......................................................

Alterations $..............................................

.......................................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

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[ budget planner ] Photography/Videography Formal Portraits

$..............................................

.......................................................

Engagement $..............................................

.......................................................

Wedding and Reception

$..............................................

.......................................................

Wedding Album

$..............................................

.......................................................

Parents’ Albums

$..............................................

.......................................................

Extra Prints

$..............................................

.......................................................

Videography of Wedding

$..............................................

.......................................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Flowers Ceremony

$..............................................

.......................................................

Bride’s Bouquet

$..............................................

.......................................................

Groom’s Boutonniere

$..............................................

.......................................................

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen $..............................................

.......................................................

Mothers’ Corsages

$..............................................

.......................................................

Reception Arrangements

$..............................................

.......................................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reception Food/Caterer $..............................................

.......................................................

Drinks $..............................................

.......................................................

Wedding Cakes

$..............................................

.......................................................

Rental of Facility

Rentals ( tents, furniture, etc.)

$..............................................

.......................................................

$..............................................

.......................................................

Place Cards

$..............................................

.......................................................

Tips $..............................................

.......................................................

Decorations $..............................................

.......................................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Music/Entertainment Ceremony $..............................................

.......................................................

DJ $..............................................

.......................................................

Band $..............................................

.......................................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Transportation Limousine/Carriage $..............................................

Parking $..............................................

....................................................... .......................................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Gifts For the Groom (optional)

$..............................................

.......................................................

Maid/Matron of Honor

$..............................................

.......................................................

Bridesmaids $..............................................

.......................................................

Bride’s Parents

$..............................................

.......................................................

Groom’s Parents

$..............................................

.......................................................

The Groom’s Ring

$..............................................

.......................................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fees Church / Ceremony Location

$..............................................

.......................................................

Officiant $..............................................

.......................................................

Officiant Assistants

.......................................................

$..............................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Miscellaneous Wedding Consultant

$..............................................

.......................................................

Attendants Accessories

$..............................................

.......................................................

Guest Favors

$..............................................

.......................................................

Bridal Toss (confetti, bubbles, etc.)

$..............................................

.......................................................

Monogrammed Napkins

$..............................................

.......................................................

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5 0 4 . 2 8 9 . 1 0 2 8 www.ateliernola.com

SOUTHERN OAKS P

L

A

N

T

A

T

I

O

Romance • Memories • Magic

N

7816 H AYNE B OULEVARD • N EW O RLEANS 504.245.8221 • S OUTHERN O AKS P LANTATION . COM FACEBOOK . COM /S OUTHERN O AKS P LANTATION

[ budget planner ] Cake Accessories (knife, top, etc.)

$..............................................

.......................................................

Hotel Accommodations

$..............................................

.......................................................

Guest Book and Pen

$..............................................

.......................................................

Champagne Flutes

$..............................................

.......................................................

Garter $..............................................

.......................................................

Unity Candle

.......................................................

$..............................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Honeymoon Travel (plane, etc)

$..............................................

.......................................................

Cruise $..............................................

.......................................................

Accommodations $..............................................

.......................................................

Spending Money

.......................................................

$..............................................

Rental Car $.............................................. .......................................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Other Expenses not listed above __________________________________ $..............................................

.......................................................

__________________________________ $..............................................

.......................................................

__________________________________ $..............................................

.......................................................

__________________________________ $..............................................

.......................................................

Notes_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Total $ ............................................

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