NOW Weddings Magazine July 2021 Issue

DREAMY SOUTHERN WEDDING INSPIRATION REAL WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS THE SMALL PARTIES AROUND THE BIG DAY

GALIA LAHAV’S NEW PRET-A-PORTER BRIDAL COLLECTION

20+

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Creativity

Alchemy Events

Wedding Planner + Event Designer Exceptional, unexpected, unparalleled.

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THE PARISAN PHOTOGRAPHERS

IMAGES BY ROBERT T

TIA NASH

THE WEDDING MATINEE

JESSICA BURKE

DGASS PHOTOGRAPHY

JESSICA BURKE

JESSICA BURKE

BRIAN JARREAU PHOTOGRAPHY

THE NOW WEDDING EVENT AT CHATEAU GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

WEDNESDAY

SEPTEMBER 15 2021

6-8:30PM

WWW.THENOWWEDDINGEVENT.COM

JULY 2021CONTENTS FEATURED EDITORIAL 11

Southern Romance Take a trip with us to beautiful Charleston, South Carolina for this stunning editorial filled with dreamy wedding details

ARTICLES 8 The State of the Wedding Industry An insider’s perspective on weddings in 2021 36 The Small Parties Around the Big Day A guide to pre- and post-wedding parties 46 DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT Designer Galia Lahav’s New Pret-A-Porter Bridal Collection for 2021

REAL WEDDINGS 26

Gabrielle Ganci + Taylor Russolino

32

Ife Okoh + Kevin Bobb

40

Maria Cervini + Nathaniel Eaton

LOOK WHO’S ENGAGED! 54

Sara Nealis + Colin Cuzman

55

Ciera Edwards + Willie Malone

55

Kelia Dufrene + Tyler Hernandez

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Alleman Photography from the Southern Romance Editorial (pages 11-25)

PUBLISHER

JESSICA BURKE JESSICA@THENOWBRIDE.COM

Rena Sweeney CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dayna Dufrene ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

FOR ENGAGED COUPLES Our blog is filled with tons of great resources, inspiration, wedding stories and photo editorials that will help you plan an amazing wedding.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ADVERTISING, PLEASE CONTACT:

About The Cover PHOTOGRAPHER: Sarah Alleman Photography

NOW Weddings Magazine Phone: 504-832-2775 Email: sales@thenowbride.com www.NOWWeddingMagazine.com NOW Weddings Magazine is published monthly by New Orleans Weddings Magazine, Inc. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

NOW Weddings Magazine is a registered trademark of NOWM, Inc. The use of the trademark is strictly prohibited. The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, New Orleans WeddingsMagazine cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. NOW Weddings Magazine cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers or any other portion of this publication

CREATIVE DIRECTION: Pure Luxe Bride VENUE: Gadsden House BOUQUET: Juniper & Jasmine Floral Design GOWN: Emily Kotarski MENSWEAR: M. Dumas & Sons HAIR: Brianna Adams MAKEUP: Cheryl Quinn BRIDE: Jasmine Dustin Look for new issues of NOW Weddings Magazine every month.

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Jessica The Photographer

DELIVERY WEDDINGS CORPORATE EVENTS PRIVATE EVENTS

3803 Toulouse Street | New Orleans 504.486.4466 | orders@toulousegourmet.com

toulousegourmet.com

:: From the Creative Director’s Desk ::

THE STATE OF THE WEDDING INDUSTRY WRITTEN BY: Rena Sweeney, Alchemy Events | PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Alleman Photography

IT’S 1 A.M. ON A FRIDAY AND AS I TRY TO WRAP UP MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE JULY issue so I can head to bed, I’ve contemplated over and over how to begin this article. Nothing short of complete honesty and transparency seems fitting, though. So for better or worse [deep breath], here we go.

We are living in unprecedented times. Even vendors, like myself, one could guarantee what would happen. No one ever thought who went through Hurricane Katrina have never experienced it would last this long. Progressively more businesses had to lay anything like it. We keep a smile on our face, apologize for delayed off staff, sell their equipment, get rid of warehouses holding their responses, hope that it won’t result in a negative review, and keep stock or delay upgrading the equipment they needed for their working until all hours of the night. We’re trying to hold it together, business. Some vendors closed shop entirely. Others took on side gigs to make ends meet. Then almost as quickly as it had but to be honest, it’s hard. Harder than ever before. begun, things began to open up again.

Behind the mask of smiles, it’s important that you as engaged couples know the truth of what’s happening because this is all part WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS of your own planning process as well. Sure, you know 2020 was probably a rough year for us but now we’ve got business again and Suddenly we had two year’s worth of couples all wanting to get should be more than happy to have you as a client, right? Yes, we married in the last 6 months of 2021, plus 2022 and 2023 couples are, but there’s a dark depth to what’s happening right now that you looking to book their vendors. No one wants micro weddings, everyone wants a blow out party to celebrate with their friends need to know about. and family who have all been cooped up for the last year. No I hold a unique position in our industry that I am not only a vendor, matter the budget, guest lists are large again. an educator and venue consultant, but I also have the privilege of speaking directly to couples through this publication. Lately I find The only problem is that most of us are now understaffed myself in the precarious position of trying to be understanding and might also be dealing with additional workload from to my fellow vendors while also juggling client expectations and commitments we made when times were slow. Some might have trying to help them understand what is happening in our industry to outsource or have 2 employees doing the work of 5. Catering right now. So I’m taking this opportunity to use my platform here companies and staffing agencies can’t find workers. Then the to share what I hope will help us all work better together and also unexpected shortages… wood prices skyrocketed, there’s a offer some valuable insight to couples still in, or about to dive into, flower shortage, a metal shortage, paper shortage. You name it, we’ve experienced it recently. So we’re not only dealing with the planning process. more work than we’ve probably ever experienced before but also with couples who are highly emotional (rightly so, having 2020 IN RETROSPECT been through covid engagements and/or postponements).

As vendors, we work with weddings because we love the celebration of love! No, it’s not easy; expectations are high, but From personal experience, I can tell you that in 21 years of business, we are passionate about helping our clients celebrate this time I’ve never before had florists tell me they simply could not get white in their lives. Many of us are small businesses either working on hydrangea. I’ve never before called a vendor who was being our own or with just a handful of staff. This last year, even the unresponsive to check on them because I was legitimately larger businesses felt the sting of covid, though. scared for their health and safety because it’s unlike them to not respond. Vendors who always respond back within 24 hours are As we were in the midst of spring wedding season, our world was now taking days to respond and even longer to get quotes back. unexpectedly shut down. Not temporarily, but completely and Rental companies are getting calls for people wanting to have last for the foreseeable future. After having held dates for couples minute parties and events and they don’t have staffing to fulfill all the and working with them for a year or more, suddenly they were requests. Vendors are refusing additional work for this year because asking for full refunds. In the blink of an eye, we not only had no they can’t keep up as it is. Heck, I’m working until late into the night every day myself. new business, we also had couples wanting money back.

Vendors disagreed on how to handle this and then as parishes around Orleans had less restrictive regulations, venues within Orleans Parish itself had couples asking for refunds so they could move their events to those other areas.

Those vendors who did still have some business had to either completely replan a wedding (so much extra work), risk their own health or worry about backlash from unhappy clients.

As we trudged through, the inquiries dried up as well because no 8 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

In planning this article, I reached out to our wedding vendor community to ask what things they wished couples knew right now. I promised anonymity if desired and we heard many of the same responses over and over again. I wanted to share some of them here to not only help you as a client understand where we’re coming from but also to encourage you that despite what it may seem like, your vendors are just as invested in you as they’ve always been! We still want to give you the most amazing day of your life and whether it seems like it or not to you, we’re working ourselves ragged to do that. You’ll also get some insight into how things have changed for your planning process.

WHAT VENDORS WANT YOU TO KNOW “Inquire sooner rather than later. A lot of us are booking up farther out than pre-Covid.”

- Ashley Mercer, Ashley Kristen Photography “Expect 100% of the guest count to show up because people are ready to party!”

“Please don’t ask for deals/discounts, we are catching up on a year of no sales!!!”

“We are in the middle of a flower shortage. Don’t get your heart set on specific flowers. You might be setting yourself up for a huge disappointment. Trust your designers to get the best product for you. As the demand goes up in the fall this could become more prevalent. Prices are also at an all time high.”

“We understand that things are feeling more like normal for you, but they are anything *but* normal for your vendors. Patience and planning ahead (very ahead, not telling me TWO DAYS BEFORE that your guest count went from 100 to 200) will go a long way in making sure your wedding is what you envisioned.

And doesn’t cost quadruple the price you signed on. Read your contracts, or ask that they are read/talked through with you BEFORE you sign. Everything is more expensive. Every. Thing. All of the things. Even that. Communicate, communicate, communicate!!”

“Inquiring sooner than 3 months BEFORE your wedding date for stationery (which is essentially one month for me to design, produce and deliver without a client dragging their feet on things). The paper shortage is real right now!

Letterpress and foil take an immense amount of production time due to custom print plates and the overall print process. Reach out at least 6 months before your wedding date, 8-12 if you’re wanting Save the Dates.” - Ashley Barado, InvitoBella “Expect response times to be slower.”

“Be wary of new vendors trying to make a quick buck in this post-covid market.

The ‘pandemic specials’ can be tempting to take advantage of but if they’re not an experienced professional, you may be left without a cake or photographer if something goes awry.”

“I cannot wait until the day that I’ll no longer need to apologize for how long it’s taken to reply to an inquiry/email/voicemail.”

“We are SO mentally tired. Keep communication in emails and expect a little delay.” - Kristen Soileau “Many of us took on “side hustles” or offered “deals” that were greatly to our disadvantage during the pandemic just to make ends meet and/or so we wouldn’t lose everything we’d worked so hard for. Now that the world has suddenly reopened (something we’re both grateful for and had no time to plan for), we’re finding ourselves needing to fulfill those obligations (and we will because we operate with integrity) along with a huge influx for our “regular” business. We’re working harder than ever to balance everything, but with reduced or no staff due to the shut down, things are taking longer than we’d like. We WILL get through this, but it will take time for things to even out. Please be understanding.”

“My advice to clients would be please please have patience and grace for your vendors this year. Overworked and wildly busy and exhausted while also out of practice after 8 months while managing the frustration of rescheduled covid clients and trying to maintain expectations of new clients is a LOT to handle! I’ve had more frustration from clients about slow communication this spring than ever and it breaks my heart! Obviously I want to give them the absolute best experience and blow their expectations out of the water, and I adore each one of my clients but it’s been an extremely rough year! So yeah, grace toward your vendors (oftentimes one man operations as mine is!) would be so helpful!”

Many of our businesses live and die based on reviews so my parting note is to ask you to not only have patience and grace, as that last quote asked, but to also be considerate when reviewing us. Online reviews live forever and most of us truly are still doing all we can to give you the best of us. We promise to do whatever we can to go above and beyond for you because of your understanding!

In closing, I’d like to also offer this as my explanation and apology to my own friends and family. I know I haven’t been present. I know I forget to call, respond to your texts or have to decline more invitations than normal right now (although weekends are ALWAYS busy).

I know you truly love me because you understand but still, I’m sorry. I’m not a fan of this season of my life either but know that it will pass and then I promise, just like with my clients, I’ll be all the more grateful to you for having given me grace during this time.

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WEDDING CEREMONIES RECEPTIONS DINNER PARTIES EVENTS

3803 Toulouse Street | New Orleans 504.486.8351 | info@cannerynola.com

cannerynola.com THANK YOU TO THE FABULOUS WEDDING PROFESSIONALS FEATURED IN THIS PHOTO: STYLED BY: LAVISHLY CHIC DESIGNS DSW PHOTOGRAPHY | NOLA FLORA | J COLEMAN DESIGNS | CHAIR COUTURE NOLA | FIREFLY AMBIANCE | CRYSTAL NEW ORLEANS | BBJ LINEN | ROSA’S CAKES

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NOW WEDDINGS

STYLE

SOUTHERN

romance

TAKE A TRIP WITH US TO BEAUTIFUL CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THIS STUNNING EDITORIAL FILLED WITH DREAMY DETAILS

F EATUR IN G :

ON LOCATION: Gadsden House, gadsdenhouse.com | COORDINATOR Pure Luxe Bride, pureluxebride.com | PHOTOGRAPHER: Sarah Alleman Photography, sarahallemanphotography.com | SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER: Courtney Bowlden Photography, courtneybowlden.com | FLORALS: Juniper & Jasmine Floral Design, juniperandjasminedesigns.com | RENTALS: Ooh! Events, oohevents.com | LINEN: Nüage Designs, nuagedesigns.com | CAKE: Flowerchild, flowerchildchs.com | PAPER: Studio R Custom Stationery, studio-r-design.com | HAIR: Brianna Adams, briannabadams.com | MAKEUP: Cheryl Quinn, cherylquinnmakeup.com | WEDDING DRESS: Emily Kotarski Bespoke Bridal Design, emilykotarski.com | VINTAGE CAR: SC Express, scexpresscharleston.com | RING BOX: Mrs. Box, themrsbox.com | NECKLACE: Wilma and Ethel, wilmaandethel.com | BRACELETS: Michael Kors, michaelkors.com + Allie and Bess, shopalliebess.com | RING: James Allen, jamesallen.com | MEN’S ATTIRE: M. Dumas & Sons, mdumasandsons.com | BRIDE: Jasmine Dustin, stiledivitadi.com N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 11

Designer Emily Kotarski created Jasmine’s ethereal gown with stretch crepe and included sketch lace appliqué details over the bodice.

Kotarski’s cathedral length organza Coast Cape with charming puff sleeves pairs beautifully with this gown. Jasmine’s fiancé wears a dapper suit from iconic Charleston clothier M. Dumas & Sons.

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Jasmine’s jewelry includes a layered necklace by Wilma and Ethel, bracelets by Michael Kors + Allie and Bess and a stunning custom designed rose gold engagement ring with a pear shape diamond by James Allen.

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The Gadsden House, circa 1798, was originally built as a wedding gift from Revolutionary War hero Christopher Gadsden to his son. The home remained in the Gadsden family until the mid-20th century when the property was converted to apartments and office space. In 2014, the Historic Charleston Foundation, in partnership with Luxury Simplified Construction, began the restoration of the property to its current grandeur. The property, which is listed on the National Historic Register, now serves as one of Charleston’s finest private event venues.

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The Gadsden House’s verandas feature quaint gas lanterns and traditional “haint blue” ceilings to ward off evil spirits.

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Juniper & Jasmine Floral Design created lush floral arrangements within Pure Luxe Bride’s neutral, terracotta color palette for this editorial.

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Pure Luxe Bride styled this wedding table in one of The Gadsden House’s parlors with elegant yet modern touches such as black taper candles atop a crisp, neutral linen from Nüage Designs with Stoneware place settings and Ghost Chairs from Ooh! Events.

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Studio R Custom Stationery created the wedding invitations and menus with elegant calligraphy on handmade paper, incorporating wax seals and black velvet ribbons as the finishing touches.

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The wedding cake by dessert company, Flowerchild, boasts two ivory tiers with edible gold leaf and pearls and wafer-thin white petals as embellishment.

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SC Express’ dove grey vintage ‘Silver Cloud’ car is the perfect getaway vehicle for the modern couple with nostalgic sensibilities.

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NOW WEDDINGS

STYLE

1

Details, details, details.

Finds for brides who want the world to know they’re engaged!

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5

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1. EPLAZA Silver Rhinestones Bride Short Satin Robe, Shop online: amazon.com 2. The One Where I’m the Bride Wine Tumbler, Shop online: amazon.com 3. From Passport Polish’s Destination Wedding Collection (EngageMINT in St. Vincent + Seychelles), Shop online: passportpolish.com 4. Mrs Purse Acrylic Clutch, Shop online: amazon.com 5. Mrs Jewelry Dish Ceramic Ring Dish, Shop online: amazon.com 6. Girlfriend Fiancée Wife Tee Shirt , Shop online: amazon.com 7. Bride + I Do Crew Canvas Makeup Bags, Shop online: amazon.com 8. Dearfoams Women’s Bridal I Do + I Do Crew Giftable Slide Slippers, Shop online: amazon.com 9. Caraknots Future Mrs 2021 Bride Tote Bag, Shop online: amazon.com * As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

THE PROPOSAL “Gabby and I both have a fond love for the Sunset, especially the ones out here in California,” shares Taylor. “Its arguably our favorite thing to do...so for me, it was a no brainer when this potential moment presented itself. In the Newport Harbor you often see an abundance of electric powered boats called “Duffys”. On Wednesday, August 14, 2019, I had rented two of these so called “Duffy boats”, one for Gabby and I, and the other for our photographer friend, some family, friends, and our favorite Golden Retriever, Sunny. About an hour before sunset we set out for our casual Wednesday evening Harbor cruise. Per usual, Gabby came perfectly prepared for our little Duffy boat cruise date. Creating this beautiful romantic setting with a cheese board plus sushi, flowers, while also spilling red wine all over her jeans, it was absolutely perfect setting for my proposal. As we cruised the harbor, I was discreetly trying to stay in communication with those aboard the other boat so that when our coordinates matched, I knew to be ready! With the sun finally setting, we soon came around a bend in the harbor. At that point, I knew it was go time. I could see the other boat quickly approaching and knew it was about to go down! I was so ready!

As both boats were approaching one another abruptly, I got down on one knee and asked the love of my life to be mine for forever! She said Yes! With so many emotions, boats colliding, a barking dog, and tears of joy, happiness, surprise, and love, it was absolutely perfect! It was a beautiful sunset with an even more beautiful moment!”

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NOW

real wedding

Gabrielle Ganci & Taylor Russolino

THE GIFT OF MARRIAGE APRIL 24, 2021 | NEW ORLEANS, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROCATO PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTIVE

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THEIR FAVORITE MOMENTS For Taylor “watching Gabby walk down the aisle was easily my most favorite part of the day.” Gabby, too, loved the ceremony. “The anticipation of opening the church doors and awaiting Taylor’s face/emotions was amazing!” she shares. “I couldn’t keep myself together.

The tears were instantly rolling down my face! To see Taylors huge smile and eyes filled with tears at the end of the aisle was incredible yet so warm all at the same time!

We had waited so long for this moment and to look back at all the guests sitting in the pews there to witness, support and love us was just incredible!” TAYLOR’S CAKE “We were originally supposed to get married on Taylor’s birthday (05/23/2020) and we had chose to have his favorite cake as his grooms cake (layered Funfetti and cookie cake) which would also be his “birthday cake” since it was his birthday and he felt like I was giving him the best birthday present ever - the gift of marriage! I envisioned our original wedding as our epic birthday celebration/wedding!

Although we had to postpone and ended up getting married a year later, we decided to keep his groom’s cake the same.” A FAMILY TRADITION In memory of Taylor’s Mimi (who owned her own dancing school) and to continue a family tradition, all the women at the reception lined up and did a kick dance to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.”

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ADDITIONAL CREDITS: GETTING READY LOCATION: Windsor Court Hotel | CEREMONY LOCATION: Our Lady of Good Counsel Church | OFFICIANT: Friar Mariano Veliz O.P. | BRIDE’S GOWN: Wtoo by Watters (Town & Country) | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: BHLDN, Anthropologie, FreePeople, Needle & Thread, Lipsy, ASOS, Monique Lhuillier | GROOM/GROOMSMENS’ ATTIRE: Rome’s Tuxedos | PHOTOGRAPHY: Brocato Photography Collective | VIDEO: Bride Film | FLORIST: Moonbeam Fleurs | BAKERY: Barbara The Cake Lady | CEREMONY MUSIC: Brian Morgan (organ), Kate Abreo (vocals) | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Peyton Falgoust Band | TRANSPORTATION: Riculfy Livery | HAIR: A NOLA Bride | MAKEUP: Melanie Make Up | TRAVEL AGENT: Jennifer Elliott | WEDDING PLANNER: InNola Events & Design | JEWELER: Greg Raymond | INVITATIONS: Minted

See more from Gabrielle & Taylor’s wedding at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com

NOW

FEATURED VENDORS RECEPTION LOCATION: THE CANNERY cannerynola.com CATERER: TOULOUSE GOURMET CATERING toulousegourmet.com

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Photo: 1216 Studios

Photo: Theresa Elizabeth Photography

disCover

the

eleganCe

3600 Chateau Blvd., Kenner la 70065 504.467.1351 | ChateaugCC.Com

PHOTO: DAVID WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

(504) 628-7392

CHOCOLATEBUNNIEEVENTS.COM

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chocolatebunnie1996@gmail.com

610 South Peters Street | NOLA 70130 504-521-8055 | chicoryvenue.com Jenna Bonura | jenna@chicoryvenue.com Vendor Credits: Elyse Jennings Weddings | Greer Photography | Bella Blooms Floral | Luminous Events

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THE PROPOSAL

“It was a Friday evening and we had plans to attend an underground (raw) comedy event. This event is so critical to why the night was special! It’s called Smokes and Jokes but it is a part of a bigger collective called Artery. Essentially, it is an underground movement of artists (of different disciplines and talents) who are on the very beginnings of breaking into their careers. This event is hosted once a month at random (yet very DOPE) apartments around Brooklyn, NY and the event is very, very intimate. I mean there were 20-30 people packed like sardines inside this one-bedroom loft style apartment just watching and supporting raw talent.

The event was so special because it embodies the Ife and Kevin experience. We are very laid back, down for the cause, and spontaneous. Myself, in particular, the bride, am very down to earth and don’t like deliberate attention. Kevin is the same. Our idea of a good time is hanging out at our local Nigerian bar (Art Cafe + Bar) with some friends, sitting outside and talking about whatever comes up!

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Needless to say, we had a blast at this event. We got home around 1:30am. We’re walking down our hall and I smell candles. An intense smell of candles. I instantly got worried thinking, is someone burning their apartment down? Did I leave a candle burning? Kevin is calmly ignoring me, opens the door and I see a million (not a million) candles burning all over our apartment with the words “Marry Me” and “Kebo + Moon” spelled out. (Kebo and Moon are our nicknames for one another.) Oh and rose petals everywhere. I obviously said yes and the rest is history. ...I loved it so much because it was such a Kevin and Ife proposal. No one else!” - Ife

NOW

real wedding

Ife Okoh & Kevin Bobb

#ITSABOBBTIME OCTOBER 10, 2019 | NEW ORLEANS, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY XXI FACETS LLC

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WHY NOLA Ife and Kevin planned a

destination NOLA wedding. “I was actually born in New Orleans,” shares Ife “and have always loved the culture and character of the city. We took a trip for our anniversary in 2018 and Kevin also fell in love with the city. While we were there we mentioned that when we get married we were going to do it in New Orleans.” THE FLOWERS “I love flowers!” says Ife. “I always keep fresh flowers in the house.” Ife researched flowers online and found one bloom in particular that captured her imagination, the King Protea, and told her wedding planner, “I don’t care how the flowers turn out as long as I have that big flower and the rest are inspired by it.” THE CAKE Ife had local bakery Royal Cakery imitate Kevin’s favorite cake in New York City - butter cake with pineapple filling! THE VENDORS Ife and Kevin were very intentional in hiring their wedding vendors. “The overall planning of our wedding evolved around us patronizing as many black owned vendors as possible,” shares Ife. “This was very important to us.”

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ADDITIONAL CREDITS: GETTING READY LOCATIONS: AirBNB | CEREMONY + RECEPTION LOCATION: Le Musée de f.p.c. | OFFICIANT: LaToya Papillion-Herr, Waning Moon Weddings | BRIDE’S GOWN: Kleinfeld Bridal (New York) | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: David’s Bridal | FLORIST: Harkins the Florist | BAKERY: The Royal Cakery | CEREMONY MUSIC: DJ Webbie 504 | MAKEUP: Face by Trace | WEDDING PLANNER: Cheryl Mundy, Forever November Planning & Designs | RENTALS: True Value Rentals | CATERER: Cafe Dauphine | JEWELRY: Facets Fine Handcrafted Jewelry (NY); Alexis Russel (engagement ring) | INVITATIONS: Paperless Post | SECOND LINE BAND: Andrews Family Band | SECOND LINE UMBRELLAS: Amazon | HANDKERCHIEFS: WePrint 101

NOW

FEATURED VENDOR PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO: XXI FACETS LLC xxifacetsphotography.com

THE SECOND LINE “The Second Line was the highlight for us and everyone! Because our AirBNB was around the corner from the venue, it made it that much more fun...we partied outside on the porch for like another hour!!” -Ife

See more from Ife & Kevin’s wedding at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com

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THE PROPOSAL

“If anyone knows me, they know how difficult it is to plan anything around me, much less surprise me without me knowing or suspecting a thing... well, ladies and gentlemen, Nathaniel James Eaton did the impossible!” shares Maria.

Thinking she was attending a wedding dinner with her friend (and soon to be maid of honor) Kait, Maria walked into the courtyard of Evangeline in New Orleans’ French Quarter to find the love of her life waiting for her instead.

“Cut to me screaming “SHUT UP” as I finally realized what was actually going on!” says Maria. “It seriously took me a minute to process what was happening in front of me complete shock.”

“My heart felt like it was going a million miles a minute as I saw Kait and Maria come around the corner,” says Nathaniel. “It was hard not to get choked up as I told Maria how much she means to me, but I finally made it through, and I got to ask the perfect woman to be my wife.”

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“He picked the perfect moment, the perfect setting to ask the perfect question,” shares Maria.

NOW

real wedding

Maria Cervini & Nathaniel Eaton

WITH LOVE OCTOBER 24, 2020 | NEW ORLEANS, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CRAWFORDS PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM

see more>>>

THE CEREMONY “Our families are so important to us, so we tried to incorporate them as much as possible. Especially with Maria coming from such a big family, we wanted to incorporate her nieces and nephews (all 6 of them ranging from ages 6 to 14). We found 6 amazing children’s quotes on love and friendship and each one read their quote aloud for the readings. It was such a special moment and they loved being a part of such a big day.”

THE CELEBRATION “Planning a wedding during a pandemic was tough. But, we were able to get a little creative and still have our friends and loved ones there to celebrate with us. With the restrictions on guest counts, we turned our Rehearsal Dinner into our Friends’ Dinner and Celebration and kept the actual Wedding Day to just immediate family. Having the two events (two mini receptions), although separate, allowed us to have most of our guests there to celebrate our special time and to make sure all who meant so much to us were able to be celebrate with us in some way.” THE DETAILS “It was so important to us that our wedding day and events leading up to it really encapsulated what we love! From working with Luminous to curate the perfect atmosphere in Marche’s Ballroom to creating the most delicious Donut Buffet from Buttermilk Drop Bakery in lieu of a wedding cake. We thought through every detail. Maria has been in the event industry for over a decade, so she wanted our wedding to be more about making sure the guests were having a blast as well as having every detail display what we both love, just celebrating and having fun. The timing with Covid wasn’t the best, but to this day, we still say it was the best day of our life because it was us, our families and friends and it was perfect.”

ADDITIONAL CREDITS: GETTING READY LOCATION: Omni Royal Orleans Hotel | CEREMONY LOCATION: The Cabildo | OFFICIANT: Lisa Henriquez | RECEPTION: Marche | BRIDE’S GOWN: Essense of Austrailia (MaeMe) | GROOM + GROOMSMENS’ ATTIRE: Tuxedos of Geaux | FLORIST: Antigua Floral & Design | BAKERY: Buttermilk Drop Bakery | CEREMONY MUSIC: Tanya Huang | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Omega Sound | HAIR + MAKEUP: Verde Beauty Studio | DAY OF COORDINATION: Mis En Place | DECOR RENTALS + CANDLE DECOR: Luminous Events | CATERER: Creole Cuisine | JEWELER: Ramsey’s | INVITATIONS: Amber Leblanc Studios | SECOND LINE: Big Fun Brass Band

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FEATURED VENDORS PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO: THE CRAWFORDS PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM wearethecrawfords.com BRIDESMAID’ GOWN: PEARL’S PLACE PEARLSPLACE.COM

See more from Maria & Nathaniel’s wedding at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com

N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 43

Floral | Catering | Bakery | Wine & Spirits dorignacs.com 710 veterans blvd, metairie, la 70005 504.834.8216

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44 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

NOW WEDDINGS

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GALIA LAHAV designer spotlight

CREDITS: PHOTO: MARK KEANE | ART DIRECTION: SIMON ELMALEM | HAIR: KEI TERADA | MUA: GEMMA SMITH-EDHOUSE | MODEL: M A V A R O

LUXURY FASHION HOUSE GALIA LAHAV RELEASES BRIDAL PRET-A-PORTE COLLECTION:

‘LUMIERE’ GLOBAL LUXURY FASHION BRAND GALIA LAHAV announces the launch of its 2nd Bridal prêt-a-porter collection: ‘Lumiere’ — a highly anticipated capsule release of ready-to-wear wedding pieces for the Galia Lahav bride. Following the success of its debut collection, the Tel Aviv-based luxury label is thrilled to expand prêt-a-porter, into its ultimate purpose; A complete and refined bridal wardrobe for wedding events and beyond.

The Galia Lahav Lumiere collection brings a fresh perspective to prêt-a-porter bridal wear by evolving with the recent changes in a bride’s lifestyle and needs.

Created in our London atelier, the collection includes a range of styles suitable for the bride’s wedding day engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, the reception, and even the honeymoon and beyond.

This modern and versatile bridal wardrobe is built on the knowledge and traditions of the finest couture craftsmanship. It includes a range of sharply cut tuxedo suits, sensual day-to-evening wedding outfits, structural corsets, fluid body suits, and minimalist dresses, which evoke the strength and fragility of the natural world. continued>>>

LILLE: Fluid tailored floor-length coat in ivory crepe, lined in silk satin.

The coat features contrast silk lapels, long back vent and in-seam side pockets, and is fastened with a silk tulle covered crystal button.

46 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

The Lumiere collection introduces crisp contemporary tailoring, together with exquisite drapery and an intimate knowledge of luxury fabrics, which skim and caress the body. From supple dresses to structured suits, sharp lines flow into fluid crêpes, silks, lamé, lace and sequins, in ivory, silver, gold and blush – the tranquil colours of a summer evening’s sky. Re-imagining traditional wedding fabrics, the soft, mysterious veiling of silk tulle, halfreveals the skin, like summer rain through a window, or a distant storm cloud.

Blush corsets support seductive silhouettes, as drapery softens the intricate structure, revealing and concealing the body. Underneath, the whisper of sensuous silksatin linings and the luxurious silk finish of jersey bodysuits brush against the skin. Satin crêpe slip dresses are trimmed with Chantilly lace, reminiscent of delicate, translucent leaves. French hexagonal lace adds a directional beauty to a corset dress.

Recalling the elemental power of the landscape, decorative accents of crystal embellishment and buttons are softened with tulle. The glint of lurex through wool, or shimmering sequins, evoke the winter frost on grass, or sunshine after a shower.

The Lumiere bridal collection, which is produced in London and Italy, balances the strength of nature with a lightness of touch, and an impeccable attention to detail.

Striving for the highest level of customer support, Galia Lahav provides virtual consultations via Zoom and personal styling services while offering free shipping and returns worldwide—a range in price from $765-$4500 USD. Shop Galia Lahav Bridal prêt-a-porter at GaliaLahav.com

STELLA: Tailored tuxedo dress in ivory crepe, fully lined in silk satin.

The dress features contrast silk satin lapels and jetted pockets.

Embellished with a hand-covered silk tulle crystal button and closed with a zip fastening.

The dress can be worn open or closed.

continued>>> NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 47

LIANA Mixed French lace dress, covered with hand appliquéd filigree lace, and French lace floral details. The dress features a fully boned corset, with silk tulle skirt and a short hexagonal lace overskirt.

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ESME: Calf-length strapless dress in ivory crepe, lined in silk satin. The dress features a fully boned corset, with power mesh body and knicker for support and shaping.

continued>>> N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 49

ELISE Bias cut silk satin dress in pale gold, with fully boned corset and silk lining. The dress features a shawl neckline and asymmetric strap, with a diagonal front split skirt.

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See more from Galia Lahav’s ‘LUMIERE’ Collection: NOWWeddingMagazine.com NOWWeddingMagazine.c om

ESTHER: Silk tulle, hand draped over a boned and underwired corset. The corset features a long tulle train and asymmetric drape.

NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 51

NOW WEDDINGS

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Sara Nealis & Colin Cuzman

WEDDING DATE: 10-23-2021 “We both moved to New Orleans after graduating college and met at Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar via some mutual friends. Little did we know 5 years later we would be engaged and have an adopted puppy named Lucy! We get married this October and are training Lucy to be our flower girl!”

Image Credits: Sarah Alleman Photography 54 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

Ciera Edwards & Willie Malone WEDDING DATE: 4-30-2022 “Our love story began bumping into each other on bourbon street during Mardi Gras 2016. We were hookedinstantly and have been attached for five years. The day before Mothers day this year, I thought we were having a nice dinner at Morton’s steakhouse. To my surprise, Willie had a couple of our friends and familywaiting at a park with music playing awaiting our arrival. Once we walked up, our son ran up to me with a t-shirt that read “Will you marry my daddy?” I turned around with tear filled eyes to see Willie on one knee. I said ‘Yes’ to my best friend.”

Kelia Dufrene & Tyler Hernandez WEDDING DATE: 3-4-2022 “We met in college, but went our separate ways after graduation. Two years later we reconnected through social media, and quickly realized how much we enjoyed talking and spending time together. In December 2020, after nearly 2 years of dating, Tyler popped the question during a family pictures session. He even included my two year old son in the proposal! Now, we can’t wait to get married on March 4, 2022 and complete our family.”

Image Credit: Ashley Kristen Photography N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 55

NOW JULY 2021

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