BRIAN JARREAU
MON SOLEIL SARAH ALLEMAN
THE WEDDING MATINEE
SULLY CLEMMER
STUDIO TRAN
IMAGES BY ROBERT T DARK ROUX
AMIN RUSSELL
NOVEMBER 2020 CONTENTS
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55
56
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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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NOW Weddings Magazine is published monthly by New Orleans Weddings Magazine, Inc. Copyright 2020. 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
About The Cover
PHOTOGRAPHER: Madeline B Photography
GOWN: Viv by Sarah Seven
GROOM’S ATTIRE: Theory
FLOWERS: Petals-n-Parties
PAMPAS GRASS: Pampas Love Nola
HAIR: Holly Manders
MAKEUP: Christine Lombardo, Signature Beauty Group
OFFICIANT: Dean Sunseri
BRIDE + GROOM: Jordan Aliff + Adam Plauche
(See Jordan + Adam’s Real Wedding Feature on Pages 34-35!)
Look for new issues of NOW Weddings Magazine every month.
What To Do First
(AFTER YOU GET ENGAGED)
IT’S HAPPENED; YOU’RE ENGAGED! OF COURSE EVERYONE WILL WANT TO KNOW WHAT DATE YOU’VE CHOSEN BUT other than that, what’s the first thing you should do? Starting looking at clothes, select a venue or florist? I know it can seem overwhelming at first, so here is our list of the top 5 most important things to do first when you get engaged:
Get that bling insured! This is one investment you need to make and be sure to handle it right away. While most jewelers will offer a cleaning service or occasional maintenance, jewelry insurance will make sure you are completely protected in case you leave your ring somewhere, lose it on your honeymoon, lose a stone or something else unexpected happens. Trust me, you’ll never regret getting this policy!
I know, you’re ready to jump into venue tours, cake tastings and dress and/or tuxedo shopping but those to-do list items will come later. The next thing you should do is get the big picture for your wedding.
What feel do you want it to have? Casual or formal? Spring or Fall? I recommend you both write down any words that come to mind, no matter what they are, and then you can go back through and sort out your top ideas that you can both agree upon.
What’s your budget and for how many guests will you invite? You don’t want to waste your time looking at venues that won’t be a good fit for you for one reason or another and that goes for flowers, cake, clothing, etc. as well.
Everything will hinge on what your overall vision is and your budget for your wedding day so make sure you have that outlined clearly first. If you’re unsure how much is realistic for you to budget, check out the NOW Weddings website for helpful tips!
:: From the Creative Director’s Desk :: 1 2 3 4 5
Decide if, based on your vision in step #2, you think you need to hire a wedding planner. If the answer is “yes”, the earlier you can involve them in the process, the better. Many planners are happy to step in at various points in your planning process but it’s always easiest to have professional guidance from the onset because they can help guide you through contract negotiations and help narrow down vendor selections, which will save you time and stress while also helping to clarify exactly what you want.
The fees a planner charges can vary widely, from flat fees to a percentage of your overall budget. According to a recent study, modern couples now spend an average of 528 hours planning
their weddings, so this is an investment to take seriously. If you don’t believe a planner is within budget for you, you may still be able to budget for some assistance with planning tools and recommendations to get you started or event management (month or day-of coordination) for help as you get closer.
Create your list of priorities. What’s most important for you at your wedding? People often think this just means food vs. bar service, but beyond that, if you could have fewer guests but a more luxurious experience, would you prefer that? Or would you rather be able to invite more guests and serve a different bar package? Knowing what’s most important to you will go a long way in helping you make decisions from start to finish of your planning process!
Ok, here’s where the real fun starts! Begin looking for vendors! Prioritize your ceremony and reception locations first because you need to ensure where you select works with your budget, guest count and vision for your day. Once you have those selected, that will help you with selecting a specific wedding date because you’ll know their availability based on the time of year you’re looking at. Once your date and locations are confirmed, then move on to looking for vendors who can only produce a limited number of events per day or weekend. This includes photographers, videographers, live bands, etc. Other vendors such as bakers, florists or rental companies can often do several events per day and thus, have more flexibility than some vendors who may book up fast and then close that date on their calendar. You can find lots of great, local vendors on our website and in the NOW Weddings App - be sure to download the NOW Weddings App in the App Store or Google Play Store and get your planning off to a great start!
Happy Planning!
RenaSweeney
Rena Sweeney Creative Director, NOW Weddings Magazine + Owner, Alchemy Events
PHOTO CREDIT: Amin Russell Photography
PHOTO CREDIT: Amin Russell Photography
Jessica The Photographer
Ericka Haven Photography
WEDDING WEEKEND MINIMONY nola IN
Multi-day weddings have been common for thousands of years and I thought, why aren’t more local couples doing that here? For this editorial, I wanted to show how you can plan an intimate wedding weekend experience with your nearest and dearest in our beautiful city and embrace our culture and nuances. It’s more important than ever to “support local” and “support small business” so we called in some of our favorite local and small businesses to inspire you. - Rena Sweeney, Alchemy Events
CREDITS
PHOTOGRAPHY: Images by Robert T, imagesbyrobertt.com
VENUE: Jazz Quarters, jazzquarters.com
CREATIVE DIRECTION: Alchemy Events, alchemyeventsnola.com
VIDEO: Jessica The Photographer, jessicathephotographer.com
FLORALS: Berry Blossom Flowers, berryblossomflowers.com
CUISINE: Pigeon Catering & Events, pigeoncaterers.com
HAIR + MAKEUP: Ann Marie White, Dazzle Doll Salon + Glam Bar, neworleansmakeupandhair.com
PERFUME: Bourbon French Parfums, neworleansperfume.com
NAILS: Passport Polish, passportpolish.com
DECOR RENTALS: ELEMENT, exploreelement.com
INVITATIONS: Upscales Custom Collection, upscalescustomcollection.com
FASHION: Honeybee Bride, honeybeebride.com | MaeMe The Bridal Boutique, maemebridal.com Pearl’s Place, pearlsplace.com
PHOTO BOOTH: Gift Horst Tintypes, gifthorst.etsy.com
OFFICIANT: Kevin J. Centanni, Judge, 6th Justice of the Peace Court
MERINGUE FAVORS: Lord of Meringues, lordofmeringues.com
MODELS: Dayna Dufrene + Hanna Wehbe
“I believe that individuals should embrace their personal fashion sense for their wedding day attire. Couples don’t have to ‘match’ nor should they feel compelled to conform to any fashion expectations. Pant suits can be sexy and a bride can absolutely wear black for her wedding!” - Rena Sweeney, Alchemy Events
Here Dayna is wearing a sexy three-piece black pant suit ensemble and Hanna is wearing a modern ivory Mikado fit and flare wedding gown with notch neckline from MaeMe The Bridal Boutique. The tulle overshirt is detachable and adds an extra touch of glamour to her look. Both brides have a soft, natural look by Ann Marie White of Dazzle Doll Salon & Glam Bar for the wedding ceremony.
Dayna’s bouquet includes dried pampas grass, bleached Italian Ruscus, Nigella Pods and Hanna’s incorporates white tulips, ranunculus, white astrantia, and blush scabiosa.
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Comfort is queen, and looking good is a must! Fortunately, you *can* have both. Here, Dayna is wearing the Rooney Pant Jumpsuit, a black and gold animal print-inspired look from Honeybee Bride. Hanna is wearing a buttercream Lace A-line Midi Dress, also from Honeybee Bride that features a plunging neckline and lace overlay. They’re carrying coordinating So Extra Bride handbags from Honeybee Bride in silver and gold respectively.
brides’ night out
Start your wedding weekend off with a night out on the town and enjoy the music, food and “lassiez les bons temps rouler” vibes of New Orleans. Even with social distancing there are so many fun activities you can enjoy!
it’s all in the details
INVITATION SUITE: Upscales Custom Collection’s Suede Rose Invitation Suite will set the tone for a luxurious wedding weekend event.
PERFUMES: Scent is one of the most powerful memory creators. While you’re in New Orleans, visit Bourbon French Parfums for a custom blending session and relive your wedding weekend experience every time you wear your custom fragrance.
ABOUT JAZZ QUARTERS: Located in Faubourg Tremé, steps from the historic French Quarter and the revitalized Louis Armstrong Park, this “Creole Hotel” offers the best of all New Orleans travel: accommodations in iconic Creole cottages and suites, the modern amenities of a hotel, and the charm and upscale ambiance of a boutique inn. The cottages and suites are inspired by and named after local musicians and the central courtyard is the perfect spot to gather for an intimate wedding ceremony or brunch!
say “ i do”
Judge K evin J. Centanni served as officiant for our candlelight ceremony. To set the scene for the intimate wedding ceremony, we brought in tufted black velvet chairs for guest seating, red velvet draping, and gold “Elsa” candle holders and glass and gold candlesticks from ELEMENT Amy
an asymmetrical
design
existing pergola.
Marshall of Berry Blossom Flowers created
floral
incorporating Black Baccara roses and Lady Eva blush roses on Jazz Quarters’
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Details, details, details! Lord of Meringues and Passport Polish coordinated the favors and nail colors for this mini moon wedding. Dayna’s nails feature Passport Polish’s Ayo Scott Collection and Hanna is wearing their Puerto Rico nail color with custom “love” embellishment. The matching meringue favors are in Dragonfruit and Violet flavors and perfectly match the nail designs.
For the reception, Dayna and Hanna add lots of sparkle and a pop of color - red lipstick!to their looks. Dayna is wearing a black sequin-embellished, V-neck formal gown from Pearl’s Place and Hanna is wearing a backless white lace wedding dress that she designed, with a ruched back, scalloped train and embroidered jewelled detailing.
it’s getting hot in here...
...hot tub that is. Hanna and Dayna enjoy a bottle of bubbly in Jazz Quarters’ hot tub. It’s the perfect place to end the reception and enjoy the ambiance of this New Orleans courtyard. Hanna is wearing a satin white bodysuit with ruffled neckline of her own design and Dayna is rocking a black bikini with a black and gold body chain. Floating LED Pro Spheres from ELEMENT add to the party atmosphere. N.O.W
IT’S TIME FOR
brunch!
by Pigéon Catering & Events
Chef Geoffrey Rhode, Culinary Director Leah Berhanu, Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Pigéon, Sales Manager
No wedding weekend in New Orleans would be complete without brunch! For this editorial, Pigeon Catering & Events prepared a decadent menu of sweet and savory NOLA brunch staples along with custom cocktails to go with!
burrata board
Pigéon prepared this Burrata Board with an assortment of fresh and pickled toppings. This colorful board is served with ciabatta croutons and pairs perfectly with sparkling wine.
english muffin french toast shrimp
bananas foster french toast
ABOVE + LEFT: For those looking for the sweet side of brunch, Chef prepared Bananas Foster French Toast with toasted pecans and English Muffin French Toast, with layers of cream cheese and fresh berries, drizzled with raspberry compote. Enjoy both Kahlua Foam Iced Coffee.
BELOW: On the savory side, Chef created an elevated version of shrimp and grits featuring a grit cake topped with jumbo tail-on shrimp and Creole Sauce Piquant.
RIGHT: Served in miniature cast iron pans, enjoy a frittata made with sweet potato, spinach and roasted tomatoes. Enjoy with a Green Tomato Bloody Mary.
frittata
cheers to the newlyweds
TOP + LEFT: Dayna is wearing Honeybee Bride’s Versailles wide leg, sleeveless jumpsuit with a bustier bodice and Hanna is wearing Honeybee Bride’s Euphoria Dress, a vanilla, lightweight v-neck dress with cap ruffle sleeves and center slit. Completing their looks are “Honeymoon” and “Wifey” crystal hair pins, exclusive designs for Honeybee Bride. Now that they’re “official,” Dayna swaps out her Bride handbag for a “Mrs” variation.
ABOVE: We styled ELEMENT’s matte black stoneware plates, smokey grey wine glasses and white iridescent crush napkins for the post wedding courtyard brunch.
a touch of whimsy
For something truly unique, consider bringing Gift Horst’s tuk-tuk photo booth to your wedding. You and your guests can pose in the velvet-draped mobile tintype studio. After your event, Gift Horst will create your custom metal print art portraits that will become treasured keepsakes for years.
7. A split of sparkling wine 8. A tin of Tobasco chocolates 9. Knight Gabriello Coffee Cream Liqueur
10. Light as air meringues by Lord of Meringes are sure to be a guest favorite. Pictured here are guest favor boxes filled with custom meringues in their Violet flavor, lordofmeringues.com
11. Handmade mini soap favors from 1803 Soap are made locally in Metairie. Soap favors are individually packaged and come in a variety of colors. $2.50/ea, minimum order: 10, 1803soap.com
NOLA Minimony
Decadent details for your NOLA wedding weekend
1. La Costeña textured, mono-chromatc white top and short set with oversized plaid print ruffle from Bride, $98. Shop online: honeybeebride.com 2. Freya by Calla Blanche features long crepe sleeves, a glam plunging neck-line laden with embellishments, and optional closed slit, callablanche.com. Available locally at MaeMe The Bridal Boutique, maemebridal.com 3. Black and gold slim fit brocade suit with black velvet trim from Tuxedos to Geaux. Call 504-455-5393 or visit tuxedostogeaux.com
4. Saint soap shower favors by 1803 Soap feature black and gold coloring and have a light ocean ‘Brees’ scent. $2.50 each (min order 10), shop online: 1803soap.com. 5. Have a perfume custom-blended in Bourbon French Parfums’ French Quarter store. Custom blending session, $95 (includes a 1 oz perfume in your fragrance). Learn more: neworleansperfume.com 6. World famous Joe Gambino’s Bakery has been creating made from scratch wedding cakes since 1949. Contact the bakery for a custom quote: 1-800-GAMBINO or gambinos.com 7. Yes I’m The Mrs. Handbag from Honeybee Bride, $78. Shop online: honeybeebride.com 8. Jimmy Choo BING 100 Linen Patent Leather Mules with Crystal Strap, $950 us.jimmychoo.com
photo: North Photography
A CLASSIC NEW ORLEANS BRUNCH
By Leah Berhanu, Pigéon Catering & Events
FRITTATAS, MIMOSAS, EGGS BENEDICT…WHO DOES NOT love a good brunch?! I mean, it’s two meals in one; you really cannot go wrong. The possibilities are endless, the timing is flexible, and the best part, there is no wrong way to do it. Originally created to cure hangovers, the British writer Guy Beringer wrote, “Brunch is cheerful, sociable and inciting. It is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week.” Looks like the definition of brunching has not changed much, if at all, since its creation in the late 1800s.
Brunches have become a part of weddings in so many ways over time, whether it’s to welcome your guests as they arrive for your wedding weekend, have a small intimate spread for your wedding party as you get ready for the big day, or a nice meal the day after the wedding to cure those well deserved hangovers from a night of wedded bliss, celebrating the beautiful union of the new couple. And of course, let us not forget about the big day! More and more couples have opted to do a brunch reception for a lighter fare to celebrate their nuptials.
Over time New Orleans has made brunch feel like home by incorporating traditional Cajun and Creole cuisines that have
given meals more of a local flair; we have developed classic dishes that pair well with your traditional bloody mary or mimosa that gives us New Orleanians a reason to day drink...as if we really needed a reason that is. Options include Grillades and Grits, Beignets, Turtle Soup, Bananas Foster, Pain Perdu…all classic and favorable dishes that you can find at almost every local eatery on a Sunday afternoon. And of course, it would not be New Orleans if we did not have our own cocktails to go along with it! Brandy Milk Punches, Café Brûlot Diabolique, even Bloody Marys with a nice twist with using green tomatoes instead of red, and a little extra tabasco with some boiled shrimp never steered anyone wrong.
Some Pigéon classics that tend to make their way onto almost every brunch menu include BBQ Shrimp and Grits, Croque Madame, and Chargrilled Oysters. Pigéon also offers a number of dishes that are friendly to customize as well; Frittatas can be made with seasonal vegetables, Avocado Toast with the couples favorite topping selections, Stuffed French Toast with ANY topping (let your imagination run wild!), Gnocchi cooked onsite with various sauces, or a Burrata Board with an assortment of honeys, vinegars, and toppings. Brunch can be the easiest menu to put together since there are no rules, but the hardest to put together because you want everything! One important rule to remember when putting the menu together is to make sure there is a good variety for your guests to enjoy. This ensures that all of your selected dishes will be thoroughly enjoyed by some or all of your guests.
Here at Pigéon Catering brunches have expanded over the years in so many ways and we are so excited when a couple wants to incorporate a brunch into their wedding weekend. The mash up between breakfast and lunch dishes really allows for couples to incorporate their personal favorites to share with guests on their special day. No matter the event, our first question we ask our couples is what type of dishes do you absolutely love, and what type of dishes do you absolutely hate, this gives us a good starting point in creating a customized menu. Any and every detail of your menu preferences goes a really long way in discussing your needs with your caterer to create a memorable day for you and your guests.
Photo (above): Images by Robert T, (inset) Jessica The Photographer
Stacy Marks Photography
Genovese Ashford Studios
Stacy Marks Photography
Glamourous and grand, the reimagined Le Pavillon Hotel greets guests with a rich, storied past and lavish design. Boasting 226 newly reinvented guestrooms and eclectic suites, a newly concepted lobby bar, Cachette 1907, and signature ballroom, Bijoux. The historic hotel entices guests with an intimate rooftop pool and decadent function space, defining classic luxury reimagined.
Jordan Aliff & Adam Plauche
SEPTEMBER
18, 2020
“A
MAGICAL NOLA ELOPEMENT”
WRITTEN BY: Jessica Burke | PHOTOGRAPHER: Madeline B Photography
A SURPRISE VALENTINE’S DAY RING SHOPPING TRIP SET EVERYTING into motion for Jordan and Adam’s wedding plans. While the ring creation was delayed due to the pandemic, Adam and Jordan kept their engagement a secret and started to plan their dream wedding, a magical elopement. They had always wanted to elope and decided to do so right here in their home town.
“The hardest part of planning the whole wedding was keeping it an absolute secret,” shares Jordan. “Nevertheless, our overall excitement helped keep us focused on getting to that moment. One of the best parts of being secretive was that all decisions were 100% based around what WE wanted with no other opinions to consider.”
Jordan and Adam found the perfect location for their private ceremony, a local Airbnb with a bit of green space outside where they could say their vows. After the ceremony, the couple and their photographer and videographers made a mini photo opp tour around the French Quarter and Uptown New Orleans before heading across Lake Pontchartrain to surprise their families.
“We knew we wanted to surprise our family after the wedding. We invited them to a ‘family dinner.’ We told them that this dinner is where we would introduce
our immediate family to one another,” says Jordan. “The venue, The Southern Hotel, was actually at the same location Adam and I had our first date, so it was extremely special to us in more ways than one.”
After their family had arrived, an attendant at the hotel gathered everyone in a courtyard for photographs and at this moment, the newly weds made their grand entrance. “We turned a corner in our full wedding attire with our hearts beating out of our chests.,” shares Jordan. “The looks on their faces were PRICELESS... my mom was jumping up and down and my dad was crying with excitement; Adam’s family was clapping, crying and taking it all in. My dad still says this was one of the best days of his life and the biggest surprise he has ever had. It was by far the most exciting moment we have ever had as a couple. Our families were thrilled to see us happy and extremely supportive of our decision to get married in the way that best fit us.”
“The entire day leading up to the ceremony was slow, magical, and stress free. When we look back on our wedding, the only memories we have are of each other. It’s hard to put into words how special that day felt, how intimate our wedding ceremony was and how much we LOVED it being just us.”
VENDOR CREDITS: OFFICIANT: Dean Sunseri | BRIDE’S GOWN: Sarah Seven, Lovely Bride (Dallas) | VEIL: Toni Federici
SHOES:
Forever 21
GROOM’S ATTIRE: Theory
PHOTOGRAPHY: Madeline B Photography
VIDEO: KEJ Productions
FLORIST: Lisa Smith, Petals-n-Parties
GRASS: Pampas Love Nola | BAKERY: Ivonne Standeford
TRANSPORTATION: Northshore Support Services
HAIR: Holly Manders Makeup
MAKEUP: Christine Lombardo, Signature Beauty Group
JEWELER: Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers
VOW CARDS: LaurCalligraphy
PHOTO: JAMES BILLEAUDEAU
Emily Bell & Edward Brooks
NOVEMBER 1, 2019
“EMILY+EDWARD
= 4EVER LOVE”
WRITTEN BY: Jessica Burke | PHOTOGRAPHER: Alanna Rae Photography
EDWARD’S PROPOSAL CAME AS A TOTAL SURPRISE TO EMILY. THE TWO had been dating for nine years and friends since elementary school, so when they went to Landry’s on the Lake for their families’ annual September birthday celebration in 2018, Emily wasn’t expecting a marriage proposal.
“He got down on one knee before dessert and proposed,” says Emily. “Took me totally by surprise!”
A little over a year later, the happy couple said their vows with family from near and far looking on.
Before the wedding ceremony, the couple had a first look at the Eliza Jane Hotel and exchanged journals with handwritten notes to each other inside. “We each agreed that we didn’t really want to read anything aloud, so this was one of those ‘just for us’ moments that we really cherished from that day,” says Emily.
After taking photos with their attendants and famlies at the hotel, the wedding party moved to The Chicory for the ceremony and reception. The Warehouse District venue had “that elegant industrial vibe I was aiming for,” says Emily.
Emily wanted to balance the industiral look of the venue with classic, elegant decor that would look timeless and called in Herbivore Floral Design and Luminous Events to create her vision. ”I love how everything seemed balanced,
from the band barrier to the bar front, to the floral, to the small accents, nothing felt underdone and nothing felt too over-the-top,” says Emily. “It was simply perfect - exactly what I wanted but couldn’t put into words.”
At the reception, the couple had not one, but seven cakes! They fell in love with Bywater Bakery’s Almond Chantilly cake, with Almond Chantilly icing, but learned they wouldn’t be able to stack that particular type of cake. To get around this, they created a cake table display of multiple single layer cakes, each with different fillings such as lemon, chocolate, strawberry, and fresh berries,
Instead of a traditional groom’s cake, the couple turned to District Donuts for Edward’s favorite donut flavors, Wedding Cake and German Chocolate.
Live event painter, Kristen Schenk of NOLA Live Painting, captured the party on canvas. “We were absolutely in love with our painting, it’s got to be one of my favorite keepsakes!” shares Emily. Kristen was able to include the couple’s family and friends in the painting as well as their two dogs, even though they didn’t get to attend the wedding.
To other couples planning their weddings, Emily says, “Try to enjoy the process and don’t sweat the small stuff. Remember that your wedding is for the two of you, not anyone else. At the end of the night, you’ll be with the one you love and nothing else will matter.”
Grace Romero & Corey Hicks
SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
“POETIC LOVE”
WRITTEN BY: Jessica Burke | PHOTOGRAPHER: Wesley Mannino
GRACE AND COREY BEGAN AS FACEBOOK FRIENDS BUT COREY SAW the potential for more. “He says he would always see my posts and say ‘She could be my wife one day,’“ shares Grace. ”He reached out late 2019 and said ‘Lets build together.‘“
At first their relationship was long distance with Grace living in Miami and Corey in New Orleans. “We spoke on the phone and fell in love way before we met physically,” she says. “We started traveling back and forth to see each other. One of my weekend trips I came to visit, corona virus hit and he asked me to stay, so I did.”
“I was so nervous about the proposal,” says Corey. “I wasn’t nervous about her response, but I wanted it to be perfect. I thought about proposing at Hot Tin on the rooftop. I thought about going to an expensive restaurant. Eventually, I decided I wanted our kids to be a part of this monumental experience so I conjured up family day at the park but I bought outfits for everyone because we were supposed to take a family photo. Once we got near the perfect tree full of moss, I sat Grace down on a huge branch that extended to the ground. I recited a poem I wrote and asked her to spend the rest of her life with me.”
Grace describes the proposal as “perfect”. “He recited a poem he wrote early on in our relationship and added some to it about spending the rest of our lives together...then he asked if I would be his wife.”
The couple initially planned on waiting to get married on the beach in Grace’s hometown of Miami, but eventually decided to “pull the trigger” and set a September 5th date in New Orleans. “Time flew by but as we got closer we buckled down and made it happen,” says Grace.
The ambiance of English Turn called to them and the couple said their vows in a lakeside ceremony at sunset.
After the ceremony, the couple and their guests celebrated in the English Turn ballroom enjoying music, food and a beautiful peacock themed wedding cake by Haydel’s Bakery.
Grace and Corey encourage other couples to be “intentional about enjoying the process” of wedding planning. “It was powerful working together to plan the launch of our real life Lifetime movie together,” they share.
Stand By Me?
Ideas for “proposing” to your wedding party.
WHEN YOU CONSIDER THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BY YOUR SIDE THROUGH THICK AND THIN, THESE ARE PROBABLY THE people you want standing by your side as you get married. Selecting wedding party attendants is one of our favorite traditions and we’ve got some fun ideas on how to pop the question to them!
A group night out or activity can be a great way to kick off the celebrations. Whether everyone knows each other already or you’d like them to get to know one another more, the options are endless for this.
A nice dinner, wine night, escape room or other group event is a fun way to get everyone together and then ask them to stand by your side while you’re all enjoying the evening.
If getting together in person isn’t an option, a Zoom get together is a fun option as well and you can always mail a card or gift to everyone ahead of time with instructions to wait to open it until instructed to during the video chat.
Either of these options can be paired with a plethora of fun ideas like a proposal box or personalized gifts. Etsy has lots of options and if you’re trying to “support local,” use the search filter to find shops in your area. This way, you can get some cool gifts to ask your attendants to stand with you on your wedding day while also helping support the local economy. You’ll even find attendant “proposal boxes” already made up that can be send out, or you can always gather your favorite ideas and items to create them yourself. This allows for full customization so your box can be traditional or New Orleans-themed or super personalized.
Need a few more ideas? Why not include Pralines, or a fun Ring Pop or deck of Tarot cards with a note about it being in the cards that they stand by your side?
Feel free to personalize the way you ask your attendants to be with you for your wedding aesthetic or each of their personalities. And remember, attendants gifts don’t all have to be the same. Take some time to search out meaningful gifts that they’ll be able to use beyond the wedding day.
By Rena Sweeney, Creative Director, NOW Weddings Magazine & Owner, Alchemy Events
Photo (Above): Sarah Alleman Photography (Inset): Courtesy Invitobella
Will You Be My Bridesmaid?
Gifts your besties will love
1. Custom vanilla almond proposal sugar cookies with Royal Icing Posh Piper Cookies. Get in touch: poshpipercookies@ yahoo.com, (985) 237-0293 or on Facebook and Instagram @poshpipercookies 2. Bridesmaid Cosmetic Bags from Lafayette-based Love Grace Etc. These zippered canvas bags are perfect for holding phones, IDs, lipstick, and other wedding day essentials. Starting at $6 ea., Shop online: etsy. com/shop/LoveGraceEtc 3. Personalized tumblers are a gift your whole wedding party will use again and again. Have yours custom made by Hahnville-based NolaGirl Crafts and Tumblers. $25-40, shop online NOLAGirlCraftsbyJenn.etsy. com or on Facebook: NOLAGirl Crafts and Tumblers 4. Lafayette-based Established Co.’s Travel Jewelry Cases for Bridesmaids are made of a sleek leatherette blush material and adorned with a velvet interior personalized with your bridesmaids’ initials, $23.99 each (jewelry not included). Order online: establishedco.com 5. The House of Minerals, based out of Saint Francisvile, offers Boho Style Custom Raw Gemstone bracelets made with raw, natural real birthstones with natural pyrite accents. Starting at $65 each. Shop online: thehouseofminerals.etsy.com 2 3
Chelsea Dean & Ross Raley
DECEMBER 31, 2019
“NEW
YEAR’S EVE BASH”
WRITTEN BY: Jessica Burke | PHOTOGRAPHER: Erin & Geoffrey Photography
CHELSEA AND ROSS’ FAMILIES HAD BEEN FRIENDS FOR OVER 15 YEARS and despite the fact that Chelsea had told herself she was “not going to date a guy from ‘back home’”, her friendship with Ross “grew into something that we had both been looking for in a partner,” she shares.
Chelsea had spent several years living in New York City and her family had a tradition of spending Thanksgiving in the city since she was a child. Ross knew how much the city means to her, so he knew that he had to propose there.
“Ross planned a Thanksgiving trip to New York with both of our parents,” says Chelsea. “I was excited that Ross’s parents decided to join. I was thrilled to be back and share this experience with Ross and his family. The families took a walk in Central Park and afterwards Chelsea wanted to show them one of her favorite spots to picnic near the MET. “I noticed Ross was speed walking, I was the fast walker usually, but as we approached a favorite bridge of mine he got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him,” she shares. “This was the most romantic and beautiful moment. A hired photographer that was pretending to take pictures of the park when we approached, captured this beautiful and life changing moment.”
The Lake Charles residents chose New Orleans for their nuptials. “We always knew we wanted to do a destination wedding,” says Chelsea. “We found New
Orleans to also be a central location that was convenient for many of our family and friends, who came from all over the United States to attend. We could not have been happier with our choice of New Orleans and cannot imagine being married anywhere else!”
The couple planned a New Year’s Eve interfaith ceremony celebrating Christianity and Judaism with Chelsea’s father officiating the wedding. They married under a Chuppah, incorporated the breaking of the glass and also lit a Unity Candle during the ceremony. Voice of Greatness Gospel Choir performed throughout the ceremony and friends of the couple composed a new melody for Chelsea and Ross’ song “I’m Gonna Be” by The Proclaimers for Chelsea’s processional.
The couple and their guests enjoyed a traditional Second Line while their event planner, Dustin Castrinos of Nouvelle Fete Celebrations, transformed the venue for the reception. Messina’s Catering created a decadent menu including a Duo Grit Station with smoked Gouda grits and Louisiana BBQ Shrimp and Veal Grillades, traditional Creole Chicken and Sausage Gumbo and Chelsea’s favorites for the late night snacks, Truffle fries and beignets.
At midnight, the happy couple and their guests rang in the new year and entered into 2020 with a sparkler send off.
(Bride’s
Lazaro, Ivory Bridal Atelier (Houston)
Custom Tuxedo by Giorgeo Carreli, Bill Walker Clothier (Houston)
Groomsmen: Calvin Klein Shawl Lapel
Paradise Florist (Lake Charles)
Simon G & David Yurman
Taylor Sambola & Arcadian Broad
WEDDING DATE: 7-11-2021
TAYLOR + ARCADIAN’S STORY
On December 18, 2018, after a fun day at Magic Kingdom, Arcadian was working behind the scenes to ensure a perfect proposal. As the couple strolled to “their spot” on the small, protruding dock nestled behind the castle where they said “I love you” for the first time many years ago as fireworks filled the sky, the sun dipped below the horizon.
History repeated itself and Taylor jubilantly replied “YES” to Arcadian’s question as the fireworks once again soared above them.
Meredith Little & Patrick Henning
WEDDING DATE: 3-12-2021
MEREDITH + PATRICK’S STORY
Meredith and Patrick met at the University of Oklahoma where they attended undergrad for college. Patrick, a construction science major, saw Meredith, an acting major, in her first college production. He noticed her first, but Meredith’s first memory of Patrick wouldn’t come until a full year later.
The two bonded over their Louisiana roots and love for Mardi Gras. Over the years they became close friends, although Patrick would attempt a pass or two. After many valiant efforts on Patrick’s part, Meredith ran into him and his friends one evening while out in Dallas where they both had moved after graduation.
This time, Patrick asked Meredith on a date and she said yes. Both will tell you that they’ve known since their first date that they’d marry each other.
Patrick asked Meredith to marry him April 8th, 2020 amidst the global pandemic at a socially distanced picnic. The timing of their lives couldn’t have been more perfect. Almost 10 years to the date of their first encounter in that black box theatre, they will be getting married!
The two Louisiana natives still reside in Dallas, TX with their dog Beaux and are thrilled to be getting married back home.
Image Credits: Kelly Pratt Photography
Image Credit: Brocato Photography Collective
Darryl Brister Jr.
WEDDING DATE:5-23-2021
TOI + DARRYL’S STORY
“Our love story began suprisngly and unknowningly with the help of my Godmother we both call Tee Trina. The fall of 2017 is when we were reintroduced to each other. We went on dates for about two months and thought let’s make this official as a couple. Ever since then it’s been three years of pure bliss, and joy. This past June is when Darryl popped the question and I very happily said yes!
We are so glad and eternally grateful in finding our happiness in each other. Who knew two kids who met 18 years ago as children at Tee Trina’s house would one day be each others forever love?! On May 23, 2021 we can’t wait to say our vows in front of God who is the head of our life, our family, and our friends, and continue on this life together as one.”
Lance Wiggins & Neal Pavlov
Kaitlin Hoychick & Cory Hebert
WEDDING DATE: 1-15-2021
KAITLIN + CORY’S STORY
When Cory was displaced by the 2016 Baton Rouge flood, he found himself staying with a friend temporarily, who happened to be dating/living with one of Kaitlin’s good friends. As luck would have it, the two met while watching an LSU game at their friends’ home. They didn’t start dating right away, but a few months later they reconnected. Their friends had been encouraging them all along so it was an easy decision to say yes to the first date.
LANCE + NEAL’S STORY
Neal and Lance are planning a spring 2021 wedding with hints of Harry Potter inspiration. Their engagement photos featured some of their favorite spots around town and reflected their fun loving personalities and relationship!
WEDDING DATE:3-20-2021
HAYLEE + JOSEPH’S STORY
Joseph and Haylee met in high school at Parklane Academy in McComb, MS.
Years later they reconnected via Facebook and have been inseparable ever since.
“He truly brings so much joy and laughter to, not only my life, but everyone he encounters. We have grown so much together in the last nine years and I can not wait to take this next step with him.” - Haylee
Image Credit: Mallory Danzy
Haylee Wallace & Joseph Landry
Image Credit: Sarah Alleman Photography
Image Credit: Tia Nash
GRACE + ROSS’ STORY
Grace met Ross in the fourth grade, but it wasn’t until the eighth grade when they became friends.
They started their true friendship in high school, struggling through classes. In their senior year, Ross asked Grace to a dance. They spent the next year together at tennis practices, football games, and horror movie nights.
After their senior trip, they realized they would be parting ways for college but wanted to stay friends. Ross went off to LSU to study engineering, while Grace studied electronic media at SELU.
During college, Ross experienced college football games and endured tough engineering classes. Grace, on the other hand, worked at her campus news station and worked on several theatre productions. Through it all, they remained close.
After completing their college educations, they went to a music festival on a beach and decided it would be silly to not be together anymore. From there, they started building their life together.
They moved to California, where they snowboarded, learned to appreciate wine, and adopted their two cats. However, California was not quite home, so they packed up their cats and all their newly collected wine bottles and moved to Baton Rouge.
The rest is history.
Grace Jovanovic & Ross Armond
WEDDING DATE: 2-13-2021
Shelby Clement& Blake Forsyth
WEDDING DATE:4-9-2021
“He is the most amazing man I could have ever imagined to spend the rest of my life with. He’s my biggest support system and my favorite dancing partner, and has a heart of gold. I’ve never been more excited to start a new journey of life!!” -Shelby
Image Credit: Sarah Alleman Photography
Image Credit: Sarah Alleman Photography
Kaylin Parker & Julius Medina
WEDDING DATE: 12-12-2020
KAYLIN + JULIUS’ STORY
“We actually met in 8th grade when he and his twin brother moved to my area. After several months of texting and awkward kid talking, I worked up the nerve to ask him to Morp, our version of a Sadie Hawkins dance.
Soon after he asked me to be his girlfriend outside of Mrs. Walker’s English class freshman year. We graduated from Hahnville High School, and then went to LSU together and had the best time.
We have really grown up together, and experienced all of our major milestones together. I just really like experiencing life with him and can’t wait to celebrate our relationship in December!” - Kaylin
Jayde Erwin & Sal Portera
WEDDING DATE: 12-3-2021
JAYDE + SAL’S STORY
“We met VERY unexpectedly and things just took off from there. Let’s just say our lives were both very very crazy and chaotic before we met and once we started talking things just fell perfectly into place.” - Jayde
Baylie Turner & Austen Lemoine
WEDDING DATE: 11-21-2020
BAYLIE + AUSTEN’S STORY
“My fiance and I met when he was 17 and I was 15. We were both freshmen in high-school, at different schools and he sent me a message on Facebook. Facebook was very new to us at that age so when he message me the first time, I completely ignored it! He tried again a couple days later and I was brave enough to respond. We decided to meet at the movies that weekend, and now 9 years later we are getting married” - Baylie
Victoria Rome & John Lott
VICTORIA + JOHN’S STORY
“We met while playing Pokémon Go and later found out we worked for the same company! We became best friends, and eventually fell in love. He threw me a surprise birthday party at my dad’s house, and when I starting opening gifts the ring was the last gift! He got down on one knee and I could not say “yes” fast enough!”
Image Credit: Bryce Ell
Image Credit: Michelle Preau Photography
Image Credit: Margaret Turner
Kaitlyn Booth & Billy Monteith
WEDDING DATE: 5-22-2021
KAITLYN + BILLY’S STORY
This New York City couple was initially planning a black tie wedding in Tribeca for June 2020. After one postponement to Fall of 2020 due to the pandemic, they decided to move the wedding to New Orleans in May 2021. New Orleans is a special place for the couple as Billy has roots in the city and it is where they got engaged!
Image Credit: Eric Andrew Photography
