NOW
real wedding
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.
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!”
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.
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.
“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
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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.
