“NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH”

from NOW Weddings Magazine November 2020 Issue

Stand By Me?

Chelsea Dean & Ross Raley DECEMBER 31, 2019

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.” 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.

NOW FEATURED VENDORS

CATERING: MESSINA’S CATERING & EVENTS messinascatering.com

CANDLE DECOR/LIGHTING: ELEMENT exploreelement.com

ADDITIONAL CREDITS: GETTING READY LOCATION: Hotel Peter and Paul | CEREMONY + RECEPTION LOCATION: Marigny Opera House | OFFICIANT: Dr. Carl Fastabend (Bride’s stepfather) | REHEARSAL DINNER: Brennan’s Restaurant | BRIDE’S GOWN: Lazaro, Ivory Bridal Atelier (Houston) | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Betsy & Adam GROOM’S + GROOMSMENS’ ATTIRE: Groom: Custom Tuxedo by Giorgeo Carreli, Bill Walker Clothier (Houston) | Groomsmen: Calvin Klein Shawl Lapel Tuxedos | PHOTOGRAPHER + VIDEO: Erin & Geoffrey | FLORIST: Paradise Florist (Lake Charles) | BAKERY: Bywater Bakery | CEREMONY MUSIC: Voice of Greatness Gospel Choir | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT; Phunky Monkeys | TRANSPORTATION: Trinity Trolleys | HAIR + MAKEUP: Faces of Virtue | WEDDING PLANNER/DESIGNER + DECOR RENTALS: Dustin Castrinos, Nouvelle Fete Celebrations | JEWELER: Simon G & David Yurman SECOND LINE BAND: Kinfolk Brass Band | INVITATIONS: Shop Aurea | FAVORS: New Years’ swag N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 47