A romantic lesson in history. On Campus at the National WWII Museum.
WINTER 2024
PUBLISHER
JESSICA BURKE JESSICA@NOWWEDDINGSMAGAZINE.COM
Shana Lindsay ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE SHANA@NOWWEDDINGSMAGAZINE.COM
Ashley Revels EDITORIAL LIASON
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.
FOR THE WEDDING PROFESSIONAL
NOW Weddings Magazine offers affordable advertising packages with tons of perks.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ADVERTISING, PLEASE CONTACT:
NOW Weddings Magazine
Phone: 504-832-2775
Email: sales@thenowbride.com www.NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
NOW Weddings Magazine Digital Edition is published by New Orleans Weddings Magazine, Inc. Copyright 2024. 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, NOW Weddings Magazine 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
STYLED BY Kristen Rauch for PK Events
ON LOCATION
Calcasieu Private Events, New Orleans, LA
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rae Leytham Photography
GOWN Bliss Bridal
FLORALS + LANTERNS The Plant Gallery
HAIR: Kasey Smith for Kasey Smith Beauty
MAKEUP: Chris Carter for Makeup Artist Chris Carter
MODEL: Kumari for Chic Nouvelle
VELVET GOLD
AN ART DECO-INSPIRED ROMANCE
AT CALCASIEU PRIVATE EVENTS IN NEW ORLEANS’ WAREHOUSE DISTRICT
STYLED BY: KRISTEN RAUCH PK EVENTS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RAE LEYTHAM PHOTOGRAPHY
For the wedding ceremony in Calcasieu’s Tchoupitoulas Room, Kumari is wearing the “Phillipa” gown, available at Bliss Bridal, a vision of refined elegance and modern sophistication. This sheath gown, crafted from sleek stretch crepe, creates a smooth and flawless silhouette that hugs the figure beautifully. The gown features a plunging neckline with subtle mesh detailing for a touch of allure, while the long sheer puff sleeves add a romantic, ethereal feel. Ideal for a chic, contemporary wedding, this gown radiates effortless grace. For her manicure, Passport Polish chose “Toast in Tuscany” a deep red wine color from their I Do Collection.
Harrison is wearing a black “velvet Luxor tuxedo jacket with peak lapels from John’s Tuxedos and Suits This classic look is perfect for a winter wedding
To style this ceremony setting, Kristen Rauch of PK Events incorporated Calcasieu’s in-house wooden slat chairs to create pews for guest seating. Rauch utilized palm trees and gold lanterns from The Plant Gallery to define the ceremony altar and added lanterns to line the aisle. Lush floral arrangements in gold trumpet vases, also by The Plant Gallery, mark the entrance for the aisle and beautifully frame the scene.
For a classic look, hair stylist Kasey Smith of Kasey Smith
Beauty, styled Kumari’s hair down with a barette pinning back her hair on one side and styled Harrison’s hair in a vintage style.
Makeup Artist Chris Carter chose a natural glam look overall with a bold burgundy lip for a pop of color fit for the winter season.
Calcasieu’s
styled a beautiful vignette with vintage glassware and barware from
specializes in classic and hard to find pieces and specializes in creating personal styles for his clients.
Lucky Me Paper Co. designed signature cocktail signage to match the invitations bringing the design throughout the event.
(Left) A vintage typewriter is poised for guests to leave notes for the newlyweds.
For the reception, Kumari is wearing the “Campbell” gown, available at Bliss Bridal, which exudes elegance with its sophisticated simplicity and sleek silhouette. Crafted in luxurious stretch Mikado, this dress features a fitted design that hugs the figure beautifully, cascading into a soft, sweeping train. The back is truly a statement with its daring open design, highlighted by a large, chic bow that adds a touch of whimsy and romance.
Harrison wears the “Miles” slim tuxedo from John’s Tuxedos and Suits for the reception dinner. This classic black tux features a 1 button single-breasted front, satin shawl lapels, and satin besom pockets. A classic black bowtie and cumberbund complete his look.
For the wedding dinner in Calcasieu’s Higgins Room, Rauch styled a grand table perfect for fabulous food and conversations. Plum Crush Linen from True Value Rental graces the table . Vintage china, flatware and glassware from Jeffrey Clark Style graces the table and lush florals, ferns, chairs and lanterns from The Plant Gallery complete this elegant scene.
It’s the details that make an event extraordinary. Rauch worked with Jeffrey Clark Style to curate the perfect details for this luxurious table design. True Value Rental’s Divine Gold Mosaic Chargers are the perfect backdrop for these vintage Villeroy and Boch Art Deco-style porcelain plates and gold etched glassware from Clark’s collection.
Kumari is wearing the “Waverly” gown, available at Bliss Bridal, exudes vintage romance and timeless elegance. This lace masterpiece features a high neckline and delicate cap sleeves, perfect for the bride who loves classic sophistication with a modern twist.
Harrison sports an Apple Red Paisley “Airies” Shawl Tuxedo jacket from John’s Tuxedos and Suits for the after-dinner festivities.
A vintage vanity table draped with vintage lace becomes a sweetheart table for the newlyweds.
details
The Art Deco-inspired wedding cake by cake artist Kim Carinhas of Kimbla’s Cakes is a 4-tier fondant masterpiece. Stylized fan accents in black, white and add a touch of vintage glamor. Carinhas added patterned texture to the top tier and wrapped the bottom tier in a gold fondant with an elegant, fluid design fitting Art Deco sensibilities.
The cake sits atop a scalloped gold cake plateau from True Value Rental. The table is draped in black velvet linen, also from True Value Rental and decorated with vintage pieces from Jeffrey Clark Style and candles from The Plant Gallery.
Kumari is wearing the “Brooklyn” dress, available at Bliss Bridal. This chic, knee-length gown is adorned with shimmering beadwork and playful feather accents. Perfect for a wedding reception or after-party, this dress combines contemporary style with a vintage-inspired flair, making it a standout choice for the bride who loves to make a statement.
details
Guests are sure to love these favors: Bottles of Backyard Straight Bourbon Whiskey personalized with custom tags designed by Lucky Me Paper Co. This small batch whiskey is aged and produced in New Orleans, Louisiana byThe Backyard
MEGAN + JAY’S STORY
Megan and Jay’s relationship started with the two as high school sweethearts. Over the years their love grew, overcoming four years of long distance dating while they went to colleges in different states, four years of medical school for Jay and now with Megan in law school.
In April of 2022, Megan and Jay took a trip to Paris where, unbeknownst to Megan, Jay planned to propose.
“The first full day that we were there, we went to a museum, then walked to the Tuileries Garden,” Megan shares.
“At this point, I knew something was happening, because he started sort of guiding me to a spot. As we were standing there, to my surprise, he started speaking in French - I speak French, but he doesn’t, and he had memorized a whole speech in French just for the proposal. In the middle, I heard a click, and glanced over and saw that he had also hired a photographer to be there for the exact moment. Needless to say, I said yes!”
THE DETAILS Megan and Jay chose to marry in New Orleans after spending time in the city together while Jay was in school at Tulane Univeristy. "New Orleans became a really special place for us both because it represented cherished time together," Megan shares. "We also both just sincerely love the city - its vibrance and culture is magnetic. We wanted to have our wedding in a city where there was an energetic, fun atmosphere, and we wanted to share the magic of New Orleans with our loved ones."
The couple said their vows in the courtyard of The Court of Two Sisters in New Orleans on May 11, 2024 with their highschool friend Pranav officiating. Megan wore her grandmother's engagement ring, and had a ring cushion made from the material from her mother's wedding dress.
"We knew from the outset that we wanted our wedding to be a reflection of us, so personal touches were key," says Megan. "I've always loved drawing and painting, so the invitations seemed like a perfect opportunity for me to contribute." Megan designed the wedding invitation suite herself. "I wanted to create a colorful, somewhat whimsical aesthetic to communicate to our guests what the vibe of the wedding would be."
Jay, an avid musician, wrote and recorded the music for the ceremony. When the two were in college he'd record music to share with Megan. "It was such a nice way to stay connected," she says. "It felt only natural that we would use some of his music for the ceremony. Both songs that we used, he had written while we were in college, so they were incredibly nostalgic for us. It felt like a beautiful parallel to walk down the aisle to marry each other to the same music I would listen to while I was missing him a thousand miles away."
After the ceremony, Kinfolk Brass Band led the couple and their guests for a Second Line through the streets of the French Quarter. When they returned to the courtyard, the space had been transformed for the reception with a delicious dinner of The Court of Two Sisters' Creole specialties awaiting.
The couple toasted their guests and danced the night away.
NOW FEATURED VENDOR
VENUE + CATERER
COURT OF TWO SISTERS courtoftwosisters.com
ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: GETTING READY LOCATIONS: The Columns + Hotel Fontenot | REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: The Columns | BRIDAL GOWN (DESIGNER AND STORE): Jane Hill, Alice in Ivory (Chicago) | GROOM ATTIRE: The Suit Shop | PHOTOGRAPHER: September Company |
VIDEOGRAPHER: Montoto Productions | FLORIST + CANDLE DECOR/LIGHTING: Merry Floral | BAKERY: Bywater Bakery | CEREMONY MUSIC: Original Compositions Written and Recorded by the Groom | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Nola Dukes | SECOND
LINE BAND: Kinfolk Brass Band | TRANSPORTATION: Alert Transportation | HAIR + MAKEUP: Flawless Bride | HONEYMOON DESTINATION: The Dolomites | WEDDING PLANNER/DESIGNER: Becky Lampp of Spanish Oak Events | DECOR RENTALS: Distressed Rentals | JEWELER: Ethan Lord | INVITATIONS: Designed and Created by the Bride
THE NOW WEDDING EVENT
New OrleaNs Bridal shOw recap | septemBer 24, 2024
We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful evening for our second New Orleans Bridal Show of 2024 at The Jefferson Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, September 24th.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
At the entrance to the event, guests were greated with refreshing beverages courtesy of Vintage Vineaux Mobile Bar and ELEKTRA Cosmetics’ Signature Glitter Buffet Experience.
Once inside, guests met with wedding professionals who were showcasing their businesses at the event. With everything from caterers to venues to bakeries and formal wear companies, couples were able to meet faceto-face with potential wedding pros for their big days!
International Party Band After Party provided the soundtrack for the show treating guests to a fabulous performance.
BRIDAL SHOW PERKS
The bridal show marked the New Orleans release of our Fall+Winter 2024 Print Edition Magazine and each bride received a copy of the magazine in their NOW Weddings tote bag.
Brides attending the show had opportunity to participate in the Charming Scavenger Hunt for Prizes as well as the Cake Pull for Prizes featuring a wedding cake by Kimbla’s Cakes.
Brides who pulled a ring charm from the cake won prizes including an overnight stay from InterContinental New Orleans, and gifts and gift certificates from Judy at the Rink, J&L Engravings and Creations, Stonebridge Golf Club, Southern Pearl Girls and Down Annie Lane/MS Events.
The Charming Scavenger Hunt prize winner received a gift certificate for a 1 hour engagement session from Amin Russell Photography !
DOOR PRIZES
Before the event ended, we announced the lucky winners who would take home door prizes including gifts from NACE New Orleans, J. Lewis Ice Carvings, Kayce Stork Photography, The Cambria Hotel, The Crossing Venue, Leia x Beauty, Sonesta ES Suites, Tuxedos to Geaux, Kimbla’s Cakes, John’s Tuxedos, House of Blues New Orleans, Radiant Rentals Nola, PK Events, Reel Photo Booth, Nola Live Painting, Venusian Gardens and SS Travel.
The grand prize from Beaches & Bouquets was a 3-night honeymoon stay at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Florida, a beachfront hotel overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
NON-PROFIT BENEFIT
As part of NOW’s continuing commitment to give back to the community, NOW Weddings owner Jessica Burke made a donation of $1000 to the Jefferson Performing Arts Society , the non-profit beneficiary of the bridal show.
B ridal sh O w
e X hi B it O rs
After Party
Ajoonii
Amin Russell Photography
ASM New Orleans/Caesars Superdome
Bliss Bridal
Cambria Hotel
Chateau LeMoyne Holiday Inn
Down Annie Lane/MS Events
GEM Printing Co.
Glitter Buffet Experience by ELEKTRA Cosmetics
Holy Name of Jesus Church
House of Blues New Orleans
InterContinental New Orleans
J&L Engravings and Creations
J. Lewis Ice Carvings
John’s Tuxedos, Suits and Menswear
Judy at the Rink
Kayce Stork Photography & Films
Kimbla’s Cakes
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot
Leia x Beauty
Limousine Livery
Love House Studio
Messina’s Catering & Events
NACE New Orleans
Nola Live Painting by Kristen Schenck
North Photography & HD Cinema
PK Weddings & Events
Pour Toujours Event Center
Radiant Rentals Nola
Reel Photo Booth
Sonesta ES Suites New Orleans Convention Center
Southern Pearl Girls
Sprinkles Art Co.
SS Travel LLC
Stonebridge Golf Club
Styled by Amira
SunnyBug Event Decor & Luxury Picnics
The Crossing
The MISI
The Moore
Tuxedos to Geaux
Venusian Gardens
Vintage Vineaux
Vitalis Health and Wellness
Welch Photography & Video
Wyndham New Orleans
French Quarter Hotel
Your Day Video Production
A SEASON OF
splendor
A FASHION & DECOR EDITORIAL
AT THE BATTLE HOUSE
RENAISSANCE MOBILE HOTEL & SPA
MOBILE, ALABAMA
STYLED
BY:
JENNIFER ANDERSON OF FARM GIRL FLORALS
& EVENTS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RAE LEYTHAM PHOTOGRAPHY
details
(Previous page)
Annamarie is wearing “Iverson”, available at Bliss Bridal, a breathtakingly romantic and sophisticated wedding dress. This gown features a strapless, scoop neckline, enhancing the bride’s shoulders and adding a classic elegance to the design. The bodice is delicately adorned with lace, creating a beautiful texture that continues down the dress, blending seamlessly with the flowing skirt. Her hair and makeup were styled by Victoria White
(Previous page + this page)
This simply stunning ceremony setting in The Battle House’s Crystal Ballroom, as well as all of the florals and bouquets featured, were styled by Jennifer Anderson of Farm Girl Florals & Events with blooms sourced from Rosaprima Roses and local Alabama farm Grand Meadows Flowers and Pecans
(Left + above)
Alyson wears the “Karen” gown, available at Bliss Bridal, a stunning, romantic wedding dress that exudes both elegance and grace. This dress features a sweetheart neckline with off-the-shoulder sleeves, crafted from delicate lace that gracefully frames the bride’s shoulders and collarbone. The bodice is intricately adorned with tapestrylike embellishments, adding a touch of timeless femininity. May Powell of May May MUA did Alyson’s elegant makeup.
top + this page)
details
Annamarie is wearing the “Italia” gown, available at Bliss Bridal; this is a stunningly romantic dress that exudes elegance and allure. This gown features a fitted silhouette with a plunging illusion neckline and delicate, sheer lace straps that offer a soft, feminine touch. Adorned with intricate floral lace appliqués throughout, the gown has a natural, organic feel, enhanced by the subtle shimmer of beaded details woven into the lace.
wearing a
Alyson wears the “Coral” gown, available at Bliss Bridal. This breathtakingly elegant wedding dress is designed to make a statement, featuring a fitted silhouette that highlights the bride’s figure and a deep V-neckline adding a touch of sophistication and allure. The entire dress is intricately adorned with shimmering beadwork and sequins, creating a sparkling effect that catches the light beautifully in every movement.
The ornate, domed architecture of The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa lobby in the background further enhances the gown’s luxurious and romantic aesthetic, making this dress a stunning choice for a grand wedding setting.
details
To create the lush, rich florals for this editorial, Anderson incorporated Rosaprima Roses Redvolution, Moab, and David Austin Juliet Garden roses as well as their Anemones, Levante Anemones and Cloni Ranunculus. She also included Plum cattail millet, Mahogany hibiscus, Luxurious plum foliage, Seedum, Zinnias, and Dahlias from Grand Meadows Flowers and Pecans.
details
When designing this editorial, Anderson aimed to showcase Rosaprima Roses’ luxury iconic roses through deep, rich tones. She meticulously selected linens that would enhance this color palette, focusing on textures and hues that would complement the roses’ elegance. By choosing high-end linens from collections known for their sophistication, she ensured that each element harmonized beautifully, creating a stunning visual narrative for the shoot. This thoughtful approach highlights the importance of details in elevating floral displays to new heights of luxury and artistry.
This guest table, styled in The Battle House’s Oakleigh Garden Room, showcases the luxurious elements Anderson envisioned.
Hope Harless & Richard Austin Elliott
LOVE AT FIRST SWIPE
MARCH 2, 2024 | MOBILE, AL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF TESNEY PHOTOGRAPHY
THE WEDDING The wedding ceremony took place at St. Joseph’s Chapel at Spring Hill College with Monsignor G. Warren Wall presiding. Hope is the third generation of her family to be married at St. Joseph’s Chapel.
THE RECEPTION Hope’s favorite part of the day was the reception. “We had a blast with our band; the music was amazing, {and} we danced the night away all night! I never left the dance floor!”
The wedding colors were shades of pink that carried throughout the wedding from the flowers to the bridesmaid dresses to the pink and white checkered dance floor that was packed the whole evening.
Hope, a pastry chef, made her own 4-tier wedding cake.
At the end of the evening, Hope and Richard departed the wedding with a streamer exit and the happy couple spent the wedding night at The Battle House in downtown Mobile.
BRIDE’S GOWN BLISS BRIDAL beablissbride.com
GROOM + GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE FRANCIA’S FORMAL AFFAIR francias.com
WEDDING PLANNER + DESIGNER KENDRA LEE EVENTS kendraleeevents.com
ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: The Bride’s Home | CEREMONY LOCATION: St. Joseph’s Chapel | OFFICIANT: Monsignor G. Warren Wall | RECEPTION LOCATION: Stewartfield at Springhill College | REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: Original Oyster House | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: JJ’s House | PHOTOGRAPHER: Jeff Tesney Photography |
VIDEOGRAPHER: Midtown Media | FLORIST: Smitty Vanek | BAKERY: Hope Elliott + Sjon Harless | CEREMONY MUSIC: Cris Smith | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Mr. Big & the Rhythm Sisters | TRANSPORTATION: Gulf Coast Tours | HAIR + MAKEUP: Amber Terrell | HONEYMOON DESTINATION: Saint Lucia | DECOR RENTALS: Port City Rentals | CANDLE DECOR/LIGHTING: Snider Bros. LLC | CATERER: Morrissette & Co | JEWELER: Lou’s Jewelry | INVITATIONS: It’s Inviting! | CARICATURE ARTIST: Anna Grantham of Drawing Board Homes
THE NOW WEDDING EVENT
Mobile bridal Show recap | auguSt 25, 2024
We hosted our second bridal show in Mobile, Alabama, on Sunday, August 25, 2024 under the beautiful crystal chandeliers of the beautiful ballroom of Crown Hall Events by Bay Gourmet Catering.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
As brides checked in, they received a NOW branded tote bag and a complimentary copy of NOW’s latest print edition hot off the presses.
Inside the ballroom, guests met with fabulous wedding professionals who were showcasing their businesses.
Event Sponsor DJ J’SON provided the soundtrack for the bridal show and guests enjoyed the photo booth experience he also provided.
BRIDAL SHOW PERKS
At the Cake Pull for Prizes featuring a wedding cake showcase by Sukar Bakes and florals by Farm Girl Floral & Events , brides-to-be pulled ribbons to discover if they had won a prize!
The show also featured a Charming Scavenger Hunt and the winner of the scavenger hunt received a gift certificate for a free engagement session from Amin Russell Photography.
NON-PROFIT BENEFIT
At the end of the event, NOW Weddings owner Jessica Burke welcomed Deann Servos, Executive Director of the Prodisee Pantry , the non-profit beneficiary of the bridal show, to share details about their work filling the plates of local families with healthy food.
NOW made a donation of $1000 to Prodisee Pantry from the proceeds of ticket sales to the event.
DOOR PRIZES
Before the event ended, Sponsor Emcee DJ J’SON announced the lucky winners who would take home door prizes including gifts from Sukar Bakes, Sarah Alleman Photography, Francia’s Formal Wear, HOTWORX Daphne + HOTWORK Mobile, I Do Bridal & Formal, MM Parker Events, Jordan Beech Farms, Alabama Ballroom Center, Rent the Lights, Battle House Renaissance Hotel & Spa, BAMAGRL & Co., ForgetMe-Knot Floral Preservation, Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts, Naman’s Catering, SUNMED, PK Events, Korissia Boutique, Linked Up By Lana, and Farm Girl Floral & Events.
The grand prize from Beaches & Bouquets was a 3 night honeymoon stay at the Mercantile Hotel in New Orleans, LA.
bridal S how e X hibitor S
Alabama Ballroom Center
Amin Russell Photography
BAMAGRL & Co.
Battle House Hotel & Spa
Bay Gourmet Catering
Beaches & Bouquets
Bella Victoria Event Planning & Design
Confec’Sheanary Treats and More
Crown Hall Event Venue
DJ J’SON
European Wax Center
Farm Girl Floral & Events
Fathom Beauty by Renee’
Forget-Me-Knot Floral Preservation
Francia’s Formal Affair
Harvey and Thomas Orthodontics
Heidi Fisher Art
HM Music
HOTWORX Mobile + HOTWORX Daphne
I Do Bridal & Formal
Jordan Beech Farms
Kendra Lee Events
Korissia Boutique
Lana Rae Permanent Jewelry & More
MM Parker Events
Naman’s Catering
PK Events
Rae Leytham Photography
Rent the Lights
Rose Bud Flowers
Sarah Alleman Photography
Southern Grove Vineyard
Sukar Bakes
SUNMED
SunnyBug Event Decor & Luxury Picnics
GABRIELA + ANDREW’S STORY
Gaby and Andrew met at work in 2017. Their first kiss was on a rooftop in New York City and they never looked back. In 2022 Andrew proposed to Gaby on another rooftop in her favorite European city, Paris, overlooking the Eiffel Tower. It was the most magical moment in their lives, rivaled only by their wedding day.
A MOST MAGICAL MOMENT
OCTOBER 7, 2023 | NEW ORLEANS, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOVE
THE WEDDING Gaby and Andrew said “I do” in New Orleans on October 7, 2023. The couple prepared for the wedding day at the Royal Sonesta Hotel where they also had their First Look moment.
Latrobe’s on Royal was the backdrop for their intimate wedding with 70 guests in attendance.
“Marrying your best friend surrounded by loved ones in a truly remarkable unique city,” was Gaby’s response when asked her favorite part of the day. “Our wedding was every inch our style, vibe, and a testament to what we love.”
After a reception featuring a champagne tower and Banana’s Foster presentation in lieu of wedding cake, the couple Second Lined through the French Quarter at the end of the evening before departing for their honeymoon in France.
VENDOR LIST
EVENT PLANNING
PK Events
FASHION
Bliss Bridal
BAKERIES
Sukar Bakes
LIGHTING + RENTALS
Radiant Rentals Nola
True Value Rental
BEAUTY
Makeup Artist Chris Carter
ENTERTAINMENT
Reel Photo Booth
VENUES: