NOW Weddings Magazine June 2021 PRIDE Issue by NOW Weddings Magazine

JUNE

2021

WEDDING DECOR + TUXEDO INSPIRATION REAL WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS BEING A BETTER LGBTQ+ ALLY WITH PHOTOGRAPHER TIA NASH

A PEEK INSIDE CHRISTIAN SIRIANO’S 2021 BRIDAL COLLECTION

THE

PRIDE! ISSUE

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Unlimited

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Creativity

Alchemy Events

Wedding Planner + Event Designer Exceptional, unexpected, unparalleled. Let’s make some magic! alchemyeventsnola.com

THE PARISAN PHOTOGRAPHERS

IMAGES BY ROBERT T

TIA NASH

THE WEDDING MATINEE

JESSICA BURKE

DGASS PHOTOGRAPHY

JESSICA BURKE

BRIAN JARREAU PHOTOGRAPHY

THE NOW WEDDING EVENT AT CHATEAU GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

WEDNESDAY

SEPTEMBER 15 2021

6-8:30PM

WWW.THENOWWEDDINGEVENT.COM

JUNE 22-24, 2021 AT HEMINGBOUGH ST. FRANCISVILLE, LOUISIANA

A RETREAT FOR CREATIVE WEDDING PROFESSIONALS Immerse yourself in creativity and make great connections as we spend 3 days at beautiful Hemingbough in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Alchemy Event Academy includes hands-on workshops, business branding sessions, styled shoots and lots of fun.

ACADEMY SPONSORS INCLUDE: Alchemy Events Viktor + Rolf Haute Couture NOW Weddings Magazine Sarah Alleman Photography Jessica Burke, Photographer Eglantine Rose Letterpress La Tavola Fine Linens Pure Vintage Rentals Berry Blossom Flowers Kimbla’s Cakes

We’re joining with Viktor & Rolf in making a donation to VOW against child marriage.

Learn More: AlchemyEventAcademy.com

JUNE 2021 CONTENTS FEATURED EDITORIAL 9 #LOVEwins Jewel Tone Decor + Tuxedo Fashion Inspiration at the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel

REAL WEDDINGS 28

Shonathan E. Merricks + Desmond A. Borne, Jr.

Alyssa St. Amant + Avery Beavers

Dr. Neal Pavlov + Lance Wiggins

Auburn Cain + Taylor Dietz

Kyle + Christopher Aucoin-Melohn

Keri Sedita + Tina Spencer

Monique Dazet + Loren Bartholomew

ARTICLES 38 Inclusive vs Affirming Being a Better LGBTQ+ Ally with Tia Nash 48 DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT A Peek into Designer Christian Siriano’s New 2021 Bridal Collection

LOOK WHO’S ENGAGED! 60 Greg Williams, Jr. + Christian Jones 61

Raenell Curry & Ma’Rion Carter

PHOTO CREDIT: Your Day Video + Photography from the wedding of Kyle & Christopher Aucoin-Melohn (pages 50-51)

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. 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.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

About The Cover PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessica The Photographer CREATIVE DIRECTION: Alchemy Events VENUE: New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District TUXEDOS: John’s Tuxedos JEWELRY: Mignon Faget MODELS: Jonathan Swisher + Shawn Cryster 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

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WEDDING CEREMONIES RECEPTIONS DINNER PARTIES EVENTS

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NOW WEDDINGS

STYLE

#LOVE wins

CREDITS

Creative Direction: Alchemy Events, alchemyeventsnola.com Photography: Jessica the Photographer, jessicathephotographer.com On Location: The New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District, marriott.com/msymc Menswear: John’s Tuxedos, johnstuxedos.com Florals: Berry Blossom Flowers, berryblossomflowers.com Jewelry: Mignon Faget, mignonfaget.com Cake: Gambino’s Bakery, gambinos.com Meringues: Lord of Meringues, lordofmeringues.com Liquor: Seven Three Distilling Co., seventhreedistilling.com Rentals: Party Rentals Delivered, partyrentalsdelivered.com Gold Vases: Peony & Petunia, peonyandpetunia.etsy.com Oyster Place Cards + Cake Topper: Jessica Burke Models: Shawn Cryster + Jonathan Swisher

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The New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District’s newly renovated Gravier Ballroom is the stage for an intimate wedding ceremony. Berry Blossom Flowers styled a “broken arch” of lush greenery and Party Rentals Delivered provided gold “Phoenix” chairs for guest seating.

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Pride Heart Meringue Gift Boxes by Lord of Meringues graced each chair at the ceremony.

Jonathan and Shawn exchange Fleur De Lis rings from Mignon Faget. N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 11

For their wedding ceremony look, we chose ivory shawl tuxedos for an elegant, classic style. Shawn is wearing the “Charles” tuxedo jacket with a black satin trim on the collar and Jonathan is wearing a classic ivory shawl dinner jacket, both available at John’s Tuxedos. Their boutonnieres by Berry Blossom Flowers are simple greenery sprigs to complement the ceremony arch design.

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For this intimate dinner setting, Alchemy Events lead designer Rena Sweeney incorporated rich jewel tones and echoed the hotel’s organic design aesthetic. Sweeney repurposed the ceremony chairs for reception seating and added Party Rentals Delivered’s grey linen Forest River Tufted Loveseat for the grooms’ seating. Raspberry linen on the dinner table contrasts beautifully with royal blue satin napkins. Each place setting is impeccably designed with Greta Gold Rim plates set atop Mosaico Mercury Chargers and complemented with Titan Capri Brushed Gold Flatware and Bella Gold Band Glassware, all from Party Rentals Delivered.

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Berry Blossom Flowers added a pop of color to Shawn and Jonathan’s tuxedos with floral pocket squares, a unique alternative to a traditional boutonniere.

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Hand-lettered, gold edge oyster shell place cards by artist Jessica Burke and greenery sprigs note each guest’s place. At each end of the table, we filled gold glass compotes from Peony & Petunia with light as air meringues by Lord of Meringues.

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Gambino’s Bakery created this simply elegant two-tier wedding cake with edible gold leaf detail. Artist Jessica Burke created the gold edge oyster shell cake topper to mimic the shape of a heart. 18 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

Jonathan and Shawn feed each other specially designed Pride Heart meringues by Lord of Meringues. N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 19

For the reception, Jonathan is wearing a navy suit and long white tie from John’s Tuxedos with Mignon Faget’s Connection Tie Bar, Apex Cufflinks and, of course, the Fleur De Lis Ring.

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Shawn is wearing a steel grey tuxedo and white bow tie from John’s Tuxedos. N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 21

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No New Orleans after party would be complete without Seven Three Distilling Co.’s fabulous NOLA neighborhoodinspired spirits, especially their Black Pearl Rum. N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 23

For the after party in The New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District’s M Club, Shawn and Jonathan change into more glamorous evening attire. Jonathan is wearing a black velvet tuxedo jacket and Shawn is wearing a black and silver diamond weave tuxedo jacket, both available at John’s Tuxedos. 24 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

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A closer look at some of the fabulous details from our #LoveWins editorial: Boutonnieres by Berry Blossom Flowers, Peppermint Meringues by Lord of Meringues, Hand-lettered Oyster Shell Place Cards by artist Jessica Burke, Black bow ties from John’s Tuxedos, Jewelry from Mignon Faget’s, Connection, Sea and Fleur De Lis Collections and Black Pearl Rum by Seven Three Distilling Co. N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 27

NOW WEDDINGS

STYLE

Share Your

PRIDE!

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HOW THEY MET + THE PROPOSAL

Desmond and Shonathan met at a family party in 2015 and became friends. Soon their friendship became love and Shonathan saw in Desmond a life partner. One night as they were enjoying a movie together at home, Shonathan got down on one knee and asked his best friend to spend the rest of his life with him. Desmond said “Yes.” 28 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

THE RINGS

Desmond and Shonathan exchanged wedding bands from The Rockford Collection

NOW

real wedding

Shonathan E. Merricks & Desmond A. Borne, Jr.

LET’S GO TO THE MOON MAY 15, 2021 | NEW ORLEANS, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

THE WATCHES

Desmond gifted his soon-to-be husband with an Invicta watch (and wore a matching one himself!). Desmond shares that the love and affection for his partner/husband is timeless, and that they will love each other until the end of time.

THE COLOR BLUE

“For us the color blue means freedom for us to love; It also represents loyalty and confidence for us. Being a same sex couple we wanted to include these traits. The room color palette allowed us to have peace, love, tranquility, and calmness within our day.” -Shonathan + Desmond

THE CEREMONY The wedding ceremony

took place in the Crescent Ballroom of the DoubleTree New Orleans with stunning views of the city as the backdrop. The couple said their vows and rested assured in “knowing that the two of us were brought together in the eyes of our Savior with cords that cannot be broken.” THE ATTIRE The grooms wore matching royal blue tuxedos by Hattiesburg, Mississippi clothier, Ed & Earl. The groomsmaids wore off the shoulder black gowns with layered tulle mermaid skirts by Jasz Couture and the groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos from John’s Tuxedos. THE CAKE The five-tier fondant-covered wedding cake by Zoe’s Bakery featured gold geometric detailing on every other layer mixed with sections of white and gold geodes. THE PARTY The grooms treated their guests to a lavishly decorated reception dinner and dancing in the DoubleTree’s International Ballroom. Stilt walkers entertained guests and the Big 6 Brass Band and Zulu Tramps brought the Second Line vibes.

ADDITIONAL CREDITS: WEDDING VENUE: DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans | OFFICIANT: Rev. Jermaine A. Zanders, Mdiv, MAT, EdS | GROOMSMAIDS GOWNS: Jasz Couture, Chatta Box | GROOMS’ ATTIRE: Ed & Earl | PHOTOGRAPHY: David Williams Photography | FLORIST: Grow With Us Florist | BAKERY: Zoe’s | CEREMONY MUSIC + RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Thriller | HAIR + MAKEUP: Brittani Price, Dontae Amber, Gleaux, Ariel Stieb | DECOR: Memorable Events Decor Rental + Fancy Faces (feathered wall) | CATERER: Keisha Dauphine, The Cooking Therapist NOLA | JEWELER: Rockford Collection | ACRYLIC INVITES + MENUS: Divine Designs by Crystal | STILT WALKERS: Carl Mack | SECOND LINE: Big 6 Brass Band + Zulu Tramps | SPARKLER EFFECTS: CL Lighting & Production

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NOW

FEATURED VENDORS EVENT PLANNER/DESIGNER: CHOCOLATE BUNNIE EVENTS chocolatebunnieevents.com GROOMSMENS’ ATTIRE: JOHN’S TUXEDOS johnstuxedos.com

See more from Shonathan & Desmond’s wedding at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com

THE FIRST DANCE Event planner Tenisha Keller of Chocolate Bunnie Events created what Shonathan and Desmond call a “whimsical paradise” for their first dance as newlyweds. Fog enveloped the dance floor and sparks flew as they danced to “So High” by John Legend. N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 31

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

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THEIR STORY IN THEIR WORDS

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Avery and Allie met online, but then fun doesn’t end there! Alyssa proposed to Avery on a romantic, but traditional gondola ride. She popped the question as soon as the gondola floated under the Langles Bridge in [New Orleans] City Park. Avery was completely speechless, taking (at least in Alyssa’s mind) 5 minutes to answer. After Avery was able to catch her breath, Alyssa heard the one word that she had been waiting for-- YES! As the gondola went under the bridge, all of their family and closest friends were there to celebrate their special moment with them. Avery was in tears as she looked down at her rose gold, halo diamond ring and heard the cheering of her family. She soaked everything in at that moment, realizing they have the most incredible family to love and support their love with one another. Alyssa never expected a ring, but it did come at quite a “fast pace”. Avery had secretly planned a weekend on the lakefront with a wonderful stay at The Camilla House Bed & Breakfast in downtown Covington. I say it came at a fast pace because Avery was late for the dinner party, thus getting a speeding ticket on the way to the surprise engagement dinner with family and friends. Even though they did not get away without a ticket, they did get away with having another perfect night and engagement celebration. Alyssa was overwhelmed with the dinner at Rips on the Lake in Mandeville. Avery popped the big question in front of their loved ones and Alyssa immediately said a big YES, while accepting a beautiful, diamond ring in marquise cut.

THE WEDDING COLORS

Alyssa and Avery chose a rainbow of “Fall, Pride” colors (Wine, Juniper, Quartz, Sienna and Canary) for their bridesmaids’ gowns.

NOW

real wedding

Alyssa St. Amant & Avery Beavers

LOVE IS LOVE NOVEMBER 2, 2019 | PICAYUNE, MS PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH ALLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

THE FIRST LOOK Even though the brides say the whole day was perfect, they first look has a special place in their hearts. “We spent the day apart and we finally got to see each other in the cool, crisp fields in the Barn at Sarah Bella. [Our photographer] Sarah then ushered us to turn around and we were blown away by how beautiful we looked. We did not want that moment to end because it was the moment we have waited for. To have the love that we share be celebrated with our loved ones. It was especially significant for us because as soon as we saw each other for the first time, a rainbow appeared in the sky.” THE CEREMONY The brides walked down an aisle lined with signs sharing statements about love from I Corinthians 13 and a reminder that “love is love”. They shared vows and exchanged rings under an arch dripping with flowers. THE RECEPTION The reception included fun treats like a popcorn bar and s’mores station. “We wanted to include a unique experience for our friends because they are from Hoosier City (Indiana) and were in for a sweet treat when they got to pull a charm from our cake! Each cake pull consisted of a famous setting in New Orleans and it was perfect for our wedding party because they had a charm to remember our special moment together.

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See more from Alyssa & Avery’s wedding at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com

THE SHOE GAME

Alyssa and Avery played the shoe game where the DJ asked them questions back-to-back, such as ‘Who is the best driver?’” Both brides claimed that title!

NOW

FEATURED VENDOR PHOTOGRAPHER: SARAH ALLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY sarahallemanphotography.com

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INCLUSIVE VS AFFIRMING: Being a better LGBTQ+ Ally WRITTEN BY: Jessica Burke

WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT TAKE TO BE A BETTER LGBTQ+ ALLY AS A wedding vendor? We invited wedding photographer Tia Nash to join us on our podcast, Cocktails with the Krewe, to learn more. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community Nash brings personal insight, and as a community educator Nash seeks out feedback from clients and from within the LGBTQ+ community at large and shares it with fellow wedding pros through Master Classes offered online.

SO WHERE DO WE START? Nash first got the idea for the Master Class on being a better ally from conversations with clients about why they chose to hire Nash versus another photographer. “They would say,” Nash shares, “‘This vendor said that they were LGBTQ inclusive but then we worked with them, something just didn’t quite feel right; it just didn’t quite feel like they actually knew what they were talking about or that they really knew how to work with LGBTQ clients.’” Nash notes that photographers shooting two bride or two groom weddings would call for the “bride and groom” and other such slip ups. “After hearing these stories over and over again, I decided to put together a little Master Class on the difference between being LGBTQ inclusive and being LGBTQ affirming,” says Nash.”I wanted to help vendors who were inclusive and who didn’t know how to be affirming move to that affirming space.”

INCLUSIVE VS AFFIRMING So what exactly is the difference between LGBTQ “inclusive” and LGBTQ “affirming”? Nash explains: “LGBTQ inclusive would be, ‘Yes, we’ll work with you. We accept you and you can come and do business with us.’ Affirming is ‘We really celebrate your marriage. We really believe in your marriage and we see you. We will practice your pronouns before we get there if someone in your wedding party doesn’t go by she or him pronouns. We are prepared for that.” Affirming is a much bigger core belief in the LGBTQ community.”

WORK TO BE DONE But there’s still other work to be done in the wedding community. Nash notes that much wedding terminology is deeply ingrained, such as “bridal party”. Venues, Nash points out, can be especially tricky as they often have painted signage that say “bride and groom” or “just one room that’s very fancy and then one room that’s typically the ‘groom’s suite’ that’s not as fancy.” These

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Wedding Photographer Tia Nash

people are paying thousands of dollars and not necessarily getting the same experience,” says Nash. Nash notes that It takes conscious effort to say “the couple” and “wedding party” and acknowledges that it’s an ongoing process. “One thing that’s really important is we’re gonna mess up, even like me being a queer person myself, married to a woman, even I have messed up and I’ve been “Oh god, why why would I do that?” shares Nash. “But we’re all gonna mess up and I think it’s important that if we do mess up and someone corrects us, then we just say ‘thank you for reminding me’ and then move on. When you say ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry’ then they’re in a position to have to comfort you and you want to take that onus off of them. It’s all about growing and that’s what’s important. As long as we’re going in the right direction, it’s less about the mistakes that we make and more about how we respond to them.”

INCLUSIVE STATEMENTS For vendors wondering whether or not to have an inclusive statement or badge on their website, fear not. Nash polled several LGBTQ wedding planning groups on this very subject. Nash asked, “Would you want to see this on your vendor’s website?” and overwhelmingly the answer was “yes.” “I think a hundred people said “yes” and one person said ‘no,’” says Nash. “They liked the sentiment behind it and said ‘Yes, we want to see this because we’re looking at hundreds of websites and just something quick to rule in or out is very helpful for people.’”

REPRESENTATION MATTERS But Nash notes that couples also want to see themselves represented in portfolios as well as language specific to them.

Photo: Tia Nash Photography

“A lot of wedding vendors have blogs that include helpful planning tips and so if you have an example timeline and your timeline is all about “bride and groom,” change it,” advises Nash. “You can make very simple changes and then instantly they know this vendor is not just here to take our money or to work with us; they also are thinking about the larger implications of working with an LGBTQ couple.”

STYLED SHOOTS If you’ve never had an LGBTQ couple hire you for their wedding, it’s perfectly fine to style a photo shoot. “I think [it] is a great step,” says Nash, ”but I think if you diversify your own network, that diversity is going to come into your portfolio more naturally and organically.Think about which vendors you are referring. Which vendors are you networking with? Which organizations are you working with? Where are you doing any charity work? If you do that and think how you can integrate yourself into the greater community, then those clients automatically are going to be more attracted to work with you.”

hetero models and put them into an LGBTQ situation because that just feels disingenuous. And if you want to have a queer couple, hire actual queer people.” Being a better LGBTQ+ ally takes thoughtfulness. This Pride Month we encourage all vendors who want to move beyond inclusive to being affirming to review their websites and social media to make sure all couples feel welcome. Spread the message, love is love. If you’d like to learn more about our featured expert Tia Nash, visit tianash.com This article contains excerpts from our podcast, Cocktails with the Krewe Season 2, Episode 7: “Being a Better LGBTQ+ Ally” Tune in on iTunes, Stitcher and YouTube or visit our website: nowweddingmagazine.com

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HOW THEY MET + THE PROPOSAL

“Our story starts in Little Rock, Arkansas almost 5 years ago. Lance was working as a nurse in the Neurocritical care unit and Neal was just starting residency in internal medicine at a different hospital. Shortly after moving there, Neal volunteered to help a fellow resident move into his new home/propose to one of Lance’s old friends. At the suggestion of this very friend (and a thus far dormant online dating match) Lance reached out. Three years later, Neal had 7 plans to propose (all of which were during an end-of-residency trip to London) and the final one was successful. 1. Propose at the airport, if security ended up finding the ring and asking about it. 2. Propose during a picnic in the park (but never actually had a picnic) 3. Propose at actual 9 3/4 (too many people in line) 4. Propose at the Harry Potter Studios (not a good spot there) 5. Propose at London Pride (there wasn’t a good time and it was sorta cheesy). 6. Propose outside of the bathroom in the hotel (this was a last ditch effort and somewhat of a nod to Neal’s parents’ proposal story) 7. Row out onto the lake in Hyde Park and hand Lance the golden snitch that Neal had brought with the ring inside (successful).”

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THE WEDDING COLORS

Neal chose the color red for his bow tie and pocket square and Lance chose the color blue. Attendants for each groom wore their respective “house” colors.

NOW

real wedding

Dr. Neal Pavlov & Lance Wiggins

MISCHIEF MANAGED MAY 22, 2021 | NEW ORLEANS, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIA NASH

THE CEREMONY The entire wedding included subtle nods to Harry Potter and as Lance and Neal put it, the “irony of the match of a Slytherin (Lance) and a Gryffindor (Neal).” The couple’s pup, Patronus, took part in the wedding ceremony, wearing a tiny tuxedo with a purple bow tie, and the ceremony backdrop was built by friends of the grooms and included a greenery wreath to form the Deathly Hallows. Lance and Neal made the Quidditch goal decor themselves and included small trinkets and charms in the ivy. THE RECEPTION After the ceremony, Lance and Neal’s guests joined them for a three course banquet dinner and dancing. Guests discovered wands from Lance and Neal’s personal collection in the floral arrangements on the tables. Guests were asked to “capture the mischief” of the reception with a Polaroid camera and sign the guest book using a rainbow of colorful markers. THE CAKE The decadent wedding cake by Kimbla’s Cakes was full of surprises, including a different flavor for each layer as well as beautifully crafted, edible elements such as two Golden Snitches that the grooms fed to each other after cutting the cake.

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ADDITIONAL CREDITS: WEDDING VENUE: Hotel Monteleone | OFFICIANT: Danielle Nodurft | GROOMSMAID’S GOWNS: Kennedy Blue + Cocomelody | MENSWEAR: Indochino (Grooms), Men’s Wearhouse (Groomsmen) | PHOTOGRAPHY: Tia Nash | FLORIST: Berry Blossom Flowers | | CEREMONY MUSIC + RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Khancept Entertainment | HAIR + MAKEUP: Cam Stromboe | JEWELERS: David Yurman, Sissy’s Log Cabin (Little Rock, AR) + Lee Michael’s Jewelry | INVITATIONS: Shutterfly

See more from Lance & Neal’s wedding at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com

NOW

FEATURED VENDORS PHOTOGRAPHY: TIA NASH tianash.com EVENT PLANNER: ALCHEMY EVENTS alchemyeventsnola.com BAKERY: KIMBLA’S CAKES kimblascakes.com

PHOTO: THERESA ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY

@TIANASH

2324 Barataria Blvd. Marrero, LA 70072

504-957-7716 @dazzledoll_glam

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519 WILLIAMS BLVD KENNER, LA 70062

504.416.7764 THE-CROSSING.COM

Photography by Louis

CEREMONIES | RECEPTIONS REHEARSAL DINNERS | SHOWERS ENGAGEMENT PARTIES

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T H E P E R F E C T D AY I S I N T H E D E TA I L S Whether a lavish celebration or an intimate affair, New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District has beautifully redesigned spaces, world-class amenities and expert planners to seamlessly bring every detail of your wedding plan to life. F A L L I N LO V E W I T H T H E CHIC REDESIGN OF THE N E W O R L E A N S M A R R I OT T WA R E H O U S E A R TS D I ST R I C T

N E W O R L E A N S M A R R I OT T WA R E H O U S E A R TS D I ST R I C T 859 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130 Marriott.com/MSYMC T 504.613.2888

NOW

real wedding

Auburn Cain & Taylor Dietz

A RAINBOW OF LOVE MARCH 20, 2021 | NEW ORLEANS, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE RED M STUDIO

HOW THEY MET + THE PROPOSAL

“We met through the bumble dating app,” shares Auburn. “Taylor swiped right first and was disappointed when she swiped and there wasn’t a ‘new buzz in the hive’ because I had not come across her yet. A few days later I swiped right on her. A new buzz in the hive. She sent a late night drunken message that simply read “Hey girl.” We went on our first date at a bar called the Swamp Chicken and I knew that if that didn’t scare her away that she was the one. 3 years later I proposed on a private lake at a place called Paradise in Picayune. I told Taylor that a photographer friend on mine was revamping her photography portfolio and had asked a bunch of us to take pictures for it. I told her that she rented this place for the day and she totally bought it. After I proposed surrounded by all of our best friends, she still thought we were going to all be taking pictures for a portfolio. Instead we took engagement pictures right there. It was the perfect day”.

THE BRIDES’ FAVORITE MOMENTS

“After many stressful moments we endured planning a wedding during COVID-19, our wedding day was absolutely perfect. It is difficult for us to pick just one favorite part. It truly was the best day of our lives. Taylor says her favorite part was the ceremony or our drunken send off where she slipped down the stairs and I caught her - the crowd cheered as if a basketball had just been rebounded for the game winning shot! As for me, my favorite part was our first look. We kept our dresses secret from one another and somehow still managed to pick dresses made by the same designer. I reveled in the short moment where it was just the two of us soaking in how beautiful Taylor looked and knowing that I would get to spend forever with her.” - Auburn THE CAKE The 3-tier wedding cake by Gambino’s Bakery had a sweet surprise inside: a rainbow of cake layers!

NOW

FEATURED VENDORS BAKERY: GAMBINO’S BAKERY gambinos.com

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

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NOW WEDDINGS

STYLE

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO designer spotlight

CURATED BY NOW WEDDINGS CREATIVE DIRECTOR RENA SWEENEY, ALCHEMY EVENTS

AFTER A HIATUS SINCE HIS SPRING 2018 collection, Christian Siriano is back in bridal and is serving one of the most inclusive wedding collections we’ve ever seen. Sleek, classic, and fashion forward, this collection has a diverse selection of looks in a range of sizes, from 0 to 28! Whether you’re looking for a short flirty gown to elope in, a statement ballgown, or even something you can wear again (be it a pantsuit or a chic gown), Christian Siriano brings something for everyone in his new collection.

“THIS IS MY FAVORITE LOOK FROM THIS COLLECTION. I’M GETTING ICONIC BILLY PORTER, 2019 OSCAR VIBES, FROM THIS GOWN.” - NOW Creative Director Rena Sweeney

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CROPPED LACE TUXEDO BODICE WITH ORGANZA AND TULLE BALL SKIRT

LACE AND TULLE CASCADING TIERED GOWN

FRENCH LACE HALTER TOP WITH CASCADING TULLE SKIRT

LACE EMBROIDERED COLUMN GOWN WITH PEPLUM TULLE OVERSKIRT

ABOUT THE 2021 COLLECTION In Siriano’s

LACE AND ORGANZA ASYMMETRICAL RUFFLE BLAZER WITH FLARE TROUSER LACE HIGH SLIT SLIP GOWN

TULLE PINK LAYERED APPLIQUE GOWN

Fall/Winter 2021 Collection, he’s showcasing a lot of black, white and pink color combinations. He also has pieces in his Spring 2021 Capsule and Pre-Fall 2021 Collections that all could coordinate and cross over into bridal or attendants clothing as well. Bridal trends often evolve slowly, but with Siriano, there is a conscious effort to pull in the things he is bringing on the fashion runway into his bridal fashion offerings. THE 99 & 2000 Some of Siriano’s pieces, such as his slip gown, halter top and ombre Poppy gown, are serving late 90’s and early 2000’s inspiration. Think Gwen Stefani, who rocked a pink ombre gown both for her wedding to 90’s rocker heartthrob Gavin Rossdale, as well a custom Christian Siriano gown for her 2018 Christmas Special that is so similar to the Poppy gown it makes my inner fangirl squeal. CURRENT FASHION TRENDS Siriano hits on several current popular trends in bridal fashion that we’re seeing across the board right now, including off the shoulder necklines, tiered and ruffled skirts, detachable overskirts and gowns that feature illusion aspects with pearl accents. OMBRE EMBROIDERED TULLE POPPY GOWN

See more from Christian Siriano’s 2021 Collection: NOWWeddingMagazine.com

CREPE MODERN CAPE SLEEVE GOWN

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NOW

real wedding

Kyle & Christopher Aucoin-Melohn

IN AN INSTANT NOVEMBER 2, 2019 | NEW ORLEANS, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY YOUR DAY VIDEO + PHOTOGRAPHY

THE INSTANT

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“So many people have said to me that when something big or life-changing occurs, you’ll know in that instant that it’s happening. I was on lunch in my classroom, standing behind my desk, tidying things up, waiting to have a sit down meeting with the director of the new performing arts center in our school district...anxious to share my ideas about my newly developing program at school and curious about this new performance center, I was looking forward to this meeting. A knock on my door interrupted my organizing and my supervisor walked in. Following her was a handsome, tall, blonde, blue-eyed gentleman, who had the most genuine smile on his face. The kind of smile that you can’t help but smile back at. The kind of smile that incites an internal giggle that just almost makes it out. When they talk about knowing it the moment it happens, it really is true. I knew right then that this person, whose name I still did not know, was going to be someone immensely important in my life. I didn’t know how or why, but I knew that he would forever be a part of my life’s journey from that moment forward.” -Christopher Aucoin-Melohn

THE CEREMONY The couple shared their wedding vows in New Orleans City Park with family and friends looking on. “I was so excited to be able to have one element of surprise for Kyle,” shares Christopher. “He asked a few times if there could be a way to incorporate our four dogs into the the wedding. I would remind him of the logistical nightmare it would be to get four dogs to City Park and have someone get them back home...and on and on. All the while I was working with my amazing cousin, Crystal, to make the impossible possible. She, along with a few of her closest friends, were able to show up and surprise Kyle so much that he didn’t even realize they were our dogs when he first saw them!” THE CAKES “Since we did not go with a traditional tiered wedding cake, we were thinking of ways to display the five doberge cakes...yep...FIVE!” shares Christopher. “We settled on obtaining plates, platters, and cake stands from both sides of our families to display the cakes. It became a symbol of our families coming together on one table to celebrate our union.”

NOW

FEATURED VENDOR PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO: YOUR DAY VIDEO + PHOTOGRAPHY yourdayproduction.com

See more from Kyle & Christoper’s wedding at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com

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AWAIT S

DESTINATION WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

CALL 225.303.2240 OR VISIT PARADISEVACATIONESCAPES.COM

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NOW

real wedding

Keri Sedita & Tina Spencer

ANAM CARA JANUARY 23, 2021 | NEW ORLEANS, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY LAMOTHE, CAPTURE STUDIO

HOW THEY MET + THE PROPOSALS

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Keri and Tina met for the first time at a Medieval reenactment in 2019; an event each had attended every summer, separately, for years. This fateful year, the two met and it was love at first sight for Tina. Keri had no clue that Tina was smitten with her, but over the next two weeks developed a friendship and bond with her. Tina eventually made the first move and the couple began dating about a month later and that’s when they knew that this was it. “We started talking about proposing, and by May [2020], we were officially engaged, in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Come to find out, we were both planning to propose in the same way!” shares Tina. Both planned to propose at the exact spot they had met the previous year, but when the pandemic forced the reenactment to cancel, they instead had two separate proposals and exchanged rings with strong sentiment attached. Tina gave Keri a ring she had custom-made by a family friend and jeweler; Keri gave Tina a ring that once belonged to her Nana. “It fit Tina perfectly, and if that isn’t a sign of fate, I don’t know what is!” shares Keri.

THE CEREMONY The couple had a traditional Celtic handfast as as part of their ceremony. “Our handfasting ribbon had four colors. Red for fire, dark blue for water, light blue for air and green for earth. Fire represents passion, and the heart of the home and earth represents balance, being grounded, and taking root in our lives together. Water is a healing element, which also represents flowing around and through obstacles together. Air is the breath, and life, and the love that we provide one another,” shares Keri. WHY NOLA “We chose NOLA because Tina had always wanted a destination wedding, but we were unable to travel to Ireland as we had originally planned,” shares Keri. “It’s a city that we’ve both always wanted to visit (I’m a French teacher and I love the history of the city!) so it was the perfect blend of what we needed.

NOW

FEATURED VENDOR PHOTOGRAPHY: CAPTURE STUDIO capturestudionola.com

See more from Keri & Tina’s wedding at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com

ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: WEDDING LOCATION: Canal Street Inn | OFFICIANT: LaToya Papillion-Herr, Waning Moon Weddings | KERI’S GOWN: Custom Made by a Friend: Shelley McKinnon-Cleary, Liu Na Greine Feirms | TINA’S TUXEDO: Sumissura | EVENT PLANNING: Waning Moon Weddings + Monica Ramsey, Canal Street Inn | JEWELER: Tom Black, Dart Jewelers (Buffalo, NY)

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jessicathephotographer

.com

NOW

real wedding

Monique Dazet & Loren Bartholomew

“YOU ARE THE BEST THING” APRIL 2, 2021 | KENNER, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY WEDDINGLENS PHOTO + VIDEO

HOW THEY MET + THE PROPOSAL

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“We were friends years before we started dating,” says Monique. “We were together 4 years before getting engaged.” The proposal came in September 2019 when Loren took Monique to their favorite Dueling Piano bar in Austin, TX and had one of the piano players play their song “You are the Best Thing”. Loren got on the stage and got down on one knee and popped the question in front of the entire crowd. Monique said “YES!!!“

THE CEREMONY Instead of having bridesmaids, Monique and Loren felt it would be more special to have just their parents, siblings and nieces and nephews stand by them for the wedding. The brides’ best friend got ordained just so he could marry them. “Only our closest friends and family were there which made it even more special,” shares Monique. THE RECEPTION Monique and Loren had to move their wedding 4 date times due to the pandemic and finally were able to celebrate at The Crossing in the heart of Kenner, Louisiana’s historic Rivertown. “It was amazing to feel the love when the day FINALLY came,” shares Monique. Highlights of the reception included a delightful menu by LaBella’s Catering, the in-house caterer at The Crossing, and a five tier wedding cake. J.A.M. Brass Band performed adding a traditional NOLA touch to the celebration.

NOW

FEATURED VENDOR CEREMONY + RECEPTION: THE CROSSING the-crossing.com

See more from Monique & Loren’s wedding at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com

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LOOK WHO’S

Engaged!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FEATURED COUPLES! SUBMIT YOUR ENGAGEMENT AT NOWWEDDINGMAGAZINE.COM

Greg Williams, Jr. & Christian Jones WEDDING DATE: 1-08-2022 “We met in 2015. New Venture Theatre in Baton Rouge, Louisiana booked us both to act in their production of CHOIR BOY. We were cast as secret lovers in the show and have been inseparable ever since. We started dating and realized how much we both loved theatre, art, and food! We had so many things in common! It was not until I gave him the television remote that I realized he loved every show that I hated. That did not stop me from falling for him even more. We instantly became best friends. The minute I knew he was “the one” is when I took him to a family member’s wedding, and from that point on my family has been asking for Christian before me. LOL. We got engaged during the pandemic, so it was an intimate event including a heart of rose petals in the back yard, candles, me on one knee and all our friends and family watching virtually. He said yes!” - Greg Image Credits: Brian Jarreau Photography 60 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

Raenell Curry & Ma’Rion Carter WEDDING DATE: 9-10-2022 RAENELL + MA’RION’S STORY The happy couple were introduced by Ma’Rions cousin who soon became Raenell’s best friend and the two began casually dating after a few years of friendship. On April 7, 2019 they made it official and became a couple. On December 10, 2020 Ma’Rion popped the question to Raenell, after getting her daughter’s blessing. Image Credit: Ron Washington

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NOW JUNE 2021

ADVERTISER INDEX BAKERIES: Gambino’s Bakery....................................................................56 Kimbla’s Cakes..........................................................................56

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NOW Weddings Magazine June 2021 PRIDE Issue

Articles inside

REAL WEDDING: Monique Dazet & Loren Bartholomew

REAL WEDDING: Keri Sedita & Tina Spencer

REAL WEDDING: Kyle & Christopher Aucoin-Melohn

designer spotlight: CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

REAL WEDDING:Auburn Cain & Taylor Dietz

REAL WEDDING: Dr. Neal Pavlov & Lance Wiggins

INCLUSIVE VS AFFIRMING: Being a better LGBTQ+ Ally

REAL WEDDING: Alyssa St. Amant & Avery Beavers

REAL WEDDING: Shonathan E. Merricks & Desmond A. Borne, Jr.