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real wedding
Kristie Toledano & Brad Connelly OCTOBER 3, 2020
“A DREAMY, ROMANTIC AFFAIR” WRITTEN BY: Jessica Burke | PHOTOGRAPHER: Hannah Herpin Creative
KRISTIE AND BRAD MET AS MANY MODERN COUPLES DO, ON AN online dating app. Their first date at The Columns turned out to be Brad’s first and last Bumble date. “We joke that he was the lucky one not having to go through the ups and downs of online dating,” shares Kristie. Brad proposed the night of their annual Christmas party. “Before our friends arrived he had proposed and it was perfect to share the news and celebrate with everyone that night,” says Kristie. COVID restrictions didn’t put a damper on Kristie and Brad’s wedding plans. “I’ve always envisioned having an intimate wedding,” says Kristie, “and because COVID restrictions only allowed 50 guests we welcomed the idea of such a small gathering. Being surrounded by our closest family and friends on our big day was all we wanted.” The couple chose The Pontchartrain Hotel on historic St. Charles Avenue for their intimate wedding ceremony and reception. “It was a beautiful blank slate,” says Kristie, adding “Our florist really understood my vision and transformed the ceremony and reception space into a dreamy romantic affair with florals that really took center stage.”
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When it comes to favorite moments, Kristie can’t choose just one. “One of my favorite pictures that really set the tone for the day,” she says, “is of my bridesmaids and myself with a confetti popper.” Another favorite moment was her walk down the aisle with her grandfather and seeing Brad and her guests reactions. “I think that was one of the perks of having a small ceremony because I really felt such a connection and was able to really see everyone’s happy faces as we were walking down the aisle,” she shares. Before the reception, Brad and Kristie took time together to see the reception transformation before guests arrived. “I really wanted to be present and take every moment in because everyone says the time goes by so fast, and it’s so true,” shares Kristie. Brad and Kristie hired painter Denise Hopkins to capture the reception on canvas. “The painting is something that we will cherish forever. I love that she was able to capture all the important people in our lives,” says Kristie. At the end of the evening, guests showered the happy couple with confetti as they left the reception, another of Kristie’s favorite moments.
