Gabriela Jimenez & Kristian Mauer

from NOW Weddings Magazine December 2020

by NOW Weddings Magazine

Kristie Toledano & Brad Connelly

“ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS”

DECEMBER 28, 2019

WRITTEN BY: Jessica Burke | PHOTOGRAPHER: Karla Photography

GABRIELA AND KRISTIAN BECAME FRIENDS THRU THEIR WORK AT Ochsner Fitness Center, initially interacting with each other during planning meetings and special events. “Our relationship was always very friendly and we both enjoyed working together when the occasion arose,” shares Gabriela. “In fact, when I started hosting a 6am Tai Chi class on Sunday mornings, Kristian was the first to volunteer to help me.” Gabriela found Kristian easy to talk to and he was her “work friend” always ready to help her whenever she needed it.

“Eleven months into this newfound work-friendship, we both realized we missed each other during the week if there wasn’t a meeting to attend or event to plan,” says Gabriela. “I looked forward to seeing him!” The two would talk for hours about work, their personal lives and families and one day they realized that theirs was more than just a work relationship and “we just fell into place together as a couple,” says Gabriella.

“I don’t think our proposal could have been any better,” she shares. Kristian spent months planning the perfect day. “Our proposal took place above the Omni Royal Hotel in the observatory looking over the beautiful city of New Orleans and Mississippi River. Kristian, with the help of Spanish Oak Events, decorated the rooftop with candles, roses and music. We spoke of how much we meant to each other before he asked me to marry him and I said ‘Yes!’” Kristian knew how important family is to Gabriella, so he had their families waiting to surprise her and congratulate them!

Gabriela and Kristian said their vows just 3 days after Christmas at Notre Dame Seminary Chapel with a reception following at The Cannery. “We told our family the only [Christmas] gift we wanted that year was their presence at our wedding. More than half of our family live out-of-state but they all managed to make it in town for our big day. Looking back now, and thanks to the current Covid-19 pandemic we find ourselves in, I’m so glad we planned it that way. Who would have known that the last time we were all together, freely hugging and kissing one another and dancing together would be at our wedding?”

“Kristian and I were the last of the siblings to get married, in both of our families, so we decided to include all our nieces and nephews in our bridal party,” says Gabriella. “This meant that our bridal party consisted of 25 people! Ages ranged from a toddler to college aged. Having them each walk down the aisle was such a unique moment. It was not only a special moment we could all share together, but it just really showed how much we love our family and are loved by them.”

“Our favorite part was seeing each other in that beautiful Notre Dame Chapel,” shares Gabriella. “The memory of walking down the aisle towards Kristian still brings a smile to my face. We didn’t have a first look, so Kristian had no idea what to expect as I walked in. He was overcome with emotion and I was just so happy to finally be taking this next step with him. It was the beginning of our lives together and it was beautiful! That moment was my favorite and one I will never forget it!”

NOW FEATURED VENDORS

CATERING: TOULOUSE GOURMET CATERING, toulousegourmet.com

RECEPTION LOCATION: THE CANNERY, cannerynola.com

BRIDE’S GOWN: THE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE BY MAEME, maemebridal.com

See more from Gabriela & Kristian’s wedding at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com