NOW Weddings Magazine Summer 2023

Questions

PLANNING+ DECOR SPOTLIGHTS

REAL WEDDINGS

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Alleman

PUBLISHER JESSICA BURKE JESSICA@THENOWBRIDE.COM

Dayna Dufrene DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Sarah Alleman CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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.

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NOW Weddings Magazine

Phone: 504-832-2775

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NOW Weddings Magazine is published quarterly by New Orleans Weddings Magazine, Inc. Copyright 2023. 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 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

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PHOTOGRAPHER + STYLING: Sarah Alleman Photography

ON LOCATION, FLORALS + ANTIQUE CAR: The Henry Smith House

GOWN

Century Girl Vintage

MENSWEAR Tuxedos to Geaux

HAIR + MAKEUP: Brittany Spreen + Kasey Smith for AHB Hair and Makeup

MODELS: Samantha Williams + Denny Weeks

Luxury Designs, LLC

As a certified wedding planner and event designer, Lolita Garibaldi has been in business since 2014. She and her team provide luxurious and creative experiences for couples and their honored guests.

luxurydesigns.contact@gmail.com

985-607-8715 www.luxurydesignsllc.com

Ashleigh Elizabeth Weddings & Events

Ashleigh Elizabeth Weddings and Events is a New Orleans-based wedding planning company that marries modern celebrations with the charm of a timeless Southern wedding.

info@ashleighelizabethla.com www.ashleighelizabethla.com

Page Designs & Events

Page Designs & Events, owned by Pamela Page, is a wedding planning and event design business that caters to couples who want a creative, sophisticated, and affordable wedding.

page@pagedesignsevents.com 504-491-1550 www.pagedesignsevents.com

Glo Events Design & Decor

Glo

chloe@gloeventdecor.com

Peony and Petunia offers custom designed welcome signs, frames and vases to give your wedding or event an elegant, personalized look.

about the venue

The Henry Smith House, located in the serene woodlands of Picayune, Mississippi, is a historic 1900s Victorian home nestled among towering oak trees and lush gardens. In 2020, Dustin Castrinos, a wedding and event planner based in New Orleans, purchased the 100+ year old home and set about transforming the property into a luxurious destination for weekend getaways and wedding celebrations. Castrinos brings years of event planning and floral design expertise to this stunning property, working closely with couples to plan the perfect wedding at The Henry Smith House.

details

(Previous page + right) Samantha is wearing an offthe-shoulder bridal gown with all-over dimensional textures and a cathedral-length veil, available at Pearl’s Place in Metairie, Louisiana. Her earrings, necklace and bracelet are custom designed pieces by Louisiana-based designer Lacie Fontenot of Jolie Blon Jewelry. Her loose curls styled by Kasey Smith and dewey, natural makeup by Brittany Spreen, both for AHB Hair and Makeup, exude sweet southern elegance. On her nails, Samantha is wearing Passport Polish in the color Roman Candy from their New Orleans Collection.

Denny is wearing a Two Piece Skinny Fit Suit in Dusty Rose available at Tuxedos to Geaux in Metairie, Louisiana, and an orange floral bow tie available on Amazon.

(Above) The invitation suite designed by Megan Kattengell of Camellia Memories features a floral motif digitally printed on blush handmade, deckle edge paper. The envelopes, made of handmade paper in the color Dusk with a cream cardstock envelope liner, are hand-addressed in Dr. Ph. Martin’s black india ink in an elegant narrow italic script by New Orleans calligrapher Hannah Jordan of Handwritten Hannah. The invitations are tied with velvet ribbon and embellished with a gourmet White Peach and Rose Lollipop by Leccare Lollipops based in Winder, Georgia.

Gourmet lollipops by Leccare Lollipops

details

The Chapel at The Henry Smith House is a charming backdrop for this intimate wedding ceremony. The mix and match vintage seating from the venue’s collection complements the lush florals designed by Henry Smith House proprietor Dustin Castrinos.

An A-frame Welcome Sign by Peony & Petunia greets guests as they arrive at the wedding.

details

(Top left) Treat your guests to signature cocktails before your ceremony. Here a Pink Lemon Drop cocktail is garnished with a Tangerine Honey Sea Salt lollipop by Leccare Lollipops and a Summer Session Old Fashioned sports an orange slice and thyme garnish. Both cocktails are served in True Value Rental’s Excalibur Rocks Glasses

(Above) Beautifully penned vows by Handwritten Hannah on blush deckle edge paper matching the invitation suite by Camellia Memories make a frameable wedding keepsake

Seating charts don’t have to be boring! Here, mix and match bud vases with blush deckle edge tags and velvet ribbons by Camellia Memories serve as a seating chart. A matching sign under a cloche directs guests to find their name and take their bloom to their seat.

details

The pergola on The Henry Smith House’s Garden Lawn is a charming spot for an intimate wedding party dinner. Mix and match vintage chairs from the venue’s collection provide seating and colorful taper candles and votives from Glo Events are nestled among lush florals on the table. At each seat, guests find place settings from True Value Rental including their Divine Gold Chargers, Carousel Goblets, Blush Plates, and Matte Gold Flatware. A deckle edge menu by Camellia Memories sits atop each place setting along with a watercolor, hand-painted macaron.

details

A three-tier buttercream cake by Katycake & Co. is a decadent showpiece for the wedding reception.

details

Champagne towers have been a hot trend and we don’t see them going out of style any time soon! We added a pop of color to True Value Rental’s champagne coupes by adding fresh blooms (Pro tip: ask your florist for flowers not treated with pesticides if you’d like to do this!) and had New Orleans artist Katie Hellbach custom paint the champagne bottle for the pour in her signature style.

details

Looking for an eco-friendly favor idea? These seed packets by Sustainable Sprout (available on Amazon) are beautifully packaged and make great wedding favors. Display these favors on this elegant lace cork board by Peony & Petunia. A blush deckle edge sign by Camellia Memories encourages guests to “Let Love Grow” and take home a packet of seeds of their choice.

details

Samantha is wearing the Sucré Cupcake Gown, a voluminous rose tulle gown from Lebanese designer Gemy Maalouf, available at Century Girl Vintage. Her pearl-accented jewelry by Jolie Blon Jewelry is the perfect delicate accompaniment to this fabulous gown.

Denny is wearing a brown Slim Fit Single Breasted Two Button Suit available at Tuxedos to Geaux with a handmade feather bow tie available on Amazon.

details

An antique convertible is the perfect wedding photo opp, especially when it’s overflowing with gorgeous blooms!

credits

PHOTOGRAPHY + CREATIVE DIRECTION

Sarah Alleman Photography sarahallemanphotography.com

ON LOCATION, FLORALS + DECOR

The Henry Smith House thehenrysmithhouse.com

HAIR + MAKEUP

Brittany Spreen (makeup) + Kasey Smith (hair) for AHB Hair and Makeup ahbmakeup.com

GOWNS Century Girl Vintage centurygirlvintage.com +

Pearl’s Place Bridal pearlsplace.com

TUXEDOS Tuxedos to Geaux tuxedostogeaux.com

RENTALS

True Value Rental truevaluerentalnola.com

WEDDING CAKE

Katycake & Co. katycakeco.com

JEWELRY Jolie Blon Jewelry jolieblonjewelry.myportfolio.com

STATIONERY + SIGNS Camellia Memories camelliamemories.com

CANDLES Glo Events gloeventdecor.com

CALLIGRAPHY Handwritten Hannah handwrittenhannah.com

FRAME + WELCOME SIGN Peony & Petunia peonyandpetunia.etsy.com

PAINTED CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE Katie Hellbach Art katiehellbachart.com

GOURMET LOLLIPOPS

Leccare Lollipops leccarelollipops.com

MANICURE Passport Polish passportpolish.com

BTS/SOCIAL MEDIA COVERAGE

The NOW Factor Marketing thenowfactormarketing.com

MODELS: Samantha Williams | Denny Weeks of JEA Model Management

Le g e n d a r y N e w O r l e a n s N u p t i a l s W e ’ v e p l a y e d h o s t t o o c c a s i o n s b i g a n d s m a l l s i n c e t h e e a r l i e s t d a y s o f N e w O r l e a n s . F r o m g r a n d b a l l r o o m s t o i n t i m a t e g a t h e r i n g s , d i s c o v e r v e n u e s s t e e p e d w i t h F r e n c h Q u a r t e r c h a r a c t e r , a n d e v e n t s w i t h s t y l e a n d p e r s o n a l i t y .

L e g e n d a r y e v e n t s a r e p a r t o f o u r h i s t o r y .

L e t u s b e p a r t o f y o u r s . S c a n t o l e a r n m o r e .

DISCOVERING YOUR SOUTHERN WEDDING

A GUIDE FOR ENGAGED COUPLES IN 2023

GETTING MARRIED IN THE SOUTH IS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE - FROM THE PICTURESQUE VIEWS TO THE UNrivaled cuisine, there’s no shortage of reasons why having a Southern wedding is a fantastic choice. However, before you start planning all the details, you need to have a clear idea of your wedding style. Your wedding style serves as the backbone of your event and will guide everything from venue to decor choices to attire selection. In this article, we’ll explore how to find your unique wedding style to help make your special day everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

TRENDING SOUTHERN WEDDING STYLES.

Wedding styles continue to change but a few have proven to be quite popular in recent years. Here are some of the top trending wedding styles:

Coastal Chic Weddings

When it comes to Southern weddings, it’s hard to go wrong with a coastal-themed wedding. Coastal chic weddings feature a fun and refreshing color palette inspired by the waterfront: think sandy neutrals, pastel blues, and pops of peach or coral. Coastal chic weddings focus on laid back coastal vibes with sea-inspired details.

Southern Belle Weddings

Southern belle weddings are perfect for couples who love the charm and elegance of the South. This style is all about the refined details: think lace, rose gold, and pastel florals.

Rustic Weddings

Rustic weddings continue to be popular in the Southern states. It’s all about incorporating natural beauty, such as woodsy decor and wildflower arrangements. Rustic weddings can range from glamorous chic to barnyard rustic.

Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are great for couples looking for a relaxed atmosphere. Opt for a cool and casual vibe with a breezy dress and bohemian accessories.

CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING THEME.

To choose your ideal wedding style, it’s essential to consider your personal style and preferences. Are you drawn to rich and luxurious decor, or do you prefer the calm and peaceful vibes? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself

Image Credit: Andrew Alwert Studios

before choosing your wedding theme. Researching different themes is a great way to gain inspiration. You can check out magazines, social media platforms, and wedding blogs to get an idea of the wedding styles.

Another great way to explore different wedding themes is by looking at venues. The South is known for its variety of beautiful venues, from historic mansions to beachfront locales. Use your venue’s aesthetic to determine the theme if you’re feeling stuck.

THE ROLE OF WEDDING PLANNERS AND DECORATORS

Planning a wedding can be stressful, that’s why working with wedding planners and decorators can help make the process much smoother. A wedding planner will help you create a vision for your big day that reflects your personality and preferences while working within your budget. A wedding decorator goes one step further and creates a cohesive look and feel by bringing your wedding vision to life. With the help of a professional, you can create a memorable and unique wedding experience.

BUDGETING FOR A WEDDING WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON STYLE AND ELEGANCE

Planning a wedding on a budget can be stressful, however, it is possible to have a stunning wedding that is also budgetfriendly. Consider the following tips when planning and budgeting for your Southern wedding:

Prioritize: Determine what elements of your wedding are crucial to you and allocate more budget resources towards those areas. Budget more money on the food, venue, and photography/videography, as photos will last a lifetime.

Explore venues: Consider a unique venue like a state park to save on venue costs.

DIY: Consider DIY options such as creating your invitations or decor. However, be mindful of time limitations and crafting skills.

Choose seasonality: Opt for foods and flowers that are in season. Ask your wedding vendors for their insights - they will be happy to guide you!

Be open to off-season dates: Consider off-peak wedding season dates. Certain times of year are slower for weddings in the South due to the heat (especially along the Gulf Coast!) - we’re looking at you August! Many vendors will offer special pricing for off-season dates.

Choosing a wedding theme is not a decision to take lightly. Consider a variety of wedding styles and prioritize personal style and preferences when selecting your theme. Work with wedding planners and decorators to create a memorable experience and remember that a beautiful wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to planning the wedding of your dreams.

Image Credit: Andrew Alwert Studios

What’s Your Style?

FIGURING OUT WHERE TO START AND HOW TO CREATE

a wedding that’s “your style” can often be intimidating. We’ve compiled a list of questions to help guide you in the early planning stages. Some answers will help you determine what style of event is right for you. Others will help you focus on what’s really important.

COUPLE BACKGROUND & STYLE

n How did you meet?

n What is your proposal story?

n Who designed/picked the ring?  What do you love about it?

n What are 5 adjectives you’d use to describe yourselves as a couple?

n What are 5 adjectives each of you’d use to describe the other?

n What type of artwork do you own? What do you love about it?  Describe the style.

n Where do you like to spend vacation time?  What types of activities do you participate in?

n Who is your favorite clothing and accessory designer?

n Who will be involved in the wedding planning process?

PAST EXPERIENCE

n What have you liked about other weddings/events you’ve attended?

n What have you disliked about weddings/events you’ve attended in the past?

WEDDING EXPERIENCE

n What are 5 adjectives you’d like to describe your wedding?

n What are your “must haves” for your wedding? Each pick one.

n Are there any cultural or religious traditions you wish to incorporate?

n What locations do you love? Indoors or outdoors?

n Do you want the ceremony and reception to take place in the same location?

n Describe your ideal location and your favorite things about it.

Image Credit: Andrew Alwert Studios

Check back with your answers frequently throughout the planning process to make sure you’re staying true to YOU as you make decisions.

planning tip:

JOLIE + TYLER’S STORY

Jolie St. Pierre and Tyler Hyde tied the knot in a beautiful winter wonderland themed wedding on January 7, 2023. The wedding ceremony took place at St.Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Destrehan, Louisiana, and the reception was held at The Alexander Room in nearby Metairie.

The couple’s proposal story is as romantic as it gets. Tyler planned a surprise proposal at Houmas House and Gardens, where Jolie and her parents were supposed to have lunch. Tyler left his phone and truck at work, and his parents picked him up and drove ahead of Jolie and her parents to wait for them at the fountain on the grounds of the property. He informed the attendant of his plans so she wouldn’t say anything about him already being there.

“We walked through the gardens on our way to the Carriage House and Tyler started walking toward me,” shares Jolie. “It was a gorgeous setting with the fountain and greenery.”

Jolie was completely surprised when Tyler knelt on one knee with the most beautiful ring in hand. “Tyler thought of everything and made this a wonderful and memorable day!”

THE WEDDING DAY

Jolie and Tyler’s wedding was filled with special details that made the day unforgettable.

The Alexander Room was the perfect venue for their wedding reception. The ballroom and the lovely terrace accommodated their guests most comfortably and the food was fabulous.

The wedding cake, with white flowers cascading down, was stunning. The flowers throughout the Alexander Room, done by The Plant Gallery, were exactly what Jolie and Tyler had envisioned.

For the groom’s cake, they chose a 4-tiered king cake with their boxer, Ivory, peeking out. “My Mom surprised us with the peek-a-boo Ivory!” says Jolie.

The wedding favors were also unique and creative. The Artisan Marshmallow Co. in Pittman, New Jersey, created s’mores kits, which were the perfect sweet for their guests to take home. An artisan marshmallow, a Ghirardelli chocolate, and a graham cracker were packaged individually, and personalized tags were ordered from Etsy.

Overall, Jolie and Tyler’s wedding was a perfect reflection of their love for each other, their families, and their traditions. “We loved every single thing about our Wedding Day, especially being with everyone!” says Jolie.

ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: CEREMONY LOCATION: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church | OFFICIANT: Reverend Dominic Arcuri/Deacon Michael Stohlman | REHEARSAL DINNER: Impastato’s | BRIDE’S GOWN: Paloma Blanca, Town & Country Bridal | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Azazie | PHOTOGRAPHER: Stacy Marks Photographer| FLORIST: The Plant Gallery

| BAKERY: Bittersweet Confections | CEREMONY MUSIC: Lalie Montalto, Coryn Rodrigue, Nobile Benoit | RECEPTION

ENTERTAINMENT: The Phunky Monkeys (band) + Limitless Entertainment (photo booth) | TRANSPORTATION: Big Easy Limos | HAIR + MAKEUP: Victory Artistry | DECOR RENTALS: Yur Event Rentals | JEWELER: Jacob Marks | INVITATIONS: Gem Printing | DANCE FLOOR WRAP: Jai David | CAKE SCULPTURE: COB Creations, Etsy

Your Event Planner

AN EVENT PLANNER will be your new best friend in the months leading up to your wedding day. Meet and interview some of NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE planners and choose the best fit for you. Discuss everything from design details down to the budget, and let them help make your dream wedding a reality.

Wedding Planner

WHAT TO ASK PROSPECTS

n May we see references and your portfolio?

n Tell us about previous weddings you’ve coordinated.

n Have you planned weddings similar to ours (size/traditions/venues/etc)?

n How much or how little are you willing to handle?

n What services do you offer? Planning? Design?

n Do you have a recommended vendor list?

n Do you base your fees on the total cost or by preset packages?

n How can you help my wedding day run smoothly and stay on budget?

n What are your payment terms?

n What is your cancellation policy?

WHAT TO ASK YOURSELF

n Does this planner “get” my vision?

n Have they given me realistic options and advice?

n Do I feel comfortable with them? Do our personalities mesh?

n Do I like their overall style shown in their portfolio?

n Do they understand the religious and/or cultural traditions that are important to us?

n Am I comfortable with the cost of hiring them?

n What about this planner makes me think they’re “the one?”

Image Credit: Andrew Alwert Studios

MADISON + DAVIS’ STORY

Madison Tucker and Robert Davis Field III tied the knot in a beautiful wedding filled with personalized touches and surprises. The couple met in college and got engaged in a unique way. “We have a tradition that we save wine corks and sign them with the event and date,” shared Madison. While going through their collection of wine corks one night, Davis grabbed a new one from the bottle they were enjoying and wrote “engaged” on it before getting down on one knee. Madison said yes, and the couple began their journey to their special day.

Madison Tucker & Robert Davis Field III

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH ALLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

THE WEDDING The wedding day was filled with many special details. The guest book was a giant cork for guests to sign, a nod to their tradition of collecting wine corks. Their first dance was to Elvis Presley’s “Wonder of You,” as a tribute to the city Memphis, where they met. Madison’s college friends wore blue and served as her “Something Blue.” Ira Lawson, who introduced the couple at Rhodes College, and was Madison’s boss, spoke at the ceremony.

Madison and Davis both had different favorite parts of their wedding day. For Madison, it was dancing all night, while Davis loved the surprise fireworks show. The couple also included their dog, Oliver, in the wedding festivities. Oliver wore a green bow tie and appeared on the cups and koozies with the phrase “Oliver approves this marriage.”

Their First Look was emotional, with Davis shedding tears when he saw Madison in her dress.

Madison walked down the aisle with her mom, a touching moment that was special to both of them.

The reception was a lively affair with great food and an incredible band, After8 Band, that kept the couple and their guests on the dance floor all night. Madison knew she wanted to be dancing the entire time, and the band made sure that was the case. They even performed “Call Em Baton Rouge” for Davis and “Sweet Home Alabama” for Madison. At one point, their officiant Father Brad Doyle joined the band on stage and sang “Superstition” at the reception.

ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: GETTING

READY LOCATION: The Lodge at the Bluffs | CEREMONY LOCATION: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church | OFFICIANTS:

Father Cary Bani + Father Brad Doyle |

RECEPTION LOCATION: Davis’ childhood home | REHEARSAL DINNER: 1796 at the Myrtles | BRIDE’S GOWN: Heidi Elnora

Atelier | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: BHLDN at Anthropologie | MENSWEAR: Perlis | FLORIST: Amy Louviere | WEDDING CAKE: Lori Temple |

CEREMONY MUSICIANS: Michelle and Jason Lane; Kathy Calamari | RECEPTION

ENTERTAINMENT: After8 Band | HAIR +

MAKEUP: Trent Broussard, Hair Alchemy | TRAVEL AGENT: Luxe & Nyx | DECOR

RENTALS: Box K Rentals | CATERER: Heirloom

Cuisine | JEWELER: Tiffany & Co. (wedding bands); Madison’s great grandmother’s diamond reset by Lee Michael’s (engagement ring) | STATIONERY: Tittle Stationery |

BRIDESMAIDS’ EARRINGS: Hayley Drikard

(AL) at Vivian Drew

Your Wedding Flowers

Your flowers should reflect the personalities and tastes of the “complete” couple and create a fragrant and beautiful treat for everyone. Get your ideas together, along with a picture of your wedding dress, style and colors of your wedding and a maximum budget figure. Confirm deliveries and pick-up times and as with all things, sign a contract and secure your preferred floral artist with a deposit!

Flower Checklist

Bride’s Bouquet

Toss Bouquet

Maid of Honor’s bouquet

Bridesmaid’s bouquets

Flower Girl bouquet/basket

Groom’s boutonniere

Groomsmens’ boutonnieres

Mothers + grandmothers’ corsages

Fathers + grandfathers’ boutonnieres

Ceremony Arrangements (Altar, pew markers, gifts)

Reception Arrangements (Guest Tables, Buffet Tables, Cake Table)

Other _______________________________________

Florists

WHAT TO ASK PROSPECTS

n May we see pictures from past weddings you’ve done?

n Are any of our flower choices restricted by season?

n Do you suggest any particular flowers based on the time of year and/or location?

n Will you be present to set up on the wedding day? Will someone assist you?

n Will you deliver personal flowers to our getting ready location? Transfer arrangements from the ceremony site to the reception?

n Do you provide decorations and equipment, like arches, trellises, candles, etc?

n How fresh will the flowers be on the wedding day?

n What are your delivery/setup/breakdown fees?

n What are your payment terms?

n What is your policy for cancellation?

Image Credit: Andrew Alwert Studios

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: ASHLEIGH ELIZABETH WEDDINGS AND EVENTS

Ashleigh Elizabeth Weddings and Events is a New Orleansbased wedding planning company that marries modern celebrations with the charm of a timeless Southern wedding. With over a decade of experience in the wedding industry, Ashleigh Rougelot and her team prioritize creating a personalized and worry-free planning experience for their clients.

When asked about what drew her to this type of business, Ashleigh emphasized her love for hearing a couple’s story and bringing it to life through a one-of-a-kind celebration. She also enjoys the relationships she has with her couples, their families, and vendors. “Exceeding their expectations fuels me every day,” she said.

Ashleigh describes her style as charming, joyful, genuine, and timeless. She loves working with clients who trust the planning process and appreciate all the small details. “The wedding planning process can be overwhelming, but I strive to make it fun and worry-free,” she said.

Ashleigh and her team love getting to know their clients on a personal level, which includes learning about their hobbies, favorite seasons, and vacation spots. Ashleigh incorporates these little details into their wedding to showcase their love story from start to finish. As Ashleigh said, “I truly believe that EVERY wedding is unique and should be celebrated as such.”

ASHLEIGH’S STYLE: CHARMING. TIMELESS. LUXURY.

Brooke Boyd

Brocato Photography Collective

Catherine Guidry

Catherine Guidry

ASHLE1Gll ELI'lABETll WEDDI GS EVENTS

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: COMPASS POINT EVENTS

Compass Point Events is a family-owned and operated wedding venue that offers a unique New Orleans vibe to its clients. Owned by Erin Steen, a seasoned wedding planner and floral designer, Compass Point Events provides clients with a one-stopshop experience, from vendor suggestions to food and beverage, floral decor services, and even officiating weddings.

Steen’s journey in the wedding industry started in 1984 as a retail florist, where she grew more involved in wedding flowers and organization, leading to her transition to owning an all-inclusive venue in 2014. Steen’s experience in the industry and passion for weddings translate into her hands-on approach to every aspect of her clients’ weddings, making her an ideal wedding planner and venue owner.

Compass Point Events boasts a laid-back and organic atmosphere, with traditional New Orleans-style cottages and a stunning outdoor dance floor under 100-year-old oaks. The main inside space is a lovely Acadian Mansion with a wrap-around porch, adding to the charm and uniqueness of the venue.

Steen’s strengths as a wedding planner and floral designer, combined with her dedication to providing a unique and memorable wedding experience, make her and her venue an excellent choice for any couple looking to tie the knot.

As Steen puts it, “We’re involved in every aspect of our clients’ weddings because it matters to us.”

Photos: Erin Steen

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: LUXURY DESIGNS, LLC

Lolita Garibaldi, the owner of Luxury Designs, LLC, has a passion for serving others through planning and designing beautiful events since 2014. Garibaldi is a Certified Wedding Planner and also has been accredited in event design from the IWED Institute of Design.

Garibaldi loves to work with clients who recognize the value of hiring a professional wedding planner and designer. Her ideal clients trust her experience and passion to execute their vision flawlessly.

Speaking of her clients, Garibaldi said, “My team and I are here to relieve their stress and help them to enjoy the moments leading up to their Big Day.”

Garibaldi’s passion for planning and designing beautiful, creative, and luxurious weddings is evident in her work. Expect an unforgettable experience!

Photos: Golden House Weddings

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: PAGE DESIGNS & EVENTS

PAMELA’S STYLE: Creative. Traditional. Sophisticated.

Page Designs & Events is a wedding planning service for modern brides who are looking for a creative, sophisticated, and affordable experience. Owner Pamela Page has been in business since 2012 and draws inspiration from the excitement and joy that comes with bringing people together through food, family, and fun.

Her ideal client is someone who trusts her expertise and is grateful for her opinion, making the wedding planning process a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Page Designs & Events is the perfect choice for brides who want a personalized and stress-free wedding planning experience. Pamela’s clients should expect easy-going conversations, budget-friendly options, and high-priority responses to their needs. As Pamela puts it, “I’m there to help and ask for my advice, as well as opinions to make sure their day goes smoothly. Let us plan your Forever & Eva.”

Photos: Marquis Photography

THE LIST

Your Wedding Décor

IF YOU’RE PLANNING YOUR wedding at a “blank canvas” site, you’ll definitely need to make use of rental services. Even if you hold your event at an all-inclusive venue, you may find that you want to personalize the space with specialty linen or furniture. Décor rental companies have so much to offer from practical items like tables and chairs to fanciful thrones, ambiance creating lighting and special effects, and more.

Rental & Décor

WHAT TO ASK PROSPECTS

n May we see pictures from past weddings you’ve done?

n Have you worked at our location before?

n What are your delivery/setup/breakdown fees?

n What type of lighting options are available?

n How can you help us create the ambiance we are envisioning?

n What rental items do you suggest to help us create our vision while staying within budget?

n What type of specialty items do you offer?

n Will you be present to oversee set up on the wedding day?

n Are you insured? What are your policies for damages/missing items?

n How early do you need to arrive for setup?

n When should we expect to receive a quote and decor plan?

n Do you secure necessary permits for tenting?

n What are your payment terms?

n What is your policy for cancellation?

Image Credit: Andrew Alwert Studios

gk photography

PHOTOGRAPHY

THE WEDDING Melissa Dailey and Kelly Connolly's wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and creativity. The couple, who met and fell in love at first sight, shared their special day with family, friends, and vendors who helped make their day unforgettable.

Melissa and Kelly's wedding had several unique and fun elements. They had 11 flower boys who tossed rainbow petals from fanny packs, and Melissa’s niece and nephew carried the rings. During the ceremony, they wanted to symbolize their unity in a different way, so they incorporated a rock-breaking ceremony instead of a traditional unity candle or sand ceremony.

Kelly explained, "The rock was actually a geode with a beautiful crystal inside. It symbolized our beautiful love for each other and our resilience as a couple."

The couple also had several wardrobe changes throughout the day, which reflected their love for fashion and performance. They wore elegant RISH Bridal gowns from Unbridled for their first look and ceremony. Kelly changed into a pantsuit for her signature dance lift. For their third looks, they went outside the box and Melissa rocked out with their band Capital City Soul.

Melissa and Kelly's wedding was a beautiful and creative celebration of their love. As Melissa said, "From the second we shook hands and looked into each other's eyes, sparks flew, and our fire burns brighter every day! Love at first sight and soulmates truly do exist."

VENDOR CREDITS: VENUE: The Frenchmen Street

Hotel | OFFICIANT: Nicole Dailey | REHEARSAL

DINNER: Uptown MKT | WEDDING GOWNS:

RISH BRIDAL, Unbridled | PHOTOGRAPHY: Sidney Donaldson Photography | VIDEO: Filmbalaya Films | FLORIST: Uptown MKT | BAKERY: Wishingtown Bakery + Cakes by Melissa (NY) |

CEREMONY MUSIC: Melissa Dailey | RECEPTION

ENTERTAINMENT: Capital City Soul | SECOND LINE

BAND + CHAMPAGNE SKIRT MODEL: Frenchmen Street Productions | WEDDING PAINTER: Kelly

Boyett ART | HAIR + MAKEUP: Melissa Dailey +

Louis Peterman-Cotman | WEDDING PLANNER: The brides! | FAVORS: Smelly’s on Fire | CATERING: Mirepoix |

EVENT PLANNERS + DESIGNERS

Ashleigh Elizabeth Weddings and Events

Luxury Designs, LLC

Page Designs & Events

PHOTOGRAPHERS + VIDEOGRAPHERS

Amin Russell Photography

Andrew Alwert Studios

Jessica The Photographer

Sarah Alleman Photography

Your Day Video Production

FASHION

D&D Creations

Tuxedos to Geaux

BAKERIES

Gambino’s Bakery

Kimbla’s Cakes

CATERERS

12 Seasons Catering

Toulouse Gourmet Catering

DECOR + RENTALS

Glo Events

Peony & Petunia

True Value Rental

ENTERTAINMENT

Sugar Shaker

FAVORS

Artisan Marshmallow Co.

VENUES:

Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Compass Point Events

Court of Two Sisters

Down the Hatch Higgins Hotel

InterContinental New Orleans

Royal Sonesta New Orleans

The Alexander Room & Terrace

The Cannery The Moore

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans