Louisiana Weddings

Talk about beauty and brains, this Houston bride has it all and we are totally crushing on her ultra glam meets modern style. Hints of gold, monochrome flowers, bold jewelry, Chanel No 5…yep this wedding had us at hello… and then sucked us completely in with all the pretty images from Docuvitae. I swoon, you swoon, we ALL swoon for fabulously chic weddings and there is a whole lot more of this one in the gallery.

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From the Bride… The design choices for our wedding celebration were inspired by our venues. For our ceremony, my husband and I chose St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, a historic building with incredible Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Our reception was held at the Artista Restaurant, an elegant two-story edifice with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the downtown Houston skyline. While I loved the idea of an outdoor wedding, it was clearly not an option for Houston in August. To incorporate that outdoor feel, I transformed the restaurant balcony into an outdoor lounge space. Our wonderful florist, Melanie Tipton of Last Petal, brought my vision to life by accenting the lounge space and restaurant with simple, chic floral arrangements. Once our venues were selected, everything from our color scheme to our invitation style came into place.

After looking at numerous wedding invitation websites, we decided nothing in our budget really inspired us. My husband, a self-taught graphic designer, decided to take a stab at creating our wedding invitations. As a nod to our hometowns, my husband placed images of the Houston skyline and the Baton Rouge, LA Horace Wilkinson Bridge on the invitation suite. We then had the invitation suite letterpress printed. The end result was AMAZING!  My husband went on to design all of the stationary elements of the wedding–programs, menu cards, signage, etc.

In addition to getting the design elements just right, we infused our wedding with elements that would reflect our love (we decided to write our own vows in addition to citing traditional ones), family (my uncle married us) and sentimentality (I surprised my husband with a traditional New Orleans Second-line band for our exit as he always wanted one for his wedding day). And when our wedding day came, we let everything else go and decided to bask in the blessedness of the day–we laughed, cried (okay, I cried) and danced the night away. There were definitely bumps (okay, mountains) along the road in the planning process, but when we sit back and look at the wonderful images captured by Rebecca of Docuvitae (whom I found right here on SMP and cannot say enough positive things about), they bring a smile to our faces every.single.time.

Wedding Photography: Rebecca of Docuvitae / Second Shooter: Juli of Docuvitae / Wedding Ceremony: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church / Wedding Reception: Artista Restaurant / Wedding Cinematography: Aaron of 31FILMS / Flowers: Melanie Tipton of Last Petal / Wedding Invitation Design: Timothy Perry (The Groom) / Invitation Printing: Studio on Fire / Event Design & Planning: Kourtney James Perry (The Bride) / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Wedding Dress: Angel Sanchez via Maison de Mode / Hair: Albert Dominguez of Solution for Hair & Makeup / Makeup: Your Beautiful Face / Jewelry: DIY, The Bride (Created from Talbots‘ Necklaces) / Second Line Band: New Orleans Hustlers Brass Band / Vintage Rolls Royce: Jordan Limousines

Happy, happy TGIF! I know on Fridays we usually display oodles of inspiration via photo shoots but today we are going to switch it up a bit and bring you a plethora of inspiration from very real, very pretty weddings. We have a whole line-up of beauties to send you off into the wilds of weekend fun. And don’t forget, this is just a sampling of each celebration. By clicking on the gallery, you can revel in every inch of gorgeous that each wedding has to offer.

We are going to start things off with the absolute cutest day held in good ol’ New Orleans. The perfect combination of historic beauty and fun-filled whimsy, this wedding is an absolute charmer and we just can’t get enough of that perfect, perfect calligraphy by Jenna Hein. See the full celebration, NOLA style, in the gallery.

see all of the details here!

From the Bride…

Dan and I live in New York City. His family is from California and mine is from New Jersey, and so for our wedding, we decided to have everyone meet somewhere in the middle: New Orleans! New Orleans is one of our favorite American cities and holds a special place for us as a couple because we got engaged there. Everything we love about the city—its casual vibe, amazing food, vibrant music, fun, energy and magic—basically described the kind of wedding we wanted to have. There was no other place to have our wedding but New Orleans. About sixty-five of our closest friends and family joined us in New Orleans for our wedding, coming from 10 different states and three countries! (Not one person was from New Orleans!) To have all of our favorite people from all over the world in one place (just for us!) made the entire wedding feel so special. We had a very traditional Catholic ceremony at the Holy Name of Jesus Church, followed by a fun-filled reception at a historic building/event space called the Board of Trade. Dan and I were both equally involved in the planning and were super into it. We have the excel spreadsheets and millions of tearsheets to prove it! But the things I remember the most about our wedding day are the things we didn’t plan for: The street performers who played “Here comes the bride” when we walked by; hopping on a street car before our ceremony and having all the strangers onboard cheer applaud, the moment before we walked down the aisle and Dan was trying to make me laugh so I wouldn’t cry, eating leftover wedding cake together, with one fork, in our hotel room when it was all over.

Here is my advice for any bride planning their wedding from afar:

I highly recommend visiting your location to choose your venue in person. Places looked A LOT different on the internet than in person, and so I am really glad that we made a trip out there to check out venues. You can do a lot of things on the phone/internet, but it’s hard to do this one without someone being there in person Go with the local customs. Where I live in the Northeast, a traditional wedding reception is about 6 hours long with a sit-down dinner. We found out in New Orleans that they tend to do 3-hour long receptions with a buffet dinner. We opted to do it how the locals do it, and I am so happy we made that decision. Not only does it make it easier for your vendors to do what they’re used to, it will actually make your wedding more memorable and different for your guests. Then again, don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. Since our wedding reception was so short…we didn’t do any of the typical wedding stuff: Cut the cake, throw the bouquet, etc. I am glad that we didn’t because it would have felt like we just had to cross things off our to-do list rather than enjoy our day. We did do a first dance—only because we took some swing lessons and wanted to show off our skills. But even that was not super choreographed and planned. We also walked down the aisle together which felt so special to me. It felt like we were walking into this thing called marriage together. When it comes to finding vendors, do a ton of research. Don’t always rely on web sites. Sometimes they look a little cheesy, but when you speak to the people on the phone, you get a better vibe. Trust your instincts. When I found a vendor I trusted, I often ended up asking them for recommendations for other vendors. When the photographer we wanted was booked, they recommended me someone who they worked with in the past who ended up being more affordable and just as great!  If you are doing any DIY stuff you want set up beforehand, do everything before you arrive to the location. You don’t want to be tying bows the night before. Ship everything (with tracking number!) to the location or your wedding coordinator a few days ahead of time. And if you can afford it, hire a day of coordinator to set everything up. Even though it was an added expense, I am so happy I did that and didn’t have to worry about it the day of the event. (The only this is that you SHOULD bring your wedding dress on the plane with you as a carry on. Don’t ship it) • Learn to let go. Not everything is going to be perfect. It’s a destination wedding. Things are bound to go awry. Focus on the stuff that is important. You are getting married! All your family and friends are there. This is freakin awesome! If you keep this in mind, you will have the best day of your life. We did!

Ceremony Location: Holy Name of Jesus Church / Reception Location: Board of Trade / Food: Pigeon Catering / Photographer: Ooti Billeaud / Second Photographer: Brittany Mitchell/ Florist: Nola Flora / Cakes: Flour Power / Band: Some Like It Hot / Second Line Band: Jazzmen Brass Band / Hair and Make-up: Glam Therapy / Veil and Hairpiece: Bridal Veil Falls / Invitation and Save the Date: Michele Lee / Calligraphy: Jenna Hein / Cake Topper: The Small Object / Praline Favors: Southern Candymakers / Day of Coordinator: Taylor Quintini / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet Reverie / Bridal Shoes: Stuart Weitzman (heels)/ J. Crew (flats) / Bridesmaid Dress: Priscilla of Boston / Groom’s Suit: Perlis / Groom’s Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger

Jose Villa is a name synonymous with absolutely gorgeous photography so when he sent us this dreamy photo shoot we couldn’t wait to share. He teamed up with Joy Thigpen, the goddess of beautiful styling, and together they created this New Orleans inspired Honeymoon shoot. Anything these two touch turns to gold and this little gem is no exception. What could be more romantic than a honeymoon getaway to the Big Easy? The styling is spot on, the photography is killing us with its prettiness and the backdrop is perfection. All in all, WE DIE. Be sure to check out the gallery for more from this Louisiana shoot.

Ready to pack your bags for a getaway, Louisiana style? I know we are! Big thank you to Jose Villa and Joy Thigpen for a dose of loveliness to start the week off right. Be sure to head over to the gallery for more from this yummy photo shoot.

Photography: Jose Villa / Styling: Joy Thigpen

It seems that all of Kristin Vining’s couples are up for some great fun when it comes to their engagement shoots! Take Dustee and Justin, for example …..

With Mardi Gras just about to get into full swing, what better time to post Dustee & Justin’s lively e* session in New Orleans with Kristin!

Dustee told us that she and Justin had decided on a destination wedding ~ but were torn between New Orleans and the Carribean. Once they finally settled on the Bahamas, they jumped at the chance to meet Kristin in New Orleans for their e*shoot.

From Dustee … Justin and I both love history and wanted to incorporate interesting historical periods in our wedding and our engagement photos.  In the time of prohibition, cities across America outlawed alcohol, including New Orleans. However, speakeasies popped up all over the city. Two historic restaurants, Commander’s Palace and Delmonico’s were raided in the early 20s and everyone went underground. However, no place embraced the “roar” of the 20s quite like New Orleans. Justin and I decided to channel that spirit along with the sights and sounds of Mardi Gras for our photos. We did lots of research on our costumes and raided a fantastic vintage costume shop in Dallas — a treasure trove of great 20s accessories.

We are doing something similar for our wedding. The site of our ceremony and reception (The One & Only Ocean Club) hosted the famed Bal du Paradis in the 60s to christen the location. It was a glittering and glamorous event of the who’s who from across the world. Interestingly enough, Bal du Paradis means Bride of Paradise. Our wedding will feature lots of influences from that historic event.

You know we always say that inspiration is all around you! Couldn’t ask for a more perfect example. A huge congratulations, Dustee & Justin, from all of us here at SMP!

And Kristin, wow, girl!! Can’t wait to see the wedding!!!

Kristin has LOTS more photos from shoot on her blog … terrifically fun, so do take a look:  Dustee & Justin’s NOLA E*Shoot

As I was formatting the photographs and the post for this incredible wedding, I tried desperately to edit down the bride’s text a bit, as it was longer than we normally have on SMP. But I seriously couldn’t! Every detail was so incredible and her words made me feel like I was there, experiencing it all for myself.

You already saw the stunning film that Chris Jones of Mason Jar Films put together, but now the bride is stopping by to share a little bit more…

photography by Zoeica Images

Planning a wedding from 4800 miles and 6 time zones away requires loads of patience and a generous supply of optimism. This NOLA bride was surrounded by a Parisian fiancé and loving parents with generous supply of patience and diligence when hers ran short. Born and raised in NOLA, as we affectionately call New Orleans, Louisiana, the wedding location was never a question. Paris exudes elegance, beauty and culture. New Orleans possesses some of that plus a healthy dose of southern decadence for its own special savoir-vivre.

The week-end started with Thursday’s Dads’ Jazz Jam night and Cajun cuisine, Cocktails on Friday in Muriel’s, a historic building off Jackson Square, and ended with Brunch at the Columns Hotel in the Garden District. Guests hailed from as far away as Angola, Africa to London and Paris and as close by as Thibodeaux, louisiana. Saturday, the Day, took off with a classic French Quarter carriage ride from the historic Faubourg Marigny district to the oldest cathedral in North America, the St. Louis Cathedral. The St. Louis Cathedral was named for Louis the IX, sainted King of France. French guests were quite pleased with that cultural reference! New Orleans is steeped in ready references to its French roots.

photography by Zoeica Images

The mass at the cathedral was accompanied by musicians from one of New Orleans’ most famous music families–the Jordans with Stephanie Jordan on the violin and big brother, Kent Jordan, flute. After the ceremony the bride and guests were accompanied to the reception site by the New Wave Brass Band and a ‘second line’ of wedding guests dancing in the street, striding, and stepping away from the Cathedral. The Restaurant Galvez, our reception site was a testament to our patience plus faith — our wedding served as the restaurant’s first post-Hurricane Katrina opening.

A touch of Paris kicked off the reception with a champagne toast and French gypsy jazz band by French native/ New Orleans transplant Pierre Pichon. The music never stopped. Pierre was followed by the Treme Brass Band, the Storyville Stompers Brass Brand. Jazz trumpeter extraordinaire Leroy Jones and Creole crooner John Boutte added a sensitive NOLA jazz touch to the dinner.

photography by Zoeica Images

Dinner included a five course meal completely Louisiana inspired [began with a Creole Crawfish Bisque, a zucchini and goat cheese Napoleon, Gulf Redfish with lump crabmeat and a Chocolate Pecan Tart finished with a French Cheese platter and] topped off by a “pièce montée” the traditional French wedding cake composed of a pastried tower of croquembouche.

With the live New Orleans jazz music and flavorful Creole cuisine, the wedding attire took a subtler route. A Monique Lhuillier lace dress (the Calista) with silk ivory sling backs by Christian Louboutin for the bride. The bridesmaids wore pale gray Vera Wang floor length dresses that complimented the men’s traditional charcoal grey morning suits. New Orleans had the food, the architecture, the music, the romance, the historic icons, the setting for a deeply French and deeply American wedding.

Our wedding expressed who we are. It was the perfect marriage of New Orleans and Paris. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

I love working with really talented Cinematographers. We have quite a few in our Little Black Book and Chris Jones of Mason Jar Films is definitely one of my favorites. His vignettes are more akin to movies than to a wedding video…with dreamy music, an unbelievably elegant approach and a beautiful depiction of the day. I have yet to see one of his films where I don’t tear up and this one…this one is no different!

We have the AMAZING wedding story coming up next!

Sometimes … (well, maybe most of the time) … I struggle for the right words to start a feature. But today, the word that immediately popped into my mind was “ethereal”. The play of the light streaming throughout these images can only be described as ethereal …

Aron is soooo handsome and Emmy is just about the most radiant bride I’ve ever seen! The sunshine striking her parasol and saturating her skin gives her that glow that we all long for  …

After all the months of planning, the look on her face is what it’s ALL about!

Emmy and Aron were married in New Orleans at the end of March. A true southern REAL SPRING wedding!!

Megan, with the Casey Cunningham Photography sent us Emmy and Aron’s story … it’s so VERY heart-warming …

Being from opposite sides of the U.S. (Aron grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Emmy grew up in the Midwest), having met in Boston, and having friends all over the world, Emmy and Aron struggled with where to hold their wedding. They consider Washington DC their home now but travel to the gulf coast and New Orleans quite a bit. Through their many visits while Aron has helped to finance the recovery of the city, they witnessed a unique spirit of hope and rejuvenation.

They came to realize that many of the elements essential to building a great city reflect those of building a great marriage: communication, collaboration, patience, faith, and enduring love. This realization, coupled with the desire to put money back into the city, solidified their decision to hold their wedding in the beautiful New Orleans area. Not only did two Yankees hold their wedding in the deep south … transforming Emmy into an elegant southern bride … but they also incorporated the Lutheran and Jewish faiths into their ceremony.  Both a Rabbi and Lutheran minister were present for their vows.

Emmy and Aron fell in love with Houmas House and all of the towering oak trees and Spanish moss; this was their great starting point for design inspiration. Their ceremony took place under the “Cathedral of Oaks” on the front lawn with the reception immediately following on the back lawn. Timing was everything for this couple, making sure the sun cascaded beautiful shadows during the ceremony.

Afterwards, the guests were treated to a walking tour through the bottom floor of the majestic house while they made their way out back. Upon walking through the kitchen, Emmy and Aron treated their guests to a taste of  New Orleans with a cup of butternut squash and corn soup!

Casey and Andrea Cunningham have a distinct knack for capturing the very essence of EVERY wedding they shoot. No, that’s not quite right. They capture the very essence of the people they film. They may be on the outskirts of the activities … at times, you won’t even know they’re there … but their brides and grooms are at the center of their being.

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Random Acts Of Beauty … Casey and Andrea’s pledge to all their couples … to capture those special moments that this very day is all about.

… to tell their story with images, almost to the point that words are unnecessary …

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I mean,  I feel their joy … don’t you? And what better way to end a wedding day … than strolling down the streets of New Orleans with a sparkler in one hand and your honey in the other!

Thanks to ALL for sharing the day … Andrea and Casey ~ you’re the best!

Now that you’ve had a chance to vote for your favorite color palette, I have some serious eye candy for you. The incredibly talented cinematographer, Jones, over at Mason Jar Films, recently sent me this absolutely gorgeous video clip of a wedding that he shot in New Orleans…

Is that not the most beautiful video you’ve ever seen? The dress, the veil, the everything. I must admit that I was actually brought to tears by this gorgeous film. Pairing the understated background music with the vintage charm of the 16mm and 8mm film, the end result just seemed so authentically beautiful. Lucky for us, Jones will be posting a series of clips from this incredible wedding on his blog for the next three weeks!

Here are some details of the event from Jones…

Thursday night, Trevor and Cece had a Crawfish at CeCe’s brother’s house. Family and friends gathered to reacquaint and eat crawfish, shrimp, sausage, corn, and new potatoes along with their favorite beverages. Local brew Abiza was generously served.

Trevor is Scottish, so along with his relatives and the bagpiper, he wore a kilt. To show the joining of two families, the Father of the Bride (Pierre Villere) wore shoes designed with the groom’s family crest on the toe.

Before entering into the reception, guests were treated to cocktail hour at the mother of the bride’s house (Mimi Bowen) before the Storyville Stompers led the 2nd line into the tent. (The 2nd line is a New Orleans tradition in which guests dance from the ceremony site to the reception site behind a jazz band)

Along with the amazing array of local fare, guests were given a little lagniappe by being treated to freshly rolled cigars from the Cigar Factory of New Orleans and freshly made taffy from local favorite The Roman Candy Man.

The Jimmy Church band played until 2 a.m.

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And guess what…the amazingly talented Stephen Karlisch photographed the affair, and has been sweet enough to share these stunning images with us…

Thank you so much to our Little Black Book members Mason Jar Films and Stephen Karlisch for sharing this incredible wedding with us. Don’t forget to check out the clips that Jones will have on his blog for the next few weeks. And, stay tuned for more fabulous cinematography features!

Here are the sources for Cece and Trevor’s amazing New Orleans wedding…

Event Design: Van Wyck & Van Wyck, Wedding Planners: Crescent City Consultants, Pat
Denechaud, Ceremony: Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Bridesmaid’s Luncheon: Galatoire’s, Rehearsal Dinner: Arnaud’s, Wedding Gown: Vera Wang provided by Mimi’s
Boutique, Entertainment: Jimmy Church Band