From Ashley at The Graceful Host… Cali and Arrington exchanged vows in a chapel at Saint Scholastica Academy, the bride’s high school alma mater, in an intimate ceremony, with just family and close friends in attendance. They later celebrated, surrounded by approximately 300 of their loved ones, at the North House Home & Garden. They chose this venue because they wanted to celebrate in a garden setting that felt intimate, yet whimsical. Poppy & Mint was spot on with the floral design while Erin McCall Photography captured the day to perfection!
Cali chose a neutral color palette of ivory, butter yellow, blush, champagne and pale grey, with accents of gold and greenery for a timeless look that would still be beautiful years from now.
Since they were married on St. Patrick’s Day, the luck of the Irish made it’s way on to the bar, as a fun way to celebrate the holiday. Even their dogs were incorporated into their wedding by naming the signature drinks after them!
When asked, Cali said that her favorite moment of the day was the father/daughter dance, where her sister hopped on the dance floor. “We danced to “We are the Champions”, as we have danced to since we were little girls,” recalls Cali. “Everyone there was cheering as they know how much that song embodies the “Spell Family” mantra. It was a perfect moment that I will cherish forever!“
In true Louisiana fashion, Cali + Arrington placed a lot of emphasis on food and entertainment. The band, Crescent City Soul, kept the dance floor packed all night, and guests dined on Louisiana favorites such as raw oysters, jambalaya, fried catfish, and BBQ shrimp. They even passed around a local favorite as a late night treat – Butter Krisp Donuts.
From the Bride… I always wanted a garden type of wedding, but also wanted it to be classic with clean lines. We were married on St. Patrick’s day, so I wanted to incorporate a lot of greenery and I wanted neutral colors.
The jewelry I wore was a compilation from several women in my life that have been important role models for me. I wore gold and Sapphire jewelry, as my birthday is in September. It was also my grandmother’s favorite stone and she passed away a few weeks before we were engaged. My bracelet I wore was passed down to me from her. My earrings are my “aunt” Stephanie’s who has been like another mother figure to me. My ring is my other grandmother’s wedding ring. She could not be present for the wedding as she has been battling Alzheimer’s for many years. They were there in spirit and it was so special to have a part of them there with me.
Our wedding day exceeded any expectation that I may have had! It was relaxing, dreamy, and full of so much love and excitement. I have been in so many weddings and I never thought that when it is your own you could feel so much love and contentment. I was blown away by the private ceremony that felt so intimate and the presentation of the reception was just perfect. Every detail and the difference and the guests are still talking about what a wonderful night it was! Our friends and family are truly what makes this life so wonderful.
Be sure to pop on over to the full gallery for lots more pretty from Erin McCall Photography!
Photography: Erin Mccall | Videography: Harmonic Films | Event Design: The Graceful Host | Event Planning: The Graceful Host | Floral Design: Poppy and Mint | Wedding Dress: I Do Bridal Couture | Cake: Maple Street Bakery | Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel | Reception Venue: North House Home and Garden | Catering: Margo E. Bouanchaud | Makeup: Lynna Vo | Hair: Stephanie Ruiz | Band: Crescent City Soul band LLC | Brides Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaid Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Bella Bridesmaid | Draping: Quest Drape | Linens: Nuage Designs | Photobooth: HD Photobooth | Rentals: Luminous Events | Rentals: Gulf Coast Events And Rentals
