Louisiana Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

A Venue You Need to See to Believe (Hint: There’s a helicopter!)

Choosing a venue for your Big Day is one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding… and also one of the hardest. We totally get that. Which is why we’re hosting a little meet and greet with The Westin Cape Coral at Marina Village, a little slice of wedding heaven that has everything you’ve ever wanted – from the talented staff to the crazy cool amenities. Your dream day? It’s right here and waiting.

With over 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, three pools, a never-ending list of fun-filled marina activities and a breathtaking Presidential Suite just waiting to host you and your main squeeze (or your entire bridal party!), The Westin Cape Coral at Marina Village is taking “I do’s” to an entirely new level of amazing. Think picture perfect affairs from 20 to 200, all with those stunning views and crystal clear ocean waves. Oh, and if you really want to soak in the pretty, then check out their fabulous Heavenly Helicopter Nuptials package, a crazy cool way to amp up any wedding with the option to arrive or depart by helicopter, a ceremony for 100 guests, a one-hour cocktail reception and a dinner + champagne toast. And that’s just the beginning of the awesomeness, lovelies.

Whether you dream of making an amazing entrance on a helicopter (sooo, sooo cool) or walking down the aisle to a beautiful outdoor gazebo, The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village has something for everyone. Contact a Wedding Specialist today to start planning your fab day, and don’t forget to ask about rehearsal dinners, personalized menus, chartered boat cruises… and more. The wedding of the century? It’s yours.

Photography: Miranda Lawson

This Couple Planned a Colorful Bistro Wedding in Their Favorite City

What’s better than a bistro wedding? Absolutely nothing! Just ask Taylor and Austin who planned the perfect destination fete in their favorite city, New Orleans. With Julie Paisley Photography behind the lens we’ve got every bit of this colorful celebration waiting for you to fall in love with in The Vault!

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From Julie Paisley Photography… New Orleans weddings are something special. The vibe of the city is electric and it’s a perfect place for a Destination Wedding. Taylor and Austin are both from Texas but their favorite city is New Orleans so they traveled with family and friends and enjoyed a full weekend of wedding festivities. Taylor’s smile is infectious. She was such a joy to work with and Taylor and Austin’s reception was one of the most fun receptions I’ve ever experienced. I mean, when you end the night with a second line, how can you go wrong? It was the perfect day. From a stunning wedding party, love of family and friends and a bride and groom who clearly adored each other and all set in one of the most fun cities in the country, how could it not be amazing?

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Maggie Sottero

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Saying “I Do” With a View Never Looked So Good

Rustic weddings are awesome, but a rustic wedding tucked away in the mountains of North Carolina at Majors Estate? Well, that’s an entirely new level of amazing. Think acres upon acres of breathtaking scenery, five traditional American log cabins and the beautiful Pigeon River providing a gorgeous backdrop for walking + hiking. In other words? Saying “I do” at Majors Estate is a total MUST.

Located between Asheville and Waynesville in North Carolina, Majors Estate is the sort of rustic meets romantic locale perfect for hosting your Big Day… and beyond. From their awe-inspiring ceremony and reception sites (hello, traditional white chapel and fab barn) to their lineup of crazy cool outdoor activities to their talented staff that knows all there is to know about hosting your dream event, Majors Estate will make everything you’ve ever imagined (and more) happen. We can promise you that.

Whether you’re planning an intimate set of “I do’s” for a small group of friends and family or have a much grander affair in mind, Majors Estate will completely pamper you AND wow all of your guests. Contact them now to start planning that dream day, and don’t forget to keep Majors Estate in mind when it comes to those family vacas, corporate retreats and social gatherings, because, well… you’ll want to celebrate there time and time again.

The Ultimate Pin-Worthing Wedding Inspiration

We’ve said it plenty of times before, but there is just something about the South that seriously delights. Take this stunning shoot dreamed up by the talented Janna Brown and proof. It’s opulent, untamed, and hauntingly beautiful. Captured by the incomparable Katie Grant, we’ve got every bit of beauty waiting for you to favorite via The Vault!

From Janna Brown… The southern sun shone down through the mighty oaks and set Trinity aglow. She moved gracefully along the plantation grounds, weaving through the gardens and floating up the stone staircase as Katie Grant captured her every move. The fountains pattered in the distance and we longed for shelter from the heat, but we knew we were capturing magic with each frame. Trinity’s gown, a stunning design from Zanzis Couture, fit her as if it was created just for her in this moment. The beaded details shimmered in the golden afternoon light, and the and the hem of the gown danced playfully behind her.

The florals for our Mystérieuse Dame were created to soften the lines and textures of the opulent gown that she donned. The composition of the bouquet was quite organic, free-flowing and untamed, as if it were still growing and reaching toward the light. Large white peonies softened the base, as blueberry branches and rosemary added layers of texture. Soft blush astilbe sprigs were complimented by the rose-colored tones in Trinity’s cheeks. The bouquet was adorned with antique white silk ribbon by Silk & Willow.

As the golden hour ensued, we ventured to a nearby cemetery to capture the stunning architecture and textures of the stonework. As Trinity sauntered through the winding paths of towering monuments, there was a haunting silence, a stillness in the air. The Zanzis Couture gown seemed to find it’s place among the dilapidated tombs; the silk was unruly in the breeze, and seemed to reach toward the inscriptions as if reading each one. The soft lines of the skirt contrasted beautifully with the crumbling structures at each turn.

The clouds cast a shadow that crept upon us, and we acknowledged this as a sign from mother nature that our work for the day was complete. It was an honor to capture beauty in such a sacred setting, with a group of exceptional creatives.

A Wedding (Or honeymoon!) in Paradise Never Looked So Good

Summer may be “officially” over, but that doesn’t mean the fun in the sun has to come to end. Nope, around these parts we’re spending our days dreaming of the fabulous Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, a place that knows all there is to know about luxe accommodations. Think breathtaking views, an on-site marina and stellar customer service. In other words? It’s time to pack.your.bags.

Whether you’re looking for a dreamy destination locale for your upcoming nuptials or just want to kick back and relax with your honey, The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village has everything you’ll ever want or need. I’m talking a sweet stay in paradise with views of San Carlos Bay, the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico, plus an on-site marina and 400+ miles of navigable waterways perfect for kayaking or boating (they have those, too). Not to mention that The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village can host up to 200 people in their gorgeous indoor and outdoor event spaces, making for one awesome wedding destination for you AND the ones you love.

To start planning that dream honeymoon, wedding or last-minute vaca to Florida, contact The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village TODAY or request to submit a RFP here! And don’t forget to ask about their special offer for your next getaway, which includes a 4th night free (applied at checkout), a $100 food and beverage credit per stay and a room upgrade (based on availability). Have sooo much fun, lovelies.

Not One, But Two Pairs of Stylish Shoes for this Sparkly Southern Wedding

Why have one when you can have two pairs of wedding shoes to treasure forever? This beautiful Bride had her blush Badgley Mischka’s for formal pics and when it came time to dance the night away, slipped on sparkly sneakers. Designed, coordinated, catering and hosted by Sainte Terre, we have sweet touches from top to bottom for this Southern celebration – including a light saber ceremony exit. Olivia Lott captured that moment and more – see it all in our Vault this way!

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From the Bride… Our wedding day was an absolute dream! From getting to Sainte Terre early in the morning until we were showered with confetti and out the door as husband and wife, everything was effortless! Sainte Terre was amazing. We booked the venue before it was even built, and this established a trust and bond between all of us! After countless meetings and several panic attacks, they were always the most supportive team! Every last detail that we had planned was right in front of me, and it was absolutely beautiful! The big day started off without hesitation. Makeup and hair arrived before the entire wedding party, Hillary was decorating and working her magic, and Holly was preparing the most delicious brunch for us! We spent the day soaking in all that was about to happen, laughing, and crying tears of joy together! All of the details of the day were absolutely perfect and everything I had envisioned!

This romantic wedding filled with blushes, creams, whites, and golds I had planned was here! Every last table, decoration and flower arrangement was placed to perfection. I had worked so hard on so many small details – like hand-folding each of the programs we used for the ceremony. They were a Love Me/Love Me Not origami fold like we used to make in elementary school about who we would marry. This particular program had fun details about myself and Paxton, and about the wedding party. I also wrote the script for all of my signage!

My Star Wars loving fiancé (now husband) even had a few surprises that day! The personalized Star Wars sugar cookies were not only amazing to look at, but tasted even better! He also had no idea (until it happened) that our recessional song was the Star Wars theme song or the our friends and family would be wielding light sabers as we walked down the aisle together as husband and wife to our reception! He was in shock to say the least!!

Our reception was so much fun and made for a night that we could never forget with our closest friends and family! Our guests could not stop talking about how amazing the food, desserts, and overall atmosphere of the evening was. We danced the night away to some of our favorite 90s boy bands (thank goodness for my Kate Spade glittered Keds) and ended the night being showered with confetti and escorted to our beautiful black vintage getaway car! We can’t thank all of our wedding vendors enough for helping us transform all of our ideas into reality and giving us the most magical wedding day we could imagine!

From Sainte Terre’s Event Designer/Coordinator, Hillary Moss… At Sainte Terre, I try to create a one-of-a-kind, personal experience for each and every one of my brides. We are not your typical wedding venue – my sister and her husband, as well as myself and my husband are involved in every detail of planning and ‘the big day.’ My sister is a chef and handles the custom menu from start to finish, and my husband is her sous chef. My brother-in-law Derek handles all of the front of the house and our beverage program. I handle all of the design and coordination. Together, we provide a truly custom experience… From one family to another.

We were especially close to Devon and Paxton, as they were one of the couples who booked their wedding with us while we were still in the beginning phases of construction. We only had a dirt pad and concept drawings! Aside from obvious answers like nature and keeping current on trends, I draw inspiration from getting to know my brides, grooms, and their families. More than just their likes or dislikes, but their overall style; this allows my brain to create and know it is the right design for them.

For this beautiful spring wedding, we really wanted to create a classic, romantic elegance with some unexpected fun thrown into the mix, which showcased Devon and Paxton’s personalities perfectly! Devon had a vision of greenery, neutral tones, and lots of blush! She wanted an elegant, formal ceremony/reception but nothing stuffy, which is where the light saber recessional came into play. Paxton is a true Star Wars fanatic, so as a surprise, Devon planned a secret chapel exit complete with multi colored light sabers and the Star Wars theme music. Paxton’s reaction was priceless and the guests really loved it!

As you entered the reception, the yards and yards of blush chiffon draping were incredibly eye catching, yet soft. The mix of loose floral arrangements, wooden farmhouse tables, and pops of gold in the spacious barn setting made for a very romantic evening. The dessert bar was another very personal and fun element that was shared with their guests that evening. Along with a gorgeous cake, the styled dessert bar was filled with a mix of many fancy morsels including some homemade treats from the bride’s family and some incredible Star Wars themed cookies! All in all, the day was filled with family, friends, and tons of personal touches that made this day comfortable yet luxurious and almost as special as this sweet, beautiful couple!

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Martina Liana

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The Bride’s Dress Once Belonged to the Wife of Nat King Cole!

See this beaded vintage dress the bride rocked at the reception? It’s a dress that previously belonged to the wife of music legend, Nat King Cole. It was the ultimate “something old” for a vintage-inspired wedding and set the tone for an unforgettable day planned by Sapphire Events. More (including a must-see cake by Melissa’s Fine Pastries) in the gallery of images from Greer Gattuso.

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From Sapphire Events…After weeks of rain and dreary days in New Orleans, Elizabeth and Nick said “I Do” on the first clear day of Spring. Being that both of them are New Orleans natives, the two did their first look in the heart of the city, the New Orleans French Quarter. From there, the couple made their way uptown to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for a small ceremony in front of their family and friends. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour complete with a Bubbly bar in the back gardens of the Audubon Tea Room. Upon the completion of cocktail hour, guests entered the Audubon Tea Room they were greeted by pops of the wedding color, light blue, perfectly mimicking the cloudless, Spring sky. The light blue and white lace linens were accented with an array of pink and white flower centerpieces. At the end of the reception, Elizabeth changed into a beaded vintage dress that had previously belonged to the late wife of Nat King Cole. In true New Orleans fashion, Elizabeth and Nick, along with a New Orleans Brass Band, led guests through the Audubon Zoo in a second line to celebrate the start of their lives together.

Why New Orleans’ French Quarter Is The Perfect Place to Say ‘I Do’

If there were ever a couple to be inspired by, it’d be Alyssa and Jon. They met in college, fell in love, walked through Alyssa’s battle with breast cancer, and later moved to NYC for her dream job as a fashion editor. And as if that’s not enough, they also happened to throw one of the most amazing weddings of all time. Sapphire Events helped them design their classic French Quarter affair at Latrobe’s on Royal and Rylee Hitchner documented everything waiting inside The Vault.

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From Sapphire Events…Alyssa and Jon are the epitome of college sweethearts. They met during their freshman year at Tulane University and have been inseparable ever since. Jon supported Alyssa through her year long battle with breast cancer and moved to New York City with her when she landed her dream job as the online fashion editor for Marie Claire Magazine. After their rooftop first look with a view of the charming French Quarter in the crisp Fall weather, the two said “I Do” at the New Orleans landmark, St. Louis Cathedral, in front of 200 of their family and friends. From the ceremony, guests participated in a traditional New Orleans second line to the reception venue, Latrobe’s on Royal, where the celebration continued into the night.

Saying “I do” in the Outer Banks of North Carolina is EVERYTHING

Guys, I love ALL weddings… I really, truly do. But, if I am being honest, it’s those seaside nuptials in paradise that really get my heart pumping. I’m talking miles of sandy beaches, crystal blue waters and, of course, a beautiful locale like the Sanderling Resort making every moment happen perfectly. I mean, a vaca of a lifetime meets the ultimate wedding? Yes. Please.

Located in the oh-so-stunning Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Sanderling Resort is everything you’ve ever wanted (and more) for your Big Day. Think space for 15-180 guests, luxe accommodations and mesmerizing sunset views to add a little touch of romance to your festivities. From their ah-mazing venue options to their knowledgeable staff to their relaxing spa, the team at Sanderling Resort will turn your dreams into an absolute reality. We promise you that.

Contact the Sanderling Resort TODAY to speak to one of their full-service event planners and begin planning your destination celebration. We can’t wait to see you say “I do” in the Outer Banks, lovelies.

We’ve Just Found the Most Romantic Spot in New Orleans’ French Quarter

Hidden away at the Carmelite Monastery, lush romance overflows, seeping into every image from Trent Bailey. Created by Sapphire Events, this sultry scene before us is alluring and inspiring – from Distressed Rental + Revival’s pieces to Melissa’s Fine Pastries’ cake that doubles as a work of art. Fall in love with this look and this Southern spot before the rest of the world gets the word – all in our Vault right here!

From Sapphire Events… This styled shoot was a collaborative effort between Sapphire Events and Trent Bailey Photography. The abandoned Carmelite Monastery from the 1800s tucked away in the heart of the French Quarter served as the inspiration for this shoot. The bouquet created by Kim Starr Wise mirrored the overgrown, wild, and lush feel of the Monastery’s hidden courtyard. The Romona Keveza gown served as the perfect contrast to the structured, ornate architecture of the historic building. Trent Bailey perfectly captured on film the magic and intimacy of the exclusive venue.

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Romona Keveza

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The Hairstyle That Everyone Will Be Copying This Season

Don’t be surprised if you start swapping out your top-knot in lieu for something a little more modern, like say this lovely lil’ number we’re dubbing twisted elegance. From the ethereal elements to the stunning venue, we’ve got the talented Brandi Smyth to thank for sharing this stunner of a day. So, what are you waiting for? Get scrolling and favorite a few (you know, to show your hairstylist of course) via The Vault!

From Brandi Smyth…Have you ever stumbled upon a place that leaves you speechless and drooling?! Cedar Croft is that place for me. SO much beauty, and so close to home – it is absolutely ridiculous. An old renovated plantation home with additional houses and barns on property, along with a few secret gardens…the list of possibilities when planning a wedding here are endless.

This shoot was put together for venue inspiration, we wanted simple details to allow this new, never before seen venue to speak for itself. With so much southern charm & history, it was easy for it to do just that! The chicken coop they have on property is just an added bonus of how adorable this place truly is!

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Try your hand at a similar hairstyle below!

See How A Wedding Photographer Styled Her Own Big Day

When wedding photographers themselves says “I do” it’s kinda guaranteed to be great. But this one here took it to a new level; to say I’m smitten would be an understatement. From the Jenny Yoo dresses to the gold and silver sparkles, this New Orleans celebration has my heart and isn’t letting go anytime soon. Brock Gomez Productions brought it to life and this darling duo wisely chose Marissa Lambert to snap all their special moments. This Vault gallery is my new happy place – meet me there and thank me later.

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From the Bride… As designers and wedding photographers, we sort of knew what we wanted fairly quickly. A wedding in daylight, during the month of December with our closest friends and family were just a few must-haves for our wedding.

We chose New Orleans as the destination. We were residents at the time and love the culture and unique aspects of the city. The Magnolia Bridge is a pedestrian crossing located in the heart of Midcity (the neighborhood Brad lived in); it just felt like the perfect spot for our small, afternoon wedding.

Everything about our ceremony was personal. Brad’s cousin officiated, we hand selected readings, hand wrote our vows, and our good friend Jesse wrote the music. Even the cones filled with dried petals were made of song lyrics from “You’ve Got a Friend” (the first song Brad said reminded him of me).

Following the wedding, we second lined (using stamped napkins with our wedding logo) over to the Pitot House (a historical landmark in the city). On the grounds outside the house, we hosted our guests inside a clear tent with string lights… and spent the earlier portion of the reception mingling with friends and family.

It’s not tradition in the South to have toasts or even a sit down dinner… but we loved the idea of both so we went for it. The seating chart was created out of a laser cut map of New Orleans. Each name on the seating chart was laser cut and corresponded to the table (named after all our favorite neighborhoods in the city). Everyone had their own name cut out of wood again larger this time on their individual place setting. And the tables were decorated with pine cones and a deep colored floral and eucalyptus garland from end to end.

Our linens were mixed: some ivory and occasionally gold or silver to highlight our toasting, dessert, cake and sweetheart tables. Our cake was simple… white fondant with olive branches and lovely Crate & Barrel flutes (I love these!).

We ended the night with dancing and placed a lock gifted to us on the bridge to seal the deal!

Peruse more New Orleans weddings here!

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Neutral + Elegant Outdoor Wedding Inspiration

I love a pop of color as much as the next girl, but a wedding designed solely around a sea of neutrals? Oh, be still my heart. That’s exactly the approach Elyse Jennings took as she put together this inspiration shoot, along with a team of talented including Melissa’s Fine Pastries and Bella Blooms Floral. Just one look at the gallery from Greer Gattuso or clip below by BRIDE FILM and you’ll be convinced that neutrals-on-neutrals is the only way to go.

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From Elyse Jennings Weddings… I wanted to design something elegant and gorgeous that resonates with the bride who wants a truly timeless wedding day, a design with traditional roots that pushes the boundaries a bit, a neutral and classic color scheme, and incorporating elements that were a little organic and full of movement and emotion. My inherent designs feature all of those characteristics, so I brought this shoot to life with my photographer and friend, Greer Gattuso.

I design from the grandest scale of the venue, to the smallest detail on the tabletop, and the goal is always creativity and cohesiveness. The venue Il Mercato offered great architectural aspects for my design to play off of: rounded arches, a grand outdoor fireplace, gorgeous wrought iron gates, and modern landscaping.

The fireplace would be our ceremony location and I knew I wanted to deck it out with layers and layers of exposed candles, lush florals, and natural greenery cascading from one level of the structure to the next. My incredible florist, Dee with Bella Blooms Floral, and my candle team, Lisa and Jason with Luminous Events, turned my vision into my favorite ceremony backdrop to date.

I wanted our tablescape to sit perfectly between the arch of the venue’s arcade. Our dining table would remain bare and our chairs were round to mimic the arch. Each chair decor was different, but greens and florals accented each to tie the look together! The centerpiece featured asymmetrical florals that created a lush runner of neutral, fluffy flowers! Bare candles nestled between to keep the look natural yet luxurious! I featured beautiful silver rimmed Vera Wang china for the place settings and each plate was adorned by a different floral bloom with the place card. To finish off the setting, we layered exposed candles in the windowsill and added foliage and florals to each gas lantern.

The cake from Melissa’s Fine Pastries was a textural, slate colored fondant cake with the most intricate white sugar flowers. I love the way the pattern created interest in an understated way. Our invitation suite by Jaynie of Ebb and Flow Ink showcased her gorgeous calligraphy on fine art paper which was torn on the bottom edges. It created a polished, yet natural look for all of our paper products. Our bridesmaids in taupe dresses offered the ability for Bella Blooms to show how different style bouquets with varying focal flowers could still have a cohesive look. And they gave me the opportunity to style them for some great Vanity Fair-inspired photos.

With movement in mind, everything from the dress skirt, her hair style, to the raw silk ribbons that adorned her bouquet would be able to flow in the breeze and exude emotion. An elegant, neutral affair that could make our ideal brides want to get married in New Orleans and bring a similar design to life with us!

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Outer Banks Wedding Showcase at Sanderling Resort + A Giveaway!

There are bridal shows, and then there is the Outer Banks Wedding Showcase hosted by Sanderling Resort, a non-stop day of drop-dead gorgeous inspiration set against one of the world’s most beautiful backdrops. Think one talented vendor after another, yummy treats and useful tools to help pull off your dream wedding. All happening on March 19th, you must add this to your calendar NOW, lovelies.

Saying “I do” at the Outer Banks is always a beautiful thing… especially with the help of some of the most talented vendors you will ever meet. From cakes to floral to photography, the Outer Banks Wedding Showcase offers up over 30 wedding experts that will help you weave together that luxurious affair you’ve always imagined. Spend your day sampling tasty treats (hello cake, chocolate and Italian Ice), soaking in your complimentary hair and makeup consultation at The Relaxation Lounge, enjoying the live entertainment and even relaxing with a foot massage. It’s the wedding showcase to end all wedding showcases and we couldn’t be more excited.

Start making plans NOW to attend the Outer Banks Wedding Showcase hosted by Sanderling Resort on March 19th. Breathtaking tablescapes, fabulous gift bags and your dream day are sooo waiting.

What: The Outer Banks Wedding Showcase at Sanderling Resort is giving away a one night stay (either March 18th or 19th, 2016) for the Show, plus two tickets to attend! (Value $299)

How: Simply tell us in the comments below why you CAN NOT WAIT to say “I do” on the Outer Banks!

Who: One lucky winner, chosen completely at random, will be announced right here on SMP on Friday, March 11, 2016. For terms and conditions, click here. Good luck, lovelies! xo

Peruse more New Orleans weddings + inspiration here!

Romantic Southern Wedding at Race + Religious

I fell in love with succulents awhile back and my affection hasn’t wavered despite the rest of the world catching on to their beauty, and these pretty plants, plus the moss table runner, the blush dress, and sweet treats galore (thanks to Melissa’s Fine Pastries) has me literally oohing and aahing over MARROW By Glass Jar Photography’s pics. Race + Religious is one of my all-time favorite venues and with a wedding like this one, it truly shines. All the goodies are in our VAULT so enough talk, time to dive in!

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From MARROW By Glass Jar Photography… A timelessly classic and romantic fall wedding in New Orleans at Race & Religious, loads of details, moss and rustic touches throughout the florals, a blush wedding gown, and groom in a blue suit. Not to mention a pizza truck and sno-cone reception!!

From the Bride… My husband and I have been to and in our fair share of weddings, so we knew that when we planned our own, we wanted it to be something we’d never seen before. Which made deciding on Race & Religious as our venue a no-brainer. The property is very romantic and ethereal, so we really wanted our wedding day to embrace that quality while still reflecting who we are as a couple. And I absolutely think we succeeded in making that happen with the help of Mint Julep Productions!

Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ has always been a favorite of mine and something about the Race & Religious house felt like the perfect place to bring that overgrown, enchanted forest to life. Our florist and lighting vendors did an incredible job creating lush backdrops and natural tablescapes to reflect that theme. It’s such a relief to be able to tell someone that you have a vision and let them bring it to life.

When it came to the food, we wanted it to be delicious and unforgettable, so a food truck made total sense. The fact that pizza is essentially it’s own food group in our home put St. Clair Wood Fire Pizza at the top of the list and I couldn’t have been happier with our choice. The dessert table was where we had the most fun. Greg and I both have a serious sweet tooth, so we didn’t want to just choose one cake. We wanted it all! The tradition of cutting a cake was important but having all of our favorite flavors on the dessert table was paramount. And that includes the delicious Louisiana sno-balls at the end of the night. What’s better than a boozy sno-ball?

Outside of what we wanted the day to look like, we knew what we wanted the whole experience to feel like. I think everyone has been to weddings where you spend two minutes with the bride and groom and then you never see them again. That is just the nature of a wedding day. It goes by in a flash! We wanted to do our best to spend time with everyone, so getting married on a holiday weekend was key for us. We spent the whole weekend with our family and friends, and that made all the difference in the world to us. From having my bachelorette on Friday night, meeting up with everyone on Saturday, to our wedding on Sunday – Greg and I both felt incredibly loved and got the chance to love on the best people we know. I couldn’t ask for more.

Peruse more Southeast weddings here!

Classic New Orleans Wedding with Elegant Manhattan Twist

I’ve never been to New Orleans, but I have a feeling I would love the Big Easy, especially if this glam wedding is any indication. In the heart of the French Quarter, old world romance met Manhattan glamour with Greer Gattuso Photography behind the lens, a cake flown in from the one and only Sylvia Weinstock and Sapphire Events to plan it all. See every detail of this stunning fête in THE VAULT!

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Styles

Classic Weddings

From Sapphire Events….Adrianna and Glen wanted to host an elegant affair in New Orleans for their fall wedding and they chose the ever stunning, Latrobe’s on Royal for their nuptials. Bringing in glamorous floral arrangements and linens in shades of purples, they truly compliments this historic building in the heart of the French Quarter.

The couple originally met when the bride was working at 1OAK in Manhattan. Considering this was such a huge part of their love story, they wanted to incorporate this into their design and had her left over business cards hand calligraphed as the escort cards.

Another amazing detail for this wedding was the cake, designed and created by the incredible Sylvia Weinstock. Weinstock is a personal friend of the family’s and wanted to gift the newlyweds with a cake, which was created in New York and shipped on a plane to New Orleans just for this special occasion.

After a seated dinner in The Grand Banking Room at Latrobe’s the guests moved into the covered courtyard where DJ Chachi, the couple’s favorite DJ in New York, played the best dance music until the end of the night.

Organic New Orleans Wedding Inspiration

New Orleans has a worn beauty that is incomparable. A distressed kind of charm that laces it’s fingers with weddings for some seriously gorgeous results—see what I mean? Oh, Marissa Lambert you work magic, you do. Kim Starr Wise, you’ve made all my floral dreams come true, and Distressed Rentals & Revival, you bring the character with your lovely rentals. THE VAULT gallery is ridiculously pretty friends—come join me!

Colors

Seasons

Fall Weddings

Settings

Weddings in Historical Venues

Styles

Classic Weddings

From Marissa Lambert… This shoot was seamlessly styled by Audra O’Dom of Distressed Rentals & Revival for a one-on-one workshop that I hosted for the incredibly talented Lindsey Mueller. Lindsey requested to photograph a shoot filled with elegance as well as details that represent the history and culture of New Orleans. The historic Marigny Opera House was the perfect venue for Lindsey’s request. The lovely stained glass, tarnished walls, and the colorful floor provided a truly breathtaking setting! We strived to create a very simple and organic feel to the details while maintaining rich color and elegance. Further, the models made this shoot very special. Danielle and Eric are a real couple that are engaged to be married next year! The love they share is vibrant and electric, and it was such an honor to photograph real love during this shoot!

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More New Orleans Weddings this way!

Transatlantic Love Story from Bride Film

Do you like love stories? I’ve a feeling you do, so settle in m’dears for a real gem. Southern belle meets Irish lad on spring break, falls in love and embarks on an adventure that brings us all the way to their wedding day, captured in pure beauty by Bride Film. From the floral-filled church to the classic cake by Melissa’s Fine Pastries, it was a fairy tale brought to life. Grab some tissues and get ready to get happy.

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Colors

Seasons

Spring Weddings

Settings

Weddings in Historical Venues

Styles

Classic Weddings

From Bride Film… Tanya and Conor have such a unique relationship spanning the course of nine years and multiple continents. Their wedding celebration was clearly a grand beginning to their long awaited marriage, and we loved hearing about it through their family and friends’ wonderful speeches!

From the Bride… Conor and I met when he visited his best friend who was studying in my hometown of New Orleans. We hit it off instantly, and after only a few days decided to make it work, despite the fact that Conor is from and was living in Dublin, Ireland. It has now been over nine years, with both of us living together in London for the past seven. Having lived abroad for so many years, it was really important for me to have the wedding back home in New Orleans. There were so many elements that made our day special, but most of all it had to be the many Irish and English friends and family that flew to the incredible city of New Orleans to celebrate with us.

The ceremony took place in a decommissioned Catholic Church, The Marigny Opera House, that we filled to the brim with trees, foliage and flowers, courtesy of Dunn and Sonnier, as a juxtaposition to the seemingly derelict, historic building. We wanted the ceremony to be extremely personal, so we asked one of Conor’s best friends from Dublin (and the husband of one my best friends – a story for another time!) to conduct the ceremony, shared personal vows and had specially selected songs and readings from our friends and family. A highlight was a rendition of Bob Marley’s “This Is Love,” sung by my cousin and performed on the piano by my uncle.

Following the ceremony, we rode to the reception venue, Latrobe’s, in a traditional New Orleans horse and cart and celebrated with the passers-by. The cocktail hour at Latrobe’s, included a local jazz band and New Orleans fare, including Mint Juleps, fried oysters and crawfish cakes. The wedding cake, from Melissa’s Fine Pastries, was a simple white, covered in real flowers that echoed the table decorations. The surprise groom’s cake, was a large salted caramel cake, in the shape of a pint of Guinness!

We had a sit down meal with speeches, as is tradition in Ireland. The sit down meal was again classically New Orleans cuisine with a starter of shrimp and grits, followed by two taster mains of red fish and duck. After dinner, we hit the dance floor, with our first dance being the maybe not so traditional “Let’s Get It On” – the first song we ever danced to. Around midnight, we surprised the guests by having a brass band enter the venue to start a traditional New Orleans second line. Of course, this was a first for many of our out of town guests! We danced through the streets, waving hankies until we reached the after party venue, Bevolo’s Light Shop, where the party continued into the early hours of the morning.