NOW Weddings Magazine Summer 2024 Digital Issue

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LET US STAY WITH YOU. ® The day you’ve always dreamed of is our pleasure.
©
Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company,
To plan the wedding you have always imagined, contact the Catering Team at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans at (504) 670-2871 or visit ritzcarlton.com/neworleans
2022 The
L.L.C.

A romantic lesson in history. On Campus at the National WWII Museum.

SUMMER 2024

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REAL
36 Clara Alexis Harbin + Wesley Brett Williams 42 Taryn Trusty + Evan Coudriet 52 Kaylyn Ingram + Sheldon Ray ARTICLES 26 Here Comes the Bride....Looking Her Absolute Best A wedding prep beauty timeline by Ochsner ELEVATE 30 The NOW Wedding Event New Orleans Edition A review of The NOW Weddings Event in New Orleans, LA March 5, 2024 48 The NOW Wedding Event Gulf Coast Edition A review of The NOW Weddings Event in Mobile, AL April 7, 2024 EDITORIAL 8 Beaches & Bouquets A Fashion & Decor Editorial at The Fairfield Inn & Suites in Pensacola Beach PHOTO CREDIT: From the featured editorial Beaches & Bouquets, pages 8-21
WEDDINGS

PUBLISHER

JESSICA BURKE JESSICA@NOWWEDDINGSMAGAZINE.COM

Stefani Horn

STEFANI@NOWWEDDINGSMAGAZINE.COM

Ashley Revels

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

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NOW Weddings Magazine

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NOW Weddings Magazine Digital Edition is published by New Orleans Weddings Magazine, Inc. Copyright 2024. 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, NOW 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

STYLED BY

MM Parker Events

ON LOCATION

Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach

GOWN Bliss Bridal

TUXEDO

Francia’s Formal Affair

FLORALS

Rose Bud Flowers

HAIR + MAKEUP:

Ashley West + Jodie Willis for Brushed + Blushed

RENTALS

Simply Sophisticated Events

MODELS:

Shelby Sweatt + Chad Dyche

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About The Cover
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OAKLEIGH GARDEN ROOM
HISTORIC.BREATHTAKING.REFINED.
CRYSTAL PATIO
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24 | NOWWeddingsMagazine.com 504.731.7083 VISITJEFFERSONPARISH.COM It’s in to be out celebrating your special day

Here Comes the Bride

...LOOKING HER ABSOLUTE BEST!

AS YOU PLAN YOUR WEDDING, IT’S IMPORTANT TO remember to take care of yourself. Whether you want to improve your skin tone, reduce dark spots or just want a beautiful glow, planning ahead is very important. Here is a simple self-care timeline from Gaby Tabora, Operations Clinical Manager at Elevate , to make sure you look and feel your best.

GABY’S WEDDING SELFCARE TOP PICKS (AND TIMELINE!)

COOLSCULPTING

When: 5 months before the wedding

Elevate’s team of skilled CoolSculpting techs works closely with each bride to understand their unique goals, body type, and preferences. They analyze your wedding dress and work with you to develop a personalized plan aimed at accentuating your best features while addressing any areas of concern. Each package is customized to ensure that the treatments are tailored to your specific needs and desired outcomes to ensure you

look and feel your absolute best on your big day.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

When: 6-9 months prior to the wedding

Sciton’s light-based laser hair reduction treatment with in-motion technology ensures consistent and thorough results every time—minimizing missed areas that may occur with traditional hair removal devices. For laser hair removal treatments to be most effective and to allow for the natural hair growth cycles, it is ideal to start the treatment several months before the wedding. This timeline can be adjusted based on individual hair growth rates and the areas being treated. For instance, facial hair may require more frequent sessions, whereas legs or arms may need fewer sessions spread out over more extended periods.

HALO

When: 3 months to see results –downtime approximately 3 days.

Sciton Halo laser treatment will benefit your skin in many

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IMAGE: stock.adobe.com/Eitan Baron

ways. Not only will it help you get a clear and blemish-free complexion, but it will also increase your confidence, as well as give you the appearance of a younger, healthierlooking you. Sciton Halo laser treatment can reduce the appearance of discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles, and improve skin tone, texture, and pore size. Unlike other laser resurfacing treatments, Halo is safe and has minimal downtime.

MICRONEEDLING

When: A few months before the wedding

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure for your skin. Your healthcare provider uses thin needles to make tiny holes in the top layer of your skin. The damage helps stimulate your skin’s healing process, so it produces more collagen and elastin. Microneedling has cosmetic and medical uses. You might consider microneedling if you’re concerned about: enlarged pores, fine lines or wrinkles, loose or crepey (thin and wrinkled )skin. Mild scars, especially those from acne or burns. By starting the microneedling sessions several months in advance, any adverse effects can be managed and resolved well ahead of the big day. Allowing this buffer also avoids unnecessary stress and ensures that the final treatment session occurs a few weeks before the wedding.

BOTOX AND FILLERS

When: 4-6 weeks before the wedding

As your wedding day approaches, every bride and groom aims to look their best. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, Botox is one of the most popular choices for people who want to look younger and more radiant. When considering fillers, think about adding volume. “They can be applied in any area where volume is lacking or where you simply desire more,” explains Gaby. There are various types of hyaluronic acid fillers, differing in viscosity and density, offering options suitable for all areas of the face. The most frequently treated areas

include the nasolabial folds, cheeks, and lips.

If it’s a part of your plan, complete any injectable treatments with Dysport/Botox or Hyaluronic acid fillers at least 4-6 weeks before the wedding.

At Elevate, patients have the opportunity to meet oneon-one with their Plastic Facial Surgeons and receive a complimentary assessment.

FOREVER YOUNG BBL PHOTOFACIAL

When: 2 weeks before the wedding day

Achieving a flawless complexion starts with healthy skin. When topical skincare products and age spot treatments are not enough, the BBL Photofacial may be the right treatment for you. From a skin reset to skin rejuvenation, the BBL Photofacial can effectively target and destroy unhealthy cells and transform aging skin. Get rid of those sunspots with this fast, non-invasive treatment. One treatment with the Forever Young BBL will give you amazing results. Most patients describe about a 60% improvement in brown spots, inflammation, and sun damage.

DERMAPLANE FACIAL

When: 2-5 days before the wedding

This is an excellent way to both exfoliate your skin and remove the vellus hair on your face. If you’re opting for an airbrushed makeup application, dermaplaning is essential.

DIAMOND GLOW

When: 2 days before the wedding

Want to have the most radiant, glowing skin on your big day? Look no further than DiamondGlow! This treatment is your ticket to flawless skin, providing the perfect foundation for your bridal makeup. continued>>>

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DiamondGlow works wonders by deeply cleansing your pores, exfoliating your skin, and infusing it with nourishing ingredients. But here’s the best part: you can customize your DiamondGlow experience to address your specific skin concerns.

With five different serum options and six exfoliation levels to choose from, you can tailor your treatment to target everything from congestion and dryness to dullness. You can even mix and match serums to address multiple skin issues at once.

MASSAGE

When: Any time!

As you run down your wedding checklist like a boss, consider adding one stress-busting appointment to your schedule: a massage. Whether you go by yourself, take your partner, treat your mom or make a day of it with your wedding party, a simple, hour-long massage can do wonders. Massage can help alleviate anxiety and reduce stress, strengthen your immune system, and even improve your sleep. At the very least, you’ll get an hour of complete relaxation to recharge and think nothing of the seating chart or catering contract.

REIKI ENERGY HEALING

When: Any time!

Reiki Energy Healing can help on the lead up to the big day by clearing your mind and chakras of any unwanted negative energy. It will also help you relax and feel calm. The anxiety and stress of such a significant event usually means a head full of so many different things to sort out which can leave you tired and energetically drained. Clear your headspace with Reiki Energy Healing sessions and step into your new life fully charged and ready to give and receive love in the best way possible.

Remember, your wedding is one of the biggest days of your life and you want to look and feel your best for it. Ensuring you have the best professionals to take care of

you should be a top priority. If you’re not sure where to start your self-care journey, schedule a complimentary consultation for any of Elevate’s services.

ABOUT ELEVATE

Elevate by Ochsner Health is an esthetics and wellness center with a relaxing, modern atmosphere. They offer a complete menu of the latest health and beauty services including CoolSculpting, Cooltone, Laser Skin Rejuvenation, Laser Hair Removal, Skin Pen Microneedling, facials, massages, reiki, acupuncture, nutrition guidance and other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Elevate, overseen by plastic surgeons, Dr. Von Graham and Dr. Issam Eid, helps keep you looking and feeling your best all year round.

Elevate has developed a menu of services that everyone can take advantage of, whether you’re a bride, mother of the bride or the groom. There is truly something for everyone.

Elevate treats each of their clients with a personalized service plan because they understand that everyone is unique with their own individual needs and goals. Every week, they see beautiful brides excited about their beauty journey, feeling confident that they’re receiving top professional services backed by science.

Learn more about Elevate: ochsnerelevate.com

ABOUT GABY TABORA

“My passion has always been to make others feel beautiful and confident. With over a decade of experience in the beauty and wedding industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of brides. Each bride brings her own love story and unique style which has made this an incredible journey of learning and growing for me.”

In 2021, Gaby was offered the opportunity to become the Clinical Manager for Ochsner Health’s new project, Elevate by Ochsner Medical.

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PHOTO: Harlan Miller Photography

THE NOW WEDDING EVENT

New OrleaNs Bridal shOw recap | March 5, 2024

Our Signature Bridal Shows are back and we started 2024 off with a bang with our first bridal show of the year in New Orleans at The Jefferson Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, March 5th.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

At the entrance to the event, guests were greated with refreshing beverages courtesy of Vintage Vineaux Mobile Bar and a magazine cover photo booth photo opp by Reel Photo Booth

Once inside, guests met with more than 50 local wedding professionals who were showcasing their businesses at the event. With everything from caterers to venues to bakeries and formal wear companies, couples were able to meet face-to-face with potential wedding pros for their big days!

THE MAGAZINE

The bridal show marked the formal launch of our newly

released Spring+Summer 2024 Print Edition Magazine and each guest was able to take a copy of the magazine home with them.

BRIDAL SHOW PERKS

Brides attending the show received a branded NOW tote bag, and the opportunity to participate in the Cake Pull for Prizes featuring a wedding cake by Kimbla’s Cakes.

Brides who pulled a ring charm from the cake won prizes including overnight stays from Destrehan Plantation, The Cambria Hotel New Orleans and Beaches and Bouquets to gift certificates from Toulouse Gourmet Catering, Camellia Memories, Vitalis Medical Weight Loss and Bae’s Bakery, as well as a Family Gras Gift Pack from Visit Jefferson Parish.

The show also featured a Charming Scavenger Hunt which boasted a $300 gift certificate to J. Lewis Ice Carvings as the prize!

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INFORMAL MODELING

Models from Chic Nouvelle showcased gowns from Bliss Bridal during the show. Makeup Artist Chris Carter provided makeup for the models.

NON-PROFIT BENEFIT

At the end of the evening, NOW Weddings owner Jessica Burke welcomed Dennis Assaf, Founder and Artistic Director of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society , the non-profit beneficiary of the bridal show, to share details about JPAS and upcoming performances.

NOW made a donation of $1000 to the Jefferson Performing Arts Society from the proceeds of admission to the event.

DOOR PRIZES

Before the event ended, Emcee Jordan Smith of Geaux Big Entertainment announced the lucky winners who would take home door prizes including gifts from House of Blues New Orleans, Cajun Mike’s Catering, Chateau LeMoyne Hotel, the Royal Sonesta Hotel, PK Weddings & Events, Mad Batter Bakery, Messina’s Runway Cafe, Nola Live Painting, Chris Carter Makeup Artist, Ashton Ross Photography, Vintage Vineaux Mobile Bar, Amin Russell Photography, Gambino’s Bakery, Love House Studio, John’s Tuxedos + Suits, Your Day Video Productions, Divine Home Mortgage, Tuxedos to Geaux, Stefani Horn Realtor, InterContinental New Orleans, Nola Grace Decor, Sonesta ES Suites, and SS Travel.

The grand prize from ELEVATE included a spa package gift certificate for 25 units of Botox, and Diamond Glo and Dermaplane Facial Treatments!

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NOW Weddings Owner Jessica Burke presents Jefferson Performing Arts Center Founder Dennis Assaf with a donation check.
continued>>>
A LOVE Marquee from True Value Rental welcomed guests at the bridal show. Chic Nouvelle Models pose with the Bliss Bridal team. Makeup Artist Chris Carter provided makeup for the models for the event. Magazine cover Photo Opp by Reel Photo Booth The Cake Pull for Prizes Cake by Kimbla’s Cakes | Cake Plateau and draping by True Value Rental. Geaux Big Entertainment Vintage Vineaux
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Fleur De Lis Charcuterie

Bridal shOw eXhiBiTOrs

Amin Russell Photography

Ashton Ross Photography

Bae’s Bakery

Beaches & Bouquets

Bliss Bridal

Cambria Hotel

Camellia Memories

Chateau LeMoyne

Chef Cajun Mike’s Catering

Court of Two Sisters French Quarter

Destrehan Plantation

Divine Home Mortgage, LLC

Fleur De Lis Charcuterie

Flower Walls & Wedding Brooms by Monie Love

Geaux BIG Entertainment

Hanna Mignano, Violinist

Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio by Hilton

House of Blues New Orleans

InterContinental New Orleans

Jean Lafitte Auditorium

J.Lewis Ice Carvings

Joe Gambino’s Bakery

John’s Tuxedos, Suits and Menswear

Kimbla’s Cakes, LLC

Mad Batter Bakery

Magnolia Weddings & Events

Makeup Artist Chris Carter

Messina’s Catering and Events

Mirepoix Event Catering + Nolé Special Events Venue

New Orleans & Company

New York Life

Nola Grace Décor

Nola Live Painting by Kristen Schenck

Nolé Special Events Venue

Page Designs & Events

PK Weddings and Events

Reel Photo Booth

Ridgeway of Old Metairie

Rome’s Tuxedos

SS Travel LLC

The Roosevelt New Orleans A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

The Royal Sonesta

Sonesta ES Suites

Convention Center

Spinecare Chiropractic

The Cannery

The Provincial Hotel & Honfleur

Tuxedos To Geaux

Vintage Vineaux Mobile Bar

Visit Jefferson Parish

Vitalis Medical Weight Loss

Welch Photography & Video

Your Day

Video Production

Complimentary copies of NOW’s 2024 Spring + Summer Print Edition with Ice

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Gowns from Bliss Bridal Sculpture by J. Lewis Ice Carvings
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Clara Alexis Harbin & Wesley Brett Williams

HOLY MATRIMONY

FEBRUARY 3, 2024 | PASCAGOULA, MS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLISON SMITH CREATIVE

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THE WEDDING Alexis and Wesley said “I do” at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church. “Wesley converted to Catholicism the spring before our wedding,” says Alexis. “It was important to both of us that we included the traditions of the Catholic Church in our wedding.”

For the ceremony, Alexis’ grandmother made the ring bearer’s pillow. “My grandmother hand made the pillow for our ring bearer using lace from her wedding gown and buttons from my other grandmother,” she says. “How special it was to have both of those special days incorporated into my day.”

THE RECEPTION For their grand entrance at the wedding reception, Alexis and Wesley chose a Second Line. “It was so fun walking down the stairs of the venue to see all of our favorite people near the tent,” she says. “The bridal party had moon pies and beads to throw and the band led us to the dance floor. Perfect way to start the evening.”

The couple shared their first dance beneath a chandelier draped with lush greenery and enjoyed an impromptu pizza party during the reception.

To end the evening, the couple had a sparkler send off followed by a fireworks show.

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DINNER: Grand Magnolia Ballroom & Suites |

Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church | OFFICIANT: Father Adam Urbaniak | RECEPTION VENUE: Longfellow House | BRIDE’S GOWN: Rita Vinieras, Adorn Bridal (Nashville) | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Bella Bridesmaids Mobile | MENSWEAR: Fish Boutique | PHOTOGRAPHER: Ellison

Smith Creative | CONTENT CREATOR: Wolf Social Co | BAKERY: Sukar Bakes | CEREMONY MUSICIANS: Mandy

Flurry + Andrea Smith | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Nola Dukes Band | TRANSPORTATION: Gulf Coast Tours | HAIR + MAKEUP: Alexis Ruby Collective | WEDDING PLANNER: Tori Oetken, Bella Victoria Events | DECOR

RENTALS: ABC Rentals | CANDLE DECOR/LIGHTING: Snider Bros | CATERER: CC’s Catering | JEWELER: Johnson Brothers | FAVORS: Beads by the Dozen | INVITATIONS: It’s Inviting

NOWWeddingsMagazine.com | 39 NOW FEATURED VENDOR FLORALS THE SHADE TREE FLORAL EVENTS & DESIGN
See more from Alexis + Wesley’s wedding at: NOWWeddingsMagazine.com ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS:
READY
REHEARSAL
theshadetreefloralevents.com
GETTING
LOCATION +
CEREMONY:
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TARYN + EVAN’S STORY

“We are from the same hometown, but he is 3 years older than me, so I never really knew him,” Taryn says of Evan. “One night we were both home from college for the summer and we were introduced by mutual friends at a party. We have been together for 10 years now.”

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Taryn Trusty & Evan Coudriet

LOVE POTION 504

OCTOBER 13, 2023 | NEW ORLEANS, LA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH MATTIX PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE DETAILS "We chose Friday the 13th because we love all things spooky!" says Taryn. "My favorite color is black and I love Halloween."

Taryn designed all the details of the wedding. Everything from the invitations, to the signage to the cocktail napkins featuring their rescue cats' faces had her personal touch. " I had been planning our wedding for over 4 years," she says. " I have a very DIY mindset and I often just do things myself. However, I did know that I would need a Day of Coordinator. I joked with everyone that I needed a "referee" to corral everyone to all the different locations and events. I interviewed with quite a few coordinators, and I just really liked the vibe of Uncommon Camellia. {Tara} just wanted to be helpful and help carry out my vision and always deferred to me, which was great."

THE WEDDING The couple said "I do" at St. Mary’s Church at the Old Ursuline Convent. " I love the history of it," says Taryn about the historic church. "...that it's the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley, and that it's famous because of its spooky history with the Casquette girls, and other mysterious stories. Of course it is also beautiful and makes for some amazing wedding pictures, both inside the church and also in the garden."

A reception followed at Race & Religious. "I had the idea of having a voodoo 'shop' for our wedding favors for our guests," says Taryn. "I curated a bunch of items over the course of about 6 months that I thought would fit a voodoo shop vibe. The voodoo shop was extremely popular and the items went really quickly."

The reception entertainment also included a tarot card reader and a cigar bar for guests to enjoy.

THE WEDDING FASHION Taryn wore three different looks including two Vivienne Westwood gowns for the ceremony and reception and a third look by Retrofête with Golden Goose sneakers.

The bridesmaids also had an outfit change with their first looks being Alexander McQueen gowns Taryn hand-selected for each bridesmaid and their second looks being matching gold dresses with Golden Goose sneakers.

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THE SECOND LINE After their vows, Taryn and Evan led their guests on a Second Line through New Orleans’ French Quarter with The Jaywalkers brass band providing the soundtrack. Taryn describes it as one of her favorite parts of the day. “It was so fun,” she says. “And everyone in the streets was taking pictures and videos like we were celebrities. I had our wedding programs printed onto handkerchiefs to be used to wave in the air during the parade.”

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See more from Taryn & Evan’s wedding at: NOWWeddingsMagazine.com

ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: GETTING READY + RECEPTION VENUE: Race & Religious | CEREMONY LOCATION: St. Mary’s Church at the Old Ursuline Convent | OFFICIANT: Deacon Chuck LeBlanc | MASQUERADE BALL WELCOME RECEPTION + REHEARSAL DINNER: Broussard’s | BRIDE’S GOWNS: Vivienne Westwood, Belle Bridal Atelier (gowns 1 + 2); 3-piece set: Retrofete | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Alexander McQueen | MENSWEAR: Men’s Wearhouse | PHOTOGRAPHER: Sarah Mattix | FLORALS, CANDLE DECOR INVITATIONS + PLANNING: The bride! | BAKERY: Haydel’s Bakery | | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Dysfunction Band + Tarot Card Reader | HAIR + MAKEUP: Glam on Location | DECOR RENTALS: Distressed Rentals | CATERER: Morrissette & Co. (Mobile, AL) | JEWELER: Engagement Ring: Giovanni Melli (Florence, Italy), Wedding Bands: Cartier | SECOND LINE BAND: The Jaywalkers | BAR SERVICE: Movers and Shakers NOW FEATURED VENDOR DAY OF COORDINATOR UNCOMMON CAMELLIA uncommoncamellia.com

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THE NOW WEDDING EVENT

Mobile bridal Show recap | april 7, 2024

We hosted our very first bridal show in Mobile, Alabama, on Sunday, April 7, 2024 in the Moonlight Ballroom of The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa. The bridal show was presented by Stefani Horn, Realtor with Bellator Real Estate.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

As guests checked in, they received complimentary copies of NOW’s latest print edition and a tote bag filled with goodies from local wedding pros.

Inside the ballroom, guests met with more than 50 local wedding professionals who were showcasing their businesses.

BRIDAL SHOW PERKS

At the Cake Pull for Prizes featuring a wedding cake by Pollman’s Bake Shop , brides-to-be pulled ribbons to discover if they had won a prize!

Brides who pulled a ring charm from the cake won prizes including a date night bundle from MM Parker Events, overnight stays at The Battle House Hotel and Spa and Fort Conde Inn , and a free groom’s cake from Pollman’s Bakery

The show also featured a Charming Scavenger Hunt and the winner of the scavenger hunt received a $200 gift certificate to Lou’s Jewelry from My Jenny.

NON-PROFIT BENEFIT

At the end of the event, NOW Weddings owner Jessica Burke welcomed Deann Servos, Executive Director of the Prodisee Pantry , the non-profit beneficiary of the bridal show, to share details about their work filling the plates of local families with healthy food.

NOW made a donation of over $1000 to Prodisee Pantry from the proceeds of ticket sales to the event.

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Ballroom dance performance by Alabama Ballroom Center with wedding gown by Bliss Bridal | Marquee by Rent The Lights Photos by Serene Content Co.

INFORMAL MODELING

Models from showcased gowns from Bliss Bridal and tuxedos Francia’s Formal Affair during the show. Brushed + Blushed providedhair+makeupforthebridemodels.

DOOR PRIZES

Beforetheeventended,EmceeJordanSmith of Geaux Big Entertainment announced the lucky winners who would take home door prizes including gifts from Prodisee Pantry, Bay Gourmet Catering + Crown Hall Event Venue, MM Parker Events, Naman’s Catering, Jay&Kay Custom Cake, Loblolly Farms, Alabama Ballroom Center, Southern Nightscape, 30A Portraits & Weddings, Rae Leytham Photography, DJ Eddie, I Do Bridal & Formal, Dimples & Daffodils, The Shade Tree Florals Events & Design, Francia’s Formal Affair, Amin Russell Photography, Jordan Beech Farms & Venue and Rose Bud Flowers & Gifts.

Title sponsor Stefani Horn, Realtor with Bellator Real Estate, gave away a beach tote bag filled with goodies and a 3-night condo stay

The grand prize from Beaches & Bouquets included a 3 night honeymoon stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Pensacola Beach and a Condor Sailing Adventure two hour sailing cruise.

Parker Events

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NOW Weddings Owner Jessica Burke and Bridal Show Title Sponsor Stefani Horn present Prodisee Pantry Executive Director Deann Servos with a donation check. MM Stefani Horn, Realtor with Bellator Real Estate

Informal Modeling featuring Bliss Bridal and Francia’s Formal Affair | Hair and Makeup by Brushed + Blushed

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Geaux Big Entertainment The Cake Pull for Prizes Cake by Pollman’s Bake Shop | Cake Plateau and table by Gulf Coast Events + Rentals | Flower Wall by Dimples & Daffodils Melissa Munger Art The Battle House Hotel The Shade Tree Floral Events & Design

bridal S how e X hibi T or S

30a Portraits & Weddings

Alabama Ballroom Center

Amin Russell Photography

A Plus Curves Bridal

Bay Gourmet Catering

+ Crown Hall Event Venue

Beaches & Bouquets

Bliss Bridal

Blyss Journeys

Brushed + Blushed

Camellia Memories

Custom Catering By Stephanie

Dimples & Daffodils Events

Divine Home Mortgage, LLC

DJ Eddie

Ellison Smith Creative

European Wax Center

Fort Conde Inn

Francia’s Formal Affair

Geaux BIG Entertainment

Genesis Health and Beauty Bar

Harvey & Thomas Orthodontics

I Do Bridal & Formal

Independent Optavia Health and Weight Loss Coach - Juli Stover

Jay&Kay Custom Cakes

Jordan Beech Farms & Venue

K.L. Resinworks Floral Preservation

Korissia Boutique

Loblolly Farm

Magical Horizons Travel

Melissa Munger Art

MM Parker Events

My Jenny

Naman’s Catering

Pearce Bespoke Gulf Coastal

Pollman’s Bakery LLC

Prodisee Pantry

Pyro Productions Inc.

Rae Leytham Photography

Rent The Lights

Rose Bud Flowers

Southern Nightscape

Spa at the Battle House

Steelwood Country Club

Stefani Horn, Realtor with Bellator Real Estate

The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa

The Ke Note

The Provincial Hotel & Honfleur

The Shade Tree Floral Events & Design LLC

Unique Destinations Travel Company

Yellowhammer Hospitality

Hair + Makeup by Brushed + Blushed | Gown by Bliss Bridal

Bay Gourmet Catering + Crown Hall Events

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Camellia Memories

KAYLYN + SHELDON’S STORY

“Sheldon and I have known each other since we were 18 years old,” says Kaylyn. Although the two felt a connection at that young age, the timing wasn’t right. “I played college softball and moved away, he stayed home to work so our first try never worked,” shares Kaylin. Two years later they both ended up at The University of Alabama, but as Kaylyn puts it, “I was not ready for Sheldon because I knew I would marry him if we ever got serious.” Another two years went by and after a bad breakup, Kaylyn found herself passing Sheldon’s house as she went for a run. Was it on purpose? “Maybe,” she shares with a smile. “He drove by and said hello, I immediately felt those butterflies again. I texted him when I got home and knew I was ready to be with him forever.”

Kaylyn and Sheldon lived in Tuscaloosa, AL for 5 years early in their relationship. On a visit back to the town, under the guise of taking family Christmas photos, Sheldon proposed at Lake Tuscaloosa. “He took me to the prettiest view, with rose petals, and a picnic setup to propose. All my family was there and it was so perfect!”

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Kaylyn Ingram & Sheldon Ray

DELIGHT

NOVEMBER 10, 2023 | SPANISH FORT, AL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA KENT PHOTOGRAPHY

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real wedding
DIXIELAND

THE WEDDING “It rained literally the whole day of our wedding,” says Kaylyn who was worried because she dreamed of an outdoor wedding. “Well, right at the time of the ceremony, the rain stopped and we were able to have our ceremony outside. Once we completed the vows and ring exchange, and walked out as Mr. And Mrs., the rain started again. Truly a God moment and it was perfect.”

The wedding reception included many meaningful details. The couple chose 3 signature cocktails to serve at their reception. “Our drink signage was our 3 golden doodle pups, we wanted to include them in the wedding somehow!” says Kaylyn. “The Willow was Sheldon’s favorite drink (vodka/cranberry) and The Stella was my favorite drink (coconut rum, pineapple, sweet grenadine). The Harry was just a classic whiskey and a coke.”

“Our guest book was very non-traditional,” shares Kaylyn. “I have always loved my grandmothers and great grandmothers quilts that have been passed down.” Kaylyn ordered quilt patches and the couples’ guests signed the squares. The squares are currently being made into a quilt that will be a family heirloom to be passed down!

For their exit, Sheldon and Kaylyn chose to honor their time at the University of Alabama. “During the fall, we love to go to Alabama football games and we have made so many memories traveling to watch the Tide play. Dixieland Delight played as we walked out with all of our friends and family cheering us on.”

54 | NOWWeddingsMagazine.com

MELISSA MUNGER ART melissamunger.com

ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: WEDDING + REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE, CANDLE DECOR + DECOR RENTALS: Izenstone | OFFICIANT: Billy Huffmaster | BRIDE’S GOWN: Allure Bridals, I Do Bridal & Formal | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Azazie | MENSWEAR: Men’s Wearhouse | Photographer: Emma Kent Photography | FLORIST: Events by Teresa | BAKERY: Sukar Bakes | CEREMONY MUSIC + RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Lynch | HAIR + MAKEUP: Brittney Shelton | TRAVEL AGENT: Mallory Radwitch | WEDDING PLANNER: Alexis Busby | DECOR RENTALS: Magic Memories |

CATERING: Custom Catering by Stephanie Houston | JEWELER: Lou’s Jewelry | INVITATIONS: Canva | PHOTO

BOOTH: Magic Memories Photo Booth | MARQUEE: In Love Lights | COTTON CANDY: Tap and Pour Party Co. | CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE ARTIST: Kassidy Williams | SHOE ARTIST: Maryl Miletello, Golden Goose (New Orleans, La) | GUEST BOOK QUILT: SweetonStitchesEtsy | SIGNATURE SCENT: The Bay Candle | HOMEMADE COOKIE FAVORS: Emily Overstreet | SIGNAGE DESIGN: Chelsea Randle NOW FEATURED VENDOR EVENT PAINTER

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Kaylyn & Sheldon’s wedding

VENDOR LIST

EVENT PLANNING

MM Parker Events

PK Weddings & Events

Uncommon Camellia

Visit Jefferson Parish

PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO

Love House Studio

FASHION

Bliss Bridal

BAKERIES

Couture Cakes

Dropout Bakery & Company

ellenJAY Cookies

Kimbla’s Cakes

DECOR & RENTALS

Simply Sophisticated Events

REAL ESTATE

Stefani Horn Real Estate

BEAUTY

ELEVATE by Ochsner Health

Makeup Artist Chris Carter

ENTERTAINMENT

Reel Photo Booth

VENUES:

Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa

Beaches & Bouquets

Down the Hatch

Higgins Hotel

Messina’s at the Terminal

The Cannery

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

The Rooftop on Basin

56 | NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
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