inRegister Weddings 2023-2024

1 Halo Glow Treatment

3 Hydrafacial Treatments

$1,500 (Savings of $400)

BRIDETOX & FILLER

40 units of Wrinkle Relaxant

1 Syringe of Filler (excluding Voluma)

$999

BRIDAL BODY READY

Vaser Liposuction

Abs & Flanks: $5,555 (includes a FREE Velashape IIl Body Contouring Treatment)

Bra fat: $2,500 | Arms: $2,500

Let Them Eat Cake

The Today Show used to be my background entertainment while I got ready for work in the mornings. The show’s mix of fluff and serious news was the perfect way to ease into the day. I still remember one morning in the late ’90s when Katie Couric was dishing about a slice of wedding cake that had just sold for nearly $30,000. It wasn’t just any wedding cake, of course; it had been carefully preserved since the 1937 nuptials of England’s former King Edward VIII and the O.G. “American divorcée” Wallis Simpson. Up on the auction block at Sotheby’s more than six decades later, it fetched a pretty penny. The buyer, a San Francisco entrepreneur, explained his motivation: “It represents the epitome of a great romance.”

But the Duke and Duchess of Windsor weren’t the first British royals to cause a stir with their wedding dessert. For her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840, Queen Victoria conjured up a cake as ornate as the over-the-top architecture that still bears her name. National Geographic says the royal wedding cake was nearly 10 feet wide and three tiers tall—a departure from the much more modest confections that were previously served at wedding celebrations. It was also covered in swirls of intricately piped white icing and topped with miniature statues of the happy couple.

So you can thank the queen for inspiring the incredible cakes that fill the pages of this edition of inRegister Weddings. And there are plenty of them to appreciate! This year’s issue includes the largest number of blissful brides and grooms since we launched our paid Wedding Announcements program in 2019. These one- and two-page announcements do double duty as special mementos for newlyweds and inspiration for those on their way to the altar (like the engaged couples whose announcements are also included here).

Just like Edward’s covetable cake, the ones featured in our pages symbolize the prosperity that comes with true love, as each of these couples embarks on a lifetime of adventures together. How sweet it is!

EDITORIAL

Publisher & Editor: Kelli Bozeman

Managing Editor: Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois

Contributing Writers: Aimee Broussard, Maggie Heyn Richardson, Jeff Roedel

Contributing Photographers: Sean Gasser, Catherine Guidry, Jordan Hefler, Ashleigh Jayne, Jenn Ocken, Collin Richie

ADVERTISING

Vice President-Sales: Elizabeth McCollister Hebert

Senior Account Executive: Tricia Reed

Account Executives: Sadie Fury, Kynley Lemoine, Caroline Smith, Cassidie Tingle, Kristen Voitier

Digital Operations Manager: Devyn MacDonald

Ad Coordinator: Brittany Nieto

Customer Success Manager: Paul Huval

STUDIO E

Director: Taylor Gast

Multimedia Strategy Manager: Timothy Coles

Corporate Media Editor: Lisa Tramontana

Content Strategist: Emily Hebert

Account Executive: Judith LaDousa

MARKETING

Marketing & Events Coordinator: Taylor Falgout

Marketing & Events Assistant: Hillary Melara

Events: Abby Hamilton

ADMINISTRATION

Business Manager: Tiffany Durocher

Business Associate: Kirsten Milano

Office Coordinator: Sara Hodge

Receptionist: Cathy Brown

PRODUCTION/DESIGN

Production Manager: Jo Glenny

Art Director: Hoa Vu

Senior Graphic Designers: Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Emily Witt

Graphic Designer: Ashlee Digel

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Audience Development Director and Digital Manager: James Hume

Audience Development Coordinator: Ivana Oubre

Audience Development Associate: Catherine Albano

A publication of Melara Enterprises, LLC

Chairman: Julio Melara

Executive Assistant: Brooke Motto

Vice President-Sales: Elizabeth McCollister Hebert

Chief Content Officer: Penny Font

Chief Digital Officer: Erin Pou

Chief Operating Officer: Guy Barone

Chairman Emeritus: Rolfe H. McCollister Jr.

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©Copyright 2023 by Melara Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved by LBI. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

INREGISTER (USPS PE658 ISSN 2162-0474) is published monthly by Louisiana Business Inc. Business address: 9029 Jefferson Hwy., Ste 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Business phone: 225-924-5339. Periodicals postage is paid at Baton Rouge, La. Subscription rate is $36.00 for 12 issues and $48.00 for 24 issues.

KELLI BOZEMAN Editor and publisher

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to inRegister, 9029 Jefferson Hwy., Ste 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. inRegister cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material—manuscripts or photographs—with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed return envelope.

Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of this information cannot be guaranteed.

YOUR WEDDING IS one of the most important and memorable days of your life. You should feel excited, maybe a little nervous, but most of all confident. Let the champions of confidence and experts at European Wax Center help you prepare for your big day. Get ready to walk down the aisle with smooth, radiant skin and unapologetic confidence.

I’ll also let you in on a little secret: our services are not meant just for the bride. We have something for everyone in the bridal party—the groom, the groomsmen, the bridesmaids, mother of the bride … well, you get my drift. While some of our most popular wax services amongst our female guests are eyebrows, underarms and Brazilians; our male guests tend to wax their backs, ears and even noses! And although our purple comfort blend wax is exclusive to EWC, the wax services we provide are inclusive and available to all. Our professionally trained and licensed wax specialists deliver an amazing waxing experience to everyone that walks through our doors. Find your closest European Wax Center in Baton Rouge, Gonzales or even Lafayette and begin your waxing routine today. It’s never too early to get started, and we look forward to helping you shine like the diamond you are on your BIG day.

MICHELLE MARINO, Franchise Owner/Operator

WHEN A LITTLE GIRL dreams of her wedding day, the first thing they picture is most likely the dress. Some brides want the Cinderella fairytale aesthetic, others a sexy silk moment—whatever the style is that they choose, the most important thing is how the dress makes them feel. I pride myself on creating stunning, custom couture looks that evoke the feeling every bride should feel, not just on their wedding day, but in their season as a bride. From hand-beaded jumpsuits to sweeping blush trains, I’ve taken brides from their rehearsal to ceremony to reception all in different custom-designed looks and am honored to make the vision of their day come to life. Being that we’re not only bridal couture, I have even had the pleasure of dressing many mothers of the bride in one-of-a-kind gowns for the big day as well. Whatever the occasion is, I love creating unique pieces from a client’s vision while incorporating the mix of classic elegance and contemporary style that is Pedram Couture.

PEDRAM PASHA TAHERI, Owner/Designer

Moments Memorable

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: TAJ-RAWSON WEDDING/THE CRAWFORDS PHOTOGRAPHY, KLEINPETER-BROWNING WEDDING/ERYN CHANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY, MONETTE-SUNWALL WEDDING/PHOTO BY SARAH WARD WEDDINGS, HUNTRUTLAND WEDDING/PEONY PHOTOGRAPHY, GALE-KELLER WEDDING/JEANNIE FREY RHODES PHOTOGRAPHY, GREMILLION-WILLIAMS WEDDING/EMILY GREEN PHOTO, CLAYTON-RILEY WEDDING/MARQUEZ FOTOS

SWEET SNAPSHOTS FROM THE WEDDINGS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: GARLAND-LAMBERT WEDDING/CAITLIN B PHOTOGRAPHY, BALL-BRUMMERHOP WEDDING/STUDIO TRAN PHOTOGRAPHY, GONZALEZ-GALJOUR WEDDING/JOSIE V PHOTOGRAPHY, GARRETT-O'NEAL WEDDING/EYE

WANDER PHOTO, GULINO-THOMPSON WEDDING/GEAUXGARCIA PHOTOGRAPHY, KING-TUPPER WEDDING/EMILY SONGER PHOTOGRAPHY, MANGELLI-MILLER WEDDING/NATALIE S. MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY, BURCHILL-COLES WEDDING/ALYSSA FISHER PHOTOGRAPHY

Dress the

Something NEW

THIS YEAR’S BRIDAL GOWN TRENDS ARE ALL ABOUT EXPRESSING YOUR PERSONAL STYLE

BY KELLI BOZEMAN

From pretty prints to allover tints, this is the time to be bold

Sareh Nouri “Hydrangea” Town & Country Bridal

Anne Barge “Inman” I Do Bridal Couture

Ines Di Santo “Symphony” I Do Bridal Couture

Corsets

A little structure goes a long way

Jumpsuits

Leggy looks for pre-wedding parties or the big day

Pedram Couture

Justin Alexander Signature “Union” Bustle Bridal Gowns & Accessories

Calla Blanche “Garnet” Blush Bridal Salon

Ines Di Santo “Tremolo” I Do Bridal Couture

Willowby “August” Bridal Boutique

Maggie Sottero “Havana” Bridal Boutique

Healthier Ever After

If you are planning your “I do’s” or recently celebrated your happily ever after, let Baton Rouge General be a part of your healthier ever after. With three hospital campuses, 36 clinics and 1,400 providers on our medical staff, Baton Rouge General is the only ‘A’ rated and 4-star hospital in our region.

Healthy Bride Checklist

◊

◊

◊

Hospital Locations

Occasions

FROM ENGAGEMENT PARTIES TO BRIDAL SHOWERS, LOCAL COUPLES ARE GIVING CELEBRATION INSPIRATION

BY RILEY BIENVENU BOURGEOIS

With this Ring

Engagement parties are the kickoff for a couple’s wedding celebration season. They’re an opportunity to give friends and family just a small taste of what the big day will be like.

Signature cocktails are always a fan favorite. Carry those same selections to the wedding bar for continuity.

Bringing in furniture helps create intimate spaces for guests to talk and relax.

The Gilmour lawn provided the perfect place for newly engaged Nicole Francois and Joshua Anzalone to celebrate.

AND DESIGN BY NANCY/ GABBY CHAPIN PHOTOGRAPHY

ASK KYLE

This One’s for the Girls

Leave the groom at home. Bridal showers are a chance to come together with the girls in your life for a special event in honor of a new life stage.

QMy fiancé has a condo near campus. Should we sell it or rent it out?

Great question! A lot of couples do this, as keeping your first purchase as an investment can be a great source of secondary income. As your agent, I would first assess the market for the property to determine your cash equity. Then we would research the estimated rental rate, ease of finding a tenant, and the future cost of any upcoming maintenance/repairs to compare options.

Bridesmaids, aunts, mom, friends and more—a bridal shower is all about getting together and celebrating with those you hold dear.

There’s something special about sharing a cherished recipe. At Nicole Robles Rhoads’ bridal shower, guests shared their favorites with the new couple through recipe cards created by Nova Wedding Invitations meant to be saved for years to come.

Creating a grand entrance sets the tone for the party. In this case, a doorway lined with balloons, acrylic signs and special door floral arrangements all help set the scene.

KYLIE SCEROLER MORRIS/CHERYL PALMER DESIGNS/ SOUTHERN BREEZE PHOTOGRAPHY

Night Before The

Whether you’re having a big or small wedding, a rehearsal dinner is a chance to have an intimate moment with your closest friends and family. And with nerves running high, it’s a time to relax and take it all in.

Time for a toast! Break out the good Champagne for sharing stories and sips.

While you don’t want to outdo the wedding itself, creating special scenes throughout the rehearsal dinner give guests an idea of what they will see the following night for the big event. A bonus is that some items, like these chinoiserie vases, can not only be used for the wedding reception, but also in the couple’s home afterwards.

If you’re inviting guests to a new town, special details that speak to the destination help new visitors get acquainted while also providing a touch of charm for those who are already familiar.

Florals

Flowers that make your heart flutter

Details the

Dr. Katherine Ford Chiasson

Dr. Ann Ford Reilley

Raising

the Bar

OUT-OF-THE-BOX BARS MAKE A BIG IMPACT AT A RECEPTION

BY

Resources

Design and florals: Angela Marie Events & Florals

Bars and furniture: Element

At their core, weddings are about showing off the personality of the newly wedded couple. And in the modern iteration of this sacred ceremony, there are more ways to do that than just with the color of the bridesmaid dresses.

“What I’m always thinking about is how to make a wedding a more authentic representation of the couple,” says event designer Angela DiVincenti Babin of Angela Marie Events & Florals. “I want to make unexpected spaces more exciting because that’s what guests—and the couple—will remember.”

Keeping in mind the most popular place during a reception—the bar—Babin focused on making that space more inviting and a place women would want to be, rather than relegating the task of drink fetching to their husbands or dates. From flowers to lamps to custom vinyl, she says the impact of any small, personal detail can be big.

“People are used to just a plain white bar,” she explains. “You can get a lot of bang for your buck by going big on the bar. It can be a total moment.”

Babin put together three different bar scenes that represent different aesthetics. Read on to see them all. And for even more details, visit inregister.com/weddings/ raising-the-bar.

RILEY BIENVENU BOURGEOIS • PHOTOS BY ASHLEIGH JAYNE

Linens: Nüage Designs

Bar vinyl: Sharon Benton Designs

'TILL DEATH DO US PART

SAY "I DO" TO THE RIGHT AESTHETIC INJECTOR

Something Blue

Peel-and-stick wallpaper made a big impact on this bar. Babin sourced this floral-patterned design by Rifle Paper from Target. “This is a great DIY option,” she explains.

“This bar really shows the impact of using only one flower,” Babin says. Blue hydrangea blooms were used to create a bouquet that starts on top of the bar and flows down all the way to the floor.

Wedding Planning

Great for Wine Tastings & Brunch

Space for Large Groups + Private Party Room

Food, Bar, Staffing & Rentals

3 Party Rooms + The Wild Boar Bar

Birds of

a Feather

A similar pattern to the one depicted on the bar in vinyl is also on the tablecloths in a complementary shade of green. “Green is such a popular color right now,” she says. “And I feel like it’s almost a neutral.”

Issue Date: Weddings 2023 Ad proof #2

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

This green bar is turned into an art piece thanks to gold vinyl depicting a scene of birds and flowers. “Everyone always does the monogram with vinyl,” Babin explains, “but there are so many ways to get creative. The sky is the limit.”

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Melara Enterprises, LLC. 2023. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

Since this scene focuses on the garden, arrangements with foraged details were key. Classic peaches, whites and pinks pull together the aesthetic.

CHERYL PALMER DESIGNS

WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING | COORDINATING & DESIGN

ORIGINAL CUSTOM ART | STYLING

cherylpalmerdesigns@gmail.com

cherylpalmerdesigns@gmail.com

cherylpalmerdesigns@gmail.com

cherylpalmerdesigns@gmail.com

cherylpalmerdesigns@gmail.com

cherylpalmerdesigns@gmail.com

Cheryl Palmer Designs @ cherylpalmerdesigns

Cheryl Palmer Designs @ cherylpalmerdesigns

Cheryl Palmer Designs @ cherylpalmerdesigns

Cheryl Palmer Designs @ cherylpalmerdesigns

Cheryl Palmer Designs @ cherylpalmerdesigns

Cheryl Palmer Designs @ cherylpalmerdesigns

“Not every bride is a traditional bride,” Babin notes. For this scene, she wanted to do something a little different. Spray-painting baby’s breath allowed her to bring the pops of color everywhere—especially in the special floral fronts that she affixed to the bar itself to complete the look.

Tickled Pink

“Baby’s breath is definitely trending,” Babin notes. In addition to the classic filler flower which has taken center stage in wedding arrangements lately, Babin incorporated different types of roses, as well as touches of sweet pea, to create interest.

Issue Date: Weddings Ad proof #3

An unexpected hue was brought to the tables in the form of hot pink Chiavari chairs. Black and white striped linens tie in the black of the bar and shelving. A pair of lamps on the bar—an Angela Marie Events signature detail—is both beautiful and functional. “They’re a great source of light,” Babin notes. “But they’re also great aesthetically. It’s just one more layer of design that makes the whole scene look complete.”

Southern elegance. Undeniable charm.

From sunset views to majestic oaks, the Grand Hotel offers 600 lush acres of glorious settings, impeccable service, and Southern charm. Say “I do” in GRAND style.

Point Clear, Alabama | 251.928.9201 | Grand1847.com

Just Kidding Around

OUR GO-TO TIPS FOR FLOWER GIRLS AND RING BEARERS

BY RILEY BIENVENU BOURGEOIS

A wedding ceremony just wouldn’t be complete without a toddler picking his nose as he stumbles down the aisle or a little girl bashfully forgetting to toss any of the petals from her basket. It’s the mishaps that make these moments memorable. However, just because perfection isn’t the goal doesn’t mean brides shouldn’t plan for it. From the outfits to how they’ll make their way down the aisle, there’s so much to consider. Here’s our simplified guide to the pint-size members of the wedding party.

Color is Key

According to Bella Bridesmaids Baton Rouge manager Morgan Sing, the biggest thing to consider with flower girl—and ring bearer outfits—is the color in relation to the bride’s dress.

“We love being able to coordinate a bride’s full vision, and this usually includes making sure that the flower girls’ dresses complement the bride’s dress and her vision,” she explains. “Most of the flower girl dresses we offer are available in both white and ivory.”

Safety in Numbers

The best chance at getting children to cooperate? Get them in a group, preferably with one older child who can lead the younger ones. Increase your chances for success by emphasizing to those younger children that the older ones are in charge. Chances are, they will rise to the challenge.

Ride Along

For the youngest of the youngest, a wagon can be the ticket to getting them all the way down the aisle, especially if the ceremony conflicts with their nap schedule.

In Bloom

Issue Date: Weddings Ad proof #2

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Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT

Salon Raybon is privileged to service our clients for one of the most important events of their lives. We love working with all brides to ensure a stress-free environment on their special day. Our team is committed to creating a personalized look for our bride and her wedding party! We provide in-salon and/or on-site wedding services. We would love to meet with you and discuss your big day!

Flower petals don’t have to come from a basket. Put them in a purse and let your flower girls keep the bag as a memento of the day.

Doggone It

Much like children, dogs are unpredictable. Pairing them together? A bold decision that pays off. Kids and dogs interacting is what wedding picture dreams are made of.

JOHNSON-BETZ WEDDING/GEAUXGARCIA PHOTOGRAPHY

GAYLE-BERTHELOT WEDDING/ASHLEIGH JAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

Blooming Bakes

EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES—AND DAISIES, AND

THESE TIERED SHOWSTOPPERS FROM LOCAL WEDDINGS

Issue

We Love to See It

BY KELLI BOZEMAN

Black and White

These color(less) palettes are simple and striking.

Mirror,

Cat’s Meow

Why let dogs have all the wedding fun when you can incorporate your favorite feline?

Chill Out

Cocktails cool off with pretty ice pops that match the party palette.

Let us host your special day

Whether you dream of an intimate setting that will transport you back in time, an open-air celebration among the blooms or a little bit of both, Burden Museum & Gardens can accommodate your special event.

Exceptionally beautiful and unique venues in the heart of Baton Rouge.

LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens

LSU Rural Life Museum

Windrush Gardens

HUNT-RUTLAND WEDDING/PEONY PHOTOGRAPHY

BY SARAH WARD WEDDINGS

GONZALEZ-GALJOUR WEDDING

Winging It

Whether topping a floral arrangement or carved of ice, aviary details add high-flying dimension to reception décor.

Quick Draw

Original art becomes a colorful keepsake for guests or for the bride and groom.

Issue Date: Weddings 2023 Ad proof #4 • Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

Weddings are special. Your makeup should be, too. Enjoy 10% off your bridal makeup package for 2023 or 2024 when you mention code "INREGISTER10."

Fast Break

From burgers and chicken sandwiches to doughnuts, couples are sharing late-night nourishment.

Flip Side

Think beyond the basic band with live entertainment in the form of acrobatic performers.

Brides the

Client: Lissa Fry Weston

HigherLove

AMBIANCE IS AT AN ALTITUDE AT THESE MOUNTAIN WEDDINGS

BY RILEY BIENVENU BOURGEOIS

The mountains are calling, and I must go.”

‘This quote, pulled from a letter from legendary outdoorsman John Muir to his sister Sarah in 1873, has made its rounds on graphic tees, Nalgenes and everything in between. But recently, for Southern brides, it’s become a wedding mantra.

In increasing numbers, Baton Rouge brides are heading out west for their nuptials, trading below sea level for upper altitudes. And with those views, we can’t blame them.

“My family bought a home in Telluride three years ago,” newlywed Madison McDuffie Guilbeau says. “We absolutely fell in love with it. There’s so much to do, and we feel so alive when we’re there, no matter what time of year it is. Even just sitting there and looking at the view, it’s amazing.”

Madison always knew she wanted to host her wedding close to home, though she wasn’t sure which one. She originally had her entire wedding planned for a summer day in her parents’ Baton Rouge neighborhood. However, as it grew closer, she had second thoughts. “Something just didn’t feel right,” she recalls. “I knew it would be beautiful, but it just didn’t feel exactly right.”

The view from The Peaks Resort & Spa’s terrace made it the ideal location for Madison McDuffie and Daniel Guilbeau’s fall ceremony.

She scrapped all of her Baton Rouge plans and looked to the mountains instead, bringing her wedding planners, Tiffany Pilgrim and Maranda Cardinale of August Events, along for the ride.

“From a planning perspective, assembling our team of vendors presented the biggest challenge,” says Pilgrim. “Telluride is a very remote location, so it took a bit of research, and making some local friends, to secure even our most basic rentals.”

But in the end, it was worth the postponement and the extra effort. When Guilbeau and her nowhusband Daniel looked out from the terrace that served as the site of their ceremony, they were greeted with not only views of the vast mountain

A tip for hosting Southern guests in the mountains, from the experts:

“We teamed up with a great local company to provide guests with welcome boxes equipped with tools to manage the altitude, like oxygen canisters and hydration multipliers,” Cardinale notes. “When you’re at the top of a mountain, one cocktail equals two or three. It’s important to maximize your hydration or you can get really sick.”

landscape, but also Madison’s family’s home. “What we loved most was watching our guests experience Telluride and all we love about the town,” Madison says. “It was so special for us to have everyone there celebrating love.”

Courtney Kretzsinger Snowden and her now-husband Cameron wanted much the same thing. Looking even farther north, they brought their guests all the way to Canada for their big day.

“We knew we were going to have a small wedding, and we wanted to showcase the beauty of nature,” Courtney explains. “We visited Banff before finalizing our plans, and we were blown away by how stunning it is.”

Originally planning for a ceremony in June, when Madison McDuffie Guilbeau decided to move her ceremony to the mountains of Colorado, she opted for October due to the dramatic changing of the leaves.

A November wedding date ensured snow was on the ground for the ceremony, as guests witnessed Courtney and Cameron exchange vows with a backdrop of mountains and evergreen trees taking the place of typical flowers.

“I also did not want to sweat at all on our wedding day,” Courtney explains. “Being from the South, I’ve experienced that and knew I wanted to minimize that on our big day.”

Her long-sleeve wedding gown gave a nod to the chilly weather as guests huddled in coats, tights and scarves. But whether you prefer cold to hot or vice versa, for both Courtney and Cameron, as well as Madison and Daniel, the mountains

are worth it.

“With the scenery in the mountains, you really don’t have to do much,” Madison says, noting that she kept her florals loose and whimsical to match the natural setting.

“There’s only two weeks out of the year that you get that yellow that I had at my wedding—the yellow of the leaves changing. It’s magical. And it was even more magical to bring that wild vibe—the vibe of the whole mountain town—to life at my wedding.”

“We wanted to showcase the beauty of nature in our pictures,” says Courtney. She and Cameron took post-ceremony photos at sites throughout Banff.

Courtney Kretzsinger and Cameron Snowden’s ceremony space at Tunnel Mountain Meadow allowed guests to become one with Banff’s scenery. Instead of flowers, snow completed the all-white look Courtney was going for.

State

UNION of the

SENTIMENTALITY AND LOUISIANA LOVE WERE AT THE HEART OF SARAH ELLEN EDWARDS AND CHRISTOPHER BATES’ GOVERNOR’S MANSION WEDDING DAY

BY RILEY BIENVENU BOURGEOIS

PHOTOS BY THE RYLANDS PHOTO CO.

On the morning after her wedding, Sarah Ellen Edwards Bates was in the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion garden picking satsumas off of the trees with her friends. It was a small, subtle moment amid a weekend full of major milestones, but it was this memory that came rushing back to Governor John Bel Edwards’ youngest daughter during a recent conversation via Zoom.

Sitting in the White House office in which she currently serves as director of agency liaison in the Office of Presidential Correspondence, Sarah Ellen and her mother Donna—who joined the call from the Governor’s Mansion here in Baton Rouge—went on recounting more of those simple memories. Not ones charged with pomp and circumstance, but the quiet ones like private mansion tours for out-of-town guests, a pre-wedding tea party with the 12 flower girls and ring bearers, and a special brunch where bridesmaids assembled their own bouquets.

“We wanted to give our guests an intimate experience,” Sarah Ellen explains. “It meant so much to us that so many people wanted to come and celebrate with us. You know, you invite all of these people but never think they’ll all be able to come. But when we were getting back the RSVPs, I was emotional.”

The list of more than 500 guests at Sarah Ellen’s November 18, 2022, nuptials spanned all facets of her and now-husband Christopher’s lives

Sarah Ellen Edwards and Christopher Bates were engaged for more than a year leading up to their big day on November 18, 2022.

both together and separately, with friends and loved ones in attendance from D.C., Christopher’s hometown of Shreveport, Baton Rouge and everywhere in between.

“It was sort of a coming together of old and new,” Donna says. “From our family to the new friends that we have made over the last eight years, it was special to have everyone come together.”

Having hosted older daughter Samantha’s wedding reception at the Governor’s Mansion back in 2016, Donna says she was uniquely prepared for a second round. She worked with friends and local vendors to

A week before the wedding, first lady Donna Edwards surprised Sarah Ellen with a special performance by the 12 children in the wedding party. “They sang ‘Lamb of God, You Take Away the Sins of the World’ for her,” Donna recalls. “I had them all practice at home before, and it was so cute to see them do it all together.”

bring to life Sarah Ellen’s vision, which the bride was working to relay all the way from Capitol Hill. And that included plenty of flowers and lots of Pelican State touches.

“I wanted to have as much Louisiana as possible,” Sarah Ellen says. “We had so many out-of-town guests, and we really wanted to show them the best of what Louisiana has to offer.”

With the wedding taking place on the Friday before an LSU football and Saints home game weekend, guests were invited to games both in Tiger Stadium and the Superdome in New Orleans. And then

“We were mindful of it being such a historical and significant place,” Sarah Ellen says of the Governor’s Mansion, which in addition to hosting the reception also was the location for many pre-wedding events, including a tea party for flower girls and ring bearers.

Issue Date: Weddings Ad proof #2

•

Issue Date: Weddings Ad proof #1

e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees. Carefully

there was the menu. Chargrilled oysters were shucked and grilled by Drago’s in the Governor’s Mansion rose garden. Classic Louisiana favorites like gumbo were there for the tasting. Sarah Ellen and Christopher also worked with Covington’s Bon Sake to create custom sushi rolls with names like “LSU,” “The Lagniappe” and “Phi Mu/FIJI”—in a nod to the Greek organizations that brought the couple together in the first place.

“One thing we made sure of was that ‘Callin’ Baton Rouge’ was played at 11 p.m.,” Sarah Ellen recalls. “Then we closed it all out with a second line, of course.”

Sentimental family details were a priority for Sarah Ellen. In addition to a wall displaying wedding photos of both Sarah Ellen and Christopher’s relatives—like Governor John Bel Edwards and first lady Donna, pictured here—there were countless other special touches incorporated throughout the day.

The Louisiana love that resonated from the reception only makes sense, after all, coming from the state’s first family. With only a handful of wedding receptions ever having taken place at the Governor’s Mansion, it’s fitting that this celebration of all the things that make our state great will go down in history.

“It was such a special way to close out our time at the mansion,” Sarah Ellen explains.

Issue Date: Weddings Ad proof #3

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

“And to be able to share it with our friends and family,” Donna adds, “and have them be a part of the whole day, and the preparation for it, it was beautiful.”

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

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Family, Friends, Food and Fine Wines

Check out our vast selection of imported and local specialty wines. Make sure to ask about our fine wine room located at the Government Street store.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral was the site of the wedding ceremony.

Sarah Ellen’s choice of a November wedding day had a lot to do with her desire for a sleeved wedding dress, which she found at Town & Country Bridal in New Orleans. The cake by Sweet Stirrings includes the couple’s crest.

WeddingAnnouncements

Ball + Brummerhop

KATIE BALL AND MICHAEL BRUMMERHOP

November 4, 2022

Studio Tran Photography

Details

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Audubon Tea Room

CAKE

Totally Baked Bakery

FLORIST

The Plant Gallery

INVITATIONS

Gem Printing Company

BRIDAL GOWN

Morilee by Madeline Gardner, Pearl’s Place

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Azazie

HAIR AND MAKEUP

Renee Hutton and April Derokey, Makeup Meltdown

BAND/DJ

Knockaz Brass Band/Toast Entertainment

RENTALS

Jolie Rentals/Party Rentals Delivered

OTHER VENDORS

Sully Mansion/Alert Transportation

HONEYMOON

Excellence Playa Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico

Baronet + Mann

DARBY BARONET AND BLAKE MANN

Details

CEREMONY

St. Agnes Catholic Church

RECEPTION

Capitol Park Museum

COORDINATOR

Chris Keller

CATERER

Bonanno’s Fine Catering/Serop’s

CAKES

Les Amis Bake Shoppe/Cake Goddess

FLORIST

Jake’s On The Avenue

INVITATIONS

Paper N Things

BRIDAL GOWN

Stella York, Blush Bridal Salon

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids

RINGS

Elgin’s Fine Jewelry

HAIR & MAKEUP

Glam on Location

VIDEOGRAPHER

WeddingLens Photo + Lens

BAND

Troy Marks and No Idea Band

HONEYMOON

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Rentals

Doug Olinde Event Rentals/Smile-NOLA/Alpha-Lit

Baton Rouge/Truly Haute Candles

Transportation Riverside Limousines

Berrigan + Grote

BAILEY BERRIGAN AND WILLIAM GROTE IV

February 4, 2023

Brooke Boyd Photo + Film

Details

CEREMONY

Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church

RECEPTION

Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans

COORDINATOR

Debi Stewart-Horton

FLORIST

Bella Blooms Floral

INVITATIONS

Paper N Things

BRIDAL GOWN

Suzanne Perron St. Paul/Alexia Maria (departure look)

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Amsale, Town & Country Bridal

HAIR

Jeanne Paisant/Alissa Holt/Erin Soto

MAKEUP

Danielle Suarez/Taylor Shirer

VIDEOGRAPHER

Brooke Boyd Photo + Film

BAND

Groovy 7/Kinfolk Brass Band

ENTERTAINMENT

Carl Mack Presents

RENTALS

AD Event Group/Perrier Party Rentals/ Luminous Events

DRAPING

Mardi Gras Productions

HONEYMOON

Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley

Burchill + Coles

MARY BURCHILL AND TIMOTHY COLES

December 17, 2022

Alyssa Fisher Photography

Details

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Country Club of Louisiana

COORDINATOR

Belle Amour Weddings

CATERER

Country Club of Louisiana

CAKES

Tredici Bakery/Heather Augustus

FLORIST

Eufloria Floral Designs

INVITATIONS

Shine Wedding Inivitations

BRIDAL GOWN

Anne Barge with Monique Lhuillier overlay, I Do Bridal Couture

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

ASTR The Label

RINGS

Custom from Robert Roth Jewelers/Saunders Lux Jeweler

HAIR

Emily Hebert, Salon Eden

MAKEUP

Melanie Hollander Daigle

BAND

Capital City Soul

OFFICIANT

Lance Hahn

HONEYMOON

Excellence Playa Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Corder + Broussard

ELIZABETH CORDER AND ANDREW BROUSSARD

October 14, 2022

Tasha Rae Photography

Details

CEREMONY

St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church

RECEPTION

Old Governor’s Mansion

COORDINATOR

Caroline Broussard, Iris and Oak Events

CATERER

Gilded Artichoke

CAKE

Les Amis Bake Shoppe

FLORIST

Rickey Heroman’s Florist

INVITATIONS

Paper N Things

BRIDAL GOWN

Jesus Peiro, Wedding Belles

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Alfred Sung

RINGS

Franzetti Jewelers, Austin, Texas

HAIR

EGGIE Salon Studio

MAKEUP

Marissa Mizell

DJ Aaron Lane Entertainment

RENTALS

Doug Olinde Event Rentals

TRANSPORTATION

Riverside Transporation/Classic Cars BR

HONEYMOON

Rosemary Beach, Florida

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Elfert + Dudley

CHRISTINA ELFERT AND JORDAN DUDLEY

June 24, 2022

Krystal Troutt Photography

Details

CEREMONY

St. George Catholic Church

RECEPTION

Country Club of Louisiana

COORDINATOR

Belle Amour Weddings

CAKE

Cake That

FLORIST

Designs by Milissa

INVITATIONS

Paperwhite Stationery Boutique

BRIDAL GOWN

Essense of Australia, Town & Country Bridal

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids

HAIR

Salon du Sud

MAKEUP

Olga Longoria

BAND

Rewind Band

VIDEOGRAPHER

Shannon Talamo Films

HONEYMOON

St. Lucia

Firesheets + Bowen

February 4, 2023

ELIZABETH FIRESHEETS AND DAVID BOWEN

Amy Odom Photography

Details

CEREMONY & CATERING

Horseshoe Bay Resort, Texas

RECEPTION

Horseshoe Bay Yacht Club

COORDINATOR

Wedding Day Girl

CAKE

Michelle’s Patisserie

FLORIST

Floral Designs by Randi

INVITATIONS

Paper N Things

BRIDAL GOWN

Rita Vinieris, I Do Bridal Couture

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Alfred Sung

RINGS

Family heirloom/Robert Roth Jewelers

HAIR & MAKEUP

LoLa Beauty

VIDEOGRAPHER

Zack Turner

BAND

Matchmaker Band

Gayle + Berthelot

MIKAYLA GAYLE AND DENNIS “TRE” BERTHELOT

May 14, 2022

Ashleigh Jayne Photography

Details

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Houmas House Estate and Gardens

COORDINATOR

Weddings by Allie

CAKE

Cakes by Tiffany

FLORIST

Events & Design by Nancy

INVITATIONS

The Keeping Room

BRIDAL GOWN

Town & Country Bridal

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Show Me Your Mumu

Rings

Rothschild Diamond

HAIR

Madelen Brister

MAKEUP

GorJess Makeup

VIDEOGRAPHER

Lipari Films

MUSIC

The Original Magnolia String Quartet/ Mustache The Band

LIVE ARTIST

Torregrossa Fine Art

RENTALS

Alpha-Lit Baton Rouge

HONEYMOON

Sandals Emerald Bay, Bahamas

Ginn + Bienasz

BLAIR GINN AND BRANNON BIENASZ

December 30, 2022

Brocato Photography Collective

Details

CEREMONY

St. George Catholic Church

RECEPTION

Country Club of Louisiana

COORDINATOR

Leslie Campbell Weddings & Events

CAKE

Cake That

FLORIST

Rickey Heroman’s Florist

INVITATIONS

Paperwhite Stationery Boutique

BRIDAL GOWN

Monique Lhuillier, I Do Bridal Couture

GROOM’S TUXEDO

Carriages Fine Clothier

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids

HAIR

EGGIE Salon Studio

MAKEUP

Evolve Esthetics

VIDEOGRAPHER

Lipari Films

BAND Az IzZ

LIGHTING

Abstract Productions

PHOTO BOOTH

The Pixture Booth

RENTALS

Truly Haute Candles/AD Event Group/ Distressed Rentals/Doug Olinde Event Rentals

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Gonzalez + Galjour

MELINDA GONZALEZ AND JASON GALJOUR

July 11, 2022

Josie V Photography

Details

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Beano’s Cabin, Beaver Creek, Colorado

COORDINATOR

Dotting the i

FLORIST

Lace and Lilies

CAKE

Cäk the Bakery

INVITATIONS

Designed by bride

BRIDAL GOWN

Pronovias, Emma & Grace Bridal Studio, Denver

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Jenny Yoo, Bella Bridesmaids

Rings

Sarah O. Jewelry, Denver

HAIR

Courtney Wilkinson, Glamour 2 Geaux/ Rocky Mountain Hair Co.

MAKEUP

Angelica Navarro, Angelica Glo Beauty

VIDEOGRAPHER

Hillhound Productions

ENTERTAINMENT

Dancin’ Shoes DJ & Lighting

Rentals

Event Rents, Vail/Aspen

Decor

Designed by bride and groom

Officiant

Michael Welchert, Colorado Wedding Pastor

HONEYMOON

Costa Rica

Hill + Mock

LONDYN HILL AND CHARLES MOCK JR.

June 10, 2022

Brooke Boyd Photo + Film

Details

CEREMONY

St. George Catholic Church

RECEPTION AND CATERER

Country Club of Louisiana

COORDINATOR

August Events

CAKE

Sweet Stirrings

FLORIST

Bella Blooms Floral

INVITATIONS

Paperwhite Stationery Boutique

BRIDAL GOWN

Rita Vinieris, I Do Bridal Couture

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids

RINGS

Anton’s Fine Jewelry

HAIR

Kelsey Morris/Evelyn Sanchez

MAKEUP

Marissa Mizell/Marietta Turpin

VIDEOGRAPHER

Brooke Boyd Photo + Film

BAND

Big Bling and The Funk Machine

RENTALS

Distressed Rentals/Nüage Designs

OTHER VENDORS

AD Event Group/Abstract Productions

HONEYMOON

Positano, Italy

Hopkins + Ramos

ASHLEY HOPKINS AND CASON RAMOS

February

11, 2023

Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography

Details

CEREMONY

St. Aloysius Catholic Church

RECEPTION

Baton Rouge Country Club

COORDINATOR

Leslie Campbell Weddings & Events

CATERER

Baton Rouge Country Club

CAKEs

Les Amis Bake Shoppe/Moda Kitchen

FLORIST

Red Onion

INVITATIONS

Paper N Things

BRIDAL GOWN

Monique Lhuillier, I Do Bridal Couture

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids

RINGS

Diamond World, Houston, Texas

HAIR

Leigh Ann Town Podorsky/Lindsay Terrell

MAKEUP

Olga Longoria/Megan Higginbotham

BAND

Magnolia Strings/Compozitionz

PHOTO BOOTH

Boogie Booth

RENTALS

Margo Bouanchaud/Doug Olinde Event Rentals/ Truly Haute Candles

HONEYMOON

St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

Hunt + Rutland

CLAIRE HUNT AND MICHAEL RUTLAND

March 5, 2022

Peony Photography

Details

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Country Club of Louisiana

COORDINATOR

Angela Marie Events

CATERER

Country Club of Louisiana

CAKE

Sweet Stirrings

FLORIST

Angela Marie Events

INVITATIONS

Paperwhite Stationery Boutique

BRIDAL GOWN

Sareh Nouri, Town & Country Bridal

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids

RINGS

Anton’s Fine Jewelry

HAIR

Alison Bourgeois

MAKEUP

Olga Longoria

VIDEOGRAPHER

Genuine Collective Films

BAND

Big Bling and The Funk Machine

RENTALS

Element/Distressed Rentals

ICE SCULPTURE

Ice Dragon

HONEYMOON

Dubai and the Maldives

Kepper + Johnson

JORDAN KEPPER AND DUSTIN JOHNSON

September 24, 2022

Andre Gouin Photography

Details

CEREMONY

Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

COORDINATOR

Canteiro Weddings

FLORIST

Gabi Lavor, Erick Rai

BRIDAL GOWN

Galia Lahav

RINGS

Custom from Anton’s Fine Jewelry

HAIR & MAKEUP

Zoe Elizabeth Makeup

VIDEOGRAPHER

Elysium Productions

Kleinpeter + Browning

REGAN KLEINPETER AND BRYCE BROWNING

December 3, 2022

Eryn Chandler Photography

Details

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Barr Mansion, Ballroom & Farmstead, Austin, Texas

COORDINATOR

Sarah Surprise, Verve Event Planning

FLORIST

Bouquets of Austin

INVITATIONS

K.Laine Design

BRIDAL GOWN

Essence of Australia, Blue Bridal Boutique

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Revelry

HAIR

Omar Vasquez

MAKEUP

Adore Makeup Salon

VIDEOGRAPHER

PhotoHouse Films

BAND

Matchmaker Band

OFFICIANT

Rev. Chris Andrews

TRANSPORTATION

ATX Classic Cars

OTHER VENDORS

The Inviting Pear/ILIOS Production Design

Lawson + Schneider

GRIFFON LAWSON AND SCOTT SCHNEIDER

November 19, 2022

Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography

Details

CEREMONY

St. James Episcopal Church

RECEPTION

Baton Rouge Country Club

COORDINATOR

Leslie Campbell Weddings & Events

CAKES

Karl Will/Nannette Mayhall

FLORIST

Rickey Heroman’s Florist

INVITATIONS

Paper N Things

BRIDAL GOWN

Monique Lhuillier, I Do Bridal Couture

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Bella Bridesmaids

HAIR

Janie Koger-LaPrairie, JKL-Merge Salon

MAKEUP

Olga Longoria

VIDEOGRAPHER

Shannon Talamo Films

BAND

Az IzZ

RENTALS

Distressed Rentals/Doug Olinde Event Rentals/ Truly Haute Candles

CALLIGRAPHY

Glenda Swan Fine Calligraphy

HONEYMOON

St. Lucia

McDuffie + Guilbeau

MADISON MCDUFFIE AND DANIEL GUILBEAU

October 8, 2022

Bree Woolliscroft Photography

Details

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

The Peaks Resort & Spa, Telluride, Colorado

COORDINATOR

August Events

CAKE

Kelly Gray Cakes

FLORIST

New Leaf Design

INVITATIONS

Paperwhite Stationery Boutique

SIGNAGE & FAVORS

Sharon Benton Designs

BRIDAL GOWN

Monique Lhuillier, I Do Bridal Couture

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids

RINGS

Aucoin Hart Jewelers

HAIR

Moxie Loft

MAKEUP

Marissa Mizell

VIDEOGRAPHER

Andrew Minner

BAND

Diamond Empire Band

HONEYMOON Italy

Monette + Sunwall

TIFFANY MONETTE AND CARTER SUNWALL

May 7, 2022

Photos by Sarah Ward Weddings

Details

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Nottoway Resort

COORDINATOR

Angela Marie Events

CATERER

Pigéon Catering & Events

CAKE

The Ambrosia Bakery

FLORIST

Angela Marie Events

INVITATIONS

Momental Designs

BRIDAL GOWN

Vivienne Atelier Bridal, Houston, Texas

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Sherri Hill

RINGS

Erica DelGardo Jewelry Designs/David Yurman

HAIR

Graffiti Hair Salon

MAKEUP

Makeup By Meggan

VIDEOGRAPHER

North Photography

BAND

Troy Marks and No Idea Band

HONEYMOON

New Orleans

Purpera + Durbin

RHEESA PURPERA AND CODY DURBIN

October 15, 2022

Saved by Grace Photography

Details

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Baton Rouge Country Club

COORDINATOR

Weddings by Allie

CATERER

Baton Rouge Country Club/ Margo Bouanchaud Hayes

CAKES

Nannette Mayhall/The Ambrosia Bakery

COOKIES

Lizette Fuselier

FLORISTS

Lance Hayes Flowers/Larkspur Floral Design

BRIDAL GOWN

Anne Barge, I Do Bridal Couture

RINGS

Elgin’s Fine Jewelry/Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

HAIR

Felicia Capone, Karma Hair Studio

MAKEUP

Jayde Landry

MUSIC

Magnolia Strings/Press 1 for English

CEREMONY SOUND SYSTEM

James Purpera

OFFICIANT

Keith Babin (uncle of the bride)

LIVE ARTIST

Kacie L. Bourque

Raborn + Altmyer

LUCY RABORN AND JACOB ALTMYER

December 17, 2022

Catherine Guidry Photography

Details

CEREMONY

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, New Orleans

RECEPTION & CATERER

The Capital on Baronne

COORDINATOR

Leslie Campbell Weddings & Events

CAKE

Chasing Wang

FLORIST

Nola Flora

INVITATIONS

The Keeping Room

BRIDAL GOWN

Romona Keveza, Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier NYC (ceremony)/Custom Pedram Couture (reception)

HAIR

Beth Washington

MAKEUP

Paige Jeansonne Makeup

VIDEOGRAPHER

Nathan Willis Wedding Films

ENTERTAINMENT

The Compozitionz/Trixie Minx Productions/ Elektra Cosmetics glitter bar/The Jamalar Agency/ Kinfolk Brass Band

LIVE PAINTER

Alex Harvie

HONEYMOON

Maldives

Spencer + Bolin

EMILY SPENCER AND CHRISTOPHER BOLIN

November 19, 2022

Renee Lorio Photography

Details

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

COORDINATOR

Ashley LeBlanc

CATERER

Heirloom Cuisine

CAKEs

The Ambrosia Bakery/Les Amis Bake Shoppe

FLORIST

The Floral Cottage Florist

INVITATIONS

Paper N Things

BRIDAL GOWN

Bustle Bridal Gowns & Accessories

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Bella Bridesmaids

TUXEDOS

After Five

HAIR

Jacquilyn Dame

MAKEUP

Cali Wilson

VIDEOGRAPHER

Arbor Films

BAND

South Louisiana Virtuosi/Crescent City Soul

LIVE PAINTER

Torregrossa Fine Art

PHOTO BOOTH

Southern Blink

TRANSPORTATION

Classic Cars of Baton Rouge

Spikes + Capone

Details

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

COORDINATOR

Weddings by Allie

CATERER

Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

CAKE

The Ambosia Bakery

FLORIST

The Floral Cottage Florist

INVITATIONS

Paperwhite Stationery Boutique

BRIDAL GOWN

Martina Liana, Town & Country Bridal

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids

RINGS

Anton’s Fine Jewelry

HAIR & MAKEUP

Salon du Sud

VIDEOGRAPHER

Eye Wander Photo

BAND

Three Thirty Seven/The Original Magnolia String Quartet

RENTALS

Royal Events, Candles & Decor/AD Event Group

LIVE PAINTER

Toregrossa Fine Art

TRANSPORTATION

Distinct Limousine Services

HONEYMOON

Atelier Playa Mujeres, Scenic Wanderings Travel

Tatum + Safford

February 4, 2023

Rylands Photo Co.

REBECCA TATUM AND AUSTIN SAFFORD

The

Details

CEREMONY

University United Methodist Church

RECEPTION

Capitol Park Museum

COORDINATOR

Leslie Campbell Weddings & Events

CATERER

Drakes Catering

CAKE

Sweet Stirrings

FLORIST

Kristine Nastasi

INVITATIONS

The Keeping Room

BRIDAL GOWN

Robert Bullock, Blush Bridal Salon

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids

HAIR

Sarah Kirkwood & Elinor Wasson, Salon du Sud

MAKEUP

Melanie Hollander

VIDEOGRAPHER

Nine and a Half Films

BAND

BRW

HONEYMOON

Playa Mujeres, Mexico

Toups + Abry

STEPHANIE TOUPS AND PATRICK ABRY

November 12, 2022

Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography

Details

CEREMONY

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church

RECEPTION

Baton Rouge Country Club

COORDINATOR

Events & Design by Nancy

CAKE

Sweet Stirrings

FLORIST

Rickey Heroman’s Florist

INVITATIONS

Paperwhite Stationery Boutique

BRIDAL GOWN

Monique Lhuillier, I Do Bridal Couture

RINGS

Fischer’s Jewelry

HAIR

EGGIE Salon Studio

MAKEUP

Marissa Mizell

VIDEOGRAPHER

Bride Film

BAND

Souled Out

HONEYMOON

Cocobay Resort Antigua

Brien + Eschete

AIMEE BRIEN AND BRENNAN ESCHETE

July 30, 2022

Brenner Photography & Films

CEREMONY

Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church, New Orleans

RECEPTION

The Capital on Baronne

COORDINATOR

Michele Adams, Unique Weddings in New Orleans

CATERER

PAK Catering

CAKES

Haydel’s Bakery/Sugarcoated by Michelle

FLORIST

Cyd Duet Toups Flowers

INVITATIONS

Amber LeBlanc Studio

BRIDAL GOWN

Rivini, I Do Bridal Couture

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Bari Jay, Pearl’s Place

RINGS

Steve Charles Jewelers

BAND Bag of Donuts

CEREMONY

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

RECEPTION & CATERER

Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

COORDINATOR

Occasions by Audi

CAKE

Nina Bakes Cakes

FLORIST

VIDEOGRAPHER

Studio 87 ENTERTAINMENT

HONEYMOON

Bora Bora

Marquez Fotos

Marquez Fotos

Cox + Palmer

GRACE COX AND TAYLOR PALMER

December 11, 2022

CEREMONY

Canyon Lake, Texas

RECEPTION

Private home

COORDINATOR

Cheryl Palmer Designs/Krystie Barber

CATERER

P. Terry’s/Krystie Barber

CAKE

Annie Franchek

COOKIES

Louisiana Culinary Institute/Rebecca Ray

FLORIST

Cheryl Palmer Designs

DJ

Payton Palmer

OFFICIANT

Bethany Cox

REHEARSAL LUNCHEON

Huisache Grill

Photos by Barbershot Studios

Dupuis + Carmouche

ALEXANDRA DUPUIS AND DANE CARMOUCHE

November 4, 2022

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Gabriel’s House of Events

CATERER

Gabriel’s House of Events

CAKE

Arlette Carmouche, mother of the groom

FLORIST

Gabriel’s House of Events

BRIDAL GOWN

Bustle Bridal Gowns & Accessories

RINGS

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, designed by Rachel Dunn Guidroz

HAIR

Amber Nichol Salon

MAKEUP

Morgan Honore LeBlanc

Marquez Fotos

Heather Lato Photography

Dupuis + Michel

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach

CATERER

The Wharf Catering Group

CAKE

Arlette Carmouche

DECOR & FLORIST

Brett Blazier

INVITATIONS

The Knot Worldwide

BRIDAL GOWN

Bridal Boutique

RINGS

Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers

HAIR & MAKEUP

Felicia Capone

BAND

Chris Beverly Experience

HONEYMOON

Miami

Gale + Keller

HANNAH GALE AND WILLIAM KELLER

May 14, 2022

Details

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

COORDINATOR

Leslie Campbell Weddings & Events

CATERER

Heirloom Cuisine

CAKE

Sweet Stirrings

FLORIST

Peregrin’s Florist

INVITATIONS

Hark Creative Co.

BRIDAL GOWN

Allison Webb, I Do Bridal Couture

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

The OWN Studio

RINGS

Zadok Jewelers (groom)

HAIR

EGGIE Salon Studio

MAKEUP

Olga Longoria

BAND

MoJEAUX Band

HONEYMOON

Antigua

Marquez Fotos

Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography

Garland + Lambert

May 14, 2022

CEREMONY

St. James Episcopal Church

RECEPTION

Baton Rouge Country Club

COORDINATOR

Cheryl Palmer Designs

CAKE

The Ambrosia Bakery

FLORIST

Billy Heroman’s Flowers & Gifts

INVITATIONS

The Queen Bee

RINGS

Robert Roth Jewelers

BAND

B Street Benny

OTHER VENDORS

Ice Dragon Ice Sculptures

ALEXIS GARLAND AND COLE LAMBERT

Caitlin B Photography

Garrett + O’Neal

RECEPTION

BRIDAL

BRIDESMAID

Azazie

RINGS

Anton’s

HAIR

MAKEUP

+Gremillion Williams

BROOKE GREMILLION AND COLLIN WILLIAMS

October 14, 2022

CEREMONY

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church

RECEPTION

Lod Cook Alumni Center

COORDINATOR

August Events

CATERER

Unique Cuisine Catering

FLORIST

Root Floral Design

INVITATIONS

Paperwhite Stationery Boutique

CALLIGRAPHY

Scripted Sentiments by Nicole

BRIDAL GOWN

Linen Jolie Bridal

HAIR

Molly Harriman

MAKEUP

Melanie Hollander Daigle

BAND

MoJEAUX Band

Emily Green Photo

Gulino + Thompson

VIDEOGRAPHER

SolaFide

BAND Billy

RENTALS

Truly

Geauxgarcia Photography

Johnson + Betz

SARAH JOHNSON AND BLAKE BETZ

June 18, 2022

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

COORDINATOR

Marie Gold Designs

CAKE

The Ambrosia Bakery

FLORIST

Ramona Pace & Gena Sessions

BRIDAL GOWN

Rita Vinieris, I Do Bridal Couture

RINGS

Anton’s Fine Jewelry

HAIR

Kelly Hopper

MAKEUP

Jenna Kelley

VIDEOGRAPHER

Complete Weddings + Events

BAND

Pan String Quartet

LIVE PAINTER

Laura Welch Taylor

Geauxgarcia Photography

King + Tupper

September 17, 2022

CEREMONY

The Chapel at First Baptist Church, Covington

RECEPTION

Maison Lafitte, Mandeville

COORDINATOR

Cheryl Palmer Designs

CAKE

Creme Confectionery

FLORIST

The Floral Cottage Florist

INVITATIONS

Paperwhite Stationery Boutique

BRIDAL GOWN

Custom Anne Barge, I Do Bridal Couture

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Azazie

RINGS

Jared/Kay Jewelers

HAIR

Lacoste Hair Designs

MAKEUP

Marissa Mizell

VIDEOGRAPHER

Heartbeat Films

COURTNEY KING AND AUSTIN TUPPER

Emily Songer Photography

Kretzsinger + Snowden

E.

COURTNEY

KRETZSINGER AND CAMERON SNOWDEN

November 18, 2022

Cole Hofstra Photography

DONNESHA CLAYTON AND

CEREMONY

Tunnel Mountain Meadow, Banff, Canada

RECEPTION & CATERER

Fairmont Banff Springs

COORDINATOR

Something New Banff

CAKE

Kake Canmore

BRIDAL GOWN

Eva Lendel, Town & Country Bridal

GROOM’S TUXEDO

Brown & Brown Custom Clothiers

HAIR & MAKEUP

Niky’s Beauty

VIDEOGRAPHER

Cinema Captures

ENTERTAINMENT

Deborah Nyack, The Harp Angel

HONEYMOON

Paris, France

Mangelli + Miller

MARGARET MANGELLI AND MATTHEW MILLER

December 30, 2022

CEREMONY

St. Joseph Cathedral

RECEPTION

Burden Museum & Gardens

COORDINATOR

Kat & Company Event Design

CATERER & CAKE

Bacon & Fig Events

FLORIST

Forage Floral Design

BRIDAL GOWN

Monqiue Lhuillier, I Do Bridal Couture

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids

HAIR

EGGIE Salon Studio

MAKEUP

Paige Jeansonne Makeup

BAND

Stormy Band

RENTALS

Box K Events/Truly Haute Candles/AFX Pro/ Distinct Limousine

Natalie S. Miller Photography

New + Wilson

STELLA NEW AND JOSEPH WILSON

November 19, 2022

Photos by Hoppe Images

DONNESHA CLAYTON AND November 12, Marquez Fotos

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Houmas House Estate and Gardens

COORDINATOR

Janine Thibodaux

CATERER

Houmas House Estate and Gardens

CAKE

Les Amis Bake Shoppe

FLORIST

Billy Heroman’s Flowers & Gifts

INVITATIONS

Minted

BRIDAL GOWN

Bridal Boutique

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Azazie

RINGS

Custom from Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

HAIR & MAKEUP

Kiss & Makeup

DJ Geaux DJ

HONEYMOON

France

Rousseau + Brandon

JULIE ANNE ROUSSEAU AND BAILEY BRANDON

October 29, 2022

CEREMONY

St. Joseph’s Academy Chapel

RECEPTION

Home of the bride

COORDINATOR

Lauren Beth Landry

CATERER

Gilded Artichoke

CAKE

Nannette Mayhall

FLORIST

Forage Floral Design

INVITATIONS

Paper N Things

HAIR

Shannon Ainsworth

MAKEUP

Whitney McMorris

RENTALS

Truly Haute Candles/Doug Olinde Event Rentals

FACE PAINTER

Georgia Byers

Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography

Taj + Rawson

BROGAN TAJ AND CHASE RAWSON

March 4, 2023

The Crawfords Photography

CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Capitol Park Museum

COORDINATOR

Ashleigh Elizabeth Weddings and Events

CATERER & CAKE

Bacon & Fig Events

FLORIST

Hummingbird Floral Studio

BRIDAL GOWN

Justin Alexander, Bustle Bridal Gowns & Accessories

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Reformation

HAIR

Flawless Bride

MAKEUP

Paige Jeansonne Makeup

BAND

The Boogie Men

RENTALS

Truly Haute Candles/Doug Olinde Event Rentals/ Alpha-Lit Baton Rouge

Shelby Allain + Trystin Beier

Congratulations to Shelby Allain and Trystin Beier on their engagement at the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco, Texas. Shelby is the daughter of Brandy and Ashley Allain, and Trystin is the son of Kurt and Meg Beier. The couple both graduated from Live Oak High School. Shelby is a lab manager at Ashley’s Optical and Trystin is in the Air Force in communications. The big day is Ocotber 7, 2023, at Forest Grove Plantation. United We Jam is already booked to play the reception. We can’t wait to raise the roof celebrating them tying the knot!

Madeline Elyse Gwinn + Logan Joseph Breaux

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lee Gwinn II of Alexandria are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Madeline Elyse Gwinn to Logan Joseph Breaux, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Breaux of New Orleans, and Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hagood of Parrish, Florida.

Madeline graduated from Louisiana State University, where she earned a degree in public relations and was an intern for inRegister magazine. Currently, she is working as a political fundraising consultant living in Austin, Texas. Logan is also a graduate of Louisiana State University. He earned a degree in human movement sciences. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in Austin.

The couple became engaged this past Christmas at Madeline’s family home, where they celebrated all evening with family and friends. They are set to be married on April 27, 2024, in New Orleans.

Mattie Kleinpeter + Miles Bowers

It is with great joy that Leon and Donna Kleinpeter announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter Mattie Kleinpeter to Miles Bowers.

Mattie was born and raised in Baton Rouge and attended St. Joseph’s Academy. She earned her undergraduate degree from American University and her master’s degree in cybersecurity risk management from Georgetown University. Mattie is now a second-year student at Tulane Law School.

Miles was born and raised in Pasadena, Maryland. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and his Master of Health Administration from the University of Florida. Miles served in the Navy as a Medical Service Corps Officer for eight years before attending medical school. Miles is a fourth-year student at Tulane Medical School and will complete his residency in diagnostic radiology at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

The couple will wed on May 26, 2023, in New Orleans.

Allyce Elizabeth Trapp + Wilson Henry Alexander

Mr. and Mrs. Heinke Trapp of Houma are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Allyce Elizabeth Trapp to Wilson Henry Alexander, son of Mr. and Mrs. Doug Alexander of Atlanta.

Allyce moved to Baton Rouge in 2012 to study at Louisiana State University, where she completed a bachelor’s in Mass Communication in 2016 and a Master’s in Mass Communication in 2020. She is now the Government Affairs Advisor at Adams and Reese LLP in Baton Rouge. Wilson completed a bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Georgia in 2018. After a brief stint in Jackson, Mississippi, he moved to Baton Rouge in 2019 to cover LSU baseball and football for The Advocate. He is now the paper’s lead LSU football reporter.

The couple met in January 2020 through mutual friends at Radio Bar and began dating two months later. On December 9, 2022, Wilson proposed to Allyce at one of their favorite venues, The St. Francisville Inn. They plan to marry October 28, 2023, in New Orleans.

WEDDING SERVICES GUIDE

VENUE

OLD-WORLD CHARM

Ruffino’s De La Ronde Hall is a full-service event and catering facility located in downtown Baton Rouge. De La Ronde Hall can accommodate up to 500 guests, which is ideal for wedding receptions, corporate dinners and seasonal events. Built at the turn of the century, De La Ronde Hall features newly renovated ballrooms possessing both warm ambiance and Old World charm. Our experienced event planners will work closely with you, coordinating every detail.

THE DETAILS

• Capacity: 350 guests in cocktail or reception setting

• 200 guests seated indoors

• 2 grand ballrooms

• Tableware, glassware, and linens provided ETC.

Ruffino’s Catering at De La Ronde Hall has been voted

Best Caterer by Southern Celebrations Magazine

Chef-driven menus deliver the perfect balance of savory culinary trends and familiar favorites. Known for impeccable service, food, and ambiance, it’s the perfect setting for your special day or event.

Scan

LIVE BAND

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

After 8 has enjoyed the last two decades creating memories for newlyweds, corporate parties, festivals, & social events of all kinds. We offer a full band (incredible singers, blazing horns, and a deep-grooving rhythm section) and the Careless Whisper trio for more intimate settings. We create the perfect soundtrack for your memorable event.

THE DETAILS

• Curated playlist

• Scalable band size

• Professional lighting, sound, video

• Event emcee

• Non-stop party

• Ceremony musicians

ETC.

After 8 has performed nationally and internationally for the past two decades, and has received numerous awards from event and wedding services. The band has performed with/for many national artists and public figures.

VENUE

THE PERFECT PLACE

The Gilmour is a perfect venue to host your upcoming special events. Situated in the heart of Baton Rouge, this beautiful home is tucked away behind the gate of 7307 Old Goodwood. We accommodate weddings, showers, engagement parties, birthdays, corporate events, and much more. The Gilmour is the perfect spot for your next photography session. Bridal portraits, engagements, maternity, and family photos are captured at the Gilmour house and grounds amidst the Live Oak flora.

THE DETAILS

• The Great Lawn (large, turfed outdoor space)

• Fully furnished interior

• Event planning services

• Framed TVs to display photos and video

• Indoor and outdoor Sonos sound system

ETC.

The Gilmour boasts a practical, convenient, and safe location for gatherings, close to the interstate and Towne Center. Parking is available behind our private gate.

Renee

Lorio Photography

Renee Lorio Photography

Cailtin

B Photo

Catherine Lafargue Photography

VENUE & CATERING

MEXICAN CUISINE, LOUISIANA FLAIR

Owned by a third-generation restaurateur, Mestizo Restaurant showcases the incredible cuisine of Mexico with Louisiana flair. There is a full-service bar and a beautiful private room that seats 50 or can host a cocktail party for 75. Join us for a one-of-a-kind experience!

THE DETAILS

• Full-service catering available

• Private room with bar

• Unique keto & low-calorie options

ETC.

Mestizo is preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary serving the Baton Rouge community.

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY

STUNNING RESULTS

Based in Denham Springs, Hoppe Images captures the love stories of women and their fiancés. We are most recognized for our cozy, transparent, and fun delivery of wedding photography, videography, and photo booth services. You don’t have to be a professional model to have stunning photos or videos … just give puppy dog eyes to the love of your life and we’ll do the rest.

THE DETAILS

• Women’s online community

• Boudoir

• Branding

ETC.

Hoppe Images is on a mission to empower women by capturing their authentically beautiful journeys through community, photography, and videography services.

DÉCOR

CELEBRATING LIFE’S BEST MOMENTS

Add fun and elegance to your special celebrations with Animated Art Balloon Décor. We specialize in creating captivating photo ops to remember your special occasion for years to come. Our designs are sure to impress your guests for bridal or wedding showers, receptions, and cake-cutting photo backdrops. We also help you decorate marriage proposals and engagement parties. Custom Designs - Balloon décor is a trendy, elegant way to decorate for your celebration in the form of entrance arches, garlands, centerpieces, photo backdrops and custom creations. Balloons come in a variety of colors and shapes, so you can customize your décor to match your shower or wedding atmosphere.

THE DETAILS

• We arrive at your event with your décor fully built, ready to impress your guests.

• Top-notch customer service! From design and planning to delivery and installation, our team of professional decorators make this a worry-free experience.

• We are Baton Rouge venues’ most recommended balloon décor vendor. We have great relationships with most venues due to our excellent communication and dependability.

GOWNS PROVIDED BY ASHLEY RENEE BRIDAL LIGHTED MARQUEE LETTERS PROVIDED BY OH HEYY CREATIONS

VENUE

RICH WITH HISTORY & CULTURE

Capitol Park Museum proudly stands in the shadows of the art-deco style of the State Capitol, a nationally registered historic landmark. The museum, complete with modern use of glass, marble, and metal, has hosted successful and memorable private events for the past 14 years. Let our experienced staff help you make your event truly special.

THE DETAILS

• Indoor & outdoor areas available

• Stunning view of the State Capitol

• Suitable for 20 guests … or 500!

• Explore exhibits celebrating Louisiana history & culture ETC.

From Louis Armstrong to Huey P. Long, from Mardi Gras to fais-do-do, and from the commerce of the Mississippi River to the life-sustaining bounty of the Gulf of Mexico, the Capitol Park Museum provides a panoramic exploration of the most vibrant state in America.

VENUE

LAKESIDE VIEWS

The Lod Cook Alumni Center and The Cook Hotel at LSU are the perfect venues to host your wedding. With over 5,000 square feet of ballroom and an expansive lobby, The Cook can accommodate celebrations large and small. Host out-of-town guests in its on-site hotel with beautiful one and two-bedroom full suites. In fact, all couples receive a complimentary luxury suite on their wedding night. The Wedding Coordinator services are included along with customized menus and specialty drinks available through the in-house caterer. The indoor space has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling arched windows and overflows to the outdoor patio overlooking University Lake. Their team meticulously realizes every detail so you can revel in the moment of your big day.

THE DETAILS

Perfect for your reception, ceremony, showers, rehearsal dinners, corporate events or holiday parties

• Indoor and outdoor seating available

• Room for live band or DJ

• In-house catering available

• Bar service provided

• Linens and tableware provided

SUNNY Days Ahead

SOAK UP THESE SPECIAL MOMENTS AT EXOTIC DESTINATIONS

BY SALLY GRACE CAGLE

SAINT TROPEZ

The French Riviera is much more than just a beach destination. It’s known for active days and even more active nights. This picturesque old town has some of the best traditions of Provence. Honeymooners can stay busy visiting medieval hilltop towns with ruins, lavender and sunflower fields, a breathtaking coastline (and beach clubs), and incredible cities. There's also hiking, vineyard tours and tastings, kayaking in Les Gorges du Verdon, and enjoying the restaurant scene. To book, contact Kristin Diehl, travel advisor and affiliate of SmartFlyer, at kristin.diehl@smartflyer.com

Budget

HOTEL LOU PINET SAINT-TROPEZ

$700 average nightly rate per couple

• Intimate 34-room resort with a boutique, bohemian chic vibe

• Live like a local in this residentially based area, only seven minutes to town and beaches

• Includes breakfast, Beefbar dinner experience (excluding beverages), bottle of Champagne and snacks, and bouquet of flowers

Luxury

CHEVAL BLANC ST-TROPEZ

$2,000 average nightly rate per couple

• Très chic hotspot offering 30 rooms with terraces overlooking the bay

• Enjoy strolling into town (or take a ride in the resort’s Bentley) for late mornings and Michelin-starred dining for starting late nights

• Includes breakfast, hotel credit, priority upgrade status and welcome amenities

Cheval Blanc St-Tropez

Budget  RANCHO PESCADERO

$596 starting nightly rate per couple

• New adults-only resort situated on a 30-acre stretch of coastline an hour north of Cabo San Lucas

• Experiences range from partaking in a Mexican salsa workshop or rooftop yoga to picking your own herbs at the resort’s apothecary to use in scrubs, soaks or masks during your spa treatment

• Feast on farm-to-table fare at the resort’s three restaurants, or for a more authentic experience, choose from a wide range of culinary classes

Luxury

ONE & ONLY MANDARINA

$1,250 average nightly rate per couple

• Luxury beach resort set in one of the last tropical beachfront rainforests in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit

MEXICO

Immerse yourselves in nature at one of these secluded resorts far from the typical tourist areas (and the hustle of wedding planning). Both properties provide plenty to do, authentic food and drinks, and incredible pools and beaches, along with views of notable landforms like the Sierra de la Laguna mountains in Todos Santos or the emerald cliffsides in the beachfront rainforest of the Riviera Nayarit. For honeymooners who don’t have time to take 8 to 10 days off, Mexico is easy to get to with a lot of bang for your buck. To book, contact Tiffany Ellis, a Virtuoso travel advisor with Tiffany Ellis Travel, at tiffany@tiffanyellistravel.com.

Issue Date: Weddings Ad proof #2

• Romance package includes a treehouse or one-bedroom suite with full breakfast daily for two, one private beach dinner with a bottle of Champagne, one couples massage at the One & Only Spa, and round-trip transfers to Puerto Vallarta Airport

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

• Explore swimmable shores, miles of nature trails, the infinity pool and the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

BEST OF THE KNOT 2021, 2022 & 2023

One & Only Mandarina

COSTA RICA

Considered one of the happiest countries in the world, Costa Rica offers beautiful beaches, dense rainforests, soaring volcanoes, hot springs and more activities than you’ll have time for. This Central American destination is ideal for couples who enjoy being active, but might also like to spend a few days on the beach. It is best done as a split stay; spending four nights near Arenal Volcano and then heading to one of many beaches for three nights makes for the perfect honeymoon. To book, contact Caitlin Stolzenthaler, a travel advisor with Rove & Roam Travel, at caitlin@roveandroamtravel.com

Budget

TABACON THERMAL RESORT & SPA AND CASA CHAMELEON

$1,200 average nightly rate per couple

• Four nights in a Honeymoon Suite with Plunge Pool at Tabacon, followed by three nights in a Sunset Pool Villa at Casa Chameleon

• Tabacon features naturally flowing mineral hot springs, river pools with temperatures ranging from 72 to 105 degrees, and spa treatments in outdoor bungalows

• The adults-only Casa Chameleon, set between beach and rainforest, features villas with private saltwater plunge pools and offers activities including horseback rides across the beaches of Conchal and Brasilito

Luxury

NAYARA TENTED CAMP AND FOUR SEASONS AT PENINSULA PAPAGAYO

$2,800 average nightly rate per couple

• Four nights in a clifftop tent at Nayara Tented Camp overlooking the rainforest and Arenal Volcano, followed by three nights in a Canopy Plunge Pool Suite at the Four Seasons at Peninsula Papagayo

• At Nayara, each tent has its own mineral hot springs pool, and activities include ziplining over the rainforest, whitewater rafting on the Sarapiqui River, hiking Arenal Volcano and spotting wildlife

• The five-star Four Seasons at Peninsula Papagayo resort is set on Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast and offers opportunities to surf, kayak, snorkel and fish, or to golf on an 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course with exceptional views

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

TheRegistry

ACCOMMODATIONS & VENUES

Boudreaux’s Catering (225) 383-5886 boudreauxscateringbr.com

PAGE 140

Burden Museum & Gardens (225) 763-3990 discoverburden.com

PAGE 41

Cabin & Courtyard Events (225) 473-3007 cabinevents.com

PAGE 53

Capitol Park MuseumLouisiana State Museum (225) 342-5428 louisianastatemuseum.org/ rental-information

PAGE 137

City Club of Baton Rouge (225) 387-5767 cityclubbr.com

PAGE 36

City Pork Catering (225) 388-5900 citypork.com/ city-pork-catering-menus

PAGE 32

The Cook Hotel (225) 383-2665 thecookhotel.com

PAGE 138

The Gilmour (225) 388-5282 gilmourbr.com

PAGE 132

Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (251) 928-9201 grand1847.com

PAGE 35

Lauryn Hope (225) 431-4405 laurynsvenue.com

PAGE 44

Making Raving Fans Hospitality Group (225) 960-7453 makingravingfans.com

PAGE 4

Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine (225) 387-2699 mestizorestaurant.com

PAGE 133

Ruffino’s Catering at De La Ronde Hall (225) 892-6544 ruffinoscatering.com

PAGE 130

Superior Grill (225) 927-2022

batonrouge.superiorgrill.com

PAGE 139

Uncle Earl’s (225) 256-2531 uncleearls.com

PAGE 20

White Oak Estate & Gardens (225) 751-1882 whiteoakestateandgardens.com

PAGE 3

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES

Bella Bridesmaids (225) 246-2106 bellabridesmaids.com

PAGE 38

Bridal Boutique (225) 925-1135 bridalboutiquebr.com

PAGE 40

I Do Bridal Couture (225) 361-0377 idobridalcouture.com

PAGE 16

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry (225) 926-4644 lmfj.com

PAGE 148

NOLA Couture (504) 319-5959 nolacouture.com

PAGE 53

Pearce Bespoke Baton Rouge (205) 919-2949 pearcebespoke.com

PAGE 142

Pedram Couture (504) 920-9944 pedramcouture.com

PAGE 14-15

Sanctuary Home & Gifts (225) 757-0927 sanctuaryhomeandgifts.com

PAGE 38

BEAUTY, HEALTH & FITNESS

The Aesthetic Medicine & Anti-Aging Clinics of Louisiana (225) 753-1234 theantiagingclinics.com

PAGE 5

Baton Rouge General (225) 763-4000 brgeneral.org

PAGE 22

EGGIE Salon Studio (225) 328-4998 eggiesalonstudio.com

PAGE 46

European Wax Center (225) 800-3636 waxcenter.com

PAGE 2

Faces By Leah Microblading + Makeup (225) 218-7474 facesbyleah.com

PAGE 42

Ford Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (225) 269-2610 fordprs.com

PAGE 28

Paige Jeansonne Makeup Studio (225) 485-0328 paigejeansonne.com

PAGE 55

Pilates Plus/Tread BR (225) 573-0813 pilatesplusbr.com

PAGE 128

Salon Raybon (225) 756-1201 salonraybon.com

PAGE 37

Smooth By Sarah smoothbysarah.com

PAGE 30

Sugar & Bronze (225) 362-0404 sugarandbronze.com

PAGE 25

Williamson Cosmetic Center (225) 927-7546 williamsoncosmeticcenter.com

PAGE 52

CULINARY SERVICES/ BAKERIES

All Things Sweet By Victoria (225) 337-4442 shop.bakesy.app/b/ all-things-sweet-by-victoria

PAGE 34

The Ambrosia Bakery (225) 763-6489 ambrosiabakery.com

PAGE 43

Cabin & Courtyard Events (225) 473-3007 cabinevents.com

PAGE 53

Calandro’s Supermarket, Inc (225) 383-7815 calandros.com

PAGE 54

Catering Cajun, LLC (225) 761-8404 cateringcajun.com

PAGE 143

City Club of Baton Rouge (225) 387-5767 cityclubbr.com

PAGE 36

City Pork Catering (225) 388-5900 citypork.com/ city-pork-catering-menus

PAGE 32

The Cook Hotel (225) 383-2665 thecookhotel.com

PAGE 138

Gilded Artichoke Catering Co. (225) 306-4297 gildedartichoke.com

PAGE 56

Lauryn Hope (225) 431-4405 laurynsvenue.com

PAGE 44

Making Raving Fans Hospitality Group (225) 960-7453 makingravingfans.com

PAGE 4

Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine (225) 387-2699 mestizorestaurant.com

PAGE 133

Ruffino’s Catering at De La Ronde Hall (225) 892-6544 ruffinoscatering.com

PAGE 130

Superior Grill (225) 927-2022 batonrouge.superiorgrill.com

PAGE 139

Uncle Earl’s (225) 256-2531 uncleearls.com

PAGE 20

White Oak Estate & Gardens (225) 751-1882 whiteoakestateandgardens.com

PAGE 3

ENTERTAINMENT

After 8 (225) 571-7700 after8music.com

PAGE 131

BRW Band (504) 565-6935

PAGE 40

EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN

Animated Art Balloon Décor (225) 287-6936 animatedart.us

PAGE 136

Billy Heroman’s (225) 272-7673 billyheromans.com

PAGE 39

Cheryl Palmer Designs (225) 362-3636

PAGE 33

Gilded Artichoke Catering Co. (225) 306-4297 gildedartichoke.com

PAGE 56

Hummingbird Floral Studio (337) 540-4471 hummingbirdfloralstudio.com

PAGE 26

Let’s Make Plans (985) 264-6675 letsmakeplans.co

PAGE 48

FINE JEWELRY

KG’s Custom Jewelry (225) 927-6479 kgjewelers.com

PAGE 49

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry (225) 926-4644

lmfj.com

PAGE 148

FLORAL DESIGNS & DECORATIONS

Animated Art Balloon Décor (225) 287-6936 animatedart.us

PAGE 136

Billy Heroman’s (225) 272-7673 billyheromans.com

PAGE 39

Hummingbird Floral Studio (337) 540-4471 hummingbirdfloralstudio.com

PAGE 26

FOR THE HOME

Kyle Petersen, Realtor (225) 413-1650

PAGE 24

Sanctuary Home & Gifts (225) 757-0927 sanctuaryhomeandgifts.com

PAGE 38

GOWN PRESERVATION

Bridal Boutique (225) 925-1135 bridalboutiquebr.com

PAGE 40

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

Eye Wander Photo Inc (225) 366-4567 eyewanderphoto.com

PAGE 7

Hoppe Images (225) 395-8443 hoppeimages.com

PAGE 135

Lennon James Photography (225) 281-4164 lennonjamesphotography.com

PAGE 9

STATIONERY

Paperwhite Stationery Boutique (225) 408-7078 paperwhitebr.com

PAGE 134

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS & INFORMATION

Burden Museum & Gardens (225) 763-3990 discoverburden.com

PAGE 41

Capitol Park MuseumLouisiana State Museum (225) 342-5428

louisianastatemuseum.org/ rental-information

PAGE 137

Focus Group

From beautiful brides to the tiniest members of their entourages, inRegister has been shining a spotlight on local weddings since the magazine’s launch in 1989 (and even well before that within the pages of The Register). This June 2008 issue featured the nuptials of Katherine Mathews and Jeremy Landry— along with flower girl Martha Rhodes,

shown on the cover still in hot rollers before the ceremony.

Martha’s mom, longtime contributing inRegister photographer Jeannie Frey Rhodes, was part of a dream team of shutterbugs who captured the MathewsLandry wedding. Katherine, a photographer herself, had trained under both Jeannie and Charlotte Latham, but she hired Elizabeth Dondis to capture her big

day so that Jeannie and Charlotte could enjoy simply being guests. However, you can’t keep a photographer away from her camera for long, and both of these “guests” came to the ceremony with camera in hand, ensuring that the details of the joyous day would be well preserved.

“It was perfect,” Katherine told inRegister at the time, “picture perfect.”