inRegister Weddings June 2026

WEDDING DAY

INSPIRATION, ADVICE AND SO MUCH MORE

Better Together WEDDINGS

23 Current gown trends

25 How the 1950s changed wedding styles forever

29 A debutante dress is reimagined into a bride’s second look

31 The shades of spring inspired this engagement party

35 Blooming floral trends

37 Videography is this husband-and-wife duo’s

38

43 A flavorful family wedding celebration

51

53 Jarreau & Augustus

55 Moore & O’Krepki 63 Cagley & Graves 69 Hyman & Bein 75 Moreaux & Harvey

Matassa & Haindel

EDITORIAL

Editor: Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois

Managing Editor: Bre Pizzolato

Associate Editor: Sally Grace Cagle

Digital Content Strategist: John McElwain

Contributing Writers: Brandy Gordon, April Hamilton, Mary Ryan Kirsch, Laura Furr Mericas, Maggie Heyn Richardson, Jeff Roedel, Kamryn Tramonte

Contributing Photographers: Sean Gasser, Catherine Guidry, Jackie Haxthausen, Jordan Hefler, Kim Meadowlark, Jenn Ocken, Collin Richie

ADVERTISING

Sales Director: Sadie Fury

Sales Operations Manager: Kynley Lemoine

Senior Multimedia Marketing Consultants: Hillary Melara, Caroline Smith

Multimedia Marketing Consultants: Claire Lazaroe, Maggie Mayronne, Ciara Venable

Sales Intern: Reagan Karczewski

Digital Operations Manager: Devyn MacDonald

Content Creators: Londyn White

Digital Operations Coordinator: Addison Champagne

Data Analyst: Sydney DeVille

Content Strategist: Emily Hebert

STUDIO E

Director and Corporate

Communications Strategist: Mark Lorando

Special Projects Editor: Lisa Tramontana

Content Strategist: Emily Hebert

Multimedia Producer: Jordan Ponzio

Video Producer: Taylor Stoma

ADMINISTRATION

Chief Technology Officer: James Hume

Marketing Director: Ashleigh Ward

Business Associate: Kirsten Milano

Business & Office Assistant: Sarah Kleinpeter

Receptionist: Cathy Brown

CREATIVE SERVICES

Creative Services Manager: Ellie Gray

Art Director: Hoa Vu

Senior Graphic Designers: Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Sidney Rosso

Graphic Designers: Aniya Dunn, Lea Showers

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Circulation and Client Experience Manager: Ivana Oubre

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 & Strategy Officer: Erin Pou

Chief Operating Officer: Guy Barone

Mrs. Amanda Chalmers

April 2026 La Savoie Bride

By Nikki Bardwell Photography

Yes Man

My sister and I grew up watching episodes of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress and fashioning “wedding gowns” out of white throw blankets. Whenever I get to work on an edition of inRegister Weddings, my mind immediately flashes back to those idyllic Friday evenings when my parents would leave the house, and we would transform it into something much more magical.

Using a pair of copper coffee tables as pedestals, we would convert our living room into a makeshift bridal studio. With Randy Fenoli as our guide, we draped cotton blankets and made veils out of tissue paper. We accessorized. We modeled. And most importantly, we dreamed about the day when it was no longer a dress rehearsal; when we would walk through the doors of a real bridal salon—Kleinfeld, maybe?—and lay out our list of “must-haves” and “non-negotiables”—forget about the budget, though.

Many years later, when that day finally came for me, my priorities when it came to my wedding gown had shifted from strapless and sparkly—à la Pnina Tornai—to long-sleeved and understated. However, as a seasoned Say Yes to the Dress viewer, I knew not to be close-minded. I tried on every style and experimented with different looks. My family cried when I came out in a gown that did not check even one of my previously set-out boxes: a strapless gown fully adorned in intricate lace. Was this the one? Had I been entirely off-base?

While sleeves are quite popular now, when I was dress hunting many years ago, there was but one dress in the store with the long sleeves that I desired. “You’ll be hot,” the sales associate remarked, noting my October wedding date and beach venue. “I don’t care,” I explained. I begged to try on the singular sleeved option, and from the second I slipped it on, I knew. I know, it sounds cliché. But those girls on that television show, well, now I didn’t think they were embellishing when they bawled their eyes out as Randy added a veil.

While I didn’t cry—at least I don’t remember shedding a tear—I did feel a sudden sense of calm. Wedding planning is stressful, but not always for the reasons you might think, like budget and design decisions. A lot of the load comes from a desperate desire to please the other people in the room, whether because you want them to be happy or because you think they just know better. Of course, taking advice isn’t wrong. But my rather idealistic recommendation is to block out the noise and follow your heart.

I walked out of that store a few months later with my long-sleeve wedding dress in tow. I loved it then, and I love it now. Was I hot on my wedding day? Yes, absolutely. But do I regret my decision? No, I do not. Saying yes to the dress, or any other aspect of your wedding, is best done when it comes from a place of authenticity. Be yourself, and no decision you make will be wrong. Well, at least that’s what looks nice written on this page.

Here’s to all the yeses that guided the brides in this June Weddings issue and all the yeses that are currently being said as other local couples prepare for their own walks down the aisle. Randy, and the rest of the Say Yes to the Dress team, would be proud. I just know it.

Looking forward,

RILEY BIENVENU BOURGEOIS Editor

Playing House

It’s not just beautiful wedding details in this issue. We’re also stepping into the newlywed home of Katie and Stinson Lanoix. Turn to pg. 127 to get a glimpse of their first home together. However, if you want something more immersive, head to inRegister’s TikTok for a closer look at some more unexpected details, as my 5-year-old son takes you on a oneof-a-kind tour. You don’t want to miss it.

JORDAN HEFLER

HAPPY TO HEAL, Y’ALL

WCelebrating 10 years of Gilded Artichoke Catering Co. and 30 years of dedicated service to the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry!

ith a longtime love for entertaining and distinguished design-forward food, my team and I are grateful to have been a part of so many weddings, engagements, rehearsals, showers and private parties for the last 10 years. The culinary scene is setting new boundaries not only with food but also with presentation, and, as our region is naturally drawn to social gatherings, I am excited to creatively embrace trends while proudly honoring the standard of timeless traditions. Whether attending one of our signature events or hosting your own, you can anticipate a truly extraordinary experience. From cocktails to cuisine, we hope to celebrate each new chapter with you. Cheers and congratulations from Gilded Artichoke Catering Co.!

—Lisa Boudreaux Owner, Gilded Artichoke Catering Co.

Clear Skies I DO

A SERENE SWAMP SET THE SCENE FOR IAN POURCIAU’S PROPOSAL TO GINNY GREENE

BY BRE PIZZOLATO

TUCKED IN A quiet pocket of cypress swamp off Highway 61, the log cabin his great-grandfather built has served as a place of respite for generations of Ian Pourciau’s family. Here, in the stillness that has rooted his family to the area, Ian and Ginny Greene arrived for what seemed like a quick stop on their way to a typical day of lunch and shopping in St. Francisville.

Ian and Ginny are both Baton Rouge natives who have long known of one another through mutual friends. But it wasn’t until a few years after Ian moved away to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, that the two began their long-distance relationship.

When he came to town in November for Thanksgiving break, his invitation to spend the day eating, shopping and enjoying the scenery of St. Francisville was nothing out of the ordinary. “We just love escaping out of Baton Rouge for little day trips,” Ginny says. “We do New Year’s Eve at The Mallory every year, and it’s just been a special little getaway spot for us in our dating relationship.”

As they pulled into his family’s Thompson Creek property, under the guise of retrieving an item from the deer stand for his brother, Ian asked Ginny to walk with him.

“I said, ‘Oh, I’m good. I’ll stay in the car,’” she recalls. “I was all dressed up, and I didn’t want to get dirty before lunch.” After a bit more pleading, she agreed. Unbeknownst to her, this was their main stop of the day, and Ian’s sisters were outfitted in camouflage, with walkietalkies and cameras, hiding among the towering cypress trees, waiting to capture a life-changing moment.

When he got on one knee, the serenity of the swamp came alive with the fluttering of birds’ wings,

rustling of brush and Ginny’s excited squeals. “I was so shocked, I was screaming and squealing, and literally fell to my knees,” she recalls.

As Ian’s sisters emerged from their hiding spots, they snapped a few photos. Then, they quietly reset the scene for the two of them. His family packed up, set out a blanket and left, telling them to take some time to process everything.

Sitting together on that picnic blanket, just the two of them, is Ginny’s favorite memory of the whole day. Ian brought the scrapbooks Ginny had made for their anniversaries, and they sat, flipping through the pages and reminiscing on the memories they held. For a moment, there was no move to plan and no wedding to coordinate, only the quiet realization of the new horizon.

“It just was the most tangible moment in my life where I can truly say I did not have one distraction or distracting thought in my head, because it was just us, and we were just looking at each other and realizing that we get to spend the rest of our lives together,” Ginny says.

The couple celebrated their engagement with a party at the home of Kris Ann and Lawrence Maestri in Baton Rouge.

Dear future Mrs.,

Right now, your wedding probably exists as a collection of ideas. Saved photos, Late-night conversations, or maybe a Pinterest board you have been working on for years.

One day, it will become a room filled with everyone you love. The music will begin. The candles will glow. Time will somehow move too quickly and stand still all at once.

And in those moments, my hope is that you are fully present.

Not checking timelines.

Not worrying about details. Not wondering what comes next.

At Taylor Morris Events, we believe exceptional celebrations are built with intention, precision, and a deep understanding of what matters most to you.

So months from now, when the doors open and your vision finally comes to life, you can simply take it all in.

Until then, we’ll handle the rest.

xoxo, Taylor and her team!

Kate Bruder with Saved By Grace Photography

MODERN Romance

THE COLOR OF LOVE IS TAKING OVER WEDDINGS. INCORPORATE A LITTLE—OR A LOT—OF REDS AND PINKS, AS WELL AS CONTEMPORARY ELEMENTS, FOR AN UPDATED TAKE ON THIS CLASSIC SCHEME.

BY SALLY GRACE CAGLE

1. Jenny Bird “Art Heart” earrings, $138, Aria

2. Oval sunglasses in dark cherry, $85, NK Boutique

3. Glossier “You” Eau de Parfum collection, Prices vary, Sephora

4. Black Suede Studio “Riley” heels, $345, Aria

5. “Fiona” beaded bag, $98, Anthropologie

GARDEN Party

FOR THE BRIDE WANTING WHIMSY, VIBRANT COLORS AND BLOOMS APLENTY ARE THE KEY TO CREATING WEDDING DAY MAGIC.

BY SALLY GRACE CAGLE

1. Ginori “Martina” plate, $320 for set of two, Gourmet Girls

2. Lizzie Fortunato “Taj” earrings, $275, Aria

3. Leo Lin embellished midi dress, $1,395, Chatta Box

SWEAT BEFORE “I DO

Get wedding-ready with ToneBR’s 6-month membership for $149/month. Bring your person with you.

Gift the same $149/month rate to a family member, friend, or fiance.

Plus, enjoy one private class for you and your group. Say yes to feeling your strongest.

WHITE Wedding

CHIC MINIMALISM IS HAVING A MOMENT IN WEDDING DESIGN, AND YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH A SIMPLISTIC PALETTE.

BY SALLY GRACE CAGLE

1. Dangle earrings, $225, Edit by LBP

2. Victorian filigree chain cufflinks with diamonds, $1,500, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

3. Kallmeyer “Tilda” jacket, $998, Aria

CAMILLEDELAUNE

EVENT RENTALS AT THE NEXT LEVEL

Based in New Orleans - Ready to Serve Baton Rouge

THE DETAILS

WAIST Away

When it comes to current wedding gown trends, it’s all about waistlines. Right now, they’re dropping low, as brides opt for drop-waist styles. It’s not one-size-fits-all, though. From A-line to ballgown, designers are reimagining classic silhouettes to reflect this growing trend. “We love that there isn’t one style of drop waist,” says Ramsey Sims of I Do Bridal Couture. “There are so many different versions for every bride.” To hear from local bridal salons about this trend and the others that they’re currently obsessing over, head to inRegister.com/weddings/gown-trends-2026

Anne Barge “Loyola” gown, available at I Do Bridal Couture

Your whole bridal season, beautifully styled.

Lydia is the founder of EST.her — a personal styling brand for women of all shapes, sizes, and walks of life. She helps women feel empowered to dress their shape in their most flattering shades. This season, she’s making sure brides feel just as stunning at every event leading up to the big day as they will walking down the aisle.

Introducing: The Bridal Package

Planning a wedding comes with a million decisions, but what to wear to every event along the way shouldn’t be one of them. The Bridal package is a personalized styling experience designed to take the guesswork out of getting dressed for all special wedding occasions and beyond.

What’s Included:

Custom Color Analysis

Discover all your most flattering shades of color, your best white, & makeup shades to make you glow on wedding day

2 Hours of In-Person

Styling

Hands-on outfit creation with real-time expert feedback

The Style Workbook

Your guide to dressing your shape in your most flattering colors

Curated Shopping Plan

Personalized links to pieces that fill every wardrobe gap

15 Fully Styled Looks in Your Virtual Wardrobe

Outfits ready for every event from engagement photos to rehearsal dinner

Unlimited Access to Your Virtual Wardrobe App Mix, match, and get dressed with confidence — all in one place

Because this isn’t just about the clothes. It’s about stepping into every moment before, during, and after your wedding feeling confident, radiant, and completely yourself.

Ready to get started?

Scan to connect with Lydia.

Photo by: Elisabeth Strate

Photo by: Hope Dewald

DECADE Defining

DR. MICHAEL MAMP, LSU TEXTILE & COSTUME MUSEUM DIRECTOR AND CURATOR, SHARES HOW THE 1950S REDEFINED THE WEDDING DRESS INDUSTRY

BY SALLY GRACE CAGLE

‘The 1950s were such an iconic moment in bridal history, particularly in the United States,” Dr. Michael Mamp, Director and Curator of the LSU Textile & Costume Museum, says. This, he explains, is due in large part to wedding gown designer Helen Rose.

Rose designed some of the most iconic wedding gowns in fashion history, including Grace Kelly’s for her royal wedding to the Prince of Monaco, Prince Rainier III, in 1956, as well as Elizabeth Taylor’s costume for her starring role in the 1950 film, Father of the Bride. These memorable gowns established her as the first household name in bridal design and cemented her place in fashion history.

“This was when the bridal industry in America really began to take off, and now, more than 75 years later, it’s bigger than ever,” Mamp explains. “The bridal industry continues to reflect fashion, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.”

And while wedding dresses have always mirrored the prevalent fashion trends of each era in which they occur, the industry continues to develop additional experiences for the bride, like the ritual of going dress shopping with the bride’s mother, sisters and maid of honor, creating a memorable event that is central to the wedding planning process.

“There is a very personal, sentimental component that goes along with the wedding and that is embodied in the dress that is worn for the big day,” Mamp says. “And I think that the pageantry and glamour of a wedding have also only gotten bigger. But particularly, the dress remains at the center of the event and really sets the tone and entire aesthetic and feel for what the wedding will be like.”

From the vintage bridal market gaining major momentum to designers reflecting on wedding fashions of the past in current runway shows, the wedding dress industry continues to evolve while paying homage to the past. But the symbolism of a wedding gown and the defining choice of the dress a bride chooses lives on.

Learn more about how wedding dress details from the 1950s have become cemented in fashion on the following pages, where Mamp analyzes three gowns from the 2023 LSU Textile & Costume exhibition, “Till Trends Do us Part,” featuring local brides of the past.

Grace Kelly wore a gown designed by Helen Rose for her wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco on April 18, 1956, at St. Nicholas Cathedral.

1949

Anne Louise Monget and Lloyd Augustus Carville were married on November 11, 1949.

“This cusp style of the late 1940s and early 1950s, while still made of voluminous fabric, as was typical of fashion after World War II, has a longer, leaner overall appearance than the full-skirted looks of the 1950s,” Mamp

1952

Wynona Edison and Lewis Carroll Peters were married on June 21, 1952, at First United Methodist Church

“The bride saw a dress in Vogue that she liked and took the image to a local dressmaker, Odell Ricks, who made this gown inspired by the latest 1952 bridal fashions,” Mamp says. “The film Father of the Bride, starring a young Elizabeth Taylor, cemented the elaborate, layered and embellished wedding gown as the aspirational wedding-day dream of young women across the country. While the dress is from two years after the film, the connection in silhouette and detail is clear.”

1954

Rita Aucoin and Frederick William Grant were married on June 12, 1954, at First United Methodist Church.

“The hourglass silhouette with a small waist further emphasized by a voluminous skirt, is a quintessential component of post-war fashion influenced by Christian Dior’s ‘New Look,’” Mamp says. “The full skirts were often achieved with layer upon layer of tulle and multiple petticoats.”

to Dress IMPRESS

BY KAMRYN TRAMONTE

It was January 2023 when Laurel Whittington descended the stairs at her Le Cercle de Bacchus debutante presentation. When her gloved hand met that of Connor Pellerin, who was on hand to ensure those being presented didn’t miss a step, Laurel says it felt like fate.

While the two weren’t yet acquainted, they had mutual friends, and their paths began to cross when Laurel rushed Connor’s younger sister at Auburn University. Laurel met Connor’s parents at Alpha Delta Pi’s bid day celebration, and Laurel’s parents coincidentally met Connor at a football game. However, despite these familial meetings, the pair had not officially been introduced.

“I joined Bacchus, and I didn’t know that Connor was a part of the organization,” Laurel recalls. “But both of our parents were telling

LAUREL WHITTINGTON PELLERIN’S SECOND WEDDING DAY LOOK WAS A SWEET NOD TO THE COUPLE’S BEGINNINGS

each other that we needed to meet.”

Shortly after their mid-presentation meeting, Connor had to go to Tampa, Florida, for baseball training. He and Laurel spoke on the phone for hours on his way, and she visited him a few weeks later. The two began dating two months later and have been together ever since.

“I never really knew how to talk to guys, even though I have four brothers,” Laurel says. “But it was so easy to talk to him.”

It wasn’t long after they started dating that Laurel says she knew Connor was the one. At a wine night with her girlfriends, almost a year into dating Connor, she mentioned possibly repurposing her debutante dress for her wedding day. When the room erupted with unexpected emotion, it was a done deal.

“One of my best friends started bawling, and she is not an emotional person at all,” Laurel recalls. “And then, I started crying. After that, I always knew I was going to repurpose it.”

Working with seamstress Jessica Brown at Mandi Jackson Bridal in Atlanta, Laurel shortened the gown, an Allison Webb design that she originally sourced from I Do Bridal Couture, into a mini dress and removed some tulle to give it a more grown-up look.

“It had a bow attached to it whenever I was getting presented, but it fell off that night,” Laurel says. “We were able to make a new bow from the fabric we had cut off the dress.”

From her entrance into society to the exit from her reception and the start of her new life as Laurel Pellerin, the gown grew with her, serving as a sentimental symbol of her transition into adulthood. The satin, tulle and pearls make up so much more than a dress. They form a tangible memory that follows the path of Laurel and Connor’s love story.

“When I put [the dress] back on, I don’t know, I was just so happy,” Laurel recalls. “And then I walked out, and Connor loved it. He even remembered the dress.”

Known for our attention to detail, elevated aesthetic, and personalized experience, Luxe Magnolia brings events to life with elegance and luxury at the forefront of every design. Specializing in premium faux florals, draping, and backdrops, we create unforgettable statement pieces for your special day — where luxury meets affordability, and every backdrop is anything but ordinary.

MEAGAN BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY

TAILORED PHOTOS

LUNA MORA PHOTOGRAPHY

Budding ROMANCE

THE FLOURISHING GARDENS OF SPRING INSPIRED A LUSH AND COLORFUL ENGAGEMENT PARTY

BY RILEY BIENVENU BOURGEOIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH WARD WEDDINGS

As the last frost fades, gardens across the south, and the world, slowly fill with renewed signs of life. Fresh blooms and reinvigorated wildlife bring outdoor scenes to life and underscore the season’s symbolism, which focuses on new beginnings and renewed hope for the future. And with such themes, what could make for a better jumping-off point for the design direction of an engagement party?

When Angela DiVincenti Babin of Angela Marie Events started thinking about this gathering, celebrating the upcoming nuptials of

Makayla McManus and Caleb Day, the bright shades of spring fell to the forefront. “The bride wanted something fun and pastel,” Babin says. “So we went from there.”

With the party hosted at the home of one of the couple’s closest friends, the goal was to bring overflowing, lush gardens right to the house’s front doorstep. Originally preparing to celebrate in the backyard, plans changed due to rain in the forecast. However, sometimes it’s the secondary plans that turn out better than even Babin can imagine.

“Because plans changed, the front door arch became such a moment,” Babin says. “And at

the last-minute, we decided to add in umbrellas, which add another layer and bring the color upwards.”

Fresh flowers woven up the poles of each pastel umbrella created even more of a wow factor, while a mix of tablecloths throughout the event added another whimsical element. “We drew inspiration from the invitation when it came to the color scheme and picking linens,” Babin says. “And another fun element was the lampshades, which were a fun floral print. They looked exactly like the invitations, and when I saw them, it was one of those ‘when you know you know’ moments. We had to have them.”

Rather than lose a floral centerpiece on the tables with lamps, Babin’s team adorned each lamp with an arrangement designed to fit perfectly around each. This idea was also brought to the cake table, where Babin says she and her team utilized the last of their blooms to create an eye-catching base for the cake by Sweet Stirrings that was modeled directly after the party’s invitation.

“I’ve done several parties at this house, and it’s fun to see how we can mix it up and find new ways to create special moments each time,” Babin says. “It just keeps getting better.”

PLANNER: ANGELA MARIE EVENTS / CATERER: GILDED ARTICHOKE CATERING CO. / CAKE: SWEET STIRRINGS

FLORIST & INVITATIONS: ANGELA MARIE EVENTS

RENTALS: ELEMENT/NUAGE DESIGNS / OTHER

VENDORS: FLEUR DE FIZZ MOBILE BARTENDING

Bloom & Grow

THE BUDDING TRENDS AT THE HEART OF WEDDING FLORAL DESIGN

BY RILEY BIENVENU BOURGEOIS

Bold lines. That’s how Meredith Cooper, the creative mind behind Forage Floral Design, describes the current trends in wedding day floral design. Think structural blooms like longtime houseplant favorite, anthurium, as well as the time-tested calla lily, which is back in the spotlight. And to balance it out, flowing amaranth blooms have become a go-to for adding organic texture to bouquets and table arrangements alike.

“These flowers offer that traditional green and white look, but in an updated way,” Cooper explains. “They’re flowers that have been around, but the style has completely changed, so it’s not stuffy.”

about going classic and more about finding what you love and committing to that.

“If you think about it, we have flowers now that weren’t even around years ago,” Cooper says, noting that the only truly “timeless” route is cutting wedding day blooms from your own garden. “What I tell my brides is that it isn’t uncool to do something that is popular.”

Looking to future wedding seasons, Cooper is embracing a homegrown mindset, as she notes a growing emphasis on local and sustainably grown blooms. Time-intensive techniques like braided grass elements are also on the rise. And with floral prices ever increasing, she is also seeing a shift from flowers everywhere to big-impact arrangements on stages or bars.

Issue Date: Jan 2026 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.

For brides who want a “timeless” look, rather than leaning into current trends, Cooper says to think about what blooms speak to you rather than what will evade a timestamp. The quest for a wedding look that stands the test of time is less

“My motto is, ‘if you love it, do it,’” Cooper says. “It’s the same thing as with the style of jeans you wear. Do what makes you happy.”

• 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. 2026. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

PHOTO by @rachaelbphotographybr

Where Bridal Cake

Dreams Take Shape

Cooper incorporated a colorful array of trending anthurium, amaranth and calla lilies, as well as hydrangeas, roses and more, to create the eyecatching arrangements for Sophie Moreaux and John Harvey’s Country Club wedding.

Cigar Rollers & Factory

A Wedding Experience Worth Savoring

Custom wedding cigar bands available (groom and bride names with wedding dates; templates available)

Rollers also available for hire for corporate events, birthdays, & anniversaries. Unique offering for your special milestone. We are Baton Rouge's only current cigar factory and the first one since the 1910s (gift shop now open and tours available).

Mention this ad for 15% off. This offer expires for weddings occurring by June 30, 2027. Must place 50% deposit for date reservation and final 50% paid before appearance

Call or email for custom packages starting at $900 Wedding planners, call us for special rates!

Cinematic START

BY SALLY GRACE CAGLE

THROUGH THEIR WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY BUSINESS, CARPE AMARE, DANIEL AND COLLEEN ELLENDER CAPTURE THE PRICELESS MOMENTS THAT MAKE CELEBRATIONS SO SPECIAL

While weddings are full of love and joy, many say that the magic of the day passes in the blink of an eye.

“There is so much time, money and work put into a wedding, but when it’s over, there’s not much you take with you from that day,” says Daniel Ellender, filmmaker and founder of wedding videography business, Carpe Amare. “Which is why I think people are really starting to realize the value of a wedding video and why demand has been so rapid. It’s an investment that compounds way past the day of, and if done right, you have an heirloom to pass down for generations. That’s when it becomes priceless.”

Since starting Carpe Amare in 2019, the business has taken off, along with the wedding and video industries. With Colleen Ellender, his wife of four years, working as his second shooter, the duo brings an added layer of love, comfort and intention to each project they work on.

“Colleen makes people feel so comfortable,” Daniel says. “It’s a gift.”

At each wedding they capture, Colleen and Daniel strive to be a calming presence, documenting the day as it unfolds and giving couples the peace of mind to simply enjoy each other and those around them.

In their long-form wedding videos, an expertly edited montage of candid moments and interview-style scenes creates timeless films that feel true to the day, while also sharing more of the full love story of the bride and groom. Tailoring each video to the couple, their love and their wedding, each film reflects the unique elements that make the day special.

“To get there, we do a deep dive from the front end, creating a relationship with the couple while we learn about their vision for the wedding day,” Daniel says. One way this is done is by asking the couple

to give three words to describe their wedding, guiding the Ellenders on the feelings they are trying to evoke.

“Creating these relationships before the wedding and being an advocate for couples on the day of has given us so much purpose,” Daniel adds.

Capturing over 100 weddings so

far, the duo brings not only video expertise, but overall wedding knowledge, noting that they’re equipped to handle any stress-inducing vendor or family member.

“We know what to look out for, what to lean into, and how to build

those deep relationships so we can be someone couples trust,” Daniel says. “It’s an honor to be with someone on their wedding day, and to capture it for future generations to see.” carpeamarenow.com

THE ORIGINAL MAGNOLIA STRING QUARTET

Artistry: Acoustic classical music for weddings, parties and religious ceremonies Online: originalmagnoliaquartet.com, @origmagquartet on Instagram

Strings Attached

BY JEFFREY ROEDEL • PHOTO BY COLLIN RICHIE

IF THE HIGHS hit higher, and the details feel deeper, that’s the vulnerability and strength found in the dynamic sound of strings. Unmistakable. Powerful. Classical. They can even lift a burden or two, if the audience only lets them. Collectively, they architect the ambiance for a wedding, and the bride doesn’t walk down the aisle without them.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to create this soundtrack for people’s fairytales,” says Danis Salassi, violinist, local music teacher and member of The Original Magnolia String Quartet. “Really, is there a better job in music than that?”

Alongside Salassi, Christy Lee Gandy (violin), Lisa McGibney (viola)

and Kimberly Sands (cello) form the veteran quartet that played more than 100 events in 2025, including weddings both traditional and themed— everything from Gatsby to goth, and yes, “Paint it Black” sounds incredible riffing off their strident strings.

The foursome has built a 30-year career of mood-setting at the most important events in many Baton Rougeans’ lives, and they’ve played through it all.

Absent officiant? They extended their set until a replacement could be found—and suited up. 2016 flood, the night of a gig? Gandy, a registered nurse, was on an extra hospital shift, and Sands was evacuating her swamped home with her cello on her back, so Salassi and McGibney put

on a pot of red beans and rehearsed with two substitutes before the rain-stormed ceremony. The show must go on.

“The most rewarding thing is having children come up to us and wondering what these instruments are and wanting to touch the cello,” says Sands, who has also played with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra for three decades. “For a lot of guests at weddings, it may be their first time seeing orchestral music played live. That, and being able to use this music to express myself, makes this really important to me.”

Through pivots and trends, the quartet has built a beautiful brand and word-of-mouth clientele by communicating well with their

brides and never feeling too good to stop learning.

They mastered “Opalite” and “Pink Pony Club” last year, and their orchestrated pop hits have joined Handel and Bach classics in an evergrowing repertoire.

The close friends have lived a lot of life together, keep each other humble, and call practice “making every mistake possible.” With one shot to strike the right notes, the group takes preparation seriously. When they do that, they feel so ready that the performance itself is an ode to joy.

“It’s almost not like working, it’s so energizing,” Salassi says. “Because we are playing, but we are playing hard.”

Mountain Lily Collective is more than a business, it's a space where memories, love, and healing are preserved through art.

Every piece I create is rooted in intention— whether it's preserving a wedding bouquet or crafting jewelry with life's most sacred inclusions and holding space for what matters most.

Danis Salassi, Lisa McGibney, Kimberly Sands & Christy Lee Gandy

Shadow Boxes

Epoxy Preservation

Pressed F lowerFrames

Keepsake Jewelry

Top-Tier Tips with Les Amis Bake Shoppe

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON • PHOTO BY JENN OCKEN

Preserving the top tier of a wedding cake is an enduring ritual that dates back centuries. But there’s an art to doing it right, says Les Amis Bake Shoppe owner Stephanie Hansen, who provides her couples full instructions on how to do it. Start by placing the cake in the freezer,

unwrapped, for about an hour so that the icing hardens, then cover it in plastic wrap and freezer paper. Place the wrapped cake in a box, then wrap the box with plastic wrap and stow it in the back of the freezer. She also provides specifics on thawing. Most of Hansen’s customers embrace this tradition, but some take her up on a tempting offer. She bakes her

couples a free cake for their first anniversaries. Purists, however, swear by the freezing instructions. “They tell us it tastes just like their wedding day,” she says.

Les Amis Bake Shoppe 400 Convention St. lesamisbakeshoppe.com

Made with

LOVE

BY APRIL HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERICHO MAY FOREY

FAMILY RECIPES BRING A TASTE OF HOME TO A WEDDING CELEBRATION ACROSS THE POND

My eldest daughter, Sara, and I met her future husband at the same instant when she was moving into her college dorm on Yale’s old campus. A group of new friends was sitting in Sara’s suitemate’s room as we finished our scurrying to unpack her life to start this exciting new chapter. This meeting stretches back to a different era, which I remember with vivid detail. Back then, in 2012, when we were still deeply rooted in West Virginia, where we raised our children, Sara headed for the college-bound car and said, “I’m going to miss the cookbooks.”

In the suite, one of the friends introduced himself as Johnny, hand outstretched to shake mine. My recall includes him saying, “Johnny, Johnny from England.” This detail

continues to be debated, and he insists he “didn’t say it, wouldn’t say it, no one would say that!”

Reflecting now, it could have been my imagination. The other detail from college and the scores of friendships that Sara and Johnny shared throughout their four years on the same campus, the same residential college and co-ed fraternity, was that they never dated, yet were inseparable, talking about books and poets on every occasion. As if discussing a best friend, she always said his name in singsong.

At graduation, Sara planned to move to New York and start a career in tech. Johnny was moving back to London and became the world’s greatest math teacher. With the sun casting its silver lining rays, Johnny ran to Sara as our family huddled on a park bench and handed her a book of poems. He refers to it as his “hope move.” They didn’t see each other

for two long years.

When Sara came home for Christmas a year-plus after graduation, she tossed out that she might get transferred to England. She declared it a long shot with visa requirements, but by February, she shipped her excess to our home and boarded a direct flight to London with only her essentials. I called her on a Sunday night early in her London tenure. She didn’t pick up but called me back the next day with, “Sorry, I didn’t talk to you last night. I was having Sunday roast.” I was delighted that she was immersed in the cooking culture and asked who was over for the Sunday roast.

“Johnny. He told me he’s loved me since the day he met me.” I flashed to meeting Johnny from England in the freshman suite. About six months ago, I was biking home from work with a podcast streaming

through my AirPods and the mechanical voice interrupted: “Call from Johnny—answer?”

“April, are you still at work? I can call back at a better time.” I assured him the timing was perfect, and he poured out the most beautiful monologue. “Sara and I will be engaged tomorrow. We are getting married on March 27 at three o’clock at the town hall in Hackney. An intimate gathering with immediate family. Next summer, we’ll have a big party.” The smile consumed my face as tears of pure joy streamed down.

The newlyweds just settled into their South London flat and FaceTimed us while making their first dinner in the new place: pasta with pancetta-laced vodka sauce and a big salad. Johnny reminded us that Sara wouldn’t agree to a date if he didn’t eat vegetables, so vegetables it was and will be, happily ever after.

Gumbo (By Committee)

Sara and Johnny requested a gumbo party at his mom’s home “for whoever is around” the day after they got married. They poached chickens and made the roux ahead, stashing the components in the freezer until showtime. We made a giant pot of gumbo with many hands chopping trinity and stirring until serving time. We converted their friends from London into gumbo lovers. I promised the recipe via this story.

Recipe adapted from Kwame Onwuachi’s “Notes from a Young Black Chef”

For Roux:

½ lb. butter, melted

1 cup unbleached flour

For Gumbo:

1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs.)

1 Tbsp. coarse salt

½ an onion

4 cloves garlic, lightly smashed

2 stalks celery, roughly chopped

1 tsp. peppercorns

2 bay leaves

1 Tbsp. canola oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 stalks celery, chopped

1 small green bell pepper, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced or crushed

1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning

3 quarts chicken stock (thawed, if frozen) Roux, heated to liquid in a small saucepan

1 lb. andouille sausage, cut into half or quarter moons, depending on the size Cooked rice for serving Green onions and favorite hot sauce for serving (I brought the requested varieties of Crystal.)

First you make the roux: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together melted butter and flour in a large (12-in.) cast iron skillet. Place skillet in the oven and bake, stirring every half hour, until dark golden brown, about two to three hours total. When cool, roux can be scraped into a heatproof glass container with airtight lid and frozen up to three months.

While roux is baking, poach the chicken and make stock. Place chicken in a large stockpot and cover with a gallon of water. Add salt, half onion, smashed garlic, roughly chopped celery, peppercorns and bay leaves. Bring just to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cook at a simmer until chicken is cooked, about 45 minutes to an hour. Remove chicken from pot with tongs and let cool in a large shallow dish.

three months. Let stock simmer for an hour or up to four hours, depending on your schedule. A longer simmer makes a richer stock. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and let cool for an hour at room temperature before chilling until cold in the refrigerator, then freeze for up to three months.

Wedding Shortbread

My sister Lisa has a tradition of making these cookies for every special occasion, a classic recipe that hails from Scotland. Her collection of cookie stamps is vast, and she chose S, J, heart and bicycle for this occasion. She wrapped them in pairs and packaged them in cellophane bags with personalized stickers. I happily hauled them in my checked luggage to distribute to the wedding family.

4 cups unbleached flour

1 cup rice flour

1 cup superfine sugar, plus extra for dipping

½ tsp. coarse sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling

1 lb. cold unsalted butter, cut into thin slices

Combine flour, rice flour, superfine sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl (preferably for an electric stand mixer) and toss in butter slices. Mix on low until a dough forms, scraping bowl as needed.

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Shape dough into balls the size of walnuts and dip in sugar. Place balls about 1 in. apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Press each sugared dough ball with a cookie stamp.

Make the gumbo: Heat oil in a 2-gallon stock pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped bell pepper and minced garlic. Stir occasionally and cook until vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Add Cajun seasoning and stir for a minute or so to season vegetables. Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and whisk in roux. Continue whisking until thickened. Add chicken and sausage and simmer for about a half hour, stirring occasionally. Season as you like. Serve big ladlefuls over a scoop of rice, and sprinkle with green onions.

Issue Date: JUNE 2026 Ad proof #5

Makes 8-12 servings.

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

When cool enough to handle, remove chicken meat from bones and shred. Add the bones back to the stockpot. Freeze chicken in freezer bags for up to

• 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 check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Melara Enterprises, LLC. 2026. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

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Bake each sheet until cookies are light golden, about 18-20 minutes, rotating sheets after 10 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough. Cool cookies on a rack before packaging.

Store in airtight containers up to one month.

Makes about 5 dozen.

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Food PARTY

A CROWD-PLEASING BRIDAL SHOWER MENU

BY BRANDY GORDON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLLIN RICHIE

Abridal shower is one of the few events that calls for foods that are just as thoughtful as the celebration itself. I love it when the menu items are soft, pretty and a little indulgent. They should be easy to enjoy between laughter, games and Champagne toasts. This menu is built around crowd-pleasing favorites with an elevated, feminine touch that is perfect for honoring the bride without keeping the host stuck in the kitchen.

First up for the main spread are chicken salad croissant sandwiches. Buttery, flaky croissants filled with chilled, creamy chicken salad are the definition of effortless. This is the kind of dish that feels light enough for a daytime gathering but still satisfying. I used tender shredded chicken, tossed with a blend of mayo, mustard, finely diced celery and onions for crunch and a hint of sweetness from the relish. You can also serve the chicken salad on mini croissants for a dainty, tea-party feel, or on full-sized croissants if you’re feeding

a hungrier crowd. Add lettuce for a fresh bite, and you’ve got a bridal shower staple that never misses.

Next, every memorable shower needs the one dish people keep going back for. Tender meatballs coated in a glossy, sweet and savory honey garlic sauce bring balance to the lighter elements of the menu. Keep them warm in a slow cooker so guests can grab and go throughout the event.

To complete the menu, you need a signature drink that feels like a celebration in a glass. This sparkling pink lemonade punch is light, bubbly and pretty enough to double as décor. I started with a base of pink lemonade, then added ginger ale or Sprite for extra sweetness, along with pineapple juice. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries and lemons, will enhance the flavor and create a beautiful presentation.

The goal is to create a shower where the bride feels celebrated, the guests feel cared for and the entire experience from the first bite to the final toast feels like love.

Southern-Style Chicken Salad

4 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded

4 boiled eggs, diced

¾ cup mayo

1⁄3 cup sandwich spread

4 Tbsp. mustard

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

½ cup white onions, finely chopped

½ cup sweet pickle relish

Garlic powder, to taste

Onion powder, to taste

Creole seasoning, to taste

Complete seasoning, to taste

Dash of smoked paprika

Mini croissants

Optional: Add a piece of romaine lettuce to each croissant.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Give it a taste, and adjust as necessary.

Tip: Chicken salad is very much a “to taste” dish. If it doesn’t taste quite sweet enough, add more sweet relish. If it’s missing a slight spice, add more mustard.

Store chicken salad in the refrigerator until you are ready to prepare sandwiches.

Sparkling Pink Lemonade Punch

1 (12-oz.) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed

1 (48-oz.) can pineapple juice

2 cups white cranberry-strawberry juice

1 (2-L) bottle ginger ale or Sprite

In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine all ingredients except ginger ale or Sprite.

Allow punch to chill, covered in refrigerator for 1 to 24 hours.

Remove punch from refrigerator, add ginger ale or Sprite right before serving punch.

Tip: Garnish with sliced strawberries and lemons

Honey-Garlic Meatballs

2 lb. lean ground beef

1 cup breadcrumbs

Garlic powder, to taste

Onion powder, to taste

Complete seasoning, to taste

Creole seasoning, to taste

¾ cup milk

½ cup onion, chopped finely

2 eggs

2 tsp. salt

10 cloves garlic, minced

¾ cup ketchup

½ cup honey

¼ cup soy sauce

Parsley for garnish

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, eggs and dry seasonings

Shape into approximately 1-in. meatballs.

Place balls in a single layer on baking dish or cookie sheet. (I like to line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.)

Bake for 15-20 minutes. Use a paper towel to soak up excess grease, then set meatballs aside.

In a saucepan, on medium heat, melt butter.

Add garlic and sauté until tender.

Stir in ketchup, honey and soy sauce.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add meatballs to honey-garlic sauce and return to a boil.

Simmer uncovered, about 8-10 minutes, until sauce glazes meatballs.

Garnish with parsley.

Tip: Meatballs can also be prepared in a Crock-Pot. After step 9, add sauce and meatballs to a Crock-Pot. Mix well and put the Crock-Pot on a warm or low temperature setting.

A YEAR OF LEARNING STARTS NOW: OLLI at

LSU brings learning to life for adults 50+

Who says learning has an expiration date?

At OLLI at LSU, curiosity is just getting started. Designed for adults 50 and over, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at LSU offers a refreshing take on education – one where there are no tests, no grades and absolutely no pressure. Instead, it’s all about discovery, connection and the joy of learning something new simply because it’s interesting.

OLLI at LSU has become a vibrant hub for lifelong learners across Louisiana, bringing together people who are eager to stay mentally active, socially engaged and connected to their community. Whether someone is diving into a new passion or revisiting an old one, OLLI creates the perfect environment to explore, share, and grow.

With classes offered through OLLI’s four chapters – Crescent City (New Orleans & Metairie), Camellia City (Covington & Slidell), Felicianas (St. Francisville & New Roads) and Lagniappe (Baton Rouge) – members can learn close to home while still being part of the broader OLLI at LSU community.

One of the program’s biggest draws is its wide range of course offerings. Members can explore topics spanning history, art, culture, literature, wellness and technology, along with locally focused subjects and special interest classes that reflect the unique character of the region. From book discussions and painting workshops to lectures on current events or hands-on tech tutorials, there’s something for every interest.

Flexibility is another hallmark of the OLLI experience. Participants can choose classes that fit their schedules and preferences, with options offered in person, via Zoom or in hybrid formats. Whether someone prefers the energy of a classroom setting or the convenience of learning from home, OLLI makes it easy to stay involved.

The biggest opportunity to get involved is right around the corner with OLLI’s annual membership registration. Opening June 8, the $50 annual membership provides access to a full year of programming from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. It’s an affordable way to unlock a year filled with engaging classes, meaningful experiences and new friendships.

Beyond the classes themselves, what sets OLLI apart is its sense of community. It’s a place where people come not just to learn, but to connect. OLLI at LSU also welcomes those who want to share their expertise. Community members interested in becoming instructors can find opportunities to lead courses and contribute their knowledge.

For adults 50 and older who are looking to stay curious, connect with others and continue learning, OLLI at LSU offers the perfect opportunity. To explore membership options or learn more about upcoming classes, visit ce.lsu.edu/olli

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A GLOW WORTHY OF The Moment

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BY BRE PIZZOLATO

A THING

PAST INREGISTER BRIDES SHARE DETAILS THAT DATE THEIR WEDDINGS—AND WHY THEY WOULDN’T CHANGE

There is one word wedding planners hear more often than most: timeless.

Trends or of-themoment flair are sometimes turned down in pursuit of décor, dress and design that will endure the test of time. Yet, the

details that anchor a wedding to its era often become the ones couples cherish most.

We asked past inRegister brides to share details that date their weddings in the most endearing way. Their insights prove that trends are not only impossible to avoid but often serve as precious timestamps.

“One detail that instantly timestamps my wedding to the early 2000s is the strapless, straight-across bodice of my gown, adorned with ornate silver beadwork and floral appliqués—a look that was everywhere in 2004. I loved how the intricate embellishments added a touch of antique glamour, and even now, I still think the combination of shimmer and classic silhouette is truly timeless—I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Robin

O’Rourke Gilley, January 2005 issue

“Looking back, the mermaid gown silhouette, all the bling, and the huge, oversized florals were definitely a reflection of the 2015 wedding era. At the time, I loved how glamorous, romantic and over-the-top-elegant everything felt—it truly felt like the wedding style of the moment. Looking back now, while trends have evolved into a more understated aesthetic, I still love that our wedding fully embraced the style of the time and captured such a fun, beautiful season of our lives. Honestly, my personal style has always leaned more over-the-top and glamorous anyway, so to me, those details will always feel timeless.”

Kiara Muse Whitfield, June 2016 issue

“One small detail that we did was add a dog in our wedding cake to symbolize our real-life dog, Suki, who is now 17 years old, and we had cutouts of her head that were passed out during the reception. I think many couples are incorporating their pets in their wedding. It meant a lot to us to have her represented throughout our wedding since she could not be present during all the festivities, and looking back, it just brings a smile to my face.”

Nikki Vu Gallman, January 2025 issue

JAMES WILLIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Forever Always &

After growing up on the 18th hole of the Country Club of Louisiana golf course, Ainsley Jarreau got her chance to transform the clubhouse into her own fairytale when she tied the knot with Jase Augustus on January 3, 2026. “My favorite memory of my wedding was standing in front of all of my loved ones and Christ, officially becoming one with my husband,” Ainsley says. “From the vows to the kiss, it was the most beautiful and sacred time of my life.” Central to the celebration, planned by Nancy Fossier of Events & Design by Nancy, were Ainsley’s favorite flower, calla lilies, which offered the perfect symbolic detail, with the blooms representing rebirth. “The most important thing throughout the entire process was to keep everything authentic to Jase and Ainsley,” Fossier says. For a full look at the Augustus wedding, visit inRegister.com/weddings/jase-ainsley-augustus-wedding.

Island Love

THE ANGUILLA WEDDING WEEKEND OF EMILY MOORE AND RYAN O’KREPKI PUT PARADISE AT THE CENTER OF THE CELEBRATION

BY SALLY GRACE CAGLE • PHOTOGRAPHY BY

KATHERINE & TYLER PHOTOGRAPHY

f all the beautiful memories from her Anguilla wedding weekend, bride Emily Moore says the most special moment took place during the ceremony.

After a 45-minute rain delay, Emily finally made her stride down the aisle to her fiancé, Ryan O’Krepki. And, instead of the traditional, “Here Comes the Bride,” Moore had previously chosen The Beatles’ 1959 hit, “Here Comes the Sun.”

“It was like we manifested it,” Emily says with a laugh. “As soon as I reached the altar, the first glimmer of sunlight came out right over our heads, and it was honestly perfect—plus the rain cleared up for the rest of the night!”

After a tense morning filled with rainclouds and dread over having multiple outdoor venues for the evening, this ray of sunlight was the light at the end of the wedding tunnel and the start of an eventful night.

A seated dinner, beachside reception and after party followed the sunlit ceremony, serving as a big finale to the long weekend. In the days prior, a welcome party, rehearsal dinner and lots of latenight dancing provided memorable experiences for guests without overburdening their schedules, so they could enjoy paradise at their own leisure.

Each event was planned down to the smallest details by Emily and her mother, Brandi Moore.

“We had help from the resort, Malliouhana, but we didn’t have a traditional wedding planner,” Emily explains. “My mom has a great eye for design, so she was really able to guide me in that direction.”

For the bride, the planning process was stress-free, something she believes was due to her distance from the wedding location. “I knew that no matter what, it would be beautiful, because we would be in the most beautiful place,” she says.

Not only because of the natural beauty of their surroundings, like the crystal blue water and rocky cliffside coasts, but also because of the elevated design elements of the Malliouhana, which they used to their full advantage when planning.

From a pink and yellow pool party, playing off the yellow sunbathing chairs at the resort, to the chic, elevated rehearsal dinner reflecting the contemporary design of the beachfront restaurant where it was held, everything drew inspiration from the surroundings.

Looking back, Emily says that the destination wedding aspect, and specifically Anguilla, is what truly made the weekend so special.

“It really was the best trip of our lives,” she says. “The memories of having everyone we love all together in one of our favorite places in the world, having the best time eating, drinking and celebrating, are just so amazing.”

Read more about all of the festivities from the fun-filled wedding weekend on the following pages.

Bachelorette Day

Instead of asking her bridesmaids to go on a separate bachelorette trip, Emily had them all fly to Anguilla two days before the festivities began. The first item on the itinerary was a boat cruise through the islands surrounding Anguilla, stopping at different resorts for lunch and drinks, while the two captains prepared specialty cocktails and food when on the move. After, the group of girls went back and got dressed for dinner at the Four Seasons’ Sunset Lounge.

Bridal Luncheon

A bright poolside luncheon allowed the bridal party to relax and take advantage of the beauti ful resort, while the party décor took inspiration from the resort’s design elements. “A big theme of the weekend was keeping things casual, but still elevated,” Emily explains. So for the bridal luncheon, relaxing in and by the pool and serve-yourself lunch was the winning combination. Pulling yellow from the chairs and umbrellas, pops of pink were sprinkled about since it was a day for the girls.

Welcome Party

The first experience for all of the wedding guests was an elevated yet relaxed party on the beach, drinking cocktails out of coconuts and getting acquainted with their home for the weekend. “This was my first time seeing everyone since they had gotten in, which was so exciting,” Emily says. “Getting to talk to everyone throughout the weekend takes so much pressure off of the other events.” Guests grabbed goodie bags filled with mementos to remember the weekend, like printed scarves, shell hair clips, boxes of large matches and the essential hangover precautions.

Rehearsal Dinner

Emily describes the rehearsal dinner as chic, classy and clean, with the seated dinner reflecting the modern surroundings of the Savi Beach Club, offering an elevated evening for guests while playing off the organic design elements. With the previous evening having a more relaxed vibe, Emily was excited to take it up a notch for the rehearsal dinner. “I think people appreciated the elevated experience of this night,” she says. After dinner, the rest of the guests joined the wedding party for dancing, drinks and small bites.

Wedding Day

Wanting a wedding dress that would properly reflect their location, Emily tapped Nardos Designs to create a custom bridal look for her big day. For the final seated dinner of the weekend, guests were served steak and lobster. “We didn’t have a black-tie wedding, but we wanted to make sure to give our guests a black-tie experience since they were traveling all this way,” Emily says.

Preventive screenings:

What men and women should be asking about at their annual checkup

Annual physicals are about far more than simply “getting blood work.” They are an opportunity to focus on prevention: catching health concerns early, reviewing medications, updating vaccines, discussing family history and making sure patients stay current on recommended screenings for cancer, heart health and other chronic conditions.

Dr. Gunjan Raina says routine lab work is tailored to each patient’s age, medical history and risk factors. Depending on the individual, that may include cholesterol and blood sugar testing, kidney and liver function panels, thyroid testing, vitamin levels or other specialized labs. Screening recommendations can also vary based on family history, weight, menopause, medications and chronic disease. Although preventive care is never one-size-fits-all, Dr. Raina says there are several key screenings men and women should be discussing at different stages of life.

Women’s preventive screenings

PAP SMEAR/CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING

Women ages 21–29 should have a Pap smear every 3 years. Women ages 30–65 may choose a Pap every three years, high-risk HPV testing every five years, or co-testing every five years.

MAMMOGRAM

Women ages 40–74 should have screening mammograms every two years, although some may benefit from annual screenings depending on family history, breast density or provider recommendation due to other risk factors.

BONE DENSITY SCAN

Women 50 and older should receive a DEXA bone density scan. Postmenopausal women younger than 50 should be screened earlier if they have additional risk factors such as low body weight, smoking, steroid use, prior fracture or family history.

Men’s preventive screenings

PSA/PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING

Men ages 55–69 should discuss the risks and benefits of PSA screening with their doctor. Men with strong family history or higher-risk backgrounds may need earlier conversations.

Screenings for both men & women

COLON CANCER SCREENING

Adults should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and continue through age 75. Options include colonoscopy, stool-based tests or other approved screening methods. From ages 76–85, screening is individualized based on health and prior screening history.

SKIN CANCER SCREENING

Patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, tanning bed use, significant sun exposure, or changing moles should have regular skin checks. Any mole that changes, bleeds, itches or grows should be evaluated.

HEART HEALTH

Blood pressure and cholesterol should be checked regularly, and adults with cardiovascular risk factors may need additional preventative discussion with their provider.

Bottom Line

Preventive care is not onesize-fits-all. Annual checkups give patients the opportunity to ask important questions, stay current on recommended screenings and better understand their individual health risks.

Dr. Raina encourages patients to use their yearly visit to review whether they are up to date on blood work, vaccines, cancer screenings, bone density testing, skin checks and other preventive care measures appropriate for their age and medical history.

“The goal of primary care is not just to treat disease,” she says. “It’s to identify risk early and help patients stay healthy longer.”

Dr. GunjanRaina

TraditionFamily

Nearly a decade after The White Magnolia hosted its first wedding, Karrigan Cagley followed in her sister’s footsteps, tying the knot on the property in an unconventional weekday ceremony

BY RILEY BIENVENU BOURGEOIS • PHOTOGRAPHY

BY BROOKE BOYD PHOTO + FILM

ednesday is an unlikely day for the pews to be packed in the chapel at The White Magnolia. Typically, the grounds of the Kentwood venue see the most traffic on weekends or even Friday evenings. But this was different, and not just because the event was for the venue owners’ youngest daughter and sister.

On a crisp weekday in November, guests from across the country found their seats amid a backdrop of overflowing baskets of hydrangeas and the soft setting sun to watch as Karrigan Cagley and Bryce Graves said, “I do.”

The reason for the mid-week fête can be found at the rodeo. Karrigan and Bryce live and breathe rodeo, and have since they were young. They originally booked their wedding date at Karrigan’s family’s venue on a weekend they had nothing by way of horse wrangling on their schedule. However, when an event came up, they knew plans had to change. With the majority of their guests being friends from the rodeo circuit, the move to a weekday proved to be ideal for everyone, as it was a logical

stop between the previous weekend’s event in Waco and the following weekend’s in Miami.

“All the rodeo people treated it like a layover,” Karrigan’s sister Callie Richardson notes. “I think we invited close to 600 guests, and there was a great turnout.”

But while Karrigan was particular about the event’s date, that is where her attention to wedding detail ended. “I didn’t even know what time it started,” Karrigan recalls with a laugh. With plenty on her rodeo plate, she handed over the reins to her mom, Janet Henderson Cagley, sister, Callie, and wedding planner Angela DiVincenti Babin of Angela Marie Events, the same planner who masterminded Callie’s wedding to her husband Charlie at the thennewly constructed venue back in 2016.

“We wanted to do something different,” Angela says. “So we decided to really highlight outside and all the moments that can be created on the property.”

Drawing guests out of the indoor reception space, the lawn was transformed with string lights, lounge seating and plenty of tables. A color scheme of blue, green and white complemented the lush surroundings, transporting guests to a slightly western-ified European countryside.

“We added the cowhides to bring in Karrigan and her style,” Angela says of the rugs that were rented from one of The White Magnolia’s regular vendors. “It’s all about balance, and that really tied everything together.”

“I didn’t know they were setting up outside, so it was a complete surprise to me,” Karrigan says. “It was so special. There was a bar back my dad built, and the string lights made everything feel magical.”

And the magic continued after the cake was cut and the sun went down, as The Mustache Band took the outdoor stage. Despite it being a weeknight, guests partied until the wee hours of the morning, with Karrigan closing out the night with a rendition of her favorite song, Toby Keith’s patriotic hit, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.”

“It was the best time of my life,” she recalls. “I just remember being so happy.”

Karrigan and Bryce ended the night by sitting back, literally, and relaxing on the grass as they watched friends and family make the most of the celebration that served as the start of their next chapter.

“It really was so special for our family, having built the venue for my wedding and then having Karrigan’s there a decade later,” Callie says. “And to have my three daughters there, too … it was very special.”

“It was the best time of my life,”

CEREMONY & RECEPTION The White Magnolia / PLANNER & FLORIST Angela Marie Events / CAKE Clark’s Cakes and Confections / INVITATIONS Angela Marie Events / BRIDAL GOWN Belle Sorelle Bridal / HAIR Kelly Hopper / MAKEUP Stephanie Bullen Hopkins/Jenna Levert Kelley / VIDEOGRAPHER Heartbeat Films / ENTERTAINMENT The Original Magnolia String Quartet/The Mustache Band / RENTALS Element / OTHER VENDORS Fleurèvermore/Weddings by Wren & Ellie/Nuage Designs

Welcome to

Mainstreet 2030 represents a bold and forward-thinking vision for the City of Central. By addressing critical issues such as flood control, enhancing recreational opportunities, and creating vibrant commercial and civic spaces, this initiative aims to transform Central into a more resilient, connected, and enjoyable place to live.

It's a

Vibe

HANNAH HYMAN AND HENRY BEIN BROUGHT WEST COAST GUESTS TO THE BIG EASY FOR A LOUISIANA-STYLE CELEBRATION

BY

RILEY

BIENVENU BOURGEOIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHIA MOSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

hen Hannah Hyman and Henry Bein first started dating following Kappa Kappa Gamma grub,

Henry would go out to whatever bar or venue Hannah’s band was playing at that night. Hannah, a drummer, says it was those early nights, and displays of effort and affection, that first won her over.

After eight years together, and a move from Baton Rouge to California, where Henry is from, Henry popped the question at the New Orleans Botanical Garden while the pair were in town for a friend’s wedding.

“The jeweler called and said the ring was ready, and I decided I didn’t want to wait,” Henry recalls of the last-minute plans that fell together perfectly. “Her family was all there, and my family flew in.”

Following Hannah’s resounding “yes” surrounded by the natural beauty of the gardens, both families went out to dinner to celebrate, with the plan for a New Orleans wedding day already in their minds.

“I have always wanted a second line and all of those Louisiana touches,” Hannah says. “And Henry’s family loves Louisiana. Growing up, they would vacation in New Orleans, so having our wedding there really just made sense. It was fun to be able to show all of our California guests the culture of New Orleans and Louisiana.”

After touring what Hannah says felt like every venue in New Orleans, the couple landed on the art-filled halls of Jackson Square’s The Cabildo. Henry works professionally as an architect but is also a watercolor painter in his free time. The combination of breathtaking architecture and the building’s current use as a historical and art museum was the best of both worlds. The venue’s location, in the center of the excitement of the city, also sold Henry and Hannah, who wanted that quintessential Big Easy feeling.

“Our main goal was to just have a super fun, New Orleans-y party,” Hannah says of their October 18, 2025, wedding day. “What I remember most, and my favorite part, is that it felt like we were

dancing the whole time. Henry’s 85-yearold grandpa even came and found us at like midnight to dance. We couldn’t believe it.”

Another surprise moment was when Henry’s father arranged for Hannah to play drums with the band, Souled Out. “It was totally not planned,” Hannah says, “but it was such a fun moment to have.”

From the second line to the impromptu drum performance, the day was a vibrant and lively reflection of the couple, their beginnings and the joy they are bringing to their next chapter together. And while they now reside in Santa Monica, the setting of their big day allows them to keep Louisiana close to their hearts always.

SET ON YOU

Sophie Moreaux and John Harvey celebrated the start of their forever with a series of curated experiences at the Country Club of Louisiana

BY BRE PIZZOLATO • PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAILYN CLOPTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Sophie Moreaux selected the Country Club of Louisiana as her wedding venue long before she met John Harvey. “I remember being six years old and going to the swim team banquet in the big ballroom where we had our reception. We go to every Mother’s Day brunch there, and we eat lunch there as a family twice a week,” she explains. “So I always knew that I wanted to get married there for sentimental reasons, and because it’s right next door.”

Her heart was set on a venue, and together, she and John imagined a specific itinerary for the day. A cocktail hour was a must, during which she and John would share a private dinner, though they still wanted to see their guests and the party.

Other must-haves included a private communion with their families ahead of the wedding ceremony and an after-party following the reception.

Above all, Sophie and John wanted to slow down the day as much as possible to enjoy each moment. They set wedding planner Amy Hazel Shrader of Amy Hazel Events to the task of bringing all the elements together cohesively. “I’m a really big dreamer, and Amy didn’t scoff at my dreams,” Sophie says.

The celebration unfolded as a progression of distinct, curated experiences. Before guests arrived, Sophie and John enjoyed an extended first look on the golf course, followed by a private spiritual moment with their families.

“Sophie and I wanted to be able to redirect our focus on why we were getting married in the first place,” John explains. “We wanted to have that time that was centered on Christ, for both of our families to come together and enjoy a special, private moment before the bustle of the wedding would commence.”

From there, each phase of the celebration unfolded with its own mood, setting and purpose. The cocktail hour was an elevated garden party on the wrap-around balcony featuring a muted spring take on jewel tones, modern, stemmy florals, and bistro lights with a string quartet playing pop instrumentals.

"I wanted the reception to be

But there’s a side of us that more romantic. also wanted to cut up"

While guests mingled, Sophie and John slipped into a separate space just out of sight. “I knew that I was going to be anxious if we had a private dining moment where we couldn’t see everybody,” Sophie explains. “We put so much effort into planning our wedding day, we wanted to see it all and be a part of it all. It was cool to have that sweet, private dining moment, but we didn’t feel like we were missing anything.”

As the sun set over the golf course, guests made their way to the ballroom. “They had already caught up with each other during the cocktail hour, and everyone was ready to dance and celebrate,” Amy says.

The ballroom featured a fullon version of the color palette, drenched in florals and flickering candlelight, while four colorful soft-seating vignettes carried the elevated garden-party feel throughout. The custom crest Sophie’s sister designed adorned the dance floor, making it both beautiful and deeply personal. Fun, interactive touches, including a live painter, photo booth, roaring jazz band and

a surprise T-shirt toss, turned the reception into an unforgettable celebration without diluting Sophie and John’s vision.

The night shifted again into a high-energy, late-night after-party when guests second-lined with the band from the ballroom, down the grand hallway, around the balcony and into the Nicholas Room. There, guests were greeted by a club-like atmosphere complete with neon lights and a DJ. “We love to cut up on the dance floor, and I wanted that in the after party, because I wanted the reception to be more romantic. But there’s a side of us that also wanted to cut up,” Sophie says with a laugh. Guests indulged with pizza, a coffee bar and karaoke for the three-hour affair.

“We worked hard to make every element of this wedding different and separated,” Amy says. But the real achievement wasn’t in the logistics; it was seeing two lives and one long-awaited vision come together in a grand celebration of love.

CEREMONY & RECEPTION Country Club of Louisiana / COORDINATOR

Amy Hazel Events / CAKE The Ambrosia Bakery / FLORIST Forage Floral

Design / INVITATIONS Aline Print & Design / BRIDAL GOWN Allure Bridals / BRIDESMAID DRESSES Azazie / HAIR EGGIE Salon Studio / MAKEUP

Whitney McMahon/Sasha Ahart / VIDEOGRAPHER Nate Bustamante Films / ENTERTAINMENT John Gray/The Michael Foster Project/Geaux Big DJ / RENTALS

Louisiana Event Rentals/Inspired Vignettes, Spot On Dance Floor & Wraps / OTHER

VENDORS Truly Haute/Sonnier Fine Art/Harvest Coffees/Flashback Photo Booth

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LONG GAME

PAMELA MATASSA AND GARY HAINDEL SCORED BIG WITH A SURPRISE CEREMONY IN TIGER STADIUM

PIZZOLATO

BY BRE

• PHOTOGRAPHY BY EYE WANDER PHOTO

fter months of keeping their wedding venue a closely guarded secret, Pamela Matassa and Gary Haindel stood on the field of LSU Tiger Stadium, surrounded by their parents, siblings and children, and exchanged vows.

“We’re all big LSU fans, and it felt like one of the most uniquely Louisiana moments imaginable,”

Pamela says. As a former Golden Girl, Miss LSU and a founding board member of the LSU Golden Girl Alumni Association, Pamela’s roots on the field run deep. For the couple, Tiger Stadium is more of a second home than a venue. “We are season ticket holders for football, baseball and all the things,” Pamela says. “To hear the crowd roar and the band go on the field, and for me to perform on the field as a Golden Girl, all of those things came back to my mind in those moments.”

Pamela and Gary met in the 1990s while serving on the board of the Big Buddy Program, and they continued to serve on local nonprofit boards together for decades. Their shared passion for Baton Rouge and improving the lives of its residents through volunteering and civic projects kept them connected as friends. Then, in a new chapter of their lives, the two fell in love.

“Our children have acted like they were siblings and have called each other siblings for years now. And Gary and I have been very close for so many years. It’s hard

to imagine a time when I haven’t been close to him,” Pamela says.

When their families gathered for Thanksgiving last year, Pamela booked a family session with Aaron Hogan of Eye Wander Photo. As they walked through University Club in search of the perfect spot, Gary tapped Aaron and quietly told him he was about to propose. As the shutter clicked, Gary got on one knee, and everyone’s planned poses dissolved. “No one in the whole family knew,” Pamela recalls with a laugh. “It was a complete and utter shock to everybody.”

With their six children— Mahailey, Mark, Matthew, Major, Aaron and Joe—all in their late teens and early 20s, the couple wanted to keep their nuptials and celebration low-key. “I joked with Gary that we’d better just keep this under the radar, because we want to give them room to be able to have a wedding that’s not unreasonable or crazy. And then we started thinking: wouldn’t it be hilarious if we could get married in Tiger Stadium?”

Decked in pastel yellow and soft lavender at Pamela’s request, their families gathered at Gary’s University Club home and loaded a bus destined for the undisclosed location. After turning onto North Stadium Drive, the bus erupted with laughter and “we

Pamela kept it golden in a silk Audrey + Brooks midi gown from Chatta Box, while Gary leaned into Louisiana tradition in a purple seersucker suit by Haspel.

should have known!”

Walking through the tunnel toward the turf, after a few slaps at the "WIN" bar, they left the noise of the world behind and stepped onto the field as the day’s main event. After exchanging vows in an intimate end-zone ceremony, the celebration continued with a four-course luncheon at Houmas House curated by Chef Jeremy Langlois. Then, everyone

returned to Gary’s home for cake, Champagne and a floral-filled reception in the dining room. Their wedding may have been a well-kept secret, but their commitment to one another, and to the city they’ve served for decades, is anything but. In a venue that defines Baton Rouge, two of its dedicated champions walked off the field with the biggest win of all.

Moments before Gary Haindel proposed to Pamela Matassa during a family photo session, he alerted the photographer, Aaron Hogan, to his intentions.

photo by: brooke boyd photography

House Call

CEREMONY St. Aloysius Catholic Church / RECEPTION Home of the Bride / PLANNER Mariée Ami / CATERER Gilded Artichoke Catering Co. / CAKE Ambrosia / FLORIST Root Floral Design / INVITATIONS Paper N Things / BRIDAL GOWN Mark Ingram, Warren Barron Bridal (Dallas) / RINGS Robert Roth/Reid Jewelers / HAIR Soho Boutique Salon / MAKEUP Makeup by Melanie / BAND Atlanta Show Stoppers / RENTALS Tents by Design/ Houston Tents and Events/Borrowed by Jackson Durham / OTHER VENDORS SeeHearPro

Following a long-distance romance, Emilie Winder and Christian Bergeron celebrated their nuptials by transforming Emilie’s childhood home into the perfect wedding venue

BY MARY RYAN KIRSCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE GUIDRY

he comforts of home calm a busy mind as little else can, and as life becomes busier, those simple comforts only grow dearer. For Emilie Winder, finishing medical school and planning a wedding at the same time made that especially true. It made perfect sense that the doctor-in-residency would choose to hold her reception at her parents’ residence.

Emilie and Christian Bergeron’s courtship wasn’t what they’d describe as simple. Though they met as med students, their romance didn’t begin until Christian moved to Washington for his Navy commitment. “We didn’t date in medical school because that would have been too easy,” Emilie says with a laugh. After three years of long-distance, Christian proposed with a ring set with the same center stone that Emilie’s father used to propose to her mother decades earlier. It was a tender prelude to a wedding shaped by sentiment.

Emilie envisioned a celebration that married understated elegance with touching familial tributes, but bringing that vision to life was not without complications. When other reception venues and dates failed to align, she found her answer at home. Her parents’ house, long the backdrop for family parties and gatherings, became the heart of the wedding. “That’s really what I always envisioned,” says Emilie. “It felt like everyone else got to have a party at my parents’ house. I wanted one too!”

With the reception setting decided, everything else fell into place. They set a daytime ceremony at St. Aloysius that would unfold into a daylong fête. “We were just going to have a daytime wedding,” she says. “We’d have a great party all day, and when it was over, everyone would be in bed by 10 at night. It was perfect!”

As Emilie balanced the demands of medical school, she leaned on her mother, Carolyn Winder, a seasoned hostess known for her instinct for entertaining and eye for detail. Still, letting go of the planning process did not come easily. Her father, Dr. Carey Winder, offered reassurance in simple terms, reminding her, “Emilie, have you ever seen your mama give a party halfway?”

Sentimental features were braided throughout, from a rosary honoring Emilie’s late grandparents tucked into her bouquet to the silver goblets from her parents’ wedding. Carolyn wore a reimagined version of her mother’s own mother-of-the-bride dress, and she even had a childhood photo of Emilie and her father sewn inside of Carey's tuxedo coat. Emilie also wore an antique pearl and diamond necklace from her mother, a fitting complement to her heirloom ring.

Carolyn worked alongside wedding planners Mariée Ami and various vendors to elevate the celebration itself. The family’s graded lawn became a tented ballroom framed by lush floral displays, complete with a full bar, chandeliers, a dining room, a stage and a dance floor. “I gave them my color scheme and told them to just run with it,” Emilie says. “They did that and more.”

Ultimately, Emilie wanted to celebrate marrying the love of her life with a party worthy of the occasion. “When I look back at the day, I think everybody enjoyed it,” says Emilie. “We had lots of cocktails, great food, football on the TV and people on the dance floor all day. All I wanted was for us to have a great time. And that’s exactly what we did.”

ONE DESTINATION, THREE SUMMER EXPERIENCES

FOURTH OF JULY

JULY 2,2026-JULY 5, 2026

Enjoy some Summer rejuvenation in Mississippi rolling hills with outdoor activities, festive fun, and an exclusive VIP wine experience in our new tasting room.

FARM TO TABLE DINING EXPERIENCE

JULY 23, 2026-JULY 26, 2026

Celebrate local flavors, and experience farm to table dining by executive chef Lisa Boudreaux of Gilded Artichoke. Learn about the art of Bourbon making during an exclusive tasting and VIP tour.

LABOR DAY AT INFINITY FARMS

SEPTEMBER 4, 2026-SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

Soak up the final days of Summer and embrace the long weekend filled with holiday cheer and fun for the whole family. Add a private Whiskey or Beer tasting.

Announcements WEDDING

Katlyn Upp & Bond Rodriguez

Bush & Welch

MACY

October 4, 2025

BUSH AND MURPHY WELCH

Macy Bush and Murphy Welch were married on October 4, 2025, at the Old Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge, surrounded by family and friends. The bride is the daughter of Andy and Heather Bush of Baton Rouge and is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, where she earned her degree before beginning her career as a social media assistant. The groom is the son of Rusty and Stacia Welch of Pensacola, Florida (and formerly of Baton Rouge). He is also a Louisiana Tech graduate and works as a forester.

Guests were welcomed to the garden ceremony with Champagne as they gathered for the couple’s vows. When Macy made her entrance in a vibrant, one-of-a-kind gown, the crowd audibly gasped, and the evening’s colorful florals beautifully complemented her look. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed dinner and cocktails indoors while the garden was transformed for a lively night of dancing. A caricature artist delighted guests throughout the reception, and the celebration concluded with a sparkling send-off as the newlyweds departed in a vintage red Corvette. After an exciting honeymoon in Thailand, the couple now resides just outside of Alexandria, Louisiana.

ASHLEIGH JAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

CEREMONY & RECEPTION Old Governor’s Mansion / COORDINATOR Angela Marie Events & Florals / CATERER Ashley Manor Catering / CAKE Sweet Stirrings / FLORIST & INVITATIONS Angela Marie Events & Florals / BRIDAL GOWN Rue de Seine, Unbridaled, New Orleans / BRIDESMAID DRESSES Birdy Grey / HAIR Ashley Quartararo/Alison Smith / MAKEUP Olga Longoria / BAND Rewind Band / RENTALS Element / OTHER VENDORS Day of Bestie

Cutrone LeBlanc&

GABRIELLE CUTRONE AND CADE LEBLANC

September 19, 2025

Cade and Gabrielle were married on Friday, September 19, 2025, in the Santa Ynez Valley, where rolling vineyards and a glowing sunset framed the couple’s unforgettable wedding. The celebration began on Wednesday, September 17, as guests arrived for an intimate welcome gathering. The rehearsal dinner took place in the estate’s wine cave, surrounded by rows of aging barrels. The evening flowed seamlessly into a lively welcome party, where laughter echoed late into the night among the couple’s closest friends and family. On the wedding day, both the bride and groom wore custom designs that reflected their personal styles. Gabrielle wore a stunning custom gown by Pedram Couture, while Cade wore a custom J. Hilburn tuxedo designed in collaboration with his fiancée and mother. Completing his look was a new Rolex, a wedding gift from Gabrielle. Thoughtful details and heartfelt moments were woven throughout the celebration, from the carefully curated décor to the ceremony itself. In one of the most touching moments of the day, Gabrielle was escorted down the aisle by both of her parents. Set against the natural beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley, the wedding was a joyful and unforgettable gathering filled with love, laughter, and the people who mean the absolute most to the couple.

KAYLEE MELANCON PHOTO

CEREMONY & RECEPTION Sunstone Winery / COORDINATOR & FLORIST Events & Design by Nancy / CATERER DJs Catering / CAKE Lele Patisserie / INVITATIONS Paperwhite Stationery Boutique / BRIDAL GOWN Pedram Couture / BRIDESMAID DRESSES Grace Loves Lace/Revolve / RINGS Anton’s Fine Jewelry / HAIR Kelsey Boyd / MAKEUP Lexie Martin / VIDEOGRAPHER Pascal Creative / ENTERTAINMENT DJ Real / RENTALS Archive / OTHER VENDORS Truly Haute/Luxe Magnolia

Hyman & Bein

October 18, 2025

HANNAH HYMAN AND HENRY BEIN

ASHIA MOSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

CEREMONY & RECEPTION The Cabildo, New Orleans / COORDINATOR Lisa Long, The Uncommon Camelia / CATERER New Orleans Catering Co. / CAKE Jenny’s Cake Creations / FLORIST RGA Floral Atelier / INVITATIONS The Keeping Room / BRIDAL GOWN Monique Lhuillier, Beverly Hills / RINGS Swiss Watch Gallery, Orange County / HAIR Cabana & Co. Beauty / MAKEUP Sarah Gary / BAND Souled Out / RENTALS Distressed Rentals

McIntosh & Carriere

November 22, 2025

DARBY MCINTOSH AND NICHOLAS CARRIERE

Darby and Nick’s wedding day felt like a beautiful full-circle moment— two high school sweethearts standing hand in hand, choosing forever after years of growing up side by side. There was something especially meaningful about celebrating a love that began so young and matured with grace, patience and unwavering commitment. From the softest design elements to the most personal touches, every detail was curated with love. Each element reflected their story and the journey that shaped them, honoring the years they spent growing together and supporting one another through every stage of life. The atmosphere carried a warmth that could be felt by everyone—a deep sense of family, legacy and faith woven into each moment. Surrounded by the people who had witnessed their love grow into adulthood, the day felt both joyful and deeply sacred. Instead of lighting a traditional unity candle, Darby and Nick chose something even more enduring: signing a custom family Bible. That decision symbolized not only the joining of their lives but the beginning of a generational legacy rooted in faith, love and purpose.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATELYN CRAVEN, BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE BY KATELYN

CEREMONY & RECEPTION Dunleith Historic Inn / COORDINATOR Leslie Campbell / CATERER The Castle Restaurant and Pub / CAKE Sweet Stirrings / FLORIST Billy Heroman’s / INVITATIONS The Keeping Room / BRIDAL GOWN Monique Lhuillier topper & veil, Anne Barge gown, I Do Bridal Couture / BRIDESMAID DRESSES Dessy Group, Bella Bridesmaids / RINGS Patrick’s Fine Jewelry / HAIR Tristyn Guidroz / MAKEUP Amanda Cecil /

After8 / RENTALS Louisiana Event Rentals / OTHER VENDORS Cherrybomb Coffee Co./Nicole Callac/ The Pixure Booth/Hot Tails, Cody & Sam Carroll/Capital City Classic Cars

Melara & Theriot

August 23, 2025

HILLARY MELARA AND JESSE THERIOT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIA CAMPOS

CEREMONY Park City, Utah / RECEPTION Stein Erickson / COORDINATOR August Events / CATERER & CAKE Stein Erickson / FLORIST Artisan Bloom Design / INVITATIONS Paperwhite Stationery Boutique / BRIDAL GOWN Bustle/Pedram Couture / BRIDESMAID DRESSES Chatta Box / HAIR Iry Breaux / MAKEUP Raissa Mlynarczyk / VIDEOGRAPHER Chris McClain / ENTERTAINMENT Matty Moriarty/Oquirrh String Quartet / RENTALS All Out Event Rental/ Nuage Designs / OTHER VENDORS Wasatch Products Co./Melissa Fancy

Moreaux & Harvey

March 7, 2026

SOPHIE MOREAUX AND JOHN HARVEY

KAILYN CLOPTON PHOTOGRAPHY

CEREMONY & RECEPTION Country Club of Louisiana / COORDINATOR Amy Hazel Events / CAKE The Ambrosia Bakery / FLORIST Forage Floral Design / INVITATIONS Aline Print & Design / BRIDAL GOWN Allure Bridals / BRIDESMAID DRESSES Azazie / HAIR EGGIE Salon Studio / MAKEUP Whitney McMahon/ Sasha Ahart / VIDEOGRAPHER Nate Bustamante Films / ENTERTAINMENT John Gray/The Michael Foster Project/Geaux Big DJ / RENTALS Louisiana Event Rentals/ Inspired Vignettes, Spot On Dance Floor & Wraps / OTHER VENDORS Truly Haute/Sonnier Fine Art/Harvest Coffees/Flashback Photo Booth

Nelson & Burke

SARAH NELSON AND MICHAEL BURKE

May 31, 2025

BROCATO PHOTOGRAPHY

CEREMONY St. Jude Catholic Church / RECEPTION Baton Rouge Country Club / COORDINATOR Blakeley Santos, Belle Amour Weddings / CAKE Baton Rouge Country Club / FLORIST Billy Heroman’s / INVITATIONS Paper N Things / BRIDAL GOWN Anne Barge, I Do Bridal Couture / RINGS Robert Roth Jewelers / HAIR Salon du Sud / MAKEUP

Makeup by Melanie / VIDEOGRAPHER Euphoric Films / BAND Three Thirty Seven / RENTALS Olinde’s

&Russell Meek

February 14, 2026

CHARLOTTE ELAINE RUSSELL AND TOM JOFFRE MEEK III

Charlotte Elaine Russell married fellow Baton Rouge native Tom Joffre Meek III on February 14 at The Chapel of the Good Shepherd on the campus of Episcopal High School. This Valentine’s Day wedding was a romantic, Southern-inspired celebration infused with soft femininity, personal legacy and elevated intentional design. Set against the timeless backdrop of sprawling oak trees and classic architecture, the day unfolded in a delicate palette of soft pinks, white and Champagne with lush bouquets of garden roses, ranunculus and hydrangeas adding texture and movement. The ceremony, held in a traditional chapel setting with glowing wood tones and stained glass, felt intimate and meaningful, blending heritage with heartfelt emotion. As the day transitioned outdoors, golden hour light cast a dreamy glow over the couple, highlighting the bride’s flowing veil and soft pink bow. The reception design featured custom pink bars with matching custom stage front facades. A custom dance floor finished with a statement floral chandelier overflowing with cascading blooms balanced classic elegance with playful, personal touches. The celebration concluded with a sparkling send-off beside a pink Bronco getaway car. Every element told a story and was intentionally designed with love by the bride’s sister and event designer, Bailey Russell.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE BY KATELYN

CEREMONY The Chapel of the Good Shepherd at Episcopal High School / RECEPTION & CATERER Baton Rouge Country Club / EVENT DESIGNER & PRODUCER Bailey Russell / COORDINATOR Belle Amour Weddings / CAKE Sweet Stirrings / FLORIST The Floral Cottage / INVITATIONS SB Creative / BRIDAL GOWN Sarah Nouri & Kelly Faentanini, Elle James Bridal / BRIDESMAID DRESSES The Dessy Group & Jenny Yoo, The Party by Elle James / RINGS Hannon Jewelers / HAIR Lacey Alleman, Mane Society/Brooklynn Dixon, Bronzed by Brooklynn / MAKEUP Lacey Alleman/Faced by Lex / VIDEOGRAPHER St. Germain / BAND Troy Marks & No Idea / RENTALS White Door Events / OTHER VENDORS Spot On Baton Rouge/ LED Marquee/The Pixure Booth

Ryburn & Murrill

March 14, 2026

MICHELE RYBURN AND JOHN MURRILL JR.

WHITNEY MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

CEREMONY & RECEPTION The River Terrace at Shaw Center / COORDINATOR Deanna Whitney / CATERER & CAKE Bacon & Fig / FLORIST Floral Cottage / BRIDAL GOWN Town & Country Bridal / BRIDESMAID DRESSES Birdy Grey / RINGS Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry / HAIR & MAKEUP McKey Bridal Co. / ENTERTAINMENT Complete DJ / OTHER VENDORS Truly Haute

Upp & Rodriguez

January 10, 2026

BROOKE BOYD PHOTO + FILM

CEREMONY St. Louis Cathedral / RECEPTION & CATERER Hotel Monteleone / COORDINATOR Leslie Campbell / CAKE La Louisiane Bakery/Manny Randazzo’s / FLORIST Nola Flora / INVITATIONS Scriptura / BRIDAL GOWN Monique Lhuillier, I Do Bridal Couture / BRIDESMAID DRESSES The Dessy Group, Bella Bridesmaids / RINGS Robert Roth Jewelers / HAIR Dani Borgmeyer, EGGIE Salon Studio / MAKEUP McKey Bridal Co. / VIDEOGRAPHER Brooke Boyd

Photo + Film / BAND The Phunky Monkeys / RENTALS Distressed Rentals / OTHER VENDORS Paulin Brothers/The Pixure Booth/Ad Event Group

Westbrook & Jones

ANNA CLAIRE WESTBROOK AND WILLIAM JONES

December 27, 2025

RENEE LORIO PHOTOGRAPHY

CEREMONY St. James Episcopal Church / RECEPTION & CATERER Baton Rouge Country Club / COORDINATOR Cheryl Palmer Designs / CAKE Chef Karl Will, Baton Rouge Country Club / FLORIST The Floral Cottage / INVITATIONS Paper N Things / BRIDAL GOWN Custom made, worn by grandmother (1958) and mother (1992) / BRIDESMAID DRESSES Dessy Group, New York / RINGS Family heirlooms / HAIR Maddie Grabert / MAKEUP Hannah Shread / VIDEOGRAPHER Reverent Films / BAND MoJEAUX / RENTALS Louisiana Event Rentals / OTHER VENDORS Magnolia Strings/Craig Heinzen/Alcide Simmons/Capital City Classic Cars/After 5 Tuxedos

&Whittington Pellerin

LAUREL WHITTINGTON AND CONNOR PELLERIN

February 7, 2026

Laurel Whittington married the love of her life, Connor Pellerin, on February 7, 2026, in the city she always called “home” and in the Lewis Memorial Chapel at Episcopal, a chapel where both the groom and the father of the bride, as well as numerous family members from both families, had graduated high school. After moving to Auburn, Alabama, with her family in 2014, Laurel returned to Baton Rouge often for holidays and to visit friends. When she was a junior at Auburn University, Laurel was invited by Le Cercle de Bacchus to serve as a debutante at the 64th annual presentation. It was at the ball on January 28, 2023, that she would finally meet Connor, a young man she had heard a lot about since August of 2022, when his sister, Ashton, with Laurel’s help, pledged Alpha Delta Pi sorority at Auburn. Laurel and Connor danced the night away at the Bacchus ball, and as they say, the rest is history! Laurel and Connor’s black tie wedding ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour and lavish reception coordinated by Leslie Campbell at the Baton Rouge Country Club. For going away, Laurel chose to wear her debutante gown, repurposed. Mandi Jackson Bridal Salon in Atlanta assisted in repurposing the beautiful Allison Webb gown originally purchased in Baton Rouge at I Do Bridal Couture. The couple traveled to New Orleans, staying at The Windsor Court, before departing for their honeymoon to the islands of Aruba and Curacao.

HANNAH MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

CEREMONY The Lewis Family Memorial Chapel, The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge / RECEPTION Baton Rouge Country Club / COORDINATOR Leslie Campbell

CATERER & CAKE Baton Rouge Country Club / FLORIST Rickey Heroman's Florist / INVITATIONS Paperwhite Stationery

Lhuillier, Mandi Jackson Bridal (Atlanta) / BRIDESMAID DRESSES Jenny Yoo, Bella

EGGIE Salon Studio / MAKEUP McKey Bridal

/ VIDEOGRAPHER Andrew

/ BRIDAL GOWN

/ RENTALS Cypress Events / OTHER VENDORS Eye Wander/Albrecht Ice Sculptures/Caitlin Guarisco, Dune Travel

Boutique

Monique

Bridesmaids (Dallas) / RINGS Diamonds Direct, Park Cities (Dallas) / HAIR Dani Borgmeyer,

Co.

Benton, Elevation Films / BAND Got Groove (New Orleans)

Group

Clear Aligners & Your Wedding Timeline

Whether your wedding is 18 months away or just around the corner, clear aligners can help you feel confident walking down the aisle — without traditional braces in your photos.

&Q A

Q: HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I START CLEAR ALIGNERS BEFORE MY WEDDING?

A: The sooner, the better! Ideally, brides should start treatment 12–18 months before the wedding for the most flexibility and best results.But even if your wedding is closer, many patients still see noticeable improvements in just a few months.

Q: WILL PEOPLE NOTICE I’M WEARING ALIGNERS?

A: Clear aligners are designed to be discreet and barely noticeable in photos, at showers, engagement parties, and on the big day itself. Most people won’t even realize you’re wearing them!

Q: CAN I REMOVE THEM FOR WEDDING EVENTS?

A: Yes! One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is flexibility. (Just remember to wear them the recommended amount of time each day.)

You can remove them for:

•Engagement photos

•Bridal showers

•Bachelorette parties

•Wedding makeup appointments

•The ceremony & reception

Q: WILL ALIGNERS AFFECT MY WEDDING PHOTOS?

A: Not at all. Since aligners are clear and removable, many brides love that they can smile confidently throughout the entire wedding process. No brackets. No wires. Just confidence.

Q: HOW OFTEN ARE APPOINTMENTS?

A: Typically, every 6–8 weeks, making treatment easy to fit into busy wedding planning schedules, but we also offer Dental Monitoring! With this AI-powered Dental Monitoring system, many aligner patients can complete check-ins right from their phone. We monitor your progress remotely, helping reduce in-office visits while keeping treatment on track.

THE FINAL TOUCH BEFORE “I DO” We offer three whitening methods that can help brighten your smile just in time for engagement photos, bridal events, and your wedding day.

1. A one-hour Philips Zoom! teeth whitening professional in-office treatment - clinically proven to whiten up to 8 shades in one visit.

2. Philips Zoom! Delivered - We create your custom trays and ship whitening kits directly to your homes within 10 business days. You can see results in two weeks.

3. Take Home Whitening Gel - Includes 3 syringes of 22% Carbamide Peroxide. You will need whitening trays or clear retainers to place a small amount of gel in each tooth of the tray.

Say “Yes” to Your Dream Smile Book your complimentary consultation with Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics and let’s create a smile you’ll love long after the honeymoon!

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Ainsworth & Fontenot

KAYLYN AINSWORTH AND DEVIN FONTENOT

January 24, 2026

PAUL MORSE PHOTOGRAPHY

CEREMONY St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church / RECEPTION Baton Rouge Country Club / COORDINATOR Leslie Campbell Weddings & Events / CATERER & CAKE Baton Rouge Country Club / FLORIST Rickey Heroman’s Florist / INVITATIONS Paper N Things / BRIDAL GOWN Steven Khalil, I Do Bridal Couture / BRIDESMAID DRESSES Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids / RINGS Hannon Jewelers / HAIR & MAKEUP McKey Bridal Co. / VIDEOGRAPHER Heartbeat Films / BAND Rewind Band / OTHER VENDORS Day of Bestie

Caruso &Futrell

KRISTIAN CARUSO AND ASHTON FUTRELL

May 31, 2025

JULIA SMELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

CEREMONY Holy Name of Jesus, New Orleans / RECEPTION The Royal Sonesta / COORDINATOR Monique Du Plooy, Beignets & Bouquets / CATERER & CAKE The Royal Sonesta / FLORIST Billy Heroman’s / INVITATIONS Lorin Caruso / BRIDAL GOWN Amsale, I Do Bridal Couture / BRIDESMAID DRESSES Dessy Group, I Do Bridal Couture / RINGS Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry / HAIR & MAKEUP Glam on Location / VIDEOGRAPHER Nine and a Half Films / BAND The Parade Route / OTHER VENDORS Bae’s Bakery/Maria Gossard Designs/Sugarcoated by Michelle/The Cigar Factory

Dorward & Seba

HEIDI DORWARD AND ANDREW SEBA

November 22, 2025

BREANNE FRYE PHOTOGRAPHY

CEREMONY & RECEPTION Burden Museum & Gardens / COORDINATOR Kendall Hebert / CATERER Bacon & Fig Events / CAKE Bacon & Fig Events/Sweet Stirrings

FLORIST Billy Heroman’s / INVITATIONS Paper N Things / BRIDAL GOWN Bustle / RINGS Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry / HAIR & MAKEUP Glam on Location DJ Jack Magic Entertainment / RENTALS Box K Events / OTHER VENDORS Fleur de Fizz Bartenders

Stewart & Preston

BAILEY STEWART AND JOSHUA PRESTON

December 12, 2025

Borrowed

TAYLOR KING, TAILORED PHOTOS

CEREMONY & RECEPTION The Greenwood / COORDINATOR Jessica Walker / CATERER The Greenwood / CAKE The Coca Bean Bakery & Café / FLORIST Fleur-De-Farber/Luxe Magnolia/Something

Blooms / BRIDAL GOWN Paloma Blanca, Town & Country Bridal / BRIDESMAID DRESSES The Dessy Group, Bella Bridesmaids / RINGS Patton’s Fine Jewelry / HAIR & MAKEUP Evie Mae Bridal Co. / VIDEOGRAPHER Taylor King, Tailored Photos / BAND Nola Dukes Band / OTHER VENDORS MK’s Letters/AFX Pro/A Royal Coach Limousine/The Southern Sisters/Southern Blink/Pearce Bespoke/The Southern Hotel

Winder & Bergeron

AND

December 6, 2025

EMILIE WINDER

CHRISTIAN BERGERON

CATHERINE GUIDRY PHOTOGRAPHY

CEREMONY St. Aloysius Catholic Church / RECEPTION Home of the Bride / WEDDING PLANNER Mariée Ami / CATERER Gilded Artichoke Catering Co.

CAKE Ambrosia / FLORIST Root Floral Design / INVITATIONS Paper N Things / BRIDAL GOWN Mark Ingram, Warren Barron Bridal (Dallas) / RINGS Robert Roth/ Reid Jewelers / HAIR Soho Boutique Salon / MAKEUP Makeup by Melanie / BAND Atlanta Show Stoppers / RENTALS Tents by Design/Houston Tents and Events/ Borrowed by Jackson Durham / OTHER VENDORS SeeHearPro

TARI’S School of Dance

Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Pre Professional Ballet and Tumbling Classes Ages 2 and up

Nationally Award Winning Competition Teams

National Individual Title Winners

Summer Classes

June 9th – July 29th Fall Classes begin Monday August 3rd Register Now

Call for more information 225.767.4495

tarisschoolofdance@gmail.com

www.tarisdance.com 9166 Perkins Road (between Bluebonnet and Essen Lane)

Kelsey Richard & Trenton Porche

Mr. and Mrs. Brant Richard of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelsey Marie Richard, to Trenton Joseph Porche, son of Ms. Mary Porche of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Kelsey graduated from St. Joseph Academy, the University of Southern Mississippi and Our Lady of the Lake Franciscan University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She currently works as a pediatric RN at OLOL Children’s Hospital. Trenton graduated from St. Michael Diocesan Regional High School and attended BRCC. He currently serves as an operational supervisor at the Sherwin-Williams Paint Company. Kelsey and Trenton share a love for attending LSU sporting events, enjoying fine dining and spending quality time with their family and friends. Trenton thoughtfully planned a beautiful proposal followed by a celebratory party with their loved ones. They look forward to their wedding at St. George Catholic Church on January 8, 2027.

Issue Date: June 2026 Ad proof #3

• 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.

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

From custom itineraries to simple hotel bookings, Tiffany Ellis Travel handles every detail so you can enjoy the journey — not the logistics.

• Upgrade and amenities included for hotel stays

• Additional on-board credits for ocean, river, and expedition cruising

• Villas, charters, and private touring experiences you won’t find online

• Suppor t and peace of mind throughout travel

www.tiffanyellistravel.com info@tiffanyellistravel.com @tiffanyellistravel

EVER AFTER

Started Just Getting

TAKE A PEEK INTO KATIE AND STINSON LANOIX’S FIRST HOME TOGETHER

BY LAURA FURR MERICAS

HOME PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE CRAWFORD

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BY

JESSICA CAPRI PHOTOGRAPHY

NNewlyweds Katie and Stinson Lanoix may have celebrated their nuptials at the lavish Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas. But back home in Baton Rouge, they’re packing the charm into a 989-square-foot cottage in Old Goodwood.

The high school sweethearts—she went to St. Joseph’s Academy; he went to Catholic High School—have been “perfecting” the home since Katie purchased it back in August 2023.

After graduating from LSU, Katie first bought a “cookie-cutter” house near campus. She lived in it with a roommate and left its spaces largely untouched. But scooping up and renovating a decades-old charmer was always part of her vision.

“I’m borderline obsessed with cottages and cute houses,” says Katie, who works in data analysis and holds a real estate license. “But whenever I bought my other house, it was in the right price range, and I knew I wanted to rent [it out] eventually, so I didn’t really touch it ... Once I got my hands on this house, I just did it all.”

Katie and Stinson tied the knot in July 2025 in picturesque Cabo San Lucas, with a ceremony at the Hacienda Encantada Resort and a reception at the Esperanza Resort.

First up was the kitchen. The night of the closing, Katie recruited Stinson, her dad and a close friend to rip out the home’s bare-bones cabinetry. Soon they discovered the kitchen’s original shiplap buried behind the walls, so the sheetrock had to come down too.

Over the next few months, Katie worked with contractors to replace the dark granite countertops with white quartz and reconfigure the space to include a peninsula island, which the couple uses often when hosting friends for homemade gumbo and Sunday dinners. That original shiplap was painted white to create a delightful farmhouse feel, while floating shelves were anchored on top to show off a curated display of blue and white China, sourced from Katie’s grandmother’s collection.

A pop of lime green paint cues the couple’s fun, youthful side in the connecting mud room, outfitted with a small cocktail bar, which Katie keeps stocked with cute glassware for guests to grab on their way outside.

“It’s kind of always an open-door policy at my house,” Katie says. “Living in 900 square feet has not stopped anyone from coming over.”

Katie says her favorite space is her dining room, which can be seen from just about anywhere in the house. Her dining room table was sourced from her grandmother, and she found the chocolatey chairs at an estate sale.

After uncovering the home’s original shiplap during the first stages of renovations, Katie decided to make the feature the star of the kitchen. She selected a bright white paint for the wood and had floating shelves installed to display her China collection.

With the central space of the home completed, Katie and Stinson tackled smaller projects over the course of the next three years. They painted the formal living room a moody grey that Katie concocted herself—a mixture of Benjamin Moore’s “Ashley Gray” and “Pashmina” at half strength. They sourced furniture from estate sales and Facebook Marketplace, found bargain artwork and “shopped” Katie’s grandmother’s collection some more. They added crown molding, painted more rooms, refreshed the single bathroom and swapped out Roman shades. Stinson even gifted Katie recessed lighting for her 27th birthday. “I was like, ‘Oh, yeah, we’re old now,’” Katie recalls.

Following their wedding in July 2025, Katie and Stinson took on their next major home project: the she shed.

Originally intended to be a man cave, yet still one of Stinson’s favorite spaces today, the former storage shed was transformed last year into a greenhouse-style gathering place.

Live watercolor Guest Portraits

Elevate your event with a bespoke artistic experience.

Live hand-painted portraits offer both captivating entertainment and a luxury keepsake for your guests. Each piece is created in real time and taken home the same day, a refined memento that transforms your celebration into something unforgettable.

Right off of the kitchen, a small area was repurposed to form a multi-use mud room and cocktail bar area. Drenching the entire space in a lively green paint transforms it from an afterthought into a key design feature.

The she shed is a hub for entertaining, no matter the time of year thanks to Louisiana’s favorable weather. The couple’s dog Theo also enjoys the outdoor space, where he can cozy up with his parents, and their friends, on wicker furniture.

Stinson, who works in the lending side of real estate, took the lead on this project, painting the previously dingy space a crisp white, taking down a portion of an exterior wall and adding a sliding door that opens to the large yard. The couple poured a new concrete slab and added pea gravel outside to make the area more livable. The original cabinets and granite from the kitchen were repurposed here to create storage and a second bar, and mounted TVs and a fire pit outside make it an ideal spot for fall football and spring baseball watch parties, crawfish boils and more.

In the last year, following the couple’s wedding, Katie says something in the home has changed. Though Stinson has always been a large part of the property, helping with home renovations from day one, Katie admits there’s simply a different feeling now. “I don’t know what to put my finger on. I guess it’s ours and we are a team now ... This is our house,” she says.

And though she acknowledges that the two-bed-one-bath layout gets tight and that one day she

Katie, an avid Pinterest user, says she was inspired by a photo she saw on the app to create the custom paint color in the living room. The moody color creates the perfect backdrop for a gallery wall of the couple’s photos and artworks.

Moody brown is carried from the living room into the primary bedroom, where an even darker shade covers the walls, creating a cozy sanctuary.

Light and airy is the vibe in the guest bedroom, where white plays a key role. Wood elements in an antique side table and a woven mirror ground the space.

imagines they will move into a larger abode, she’s content with her cottage and is happy to “be faithful in the little.”

“I remind myself of it all the time because I complain that we don’t have room for things, but we have so

much to be thankful for,” she says. “Take care of what you already have, and more will always follow.”

There’s nothing wrong with living in a smaller home, she adds. Plus, she has yet to find a listing with a she shed.

VENDOR DreamTeam

THESE CAPITAL REGION VENDORS DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING DAY MAGICAL.

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Turn the page and tear out your handy wedding planning checklist!

YOU’RE ENGAGED. Whats Next?

Cheryl Palmer’s Wedding Planning Checklist

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Set an estimated budget

Book your wedding planner or coordinator

Book your church (if applicable) & reception venue

Create an organization system. Spreadsheet, Google Docs, binder… whatever works for you!

8–10 MONTHS OUT

Finalize your color palette & design style

Book floral & candle vendors

Start looking at save-the-date & invitation options

Begin considering tux or suit options for groom & groomsmen

Book rehearsal dinner venue

Book transportation if needed

WEDDING MONTH

Get your marriage license

Finalize guest count and menu with venue or caterer

Make final vendor payments

Finalize any remaining logistics

10–12 MONTHS OUT

Shop for your wedding dress

Choose your bridal party

Set up hotel blocks for out-of-town guests

Confirm rehearsal time, ceremony time & reception timeframe

6

MONTHS OUT

Order specialty items & favors

Book your honeymoon. Don’t forget the passports!

Confirm all core vendors are booked

Order bridesmaids dresses

Order invitations (to be sent 6–8 weeks before the wedding)

Secure prep locations for wedding day (bride & groom)

Start your wedding registry

Create a wedding website (The Knot or Zola)

Book your photographer, videographer or content creator

3–4

MONTHS OUT

Finalize dress fittings

Schedule hair & makeup trials

Finalize ceremony & reception run-of-shows

Order signage (Welcome, signature drink menu, etc.)

Order wedding rings

The planning ends here. The forever starts now.

225.362.3636

| @cherylpalmerdesigns

Your wedding day is one of the most meaningful moments of your life, and Cheryl Palmer brings many years of experience and a deeply personal touch to make sure it feels that way. Based in Baton Rouge and available to travel nationwide, Cheryl handles full-service planning, coordination, and design, all tailored to you. Her decade of referral-only business speaks for itself. She books up to two years out, but if your date is available, she can step in at any stage.

17660 George O’Neal Road, Baton Rouge 70817 | 225.751.1882 WhiteOakEstateAndGardens.com | @whiteoakestateandgardens | Q

Some venues are beautiful. White Oak Estate & Gardens is legendary. For over 35 years, this magnificent Baton Rouge estate has been the setting for South Louisiana’s most cherished weddings — and it’s easy to understand why. A grand French ballroom, breathtaking manicured gardens, and sweeping estate grounds create a backdrop that simply cannot be replicated. But what truly sets White Oak apart is the food. Owned by world-renowned Chef John Folse, the estate serves authentic Louisiana cuisine rooted in the recipes and traditions that made him famous. Your reception dinner isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience your guests will talk about for years. An award-winning staff handles every detail with warmth and precision, from rehearsal dinners and bridal showers to full receptions for up to 250 guests. Pricing is customized by event; book at least a year out.

Details

• Premier Baton Rouge wedding venue featuring a grand French ballroom, manicured gardens, and magnificent estate grounds

• Authentic Louisiana cuisine prepared from recipes by world-renowned Chef John Folse

• Award-winning staff providing specialty cuisine, exceptional service and attentive care throughout every event

• Hosts weddings and receptions, rehearsal dinners, showers, and corporate parties for 100–250 guests

• Over 35 years of experience as a premier wedding venue and caterer in South Louisiana

• Pricing varies by event; contact for customized packages

• Book one year or more in advance

230 N Range Ave., Denham Springs 70726 | 225.243.4479 natashamariebridal.com | @natashamariebridal | Q

Natasha Marie Bridal has been dressing brides for 16 years, first as a custom design studio and now as one of Greater Baton Rouge’s most beloved boutiques. With 500+ gowns in sizes 8 to 30 (ranging in price from $1,300 to $4,000) and stylists trained to actually connect with their brides, every appointment is relaxed and personal. VIB upgrades add mimosas and a bridal gift for a little extra magic. Book 10 to 12 months out. It’s so much more than just a dress.

760 St Philip St., Baton Rouge 70802

oxbowrumdistillery.com | 225.618.8044 | @oxbowtastingroom | Q

Forget the ordinary reception hall — imagine celebrating surrounded by copper stills and the rich aroma of Louisiana rum. Oxbow Rum Distillery is a working distillery rooted in five generations of sugarcane farming, and it’s one of Baton Rouge’s most unforgettable event venues. Host your reception, rehearsal dinner, or couples’ shower here and treat your guests to a premium rum cocktail menu and optional distillery tours. Venue rental starts at $200/hour with as little as two weeks’ notice required.

3535 Perkins Road, Suite 320, Baton Rouge 70808 225.926.2500 | thekeepingroombr.com

Your wedding stationery is the first impression your celebration makes, and The Keeping Room has been getting it right since 1991. This Baton Rouge boutique specializes in custom wedding invitation suites and day-of paper details, with a hands-on, one-on-one design process that ensures every piece genuinely reflects your story, your style, and the tone you want to set. From save-the-dates and menus to programs, signage, and beyond, The Keeping Room team brings decades of expertise and a deeply personal touch to every project. No templates, no shortcuts … just beautifully crafted stationery built around you. The Keeping Room also offers luxury gift wrapping, personalized gifts, and custom graphics for clients who want that same level of intention across every detail of the wedding weekend. Book six months to a year in advance.

Details

• Custom wedding invitation suites, save-the-dates, menus, programs and day-of paper details

• Full design and printing services, including signage

• One-on-one bridal consulting appointments to create custom stationery tailored to each couple’s vision

• Corporate gifting, branded products, luxury gift wrapping and personalized gifts for all occasions, from intimate gatherings to big events.

• Book 6 to 12 months in advance to allow time for design, revisions, printing and assembly

201 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge 70801 | 800.321.3232 hilton.com/en/locations/usa/louisiana/baton-rouge| @hiltoncapitolcenter | Q

When you celebrate at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, nearly 100 years of history become part of your story. Downtown Baton Rouge’s only full-service wedding venue offers two stunning ballrooms — the grand, balcony-lined Heidelberg and the Art Deco Riverview — along with ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, getting-ready spaces, full catering and a dedicated team that custom-designs every event. Packages start at $65 per person. Book 12 to 18 months out, though last-minute availability is worth a call.

985.630.3134 | theladybugedit.com

@theladybugedit | Q

Your photographer captures the portraits. The Ladybug Edit captures the feeling. Founded by Emma Sampey, The Ladybug Edit documents wedding days through authentic, iPhone-based content creation that’s all about candid moments, real emotion, and behindthe-scenes storytelling. Raw photos and videos are delivered within 24 hours so you’re sharing memories before the honeymoon starts. Packages run $1,050–$2,500 with up to 10 hours of coverage, highlight reels, and complimentary Polaroids. Based in Hammond, available statewide and beyond. Book 6 to 12 months out.

337.962.5553 | eventsanddesignbynancy.com @eventsanddesignbynancy | Q

Planning a wedding is part dreamy design process, part giant puzzle, and Nancy Mouille loves every piece of it. With seven years of experience creating elevated, intentional celebrations across Louisiana, Nancy brings a warm, hands-on approach to every event. She takes the time to truly get to know her couples, their style, priorities, Pinterest boards, and all the little details that make their story unique. Nancy then brings it all together into a seamless, personalized experience. From full-service planning and floral design to vendor coordination and event management, everything is thoughtfully handled under one roof so you can actually enjoy the process. Nancy especially loves designing larger-scale celebrations where the details make the biggest impact, and she’s always happy to travel wherever the party takes her. Known for her transparency, creativity, and making clients feel like family, she’s dedicated to going above and beyond from the first consultation to the final dance.

Details

• Full-service event planning and design, turning Pinterest boards and social media inspiration into reality

• Custom floral design for weddings and all occasions, woven seamlessly into the overall event aesthetic

• Vendor management — carefully matching clients with the right partners to bring their vision to life

• Serves clients throughout Louisiana and will travel for the right event

• Specializes in larger-budget events; guest count is secondary to having the right budget for the vision

• Known for transparency, personality, and going the extra mile for every client

• Book 6–18 months in advance; contact for pricing

225.444.5285 | trulyhaute.com @trulyhaute | Q

There’s something about candlelight that no other element can replicate, and Truly Haute Candles has spent over a decade mastering it. Since 2013, owners Lauren Barbalich and Rachel Baron have been designing layered, intentional candlelight installations across south Louisiana that don’t just decorate a space, they completely transform it. Every setup is thoughtfully curated to complement your overall aesthetic, whether you’re envisioning a moody, romantic ceremony or a warm, glowing reception. Truly Haute is a full-service decor rental company, handling everything from custom design and delivery to onsite setup and post-event breakdown. A client pickup option is also available for a more budget-flexible approach, with no minimum required. Full-service installations start at $1,500. Serving Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette and the surrounding areas.

Details

• Luxury candlelight rentals with custom styling, delivery, setup and breakdown

• Extensive curated inventory of lanterns, candelabras, taper candlesticks, floating, granulated and pillar candles

• Flameless LED options available in any style

• Customer pickup options available for self-setup events

• Specializes in intentional, layered candle installations that transform ceremony and reception spaces

• Serving weddings, galas, rehearsal dinners, proposals, and private parties across Louisiana

• Full-service minimum rental of $1,500; no minimum for client pick-up option

Great

If you’ve ever dreamed of an outdoor reception that feels like a destination, C’est Bon Event Rentals brings that vision to life. Known for their signature sailcloth tents, clear-top West Coast frame tents, premium dance floors, staging, custom bars, linens and full-scale event builds, the team specializes in transforming open spaces into refined wedding venues across south Louisiana. From intimate celebrations to grand receptions, every installation is thoughtfully created with a personalized touch and exceptional attention to detail.

Haleigh Kirkland Photography

Haleigh Kirkland Photography

Chocolate Bijoux is a Baton Rouge artisan chocolate company crafting small-batch, fully customized creations that feel like an essential part of your wedding aesthetic rather than an afterthought. Mother-daughter chocolatiers Aliaa and Maram Khalaf bring a meticulous eye for detail to every order, designing each piece with the same care and intention you’re putting into every other element of your day. Whether you’re envisioning elegant favor boxes for 20 guests or a full custom setup for 100 or more, the Chocolate Bijoux builds the experience around your vision, tailoring flavors, finishes and presentation to feel cohesive and personal. Curated gift boxes are also available for bridal party gifts, welcome bags, or any milestone moment surrounding the wedding weekend. Pricing starts at $25 for small custom sets; large event packages are quoted by guest count or bulk order. Give at least two weeks' notice, longer for large orders. Your guests will eat the favors and remember them!

Details

• Artisanal handcrafted chocolates made in small batches with high-quality ingredients, fully customized in flavor and presentation

• Custom wedding and event favors designed to feel like an intentional part of the celebration

• Curated gift boxes available for individual orders, corporate gifting, and milestone occasions

• Serves intimate gatherings of 10–20 guests up to large weddings of 100+ guests

• Available for local pickup and regional delivery across the Baton Rouge metro area

• Pricing ranges from $25–$150+ for smaller custom sets; larger wedding and event packages priced per guest or bulk order

• Book at least two weeks in advance; larger orders require more lead time

bougiebackdrops225@gmail.com | bougiebackdrops225.com @bougiebackdrops225 | Q

Bougie Backdrops 225 specializes in luxury event décor designed to make every celebration unforgettable. From lush faux floral backdrops, flower walls, arches, shimmery installs and dramatic draping to custom dance floors and vinyl wraps, Bougie transforms ordinary events into elevated experiences with our signature “Bougie flair.” Backdrop rentals begin at $475. Curated Signature Series Packages—featuring coordinated arches, aisle florals, meadows, centerpieces and luxe décor styling—begin at $1,200. Need the full service? Bougie Backdrops also offers custom dance floors and staging options to create a complete luxury event aesthetic from ceremony to reception.

GLOW

Expert cancer care. Close to home.

Following a routine mammogram, Michelle received the life‑changing diagnosis of early‑stage breast cancer at age 50. Throughout her treatment at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, a dedicated team supported her every step of the way through coordinated, compassionate care. Through personalized support services, Michelle found strength in acupuncture, occupational therapy and wellness‑focused support that treated more than her diagnosis alone. Today, Michelle is thriving and sharing her story to inspire others to prioritize their health and seek the care they deserve, right here at home. Whatever your reasons are for doing the things you do — we’ve only got one. You.

Learn more at ochsner.org/EndCancer.

Michelle A. | Breast Cancer Patient

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities

Three Trusted Partners, One Baton Rouge Standard.

At Del Rio Real Estate, real estate is about more than closing deals. It is about trust, guidance, and relationships that last well beyond the sale.

With more than 25 years serving the Baton Rouge market, Del Rio Real Estate continues to grow with a partner-led team built around experience, care, and local expertise. Jerry del Rio, Miriam del Rio, and Heather Civello bring a shared commitment to helping clients navigate every chapter of home with confidence.

From first homes to forever homes, every client receives thoughtful guidance, personal attention, and genuine care — no matter the price point.

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities held its annual Bright Lights Awards Dinner on March 24 at the Capitol Park Museum.

LUCIE MONK CARTER

Randy Haynie with Linda & Joe Holyfield

Marie Moyse Schlesigner, Frances Falcon, and Buck & Janet Moyse

Libbie Sonnier, Sharonda Williams & Miranda Restovic

Jeremy & Emily Stine with Jodi & Michael Galasso

BRIAN PAVLICH

Baton Rouge Symphony League

visit lbatonrouge.com/meetings/weddings

The Baton Rouge Symphony League held its annual Mad Hatters luncheon on April 16 at the Crowne Plaza.

Gunjan Raina & Casey Rayborne Hicks

Alysia Graves & Jene Grand

Brandie Hoth & Nicole Lea

Sarah Drennan & Katie Schellack

Susan Pellegrin & Deidre Hill

Gracie Rigell & Sharon Pennington

Kristy Coast, Charlotte Smith & Anjali Vij

Holly Alello, Amy Grassmann & Lori Demand

Dawn Aucoin, Corinne Copeland, Selina Loupe & Brandy Parsons

Sams & Morgan Lentes

The Spritz

The Spritz, benefitting The Hospice of Baton Rouge’s The Retreat at Quarters Lake, was held on March 21.

Issue Date: June 2026 Ad proof #2

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Shane & Ellen Dantin with Katie & Ryan Bliss

Parav Reddy, Prisha Patel, Asha Abraham & Priya Jacob

Stephanie Gill, David Smith, Brittney Grand & Michele Percy

Katie Varnado, Melissa Curry, Lindsey Russ, Katie Bliss, Kendall Giuffre, Chelsea Baldwin, Prisha Patel, Dallas Cockrell, Alicia Coenen, Michele Percy & Rose Marie Fife

Kendall Giuffre, Alicia Coenen & Molly Currie Lindsey & Kyle Russ

Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation

Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation held The Answer Gala on March 27 at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel.

Issue Date: June 2026 Ad proof #1

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My family and I have been established patients of Redstick Dentistry for three years now. We are continuously

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-Greg A.

Chris & Deanna Morrison with Kristi Campbell

Michael Vincent & Bri Barrett

Ken & Kristen Marsh

Cael Mullins, Jetta Lea & David Hopkins

Cheryl & Tom Olinde

Nancy Carter, Lauren Coco & Todd Henry

Baton Rouge General

Baton Rouge General held its annual Raise the Barn fundraiser on April 17 at the Live Oak Arabians. George

Murrell, Susanna Charland, Mae Harrington & Denis Murrell

Kathy Shirley, Melanie Patrick, Lori Rody & Susie Furr

Susie Furr, Lisa Creed & Julie Folse

Randa Patrick, Cheryl Kirchoff, Pamela Gladney, Melanie Patrick, Teri LeBlanc, Lori Rody & Beverly Gladney

Laura Busbice, Ann Michael Lagarde & Dania Tanguis

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Where Baton Rouge Begins Wedding Planning

Clayton & Amy Shilling with Jamie & Chad Matte Jordan & Becky Tremblay

Martin Langston, Chapreca Fields,and Diane & Johnny Tate

Charles

Maggie Gladney

Lillian Piazza & Monika Arnold

Kim & Bennett Cheramie with Jenn & Steve Manale

MAY

“South Arts Southern Prize & State Fellowships for Visual Arts”

JUNE 4 – SEPTEMBER 6

LSU Museum of Art

Get a glimpse at the artwork of the nine 2025 Southern Prize & State Fellowship for Visual Arts recipients during this touring exhibition’s stop at the LSU Museum of Art. lsumoa.org

Night Ranger

JUNE 5

L’Auberge Casino & Hotel

Known for their 1980s hits like “Sister Christian” and “Rock in America,” hard rock band Night Ranger will take L’Auberge by storm with this show. lbatonrouge.com

Newsies Jr.

JUNE 5-7, 12-14

Reilly Theatre

The Playmakers of Baton Rouge are bringing the Tony Award-winning story of a group of newsboys in turn-of-thecentury New York City to the Reilly Theatre stage this month with two weekends of performances of Newsies Jr. playmakersbr.org

Much Ado About Nothing

JUNE 12-21

Mid City Civic Theatre

The newly established Mid City Civic Theatre kicks off its creative tenure in Baton Rouge with William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Prioritizing joy and community, this production sets the tone for the company promising a sense of togetherness. midcitycivic.org

“The Monsters We Sometimes Become”

JUNE 13

The Gallery at Manship

This art exhibition hosted by Ellemnop.Art will bring to life works by artist Nathaniel A.J. Landry with a performance of an original music score by Monoblack. Guests will explore complexities of the human condition through visual and performance art. ellemnop.art/monster

Grace “Mama” Marino Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner

JUNE 23

L’Auberge Casino & Hotel

The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society will posthumously honor Ruffin Rodrigue at its annual celebration featuring a multi-course dinner, wine pairings and a live auction. epicbr.org

Andrew Duhon

JUNE 25

Manship Theatre

New Orleans native, singer-songwriter Andrew Duhon is making a stop at the Manship Theatre to perform songs from his latest album, “The Parish Record,” which tells stories of love and life through folk and blues melodies. manshiptheatre.org

Gary Allan

JUNE 26

L’Auberge Casino & Hotel

From “Right Where I Need to Be” and “Watching Airplanes,” country artist Gary Allan is known for several of his hit songs. This month, he is bringing them all to the L’Auberge stage for an evening performance to welcome summer. lbatonrouge.com

KnockFest

JUNE 27

Knock Knock Children’s Museum

This fundraiser is for the kids. Knock Knock Children’s Museum will host a day-long Renaissance festival inspired by King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and The Sword in the Stone. This family-friendly event will offer a preview of what guests can expect at the grown-up gala in the fall. knockknockmuseum.org

The Grace “Mama” Marino Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society’s annual celebration dinner on June 23.

In Unison

Music is a must for any wedding. But for Richelle Sherlock and Chad Simmons, music was the focal point of and reason for their wedding. Featured as the cover couple of the June 1998 Summer Bridal Issue of inRegister, Richelle and Chad welcomed the 120-voice Auburn University Concert Choir as part of their ceremony.

“It was music that introduced Richelle Sherlock and Chad Simmons, and it was a musical extravaganza that united the two in marriage April 18 at First Baptist Church,” the original cover story states. The two met as members of that same choir while attending Auburn University, where they spent two hours in class every day and had weekly out-of-town performances. Soon after their engagement, the couple called their former choir director, Thomas Smith, and, halfjoking, Richelle asked if the choir would sing at their wedding. It was a resounding yes. Smith incorporated Richelle’s selections into the choir’s spring program and arranged for the choir’s annual tour to conclude in Baton Rouge.

“It wasn’t simply a wedding, it was a moving, spiritual, musical experience for everyone—from family and friends to the members of the choir,” the cover story reads. “It was a wedding and concert, complete with organ, piano, flute and trumpet all rolled into one.” After exchanging vows, Richelle and Chad watched from the balcony, holding one another as voices sang out the final “hallelujah.”

No matter how big or outlandish your wedding day vision may seem, people always come together to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the name of love. So make the day uniquely yours and embrace the wild ideas. Your dreams just might come true.