Bride & Groom Spring 2020

Bride + G R O O M A GUIDE TO NEW ORLEANS WEDDINGS + UNIONS | SPRING 2020

Looking Ahead FASHION

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES:

WHAT'S TRENDING

SHOPPING

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT RING GIFT GUIDES

LOCAL GIFTS FOR GUESTS + BRIDAL PARTY TOKENS

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Creating memories in the French Quarter

BRIDE + GROOM

• SPRING 2020

SINCE 1999

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HOW TO GET TO SAY

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TO THE DRESS

B Y S U Z A N N E P F E F F E R L E TA F U R

Between the bachelorette party and the slow cooker you ordered from the soon-to-be newlyweds’

Williams Sonoma registry, the costs of being a bridesmaid can add up quickly. Once you factor in the potentially ill-fitting, expensive dress — a dress you might secretly loathe — a happy occasion becomes a headache.

Many brides are easing the financial burden by letting their bridesmaids pick dresses they love and likely will wear again. Wedding planning then becomes an experience the whole bridal party can enjoy together. You can’t put a price on that.

Yvonne LaFleur, owner of the eponymous fashion boutique (8131 Hampson St., 504-866-9666; www.yvonnelafleur.com) believes age tends to influence a bride’s thought process.

“A lot of the older brides are a little more practical with thinking about all the weddings they’ve been in, so they’re picking out navy or black,” says LaFleur, adding that these women often are looking for classic, versatile styles. “They specify a length and allow the girls to pick out what style they’d like and what’s flattering to their body and useful in their wardrobe. The younger brides seem to do the pretty colors — the pastels.”

Courtney Schulman, co-owner of Pearl’s Place bridal shop (3114 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504-885-9213; www. pearlsplace.com) says brides are encouraging their maids

BRIDE + GROOM

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DAVID’S BRIDAL

• SPRING 2020

SING IN HUES Many brides pick a color palette but allow their bridesmaids to choose the style of dress that suits them best.

Bridesmaids’ dresses, starting at $99 from David’s Bridal (4630 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-779-6333; www.davidsbridal.com).

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BRIDE + GROOM

• SPRING 2020

B R I DE S M A I D S DR E S S E S

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GOLDEN GODDESS Metallic gold dress

by Hayley Paige, $310 from Pearl’s Place.

PHOTO PROVIDED

BY PEARL’S PL ACE

LADY IN RED Burgundy dress by Hayley Page $280 from Pearl’s Place (3114 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504-885-9213; www.pearlsplace.com).

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEARL’S PL ACE

B R I DE S M A I D S DR E S S E S

to embrace their figure and fashion style.

“Some are choosing different colors; others are going with the same color, but they are allowing each bridesmaid to choose the dress (style) they feel flatters them the most,” she says. “Certain styles are not going to flatter every single person, and this has been a challenge since the ‘same style, same designer, same dress’ look has gone on. This allows for people to be more comfortable in their dress.”

But how can brides prevent the process from becoming a free-for-all?

LaFleur has worked with women who visit the shop with their entire bridal party. They try on different styles together and offer input on what they do and don’t like until they all agree on an ensemble they look forward to wearing.

Schulman says brides often will pick the color and designer, then allow their bridesmaids to choose the style. Some brides allow each individual to choose a style based on an entire color palette — say, shades of blue — even if the dresses are created by different designers.

Every now and then, the bride will purchase the dresses for her bridesmaids, LaFleur says. Her shop offers complimentary alterations.

“Weddings are so expensive for the bridesmaid, with all the parties and the gifts and all of that,” LaFleur says. “We see the mom or the bride treating the bridesmaid to their dress, which is a very nice thing to do.”

Bridesmaid Aisle Style

Bridesmaids dress, starting at $289 from Yvonne LaFleur (8131 Hampson St., 504-8669666; www.yvonnelafleur.com).

ON THE COVER: PHOTO BY HANNAH PICKLE (www.hannahpickle.com; Instagram @hannahpickle) FLOWERS BY WE ARE GATHERED (www.wearegatheredfloral.com)

• SPRING 2020

PHOTO PROVIDED

BY Y VONNE L AFLEUR

BRIDE + GROOM

CLASSIC BLACK

DRESSES IN “WINES AND BURGUNDIES” ARE TRENDING, along with metallic gold stunners, Schulman says.

“We have every range of look from a black-tie glam to boho-chic, and everything in between,” she says. “That’s the best thing about weddings today: There are so many different types of weddings and venues where the individual bride can shine and show off her personal style.”

Long dresses are still vogue, LaFleur says. But she’s also noticed brides and bridesmaids celebrating the Roaring Twenties with flapper-like dresses topped with long pearl necklaces. “They love the fun of it,” LaFleur says. “That’s become a popular theme for a lot of weddings.”

MAKEUP BY SARAH WALSH (www.sarahwalshbeauty.com) WEDDING PLANNING BY NICE DAY (www.itsaniceday.co)

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Weddings • Bridal Showers • Corporate Parties

BRIDE + GROOM

• SPRING 2020

Starwind Gifts Spiritual Supply Ritual Needs

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Spiritual Gift Shop 6262 FLEUR DE LIS DR. | NEW ORLEANS | 504-300-1804

www.rizzutosristorante.com

Incense • Candles • Crystals • Jewelry • Tarot Cards Spiritual Supplies • Rootwork

5509 Magazine St. | starwindgifts.com | 504.702.5825

Gifts

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GRATITUDE Floral scarf, $99 from Yvonne LaFleur.

Show your bridal party how much you appreciate them with irresistible presents

GAMBIT STAFF PHOTO

BY SHELBY SIMON

Ditty bags, $40 from Tchoup Industries (1115 St. Mary St., 504-872-0726; www.tchoupindustries. com). Gambit readers can get 20% off orders of six items or more with the discount code WEDDINGPARTY20.

Crystal brooches, $79 each from Yvonne LaFleur (8131 Hampson St., 504-866-9666; www.yvonnelafleur.com).

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TCHOUP INDUSTRIES

GAMBIT STAFF PHOTO

BRIDE + GROOM

Petite fleur de lis cards, $28 from Scriptura.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SCRIPTUR A

• SPRING 2020

Leather fleur de lis journal, $68 from Scriptura (5423 Magazine St., 504-8971555; Lakeside Shopping Center Annex, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-219-1113; www.scriptura.com).

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SCRIPTUR A PAGE 8

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G I F T S O F G R AT I T U DE PAGE 7

Rosie the Riveter tote bag, $25 from the National World War II Museum gift shop (945 Magazine St, 504528-1944, ext. 244; www.store.nationalww2museum.org).

The Columns HOTEL

Bridal Showers • Rehearsal Dinners Catered Weddings & Receptions Departure Brunches

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Venue

Defining Southern Charm & Hospitality

www.MrEdsRestaurants.com

Celebrate your special event at The Historic Columns Hotel with a uniquely New Orleans experience.

2310 HICKORY AVENUE, HARAHAN (504) 737-0604

3811 St. Charles Avenue 504.899.0506 • thecolumns.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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• SPRING 2020

SUPPORT

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GAMBIT STAFF PHOTO

LOCAL BUSINESSES

New Orleans Cocktails book, $19.95 from Scriptura.

PHOTO PROVIDED

BY SCRIPTUR A

If you have the means at this time, please consider spending your money at locally owned businesses. From curbside pick-up to delivery and ordering online from local retailers; locally owned businesses need our support now more than ever.

Fanny pack with woven panel, $90 from Tchoup Industries.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TCHOUP INDUSTRIES

BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM

1261 Esplanade Avenue 504.948.4800 HotelStoryville.net

• SPRING 2020

Contact us to schedule your special event!

BRIDE + GROOM

Perfect for an outdoor event, the garden at Hotel Storyville is a lush oasis just steps away from the world famous French Quarter.

You can bring your own food, beverages, music ... or we can do it ALL for you. Our beautiful garden accommodates up to 300 guests and is the perfect venue for weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, graduations, corporate events and so much more!

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GATHER DINE CELEBRATE

Catering at Our Venue & Around Town • • • • • • •

Rehearsal Dinners Wedding Receptions Post Wedding Brunches Conference Dinners Corporate Lunches & Dinners Social Events Holiday Celebrations

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• SPRING 2020

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Find Your Dream Wedding Cake METAIRIE

750 MARTIN BEHRMAN AVE. (504) 835-8565

COVINGTON

Photo by Peony Photography

1-800-Gambino1www.Gambinos.com

VILLERESFLORIST.COM

1415 N. HWY 190 (985) 809-9101

Diamonds

ARE FOREVER

How to pick the right one, plus other gems to consider B Y S U Z A N N E P F E F F E R L E TA F U R |

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DIAMONDS DIREC T

there are so many different ways to look at that,” Moore says. “Please have the patience when you come in and go through all of this, because it’s only for your benefit.”

Diamond Alternatives

When it comes to diamonds, size does matter. But it’s not everything.

Ethical Sourcing

Like all legitimate jewelry companies throughout the country, Diamonds Direct only offers ethically sourced diamonds. “Whenever we buy a parcel of diamonds, it comes with a certificate that lets us know that the mine has been checked out,” Rising-Moore says, noting that the mines meet government standards and employees are paid fair wages and work in optimal conditions.

BRIDE + GROOM • SPRING 2020

In fact, there’s plenty to consider when searching for a diamond engagement ring — including your budget and your beloved’s personality — which is why the process can be overwhelming.

Kyle Rising-Moore, general manager at Diamonds Direct (3230 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504-383-3900; www.diamondsdirect.com) aims to put his clients at ease and help them make a good investment.

“We walk people through each and every single step of the process, because a lot of customers come in not knowing where to start,” he says. “It’s our job to educate every single person completely and fully.”

Rising-Moore begins by asking clients what they want a ring to symbolize.

“You want the ring to embody both of you — and the relationship that you have — and you want something that’s going to be fantastic for life,” he says. “It’s not our job to lead you into one shape or another. What do you think is beautiful?”

Rising-Moore then covers what’s commonly known as the four C’s: cut, carat, color and clarity.

Cut refers to the proportions and finish of the diamond, which renders the stone’s brilliance.

Cut is created by man, while the other C’s are determined by nature.

“A perfectly cut diamond will outshine a poor diamond 10 to one,” Rising-Moore says. “It’s painful when you see guys that have spent their hard-earned money on a horribly cut diamond, just to save a nickel and a dime.”

The carat weight is pretty straightforward. It simply refers to how much a diamond weighs.

Many folks mistakenly think weight is the stone’s most impressive characteristic.

“Some say, ‘Oh, I have to have the biggest diamond, so people can know that he loves me.’ It’s not about that,” Rising-Moore says. “Just like I carry my weight in my belly, the carat weight of the diamond is in the belly of the diamond. If it’s too wide, you won’t be able to see the beauty of the diamond. So honestly it comes down to measurements — the millimeter size.”

Rising-Moore will help his clients find a diamond with the desired measurements, and an excellent color, cut and polish.

Color describes how white the diamond appears. The color range is from colorless to light yellow. The evaluation of diamond color is based on the absence of color, beginning at “D” and going through “Z.” Since the difference between each letter is minute, Rising-Moore will show his clients six diamonds at a time, side by side.

“I know my name is Kyle or whatever, but I’m obsessed with K’s. I love the color K,” he says. “It’s got just enough yellow in it to give it a personality, but it’s still white enough to be gorgeous. I love them in emerald shapes and rounds.”

Clarity describes the purity of the diamond.

Most diamonds contain tiny, natural marks called inclusions. The number of inclusions, along with their size, nature and location, affects a diamond’s clarity grade.

“Flawless and internally flawless diamonds are extremely rare,” Rising-Moore days. “Can we get them? Yes. The earth just does not produce that many. When you think about it, that’s 300,000 years of a diamond traveling throughout the earth without catching one flaw.”

Finally, he says, if you haven’t done your research, don’t put too much emphasis on the price.

“If somebody comes in says, “I have a $3,000 budget. What’s that going to get me?’ Well,

Sure, diamonds are said to be a girl’s best friend, but they are not for everyone. Sapphires and rubies make great alternatives, because they are extremely durable, Rising-Moore says.

Pearls are soft and easy to dent, and certain gemstones like peridot will look scratched and cloudy over time.

“The conversation becomes: ‘Are you going to wear your engagement ring every day? If so, let’s talk about a harder stone,’ ” Rising-Moore says. “When somebody comes in and they’re wanting something different, we talk about sapphires. They come in every color of the rainbow, so that’s really cool, too.”

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Fabulous

Floral Creations for Your

Wedding Day New Orleans

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New Orleans

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BRIDE + GROOM

• SPRING 2020

inside

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The Pitot House Museum & Garden

Unique historic venue available for weddings, receptions, elopements and other special events.

Conveniently located in Mid-City on beautiful Bayou St. John

b

For more info www.pitothouse.org info@louiainalandmarks.org 504-482-0312

Louisiana Landmarks society •Pitot House•

1440 Moss St., New Orleans

PERSON

ALIZE

YOU R P ORCH

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DESIGN

WITH F LOR A

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SHOP S ICILI A

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DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW Ad Director Sandy Stein 504.483.3150 or sstein@gambitweekly.com

PARTY favors GIFTS FOR THE GUESTS

BY SHELBY SIMON

Give your guests a local favor so they can take a piece of this city home and fondly remember your wedding long after it’s over.

Creole pepper jelly, $6 from Gracious Bakery (4930 Prytania St., 504-301-3709; www.graciousbakery.com).

PHOTO BY R ANDY SCHMIDT

Original hot sauce in 1/8-ounce bottles (with customizable name, vector logo or branded art), $89 for a case of 144 from Tabasco (www.countrystore.tabasco.com).

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MCILHENNY COMPANY

Streetcar themed KLoRebel Coasters, $25 for set of two from the National World War II Museum gift shop (945 Magazine St., 504-528-1944; www.nationalww2museum.org.)

GAMBIT STAFF PHOTO

Soap, $7 from Sweet Olive Soap Works (1224 Dante St.; www.sweetolivesoapworks.com).

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TCHOUP INDUSTRIES

Sugar cane truffles, $8 from Gracious Bakery.

PHOTO BY R ANDY SCHMIDT

GAMBIT STAFF PHOTO

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Southern Wedding Cake-flavored coffee, $42 for 36 packets from PJ’S Coffee (www.pjscoffee.com).

BRIDE + GROOM

PHOTO BY L AUR A KUHN

Happy hour key ring with bottle opener, $28 from Tchoup Industries.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

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BRIDE + GROOM

• SPRING 2020

Hotel Storyville

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Rizzuto’s Ristorante The private room at Rizzuto’s Ristorante is the perfect venue for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, weddings and receptions. Their professional staff will take care of the details so family and friends can enjoy the special day.

Let Chef Jason prepare a menu proudly showcasing the many flavors and colors of the Rizzutos’ Sicilian roots from classic Italian entrees like Shrimp Fra Diavolo and Crab & Lobster Ravioli to Prime steaks & chops as we marry old world and new world cooking traditions and generations of exceptional cooking.

To learn more, visit rizzutosristorante.com or call (504) 300-1804.

Let Hotel Storyville help you plan your next big (or small) happening! The garden easily transforms into the perfect outdoor venue for your special occasion.

Accommodating 300+ guests, you can bring your own food, beverages, music, or they can do it all for you. Whether you have a sit-down dinner/luncheon for 25, or a crawfish boil for 300, the Gardens are something you should consider. The space includes 2 covered lounges as well as 2 restrooms and on-site parking for up to 15 cars. They can also accommodate your guests in our cozy 8 room hotel just steps from the garden.

Rock’n’Bowl and Ye Olde College Inn Rock’n’Bowl and Ye Olde College Inn are your one stop wedding shop.

From the restaurant to the Grand Hall, they can host any type party from engagement parties to wedding receptions!

Seated dinners, receptions or social gatherings, Rock’n’Bowl and Ye Olde College Inn have the most affordable prices in town.

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Cigar Factory New Orleans

Royal Sonesta

Royal Sonesta New Orleans can design weddings and receptions from intimate occasions to the most lavish affairs in our unique venues fitting 5 to 500 guests all with exceptional style and the highest degree of personal service.

From authentic French Quarter courtyard, iconic wrought-iron balconies and outstanding “Food Is Art” philosophy, to private rooms for bridal showers, brunches and teas—the Royal Sonesta hotel stands out as a perfect spot for New Orleans destination weddings.

Joey K’s Cigar Factory New Orleans, a small family business, has been hand rolling cigars in the city’s famous French Quarter since 1999. They create five exclusive blends of premium tobaccos from around the world and are proud to be part of a true New Orleans tradition dating back the late 1800’s.

From cigar makers’ hands to yours….

Their master cigar makers, with combined experience of over a century, have perfected the art of cigars.

Cigar Factory New Orleans invites you to experience the intoxicating aromas, the pulsating beats, and the unique culture that is New Orleans.

Laurenia

Host your wedding in the historic Laurenia ballroom! Housed inside the historic Pythian Temple in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District, Laurenia is just footsteps away from the iconic French Quarter. Laurenia offers 3,700 square feet of indoor space featuring hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Duncan Plaza, and features restored ironwork from the original building. This unique space offers zone lighting, elevator access and a unique location. There is currently a fantastic special for weddings booked in 2020 for just $125 per person.

Learn more at www.Laurenianola.com.

Highlights Catering

Calcasieu Catering PHOTO BY GREER GATTUSO

Highlights Catering has been in business for over 15 years. All of their food is prepared in-house with the freshest seasonal ingredients and a creative flair that will impress your family, friends and clients. They do everything from fine dining and formal receptions to a casual backyard fiesta. Highlights Catering main focus is to take the stress off of brides and grooms and to provide service based upon the individual needs of their clients. They strive to provide their customers with a positive catering experience that is stylish and professional, yet unpretentious!

• SPRING 2020

Calcasieu, James Beard Award-winning Chef Donald Link’s private dining in addition to his family of restaurants, is located in the Warehouse District. Conveniently located just two blocks from the Convention Center, Calcasieu has three private dining rooms that combine a New Orleans warehouse feel with modern design, creating the perfect backdrop for any type of gathering.

In the style of Link’s established restaurants Herbsaint, Cochon Butcher, Peche and Cochon, Calcasieu showcases contemporary Louisiana cuisine, great wines, and excellent service. Calcasieu accommodates private events from 10 to 160 for seated meals, and up to 250 guests for cocktail receptions and accommodates off-site catering and events.

BRIDE + GROOM

PHOTO BY @MONSOLEIL PHOTOGRAPHY

Have your next wedding reception or bridal shower at Joey K’s! The upstairs doubleparlor room can accommodate between 50 to 60 guests. The room includes a large wraparound balcony overlooking historic Magazine Street. Joey K’s can cater your wedding event to meet your needs.

They offer a variety of dining options from buffet-style to sitdown and family-style dinners.

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