Cue Bride: Feb. 2016

CUE’S

BRIDE BOOK S P R I N G

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A Gambit Publication

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CUE bride book SPRING 2016

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Bridal style

15 17

Beautiful bouquets

21 27 31 35 38

The scoop on 2016 bridal trends Perennials to impress your partner

A guide to wedding parties

Because you can’t have just one celebration

Fitness

15

Bridal workouts — from boot camp to booty camp

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Invitations

Special cards for special guests

How to pick a makeup artist Taking you from start to photo finish

Elopement packages

When wedding planning isn’t your thing

Resources

Where to get the goods in CUE’s Bride Book

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Congratulations on planning your special day.

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CCROPream OF THE

BY SUZ A NNE PFEFFERLE TA FUR

Crop tops, opalescent beading and textured skirts are just a few of 2016â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bridal gown trends.

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SO YOU’VE MET THE ONE, SAID YES, AND NOW YOU’RE PLANNING what’s sure to be a fabulous wedding. Congratulations! At this point, many brides turn to a top item on their checklist – finding The Dress.

Some want a classic number. Others are on the hunt for 2016’s daring, haute couture looks, like crop tops and dresses embellished with milky opalescent beading. The options can be both exciting and overwhelming. Fortunately, a few local wedding gown experts who understand the significance of the dress and shopping experience can lead the way.

At The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe, customers browse beneath glamorous chandeliers. Owner Melissa Estess says florals are popular, used as a pattern on the dress or incorporated in a lace overlay, along with plunging necklines, sometimes paired with a transparent material such as tulle.

“We’re seeing brides take more of a risk than they had in the past,” she says, noting that full skirts also are in vogue. “For a while, we just saw fit-and-flare with sweetheart necklines. Fuller skirts and textured skirts are definitely making a comeback.”

The sprawling collection at Pearl’s Place showcases a variety of styles, ranging from laid-back, delicate boho looks to glam sequined versions. Owner Courtney Schulman says gowns embellished with opalescent beads are in demand this year.

“It used to be just rhinestones and stuff, but now (designers) are going toward these iridescent opal beads, which has been fun,” she says.

Warm-hued dresses rather than stark white ones have been a big hit on the wedding gown scene. Claudia Adamcewicz, owner of Bustles & Bows Bridal Boutique, believes that blush and bashful (two shades of pink) are 2016’s signature colors.

Each boutique owner mentioned a trend that may raise eyebrows: two-piece outfits that reveal a sliver of belly. These customizable outfits, some more conservative than others, are popular for

PREVIOUS PAGE: Beaded mermaid-style gown, $1,000 and up at MaeMe [LEFT TO RIGHT] Ivory and champagne-hued gown with halter neckline, $1,900 at Bustles & Bows Lace crop top, $428, and matching skirt, $675, both at Pearl's Place Lace illusion sheath dress, $2,000 and up at MaeMe

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tropical destination weddings.

“It’s definitely something new and something for the moms to get used to,” Adamcewicz says, laughing. “You can throw a veil on and make it come together as a more traditional look but, yes, the midriff showing … has been a big sell.”

Fashionable accessories include dramatic cathedral veils, dainty floral headpieces and statement shoes decorated with glistening rhinestones.

Estess says sashes are still going strong, but are no longer a go-to source for extra pizzazz.

Now the emphasis is on the dress.

“This bohemian-chic look that’s coming incorporates a lot more beading, plunging necklines and illusion,” she says. “We’re still seeing sashes, but that intricacy is more in the bodice of the dress.”

Estess’ shop is expanding its selections of sizes and currently offers about 50 gowns in sizes up to 28.

“It’s bringing that bride what she wants to wear and not what the industry is saying a fuller-figured bride should wear,” says Estess, who encourages clients to arrive at the boutique with photos of the dresses they like. That way, sales assistants can get the gown search moving in the right direction.

Many customers won’t know what they want until they see it. Schulman, who has worked for Pearl’s Place for 25 years, suggests brides stay flexible regarding styles.

“When someone comes in and says: ‘Oh my God, I have to have this,’ the look may not even be flattering on them,” she says. “To be open-minded is the best kind of client because we can then look at them, see what looks good on them and do well with that.”

Adamcewicz will gently make suggestions, if the client is amenable to hearing them.

“I tell them to trust us and trust that we’re going to make them look beautiful,” she says.

“I think (the dress) has to fit their personality — that’s the most important thing. You have to look beautiful and feel beautiful for yourself, and that will radiate to everyone else.”

[CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT] Beaded crop top, $853, and skirt, $651, both at Pearl's Place Three-quarter sleeve lace bodice ball gown, $1,400 and up at MaeMe Cap sleeve gown with plunging neckline, $2,000 and up at MaeMe Beaded gown with lace overlay, $1,900 at Bustles & Bows

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WEDDINGS AT

Photo courtesy of Nikki Nicole

stellaplantation.com 504-919-7474 Photo courtesy of Greer Gattuso

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A

BLOOM

OF ONE’S OWN

BY STEPHANIE METHER ALL

PHOTOS BY ROMNEY PHOTOGR APHY

Different weddings call for different bouquets.

Here are a few to consider.

WHEN IT COMES TO BRIDAL BOUQUETS, THERE ARE ENDLESS COMBINATIONS of flowers, styles, stems and shapes. “You can always leave it up to the designer,” says Trameka Jones of Villere’s Florist, which supplied these bouquets. “We usually try to get a feel of what the bride likes, what her favorite flower is, and go from there.”

Here’s a rundown of four popular bouquets.

Statement flowers

This bouquet of red roses may seem timeless, but Stephen Sonnier of Dunn & Sonnier Flowers says it’s very ontrend. The deeper color of the roses and striking “flower-to-flower” look of a tighter round bouquet suits a more sophisticated fall or winter event. If roses aren’t your thing, any other statement flower can up the ante of the classic round shape.

Nosegay-style bouquet

Typically smaller than a classic round bouquet, a nosegay bouquet is a “tight, French-style bouquet with nothing sticking out of the perfect surface,” Sonnier says.

A nosegay-style bouquet of pink daisies is perfect for a spring or summer wedding.

Cascade bouquet

“[Cascade bouquets] are making a huge comeback,” Sonnier says. “I’ve had more brides in the past couple months ask for cascades than in my past 30 years.” According to Sonnier, the last time cascades were popular was 1982, when Princess Diana carried one at her wedding.

Classic, casual crowd-pleaser

The simple rounded shape of this bouquet suits a whimsical outdoor wedding. “A loose, hand-tied arrangement is more garden-oriented,” Sonnier says. “Even the stems matter: exposed stems reflect a more casual atmosphere, and covered stems are reserved for black-tie affairs.”

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WEDDING PARTY 1O1

The who, what, when and where of wedding-related events.

BY LEE CUTRONE

SHOWERS, LUNCHEONS, BACHELOR AND BACHELORETTE PARTIES, REHEARSAL DINNERS — there’s a ton of wedding planning to be done before the wedding itself. If the schedule of festivities has you feeling overwhelmed, read on for a breakdown and tips from local event planners Kenny LaCour, owner of Grand Events, Dakota Restaurant and Dakota-Catered; Emily Radosta, sales manager of Tommy’s Cuisine and Wine Bar and Tomas Bistro; and Sarah Hall, president of Joel Catering.

Engagement party WHO

Traditionally, the bride’s parents hold the engagement party, but Hall says it is not compulsory. A close friend or family relation such as a godparent may hold the party.

The guest list usually includes family and close friends of the bride and groom.

WHAT TO DO

“Any considerate host or hostess wants to do something that they know the honoree will enjoy and that suits their interests,” LaCour says. Conversely, Hall notes the guests of honor “should be respectful and appreciative of the people giving their time and money (to host the party).”

WHEN

Schedule the party once the wedding date and venue are secured.

“People want to know when and where the wedding will be,” LaCour says. “The wedding is the talk of the party.”

Engagement parties usually are held six to eight months before the wedding. Hall says his clients often throw engagement parties three to four months after becoming engaged, which may be anywhere from eight to 12 months pre-wedding.

WHERE

An engagement party typically is held in the bride’s hometown.

Showers

A bridal shower includes light refreshments.

PHOTO BY GREER G PHOTOGRAPHY

WHO

Showers generally are the domain of close friends. In the case of couples’ showers, a couple or several couples who are close to the bride and groom plan the party.

Guest lists vary depending on the type of shower.

WHAT TO DO

Bar, kitchen and lingerie showers are a few popular themes. LaCour suggests tweaking the tried and true — for example, consider a “grape shower” instead of a bar shower for the bride or couple who appreciates wine. Such an event can include a sommelier or wine expert, food S PR ING.20 1 6 <<<

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pairings and bar- or wine-themed gifts. “It’s a more focused way of having a bar shower,” LaCour says. “It’s fun and interactive.”

WHEN

Showers usually are scheduled during the month of the wedding or in the several weeks leading up to it.

WHERE

WHEN

Bachelor/bachelorette parties take place two to four months before the wedding — never the night before, contrary to what’s often portrayed in movies.

WHERE

“It’s more personal when done in a home,” LaCour says. Plenty of other locales fit the bill as well. One of Hall’s favorites is Le Salon at the Windsor Court.

Bachelor and bachelorette parties WHO

Friends organize the bachelor and bachelorette parties.

WHAT TO DO

LaCour suggests combining two parties into one — for example, a lingerie shower and night out on the town — for a memorable bachelorette evening. Radosta says bachelor and bachelorette parties sometimes

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LaCour recommends clients hold this event out of town so they can escape from the demands of wedding planning. Whether it’s a laid-back beach gathering or a Las Vegas getaway, revelers should plan activities that take advantage of the environment. Hall suggests a day at the spa, where attendants can bond and relax.

Bridal luncheon WHO

The bridal luncheon traditionally is given by the mother of the bride or a close friend of hers.

WHAT TO DO

LaCour likes to plan a light menu. His favorite venues include Salon by Sucre and Cafe Amelie.

WHEN

The day before the wedding, when bridesmaids and out-of-town family members have arrived.

WHERE

A private room at a favorite restaurant near the bride’s and/or bridal party’s accommodations.

Welcome party for out-of-town guests WHO

Friends of the bride and groom WHAT TO DO

With so many events preceding the wedding, some couples are merging the welcome party and rehearsal dinner. Some of LaCour’s clients host an intimate rehearsal dinner in a private room of a restaurant and then move to different area in the restaurant (a balcony or bar, for example) where out-oftown guests join the party for dessert and drinks. Arnaud’s, which has an assortment of private rooms as well as an iconic bar, is one of his favorite venues.

WHEN

Usually a few days before the wedding or the night before the wedding if combined with the rehearsal dinner.

WHERE

Often at someone’s home. May also be held at a venue.

Rehearsal dinner WHO

The groom’s parents traditionally host the rehearsal dinner. Family, close friends and the bridal party are invited. Often the bride and groom invite out-of-town guests as well.

WHAT TO DO

Keep this an intimate affair for guests who know the couple well enough to toast them, LaCour says. Size is relative, however. With large families, large bridal parties and the pressure to entertain out-of-town guests, many rehearsal dinners have guest lists of 70 or more, LaCour says. Radosta suggests a plated menu at the rehearsal dinner, because the wedding menu often is served buffet-style.

WHEN

Usually the night before the wedding. For a Saturday night wedding, some of Radosta’s clients have their rehearsal dinner on Thursday night, since Friday is the day of the bride’s and groom’s respective luncheons.

“They’re spacing it out more,” she says.

WHERE

A private room at a restaurant.

After party WHO

Often this is an extension of the wedding and is given by the bride’s parents.

WHAT TO DO

LaCour second-lines guests to an unannounced after-party venue. “Look for ways to make it fun and not cliche,” he says.

Guests can adjourn to a favorite place on their own. LaCour suggests the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar and the Windsor Court’s Polo Lounge.

WHEN

After the wedding and reception.

WHERE

A well-known watering hole.

Day after party for out-of-town guests WHO

The bride’s parents or several couples at one of the couples’ home.

WHAT TO DO

Typically, this is a farewell continental-style brunch. LaCour suggests giving it a local spin with cuisine such as grillades and grits or beignets and omeletes. “Convenience and easiness is key,” Hall says. “People need time to pack.”

WHEN

Early the morning after the wedding as people are departing.

WHERE

The host hotel, a place close to the guests’ accommodations or the home of the hosts.

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BUFF BRIDES Workouts geared toward brides help women get fit and blow off steam before the big day.

LIKE THE PERFECT DRESS, fitness goals can mean different things for different women. But most brides share one hope: to present her best self — both mentally and physically — as she joins another in marriage. A number of gyms offer bride-centric packages to support that goal. Below, fitness experts discuss a few options.

Back to the barre

Barre classes are a hybrid workout designed to lengthen and strengthen muscle groups. At Barre3, owner Kendall Carriere found the perfect workout.

“I started out as a yoga instructor in 2009 and later became certified as a fitness and personal trainer,” Carriere says. “I was also an avid runner. The rigorous training schedule I kept, combined with a full teaching schedule, left my body with a constant ailment. … I wasn’t really listening to my body.”

Barre3 transformed her relationship to her body, and three years ago, Carriere opened her first studio Uptown.

The Barre3 program is a great way for seasoned fitness gurus or someone who has never set foot in a gym to tone up for the big day, she says. The pro-

BY ANDREA BLUMENSTEIN

gram includes studio workouts as well as online recipes and workout videos that range from 10 minutes to an hour.

The Barre3 Bridal Package costs $400 for three months of unlimited classes and comes with a “honeymoon kit” stocked with a core ball, a Barre3 video and three guest passes. Carriere recommends starting the program several months before the wedding.

“To really get in good habits and feel great without depriving yourself, starting four or five months ahead can be more beneficial,” Carriere says.

Body and mind

For some people, feeling confident involves mind over matter. Bella Blue, dancer, choreographer and headmistress of New Orleans School of Burlesque, says women who come through PAGE 23

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her door leave feeling empowered.

“Confidence is what really makes a woman look great on her wedding day,” says Blue, who trained in classical ballet and modern dance at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. “It is so important to feel good in your body — and that radiates.”

Workouts at the New Orleans School of Burlesque include classes with names like “Ass and Abs” and “Booty Fabulous,” and Blue offers bachelorette parties with private burlesque instruction. These sessions cost $200 for six people and $30 per person for groups of seven people or more. Clients are encouraged to dress up with boas, garters and the like for the hourlong session — and wear heels no matter what.

“This is for you,” Blue says. “Something for you to do and to have this experience together with your bachelorettes and friends.”

Show up to a pop up

Yoga offers a way to destress from wedding planning while getting in shape. If you’re too overwhelmed to make it to the studio, Karina Marie Pivik has a solution: Karina Marie Yoga Pop Up (www.karinamarieyoga.com), which brings pop-up yoga classes directly to the customer.

“I bring yoga to homes, film sets or storefronts,” she says. “This method allows for the

feel of boutique yoga, but lowers the price tag associated with expensive facilities. Clients enjoy yoga solo or with friends and family to create a personal vibe of love and nurturing.”

A former ballet dancer, Pivik turned to yoga to stay flexible. She also learned balance, stamina and endurance. “As I became more serious, I started to notice the different elements of how yoga incorporated into my lifestyle,” Pivik says. “[I became] a more free-flowing, carefree individual with the discipline to stay focused.”

A single private session is $80, and the cost is $75 per class when three classes are purchased or $60 per class when five are purchased. Up to three people can participate in a session.

“It is a great, healthy alternative (way) to bond with your bridal party,” Pivik says.

For now, and for the future

Many women use their weddings as a catalyst for change, but their hard work often is undone post-honeymoon. The New Orleans Athletic Club’s (NOAC) bridal packages are designed to prevent that type of backpedaling.

NOAC offers two bridal packages. The $500 “Shape Up” bridal package includes a four-month membership and five personal training sessions.

“Personal training helps tailor the program individually for maximum success,” sales

manager Trish Langlois says.

The $150 bridal package includes a threemonth membership with one personal training session and one private Pilates session.

Brides can continue their membership for the rest of the year without additional fees.

“The financial commitment really helps encourage people to show up,” Langlois says.

With more than 50,000 square feet of gym equipment, 46 group exercise classes weekly, a full-service spa, pool, Dynamax training center and locker rooms equipped with sauna and steam rooms, NOAC is a modern fitness mecca encased in an Old World building with wood paneling, marble and chandeliers.

Langlois says some people mistakenly believe her place is pricey. “The reality is that we actually offer very competitive pricing,” she says.

Joshua Pate, a personal trainer at NOAC, works with many brides. A recent client wanted to tone her upper body because she planned to wear a strapless wedding gown.

Pate created a program aimed at muscular endurance — lower weights and higher repetitions to produce long, lean muscles.

“We rely on each other to commit,” Pate says.“It is a team effort. It is my livelihood and my client’s investment in themselves, so we work together.”

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WHAT A

CARD

Cream and black invitation and envelope, starting at $59.95 to $155 for 100 at Gem Printing.

Things to consider when selecting wedding invitations.

BY ANGEL A HERNANDEZ

LASER-CUT LACE, POPS OF COLOR, BLINGED OUT OR SWEET AND SIMPLE ... who would have thought shopping for invitations could be as exciting as shopping for your wedding dress?

There are several things to keep in mind when it comes to the perfect wedding invitation. First, give yourself plenty of time to choose. Many invitations come with features like envelope liners, foldable panels, colors, textures and different styles of typography. Card printing shops will have a large selection of samples binders filled with different styles. It’s a good idea to bring along Post-It notes or something else to mark your favorites.

Also consider whether you want to use thank-you notes, RSVP and save-the-date cards and plan accordingly. Some card shops also can make programs to inform your guests of the activity schedule for the week or weekend of your wedding.

Last, check and double-check that all names, times and addresses are correct on the printed invitation.

Invitations should be ordered six months in advance.

French Quarter scene rehearsal dinner invitation, starting at $650 for 100 at Scriptura.

World map invitation and envelope, starting at $247.60 for 100 at Rudman’s Card and Party Shop.

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Classic invitation with calligraphed names, starting at $1,300 for 100 at Scriptura.

Floral border invitation, envelope and reply cards in sage and charcoal, starting at $1,500 for 100 at Scriptura.

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Laser-cut invitation and envelope, starting at $460 for 100 at Rudmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Card and Party Shop.

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Pink and black invitation, starting at $427 for 100 at Rudman’s Card and Party Shop.

Gold monogram invitation and envelope, starting at $59.95 to $155 for 100 at Gem Printing.

HOST A

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MAKING FACES

BY LEE CUTRONE

What to look for in a bridal makeup artist.

ON THEIR WEDDING DAY, BRIDES WANT TO LOOK THEIR BEST, and the right makeup artist plays a big role in that. Lauren Prats of Hi-Brow Beauty Bar and Kisha Williams of The Makeup Lab Artistry offer advice on what to look for when consulting a prospective makeup artist.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Brides can get a good idea of a makeup artist’s experience by doing research online.

“Look at their social media or website,” Williams says. “Whether it’s a referral or they’ve seen my work on social media, most brides know my work before they contact me.”

ASK THE MAKEUP ARTIST ABOUT PREFERRED COSMETIC BRANDS

Makeup brands made for photography, like Cover FX and Smashbox, are ideal for a wedding day. “They illuminate, but they’re made for photography,” Prats says. Furthermore, since you’ll be eating, dancing, kissing and possibly crying, long-wearing makeup is essential.

“Make sure everything is waterproof or long-wearing, from the skin to the lipstick, so it has good staying power,” Williams says.

Prats suggests choosing artists who apply airbrush foundation, which is durable.

“The only thing you should have to touch up later is lipstick,” she says.

GO FOR A LOOK THAT FEELS LIKE YOU

Choose a makeup artist who doesn’t have a cookie-cutter repertoire. If you look through a portfolio and see an array of matching faces, run.

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Some makeup brands are designed for photography, while others can make skin appear overly shiny in photos.

PHOTO COURTESY LAUREN PRATS

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“I like my brides to feel like themselves but a prettier version,” says Williams, who adds the bride should be the focus, not the makeup.

HAVE A TRIAL APPOINTMENT

Once you find makeup artists whose work you like, give them a test run.

“Use your trial booking for a shower or party,” Prats says. That way, you can look glam and get feedback from friends and family members at the event.

Williams suggests clients bring photos and specific information about the wedding — what the dress looks like, the venue, time of year, time of day, etc.

Prats typically applies two looks to her clients: the look the bride wants and the look Prats thinks is best.

In addition to aesthetics, pay attention to how you feel around your makeup artist.

“Make sure there’s a connection,” Williams says. “You want to be on the same page personality-wise.”

Prats suggests taking a photograph of your makeup to see how it appears in pictures; Williams recommends looking at it in different mirrors and different lights.

GIVE YOUR MAKEUP ARTIST A CLEAN SLATE

Once you’ve picked a makeup artist, do your part by following Williams’ and Prats’ dos and don’ts.

Do follow a skincare regime

Good skincare in the months leading to the wedding will help plump your skin for your wedding day makeup, according to Prats, who also is an esthetician. “I recommend a good moisturizer the night before so your day-of skin is nice and hydrated,” Williams says.

Don’t wear sunscreen on the wedding day

Just this once, forego the SPF, Prats suggests. Light-blocking ingredients like zinc don’t look good in photos.

The same is true of mineral makeup, which also has zinc.

Don’t make any lastminute changes

Waxing your brows the week of the wedding can leave skin red or irritated. Never try something new on the big day.

Have a makeup trial run before the wedding.

PHOTO COURTESY LAUREN PRATS

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Intimate by nature, elopements let couples focus on each other.

PHOTO BY MAILE LANI

I AND THOU

Elopement packages take the hassle out of wedding planning. B Y M I S S Y W I L K I N S O N

WEDDINGS ARE GREAT — IF YOU DON’T MIND DEALING WITH VENDORS, wrangling invite lists, reserving blocks of hotel rooms, picking out bridesmaid gifts, etc. But if you want a ceremony that’s as easy as showing up to a Las Vegas chapel but a touch more personalized, consider eloping.

Elopement packages are designed to provide the essentials — ceremony setup, officiant, cake, Champagne, bouquet and sometimes photography — for one flat fee. “A lot of guests just want the services of a small, quick wedding, and they find the [elopement] packages a good fit,” says Marc Becker, director of marketing for the New Orleans Hotel Collection. If you’d like to say “I do” in a weathered French Quarter courtyard, a historic home, a St. Charles Avenue Victorian mansion or a Mississippi River steamboat, there’s an elopement package that’s right for you.

Grand Victorian (www.gvbb.com)

The Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast offers ceremony-only elopements for five people or fewer. The cost includes a two-night stay in the honeymoon suite.

“Most couples choose to get married in my Victorian-furnished front parlor in the bay windows that overlook St. Charles Avenue,” says innkeeper Bonnie Rabe. “The red furniture in there is often the perfect accent to their photography.” For groups of up to 35 people, Rabe asks couples to rent the whole house.

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SPACE RESERVATION:

Feb. 23 Feb. 12 FLOWERS

2016 CLEARVIEW PKWY • METAIRIE • 504.455.2353 WWW.BETHSFLOWERSONLINE.COM For a free quote please email us at bethsflorist@gmail.com

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FOR INFORMATION ON THIS ISSUE’S SPECIAL RATES, CALL OR EMAIL AD DIRECTOR SANDY STEIN 504.483.3150 | SANDYS@GAMBITWEEKLY.COM

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Steamboat Natchez (www.steamboatnatchez.com)

This steam-powered sternwheeler hosts weddings and elopements on the Mississippi River. An evening ceremony includes an officiant, wedding coordinator and witnesses, dinner, Champagne, toasting flutes and a photo for $575, and a day ceremony includes all these and costs $500. Cake and flowers can be added.

Degas House hosts ceremonies in its parlor or courtyard.

PHOTO COURTESY DEGAS HOUSE

Degas House (www.degashouse.com)

The Steamboat Natchez allows couples to wed during a jazz cruise.

“STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ” (CC BY-SA 2.0)

BY BALDEAGLEBLUFF FOR FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS

The historic Esplanade Avenue mansion where Impressionist Edgar Degas lived and painted has been honored by The Knot, WeddingWire and Frommer’s. “We’ve received several big awards and recognitions in the last couple of months via our weddings and events,” says June Fallow, director of sales and marketing. “Degas House is a blank canvas, and you create your masterpiece.”

The Estelle elopement package starts at $1,600 and includes an hour use of the parlor or courtyard for up to 10 guests, a bottle of Champagne, candles, photo opportunities and event coordination by Degas House staff.

New Orleans Hotel Collection

The Bourbon Orleans is part of the New Orleans Hotel Collection, which offers a range of elopement options.

(www.frenchquarterweddings.com)

The New Orleans Hotel Collection comprises six hotels: Bourbon Orleans, Hotel Mazarin, Dauphine Orleans, Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport, Hotel Le Marais and The Whitney Hotel. Elopement packages cost $1,600 for up to 12 guests and include three-hour access to spaces ranging from the courtyard at Dauphine Orleans to balconies at the Bourbon Orleans, as well as ceremony setup, an officiant, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, a small wedding cake and Champagne. “[Couples] don’t want to be in just another hotel ballroom,” Becker says. “They want the authenticity and Old World feel, and that’s what our balconies and brick courtyards provide.”

PHOTO COURTESY NEW ORLEANS HOTEL COLLECTION

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resou rces A LISTING OF THE RETAILERS AND PROFESSIONALS FEATURED IN CUE’S BRIDE BOOK

on the cover Photos: Lance Nicholl at FiftyTwo45

(www.fiftytwo45.com)

gown trends PAGE 9

bridal bouquets PAGE 15

Dunn & Sonnier Flowers

(3433 Magazine St., 504-524-3235; www.dunnandsonnierflowers.com) Villere’s Florist

(750 Martin Behrman Ave., Metairie, 504-833-3716; (3331 Severn Ave., Metairie, Suite www.villeresflowers.com) 102; 504-266-2771; wedding parties www.mae-me.com) The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe

Bustles & Bows Bridal Boutique

9

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Grand Events

(3230 Severn Ave., Suite B, Metairie, 504-780-7090; www. bustlesandbowsbridal.com)

(504-858-4494; www.grandeventsnola.com)

Pearl’s Place

(1201 Convention Center Blvd., 504-827-2400; www.joels.com)

(3114 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504-885-9213; www.pearlsplace.com)

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504-581-1103; www.tommysneworleans.com)

bridal workouts PAGE 21

Barre3

(611 O’Keefe Ave., Suite C-3, 504-371-5297; 5235 Magazine St., 504-301-3082; www.barre3.com)

Karina Marie Yoga Pop Up

(www.karinamarieyoga.com) New Orleans Athletic Club

(222 N. Rampart St., 504-525-2375; www.neworleansathleticclub.com) New Orleans School of Burlesque

Joel Catering and Special Events

(2372 St. Claude Ave., Suite 256, 504-912-1734; www.nolaschoolofburlesque.com)

Tommy’s Cuisine and Wine Bar

Gem Printing

(746 Tchoupitoulas St.,

invitations PAGE 27

(1904 Veterans Memorial Blvd.,

resou rces A LISTING OF THE RETAILERS AND PROFESSIONALS FEATURED IN CUE’S BRIDE BOOK

Metairie, 504-834-9580; www.gemprinting.com)

www.themakeuplabartistry.com)

Rudman’s Card and Party Shop

elopement packages

Scriptura

Degas House

(741 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-833-1286; www.rudmans.com)

(3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-219-1113; 5423 Magazine St., 504-897-1555; www.scriptura.com)

makeup artists PAGE 31

Hi-Brow Beauty Bar

(126 Sierra Court, Metairie, 504325-2222; www.hibrownola.com) The Makeup Lab Artistry

(843 Carondelet St.; 504858-9519 or 504-982-0289;

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(2306 Esplanade Ave., 504-821-5009; www.degashouse.com) Grand Victorian

(2727 St Charles Ave., 504-895-1104; www.gvbb.com) The New Orleans Hotel Collection

(504-798-6642; www.neworleanshotelcollection.com) Steamboat Natchez

(Toulouse Street at the river, 504-569-1401; www.steamboatnatchez.com)

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