NearlyWeds A GUIDE TO NEW ORLEANS WEDDINGS + UNIONS | FALL 2026
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CONTENTS VOLUME 3
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ISSUE 2
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From ! Kickoff to Cocktails Boo
PHOTO BY LINKA ODOM PHOTOGRAPHY
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THE BRASS TACKS What to know if you’re planning a second line
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KICKING IT UP A NOTCH
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SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
Make your reception a night to remember with local performers and entertainers
Give your guests a warm welcome with party essentials and supplies with a local twist
ON T HE COVER: PHOTO BY LINK A ODOM PHOTOGRAPHY
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NearlyWeds A GUIDE TO NEW ORLEANS WEDDINGS + UNIONS
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C ON T R I BU T I NG DE SIGN E R S | Emma Da Via, Maria Boue, Gavin Donaldson, Scott Forsythe, Jasmyne White
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The Art of the Perfect Pairing This article is brought to you by Aucoin Hart Jewelers
There was a time when choosing a wedding band meant finding the one designed to match your engagement ring. Same metal, same aesthetic, perfectly coordinated. Beautiful? Certainly. But today’s bridal jewelry feels decidedly more personal. The modern wedding stack is less about matching and more about curating a look that feels uniquely yours. A sleek diamond band can bring a contemporary edge to a vintage-inspired engagement ring. Yellow gold paired with white gold creates an effortless two-tone look, while unexpected textures, shapes and settings add dimension to a classic solitaire.The best combinations often aren’t the most obvious—they’re the ones that just work.
At Aucoin Hart, that philosophy is reflected in a wedding band collection with remarkable range. Classic diamond bands sit alongside sculptural silhouettes, intricate designs, mixed metals and unexpected details, making it possible to find something that complements your engagement ring without simply repeating it. Wherever your engagement ring’s story begins, its next chapter can start at Aucoin Hart. Explore wedding bands designed to complement, contrast, stack and make the look distinctly yours. Much like fashion, jewelry can look entirely different once it’s actually worn. A band you might overlook in the case could be the one that suddenly makes your engagement ring feel even more special. Something unexpected may introduce just the right amount of contrast. Less really can be more. Simple bands are trending, with celebrities embracing understated styles that let the engagement ring take center stage. There’s also something special about allowing a wedding stack to evolve rather than treating it as a set. The band you choose for your wedding day can become the beginning of a collection that grows with you—an anniversary band here, another meaningful addition there, each
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piece marking a milestone or a different chapter of your story. The result feels less prescribed and infinitely more personal. After all, the perfect pairing is one that brings your engagement ring and wedding band together in a way that feels uniquely you. We invite you to visit us on Metairie Road and let us help you discover the band that makes it all come together.
The
Brass
Tacks What to know if you’re planning a second line BY M IST Y M I LIOTO
A couple celebrates their New Orleans wedding with a second line. PHOTO BY SARAH ALLEMAN / PROVIDED BY KINFOLK BRASS BAND
A CUSTOM PARADE
Ruddiger, who has planned weddings in New Orleans for more than 20 years, says couples can now customize their second lines with specific requests, from exact band sound (and song requests) to the length of the procession. "Personalization is bigger," she says. Creating customized parasols and choreographed entrances some of the touches couples now treat "like a signature feature, not an afterthought." Though second lines are characterized by a sense of spontaneity, they actually require a lot of planning ahead. The City of New Orleans requires a permit, a police escort and a city fee for any parade, second line or race
on New Orleans streets, according to the city's One Stop Shop. Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the event. Kinfolk Brass Band, Anderson says, works with couples to figure out a route, and it’s usually about six to eight blocks that move with traffic. Unsurprisingly, the French Quarter is the most requested location; though couples who want to wed in the French Quarter should be aware that sections of Bourbon and Royal streets are subject to traffic closures. Brass bands will not parade without the required paperwork. And wedding planners say they are an absolute necessity. "We will not do a wedding without a permit and police escort," PAGE 7
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THE SECOND LINE PARADE — A JOYOUS, ROVING CELEBRATION BACKED TO THE SOUNDTRACK OF A BLARING BRASS BAND — has become a staple at New Orleans weddings. In fact, the tradition has attracted couples from around the globe and helped make New Orleans a top wedding destination in recent years. “We never imagined it would become so popular for weddings,” says Richard Anderson, a bandleader and experienced second line musician with Kinfolk Brass Band. “We have destination wedding couples coming from all over the world now, with the second-line being a main reason they chose to get married in New Orleans." The nuptial second line actually evolved from a ritual to honor the dead. They were, and still are, common in New Orleans’ Black communities, as a way to send off deceased loved ones and celebrate their legacies. Musicians and casket holders and family members are known as “the first line” — the "second line" that follows is a loose group of community members and revelers, even strangers, who dance, twirl parasols and wave handkerchiefs as they wind through the streets. Anderson says growing up, he always viewed it as “the opportunity to bring joy into a difficult moment amongst friends and family." Sue Ruddiger, owner of New Orleans Wedding Planners LLC, says the tradition's roots run deep in both celebrations of life and death. Over time, the “procession energy — music, movement [and the] call-and-response spirit – became part of everyday life, weddings, birthdays,” she says.
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The Brass Tacks ›
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Ruddiger says. "What people don't understand is that the tail car (the police car) at the end of the second line is there for the police to protect the guests, so no one gets rolled over." There are a few ways to get permits. Sometimes the brass band can go ahead and apply for it, but couples should make sure to clarify ahead of time who will be responsible for it. Anderson says his band typically files permits on couples' behalf, or confirms couples have secured one themselves: “Parading without police escorts is a public safety risk we avoid.” The official City website lists a parade permit at $100.25 for nonprofits or $200.25 for other applicants, plus a police escort fee starting at a $384.97 minimum — a posted minimum combined cost of roughly $485 to $585. Ruddiger says to plan for higher costs and for engaged couples to budget at least $1,600 to $2,100 for the permit and escort costs combined, depending on band size, route length and time of year. Couples should also be aware that strangers and revelers will want to join in, especially in a place as pedestrian-friendly and vibrant as the French Quarter. After all, that’s part of the fun. Booking timelines also vary. Ruddiger's lead time is six months out, while Anderson says Kinfolk is already booking through the end of 2028 and recommends locking in a band early. Anderson says Kinfolk's Grand Marshal, a hype man who leads the parade, is the company's most popular add-on, alongside Black Masking Indian groups, the Zulu Tramps and pedicabs for guests with mobility challenges. Custom parasols and monogrammed handkerchiefs remain favorites with both vendors — Ruddiger calls them "very 'New Orleans romance.'" The wedding size doesn't change much about how either vendor approaches the day. "It really does not make a difference if you have a small [wedding], with the same amount of police escort, band and permits," Ruddiger says, though smaller weddings are more flexible for short routes. Anderson agrees. “To us, it is the same process for a group of two or 200." Ruddiger's most memorable second line was a complete surprise. Guests were led to believe they were parading for a birthday celebration, she says, until the band suddenly stopped, the officiant stepped forward, and the couple — in a true communal celebration — got hitched on the street in front of loved ones and strangers alike.
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Kicking It
Up A Notch Hiring costumed entertainers adds a dramatic flair to a reception.
Make your reception a night to remember with local performers and entertainers
PHOTO BY MEGAN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY / PROVIDED BY FRENCHMEN STREET PRODUCTIONS
BY M I S T Y M I LI OTO
PHOTO BY MEGAN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY / PROVIDED BY FRENCHMEN STREET PRODUCTIONS
A “mirror man” dancer PHOTO BY IMAGES BY ROBERT T
ings, with setups that require just a small table and two chairs, indoors or outdoors. How the entertainment fits into a reception varies by vendor. Roy says one reader can serve up to 10 guests an hour with seated readings, or up to 15 guests an hour while strolling and reading palms. Bookings run two to four hours with a two-hour minimum. FSP typically books specialty performers for a minimum of two hours. Thompson says personalized acts such as tarot readers or typewriter poets can be tucked away in a more
quiet area away from the dance floor to allow for intimate conversation. Larger, more visual performances, and show-stopping entertainers — like the company's champagne skirt models, who can serve hundreds of guests flutes of champagne at an entrance or send-off point — can interact with multiple people at once. Rauch says most activations at weddings run the length of a typical three-hour reception so all guests have a chance to experience them. PAGE 11
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NEW ORLEANS IS ALREADY KNOWN AS A PLACE FOR A GOOD PARTY, but couples getting married in the city are adding a whole new layer of entertainment to their wedding receptions — beyond just the typical wedding band or DJ. In fact, wedding vendors say demand is growing for specialty performers and extra talent on-site — like tarot card readers, typewriter poets who craft personalized verses on the spot, caricature artists, live painters, glitter and face-painting stations and more. "Couples are looking for interactive experiences for their guests, and things they may not have seen at other weddings," says Amanda Thompson, owner of Frenchmen Street Productions, which books entertainment for special events and celebrations, including weddings. Wedding planner Kristen Rauch, owner of PK Weddings and Events, says tarot card readers have long been popular in New Orleans due to the city’s history of occult practices. Caricature artists, meanwhile, have evolved their craft. Some can do live watercolor paintings and interact with guests rather than sitting off to the side, sketching quietly. Rauch, who has owned her business since 2017, says she’s also seeing requests for increasingly dramatic and even cinematic musical entrances — such as getting a saxophonist to perform atop a table. And some couples are getting extra crafty, with stations where guests design their own perfume or build a floral bouquet. New Orleans Psychic Medium's Cari Roy, who’s been a professional psychic since 1995, says she’s seen a sharp increase in bookings for bachelorette parties and wedding receptions. Roy offers an array of services: tarot, palm readings, astrology analysis, crystal ball, mahjong, tea leaf and lipstick read-
A glitter bar or face-painting station is fun for all ages.
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Kicking It Up A Notch
PAGE 9
Frenchmen Street Productions’ 15-foot towering violinist PHOTO BY MEGAN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY / PROVIDED BY FRENCHMEN STREET PRODUCTIONS
Psychic Cari Roy PHOTO PROVIDED BY CARI ROY
A typewriter poet can write custom poems for guests.
A model wearing a champagne skirt serves guests.
PHOTO BY GRAHAM HAKALA / PROVIDED BY LECCO MORRIS
PHOTO BY AMANDA THOMPSON / FRENCHMEN STREET PRODUCTIONS
In a city known for its excess, event planners say there’s no such thing as "too much.” "Couples want to have it all," Rauch says. Thompson points to FSP's original 15-foot Towering Violinist, whose skirt opens like a small circus tent to reveal a hidden space for a tarot reader, glitter station, typewriter poet or henna artist after her performance. Roy says her company has received requests for bone readings — where a practitioner tosses a collection of bones, shells, stones and natural objects and interprets what the pattern might mean. Rauch says that drag performances are also popular requests. There are also lots of ways to keep younger kids entertained while parents are in party mode. Rauch recommends crayon stations, a movie drive-in setup or a cotton candy bar. Thompson says face painting, glitter and gem stations, caricature artists and magicians
all work well for weddings with children and can be designed to fit the wedding's overall aesthetic rather than reading as strictly kids' entertainment. Roy says palm readings are a hit with children too, calling them "both educational and entertaining." Booking timelines differ by vendor. FSP often books wedding entertainment about a year in advance, particularly for spring and fall dates, though the company accommodates last-minute requests when it can. Rauch tells her clients to book specialty entertainment three to six months out. Roy says her readers are typically booked at least a month ahead. With such limitless options, it’s important to choose entertainment that reflects the couple, not just what's trending. “Pick something that is your vibe so you can share what you love with your guest," Rauch says. "You don't have to do it all."
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Like all aspects of wedding planning, costs vary widely. Roy says psychic readings run $150 to $200 an hour with a two-hour minimum. Thompson says specialty entertainment through FSP can start in the severalhundred-dollar range and climb into the thousands for larger, custom productions. Live painters, one of the pricier options that Rauch books, can range from $2,500 to $7,000, but most interactive add-ons are relatively affordable — and couples often treat them as a gift to guests rather than spending money on wedding favors that get tossed aside. Many couples aren't stopping at one add-on. Thompson says layering entertainment throughout the night has become common at FSP-produced weddings, like including a typewriter poet or tarot reader at the rehearsal dinner, champagne skirt models greeting guests at the reception, then getting mirror-suited or LED-costumed dancers making a surprise appearance before a second line or exit.
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Wedding Day Perfumes for Everlasting Memories This article is brought to you by Madame Aucoin Perfume Every unforgettable celebration is defined by its signatures—a melody, a menu item, a memory that lingers long after the final toast. At Madame Aucoin Perfume, we believe weddings deserve a fragrance story, with distinctive scents chosen for every moment and every member of the celebration. The Wedding Scent Consultation Much like sampling cake tiers with a pastry chef, our private Wedding Scent Consultation pairs you—and anyone on your “I do” list—with a fragrance specialist at our cozy Alchemy Bar. Explore scent families and discover how notes of neroli, jasmine, and sandalwood evolve on the skin from first dance to last call. Choose your signature ceremony scent while discovering thoughtful bridal party gifts, from travel sprays tucked into welcome boxes to engraved discovery sets used as keepsake place settings. Scented Soulmates: Signature Scents in Perfect Pairs Fragrance can be a love language all its own. When complementary perfumes meet, they
create an invisible duet around their wearers, echoing every glance, step, and vow. • Tilia & Ganymede: Tilia’s sun-kissed blend of broom, heliotrope, and jasmine meets Ganymede’s fresh, mineral leather brightened by tangerine and salted immortelle. Together, they create a luminous balance of optimism and sophistication. (Marc-Antoine Barrois) • Napoleon & Hélène: Le Roi Empereur, created to celebrate Napoleon’s coronation, blends lavender and cardamom, complementing Hélène’s pear-kissed bouquet of rose, magnolia, and white petals. Together, they create a sweetspiced duet of passion and depth. (Rancé) • Albert & Annicke: Perfumer Albert Fouquet’s The Original, a fresh aromatic blend once favored by JFK, pairs beautifully with the feminine fragrances he created for his Viennese muse, Annicke. Radiant florals meet polished woods in a timeless, romantic duet. (Eight & Bob) A Boutique Built for Romance Step inside our Bienville Street boutique—once the French Quarter pied-à-terre of legendary hotelier Billy Monteleone—and explore luxury and niche fragrance houses from around the world.
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At Omni Royal Orleans, every detail is centered around creating a celebrattion worthy of your story. Exchange vo ows beneath the courtyard palms, gath her loved ones in beautifully reimagine ed event spaces, and let the French Quarter provide the perfect finishing toucch.
Begin forever in a place your guests will never forget.
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Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a 300-guest fête, let your love story linger in the air long after the final toast. Visit Madame Aucoin Perfume in person or contact us to schedule your wedding fragrance consultation (call/text 504.603.6036)
Madame Aucoin Perfume 608 Bienville Street New Orleans, LA 70130 • 504-603-6036 Follow our fragrant adventures @MadameAucoinPerfume | #ScentYourStory
THRIVE NOLA SPA
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DON’S SEAFOOD Don’s Seafood in Metairie offers a private dining room with seating up to 45. With a large private room and full-service bar, it is the perfect setting for your luncheon or dinner receptions. Whether you are planning a rehearsal dinner, anniversary, or company event, Don’s can make your event memorable with our unique menu offerings and guest-focused team. Book your event TODAY at donsseafoodonline.com.
OMNI ROYAL ORLEANS
Whether you’re saying “I do,” celebrating another trip around the sun, or cherishing a love worth honoring, Thrive NOLA Spa will make you feel radiant, relaxed, and completely celebrated. Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, our curated Special Occasion Packages are designed to make you and your people feel pampered, restored, and absolutely radiant - Couples Spa Day: side-by-side massages, aromatherapy, and complimentary warm tea in our relaxation lounge. Bridal Packages: customized treatments for the bride-to-be and the wedding party. Birthday Celebrations: indulgent facials, massage therapy, and personalized touches for your big day. Anniversary Experiences: romantic, rejuvenating escapes for two. Group discounts available for parties of 6 or more. Every treatment is tailored to you, because no two celebrations are alike! Visit TheNolaSpa.com to book or for more information.
NEW ORLEANS STEAMBOAT COMPANY
Begin forever in the heart of the French Quarter at Omni Royal Orleans, where every detail is centered around creating a celebration worthy of your love story. Exchange vows beneath the courtyard palms, celebrate with family and friends in beautifully reimagined event spaces, and let the charm of New Orleans provide the perfect backdrop for your special day. From the first toast to the last dance, create a wedding experience you and your guests will never forget. Learn more at omnihotels.com/royalorleans.
CHATEAU GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the Steamboat NATCHEZ is fresh from an $11.4M renovation and ready to host your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony or reception. The NATCHEZ and Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, both offer stunning panoramic backdrops of the Mississippi River and city skyline for wedding events of all sizes. Rent a salon, a deck or the full boat. Our inclusive pricing and turnkey service make it easy to plan the event of your dreams. Let us get you to or from in style with a Second Line Parade or our Luxury Transportation Services.
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Chateau Golf & Country Club is the perfect place for events in the Kenner and New Orleans area. Chateau’s majestic rooms are available for Weddings, Milestone Celebrations, Corporate Events, Cocktail Receptions, Banquets, Golf Outings, Showers & Teas and much more. Our team is ready to work with you to meet every need for your special day. Whether that includes selecting the right menu or the perfect room, our team is here to ensure every detail is perfect. Contact us at events@chateaugcc.com or (504) 467.1351 for more information.
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MADAME AUCOIN PERFUME Madame Aucoin Perfume, in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, is a thoughtfully curated destination specializing in indie and niche fine fragrances from renowned national and international perfumers. Ready to find your fragrance? Whether you’re celebrating something special, getting married, or simply scent-curious, our Signature Scent Consultation is a personal, guided experience to finding that perfect scent. For more information visit www.MadameAucoinPerfume. com or text (504) 603-6036.
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HAUNTED HISTORY TOURS Looking to spice up your wedding weekend? Haunted History Tours delivers chills, laughs, and unforgettable stories - perfect for bachelor and bachelorette crews or adventurous wedding guests. Explore the French Quarter after dark, dive into the city’s most scandalous tales, and give your group something way more memorable than another bar crawl. It’s the ultimate New Orleans experience: a little spooky, a lot fascinating, and completely unforgettable. Visit HauntedHistoryTours.com to book your next tour!
LONGUE VUE
The newly renovated Audubon Clubhouse by Dickie Brennan is an enchanting venue for intimate weddings, cocktail receptions, and dinners. Surrounded by the magnificent Louisiana oak trees & lagoon in Audubon Park, the Clubhouse features a charming southern wraparound porch and elegant hardwood floors. Its versatile design, with a spacious dining area and private rooms, adapts seamlessly to various group sizes, making it the perfect setting for your special day. AudubonClubhouse.com
NOLA BLISS MASSAGE Longue Vue opens their doors for you to enjoy a historic and exceptional setting. Host a bridal shower, tea, or other special occasion and set yourself up for an unforgettable experience. Longue Vue also offers special occasion photography, with access to eight acres of historic gardens plus private dressing and relaxation space. Or, let Longue Vue be the backdrop for your proposal with exclusive use of the Pan Garden with seating area and prosecco service.
GOLDEN QUALITY JEWELRY Celebrate life’s biggest moments with jewelry that shines as brightly as your love. Golden Quality Jewelry is a trusted, locally owned jeweler that offers a wide variety of engagement rings and wedding jewelry, including customizable designs as unique as your love story. From gold and silver jewelry repairs and ring resizing to professional polishing, cleaning and watch battery replacement, Golden Quality Jewelry provides personalized service and quality craftsmanship you can count on - from “I do” to every milestone that follows! Learn more at gq.jewelershowcase.com.
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Celebrate Your Love with a Blissful Couples Massage! Treat yourself and your partner to deep relaxation as you prepare for your big day. Perfect for a pre-wedding treat, anniversary, or as a wedding gift! Enjoy a luxurious couples massage in the same room, or pamper your bridal party or bachelorette group with rejuvenating massages. Each session is tailored to the individual, with our experienced therapists addressing your specific needs and issues before starting. Plus, enjoy the convenience of free parking during your visit. To book your couples or group massage or to purchase gift certificates, please visit nolablissmassage.com.
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VYONNE’S
MOTHER’S Pasta Wednesday, made with the famous ham from Mother’s and Gulf shrimp, is one of the specialty menu items exclusively served at Mother’s Next Door, the downtown restaurant’s private party room. Menu packages from casual to elaborate can be personalized; there’s a full bar, white tablecloths, and professional service. The industrial space is a blank canvas and features a separate entrance, painted walls, and exposed brick for events that are both beautiful and delicious. Rehearsal dinners and small weddings are a specialty, from 50 – 180 seated (more in a reception format). 409 Tchoupitoulas Street, (504) 523-2917 mothersrestaurant.net
ORANGE THEORY FITNESS Vyoone’s offers a refined, upscale setting for private events and special occasions in the heart of New Orleans’ Warehouse District. As a Black woman–owned French-Creole fine-dining restaurant, Vyoone’s blends elegant cuisine, polished service, and a romantic courtyard or dining areas with ambience and elegance to create unforgettable experiences rooted in culture, hospitality, and quiet luxury. From intimate dinners to milestone celebrations, corporate retreats/dinners, team events, weddings/rehearsal dinner our space is designed for guests who value thoughtfully curated moments, exceptional food, and gracious service. Learn more at vyoone.com.
Why Orangetheory Works: Orangetheory is a 1-hour, full-body group workout that blends strength and cardio to help you burn fat and build muscle — fast. Each workout is coach-led and tech-supported, guiding you every step of the way to get results you can see and feel. Most members notice the shift early on: more energy, improved mood, and real momentum. On average, members lose 8.6% body fat and gain 2.6% lean muscle from 18 classes in just 8 weeks. Schedule a Class at Orangetheory.com.
THE COUNTRY CLUB The Country Club offers 3 beautiful handpainted dining areas. The Double Parlor is perfect for your Rehearsal Dinner of up to 50 or celebrate your Bridal Shower in our Single Parlor which comfortably seats 25 of your closest friends. Our Lounge allows easy access to the bar and our poolside Secret Garden is ideal for your Welcome Cocktail Party. We offer packages for all budgets from passed hors d’oeuvres to plated dinners. Learn more at thecountryclubneworleans. com/rent-the-club/
TRAVEL CENTRAL We are travel advisors. We offer our expertise, resources and knowledge from the planning process to your return home. The world is waiting and we’re here to help you Explore it! We have the contacts and resources to help you design your perfect vacation. Let our expert agents plan your dream honeymoon – from start to finish! Learn more at travelcentralvacations.com
PANORAMA JAZZ BAND
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Panorama has been playing weddings in New Orleans for over 30 years. They bring a party that shifts from the Crescent City to the Caribbean, Latin America, Eastern Europe and always back home. Their unamplified, “village wedding band,” vibe is the perfect accompaniment to ceremonies and receptions, both intimate and grand. For more information or bookings, please contact Ben Schenck, ben@panoramalandnola.com.
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519 Wilkinson St #105, French Quarter • Parking Available TheNolaSpa.com • @Thrive_NolaSpa
The The
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VEELTR VEL VELTROPVAULT LTROP ROPVAUL P ULT L
D o c u m e n ta ry w e d d i n g p hot o gr a p h y + f i l m s Weddings • Rehearsals • Engagements • Showers
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WEDDINGS, SHOWERS, DINNERS, LUNCHEONS, BANQUETS Just 15 minutes from downtown NOLA, Chateau Golf & Country Club is a premier wedding and event venue. 3600 CHATEAU BLVD. | 504.467.1351 | EVENTS@CHATEAUGCC.COM
LUCKY DOG
RIZZUTO’S PRIME
Lucky Dogs has been a French Quarter staple since 1947. Have a New Orleans icon at your next event. We cater all types of events such as, weddings, birthday parties, grand openings, golf tournaments, political events, fraternity/sorority parties, graduation parties, tailgates, fundraisers, reunions, conventions, and conferences. A Lucky Dog cart can add that perfect touch to your event. We will travel anywhere to meet your needs. Call us at (504) 524-6010 or email at info@luckydogs.com to book your event.
THE CANNERY The Cannery is a modern, versatile event space in MidCity New Orleans, just two blocks off the Carrollton Streetcar line. Create the wedding of your dreams in their fully customizable 12,000 square foot venue that features in-house LED lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system and ample secured, off-street parking among other amenities. Venue rental rates include use of the entire facility for 3 hours, tables, chairs and linens as well hand-passed Prosecco for your guest entrance and so much more. The Cannery offers fully customizable catering packages through their in-house caterer, Toulouse Gourmet Catering. Schedule a tour today: cannerynola.com
NOLA GIFTS & DÉCOR Nola Gifts and Décor has been a favorite Metairie Gift Shop for years. It’s a go to when you need a gift for birthdays, anniversaries and even wedding gifts and bachelor or bachelorette parties! Now with a second location in Destrehan, Nola Gifts and Décor can take care of your gift giving needs in two locations! The bride and groom can take their drinks to-go in these Mr. and Mrs. stemless wine cups! 5101 West Esplanade Avenue, Suite 17, Metairie | (504) 407-3532 3001 Ormond Boulevard, Suite F, Destrehan | (985) 603-4011 www.nolagiftsanddecoronline.com
A once in a lifetime experience… is precisely what we strive to deliver to our guests at Rizzuto’s Prime. Savor ‘La Dolce Vita,’ or the sweet life, through the eyes of Grandmother Lena and her old-world recipes. Indulge your senses and allow them to guide you through an intimate tour of Caporeale, the Sicilian village where the Rizzuto family originated, and where our age-old culinary tradition began. Let the aroma of fresh herbs invoke your sense of smell, the tannins of the wine invigorate your tastebuds and prepare for an exquisite encounter! Our dreams are big, but the mission is simple – ensure that each guest leaves as family. The authenticity is what distinguishes us from the rest, the execution is what elevates our brand, but the passion is why we are driven to share this love of cuisine and culture, and why we warmly offer you a seat at our table!
NOLA BOO
KATIE’S
Getting ready for an upcoming wedding? Your own or a friend’s? We got you Boo! Nola Boo has everything to prepare you for wedding showers, bachelorette parties, honeymoon or the reception. From dresses to fit the occasion to gifts that the couple will love.
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Celebrate your special moments at Katie’s in Mid-City. Our second-floor Orpheum Room offers an intimate, private setting for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, wedding celebrations and more. Accommodating up to 35 seated guests, the Orpheum Room features customizable menus with seated dinners, buffets or passed hors d’oeuvres, plus full bar service and signature cocktails. Our dedicated team handles setup, service and cleanup, with flexible layouts to fit your event. Taking the celebration elsewhere? Ask about our off-site catering options. Learn more at Katiesinmidcity.com.
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Celebrate Your Love in the
Heart of New Orleans
DISAPPEAR HERE Celebrate Your Special Occasion In The Heart Of The French Quarter! Rehearsal Dinners, Welcome Parties, Bachelorette Festivities, And More.
A unique and memorable venue located at 301 N. Peters St., 2nd floor.
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www.disappearherenola.com | catering@felipestaqueria.com | 504-609-2409
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1818 Veterans Blvd., Metairie LA | 504.888.2300 | nordickitchens.com
Host your wedding reception surrounded by history and French Quarter charm at the Old Ursuline Convent Museum. Steps away from the St. Louis Cathedral and St. Mary’s Church, the Convent offers an unforgettable setting for a New Orleans celebration.
cccnoevents@arch-no.org to inquire about available wedding dates or schedule a tour.
NORDIC KITCHENS & BATHS Nordic Kitchens & Baths is your local Miele
BACKYARD PRINTING SECONDLINE
dealer offering home appliances and accessories to complete any newlywed’s home. Miele’s Guard L1 Series vacuum (shown in “Nordic Blue”) combines optimal hygiene with effortless usability and style. Its advanced filtration system captures allergens and fine dust particles, significantly improving indoor air quality. Optimize your cleaning routine for maximum convenience with app connectivity. The Guard L1 vacuums deliver powerful, hygienic performance, all wrapped in Miele’s signature blend of quality and style. Shop now at nordickitchens.com Help celebrate your wedding or special event with a second line. Backyard Printing offers cus-
THE VELTROP VAULT
tom decorated umbrellas and printed second line handkerchiefs to help make your event stand
The Veltrop Vault, led by New Orleans photog-
out. Visit our website to view the selection of
rapher and filmmaker Sarah Veltrop, offers a
several handkerchief designs and custom deco-
documentary approach to weddings and the
rated umbrellas at secondlinehandkerchiefs.com
celebrations surrounding them. With a focus on genuine moments, thoughtful details, and everything happening in between, Sarah
LUCY’S RETIRED SURFER (THE ATTIC)
creates imagery that feels natural, timeless, and true to the people in front of her camera. Coverage is available for weddings, engagements, rehearsal dinners, showers, and more throughout New Orleans and beyond. Ready to have your story documented? Email sarahveltrop@gmail.com or find @theveltropvault on Instagram.
BIG EASY BOYS Looking to bring the polish and excitement of Broadway to your wedding or next event? You can’t go wrong with The Big Easy Boys: a stylish throwback quartet with tight harmonies & precision movement, celebrating some of the greatest music ever written! Our acts are easily tailored for events, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and more. Delight your guests with an acappella serenade at the entrance or impress them with a live show accompanied by a 7-piece brass band. Contact rich@bigeasyboys.com for rates.
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In New Orleans’ Warehouse District, Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant offers a lively, flexible setting for private events. With four distinct event spaces available for rent – as well as full-restaurant buyouts ideal for wedding weekends, rehearsal dinners, and everything in between – Lucy’s accommodates gatherings both intimate and large. Flexible indoor-outdoor layouts, full-service bars, A/V-equipped rooms, and ADA-accessible spaces make planning seamless from start to finish. Whether hosting a courtyard cocktail hour, a second-floor reception overlooking Tchoupitoulas Street, or a casual welcome party, Lucy’s pairs warm hospitality, shareable menus, and celebratory energy to create events that feel distinctly New Orleans.
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SUPPORT JOI N TH E KREWE
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If you believe in the power of local journalism, join The Gambit Krewe. With your support, we’ll keep the ood times rolling!
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• Name listed monthly in print as Gambit Krewe member E EUR OPE AN-IN SPI RED VIN TAG (optional) MEMBERSHIP PERKS: • 15% discount at Gambit store: bestofneworleans.com/shop • All Green Krewe benefits • Invites to Gambit Krewe events • A ¼ page print ad to donate tonon-profit or toay yourwear favorite • Exclusive email offerschic everyd From small business. Value: $475 guest looks & sororit y soirées! THE g YEAR weddin *HONORING WE WERE FOUNDED • Paid annually
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8611 OAK STREET From City Hall to the soul of New Orleans' food, arts, and culture, is with you, marching to the beat." TUESDAY – FRIDAY 11 AM – 5:30 PM"Gambit | SATURDAY 10 AM – 4 always PM From City Hall to the soul of New Orleans' food, arts, and culture "Gambit is with you, Visit BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM/MEMBER to Join Today! @SILHOUETTEBORN FOLLOW US always marching to the beat." Visit BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM/MEMBERSHIP to Join
LE PAVILLION
BEYOND THE BAR Beyond the Bar is New Orleans’ premier luxury mobile bar, standing out as the top choice for couples seeking an unparalleled second line drink experience. Renowned for its authentic New Orleans vibes, our mobile bar combines tradition with a tailored beverage selection, ensuring an unforgettable celebration. With a commitment to professional service, flexibility, and customization, Beyond the Bar transforms your beverage experience. Elevate your special day with the epitome of luxury and the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans. Choose Beyond the Bar for a wedding experience that transcends expectations and captures the essence of this vibrant city.
LITTLE LAGNIAPPE Instagram.com/littlelagniappebeverages Little Lagniappe Beverages offers a delightful variety of non-alcoholic hand-crafted dirty sodas, perfect for elevating your wedding celebration. From tropical twists to creamy classics, we’re shaking up the soda game in the most Lagniappe way possible. Picture your guests savoring signature cocktails that capture your love story or enjoying elegant mocktails alongside their meals. Our mixologists can customize drink menus tailored to your theme, ensuring every sip is memorable. With exceptional service and beautiful presentation, Little Lagniappe Beverages adds a touch of sophistication and fun, making your special day even more enjoyable for you and your guests. Cheers to unforgettable moments!
AUCOIN HART JEWELERS
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Wedding receptions at Le Pavillon’s Bijoux ballroom blend timeless elegance with unforgettable style. Beneath a magnificent chandelier, ornate gold detailing and grand architectural touches create a refined setting for dinner, dancing and celebration. Beyond the ballroom, eight distinctive specialty suites offer unique spaces for memorable photographs and private moments throughout the day. Le Pavillon creates a wedding experience that feels luxurious, distinctive and entirely your own— from the first photograph to the final dance. Learn more lepavillon.com.
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For nearly a century, Aucoin Hart Jewelers has served the Greater New Orleans area with exceptional jewelry, personal service and quality craftsmanship. Family-owned and operated, our team includes skilled jewelers, gemologists, designers, watchmakers and knowledgeable sales professionals. Our Metairie Road showroom offers an extensive selection of fine jewelry, extraordinary natural diamonds and superior timepieces, while our on-site workshop combines old-world craftsmanship with modern technology to create and care for jewelry under one roof. Louisiana made and Louisiana proud, we’re honored to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments with generations of families. We invite you to visit Aucoin Hart on Metairie Road.
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ROYAL SONESTA
TOULOUSE GOURMET From simple to lavish, Toulouse Gourmet Catering works closely with each couple to create gourmet menus for all types of wedding events. Whether you’re planning an intimate event and need drop-off catering or a grand bash that requires full-service catering, our event team will craft the menu of your dreams, customized to your needs and preferences. Let us take care of all your wedding catering needs, from your rehearsal dinner to party trays while getting ready and of course, your wedding reception! Catering and beverage packages are available. Contact us for more information: toulousegourmet.com
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In the heart of the French Quarter, The Royal Sonesta New Orleans offers a wedding setting as unforgettable as the city itself. From elegant ballrooms and intimate salons to our lush courtyard and iconic Bourbon Street balconies, our versatile spaces transform beautifully for every celebration. Host your ceremony, cocktail hour, reception and farewell brunch all under one roof, with guest rooms and suites just steps away. Exceptional cuisine, timeless New Orleans charm and personalized service bring every detail together seamlessly. Whether intimate and romantic or grand and glamorous, The Royal Sonesta creates the perfect backdrop for your forever.
Celebrate in true French Quarter style at Disappear Here, a private event space in the heart of New Orleans. This second-floor venue offers a lively setting for rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, bridal showers, and more! Party packages feature New Orleans’ favorite Mexican cuisine from Felipe’s Taqueria, plus award-winning, hand-squeezed margaritas. No matter the occasion, Disappear Here is sure to make your celebration a memorable one. Ready to start planning? Visit disappearherenola.com, email catering@felipestaqueria.com, or call (504) 609-2409.
OLD URSULINE CONVENT MUSEUM Celebrate Your Love in the Heart of New Orleans. Host your wedding reception surrounded by history, romance, and French Quarter charm at the Old Ursuline Convent Museum. Just steps away from the St. Louis Cathedral and St. Mary’s Church, the Convent offers an unforgettable setting for a beautiful New Orleans celebration. With its historic architecture and timeless atmosphere, this one-of-a-kind venue provides an elegant backdrop for your special day. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a memorable celebration with loved ones, the Old Ursuline Convent Museum offers a truly unique experience. Email cccnoevents@arch-no.org to inquire about available wedding dates or schedule a tour today.
THE MISI BY MESSINA’S CATERING AND EVENTS
THE MOORE
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The MISI by Messina’s Catering and Events is a luxury venue in the French Quarter. The MISI offers separate spaces between two floors within the renovated Jax Brewery, directly overlooking the Mississippi River. She offers stunning views, award-winning culinary and elite customer service. The MISI is a refreshing mix of New Orleans modern and New Orleans classic elegance that can accommodate wedding events and corporate events from 50 guests 400 guests. Messina’s Catering and Events has over 60 years of catering and hospitality experience, making your special day like no other. For a video tour or to schedule a site visit for The MISI, please visit www.themisinola.com.
Your Wedding, All in One Place! Celebrate your special day at The Moore, a newly renovated, all-inclusive wedding and event venue in the Elmwood area. From elegant wedding receptions to cocktail parties and showers, The Moore offers everything you need to create an unforgettable celebration. Wedding packages include catering, a full bar, DJ services, tables, Chiavari chairs, linens, fresh floral and candle centerpieces, wedding cake, groom’s cake and more. With 12 Seasons Catering bringing every detail together, couples can enjoy a beautiful, stress-free experience from “I do” to the last dance. Visit themoorevenue. com or call (504) 704-1567.
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Say “I Do” To Romance On The River
RECEPTIONS • ENGAGEMENT PARTIES • REHEARSAL DINNERS • BACHELORETTE GROUPS PRIVATE PARTIES • CHARTER TRANSPORTATION • SECOND LINE PARADES • TOURS
SteamboatNATCHEZ.com | (504) 569-1480 | Weddings@glnosc.com | 400 Toulouse Street
GRAY LINE COACHES
• Weddings • Rehearsals • Shuttles • Airport Transfers
• Private Tours • Conferences • School Trips • And More!
GrayLineCoaches.com | (504) 226-2277 | BusCharters@glnosc.com