NOW Weddings Magazine Winter 2022-2023

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WEDDING INSPIRATION INSIDE

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The day you’ve always dreamed of is our pleasure. To plan the wedding you have always imagined, contact the Catering Team at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans at (504) 670-2871 or visit ritzcarlton.com/neworleans

LET US STAY WITH YOU. ®
2022
©
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
WINTER 2022/2023 REAL WEDDINGS 28 Monica Kronfel + Le Bui 44 Alyson Deville + Drew Graham 50 Sabrina George + Seth Johnson
CREDIT:
from our Winter
featured editorial ARTICLES 34 Be Our Guest What you need to know before booking your hotel room blocks and wedding day prep suites EDITORIAL 8 Winter White Winter wedding inspiration at The White Magnolia in Kentwood, Louisiana HOTEL SPOTLIGHTS 38 The Bourbon Orleans Hotel 40 The Higgins Hotel, Curio by Hilton 41 The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans 42 InterContinental New Orleans 43 The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
PHOTO
Sarah Alleman Photography
White

PUBLISHER

JESSICA BURKE

JESSICA@THENOWBRIDE.COM

Dayna Dufrene

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Sarah Alleman

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Our blog is filled with tons of great resources, inspiration, wedding stories and photo editorials that will help you plan an amazing wedding.

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NOW Weddings Magazine is published quarterly by New Orleans Weddings Magazine, Inc. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. NOW Weddings Magazine is a registered trademark of NOWM, Inc. The use of the trademark is strictly prohibited. The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, New Orleans Weddings Magazine cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. NOW Weddings Magazine cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers or any other portion of this publication

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About The Cover

PHOTOGRAPHER + STYLING: Sarah Alleman Photography ON LOCATION: The White Magnolia FLORALS

Glenda’s Flowers & Gifts CANDLE DECOR Glo Events CAKE Kimbla’s Cakes PAINTED CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE Painting by Jessica Burke | Design by Camellia Memories STEMWARE Unspeakable Joy Luxe Rentals

LINEN Nüage Designs WEDDING GOWN I Do Bridal Couture TUXEDO John’s Tuxedos + Suits JEWELRY Nestina Accessories HAIR: Jessica Jackson for Dazzle Doll MAKEUP: Chris Carter for Dazzle Doll MODELS: Julie Stewart + Ethan Castille

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N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 3 @nolawedding @neworleansweddings @nowmagazine504 @nowmagazine504
#1SpecialEventsBand InNewOrleans andTheGulfCoastRegion sugarshakernola.com Booking:  WCA Entertainment 504-239-9133 WilliamCredoAgency@gmail.com gk photography

about the venue

Located in Kentwood, Louisiana, The White Magnolia is owned and operated by mother-daughter team, Janet Henderson Cagley and Callie Richardson.

As Callie was searching for the perfect venue for her own 2016 wedding, she couldn’t find just what she had envisioned. Instead of settling for options then available, Callie and Janet built her vision on their family owned horse and cattle farm.

Soon after the wedding, Callie’s husband built 10 guest cottages on the property where couples and their families and friends can stay on-site during wedding festivities.

The White Magnolia Chapel is the latest addition to the property.

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WINTER

white

A FASHION + DECOR EDITORIAL

PHOTOGRAPHY

NOW WEDDINGS STYLE
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(Right) Camellia Memories designer Megan Kattengell created this magnolia monogram invitation suite with a variety of paper textures to bring visual interest. One of our favorites is the deckled-edge, ecofriendly seed paper used for the Information card. After the wedding, guests can “plant” the card to grow beautiful wildflowers.

(Below) Kattengell created vow books to match the invitation suite design printed on decklededge paper and tied with fringe chiffon ribbon.

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details(LEFT & BELOW, FIRST SPREAD) Julie is wearing a silk Kalika Gazar ball gown by Rivini designer Rita Vinieris. This gown features an off-the-shoulder, sweet-heart neckline with bubble detail. At the back, the gown is finished in a deep-V plunging sheer back. As a bonus, this gown has pockets! Meet this gown in person at I Do Bridal Couture

Ethan is wearing the Tan ‘Bartlett’ Tuxedo by Allure Men available at John’s Tuxedos and Suits

(DETAILS)

Julie is wearing hand formed clay flower and pearl bridal hair pins and clay flowers and Swarovski crystal earrings with a hand-painted floral veil from Nestina Accessories’ “Octobre” collection.

Ethan’s cufflinks are gold trimmed Mother of Pearl from John’s Tuxedos.

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details

For the ceremony, Glenda’s Flowers & Gifts created a whimsical altar backdrop with vines climbing the White Magnolia Chapel’s shiplap walls and draping from the chandeliers. Flowers overflow from the central arch window and low arrangements of varying heights create a lush setting. Glo Events’ clear cluster candelabras with white tapers complement the design.

At the end of the aisle, the monogram from the invitation suite by Camellia Memories is enlarged and pinned to Peony & Petunia’s intricate white frame corkboard with delicate lace backing.

After the ceremony, the flowers and candelabra decorate the newlyweds’ sweetheart table. styled by Glo Events. Glo Events owner, Chloé Tassin Potter, chose the white and gold “Gabrielle” overlay from Nüage Designs’ Ethereal Collection to add dimension and texture to the table.

Unspeakable Joy Luxe Rentals’ White Scalloped Charger Plates, Classic White Fine China and Champagne Coupes complete the table setting.

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detailsGlo Events owner, Chloé Tassin Potter, styled this reception table on The White Magnolia’s beautiful covered porch overlooking the chapel and the property’s scenic fields.

A runner of baby’s breath, roses and greenery by Glenda’s Flowers & Gifts graces the center of the long, banquet style table. The White Magnolia’s natural wood crossback chairs provide seating and Nüage Designs’ the “Gabrielle” overlay provides an elegant backdrop for the table decor.

Nestled in the flowers are tall taper candles and votives from Glo Events’ collection.

At each seat, a deckled-edge menu with velum name wrap by Camellia Memories sits atop Unspeakable Joy Luxe Rentals’ White Scalloped Charger Plates and Classic White Fine China. Unspeakable Joy Luxe Rentals’ White and Gold Flatware and piece from their drinkware collection complete the table setting.

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detailsOne of our favorite new trends is the champagne tower! Here, Ethan pours from a bottle of Veuve Clicquot hand painted with the same monogram design as the invitation suite, into a tower of Unspeakable Joy Luxe Rentals’ Champagne Coupes.

The three tier, all white wedding cake by Kimbla’s Cakes features handmade white sugar flowers and dramatic shimmering sugar “sails” and sits atop a could of baby’s breath.

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detailsLet the fun and games begin! Treat your guests to interactive experiences like oversized yard games and The Photo Junky’s 1974 vintage VW bus fully restored into a truly unique photobooth!

(THE GOWN, THIS + NEXT SPREAD) Julie is wearing a charming gown with bubble sleeves and a dramatic scooped neckline from Reem Acra’s Sweet Dreems Collection. This gown is available at I Do Bridal Couture

Her bridal ponytail is encircled with a headpiece of handmade clay flowers and she’s wearing gold petal earrings with pearl centerpieces from Nestina Accessories.

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detailsWe couldn’t love this idea s’more! A gourmet S’mores Station is the perfect addition to any wedding reception.

Julie is wearing an Allison Webb bridal gown with deep-V neckline and Claremont fitted skirt available at I Do Bridal Couture.

A halo headband and dangling drop pearl earrings from Nestina Accessories complete her look.

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credits MODELS: Julie Stewart + Ethan Castille | SPECIAL THANKS to Hannah Powers WEDDING CAKE Kimbla’s Cakes kimblascakes.com FRAMED LACE CORKBOARDS Peony & Petunia etsy.com/shop/PeonyAndPetunia HAND-PAINTED CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE Jessica Burke jessicathephotographer.com VEIL + ACCESSORIES Nestina Accessories nestinaccessories.com VW PHOTO BUS The Photo Junky photojunkyvwbus.com LINENS Nüage Designs nuagedesigns.com PHOTOGRAPHY + CREATIVE DIRECTION Sarah Alleman Photography sarahallemanphotography.com ON LOCATION The White Magnolia thewhitemagnolia.net FLORALS Glenda’s Flowers & Gifts glendasflowers.com CANDLES, DECOR, + TABLE STYLING Glo Events gloeventdecor.com RENTALS Unspeakable Joy Luxe Rentals unspeakablejoyluxerentals.com TUXEDOS John’s Tuxedos + Suits johnstuxedos.com GOWNS I Do Bridal Couture idobridalcouture.com HAIR + MAKEUP Jessica Jackson + Chris Carter for Dazzle Doll Salon • Glam Bar neworleansmakeupandhair.com INVITATIONS + SIGNAGE Camellia Memories camelliamemories.com 26 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

“We met working at West Jefferson Inpatient Rehab together,” says Monica. “Our relationship grew from friendship, and we have now been together since 2018.”

Le proposed in the summer of 2020 while on a family beach trip to Orange Beach.

“Le did a good job of keeping it a secret,” says Monica. “He tried to throw me off by giving me a book while on the trip that he had custom made that detailed what he loved about me and us as a couple and that he would propose to me when the time was right. He gave it to me just before our families were getting together to take photos on the beach at sunset.”

“When it was our turn to take a photo, he pulled me into a hug and whispered into my ear, ‘You know, I don’t want to wait anymore.’ He got down on one knee while I ugly cried and said ‘yes.’”

MONICA + LE’S STORY
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NOW
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real wedding Monica Kronfel & Le Bui I DON’T WANT TO WAIT ANYMORE MARCH 19, 2022 | NEW ORLEANS, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH ALLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

THE WEDDING DAY “Our overall theme for the wedding was travel, since Le and I love to see new places,” says Monica. “Since Le is Vietnamese and I am Palestinian, we wanted to have aspects of both of our cultures present.”

The wedding favors were little luggage boxes filled with Vietnamese coffee candy for Le, Jordan almonds for Monica and custom M&Ms to represent the two as a couple.

“We followed the Vietnamese tradition of the bride, groom and wedding party going table to table to have a toast at each to the bride and groom while collecting the wedding gifts,” shares Monica. “This was a fun way to greet everyone and as a way of saying thank you for sharing our special day with us. It was also a good way to get everyone feeling good and ready to dance.”

Monica and Le danced the night away with their guests, stopping only to indulge in beignets from the Cafe Du Monde beignet truck that made it’s appearance at the entrance of the venue.

“We just loved our day as a whole,” says Monica. “We could not have asked for a more beautiful day to get married. The weather was gorgeous, the garden we got married in was in full bloom, and we were surrounded by the best people.”

| NOWWeddingMagazine.com ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: CEREMONY + RECEPTION LOCATION: Pavilion of the Two Sisters | OFFICIANT: Pastor John Valverde | BRIDE’S GOWN: Martina Liana, Town & Country Bridal | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Birdy Grey | GROOM’S + GROOMSMENS’ ATTIRE: Men’s Wearhouse | VIDEO, CEREMONY MUSIC: Music Source Media | BAKERY: Haydel’s Bakery | TRANSPORTATION: Big Easy Limos | HAIR + MAKEUP: Verde Beauty | CATERERS: New Orleans City Park + Cafe Du Monde | JEWELER: James Allen | INVITATIONS: Vista Print
N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 31 NOW FEATURED VENDORS PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH ALLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY sarahallemanphotography.com FLORALS + CANDLE DECOR BETH’S FLOWERS bethsflowersonline.com See more from Monica & Le’s wedding at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com
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32 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com Mention this ad & receive $100 off your wedding flowers!* *New customers only; discount available for complete wedding flower bookings only 2014 Clearview Parkway, Metairie LA 70001 504-455-2353 | bethsflowersonline.com

BE OUR GUEST

IF YOU’RE PLANNING A WEDDING, CHOOSING THE BEST OPTION FOR YOUR GUEST ROOM BLOCKS AND, NOT to mention, the perfect place to get ready on the big day is going to pop up on your to-do list sooner or later. You may be asking: How do room blocks work? What should I look for in a hotel? Where do I even start? Fear not dear reader, we have rallied the experts and have answers for you!

LET’S START WITH GUEST ROOM BLOCKS

Many of you may be wondering, what exactly a room block *IS* and why you should have one.

“A room block is a group of 10 guest rooms or more per night that a hotel puts on hold specifically for your wedding guests to reserve,” says wedding specialist Olivia Celata at New Orleans & Company, New Orleans’ official destination authority. “The rooms are kept on hold for a period of time, and your guests are responsible for making reservations and paying individually for their rooms before a specific cut-off date.”

Room blocks are a great way to get all of your guests staying at the same hotel(s) and are especially important if your wedding falls on a date where there are lots of events drawing tourism traffic to the area.. (You can find out what’s happening in the New Orleans area during your wedding timeframe at neworleans.com/events.) Room blocks also take the pressure off your guests of having to figure out where to stay and if it’s convenient to your wedding venue.

WHEN SHOULD YOU START THINKING ABOUT YOUR ROOM BLOCK?

Sooner rather than later is the order of the day.

“We advise our clients to begin the process of booking room blocks as soon as you’ve settled on your date and venue,” says wedding and event planner Amanda Price of Amanda Price Events. “Recently we’ve seen a pattern with hotels not allowing blocks to be booked until you’ve reached the 1 year mark prior to the event. You want to get the information to guests regarding room blocks as soon as possible, so the sooner you can make the decision on blocks the better.”

If you’ve already passed the one-year mark, don’t fret, but do jump on this task as soon as possible. Celata suggests making the decision at least 4-5 months before the wedding date at the latest.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE PERFECT HOTEL FOR YOUR ROOM BLOCKS?

Should you book just one hotel or several? How many rooms do you need to book?

You could do all the legwork yourself, contacting all the hotels you’re interested in one by one. Or, you could have someone do it for you for free. I’ll let you decide which is the better option for you, but I personally prefer less work and, well, *free*.

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THE RESIDENCE SUITE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, NEW ORLEANS FEATURES A 3,500 SQUARE FOOT TERRACE WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE CITY

For those of you looking for the free/less work option, you can find that assistance at New Orleans & Company.

“New Orleans & Company offers multiple complimentary services for those having their wedding in New Orleans because we are all about increasing visitation to this wonderful city,” says Celata. “For 10 guest rooms or more, we will contact New Orleans hotels on your behalf to help you find the room block that fits your dates, needs and budget.”

AH THE BUDGET!

Should you book just one hotel or several? How many rooms do you need to book?

Even though you may not be footing the bill for guest rooms, your guests will appreciate having a few options to choose from. You’ll want to review your guest list and try to offer options that will fit in multiple price ranges.

“Consider booking room blocks at 1-3 hotels depending on the number of out-of-town guests and the guests’ needs,” advises Celata. “Having multiple hotels provides the guests with a range of price options as well as options when it comes to their preferred hotel rewards programs.”

CONTRACTS.

While hotels may be willing to offer a “courtesy room block,” many will require a contract guaranteeing that a certain percentage of rooms will be booked.

“Hotels are likely to offer a courtesy room block for 10-15 guest rooms,” says Celata, “meaning they will not require a deposit to hold the rooms until a certain date. For more than 15 guest rooms, you will be required to sign a hotel contract asking you to guarantee a percentage of rooms. Make sure you work with your hotel to understand all the details before signing a contract!”

Celata adds, “New Orleans hotels are an experience in and of themselves. Your guests can build upon your planned wedding celebrations by spending time with each other at their hotel’s restaurant, bar, rooftop pool or even music venue. New Orleans has a hotel to fit every style, so try to extend the style of your wedding to the hotel or hotels you choose.”

THE GUEST EXPERIENCE.

New Orleans is a popular destination, so you may find that your guests add time to their trip to enjoy the city. Plus there will be downtime between wedding events where they’ll be looking for things to do.

“Consider sharing a list of all the couple’s favorite things to do in New Orleans with your guests,” says Celata. “That way they can experience the New Orleans that you know and love!”

Another benefit to booking room blocks is having an easier time dropping off welcome gifts to your guests.

“Consider adding unique New Orleans items to your gifts like pralines, Mardi Gras masks, second line napkins and guidebooks,” says Celata. “New Orleans & Company provides complimentary New Orleans Official Visitor Guides for your overnight hotel guests.”

WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER BEFORE BOOKING

A ROOM BLOCK?

Wedding & Event Planner Amanda Price of Amanda Price Events suggests that couples keep the following things in mind when choosing a hotel room block for their wedding:

The location of the hotel in general Is it in a safe neighborhood? Is it easily accessible for guests?

The location of the hotel in relation to the venue(s)

The location of the hotel(s) in relation to the other hotels you’ve chosen

The overall cost per night Are there “hidden fees”

Multi-night minimums over weekends

Amenities for guests

Parking access and fees

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TREAT YOUR GUESTS TO WELCOME BASKETS FILLED WITH LOCAL TREATS |
Is the hotel offering concessions to the couple for booking a certain number of rooms?
PHOTO BY SARAH ALLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY | WELCOME
QR
TAG BY CAMELLIA MEMORIES

YOUR GETTING READY LOCATION.

Many times couples choose one of the hotels that their room blocks are at for their wedding day prep location. This allows the couple to spend more time with their guests but if it’s not for you, go ahead and choose whichever location works best for you.

But before you book just any hotel room or suite, there’s a few things you should think about.

WHEN TO BOOK.

Price advises her clients to book their wedding prep suites at the same time as they’re booking their room blocks. “There are a limited number of large suites that have natural sunlight and are desirable for most clients, so we also book prep locations as the schedule allows.”

When booking your room or suite, the first thing to consider is the room size.

“It will need to comfortably fit your wedding party, hair and makeup teams, and at some point your photo/video team and planners as well – that could be a lot of bodies in one space!” says Price.

“If you are interested in taking pictures with your wedding parties, consider hotels that offer larger suites that can fit your entire party, balconies for couple or family photos, or even special artwork that would make a beautiful photo backdrop,” Celata notes. “Make sure the look of the hotel fits the style you are going for too!”

LIGHTING.

“You want a good bit of natural light for hair and makeup,” says Price. “We suggest a room with a clean, minimalist aesthetic with neutral tones as it’s typically what most clients want for the background of their photos.”

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GUEST COTTAGES AT THE WHITE MAGNOLIA, KENTWOOD, LOUISIANA | PHOTO BY SARAH ALLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Professional photographer Sarah Alleman of Sarah Alleman Photography agrees, “Couples need to look for natural light, preferably a suite with multiple rooms with enough places to have two different spots to take photos so the backgrounds aren’t all the same for every photo.”

Alleman suggests booking a suite with at least 2-3 beautiful backdrops for photo opps such as putting your dress or tuxedo on and then fun shots with your wedding party. “I look for a pretty bed or sofa for bridesmaid pj + champagne pop photos or a cool balcony to capture the groomsmen having fun before the wedding,” she says.

Alleman also advises to look for a beautiful spot to hang your dress or tux up for photos as well as a place out of the way with good lighting to do detail photos. “If you’re hiring a photographer to cover this part of your wedding, make sure you have space to get great photos.” she advises.

SHOULD BOTH OF YOU GET READY AT THE SAME PLACE?

We’re not saying you have to get ready in the same room together (though we love the idea of a private moment preparing for the biggest day of your life together!), but it is a great idea to book two suites at the same hotel for wedding prep if you don’t want to see each other beforehand..

“We prefer when our couple stays in the same prep location,” says Price. “While it does mean we have to be careful to make sure the couple doesn’t see each other until the planned moment, it tends to be a more logistically friendly option for

all parties involved – the couple, wedding party and vendors.” Alleman agrees, “If the venue is big enough, get ready at the same place. You can move details, like the rings, back and forth more easily and the styling looks more consistent.”

If you’re worried about seeing each other accidentally before the planned moment, don’t.

“Trust me,” says Alleman, “Your fiancé(e) is not going to go looking for you on the wedding day if they know you don’t want them to see you until the First Look or as you’re walking down the aisle.”

The benefits to staying in the same place are numerous. “Logistically, it’s easier when everyone is at one location,” says Price. “It allows for more flexibility throughout the day. It saves on time because you don’t have to incorporate additional travel time.”

Alleman agrees, “You get more opportunities for photos if your photographer isn’t having to travel back and forth between locations and you don’t have to worry about losing photo time to traffic and parking.”

To wrap up, booking your room blocks and getting ready suite(s) is something that should be on your timeline earlier in the planning process than you might have imagined.

Consult your wedding planner for advice on hotels to consider and/or take advantage of the free assistance from New Orleans & Company to make this process easier.

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THE EISENHOWER SUITE BALCONY AT THE HIGGINS HOTEL IN NEW ORLEANS

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT: BOURBON ORLEANS

From lavish balls to “I Do”s in one of the oldest and grandest ballrooms in the city, and intimate balcony elopements. Legendary events are part of our history. Let us be part of yours. An iconic, New Orleans landmark with a history of romance, we’re hosts extraordinaire, at times historians, and even conduits of the Crescent City itself. But more than that, we’re gracious Southern hospitality in the heart of the French Quarter. Begin your happily ever after at Bourbon Orleans and discover venues steeped with Parisian grandeur, and charming events with style and personality.

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BOURBONORLEANS.COM 504-571-4605 | INFO@BOURBONORLEANS.COM FB: @BOURBONORLEANS IG: @BOURBONORLEANSHOTEL CONNECT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: XISTENCE PHOTOGRAPHY

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT: THE HIGGINS HOTEL, CURIO BY HILTON

New Orleans’ premier venue for weddings, the Higgins Hotel, Curio by Hilton pairs exquisite, era-inspired settings with an unmatched level of service and hospitality. Guests delight in exceptional on-site catering, one-on-one planning, and thoughtful attention to detail.

The Higgins Hotel offers 3 elegant suites, each featuring spacious rooms with luxurious amenities perfect for wedding parties’ overnight accommodations and wedding preparations.

The Higgins Hotel offers special guest room wedding rates, based on availability, without need for a room block via their website at higginshotelnola.com/ourwedding

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HIGGINSHOTELNOLA.COM 504-528-1941 | 1000 MAGAZINE STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130 FB + IG: @HIGGINSHOTEL CONNECT
THE ROOSEVELT SUITE, HIGGINS HOTEL, CURIO BY HILTON

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT: THE RTIZ-CARLTON, NEW ORLEANS

Indulge in a luxurious wedding experience at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. The Residence Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is a 3200 square foot 2-bedroom penthouse suite complete with a fully equipped kitchen and an expansive terrace with outdoor fireplace, water feature and sweeping panoramic views of New Orleans. This lavish suite is perfect for a wedding party’s overnight accommodations and getting ready space, and it may also serve as a venue for weddings and rehearsal dinners of up to 100 guests. The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans suite offerings also include the elegant RitzCarlton Suite, which also features an outdoor terrace with river view, as well as their Executive and Balcony Suites.

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RITZCARLTON.COM/NEWORLEANS 504-524-1331 | 921 CANAL STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70112 IG: @RITZCARLTONNEWORLEANS CONNECT THE RESIDENCE SUITE, THE RITZ-CARLTON, NEW ORLEANS

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT: INTERCONTINENTAL NEW ORLEANS

Authentic New Orleans luxury meets you at the InterContinental New Orleans—where impeccable, Four-Diamond accommodations and service are matched only by our perfect location.

This is the place to immerse yourself in Big Easy culture, just steps away from the historic French Quarter and the riverfront. Our richly-appointed, newly renovated guestrooms and hotel spaces envelop your senses, while our exquisite rooftop pool with stunning city views make your New Orleans experience complete.

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SayI Do
the
www icneworleans com shannon buckley@icneworleans com 504 585 4379
ICNEWORLEANS.COM 504-585-4363
444 ST CHARLES AVE. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, 70130 FB: @INTERCONTINENTALNEWORLEANS| IG: @ INTERCONNOLA CONNECT
to
InterContinental New Orleans in our brand new ballroom! The space features high ceilings and grand chandeliers, overlooking St. Charles Avenue. We vow to make your wedding as magical as the Crescent City that you remember for a lifetime!
444 St Charles Ave New Orleans, LA 70130

TheRoyalSonestaNewOrleans,located in the heart of the French Quarter on world-famous Bourbon Street, is an iconic destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the unique culture of the Big Easy. Just steps away from local attractions, the hotel contains 483 freshly appointed guest rooms, including 36 suites situated in the heart of the French Quarter, traditional French Quarter architecture, and luxury accommodations which include five onsite dining & entertainment options.

NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 43 NEW ORLEANS MAKE YOURS AN EVEN MORE REWARDING WEDDING IN THE FRENCH QUARTER
Myers
300 Bourbon Street | Sonesta.com
SONESTA.COM/ROYAL-SONESTA/LA/NEW-ORLEANS/ROYAL-SONESTA-NEW-ORLEANS/ 504-586-0300 | 300 BOURBON ST, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130 FB + IG: @ROYALSONESTANO
Scott
Photography
HOTEL SPOTLIGHT: THE ROYAL SONESTA NEW ORLEANS
CONNECT

ALYSON + DREW’S STORY

Alyson and Drew met in college at Ivar’s Sports Bar & Grill. “We met at the Jenga table and instantly hit it off,” says Alyson.

For the proposal, Drew took Alyson to the Dallas Arboretum for their annual fall festival. “He proposed by a little fountain,” she says. Drew had a photographer hidden in the bushes to capture the moment as Alyson said “Yes!”

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NOW real wedding

Alyson Deville & Drew Graham KREWE DE GRAHAM

MARCH 19, 2022 | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOKE BOYD PHOTO + FILM

see more>>> NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 45

THE WEDDING Alyson and Drew are Louisiana natives living in Dallas, but chose New Orleans for their wedding.

“A lot of our friends and family still live in New Orleans,” says Alyson. “The culture has always felt like home to us and we always talked about getting married here one day. Our #1 wish was a rooftop wedding overlooking the city,” she says. The terrace of New Orleans’ Riverview Room was the perfect location for their wedding ceremony.

“We chose to write our own vows,” says Alyson. “This was very special to the both of us and the books are something we will cherish forever.”

THE RECEPTION As Alyson and Drew shared their first dance, sparks flew on the Riverview Room’s dance floor and they spent the evening celebrating with their guests.

The couple had custom Mardi Gras beads made for their wedding, featuring their dog, Jax. The beads read “Krewe de Graham”. “It was so fun seeing all of our guests wearing these through the night,” says Alyson.

Of course, no New Orleans wedding is complete without a Second Line. Kinfolk Brass Band led the couple through the French Quarter to their “second reception” at Cat’s Meow on Bourbon Street.

ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: GETTING READY LOCATION: Jon Vaccari House | CEREMONY, RECEPTION AND CATERER: The Riverview Room | OFFICIANT: Todd Capielano, Sensational Ceremonies | BRIDE’S GOWN: Martina Liana, Town & Country Bridal | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Birdy Grey | GROOM’S + GROOMSMENS’ ATTIRE: The Black Tux | PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO: Brooke Boyd Photo + Film | BAKERY: La Louisiane Bakery | CEREMONY MUSIC: Harry Hardin | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Mojeaux | TRANSPORTATION: Alert Transportation | HAIR: Ali Vasquez | MAKEUP: Melanie Hollander | WEDDING PLANNER: Brooke Casey Weddings | CANDLE DECOR: Luminous Events | JEWELER: Robbins Brothers (Dallas, TX) | FAVORS: Promotion Beads (beads), GB Design House (koozies) + La Fleur Creations (second line handkerchiefs) | INVITATIONS: GB Design House | SIGNAGE: BlushAndLumber | BRASS BAND: Kinfolk Brass Band 46 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com
NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 47 NOW FEATURED VENDOR RENTALS TRUE VALUE RENTAL truevaluerentalnola.com See more from Alyson & Drew’s wedding at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com

The Court of Two Sisters

613 Royal Street in the French Quarter courtoftwosisters.com

48 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

She’s a California girl and he’s a Louisiana boy and they met in college in Missouri.

“I was a manager for the wrestling team and he was on his recruiting trip,” says Sabrina. “When he entered a party I saw him across the room and I instantly called “dibs” on hi, telling any other girl at the party that they had another thing coming they tried to speak to him!”

When Seth committed to the school the following year, Sabrina began her mission to make him hers.

It took another year before Seth realized her intentions and finally took Sabrina on a date!

It took 3 attempts before Seth’s plan to propose went as planned.

At his college graduation party with his family, they began a game of “What’s in my hand?” taking turns with blindfolded partners to describe graduation-themed items the other was holding.

Sabrina and Seth were partners. “In my hand was a tassel and in his was my ring,” says Sabrina. “After he got his right I was completely ready to guess his faster than everyone else. When I got it right I took off my blindfold to see him on one knee. I cried in shock and in happiness.”

50 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

George & Seth Johnson

A CALIFORNIA GIRL & A LOUISIANA BOY

NOW
real wedding
Sabrina
MAY 21, 2022 | AMITE, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOUDREAUX DESIGNS PHOTOGRAPHY see more>>> NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 51

THE WEDDING FESTIVITIES

Sabrina and Seth planned four days of events to celebrate their wedding so they could spend as much time as possible with their families, some of whom hadn't been together in more than 15 years!

The Thursday before the wedding, they held their rehearsal followed by a dinner in New Orleans. Friday, Seth played golf with family and friends while Sabrina enjoyed her bridal brunch and the wedding Saturday was followed by an after party on Bourbon Street. Sunday's events included a crawfish and shrimp boil.

THE CEREMONY "Our rings were lost during the ceremony," says Sabrina. "No one knew where they had been placed, so both of our parents stepped up and gave us their rings in replacement." Sabrina wore both hers and Seth's mothers rings and Seth wore his and Sabrina's father's rings. "It made the moment even more special to include both of our families un -planned."

"When the rings were found later, we performed a mini ceremony outside and it began to rain on us." says Sabrina. "But that didn't stop us. Both of our immediate families and the bridal party circled us in love standing in the rain and we exchanged our real rings for a second time."

THE RECEPTION The happy couple danced with their guests and everyone enjoyed the wedding cake which was stacked bundt cakes and mini bundt cakes.

"We had money guns at the end of the wedding," says Sabrina. "We designed the money to have our faces on it and the venue on the back with thank you notes."

VENDOR CREDITS: VENUE: The Berry Barn | OFFICIANTS: Mike Machholz + Derek Bohnsack | BRIDE’S GOWN: Ashley Renee Bridal | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Azazie | GROOM’S + GROOMSMENS’ ATTIRE: Tuxedos to Geaux | PHOTOGRAPHY: Boudreaux Designs Photography | VIDEO: Dennis Films | FLORIST: Albertsons | BAKERY: Nothing Bundt Cakes | CEREMONY MUSIC: DJ Nyce | TRANSPORTATION: Nicoll’s Limousine | MAKEUP: Tracie Turner, Face by Trace | HAIR: Amber Renee | WEDDING PLANNER: Danyelle Sanders-Horton, Danyelle The Event Planner | INVITATIONS: K-Team Printing & Marketing | CATERER: The Southern Spoon | JEWELER: Ramsey’s Jewelers
52 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com
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jessicathephotographer com @jessBUrKe photographer
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