Acadiana Weddings 2019

7 GORGEOUS GOWNS PLUS: Stationery, Flowers, Cakes and Gifts!

Big Day Locales that Wow

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ACADIANA WEDDINGS

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CONTENTS JOLI

DÉTAILS

INVITATIONS ........................08

VENUE .................................. 38

Tropical Front: A nod from nature helps these invitations stand out with bright colors and playful fonts

Location, Location, Location: Fabulous wedding venues from industrial chic warehouse to romantic gardens that fit any couple’s style

MODE

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FLOWERS .............................. 12

Full Bloom: Shades of green and ivory are perfect for the modern bride

GIFTS ................................... 20

Oh So Gifted: Give your wedding party gifts they’ll love and use in soft pinks and forest greens

HONEYMOON ........................ 42

Northern Exposure: Adventure by day and cozy by night, an Alaskan honeymoon is romantic and cuddling for warmth is encouraged

LAGNIAPPE ...........................44

Take Flight: Your friends have been there from the beginning.

Thank them for making the drives, the fittings and the photoshoots with a tequila flight set – and Patrón, of course.

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Top Tier: Wedding cakes get a refreshing up-do with pretty pastels and fabulous florals

Pull Up to the Station: Crowdpleasing food and beverage stations are kicking buffets and bars to the curb

CAKES

FOOD + DRINK

Exotic Elegance Embracing the romance of subtropical climates throughout the year

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NOTE DE L’EDITEUR

A PUBLICATION OF ACADIANA PROFILE

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ur wedding was a small, intimate affair. To be honest, we really wanted to elope, but knew that our family and friends would be upset at missing our Big Day. As a compromise, my now husband and I planned a small wedding. It ended up slightly larger than we envisioned, but at the end of the day, the less than 100 people who surrounded us were our closest loved ones. The country church I grew up attending was welcoming and familiar; my bridesmaids and I carried simple wildflower bouquets and the groom and groomsmen donned matching boutonnieres, all built around my favorite — white and yellow daisies; and our reception venue was decorated simply with white twinkle lights strung into fig trees and a candle on each white tablecloth-covered round table. The mimimalism suited us. That’s the thing about weddings, they can be as simple or as eleborate as you’d like for them to be and it’s all about what makes sense for you as a couple.

In 1998, when we got married, there weren’t nearly as many choices as there are now and that, along with the fact that we were all of 25, definitely had an impact on the end result. For example, rather than a buffet, we would have opted for fun food stations (hello macand-cheese bar!) and in lieu of just beer, wine and the usual booze and mixers, a craft beer bar and signature cocktail would have entered the mix.

When couples ask me for recommendations or advice, I suggest looking at magazines like this one and visiting wedding blogs and Pinterest for ideas, but that what really makes a wedding stand out is when it reflects the personality of the couple. If the two of you are a casual couple who prefers kicking back with a few beers with friends on the porch on a Friday night over getting dolled up and hitting the newest fine dining establishment, consider going less formal with your venue, food and decor, for example. If your courtship involved countless Taco Tuesday dates or Saturday afternoons spent hitting your favorite breweries, a taco station and craft beer bar might be natural elements to your food and beverage offerings on the Big Day. You will feel more confident and comfortable and your guests will love that you are sharing such a fun aspect of your relationship with them on your special day. We attended a wedding this spring in which the reception was one giant pizza party. The pizza was a hit and set a laid-back tone that was a spot-on reflection of the couple.

Things will go “wrong” during the course of any wedding day and there are decorative or food decisions you may regret down the line, but if at the end of the day you are married to the person you want to spend the rest of your life with — it was a success.

Happy wedding planning!

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ACADIANA WEDDINGS

2019/2020

Managing Editor Melanie Warner Spencer Associate Editor Ashley McLellan Copy Editor Liz Clearman Web Editor Kelly Massicot Contributing Writers Ashley Hinson, Marie Elizabeth Oliver, Megan Romer Art Director Sarah George Photographers Danley Romero, Theresa Cassagne

Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan Advertising Sales Manager Rebecca Taylor (337) 298-4424 / (337) 235-7919 Ext. 230 Rebecca@AcadianaProfile.com

Director of Marketing & Events Jeanel Luquette Event Coordinator Abbie Dugruise Digital Media Associate Mallary Matherne For event information (504) 830-7264

Traffic Coordinator Lane Brocato Production Manager Emily Andras Production Designers Rosa Balaguer, Meghan Rooney

Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive Vice President Errol Laborde Distribution Manager John Holzer Administrative Assistant Mallary Matherne Audience Development Claire Sargent For subscription information (504) 828-1380

A Publication of Renaissance Publishing 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 AcadianaProfile.com 128 Demanade, Suite 104 Lafayette, LA 70503 (337) 235-7919 ext. 230 AcadianaWedding.com Acadiana Weddings is a publication of Acadiana Profile which is published bimonthly with a special issue in September

by Renaissance Publishing LLC, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 and 128 Demanade, Suite 104, Lafayette, LA 70503 (337) 235-7919. Postage paid at Lafayette, LA, and additional mailing entry offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Acadiana Weddings, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright 2018 Renaissance Publishing LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.

The trademark Acadiana Weddings is registered. Acadiana Weddings is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork, even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in Acadiana Weddings are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or owner.

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ACADIANA WEDDINGS

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joli i n v i tat i o n s p.0 8

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Create a fresh, tropical look with lush greenery, petite blooms and buds

joli INVITATIONS

Tropical Front A nod from nature helps these invitations stand out with bright colors and playful fonts c ap tions By A lIce p h I lI p S photogr aphs By ThereSA KINg cASSANge

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AcAdiAnA Weddings

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The GG Palms Suite invitation uses jeweltoned palm designs and hints of gold foil for a natural yet classic touch. The invitations are wrapped together with blush raw silk ribbon with an option to customize to your preference.

charm

337-984-4800 shopcharm.com

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joli INVITATIONS

shop aurea

shopaurea.com

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Coastal and summer vibes are the highlight of these brightcolored invites. Soft vellum wrap binds them together and knotted jute mixes both modern and traditional styles.

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joli flOwerS

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Full Bloom Shades of green and ivory are perfect for the modern bride

By ASh ley h I N SON photogr aphs By rOm erO & rO m erO

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From jewelry to potted plants, the monstera is having a moment.

The massive leaf, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, balances delicate, intricate orchids.

Feathery and light touches of greenery from the orchids balance the robust monstera for a fresh touch.

Is there any flower more elegant than a white orchid? The serene orchid represents innocence, beauty and virility.

A truly fitting name, the white lace flower adds airiness to a summer bouquet.

Beautiful either in bloom or within the bud, the white freesia is a member of the iris family. Its bell shape adds dimension and strength, gorgeously contrasting with delicate white lace.

monstera

sprigs

orchids

White Lace

White Freesia

thistLe company 115 E. St. Peter St., New Iberia. 337-380-5327. thistlecompanyla.com

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For your bouquet, capture various stages of growth with buds and blossoms paired with lush greenery for a clean and earthy effect.

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joli cAKeS

A blend of simplicity and elegance, this vanilla cake with Swiss meringue buttercream is adorned with white roses and ferns perfect for a whimsical wedding.

Top Tier Wedding cakes get a refreshing up-do with pretty pastels and fabulous florals c ap tions By A lIce p h I lIp S photogr aphs By rO m erO & rO m erO

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AcAdiAnA Weddings

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Heads up chocolate lovers. Pink buttercream, handmade ranunculus flowers and a hammered gold faux tier garnish this two-tier chocolate cake with Oreo cream filling.

piece oF cake

1507 Kaliste Saloom Road, Suite H Lafayette 337-565-2753 pieceofcakelafayette.com

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joli cAKeS

The handmade sugar flowers might seem like the stars of the show, but what’s on the inside counts too. White velvet cake with pecan praline filling and white chocolate ganache icing make up the three tiers of this elegant cake.

FaLLon rae cakes

337-935-2609 fallonraecakes.com

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Four tiers of chocolate cake with caramel filling and milk chocolate ganache filling will satisfy your cocoa cravings.

It is topped with edible gold leaf and handmade sugar flowers.

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joli cAKeS

Green ombrĂŠ tiers keep this cake simple but on trend. White almond cake with raspberry cheesecake filling and chocolate fudge cake with praline fudge filling make up the layers with a blush sugar flower for added flair.

sky's the Limit cakes

1418 Eraste Landry Road Lafayette 337-592-2068 skysthelimitcakes.com

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Green buttercream ruffles, stenciled buttercream and pearls add unique texture to this threetiered confection of French vanilla cake with mascarpone cream cheese and fresh-fruit filling.

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joli gIfTS

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Show your bridesmaids and groomsmen a little love with these fun and fabulous gifts.

Or gift your spouse-to-be — just because.

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oh So Gifted Give your wedding party gifts they’ll love and use in soft pinks and forest greens

By ASh ley h I N SON photogr aph By rOmerO & rO merO

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Baxter shave tonic

tom Ford soLeiL BLanc eau de parFum

This multitasking product combines rosemary, eucalyptus, camphor and spearmint essential oils to cool razor burn and prevent ingrown hairs. Apply before and after shaving.

This scent has key notes of bergamot, pistachio and coco de mer. The warmth of solar amber elevates this floral eau de parfum to sultry, yet refined, heights.

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neckLace

FLaskLight

Local designer Inga Woods, of Pineville, creates glass jewelry coated in gold luster.

Airy and pretty, this necklace is peak minimalist cool.

This flashlight/flask is perfect for outdoor bachelor party excursions, camping trips and hurricane parties. Get lit.

3 soap

Sometimes, a 3-in-1 won’t do. Upgrade your groomsmen with this woodsy scent in an aesthetically pleasing package.

4 candLe

This beautifully designed candle may be wrapped in watercolor flowers, but its aromatics are for no shrinking violet.

5 earrings

Alexis Bittar’s lucite leaves are fun, lightweight and suitable as a statement piece for day or night. These also come in many colors: one for each of your bridesmaids.

kiki

1910 Kaliste Saloom Road Lafayette 337-406-0904 shopkikionline.com genterie

408 Jefferson St. Lafayette 337-401-3833 genterie.com inga Woods

ingawoods.com

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mode

TREND WATCH Shiny Ribbons: wide, silky ribbon used as a headband or ponytail wrap adds an eyecatching twist to a trendy but casual bridal look.

Our instinct is to fight the steamy days and nights that, even in the cooler months, often make an appearance. But, lush botanicals, flowing gowns and floral themes are always in style.

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(PREVIOUS PAGE) Kite and Butterfly Rena French lace gown from Pistache; Pomellato Victoria rose gold and white agate earrings from Kiki (LEFT) Hayley Paige Arden rosĂŠ lace and tulle gown from Le Jour Couture; Alexis Bittar long leaf earrings in sunset from Kiki

tic gance Embracing the romance of subtropical climates throughout the year

STYLING: Marie Elizabeth Oliver PHOTOGRAPHY: Theresa King Cassagne MODELS: Lauren Shipp, Ibrahim Nofal, Darby Miles and Brianna Hunter HAIR AND MAKEUP: Kelly Snesrud TREND WATCH: Megan Romer THANK YOU TO: Intercontinental New Orleans Hotel

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TREND WATCH Accessories are very in: While brides are toning back the sparkle elsewhere, Lake Charles hairstylist Jade Jouett Kingham is seeing some serious love for hair-bling. “Sparkly clips, cute little bobby pins with flowers or beads attached, tiny flowers…” These all work particularly well tucked into long waves or a piecey updo.

(LEFT) Wild Azalea redesigned and reconstructed vintage wedding dress from JoiJohnston. com; Jolie Petale handmade headpiece from Pistache; Elizabeth Bower Sakura Rose Drop earrings from Le Jour Couture; custom magnolia diamond engagement ring by Dianna Rae Jewelry (THIS PAGE) Ike Behar Sebastian navy tuxedo from Squires Formalwear; Original Penguin Micah solid tie from Nordstrom Rack

Viktor&Rolf Mariage embroidery patchwork dress with detachable skirt from Le Jour Couture; White gold diamond studs, solitaire engagement ring, wedding band and 18K diamond tennis bracelet all from Armentor Jewelers; “Jane” bouquet by Something Borrowed Blooms (FACING) Reem Acra “Veronique” strapless beaded ball gown and floral stud earrings from Le Jour Couture; “Shelbie” floral crown and bouquet by Something Borrowed Blooms

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(LEFT) From left to right: Kenneth Cole Lenox light grey tuxedo and waterfall romance bowtie from Squires Formalwear; Essense of Australia (Style: D2548) layered lace gown from Sposa Bella; Alexis Bittar oversized teardrop earrings from Kiki (THIS PAGE) From left to right: Jenny Yoo Corinne bridesmaid dress in petal from Bella Bridesmaids; Baublebar drop earrings; Adrianna Papell (Style: 40112) beaded bridesmaid gown from Bella Bridesmaids

TREND WATCH Dramatic Headbands: Instead of fascinators, be on the lookout for high-drama headbands featuring giant pearls, complex metalwork or flowers.

(THIS PAGE) From left to right: Ike Behar Warren black tuxedo with black vest and trim fit pants from Squires Formalwear; Le Jour private collection off-shoulder gown, Lasting Memories drop earrings, MalisHenderson headband all from Le Jour Couture; custom magnolia diamond engagement ring by Dianna Rae Jewelry (RIGHT) Viktor&Rolf Mariage jumpsuit, Justin Alexander white moto jacket, Lasting Memories gold hairpiece all from Le Jour Couture 30

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Hayley Paige (Style: 6657 “Vionnet”) ivory beaded net fit to flare gown from Le Jour Couture; Alexis Bittar tassel pendant necklace from Kiki; Ambrosia scalloped oval diamond ring with blue diamonds from Dianna Rae Jewelry; White gold diamond studs and 18K white gold diamond tennis bracelet from Armentor Jewelers (FACING) Justin Alexander (Style: 88008) v-neck lace gown with illusion long sleeves from Sposa Bella; Yellow gold Moroccan earrings from Dianna Rae Jewelry; “Stella” bouquet by Something Borrowed Blooms; Allure granite gray tuxedo with merlot bow tie and vest from Mary Ellen’s Tux Shop; Yellow gold hammered wedding band from Dianna Rae Jewelry

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(LEFT) Viktor&Rolf Mariage deep v-neck gown and Elizabeth Bower white flower earrings from Le Jour Couture (THIS PAGE) Jenny Yoo Drew bridesmaid dress in blush from Bella Bridesmaids; Alexis Bittar crystal and malachite tassel necklace from Kiki AcA di AnAW e ddi ng.co m

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(THIS PAGE) White gold blue diamond pendant necklace and 18K white gold diamond tennis bracelet from Armentor Jewelers; Ambrosia scalloped oval diamond ring with blue diamonds from Dianna Rae Jewelry (FACING) Freshwater pearl yellow gold necklace, gold milgrain diamond wedding band stack, diamond hoop earrings and diamond bangle bracelets in yellow and rose gold all from Dianna Rae Jewelry

(THIS PAGE) From left to right: Jenny Yoo Tatum bridesmaid dress in blush and Jenny Yoo Ellis bridesmaid dress in emerald both from Bella Bridesmaids; emerald tassel earrings from J.Crew (RIGHT) Michael Kors Aruba tan notch lapel tuxedo with trim fit pants and waterfall romance tie from Squires FormalwearÂ

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DÉTAILS VE N U E P.3 8

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FO O D + D R I N K P.4 0

Champagne and other bubbles, once reserved for toasts only, are fast becoming a regular full-reception feature.

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DÉTAILS VENUE

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cadiana has a variety of wedding locations, easlily rivaling venues of locales all over the world. You want a rustic repurposed building? We’ve got it!

Old-world ballroom? We’ve got that, too!

Cute little chapel? Check. Grand landscaped gardens? Check. Honestly, it’s probably harder for most couples to narrow it down than it is to find venues that would fit beautifully with their aesthetic and budget. Here are some of our favorites: P O IN T-AUX- LO UP S S P R IN G S BA L L RO O M

(Iota) This charming property is a 1930s-era industrial building retrofitted to become one of Acadiana’s most distinct wedding venues. The aesthetic of the ballroom interior is decidedly French Quarter, with New Orleans-style ironwork, exposed brick, mahogany furniture, and a giant chandelier, but the setting offers the peace and beauty of rural Acadia Parish. Hold an outdoor wedding under a massive white oak or in the white-columned pergola on the bank of the Bayou des Cannes, or choose a candlelit ceremony indoors. springsballroom.com L E PAV IL LO N

Location, Location, Location Fabulous wedding venues from industrial chic warehouse to romantic gardens that fit any couple’s style

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(Lafayette) Le Pavillon is one of Lafayette’s newest event venues but it has been designed with a decidedly upscale classically-French aesthetic. It’s rare to find a venue that can both host a very large wedding and which can truly be described as elegant, but Le Pavillon was designed for the purpose.

(It’s not only a venue for huge weddings; intimate rooms are also available.) The carefully-appointed in-house decor makes it basically a turnkey affair for indoor weddings and receptions and a dramatic columned outdoor colonnade provides a perfect location for an outdoor wedding or bridal party photographs. lplft.com

BR IC K HO U S E

has faded today, but it still feels very much alive inside the beautiful historic Maison de Tours, situated right in the heart of the city’s historic center, across the street from St. Martin de Tours church square. The venue includes both indoor spaces complete with antique furnishings and an outdoor New Orleans-style brick patio courtyard, as well as a beautifully-appointed bridal dressing suite. maisondetours.com

(Lake Charles) Bring the cake, the band, the flowers, and the wedding party and this Downtown Lake Charles event venue and catering company will handle everything else: furnishings, centerpieces, lighting, and more, not to mention the gourmet chefprepared cuisine. The building itself is gorgeous: a refurbished circa-1892 warehouse with exposed brick and beams, wooden floors, and shabby-chic antique furnishings.

The room can be tailored to meet your needs and works well for both an indoor wedding followed by a reception or just the reception itself. brickhousecateringandevents.com R I P VAN WIN K LE G A RDE N S

(New Iberia) Rip Van Winkle Gardens, on Jefferson Island outside of New Iberia, has been one of Acadiana’s preferred wedding venues for generations, and for good reason: it’s also one of Acadiana’s most beautiful places. Sprawling ancient live oaks, carefully-cultivated tropical gardens, gurgling fountains, the stunning backdrop of Lake Peigneur, and the onsite buildings, which include the Victorian hunting lodge built by stage actor Joseph Jefferson in 1870. A full wedding planning staff makes your job as the bride or groom easy, and while most couples choose to marry outside, the indoor ballroom provides an easy backup should the weather be uncooperative. ripvanwinklegardens.com DELTA G RAND THEAT RE

(Opelousas) If you’re looking for character, this handsomely renovated Art Deco theater offers a unique and surprisingly flexible venue for weddings of all sizes. Because the theater seats have long been removed and the venue simply uses chairs, you can easily set up a small ceremony space in one area and have your reception in another, have your ceremony on the stage and just move chairs for the reception, or any number of other options. For an extra bit of fun, you can put your names on the marquee outside and feel like real stars! facebook.com/historicdeltagrand MAI SON D E TOURS

(St. Martinville) In the early 1800s, St. Martinville was known as Petit Paris, as it was a cultural mecca for the surrounding area, with high-end shops and even an opera house. Much of that grandeur

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY LE PAVILLON; WAREHOUSE 535

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(LEFT) Le Pavillon offers classicallyFrench aesthetic and turnkey service (BELOW) Warehouse 535 provides the perfect space for artsy couples.

(Lafayette) An old railroad grain warehouse that was renovated with the idea of creating a top-quality venue with that quirky, artsy Lafayette look, Warehouse 535 hits that sweet spot between rustic and funky but elegant and functional. With indoor and outdoor spaces, an in-house bar, and a gorgeous wide covered porch, there’s a lot of flexibility to be had, and the venue’s downtown Lafayette location, just a few blocks from the UL campus, makes it convenient while surprisingly peaceful. warehouse535.com ❖

Pro Tips Hannah Trahan is the owner of Southern Couture event planning services and is the director of events at Le Pavillon. She encourages couples to:

1 START WITH YOUR BUDGET

“It’s great if your budget allows your aesthetic to lead, but that’s not always the case,” says Trahan, who encourages couples to determine their budget before they take a single step toward planning.

2 DECIDE WHETHER YOU WANT TO DECORATE

“If you have strong ideas about decorating, make sure the venue can accommodate that.” Lots of venues already have a strong aesthetic and rebuilding that can be harder than starting with a blank venue and decorating.

3 KEEP IN MIND, OUTDOOR WEDDINGS ARE NOT CHEAPER.

People often assume that holding an outdoor wedding is a money-saving strategy, but Trahan explains, “it not only isn’t cheaper, but it costs twice as much because you need a backup plan in case it rains.”

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DÉTAILS FOOD+DRINK

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Pull Up to the Station Crowd-pleasing food and beverage stations are kicking buffets and bars to the curb

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Cheese lovers rejoice! Opt for a cheese wheel "cake" in lieu of the sweet stuff

xperience. That’s the trend word.

That’s the trend feeling,” explains Angie O’Bryan, the catering sales manager for Bon Temps Grill.

“People are getting away from sort of generic traditional things, like passed trays of finger sandwiches — they want their guests to have something unique.”

Cajun and Creole traditions unsurprisingly form a large part of the menus that Acadiana brides and grooms choose — roast suckling pig (cochon de lait) carving stations, jambalaya, and hot boudin all feature regularly on Acadiana wedding tables.

Dinner-as-decor is another trend that O’Bryan sees. Long gone are the days of a row of silver chafing dishes. Instead, Pinterest-perfect spreads feature tables of different heights, creatively scrunched fabric and unconventional servingware.

“It’s all about really making those tables gorgeous,” says O’Bryan. “Even that alone provides an element of experience for the guests, who get to serve themselves from these beautiful displays.

“You know, it’s a real advantage that we have this tradition of the wedding buffet in the South. Up North and around the country, it’s common to have a plated sit-down dinner, which is beautiful but it means that you’re not moving around. The buffet allows for a more interesting range of food and it lets people get up and around and circulate and see each other and talk to each other. So when it comes to experiences, this one is built in.”

A particularly fun way in which couples make use of this circulation is in offering creative build-your-own stations. French fries, nachos, and sliders are not uncommon, but O’Bryan’s current favorite (and one which everyone seems to love) is a mac-and-cheese station. The macaroni and cheese is served in clear plastic martini cups to give it a bit of an upscale look, and then guests get a huge variety of toppings and add-ins which they can heap up: crawfish, lobster, bacon, green onions, extra cheese, pickled jalapenos — it takes comfort food to the next level in a unique and interactive way, and guests just adore it.

Cakes have long been an area in which Gulf Coast brides have been consistent traditionalists. The bride’s cake has been white, almond-flavored, and elegant for generations and all serious creativity has been focused on the groom’s cake. As online

sources abound, though, and a web-savvy is still seeing some movement away from younger generation begins to marry, the traditional fondant-and-piping. “Naked O’Bryan is seeing a burst of creativity and cakes are becoming a big thing,” says O’Bryan, tradition-busting on the cake front. who suggests that brides who don’t like thick “Recently, I catered a wedding where the frosting be creative with their alternatives, bride’s cake was full wheels of gourmet many of which are really beautiful: fresh cheese, all stacked in tiers and decorated. The fruit, edible flowers, whipped cream, dripped groom’s cake was still a traditional sweet cake, ganache — they all have a unique look (and so people who wanted something sweet were taste!) and any good baker will happily work taken care of, but isn’t that fun?” O’Bryan with you to explore fondant alternatives, if says that she is also seeing alternatives for you’re looking for a classic aesthetic but a sweet cakes, whether it’s a dessert modern taste profile. station with a single small cake for Above all, don’t be afraid to dream ceremonial slicing and then a variety big. Far from being annoyed by Cocktailconscious of other things, or even cake pops, couples’ desire to replicate complex couples also cupcakes, tartlets or cream puffs things that they found on the web, offer minibars presented in tiers.

O’Bryan and her staff think it’s great specializing in Even for brides who do want a fun. “Even if we can’t do it exactly, their favorite drinks more traditional tiered cake, O’Bryan we can usually figure out what it

is about the menu item or presentation that attracts them and create something unique for them.”

D R IN KS

The beverage service is serious business at Acadiana weddings. Marcello’s Wine Market and Cafe’s Trent Roy, who does full-service beverage catering at 400-500 regional weddings each year, knows very well how seriously local couples take this part of their wedding planning, and says that he’s seeing a trend toward elegance.

“The amount of couples going with real glassware — which costs at least $2 per guest more — has just about doubled in the past few years,” says Roy, though he chuckles at the suggestion that perhaps couples are just trying to be a bit more eco-friendly. “In this case, no. It’s all about that aesthetic of real glass.”

Champagne and other bubbles, once reserved for toasts only, are fast becoming a regular full-reception feature. “A nice thing that some couples are doing is having a little champagne table right as people enter the reception, maybe with a few different options for sparkling wine. Prosecco is very hot right now, that’s always on there. And some people will keep this table open for the whole night, while others move the champagne service to the bar, but yeah, in the past year, this has become a big thing.”

Signature cocktails remain popular and bar managers are happy to work with couples to come up with something specific to them. “Usually, it’s just a slight twist on a classic but with a cute name that references something the brides or grooms love,” explains Roy, suggesting the honeymoon destination or names of the couples’ pets as inspiration, though some cocktail-conscious couples also offer minibars specializing in their favorite drinks.

On the wine and beer front, there are no dramatic changes, says Roy, though he is seeing a surprising return to White Zinfandel among the preferred options.

“People started drinking dry and semi-dry rosés and it became acceptable to be seen with a glass of pink wine again.” Craft beer is a preference for discerning couples everywhere, though the cost scares some of them off (“It’s a significant upcharge,” Roy emphasizes). But those who do splurge on craft beer almost universally prefer a local option, be it Parish, Bayou Teche, or one of the other breweries in the state. “Putting that local spin on things will always be in style around here.” ❖

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DÉTAILS HONEYMOON

Northern Exposure Adventure by day and cozy by night, an Alaskan honeymoon is romantic and cuddling for warmth is encouraged

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n Alaska, honeymoon options are as diverse as the state. For a relaxing, quiet getaway, cruises up the Inside Passage may be in order. A flight to Anchorage with a ride on the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park may better suit the adventurous. For those Acadiana residents who want a little of both, maybe a quiet cabin with some outstanding fishing on the side or a remote lighthouse on a private island with access into one of Alaska’s cutest cities.

Here are some options for honeymooning in Alaska.

CRUIS IN G expertise is to deliver you to destinations Cruising up the Pacific coast to Alaska is with ease and style.” big business, with 37 ships sailing into the Some cruise ships combine cruising Inside Passage, the Kenai Peninsula and Icy with land travel. Visitors may cruise Royal Strait Point. Ships range from the major Princess, then transfer on to a railroad trip brands such as Cunard, Royal Caribbean to Denali National Park where Princess and Norwegian which sail out of Seattle owns lodges. and Vancouver, to the smaller vessels such as Windstar Cruises and Uncruise DE N A L I Adventures.

To head straight into the Alaskan wilderness, Holland America’s Eurodam, for instance, fly into Anchorage and catch the Alaska offers seven-day itineraries from Seattle, stopRailroad to Denali National Park. The ping at the island towns of Juneau, Sitka elegant train heads north to Fairbanks and Ketchikan with a sail through the year-round with stops at North America’s impressive Glacier Bay National Park and tallest mountain. From the Denali depot, a pause in Victoria, Canada, before returning buses will shuttle visitors to various accomhome. Instead of Broadway shows and glitz, modations, which range from the cruise Holland works more to prepare their visitors line lodges to semi-rustic cabins, such as for the Alaskan experience, said Bill Fletcher, the quaint but utterly comfortable Denali senior director of destination marketing.

Cabins, eight miles south of the park.

The ship features an “Exploration Denali means wilderness in the Central,” for instance, where visitors truest sense of the word, so if you’re may learn about whales and Alaskan (LEFT) Horsehoe looking for peace and quiet and a lake in Denali culture and people. chance to get back to nature for National Park “It’s a classical, traditional cruise (BELOW) Sitka a honeymoon, this one takes the line experience,” Fletcher said. “Our wedding cake. There’s only one way Lighthouse

in and out of the park, a 90-mile stretch of highway with only the first few miles open to traffic. Visitors must take park shuttles or sign up for tours to enter the restricted areas.

The Tundra Wilderness Tour provides a great overview of the park and visitors will spot numerous wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose and caribou thanks to the expert tour guides driving the bus. And if you’re lucky, the mountain will reveal itself; Mt. Denali is only visible to 30 percent of visitors.

T H E S IT KA L IG H T H O US E

You can fly, cruise or ferry to the island of Sitka, located in the Inside Passage with a temperate climate much like Seattle. It’s a sweet village with boutique shops, a national park and the most bald eagles you’ll spot anywhere.

A short skiff ride from the city harbor lies the Sitka Lighthouse on a one-acre private island. The lighthouse was built in the 1980s by a local veterinarian, registered with the Coast Guard and used as a rental. It’s since been updated by Teal West and includes a relaxing living area, master bedroom on the second floor and bunks on the third. There’s a hot tub, fire pit and patio overlooking the harbor and the neighboring snow-capped mountains. If you need to get into town, your stay at the lighthouse includes a skiff and kayaks.

A LAS KA W IL D LA N D A DV E N T UR ES

June may be the opportune time to get married but it’s also salmon running season. Alaska Wildland Adventures offers the ultimate fishing excursions along the Kenai River where more than half a million sockeye salmon migrate beginning in June, with silver salmon, rainbow trout and Dolly Varden season in August and September.

Stay at the Kenai Riverside Lodge with its collection of cozy private cabins and a lodge where hearty breakfast and dinner meals are served, not to mention appetizers and drinks beforehand in the bar. There’s a wood-fired sauna and hiking trails as well.

For a guide into the wild, Alaska Wildland Adventures offers fishing excursions, rafting trips down the Kenai, hikes and two remote lodges for those wanting to get further away from civilization.

There’s so much to see and do in Alaska so whatever your choices be sure to allow enough time for adequate exploration. And maybe a little of the unexpected. ❖

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DÉTAILS LAGNIAPPE

Take Flight Your friends have been there from the beginning.

Thank them for making the drives, the fittings and the photoshoots with a tequila flight set – and Patrón, of course.

BY ASH LEY H I N SON PHOTOGR APHS BY RO M ERO & RO M ERO

This glass and brass flight is beautiful and functional

THE KITCHENARY

456 Heymann Blvd.

Lafayette 337-264-1037 thekitchenary.net

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CHAMPAGNE’S MARKET

454 Heymann Blvd.

Lafayette (337) 235-4114 champagnesmarket.net

2019/2020

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2019/2020