New Orleans Bride Summer 2018 by Renaissance Publishing

SUMMER/AUTUMN 2018

SUMMER-autumn 2018 Editor Melanie Warner Spencer Art Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Assistant Editor Kelly Massicot Photographer Theresa Cassagne Contributing Editors Mirella Cameran, Becca Hensley, Lisa Tudor Contributing Writers Amy Gabriel, Alexa Harrison, Misty Milioto, Dee Lane, Ashley McLellan, Sarah Ravits, Anne Roderique, Marie Simoneaux Copy Editor Liz Clearman Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan Sales Manager Brooke LeBlanc Genusa 504-830-7242 or Brooke@MyNewOrleans.com Account Executive Zane Wilson 504-830-7246 or Zane@MyNewOrleans.com Director of Marketing and Events Cheryl Lemoine Event Coordinator Whitney Weathers Digital Media Associate Mallary Matherne For event information call (504) 830-7264 Production Manager Jessica DeBold Senior Production Designer Demi Schaffer Production Designer Emily Andras, Kendall Woods Traffic Coordinator Topher Balfer Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive Vice President/ Editor-In-Chief Errol Laborde Distribution Manager John Holzer Administrative Assistant Mallary Matherne Subscriptions Brittanie Bryant

A Publication of Renaissance Publishing, LLC Printed in USA 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 New Orleans Bride Magazine is published twice a year by Renaissance Publishing, LLC., 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380. It is sold at newsstands throughout Greater New Orleans, complimentary at retail locations and available online at brideneworleans.com. Postage paid at Metairie, LA, and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright ÂŠ 2018 New Orleans Bride Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark New Orleans Bride is registered. New Orleans Bride is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in New Orleans Bride Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine managers or owners.

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summer-autumn 2018

c ont e nt s

20 STANDARDS

25 PRELUDE

f rom the editor 20

be au ty 26

Basics Master Class adv ice 22

57 FASHION

91 DETAILS

B RI DA L / bri desm a i ds M E N S W E A R/ F LOW E RS 5 8

c a ke S 9 2

Elevated Elegance

Artful variations on fondant frosting that take the cake

Fanciful Fondant

Acts of Grace

Start an at home skincare regimen now and get your Big Day glow on

Late invitations, distant friendships and last-minute elopements

Maximum Effect

f eature 52

Products to calm, brighten, hydrate and perfect skin

Tradition trumps the sheer and sensual with an emphasis on pareddown dresses and frothy ball gowns that reflect romance, femininity and tenderness

To Tan or Not To Tan

jewelry 7 8

Shimmering Simplicity

Toast to Tradition

real wedd ings 119

An expert guide to getting that sun-kissed bronze look, sans harmful rays

Diamond and pearl adornments to complete your wedding day look

Cheers to the classic cocktail, which adds fun and history to your fête

honeymoon 136

f itn ess 32

Wildlife Wonderment

Crunch Time

Southern Comfort

Relaxing honeymoons for the laid back couple

30-day wedding workout

Take your hors d’oeuvres to the next level with elevated takes on Southern classics

Bridal Bliss Relax, restore and rejuvenate at these top New Orleans spas.

m akeu p 34

Going South

Glitter Everywhere

The Southern Hotel for your post-wedding getaway

How to incorporate this shimmering trend into a timeless look

checkl ist 142

Check It Twice

High Impact

There’s a lot that goes into wedding planning, so don’t feel bad if you’re having a hard time keeping track of it all. Use our handy checklist to stay organized

Makeup that works covers, protects, works double-duty and stays put

cu i s i n e & cockta i ls 98

Big Easy Bites An elegant approach to Crescent City cuisine

LO C ATI O N S 1 0 4

Sweet Seraphim

ON THE COVER

Historic Tremé home doubles as exclusive and decadent wedding and events space

Unmistakably New Orleans Ceremony and reception locations with quintessential New Orleans flair

h air 38

The Classics l agni appe 144

Get Lit

Timeless hairstyles for wedding day glamour

Gemstone-inspired Kendra Scott candles great for gifting

Topping it Off

P H OTO G RAP H Y 1 1 0

Picture Perfect Tips From the Pros M US I C 1 1 4

The best accessories for bridal hair

What to know about planning your wedding music

g if ts 42

Photograph by Theresa Cassagne,

Spirit of Giving

Styled by Lisa Tudor, Model Kendall

Gifts for him, her and them

Mickal, Makeup by Meggan Ory, Hair

T RAN S P O RTATIO N 117

by Niki Walker, Rivini gown from

Getting There

in vitatio n s 44

I Do Bridal Couture, jewelry from

Eternally Chic

Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers.

A handy guide to New Orleans’ many options to get you and your guests to and from the wedding

Classic stationery with enduring appeal

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Setting the Soundtrack

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f r o m t h e ed i t o r

P.S. Visit Let Them Eat Cake (myneworleans.com/Blogs/Let-Them-Eat-Cake/), the official blog of New Orleans Bride Magazine for more tips and trends, trunk shows and other events, plus advice, ideas, inspiration and interviews. It’s all of the bridal buzz you can use, five days a week.

summer-autumn 2018

Custom cocktails for your wedding have gone from trend to tradition. You could scour the city for an experienced bartender, brainstorm ideas for a custom menu and work with event rental companies for the glassware and bar tools, or you could call Cocktail+Creative and let them do all of that footwork for you. The company makes its craft cocktails with fresh ingreidents and homemade syrups. You can also take a mixology class with Cocktail+Creative and after the wedding, have them help you stock an impressive and sophisticated bar. Cheers! cocktailcreative.biz

here is something quintessentially New Orleans about a classically-styled wedding. With a ceremony set in one of the city’s countless historic churches, a second line to or during the cocktail reception and a big party in a hall with Old World glamour, there’s no way a couple can go wrong. That’s the great thing about sticking with a classic look, whether it’s your hair, makeup and gown or the flowers, décor and locations, it never goes out of style. In this issue, we’re celebrating the classics. On page 38, we give a rundown of six timeless hairstyles steeped in sophistication and elegance. On pages 44 through 50, there are four traditional stationery options for inspiration and consideration. In our Fashion spread, pared down elegance and feminine romance reign supreme with our couple, and their attendants celebrate in style at the historic, circa-1888 Felicity Church in the Lower Garden District. On page 104, this issue’s installment of the two Locations features offers up a host of venues with unmistakable New Orleans flair. Don’t worry however if you prefer boho style, modern vibes, romantic or vintage over classic. There is something in this issue for you too, so keep flipping and start clipping those ideas. Also, while we hope this isn’t the case, we know wedding planning can be a bit — well, stressful. If you are already in the full throes and feeling crunched, take a peek at the pre-wedding spa getaways feature on page 52 and get a relaxing hour, afternoon, day or weekend on the calendar to help get you to the church on time and feeling fine. Let’s plan a wedding!

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Editor ’s n ote b ook

On June 12, join us at the Hyatt Regency for the New Orleans Bride Magazine Bridal Show. Meet more than 150 of the city’s top wedding professionals in a festive setting, sip champagne and sample fabulous food. Visit myneworleans.com/events for tickets, pricing and more information.

BrideNewOrleans.com |

A DV ICE

Acts of Grace

Late invitations, distant friendships and last-minute elopements by Dee Lane

Q: I work in a small office, less than 20 people, and most of us are women. Over the last six months we’ve all spent a lot of time with one of our co-workers discussing her upcoming wedding’s details and planning. Not one of us received a formal invitation and, as far as I know, no one asked her why. Then last week, less than a month before her wedding, she sent a group of us an email saying how important we are to her and inviting us to her wedding. Instead of making me feel important, I’m upset. If we’re so important to her, why didn’t she invite us the right way? How should I respond? You respond by graciously accepting (if you’re at all able to attend) and celebrating with your coworker. While you’ve discussed details, you probably don’t have all the information. There are myriad variables in wedding planning, not the least two things that tend to be at the

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root of the touchiest decisions: money and family. Think of the lyric from “Hamilton”: You don’t know what you don’t know. It is very tempting to feel angry, hurt or snubbed, but that isn’t going to get you anywhere, and it might alternately hurt your friendship with your coworker and you could miss out on a good time. Your friend wouldn’t have invited you if she didn’t want you to attend. So, gather with your work friends and raise a toast to working with such a close-knit group of people.

Q: A friend from college is getting married and has invited me. We were paired as roommates our freshman year and became very close. She was even a bridesmaid in my wedding seven years ago. Since then we’ve grown apart as our lives have gone in different directions. I learned about her engagement through Instagram and received a mailed invitation

summer-autumn 2018

for her destination wedding, but I don’t have the money for a plane ticket. Is it OK for me to send a gift but not attend? Though it can often feel like it, especially during those years when it seems everyone around you is getting engaged, having wedding and baby showers and getting married, life’s largest celebratory moments shouldn’t feel like the present and attendance equivalent of an eye for an eye. You were invited because she cares for you, but because of the friendship you’ve had she’ll understand if you cannot be there. To sum up: If you don’t feel you can attend, then don’t. One caveat: I’ve never regretted attending a wedding I was invited to, especially because a couple of the friendships I felt were drifting apart later became stronger after the wedding, and I’ve always been glad I was there to celebrate.

Q: My fiancé and I have already mailed out save-the-dates, but we’re no longer able to throw a wedding and are going to elope. How do we tell our guests that we’re canceling without everyone getting angry with us? First things first: Call your immediate family. It’ll be like pulling off a band-aid: it’ll hurt, and they’ll probably be disappointed, but they’ll understand. Next, make sure out of town guests know so that they don’t make or continue to pay for travel plans. Though word of mouth will do a lot of your work for you, attempt to get in touch, by phone if possible, with as many of those you originally invited as possible. If you have a wedding website, update it with a short statement. After your elopement, send out an announcement telling them exactly what you want them to know and letting them know how happy you are. b

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summer-autumn 2018

PRELUDE

beauty p .26

fitness p . 3 2

ma keup p.34

hair p.38

gifts p.4 2

invitations p.44

P R E LU DE

b eauty

Basics Master Class

Start an at home skincare regimen now and get your Big Day glow on By Mirella Cameran

e’ve been washing our faces since we were toddlers but cleansing our skin isn’t as easy as it might appear. Finding the right cleanser is as important and sometimes as difficult as finding the right spouse (well, almost). You need one that addresses your specific skin needs (inflammation, acne, dryness, oiliness) in the most beneficial format (gel, foam, oil). If you find the right one, your pores will be unclogged and minimized and your skin will be well hydrated and glowing. Cleansing is only the first step to great skin; however, there are a wide variety of treatments that will enhance your glow. Although most of us love a trip to the spa, there is a lot a bride can do at home to get her skin into tip top

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condition and prepare it to be a healthy, glowing canvas for her makeup application. Marcia Turnier, consultant at Bergdorf Goodman, says, “My approach to beauty compares the skin to a garden. Take care of your skin like you would a garden. It will bloom and glow. “It’s important to cleanse well, follow with a serum appropriate for your skin type and needs, and then moisturize. At a minimum, treat the skin to a facemask at least once a month. “You can do this at home as there are some excellent products available. The Lancôme Absolue L’Extrait Mask, for example, offers a transforming texture never experienced before. The Ultimate Rose Serum Mask leaves the skin rejuvenated, retextured, more elastic and more radiant.”

summer-autumn 2018

Sharla Martin, Spa Director at The Windsor Court Hotel in downtown New Orleans, also has some great at home tips. “If you can’t make it into the spa for some microdermabrasion followed by a nice blast of oxygen, which would be my number one recommendation for a day of radiance, you can certainly accomplish similar results at home. “The day before the big day, I would begin with a gentle exfoliation followed by a deep cleansing mask. I personally love Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Mask for all skin types. “This mask is incredibly soothing and contains my favorite ingredient, hyaluronic acid for skin plumping. Top this off with a hydrating moisturizer specific to your skin type. “My favorite at home recommen-

dation for brides or anyone wanting tight skin, is an at home coffee scrub for the entire body. Just mix used coffee grounds (make sure it’s caffeinated coffee) with your favorite body oil (suggestion: coconut oil), and scrub away before showering. Begin at your feet and work your way up the body towards your heart. Shower, hydrate and glow!” Lina Ferrucci, consultant Saks Fifth Avenue, advises on how to stop make up slippage. “Always exfoliate a few days before your event, with something you know works, and is gentle. I prefer the new Replenishing Oil Exfoliator from La Mer because it uses sugar and renewal oil to bind moisture and calm the skin while melting away dead skin and polishing for the perfect makeup application.” “While prepping the skin before your big day apply your thinnest hydrating product while your skin is damp from washing. I recommend washing with a foam and immediately applying your treatment lotion or tonic. Your treatment lotion, tonic, or toner, absorbs quickly and brightens and hydrates deeply without build-up. “We never want your products to ‘pill.’ This happens when thick products are applied too early and your make-up will ‘roll’ off the skin. I prefer using a thin and hydrating cream like the La Mer Soft Lotion in the pump for weddings as I can set it with La Mer loose powder for long-wear, and still achieve that youthful glow.” Say “I do” to taking care of your skin and prepare to glow for the rest of your life. Marcia Turnier, consultant, Bergdorf Goodman, 646-400-9215; Lina Ferrucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, Canal Place, New Orleans, 504-5242200 Ext.5356; Sharla Martin, Spa Director, The Windsor Court Hotel, New Orleans, windsorcourthotel.com b

P R E LU DE

b eauty

Maximum Effect Products to calm, brighten, hydrate and perfect skin By Mirella Cameran Your skin is as individual as you are and it’s important to get to know exactly what it needs to look its best. Here is a selection of great products that use effective ingredients for immediate results.

MASK SK-II Facial Treatment – a supermodel secret, these sheet masks are an instant solution for hydration and brightening

Dove DermaSeries Replenishing SPF15 – free of fragrance, parabens and sulfates, this replenishing moisturizer packs a punch with sun protection

Take My Face Off The Mitty Blackout – stop dragging your make up off your face with cotton wool and switch to this washable mitt

Sundari Brightening Glow Turmeric Cream – a dual-action one-drop Photoshop effect

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches – pop on these patches for the easiest way to simulate 8 hours of sleep

Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment – zap any pesky pimple that pops up with this powerful combination of sulfur, zinc oxide and alpha hydroxy acids

Rose Quartz rollers – for centuries the Chinese have used this stone for healing, calming, and lymphatic drainage. Roll around the face to depuff and boost circulation

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First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Caffeine Matcha Wake Up Wipes – upgrade your wipes for ones with green tea and matcha to calm inflamed skin, brighten and provide antioxidant defense

summer-autumn 2018

AHAVA’s Mineral Radiance Detox Mud Mask – harness the power of Dead Sea mud for a deep cleanse and mineral boost

MAKE Succulent Mist – rehydrate skin with just one spritz of this aloe-rich hyaluronic acid mist

Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift – an active gel with a cooling applicator to rub away signs of stress and late nights

P R E LU DE

b eauty

To Tan or Not To Tan

An expert guide to getting that sun-kissed bronze look, sans harmful rays By Mirella Cameran

s there a shade of white or indeed any other color that doesn’t look better against sun-kissed skin? We don’t think so, which is why we have put together this expert guide to achieving a perfect glow without having to go anywhere near any harmful rays. The first rule is not to use the same product for your face as your body. Self-tanners use a chemical called DHA. Body products use higher concentrations that could be irritating to more sensitive skin on the face, especially near the eyes. Second, experiment with the different formulations available to find the one that works best for you: u Water formulas are very popular right now because they absorb

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straight away and do not need any drying time. u Sheet masks are really on trend right now and they’re a simple way to create an even application. u Dry oils are moisturizing but need a little more care in application to create an even glow. u Mousse feels light on the skin and is easy to spread but you need to pay attention to ensure consistent coverage. u BB creams can combine selftanning properties with other benefits and are an easy way to incorporate self tanning into your beauty routine. u Balms melt into your skin. They also retain moisture that helps to achieve a healthy glow.

summer-autumn 2018

Towelettes are probably the quickest and fastest route to sunkissed color but the tan tends to fade faster. In addition to using one tanner for your face and another for your body, consider a formulation just for areas where it’s hard to apply an even color. Balms blend more easily into typically tough spots like ankles and knees. Just make sure all the colors match. Many self-tanners come with added benefits that can help product absorption and color retention. Those with hyaluronic acid and moisturizers will slow down the skin cell turnover and retain the color longer. Others come packed with antioxidants offering u

the added bonus of keeping your skin healthy. Before the final application properly prepare your skin. Shave or wax a day or two beforehand and then exfoliate right before application to create as smooth a canvas as possible for your products. Well-hydrated skin will absorb products more evenly and deeply but product will slip off skin that is too oily. Make sure you have enough time to apply the self-tanner slowly; if you are rushing you are much more likely to make mistakes. Finally, if you do find an orange streak or two, don’t worry — several brands now offer self-tan erasers to make telltale turmericshade streaks a thing of the past. b

BrideNewOrleans.com |

P R E LU DE

fitness

Crunch Time 30-day wedding workout By Mirella Cameran

f you’re a bride busy with wedding prep, it’s easy to forget to prioritize yourself, and before you know it, it’s only a month to go and you still have a few pounds to lose or areas you need to tone up to look your most stunning self. Don’t worry — we have the 30-day guide to define and accomplish your fitness goals so you’ll rock that dress on your big day. Before you get started, here are six golden rules to getting fit: Find a friend, maybe someone in your wedding party, who can work out with you. Not only will you

have more fun but you are less likely to miss a workout when you are accountable to someone. Make a playlist. Numerous studies have shown you can work out up to 40 percent harder when listening to your favorite tracks. Drink water, all day. Not just to

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rehydrate, which is good, but also because many times when we feel hungry we are actually thirsty. Make a date. Treat the workout like any other non-negotiable appointment. Find a time in your calendar and stick to it. Consult with an expert. Especially if you are trying something new, make sure you are using the correct form and weight. The last thing you need is an injury. Relax. No one is perfect — it’s OK if you skipped a session. Put it behind you and make sure you are early for the next one. Now on to the good part — what exactly should you be doing? Gunnar Peterson, the Beverly Hills — based celebrity trainer who got Kim Kardashian ready for her wedding to Kanye West, says, “You’ve got to keep shaking things

summer-autumn 2018

up. One of the biggest mistakes I see women making is doing the same moves. You’re going to stop getting results.” Gunnar recommends using multi-muscle exercises that can work several muscle groups at the same time, like squatting while doing bicep curls instead of staying stationary. Your upper and lower body muscle groups will both be working at the same time. This also keeps your heart rate higher, allowing you to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. Alternate strength exercises with cardio; this maintains the heart rate but also allows you to keep exercising without taking a break, increasing the overall intensity of the workout. There are dozens of cardio exercises that you can build into routines

such as: jump rope, burpees, high knees, butt kicks, jump lunges, jump squats, frog jumps, jumping jacks and star jumps. Some great strength exercises with appropriate weights include: deadlifts, squats, bicep and tricep curls, planks, side planks, ball slams, army crawls and crab walks. Do each exercise for one minute and switch. Create a circuit with four exercises, repeat twice and move on to a new set. There are numerous free circuitbased workouts like this available online, on Instagram and Pinterest. Alternatively, look for a group training class that offers this kind of combination workout. If you can train like this for 45-60 minutes, three times a week and maintain a (relatively) healthy diet, there’s no doubt you will find the results you have been searching for. b

P R E LU DE

makeup

Glitter Everywhere

How to incorporate this shimmering trend into a timeless look By Mirella Cameran

or some brides the idea of introducing the current trend of glittery makeup into a bridal look, might fill them with horror as they imagine themselves sporting a ‘70s glam rock look more appropriate for Studio 54 than their local church.

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However, Meggan Ory, a local makeup artist highly experienced in bridal work, recommends introducing glitter in a subtle way. “For brides, a little sparkle looks beautiful coming down the aisle and while they are twirling on the dance floor. It is a highly requested look by

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my brides. “My favorite sparkle is rose gold. I think it is really beautiful to do a rose gold sparkle on the eyes and pair it with a really glossy lip. I have a line of lip colors and I love to use my gloss called Rose Gold. It is beautiful.” Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta, advises how to incorporate more of a metallic eye shadow. “Choose a neutral shade like copper, gold or champagne which flatters all skin tones. First, apply a non-metallic color to your lids, and then layer on the metallic hue. To complete the look, tightline (line the inside of upper lash) with black eyeliner to further define your eyes and use lots of mascara.” Ta says he loves to pair a metallic eye with a subtle, glowy cheek. “To achieve this, I apply a liquid highlighter to the high points of the face. I find that when I use a liquid highlighter versus a powder, I get a more skin-like finish.” Celebrity makeup artist Sir John, uses L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Eyeshadow Quad in Boudoir, to create a ‘halo’ effect. “The focal point of this look is the three dimensional ‘halo’ eye, which is a massive trend at the moment. Use the rusty brown under the bottom lash line and on both sides of the upper eyelid and then fill in the center of the lid with a gold metallic pigment. A contoured cheek and a pink-brown matte lip complete the look.” For an all-over glow try Too Faced Glow Job Radiance-Boosting Glitter Face Mask which is supercharged with brightening ingredients to remove dull skin, refresh your complexion and leave it smoother, softer and makeup ready. The kicker is, it also leaves a dreamy, pink-glitter shine on the skin. GlamGlow’s GRAVITYMUD #GLITTERMASK also leaves a glittery deposit and I Dew Care’s Disco Kitten Peel-Off Mask has a holographic sparkle finish. There are also face powders with shimmer and Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Glimmer Veil lipsticks contain iridescent micro-pearls and reflective crystals. All these products used at once might be too Ziggy Stardust but expertly applied, these sparkly options can create a dazzling beautiful ethereal glow. Meggan Ory, makeupbymeggan.com b

BrideNewOrleans.com |

P R E LU DE

makeup

High Impact

Makeup that works covers, protects, works double-duty and stays put By Mirella Cameran As the beauty industry makes progress in leaps and bounds, products utilizing the latest technology make beautiful, long-lasting looks easier than ever. Here are some of our favorites.

AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF50+ - no need to worry about TSA liquid limits, this handy hydrating formula offers coverage and protection

NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment – a lightweight stain with a pointed tip that works as a liner

Milk Makeup Flex Concealer – the marshmallow root in this formula provides flexibility and makes blending a cinch

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base – shadow insurance in a pot. This creamy primer puts creasing into the history books as it retains the color and coverage of your favorite shades

NYX Butter Lip Gloss – you won’t be able to resist this cookie scented, non-sticky gloss that glides on but never slips off

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Tarte Cosmetics Lifted Sweatproof Mascara – “gym approved,” this mascara will stay perfectly in place on your wedding day no matter how many happy tears you cry

Jo Malone Jo Loves A Fragrance Paintbrush – the clickable pen dispenses a gel perfume anytime, any place with no risk of spillage

summer-autumn 2018

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner – this gel formulation offers supersaturated color which when applied tight along your lashes makes them look fuller

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer - a three in one, this plumps and hydrates skin, blurs imperfections and keeps makeup in place all day

Maybelline New York TattooStudio Waterproof Eyebrow Gel – this gel makes beautiful brows easy by tinting them and adding fullness for days

P R E LU DE

HAIR

The Classics

Timeless hairstyles for wedding day glamour By Mirella Cameran

here are almost as many hairstyles for brides as there are dresses and engagement rings, so the decision as to which one to wear can be fraught with anxiety. Luckily, we are on hand to showcase the best bridal hairstyles that are universally flattering and timeless. Pick any one and you will find it’s a winner.

THE HALF UPDO Literally, this one is fit for royalty. Kate Middleton favored the semi updo when she married Prince William. The style is very versatile. Like Kate’s elegant style, hair can be gently lifted at the front and left to fall in soft curls at the back. Alternatively, you can dress it up into a retro bouffant to add height and drama. Small pieces of hair can be teased to frame the face and create a softer, more casual version

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and it’s easy to let it down for an evening reception.

SEXY CHIGNON A low slung bun suits all face shapes and most hair types, except extremely short cuts. The bun itself can be positioned on either side or in the middle and is just as pretty with smooth hair as it is textured with curls and waves. An easy style to accessorize, sparkly hair pieces such as brooches or combs look stunning as do simple tiaras or even ribbons wrapped around the bun or threaded through the hair.

BALLERINA BUN Always dramatic, ballerina buns offer more flexibility than you might think. When voluminous locks are pulled high into a tidy bun, it looks dramatic and sophisticated. Equally show stopping is

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a sleek, tightly pulled bun right at the crown of the head, which will emphasize the cheekbones and facial structure. This style does not call for complicated accessories but a simple flower or small diamond barrette can complete it.

UPDO Perhaps the easiest bridal style of all, an updo can be sexy and sophisticated or pretty and understated. Hair can be textured and curly or smooth and straight. Brides can opt for a traditional style with hair piled at the back or decide on a more unstructured style incorporating braids, gold strands or small diamond barrettes.

LONG LUSTROUS WAVES Many brides want to wear a style they are used to like Amal did when she wed George (Clooney). Long

waves are undeniably romantic but you want to make sure they look sophisticated and last the whole day. Hair needs to be blown out to create volume at the top of the head and holding spray or styling wax should be worked through to the ends to keep waves in place. The size of the curling iron will determine between curls and waves and pieces can be pinned up at the front to frame the face.

DRESSED UP PONY Some brides like the ease and relaxed look of a ponytail. The secret to making it wedding worthy is to backcomb the hair for volume before smoothing it into a perfect high pony. Position no higher than the crown and consider wrapping a piece of hair, ribbon or lace around the top of the pony for a polished finish. b

BrideNewOrleans.com |

P R E LU DE

HAIR

Topping it Off The best accessories for bridal hair By Mirella Cameran

here was a time when all a bride had to decide was whether to wear a tiara or not. Nowadays, it’s very much the trend for brides to accessorize their hairstyle and take their overall look to the next level. “Elegant hair pieces such as jeweled pin sets are great for the loosely coiffed updo,” according to Taylor Savoie of Albert Brown Salon in Uptown New Orleans. When Jennifer Aniston married Brad Pitt, she complemented her beautiful, long natural hairstyle with a small diamond barrette, but gems can complement all styles, long and short. Sparkly combs on the side of a

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chignon or a pixie cut are equally effective. A dainty tiara on an updo looks just as good on tumbling curls, or a polished bob. Savoie continues, “Floral crowns, fresh flowers and floating flowers are also on trend. A fresh flower pinned into the hair can be a beautiful touch.” Natural blooms can add a touch of bohemian chic or complement a rustic theme. Single roses can perfect a bouquet and add sophistication. “Ornate, vintage jewelry pieces with meaning are my favorite hair accessory,” comments Madeline Brown, hair stylist at The Polite

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Society in Uptown New Orleans. “Have a brooch your grandmother always wears? Can’t decide which pair of earrings your mom gave you? Your stylist can turn anything into a hair accessory with a couple of bobby pins. “For one of my favorite bridal looks, I braided a piece of lace and pearl fabric the bride’s dressmaker sewed with leftover material. It was a one of a kind piece made for her, and it gave the hairstyle more volume. “ A long velvet or satin ribbon tied around a ponytail, woven into an updo, or used to frame the face as an Alice band are also

simple but dramatic additions. Feathers on combs slide as easily into tousled tresses as into a ballerina bun. Depending on the number and size of the feathers they can add whimsy or an Art Deco effect. Accessories make for great heirlooms that can be handed down, but brides can also continue incorporating them into other looks long after the “I dos” are done. Albert Brown Salon, New Orleans, albertbrownsalon.com; The Polite Society, New Orleans, 504-304-6225b

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G IFTS

Spirit of Giving Gifts for him, her and them

By Mirella Cameran Photographed by Theresa Cassagne

Pink catch all dish, phinashop.com; Happy Tears embroidered bride and groom handkerchiefs, nolagiftsanddecor.com; â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Art of the Bar Cartâ&#x20AC;? book and silver and glass playing card holder, hazelnutneworleans.com; set of four elegant cheese knives with agate handles, perch-home.com

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i nvitations

Eternally Chic Classic stationery with enduring appeal

By Mirella Cameran Photographed by Theresa Cassagne

Classic ecru and gray letterpress invitation in a square linen pocketfold, meganjeweldesigns. com/invitations

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Traditional heavy Bristol stock engraved with a soft French blue ink; accentuated with a floral watercolor envelope liner, gemprinting.com

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Heavyweight royalty sized ecru stock letterpress printed in-house in charcoal ink, scriptura.com

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Foil-stamped invitation and save the date; coral invitation is letter-pressed, bettyhunley.com

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The Waldorf Astoria Spa

Bridal Bliss

Relax, restore and rejuvenate at these top New Orleans spas. By Misty Milioto

e all know that planning a wedding is its own type of rocket science, and keeping track of those tiny details can leave the bride-to-be (and even the couple as a whole) beyond stressed. Luckily, there’s an easy solution to make it through the chaos and confusion with some much-needed R&R at the spa. Whether you take the time for yourself, or you include friends, bridesmaids or your hubby-to-be in the process, the choice to de-stress and be pampered is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Once you reset your mindset, you’ll be able to tackle dress alterations, venue securement and cake flavors with an entirely new (and calmer) disposition. Here are some of our favorite local spas to unwind, replenish and ultimately, find your bliss.

a complete renovation in 2009, offers a full spa menu and uses Natura Bisse and Emergin C skin care, as well as Kevyn Aucoin makeup. Over the past year, the spa was again revamped with particular attention paid to the Relaxation Room. For the busy bride (aren’t they all?) with only an hour to spare, the Waldorf Signature Massage is 50 minute of heaven that will have you feeling like you just spent a weekend at your favorite beach getaway. Ask about The Spa Club monthly treatment membership program, which includes access to the fitness facility as well as other onsite amenities and perks. A glass or two of champagne in the lounge or Relaxation Room, shopping in the spa boutique and a customized massage, which combines therapeutic stretching and other techniques, as well as aromatherapy and you’ll be ready to deflect any wedding dilemmas thrown in your direction. 130 Roosevelt Way, 504-648-1200, therooseveltneworleans.com

If You Have an Hour Vintage luxury marries modern sensibility at the storied, circa-1893 The Roosevelt Hotel. The Waldorf Astoria property is home of the infamous Sazarac Bar, as well as the Fountain Lounge, Teddy’s Cafe and Domenica resturant. The Waldorf Astoria Spa, which underwent

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If You Have a Half Day Belladonna Day Spa, which opened at its current Uptown location on Magazine Street in 1995, recently experienced a redesign that includes an expanded retail space and new amenities. In addition

The Spa at Windsor Court

Belladonna Day Spa

to new merchandise (there’s a wide array of professional skin care and personal care products, unique gifts, and seasonal items all on offer), there’s also a new outdoor tea garden complete with a trickling waterfall and a lush canopy of trees that provides the perfect relaxing escape. Meanwhile, the gorgeous Relaxation Room, and men’s and women’s robe lounges, are additional areas where you can find your zen. The reception area, sauna and nail lounge have also been redesigned with a modern touch. If you have a half day to spare, make the most of it with the Ultimate VIP Experience. It includes a customized facial, a therapeutic full-body massage, a catered lunch, a manicure and pedicure and professional makeup application. The body treatments also are worth exploring, such as the Restore treatment that includes an aromatic still bath, a restorative mud wrap and a relaxing full-body therapeutic massage. For a beauty boost, try out the Hybrid “BeGlam” lashes to fill in spaces and to have a fuller, more glamorous look. Or, you can always customize your spa services for parties and groups, so you can be sure to get all of the services you want. 2900 Magazine St., 504-891-4393, belladonnadayspa.com

If You Have a Full Day The Spa at Windsor Court is tranquil retreat offering customizable treatments for head-to-toe pampering. The serene, full-service spa, which is listed as the No. 1 spa in New Orleans on the USA Today 10 Best list, features 4,500 square feet of space with 10 luxe treatment rooms (including the Duet Suite for couple’s treatments), a relaxation area, a sauna and steam room, a salon and an inviting spa boutique where high-quality products abound. From the moment you walk in, the spa staff takes over to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Services include everything from body treatments and facials to massages, nail care and waxing. Try the Monarch Detox Wrap,

The Waldorf Astoria Spa

which includes dry-body brushing, a seaweed gel body wrap and a 50-minute or 80-minute Swedish massage. Stretch your spa day to the limit with 110-minute facials, 110-minute massage and 100-minute mani/pedis. Spa packages also can be customized for any occasion and group size. Be sure to book back-to-back services and then spend the rest of your day relaxing by the beautiful outdoor pool (with drink in hand from the brand new Waterman poolside bar). 300 Gravier St., 504-596-4736, windsorcourtspa.com

If You Have a Weekend The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans — a luxury day spa in the French Quarter — boasts more than 100 treatments, including some distinct and indigenous therapies designed to wash your cares away. The most interesting treatment is the Voodoo Ritual, which includes a locally crafted herbal poultice with notes of absinthe, cypress, moss, vetiver and incense, coupled with a full-body massage. Meanwhile, the Southern Ceremony includes a delicate body polish, a full-body massage and an age-defying facial. Or, for the two of you, be sure to try Le Charme Romantique that includes a sugar body scrub, a full-body massage and champagne for two in the couple’s treatment room. In addition to the 22 treatment rooms, the spa features a cafe, fitness center and boutique. While a complimentary lavender champagne cocktail is offered as a welcome drink, the spa cafe (which can accommodate parties of up to 25) tantalizes with a light menu of salads, sandwiches and wraps. Make a full weekend out of it with an overnight stay in a luxury guest room and take in the live music at Davenport Lounge, enjoy a meal at M bistro (offering a farm-to-table dining experience) and kick back in the gorgeous courtyard. 921 Canal St., 504-670-2929, ritzcarlton.com b

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fashion

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Watters Wtoo Brides "Phaedra" ball gown with Mikado silk bodice and twirling layers of horsehair finished in tulle at Pearlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place; Double strand 23.76 ct. diamond necklace set in 18k white gold; Chandelier pearl and diamond earrings set in 18k white gold featuring .40 cts in diamonds at Boudreaux Fine Jewelers.

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Elevated Elegance Tradition trumps the sheer and sensual with an emphasis on pared-down dresses and frothy ball gowns that reflect romance, femininity and tenderness.

By Lisa Tudor Photographed by Theresa Cassagne Models: Kendall Mickal, Jared Thomas, Caroline Duncan, Jenna Harvey Makeup by Meggan Ory Hair by Niki Walker Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers Location: Felicity Church

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Jenny Yoo â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Alannaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dress sampled in Chartreuse Chiffon at Bella Bridesmaids.

Martina Liana vintage-look lace fit and flare gown with sweetheart neckline, illusion back and long train at James & B Bridal Outlet; 1.76 ct fancy yellow Pear shaped diamond pendant with .82 cts in diamonds in 18k white and yellow gold 1.41 ct total weight; fancy yellow diamond earrings with .60 cts in diamonds in 18k white and yellow gold; 8.00 ct diamond tennis bracelet in white gold; 2.02 ct cushion cut diamond engagement ring set in platinum featuring .85 cts in diamonds at Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers. White polar star roses, white ranunculus, white lisianthus and eucalyptus, IRIS floral + event design studio, irisfloral.com

Jenny Yoo Collection "Bianca" dress sampled in hunter green and "Naomi" dress sampled in emerald at Town & Country Bridal; Earrings by Untamed Petals at Wedding Belles. White O'hare roses, seeded eucalyptus, brilliant star spray roses, stock and viburnum, Dunn and Sonnier. dunnandsonnier.com

Modern Trousseau "Nouveau" vintage-inspired scalloped lace on organza gown in a classic fit to flare silhouette and companion French Tulle "Nouveau" veil sampled in ivory/beige at Wedding Belles New Orleans, weddingbellesnola.com.

Dessy crepe dress with surplice cuff neckline sampled in cameo exclusively at Bella Bridesmaids; Jenny Yoo "Kayleigh" stretch crepe dress sampled in hibiscus; and earrings by Untamed Petals at Wedding Belles New Orleans. Bouquet of scabiosa, fritillaries, jasmine, ranunculus, hellebores, garden roses, spray roses, and clematis, Kim Starr Wise Floral Events, kimstarrwise.com

"Dara" by Rivini cap sleeve illusion flared tank sheath with hand appliquĂŠd Alencon lace and ribbon belt at I Do Bridal Couture; Chandelier pearl and diamond earrings set in 18k white gold featuring .40 cts in diamonds; Pearl and diamond ring set in 18k white gold featuring .38 cts in diamonds; 4.52 ct round diamond engagement ring set in platinum featuring .92 cts in diamonds at Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers.

Classic tone on tone ivory jacket with satin notch lapel and wing tip collar tuxedo shirt at J & L Formal Wear; 18k white gold diamond and onyx inlay tuxedo studs; Gents' Omega De Ville wristwatch; Tacori gents wedding band featuring .20 cts in diamonds set in 18k white gold at Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers.

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Adrianna Papell Platinum Collection silk organza ball gown with cutaway bodice and sequined in a constellation pattern sampled in ivory/nude at The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe; 2.24 ct radiant fancy yellow diamond ring featuring .70 cts in diamonds set in 18k white and yellow gold at Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers.

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Jenny Yoo Collection "Serena" dress sampled in Hibiscus Satin Back Crepe at Bella Bridesmaid; Earrings by Untamed Petals at Wedding Belles. Classic round clutch bouquet of vibrant pink ranunculus, soft pink peonies and deep purple roses, accented with pink hawthorne blooms and silver dusty miller, The Plant Gallery, theplantgallery.com

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Moonlight Collection Millennial Pink ball gown in tulle with lace appliqué, beaded natural waist and skirt tipped with beaded vines of pearls and sequins at Bliss Bridal; Chandelier diamond earrings featuring 2.02 ct total weight emerald cut diamonds with .30 cts in diamond surrounding set in 18k white gold; 10.54 ct straight line diamond necklace set in 18k white gold; 8.00 ct diamond tennis bracelet in white gold; Boudreaux’s signature emerald cut diamond engagement ring 2.93 ct total weight set in platinum at Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers.

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Sareh Nouri "Madison" full Mikado silk off-the-shoulder box pleat ball gown at Le Jour Couture; Chandelier pearl and diamond earrings set in 18k white gold featuring .40 cts in diamonds; South Sea pearl necklace with 18k white gold pave diamond catch; 8.00 ct diamond tennis bracelet in white gold; 4.52 ct round diamond engagement ring set in platinum featuring .92 cts in diamonds; Pearl and diamond ring set in 18k white gold featuring .38 cts in diamonds at Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers.

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Ike Behar Navy "Sebastian" tuxedo with navy bow tie at Romeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tuxedos; 18k white gold diamond and onyx inlay tuxedo studs and cufflinks; Gents' Omega De Ville wristwatch; Tacori gents wedding band in 18k white gold at Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers.

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Black "Pietro" tuxedo by Ike Behar (one-button peak lapel single-breasted coat and cummerbund not shown) at Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tuxedos; 18k white gold diamond and onyx inlay tuxedo studs and cufflinks; Gents' Omega De Ville wristwatch; Tacori gents wedding band in 18k white gold at Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers.

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Allison Webb "Ashburn" ivory silk faille fit to flare gown with Alencon lace bodice, cap sleeves and cummerbund waist with keyhole back, detachable cascade and chapel train and Toni Federici "Monte Carlo" veil at Town & Country Bridal.

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Three-piece suit in cobalt blue with black silk tie (coat not shown) at Tuxedos to Geaux; Gents' Omega De Ville wristwatch at Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers.

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Eddy K Dreams Collection "Giulia" beaded lace gown with layered skirt of English netting at Olivier Couture sampled in ivory/light gold; 1.76 ct fancy yellow pear shaped diamond pendant with .82 cts in diamonds surrounding in 18k white and yellow gold; 1.41 ct total weight fancy yellow diamond earrings with .60 cts in diamonds in 18k white and yellow gold; 8.00 ct diamond tennis bracelet in white gold; 2.24 radiant fancy yellow diamond ring featuring .70 cts in diamonds surrounding set in 18k white and yellow gold at Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers.

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Ceremony by Joanna August "Rebecca" chiffon gown sampled in Bohemian Rhapsody at Bella Bridesmaid; Watters & Watters "Bellamy" Ash Leaf Lace gown sampled in Blush at Pearlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place; Haute Bride drop earrings at Town & Country Bridal.

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f a s hion

j ewelry

White and rose gold diamond drop earrings with 2 cts of natural pink and white diamonds. White and rose gold diamond scallop design bracelet with 6 cts of natural pink and white diamonds. White and rose gold diamond ring with 3 cts of natural pink and white diamonds. White gold multi-cut diamond tennis necklace with 18 cts of diamonds. jacksutton.com Theia Couture Bridesmaids gown sampled in champagne at Bella Bridesmaids.

Shimmering Simplicity Diamond and pearl adornments to complete your wedding day look By Mirella Cameran Photographed by Theresa Cassagne Makeup by Meggan Ory, Hair by Niki Walker, Model Jenna Harvey

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Cultured pearl earrings, necklace and ringÂ in 14k white gold featuring open work swirl designed floral pieces. The ring has a large cultured white pearl nestled withÂ round cut diamond accents in a pave setting, ramseys.com

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Stefan Hafner diamond and pearl collar with 8 carats of pave diamonds and 10 pearls set in18k white gold, Baroque South Sea pearl necklace, platinum Art Deco cushion-cut diamond ring, Art Deco platinum and diamond bracelet, hgmjewelry.com

Diamond fashion Cuff bracelet in 14 karat white gold featuring 93 diamonds. Thousand Points of Light 14 karat white gold earrings, diamond engagement ring featuring center marquise diamond in vintage-style setting accented by 34 round diamonds. Diamonds by the Yard, 14 karat white gold necklace with 23 caratsÂ of round diamonds. Ramseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diamond Jewelers

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Platinum 3.03 ct round diamond engagement ring with halo of diamonds and diamonds on the band, 14k white gold diamond eternity band, 14k white gold graduated round 20.67 ct diamond necklace, platinum 4.1 ct diamond dangle earrings with white South Sea pearls, three 18k white gold diamond pave bangle bracelets, LMFJ.com

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Mike Lirette photo

details

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cakes

Fanciful Fondant Artful variations on fondant frosting that take the cake By Mirella Cameran Photographed by Theresa Cassagne

Butter cake filled with cannoli buttercream and white chocolate-coated cannoli shell pieces. Covered in a marbled fondant with gold painting, nolasweetlife.com

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Traditional almond cake filled with white buttercream, iced in smooth white fondant and decorated with blush gum paste flowers, gambinos.com

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Classic almond wedding cake topped with fondant icing and finished with an elegant fondant diamond pattern, haydelbakery.com

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Big Easy Bites

An elegant approach to Crescent City cuisine By Amy Gabriel

s a couple, you are New Orleans through and through. What better way to celebrate your admiration for the city that speaks the same love language as you than through elegantly classic and traditional cuisine that is so inextricably linked to the Crescent City? Meagan Cook, Director of Catering & Conference Services at the Windsor Court Hotel, observes that serving classic cuisine at a

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reception is a way to instantly appeal to your guests. “If you are from New Orleans, you talk about food at every turn and opportunity you get,” said Cook. “If you aren’t from New Orleans, you spend a lot time researching and asking where to go to ensure you don’t miss out on the ‘must haves’.” She notes quintessential dishes like Oysters Rockefeller, fried green tomatoes, shrimp remoulade, trout

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almondine and redfish meuniere. “At a wedding reception, classic New Orleans dishes are either allowing guests to experience the ‘must have,’ or you are bringing them into a moment of nostalgia,” said Cook. “These moments and memories can get people sharing stories of their own history and learning about one another. Whether that is sharing the fact that your family has ‘the best secret recipe ever’ or talking about a new take on a classic dish you had when out with friends recently, it is always a conversation starter.” She adds that a great way to provide a variety of options for your guests is to use a small plate approach. “We like to recreate classic entrees into individual small plates on unique, petite serving dishes that allow guests to have a complete entrée, but in a ‘dinnerby-the-bite’ format,” said Cook. “These small plates give guests the chance to sample many items and also be able to continue to socialize and circulate throughout the event.” Sarah Hall, President of Joel Catering, finds that the approach is not only a way to bond guests, but to celebrate deep rooted family traditions. “A wedding is filled with people of all ages, friends and family, so doing something in a more classic, traditional way is cross-generational,” said Hall. “It’s a way of making sure everyone, including your outof-town guests, all feel welcome. The menu you put together can do that.” She notes that some of those classics include raw oyster stations, boiled shrimp, beef tenderloin and crawfish étouffée, but can also include fresh ingredient one-pot concepts like jambalaya and gumbo. “A lot of New Orleans food can be challenging for a wedding because so much of our cuisine

is based on one-pot cooking, which tends to makes things a little more casual,” said Hall. “But we can absolutely take those classic items and dress them up to make them elegant and formal and wedding-appropriate.” To keep the menu interesting, Chef Daniel Mills, executive chef at The Westin New Orleans Canal Place, mentioned that one way to highlight classic dishes like New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp and jambalaya is to turn them into interactive action stations. “Most hotels and venues are getting away from chafing dishes and trying to use unique elevations and custom displays of varying heights to bring modern visual appeal to buffets.” He included ideas like a buildyour-own jambalaya station with an assortment of cajun meats and seafood and creating an Acadian butcher shop station with boudin, andouille, chaurice and crawfish sausage all sliced to order. “Creative buffet presentations can elevate the classic dishes in a way that make them look less dated or stuffy,” said Mills. When it comes to ending the night on a classically sweet note, Leah Berhanu, director of sales and marketing at Pigéon Catering and Events, who always starts her conversation with a couple by asking, “How New Orleans do you want this menu?” points to traditional dessert suggestions like a Bananas Foster flambé station and beignets. She suggests wowing guests with those concepts by introducing unexpected twists. “Beignets are a classic choice that go over well with all guests, but stuffing them with chocolate or strawberry filling is something they don’t usually see,” said Berhanu. “It’s always good to give guests something cute and unexpected to remember right when they think the surprises are done.” b

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Toast to Tradition

Cheers to the classic cocktail, which adds fun and history to your fête By Amy Gabriel

our friends and family are thrilled to share in your wedded bliss. They’re also just as happy to partake in your wedding bar. From Sazeracs and Sidecars to Mint Juleps and French 75s, appeal to their buzzy behavior and give them an experience to remember with a cocktail reception selection that celebrates the classics in true New Orleans style.

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“In most cases, a signature cocktail is the first impression that guests have as they enter the wedding reception,” said Sarah Hall, President of Joel Catering. “Serving a classic cocktail sends a message that the reception is going to be a great, fun night but also rooted in tradition and history. A great precedent to set at the start of a marriage.” When it comes to a welcome summer-autumn 2018

cocktail, Hall suggests greeting them with lighter content drinks. “Unless there is something that has personal significance, I generally advise against a super heavy welcome cocktail,” said Hall. “A classic Sazerac isn’t necessarily a walk in the door cocktail. You don’t want people to get accidentally drunk too early.” Instead, she suggests cele-

brated sips like a Brandy Milk Punch or a Pimm’s Cup. Hall also reminds that out of town guests may not be wise to the potency of the more NOLA-centric cocktails. “Based on its traditional look, a Mint Julep — with a fresh sprig of mint and shiny silver cup — it’s so pretty that people are drawn to its presentation,” said Hall. “But for guests who aren’t aware it’s a bourbon drink, and that the visual doesn’t match their flavor expectations, they may not choose to drink it. You want to be serving drinkable drinks.” For a signature drink that appeals to wedding goers visiting New Orleans for the first time, Meagan Cook, director of catering & conference Services at the Windsor Court Hotel, recommends the Hurricane. “For guests from out of state or out of country, the Hurricane is always a smashing success,” said Cook. “Our out of town guests are usually excited to try it out.” Cook also suggests dressing up a classic cocktail to customize it and give it a fresh take. “Specialty garnishes are an endless option,” said Cook. “You can add a puff of cotton candy as a whimsical topper. Also the use of a large square or sphere of ice to chill down a cocktail always switches up the presentation.” Quinn Richards, owner of Cocktail + Creative has seen a significant upswing in classic cocktails as a request from couples over the past few years. He touts the idea of unexpected twists as an element of surprise for guests, like a smoked tequila or rum-infused Old Fashioned. “It blows the couples and guests away,” said Richards. “These small details create huge impacts for them. And when torches and smoke are involved, how can it not be great?” Because the mixing, muddling, shaking and stirring that comes with classic cocktails tend to take extra time and can slow down the flow of the service, Richards suggests separating the classic cocktail service at your reception from the full service bar. “Ultimately if the guests aren’t getting their drinks, they aren’t happy guests,” said Richards. “The more you break it up, the more it flows.”b

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Southern Comfort

Take your hors d’oeuvres to the next level with elevated takes on Southern classics By Amy Gabriel

ust as you want the first glance everyone has of you in your wedding gown to be a knockout moment, you want the same to be said of the first bites your guests are greeted with at your reception. To make an excellent first impression, you want your hors d’oeuvres to shine and surprise with elevated and updated twists on Southern classics. Leah Berhanu, director of sales and marketing at Pigéon Catering and events, says the ingredient to impress guests most can be summed up in one word: caviar. “Caviar is a for-sure way to upgrade any hors d’oeuvres” said Berhanu. “Adding it to an oyster

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bar, as well as fresh lump crab, can really grab attention.” In addition, she suggests incorporating seasonal ingredients to elevate one-bite cuisine. “In the spring, bringing in Ponchatoula strawberries will make everything taste sweet and look colorful,” said Berhanu. “During the holidays adding mirliton on your menu is a festive addition.” She also notes the importance of visual continuuity. “When we come into the wedding to set up service, typically the florists are leaving,” said Berhanu. “Asking for a handful of flowers or even a few petals to add to the corner of a passed tray can

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be really pretty. Doing just that little element makes everything tie in together. It all helps to tell a visual story.” Sarah Hall, president of Joel Catering, finds that an enticing way to elevate your hors d’oeuvres is to creatively make a nod to the interests of the couple. “A lot of our grooms are outdoorsmen, so we get requests for game or Louisiana-focused foods,” said Hall, who created a popular deviled quail egg. “Since quail is a top choice, we put a spin on it.” She suggests topping it off with caviar to make it all the more special. “It’s an elegant way to serve a

very local and interesting dish,” said Hall. For a truly unique visial, she suggests building upward. “One of the top trends is bringing in a custom designed vertical presentation,” said Hall. She suggests a greenery wall with inserted spaces to present individually-sized hors d’oeuvres or even small champagne flutes. “People take so many pictures now for social media, so a backdrop element in the mix of your reception has become super important. It’s a good ‘moment’ for guests.”b

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LOCATIONS

Sweet Seraphim

Historic Tremé home doubles as exclusive and decadent wedding and events space By Kelly Massicot

ometimes, the homeowner dictates what a house needs, but occasionally — if the owners are paying attention — the house itself seems to be the guiding force. This was exactly the case with the Seraphim House. Built in the 1860s by Seraphim Maspereau, a free woman of color, the Seraphim House is truly a step back in time. Located in the Tremé neighborhood, off of Esplanade Avenue, the house was meticulously renovated back to

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its original glory in 2015 by the current owners. Their intention was to bring entertainment and revelry back to the space, which was the scene of many spirited soriées thrown by Maspereau in the 19th Century. The approximately 2,100 square-foot Seraphim House is ideal for smaller weddings. There are two bedrooms perfect for use as a bridal suite and staging area for one or both members of the couple and their attendants. Each

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room sleeps two and can accommodate the couple overnight, after the “I Dos.” The grand ballroom is the home’s pièce de résistance. This vast, open space off the center hallway is a prime location for the ceremony. Defined by chipped, mismatched paint, striking round chandeliers and wood accents, the room can accommodate approximately 85 to 90 seated and up to 100 standing room. In addition to the main area, the

owners renovated the back courtyard with hand-placed stones, a pool and a gazebo that can serve as an additional ceremony space if the couple is planning for a more intimate affair. The building’s elegantly tattered aesthetic, juxtaposition of antique accents and modern amenities, and the knowledge that your lively celebration would be what Seraphim Maspereau would have wanted, all add to the appeal of the location. b

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Il Mercato

Race + Religious

Unmistakably New Orleans Ceremony and reception locations with quintessential New Orleans flair By Alexa Renée Harrison Photograph by Sarah Becker

hen you think New Orleans architecture, you typically think of anything from Creole cottages and victorian mansions to antebellum plantations. Images of flickering gas lamps, French Quarter balconies and exposed brick also come to mind. If you’ve chosen the Crescent City as your wedding destination, it probably means you’re searching for a quintessential New Orleans look and feel. These premiere wedding and reception locations, are a few of

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the places where you will find it. Race + Religious

If the walls of Race + Religious seem as though they have a story to tell, it’s because they do. Built using bricks molded from Mississippi River mud, and baked along Tchoupitoulas Street, this venue is a relic of old Louisiana. The property, which contains 6,500 square feet of usable indoor and outdoor space and accommodates up to 275 guests for a cocktail-style

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reception, is a combination of three historic buildings: a Greek Revival rowhouse, slave quarters, and a Creole cottage. The Federal Ballroom

The fortress-like Security Center Building, originally built as the New Orleans branch of The Federal Reserve Bank in 1922, is where you will find the Federal Ballroom. Entering the building feels like stepping back into the roaring ‘20s, with Art Deco period marble floors, high ceilings, modern and

historic art pieces. At the entrance, you’ll even find an original cash vault. The ballroom, which holds up to 400 guests, was built to impress strength and stability with towering ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, crown molding and stately columns. City Park

City Park offers four different wedding venues each varying in style and capacity: The New Orleans Botanical Garden houses, Pavilion of the Two Sisters, Garden elizabeth dondis photo

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Study Center and Lath House and Conservatory. All year long, the garden offers vibrant splashes of color and lush greenery with more than 2,000 different plants from all over the world. Meanwhile, the Garden Study Center features solid brick walls, a slate roof, and copper gutters reminiscent of an old English cottage. Home to the oldest grove of mature live oaks in the world, a wedding here is something out of a Southern fairytale. StElla plantation

A quick ferry ride across the Mississippi and a drive along the winding river brings you to Stella Plantation. Candles, chandeliers, or flowers can be hung in the 150-year-old lazy live oak, whose sweeping, intertwining branches meet the ground and curve up again to create a magical setting. Stella has a particular affinity for cypress, brick and copper, which make an appearance in many of the varied venues across the property, including the newest building, the Sugar Cane Stable. This plantation isn’t just a wedding and reception location, but a retreat to share with your closest friends and family. Elms Mansion

With half an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds fronting St. Charles Avenue, Elms Mansion is a picturesque Garden District locale. Built in 1869, the mansion, which holds up to 400 guests, was designed using a blend of Italianate and Greek Revival design with Flemish oak carvings throughout. Directly situated on the streetcar line, the 4,200-square-foot patio area is canopied by one of the largest and oldest magnolia trees in the city. Brides rave about the food, prepared by an in-house chef that has been with the mansion for over 15 years. The Chicory

Originally built as a coffee warehouse in 1852, The Chicory is large enough to hold up to 1,000 guests. With 20,000 square feet of exposed beams, brick walls, and gas lanterns, very few decorations are needed to make this renovated warehouse dazzle. Named

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the best wedding venue in New Orleans by The Knot six years in a row, this one-stop shop provides everything you’ll need — from locally-sourced food created by an in-house chef, down to the Chiavari chairs. Degas House

The only home of French artist Edgar Degas that is open to the public, Degas House stands out from other venues for its rich and unquestionable history. Distinguished by the French Ministry of Culture, the house, which holds up to 500 people, represents an authentic experience — this is after all, where Degas created many of his most famous masterpieces. The bed and breakfast portion of the house can sleep up to 32 guests and includes a bridal suite that happens to be the room where Degas painted ”Woman Seated on a Balcony” in 1872. The Roosevelt

It’s all in the opulent details at The Roosevelt Hotel. From golden hues and luxurious furnishings to personal attendants for the couple, it invokes a feeling of sublime elegance. Built in 1893 and located directly across the street from one of the city’s oldest and most revered churches, The Church of the Immaculate Conception, the venue, which holds up to 1,200 guests, is an ode to classic New Orleans refinement. Whether it was Fats Domino performing at the Blue Room or Huey P. Long sipping a Ramos Gin Fizz at the Sazerac Bar — New Orleans history unfolded here. Dickie Brennan’s Tableau

Dickie Brennan’s Tableau shines brightest with its French-Creole dishes. Echoing the Spanish colonial architecture, the interior of Tableau, which holds up to 350 guests, is a combination of terracotta floors, white walls, wrought iron accents and soaring ceilings. A grand staircase spanning three stories connects the private dining rooms, wraparound balcony overlooking Jackson Square and a tropical courtyard — it’s unmistakably New Orleans. b

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Picture Perfect Tips From the Pros

By Marie Simoneaux Photographs by Mike Lirette

he perfect wedding album is the best way to relive your Big Day for years to come. We talked to four experienced and talented professionals to put together their five top tips to get the best possible wedding day photographs. Do your research

The first step should start months before your wedding. Doug Keese of Arte de Vie has been professionally shooting weddings between New Orleans and Paris for the past 12 years and said each photographer has their own specific style. Although most are happy to work with their couple to get the

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photos they want, Keese said it’s important to hire a photographer whose style meshes well with yours. Word of mouth is great he said, but make sure to do your own research too — someone who was great for your best friend might not be the right pick for you. “If it’s not a good match, no matter how good of a photographer you are, ultimately you won’t get the best results,” Keese said.

If you do not communicate with your photographers, they might miss some of the best moments. Even if you’ve given them a shot list, the Sabriers said it is important to let your photographers know the details of the day. “If your first dance ends with an epic dip, it’s nice for the groom to tell us when and what direction the dip will be, so we can make sure we catch that moment,” said Steve Sabrier.

Communication is key

Give yourself plenty of time

Marianne and Steve Sabrier of The Red M Studio have a saying: “Surprise your guests, not your photographer.”

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Mike Lirette of Mike Lirette Photography said one of the most common mistakes brides make is not giving themselves enough time.

“If you book your photographer for even just an hour more than you think you need to, you’ll be able to relax and take your time. You can definitely see the difference between a leisurely shoot and one that you were rushing through,” said Lirette. The Sabriers recommend creating a timeline to ensure your photographers are in the right place at the right time. Allow time for transitions, said Marianne Sabrier. If you plan for even five minutes between your second line and your grand entrance, she said your photographer will have time to get in place and get their lighting right, which can make a world of difference.

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Be aware of lighting

Good natural light can take a photograph from decent to drop dead gorgeous, so it’s crucial to understand the limitations of your space and plan around it. Lirette said a “first look” is often the best way to get well-lit shots, especially if you are having an evening or winter wedding and the sun’s pesky schedule is not always on your side. “There’s typically better natural light earlier, so a first look is a good way to take advantage of the light,” said Lirette. Trust your photographer

Austyn-Marie Hollowell of AustynMarie Captures said you are likely going to spend more time with your photographer than anyone else on your wedding day, so trust is vital. Hollowell recommends visiting with your photographer before the Big Day. “It is so important that you vibe well together,” said Hollowell. “The getting ready photos are usually some of the best, but if the first

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time I’m meeting you is when you’re in your underwear, you might be uncomfortable and that will show through.” Relax

“Don’t sweat the small stuff,” said Keese. All the photographers we talked to had a message that most couples do not like to hear: “Something will go wrong.” No matter how much planning you do, you cannot control everything. However, if you have done your research, communicated with your photographer, given yourself enough time and hired someone you trust, you can probably rest assured that everything will work itself out. “Your wedding day goes by in a flash, if you’re stressing about every little detail then not only will you miss out on your special day, but it’s going to show through on your photos,” Hollowell said. “Just relax, trust your vendors and make sure to have fun.” b

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Setting the Soundtrack What to know about planning your wedding music By Sarah Ravits

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Beatles to Coldplay. As second lines are a common occurrence after a ceremony in New Orleans, many couples hire a local brass band to give the guests that extra dash of Big Easy flavor. Michael Taylor, who performs with The Phunky Monkeys, says his band performs at both receptions and ceremonies. With a 10-member group, he says that lighting and equipment is another crucial element. “Be sure to choose entertainment that can possibly create the best memory of the day,” he says. He also echoes Sullivan’s sentiment that the food and music should be the priority. “... Music and food are the two things people remember most about a reception in the years to follow,” says Taylor. “If you can have great food and great entertainment that

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mily Sullivan has been planning weddings for more than 13 years. Many of the weddings she plans are for out-of-towners who want New Orleans destination weddings, but regardless of origin, she notes that wedding guests in New Oreans have particularly high expectations for two elements in particular: food and music. In a city known for its music, many couples opt for a live band or instrumentalist to perform during the ceremony. As most people who have attended a wedding in recent years will note, it’s no longer quite as common to play the traditional Wagner “Bridal Chorus” (aka “Here Comes The Bride”) or Pachelbel’s Canon before exchanging vows. Sullivan notes that a number of her clients have chosen more contemporary songs, ranging from The

Top Requests (According to William Credo IV)

First Dance “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran “No One” by Alicia Keys “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney Father-Daughter Dances “Daughter” by Loudon Wainwright III “Father Daughter” by Paul Simon “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw Mother-Son Dances “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan

suits you and your guests, it makes for a winning combination.” According to William “Chuck” Credo IV of the eponymous talent agency, who represents a popular local group, The Mixed Nuts, “It’s crucial to make sure you deal with an experienced band leader who knows the ins and outs of every type of wedding style.” Some couples request a traditional experience; others want a “giant club rave.” “Each client is different, each wedding is different, and it’s important to know how to perform at all of the above.” “Our clients are trending away from line dances, money dances, and any sort of wedding party dance,” he says. Additionally, he says that most of his clients want a small amount of ballads as well. “They want the energy to stay up all night,” he notes. Above all, Sullivan says that in the age of social media, many couples strive to be one-of-a-kind and stay “on brand” as a couple. Taylor says that it’s important to remember it’s not only about the couple, but also about what the guests want to hear. “People want a wide variety from the ‘50s up to contemporary music,” he says. “Every genre is desired at receptions.” Taylor, who has performed with The Phunky Monkeys for seven years, says variety is important, especially given that the guests are likely to range in age and interests. Above all else, he says be true to yourselves as a couple. “First dances are very personal and we have received a huge variety of choices,” he says. “We try to find out what the bride and groom and their friends are into. Then we add some classics for the older people. The combination works all the time. Don’t be afraid to try to learn special songs for the bride and groom. They really appreciate the effort to make their day even more special for them.” b

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Getting There A handy guide to New Orleans’ many options to get you and your guests to and from the wedding Original reporting by Phil McCausland and Andrew Paul

on’t stress about how you’re going to make it to your wedding. With so many options for couples in New Orleans — whether you want to make it to your ceremony by land, air or sea — you can arrive in style. Each choice has its own charm and beauty and can be perfectly tailored to your wedding ceremony, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride. Horse and carriage

The classic New Orleans mode of wedding transportation, the horse and carriage, is the image of

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wedded bliss. Enter your ceremony as if you are in your own personal fairytale. Royal Carriages has been a New Orleans institution since 1941 and provides several options to its guests. neworleanscarriages. com Streetcar

Seat 40 to 50 of your guests in a classic New Orleans streetcar by chartering one from the city. You can create your own route, bring food and drink onto the streetcar and decorate it to your heart’s content. It’s a mode of transportation steeped in history but custom-

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izable to your goals. norta.com Limo

They’re ubiquitous to weddings for a reason — the luxury and comfort of a limo is tough to beat. Sip champagne and settle into the rich leather interior while a chauffeur gets you to your destination in style. americanluxury. com, bonolimo.com, limolivery. com. Rolls Royce

A classic Rolls Royce or antique Bentley exudes vintage luxury and style and allows you to

transcend time. Arrive at your wedding in true elegance and enjoy the plush leather seating and complimentary champagne in VIP Transportation’s antique English motorcars. viptransportationinc. net, alerttransportation.com. Pedi cab

Whether it’s your main means of transportation for your ceremony, a bachelor or bachelorette party visit to the French Quarter, or you put a coupon for a free ride in your wedding gift bag, these chauffeurdriven bicycles provide a fun means to explore the city and offer a quick

getaway when necessary. neworleansbiketaxi.com Motorcycle or Scooter

Get a fleet of motorcycles or scooters to carry you, your beloved and your guests to your wedding. Pick between classic Harleys, Indian Chiefs or BMWs on the motorcycle side or hop on a Genuine Buddy scooter with your pals and fly through the streets. eaglerider.com/ neworleans, avenuescooters. com Tandem bike

Prove your commitment to fun, whimsy and teamwork by renting a tandem bike on your Big Day. The American Bicycle Rental Company gets its bicycles made specifically for the wear and tear of the Big Easy’s streets, so that the beginning of your marriage isn’t too bumpy. bikerental neworleans.com Party bus

Why not rent a party bus? Champagne chillers, accent and fiber optic lighting, flatscreen TVs, a mirrored ceiling and a dancing pole — gasp! — (in case you want to show off your moves) are a few of the amenities. The buses range in size, running from 22-to-45 passenger limits, and Royal Coach will meet all of your specifications. neworleansroyalcoach.com Helicopter

The party begins and ends when you show up or leave in a helicopter, and it is sure to be a memorable ride as you fly farther and farther away from New Orleans and view the city sprawling alongside the Mississippi River. facebook.com/NOLAHelis

Hot Air Balloon

Nothing is more romantic than a hot air balloon ride, so up the ante and rent one for your wedding. Float away with your honey and grab majestic views of New Orleans and your own event. Maybe toss in a champagne brunch before or after. hotairballoonsneworleans. com Gondola – City Park

If you’re near City Park for your wedding, a gondola ride is a must. Glide through the smooth waters of the park and have a private, relaxing moment with your new partner in life and love. If you want to bring guests, the boat carries up to six. nolagondola.com Yacht

Charter a yacht and party all the way to the altar. Watch the sun set and enjoy balmy breezes as you float through the waters of Lake Pontchartrain. If you’re up to it, have the captain of the ship officiate the wedding. The options are endless when luxury is your focus. neworleansyachtcharter.com Trolley

Don’t worry, you can still ride off into the sunset in a classic Crescent City trolley even if your wedding isn’t on the one of the town’s main streetcar lines. Limousine Livery provides refurbished streetcars free of both cable restraints and pesky tourists. What’s more, the renovated vehicle’s cushioned seats are an enormous improvement from the city’s current hardwood offerings, so you can cozy up and cool off next to your new spouse without fear of splinters or snags in your swanky attire. limolivery.com. b

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Bride: Camille Breland Groom: Gregory Rome Date: March 16, 2018 Ceremony: Rayne United Methodist Church Reception: Pavilion of the Two Sisters at City Park Coordinator: David Naron, Oxford Floral Gown: 2-piece (Watters top, Town & Country skirt), Town & Country Bridesmaids: Bill Levkoff, Bella Bridesmaids Groomsmen: Traditional white tie, Perlis Rings: 1.5 carat square-cut emerald engagement ring, The Engraving Co. Traditional wedding bands, The Engraving Co. Caterer: City Park; Two Girls One Shuck, chargrilled and raw oyster bar; Morning Call, late-night beignets Cakes: Swiss Confectionery, wedding cake; Beth Biundo Sweets, groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cake Photographer: Maile Lani Florist: Oxford Floral Hair: Miranda St. Pierre Makeup: Sarah Murphy, Katie Malone Makeup Studio Transportation: KLM Transportation Photo Booth: GoGo Booth Band: Rewind Invitations: Betty Hunley Designs Lighting: DaVaine Lighting

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Bride: Caroline Frilot Groom: Tac Crosby Date: May 16, 2015 Ceremony and Reception Location: New Orleans Country Club Planner: Ruby and Pearl by Sapphire Events Florist: Mitch’s Flowers Caterer: New Orleans Country Club Cake: Royal Cakery Photographer: Sarah Becker Photography Hair and Makeup: Beverly from John Jay Music: New Orleans’ Finest and BRW Band

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Bride: Kristen Hull Groom: Michael Kohn Date: May 23, 2014 Ceremony and Reception Location: Race + Religious Coordinator: Elyse Jennings Gown: Jenny Packham at Everthine Bridal Boutique Bridesmaids: J. Crew Groomsmen: John Varvatos Rings: De Beers Florist: Kim Starr Wise Caterer: Palate New Orleans Cake: The Royal Cakery Photographer: Greer Gattuso Hair and Makeup: Blush and Bashful Music: Fayard Lindsey Invitations: Rifle Paper Co. Wedding favors: Simply Curated

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Bride: Maegan O’Brien Groom: Henry Arthur Hyde III Date: February 24, 2018 Ceremony and Reception: Maison Lafitte Coordinator: Elizabeth Burkhardt Events Gown: Wedding Belles Bridesmaids: Bella Bridesmaids Groomsmen: Tuxedos to Geaux Rings: Anton’s Fine Jewelry Florist: Lakevue Florist, Jan Hunter Caterer: The Lakehouse Cake: Mandeville Bake Shop Photographer: James Shaw Photography, James Shaw Hair: Tribe Organic Beauty Bar, Dixie Leblanc Alleman Makeup: About Face, Natalie Cogan Music: NOLA Dukes Band Invitations: Gem Printing

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Bride: Emily Schexnayder Groom: Robert Laiche Jr. Date: July 14, 2017 Ceremony Location: St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church Reception Location: Magnolia Plantation Gown and Bridesmaids: The Bridal Boutique by Mae Me Men’s attire: Johns Tuxedos Rings: Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers Florist: Villere’s Florist Cake: Haydel’s Bakery Photographer: David Braud Photography Videography: Scott Alwert Productions Hair: Rachel Schneller Politik, Brantley Hair Studio Makeup: Keil Whitener Passman, Brantley Hair Studio Music: X-Pert Productions Photo Booth: B1 Photo Booth Invitations and Programs: Gem Printing

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Want to submit your wedding for our magazine? Check out how.... Do you want to see your wedding in these pages and share your Big Day with our readers and New Orleans? To be considered as a featured local wedding in New Orleans Bride Magazine, mail a CD or flash drive with high-resolution (4x6/300dpi) photographs. Below is a helpful checklist to ensure that you have included all of the correct materials.

what we need 1. A Word document of the following vendors: ___ Couple’s full name ___ Date of the wedding ___ Ceremony location ___ Reception location ___ Coordinator ___ Gown (designer and store) ___ Bridesmaids’ dresses (designer and store) ___ Men’s Attire (store) ___ Rings ___ Florist ___ Caterer ___ Cake ___ Photographer ___ Videographer ___ Hair (Stylist and Salon) ___ Makeup (Stylist and Salon) ___ Music ___ Any other vendor you would like to include

2. High-resolution (4x6 / 300dpi) photographs of: ___ Couple ___ Bridesmaids and groomsmen ___ Cake ___ Rings ___ Flowers ___ Ceremony ___ Reception ___ Wedding Favor ___ Second Line ___ Detail shots of shoes, dress, jewelry ___ Detail shots of the decor ___ Please include five other photos of your choice.

* Please send at least 10-15 photographs and Word document of your vendors saved to a CD or flash drive * All CDs and flash drives will NOT be returned.

HOW TO SEND

HOW we CHOOSE

Please mail your CD or flash drive of photos and Word document of vendor information to: New Orleans Bride Magazine Attn: Tiffani Amedeo 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005

New Orleans Bride Magazine reserves the right to choose the wedding and the issue in which it will be featured. Submissions are not guaranteed to be published and CDs will not be returned. The bride, groom and photographer must give permission to use the photographs and information of the submitted wedding.

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advertising section

Bridal Resources to help you with all your wedding planning needs

1st Lake Properties, Inc 504-455-5059 rentals@1st-lake.com 1stlake.com 12 Seasons Catering & Mr. Mudbug 131 23rd St. Kenner catering@mmiculinary.com 504-465-9770 A Soiree by Terry Cambise terrycambise.com Alert Transportation 3 Westbank Expressway New Orleans 504-362-4145 alerttransportation.com Aroma Catering 400 E William David Pkwy Metairie 504-833-2120 Aromacateringnola.com Ashford Halley 667 Laurel St. Baton Rouge 225-266-3459 225-931-0912 Genovese-ashford.com

Ashley Marks Media 1025 N Hullen St. Metairie 504-444-8356 Ashleymarksmedia@gmail.com ashleymarksmedia.com

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 875 Beach Blvd. Biloxi, MS 39530 Michelle Kirn 228-386-7155

Audubon Institute/Nature Center/Aquarium/Imax 6500 Magazine St. New Orleans 504-861-2537 audubonnatureinstitute.org/ privateevents

Bed Bath and Beyond 800-Go Beyond

Austin’s Seafood and Steakhouse 5101 West Esplanade Ave. Metairie 504-888-5533 austinsNO.com B Street Benny bstreetbenny.com Backyard Printing (& Secondline Handkerchiefs) 1960 Surgi Drive Mandeville 985-231-7789 Backyardprinting@gmail.com Backyardprinting.com Secondlinehandkerchiefs.com Leslie McGoey

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Belle Amour Photography 1441 Fremaux Ave. Slidell 985-768-6603 nichole@Belle Amour Photography.com Belle Amour Photography.com

Boogie Booth Photo Booth Comapny PO Box 581 Mandeville 504-457-8033 info@boogiebooth.com boogiebooth.com Brennan’s 417 Royal Str., French Quarter 504-934-3329 brennansneworleans.com Brittany Gros Design Studio Wedding Design 850-293-4750 Brittany@BrittanyGros.com BrittanyGros.com

Beth’s Florist & New Orleans Wedding Planners 2014 Clearview Parkway Metairie 504-455-2353 bethsflorist@gmail.com bethsflowersonline.com

Broussard’s 819 Conti New Orleans 504-581-3866 valeriel@creolecuisine.com broussards.com

Big Easy Limos 1515 Veterans Blvd. Kenner 504-466-4477 bigeasylimos.com

Capdeboscq Catering 1000 Allo Ave. Marrero 504-341-8890 capdeboscqcatering.com

Bliss Bridal 4712 Magazine St. 504-592-7507 beablissbride.com nola@beablissbride.com

City Park 1 Palm Drive New Orleans 504-482-4888 neworleanscitypark.com

Club Pilates 2513 Metairie Road Metairie 504-484-9650 clubpilates.com Compass Point Erin Steen French 504-366-1768 985-969-4526 200 Opelousas Ave New Orleans erin@compasspointevents.com Dickie Brennan’s 605 Canal St. New Orleans Restaurant directory: 504-2741958 Palace Café: 504-523-1661 Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse: 504-522-2467 Bourbon House: 504-522-0111 Tableau: 504-934-3463 Dillard’s Bridal Registry 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd #1 Metairie 504-833-1075 dillards.com DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans 300 Canal St. New Orleans 504-212-3600

advertising section

Eau Claire Photographics 141 Robert E Lee Blvd #331 New Orleans 504-432-7879 eauclairephotographics.com

Greater New Orleans Counseling Services, LLC 504-410-5033 Gnocounseling@gmail.com

Emerald Grande 10 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 850-424-0622 emeraldgrande.com

Grow With Us Florist 106 Metairie Heights Ave. Metairie 504-837-9449 flowers@growithus.com growithus.com

English Turn Golf & Country Club One Clubhouse Drive New Orleans 504-392-2200 jessicak@englsihturn.com englishturn.com

Harvie Live Wedding Paintings 1204 S. White St. New Orleans 985-687-9106 info@harvieoilpaintings.com harvieoilpaintings.com

Exquisite Events New Orleans 504-975-4089 Info@eeinvites.com eeinvites.com

Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center 1201 Convention Center Blvd. New Orleans 504-293-1200 neworleanshamptoninns.com

Fabulous Flowers LLC. By Appointment New Orleans 504-909-0253 fabulousflowers@cox.net fabulousflowers.us Faces of Virtue 220 Julia St New Orleans 504-408-2794 Facesofvirtue.com Fair Grounds Race Course 1751 Gentilly Blvd New Orleans 504-948-1285 groupsales@fgno.com fgno.com/groupsales Federal Ballroom New Orleans 147 Carondelet St. New Orleans 504-587-2088 marketing@securitycenter.com federalballroom.com First Class Presentation Catering P.O. Box 3773 New Orleans 504-872-9398 1stclasscateringnola.com Gem Printing Co. 1904 Veterans Blvd. Metairie 504-831-1762 gemprinting.com gem@gemprinting.com Generations Hall 310 Andrew Higgins Dr. New Orleans 504-581-4367 hector@generationshall.com sschulkens@aol.com generationshall.com

Haydel’s Bakery 4037 Jefferson Hwy. Jefferson 504-837-0190 504-837-5512 kayleigh@haydelbakery.com haydelbakery.com Heirloom Live Event Paintings 4401 Euphrosine New Orleans 504-812-1750 heirloomlive.com Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach 23092 Perdido Beach Blvd Orange Beach 251-974-1600 hiltongardeninnorangebeach. com Hotel Storyville 1261 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans 504-948-4800 hotelstoryville.net House of Blues 225 Decatur St. New Orleans 504-310-4990 hobnolaweddings@livenation. com facebook.com/HOBSpecialEvents House of Broel’s Victorian Mansion and Gardens 2220 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans 504-522-2220 504-494-2220 info@houseofbroel.com houseofbroel.com

Hyatt Centric French Quarter 800 Iberville St. New Orleans 504-565-4537 caitlin.miner@hyatt.com Hyatt Regency New Orleans 601 Loyola Ave. New Orleans 504-561-1234 kathy.mata@hyatt.com neworleans.hyatt.com I Do Bridal Couture 4265 Perkins Road Baton Rouge 225-361-0377 ramsey@idobridalcouture. com

Kim Starr Wise Floral Events 437 Philip St. New Orleans 504-315-5607 kimstarrwise.com fb: kimstarrwisefloralevents instagram: kimstarrwise Le Méridien 333 Poydras St. New Orleans 70130 504-525-9444 504-207-5173 Lemeridienneworleanshotel. com

Leather and Feathers Wedding Films 404-862-9991 leatherandfeathers.com

Infinity Farms 119 Riley Boone Rd. Carriere, MS (601) 552-8880 info@infinityfarms.com infinityfarms.com

Limousine Livery 4333 Euphrosine St. New Orleans 504-561-8777 info@limolivery.com

Iris Floral + Event Design Studio 5331-B Canal Blvd. New Orleans 504-304-4966 nicole@irisfloral.com irisnola.com James & B Bridal Outlet Brooke Ory & Jamie Lombardino 1169-B Robert Blvd Slidell 985-302-0755 Jared Osterhold Event Fine Arts 427 Royal St. New Orleans 504-383-5483 eventpaintingnola.com John’s Tuxedos 3200 Houma Blvd. Metairie 504-455-5353 johnstuxedos.com Joe Gambino’s Bakeries 4821 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Metairie 504-885-7500 email@gambinos.com gambinos.com Kitchen Tradition 5517 Edmondson Pike Nashville, TN 37211 615-832-2387 bridalregistry.today

NCA Group 1905 W Thomas St., Suite 356 Hammond 985-630-3206 New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau 2020 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans myweddinginneworleans.com 504-566-5018 rfunel@neworleanscvb.com

Loews New Orleans Hotel 300 Poydras St. New Orleans 504-595-5316 loewshotels.com Louisiana State Museum 751 Chartres St. New Orleans 504-568-6968 louisianastatemuseum.org Luminous Events of New Orleans 249 Villemar Place Terrytown, LA 70056 504-324-6441 luminouseventsnola.com Maison de Cheveux 201 St. Charles Ave. suite #127 New Orleans 504-908-4247 maisondecheveux@gmail.com Maison Dupuy Hotel 1001 Rue Toulouse New Orleans 504-648-6114 sales@maisondupuy.com neworleanscourtyardweddings. com Martin Wine Cellar 3827 Baronne St. New Orleans 714 Elmeer Ave Metairie La 504-896-7351 martinwine.com/catering

Medi Weightloss 2820 Napoleon Ave, Ste 230 New Orleans 504-217-5006 mediweightloss.com Napoleon House 500 Chartres St., French Quarter 504-934-4704 napoleonhouse.com

Le Pavillion Hotel 833 Poydras St. New Orleans 504-620-4123

Images By Robert T. 985-966-2793 info@imagesbyrobertt.com imagesbyrobertt.com

Marche 914 N. Peters New Orleans 504-586-2074 x 5027 Valerie Landry

New Orleans Hotel Collection 1380 Port of New Orleans Place New Orleans 855-798-6642 FrenchQuarterWeddings.com NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans 317 Baronne St. New Orleans Pre Opening Executive Offices 935 Gravier St., Suite 120 New Orleans Colleen Page, Director of Catering cpage@NOPSIhotel.com North Photography & HD Cinema 504-883- 8060 Northphotography.com New Orleans School of Cooking 524 St. Louis St. New Orleans 504-265-9070 NOLA Hotel Group 504-962-7220 blakehotelneworleans.com saintjameshotel.com hotelstpierre.com andrewjacksonhotel.com Nola Live Painting Kristen Schenck 504-237-0890 nolalivepainting.com Omni Royal Orleans Hotel 621 St. Louis St. New Orleans 504-529-7022 omniroyalorleans.com

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advertising section

Omega Sound & Entertainment 985-503-3357 info@omegasounddjs.com omegasounddjs.com Orangetheory® Fitness 4141 Bienville St. New Orleans 5300 Tchopitoulas St., Suite A-1B 504-308-1232 New Orleans 954-607-7552 844-OTF-NOLA 504-408-2602 emahoney@orangetheoryfitness.com orangetheoryfitness.com Palmetto’s on the Bayou 1901 Bayou Lane Slidell 985-643-0050 Palmettosrestaurant.com Pearl’s Place 3114 Severn Ave. Metairie 504-885-9213 info@pearlsplace.com pearlsplace.com Ralph Brennan Catering & Events exclusive caterer for New Orleans Opera Guild Home 2504 Prytania St., Garden District 504-539-5510 ralphbrennancatering.com Ralph’s on the Park 900 City Park Ave., Mid-CIty 504-488-5100 ralphsonthepark.com Rick King Photography 445 Laura Dr. North Mandeville 985-626-3614 rking@rickkingphotography. com rickkingphotography.com Riverview Room 600 Decatur St. 4th Level Jackson Brewery Millhouse, New Orleans 504-208-2590 Rome’s Tuxedos 3213 17th St. Metairie 504-324-7227 romestuxedos@gmail.com romestuxedos.com Royal Event Rental 985-400-9416 110 Campbell Ave, Unit 1 Mandeville royaleventrental.com

Royal Palm 1901 Manhattan Blvd. Building E Harvey 504-644-4100 kim@5starfpc.com royalpalmfpc.com

Swiss Confectionery, Inc. 747 St. Charles Ave. 3700 Orleans Ave. New Orleans 504-522-7788 mail@swisscakes.net swisscakes.net

Royal Sonesta New Orleans 300 Bourbon St. New Orleans 504-553-2205 RSNOsales@sonesta.com sonesta.com/royalneworleans

Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Vistors Bureau Right need door on I-55 800-542-7520 tangitourism.com

RZ Productions 504-975-0817 rzproductions.net Cinematic Wedding Films RZI Lighting 3866 Euphrosine St. New Orleans 504.525.5600 Orders@rzilighting.com rzilighting.com Sculpting Center of New Orleans 4500 Clearview Pkwy, Ste 202 Metairie 504-603-3381 Sculptingnola.com Second Line Handkerchiefs 1960 Surgi Drive Mandeville 985-231-7789 secondlinehandkerchiefs.com Sheraton New Orleans Hotel 500 Canal St. New Orleans 504-525-2500 Southern Swings Nail Bar + Spa 4422 Magazine St. 504-372-3485 southerswingsnailbar.com Stacy Marks Photography 1025 N Hullen St. Metairie 504-237-2173 stacymarkswed@gmail.com Steamboat NATCHEZ 600 Decatur St. Ste. 308 New Orleans 504-569-1431 melissa@glnosc.com Stella Plantation 4881 Highway 39 Braithwaite 504-919-7474 caroline@stellaplantation.com stellaplantation.com

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The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe 3331 Severn Ave. Metairie 504-266-2771 maemebridal@gmail.com mae-me.com The Cocoa Bean Bakery & Café 910 E Morris Ave. Hammond 985-345-2002 thecocoabeanbakery.org The Cannery 3803 Toulouse St. New Orleans 504-486-8351 info@cannerynola.com bhayes@pelhughes.com cannerynola.com The Chicory 610 S. Peters New Orleans 504-521-8055 brent.bogan@chicoryvenue. com chicoryvenue.com The Court of Two Sisters 613 Royal St. New Orleans 504-522-7261 courtoftwosisters.com The Crystal Vase Flowers & Gifts 504-888-8891 crystalvaseflowers.com crystalvaseflowers@gmail.com The Degas House 2306 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans 504-821-5009 degashouse.com The Elms Mansion 3029 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans 504-895-9200 info@elmsmansion.com elmsmansion.com The Event Glossary Info@eventglossary.com eventglossary.com

The Pearl Room 2310 Hickory Ave. Harhan 504-737-0604 mredsrestaurants.com The Red M Studio 504-450-0065 info@theredmstudio.com theredmstudio.com The Sweet Life Bakery 6268 Vicksburg St. New Orleans 504-371-5153 info@nolasweetlofe.com nolasweetlife.com The Forum 3131 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Metairie catering@mmiculinary.com ksparks@mmiculinary.com 504-833-7666 The Plant Gallery 9401 Airline Highway New Orleans 504-488-8887 kenny@theplantgallery.com scanner.tpg@theplantgallery. com eve@theplantgallery.com theplantgallery.com The Westin New Orleans Canal Place 100 Rue Iberville New Orleans 504-566-7006 westin.com/neworleans Three Little Words Info@3littlewordsweddings. com 3littlewordsweddings.com Tim McAskill Cinematic Weddings 504-390-1002 timmcaskill.com Tomas Bistro/Tommy’s Cuisine 755 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans 504-527-0942 contact@tommysrestaurantgroup.com tomasbistro.com Town & Country Bridal 1514 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans 504.523.7027 townandcountrybridal.com hello@tcbridalnola.com instagram: @townandcountrybridal Facebook: Town & Country Bridal Blanc Bridal Couture

Town & Country Travel Inc 110 Veterans Blvd. Suite 180A Metairie 504-838-8702 tctvl@bellsouth.net townandcountrytravelinc.com Tres Bien Photo and Video 504-534-8737 info@tresbienphotovideo.com tresbienphotovideo.com Tuxedos to Geaux 3400 16th St. Metairie 504-455-5393 tuxedostogeaux@gmail.com tuxedostogeaux.com Up’Sa Daisy Hair Salon 3363 Severn Ave. Metairie 504-888-8466 W Hotels of New Orleans 333 Poydras St. New Orleans 504-207-5173 whotelsofneworleans.com Welch Photography & Video 1199 Girod St. Mandeville 985-845-8405 welchphoto@gmail.com welchphotovideo.com White Hall Plantation 100 Central Ave. Jefferson catering@mmiculinary.com 504-465-9770 Your Day Production Wedding Videographers yourdayproduction.com weddings@yourdayproduction.com 504-273-0005 New Orleans 985-227-4579 Houma/ Thibodaux Z Event Company 508 Metairie Road 504-510-5838 Info@zeventco.com zeventco.com Zee’s Event Rental 504-575-4254 Justinz@zeeseventrentals.com Zeeseventrentals.com •

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India Tiger Safari

Wildlife Wonderment Honeymoon adventures for animal-loving couples By Becca Hensley

f your first date was a trip to the zoo or your favorite rendezvous involved riding horses, walking dogs or hiking with llamas, if you still like to watch cute cat videos, have more than one teddy bear, and can’t pass by a puppy without cooing, we’re pretty sure you’re an animal person. For honeymooners who need creatures to make life complete, we’ve gathered a menagerie of honeymoons that embrace furry friends as their focus.

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Kenyan Safari

Glimpse a baby elephant in the bush, and your life will be complete. Add in the undeniable romance of flitting across soulful Africa on a private plane, landing at remote, luxury campsites, and channeling the circa-1920 Hemingway heyday era when adventurers pitched their tents amid the grassy plains, filled them with civilized items from books to gramophones, and celebrated the end of their

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animal tracking expeditions each day with cocktails, as they watched the setting sun. Tackle Kenya in style with ecoconscious Elewana Collection’s SkySafari’s Kenya Connoisseur, an eight-day trip, which takes you to three camps in diverse reserves: Meru National Park, Loisaba Conservancy and the renowned Maasai Mara. skysafari.com Amazonian Animals

Board Aqua Expedition’s Aria,

an intimate, five-star cruise ship which whisks discriminating adventure seekers down through the lesser traveled portals of the Amazon and its verges and tributaries. Partake of their night excursion on the back waters of the Nauta Caño, as well as along the El Dorado River, to ogle exotic, nocturnal wildlife. Beneath the brightest canopy of stars, unhampered by artificial light, catch sight of caimans, capybaras and bats. Lucky honeymooners will see

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Sand River Masai Mara

Yellowstone Safari

a jaguar, considered auspicious to Meso-American cultures. When not animal watching, enjoy the ship’s stellar Peruvian cuisine, fishing for piranha, kayaking (in non piranhafilled waters), and biking.

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aquaexpeditions.com/luxurycruise-ships/aria-amazon/ excursions-off-the-vessel-aria Yellowstone Yearnings

Close to home, the world’s first national park awaits.

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Yellowstone National Park, bestrides immense portions of three states: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. With five entrances, the expanse holds volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, mudspots, mountains,

forests — and a plethora of wildlife. Home to bison herds, bears, bighorn sheep, elk and the elusive gray wolf, Yellowstone’s wide open vistas fulfill a shutterbug’s dream. Enjoy a daytime guided

Old Faithful Inn

tour which leads you to park highlights, including a place where a rainbow appears for just a few minutes each day. Stay at historic Old Faithful Inn, composed from local logs and stone. It overlooks the famous geyser. yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodgings/hotel/ old-faithful-inn

platypuses, goanna lizards, bandicoots and 243 species of birds, this Eden ensures animal interaction. Based at Southern Ocean Lodge, an eco-hotel poised on a cliff above the sea. Their concierges can organize a face-to-face kangaroo happy hour and wildlife tours galore. southernoceanlodge.com.au

Kangaroo Caper

Tiger Terroir

When Kangaroo Island broke from southern Australia’s mainland 12,000 years ago, it isolated a slew of native plants and animals. Thriving now without threat from introduced predators or disease in this protected park region, this dramatic landscape boasts unique species that differ from those found on the mainland — such as the endangered glossy black-cockatoo, a sub-species of the western grey kangaroo and the sooty dunnart — a small, carnivorous marsupial. A habitat for sea lions, fur seals, wallabies, koalas, echidnas,

In a storybook landscape right out of a Rudyard Kipling tale, Ranthambore National Park sports the ruins of ancient temples, brushy, lake-studded jungle terrain and winding bumpy roads. Amid it all, around 40 endangered tigers roam, some of the last of their kind in the world. Once the royal hunting ground of the maharaja of Jaipur, the national park now protects its feline residents — not to mention plenty of other species, such as sloth bears and wild boar. Sign up with Micato Safaris for a peerless tour of India’s top

sights, which can include a few days at Ranthambore. You’ll stay at Oberoi Vanyavilas, a tented, glamping-style hotel on the edges of the park. micato. com/india Puma Patrol

They call Chilean Patagonia the land of the giants, mentioned this way first in the writings of Ferdinand Magellan who recorded his travels to this windswept, barren expanse, which eventually unfurls all the way to the Andes. Its soaring Torres del Paine massif boggles the mind, as does its intrepid, elusive resident — the Patagonian puma. On a six-day Puma Tracking and Photo Safari Tour, explore Torres del Paine National Park, where puma and llama-like guanacos gather. Bump through the park in your personal Jeep, following the advice and direction of scouts who use expert techniques to improve your chances of multiple sightings. quasarex.com

Panda Power

Pandas. They might be the cutest animals on Earth. Natives to central China, especially Sichuan Province, they’ve been displaced due to re-forestation, and only approximately 2,000 (or so) have survived the development of urbanity. Chengdu Research Base helps protect China’s national treasure — a fat, fluffy bamboo eater — on 92-acres of natural landscape. Visit Chengdu for your panda extravaganza. Stay at Temple House, a spectacular design hotel, which blends tradition with modernity, and offers many canny immersion programs, from Tai Chi to calligraphy. Their Panda Tourist Package includes a four-hour trip to the panda base. Spoil yourselves in the bi-level penthouse, where romantic flourishes (think carpets of rose petals) await. Don’t miss the city’s famous spicy cuisine. templehousehotel.com b

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Going South

The Southern Hotel for your post-wedding getaway By Anne Roderique-Jones

he wedding is a time of celebrations, of jubilation, and — frankly — of exhaustion. Before you jet off for an exotic honeymoon, take time for some much-needed respite by indulging in a mini-moon. The location: A nearby destination that offers a heavy dose of romance. Just a zippy drive across Lake Pontchartrain lies the Southern Hotel in the charming downtown area of Covington; an ideal location for a quick post-wedding getaway. First, a bit of history: Built originally in 1907, the Mission-style hotel served for 50 years as a retreat for Gulf residents who came to the area for the mineral springs and airy pine forests. The hotel ceased operation in the 1960s, operating as a community center for sweet 16 parties, fanciful dinners and even wedding receptions until it stood vacant until 2011, when it was

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purchased by the current owners. The Southern Hotel reopened to the public on June 1, 2014, exactly 107 years to the day it originally began welcoming guests, and now stands as the Northshore’s most dapper property. Each of the 40 rooms are dressed in preppy-chic designs, in which Ralph Lauren and Lilly Pulitzer would feel right at home. But for the special occasion, spring for one of the suites — there are two: The Walker Percy and the Thomas Sully, named for the noted writer who called Covington home and a Louisiana architect, respectfully. Each has an attached king bedroom, living room area, and a garden tub-for-two. You’ll find smartly-dressed Southerners sipping cocktails in the Cypress Bar come cocktail hour, where you can clink a glass

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of celebratory champagne with your newly betrothed and snap an Instagram-worth story under the Grahame Menage mural. Or if you’re lucky enough to visit during one of those sultry Louisiana evenings, take your beverage out to the verdant courtyard. A romantic dinner can be taken at Oxlot 9, where chef Jeffrey Hansell, a Food & Wine’s “The People’s Best New Chef” nominee, turns out a rotating menu of Gulf-inspired Southern fare. The restaurant is the perfect marriage of stylish and hip without an ounce of snobbery — so exactly what you want for a dinner as a newly minted duo. Pro tip: Choose whatever is seasonal — perhaps a half-dozen raw oysters with a crisp cucumber-lemon mignonette, the housemade parsley parmesan sausage, and whatever fish has been prepared — all ideal

for sharing. And there’s the spa, which is small but mighty. For your postwedding getaway, book a couple’s massage or his-and-her facials, and then relax with a cocktail in the pool after your treatment. While any blissed-out newlywed could be completely content never to leave the property, Covington is in the heart of St. John’s District — no car required and perfect for hand-in-hand strolls. Here, couples can explore more than 25 restaurants (including the superb Del Porto, LOLA and Meribo), art galleries, antique shops and boutiques, along with nightlife if so inclined. An ideal afternoon: Rent a bike at Brooks’ Bike Shop for cycling the Tammany Trace, which begins in downtown Covington, and toast with a post-cycle beer at the Covington Brewhouse or Abita Brewery. southernhotel.com b

Photos courtesy LouisianaNorthshore.com

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Check It Twice There’s a lot that goes into wedding planning, so don’t feel bad if you’re having a hard time keeping track of it all. Use our handy checklist to stay organized illustration by Shaina Anderson

10-12 Months To Go __ You’re engaged! Make sure you celebrate with your fiancé, friends and family. __ Nail down the basics. Where are you getting married? Who’s paying for what? What is your budget? How many guests will be there? __ Alert the wedding party. Decide who you want in your wedding party and ask them as soon as you can. __ Pick the date. Check with your family members and wedding party before you make a final decision so there are no huge time conflicts.

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__ Find a wedding planner. If you’re planning on using a wedding planner, find one in the early stages. He or she will make all the craziness more manageable. __ Book your ceremony and reception location. Where you get married will affect a lot of your planning decisions, so reserving a place should be at the top of your to-do list. __ Insure your ring. Your engagement ring is special, but it’s also expensive. Make sure you get it insured, just in case. __ Book officiant. Make sure your preferred officiant has your wedding date on the calendar.

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__ Write thank you notes for engagement gifts. You will most likely receive a few gifts right after your engagement. Send a thank you note for each gift within three months of receiving it. __ Take engagement photos. Book a session with a professional photographer so you have a few nice photos of you and your fiancé for save-the-dates, newspaper announcements and more. Some photographers will include an engagement shoot with a wedding package. __ Pick your colors. Think about your wedding colors and the overall look of your day. Are you going for a classic look or trendy? Vintage

or glamorous? Your color scheme will guide you through other big decisions, such as the bridesmaid dresses and the groomsmen’s ties.

bands is usually less stressful than shopping for an engagement ring, but carve out a time when you and your fiancé can go look together.

6-9 Months To Go

__ Finalize the rehearsal dinner. Once you’ve decided on the location, book your rehearsal dinner.

__ Interview and select vendors. Make sure you book the “big ticket” items, such as the photographer, the caterer, the florist and the entertainment, early. __ Send out save-the-dates. The typical rule on sending save-the-dates is six months before your wedding, but send them earlier if you’re inviting a lot of out-of-town guests so they can book flights. __ Go dress shopping. You need an appointment at most wedding boutiques, so call a few of your favorite stores to set up a time. __ Register. Register at two or three stores. Choose items at a variety of prices so everyone can find something they can afford. Add more gifts than you think you need so your friends and family have some options. __ Think about the rehearsal dinner. It’s customary that the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner. Talk to your future in-laws about possibilities. __ Schedule transportation. Book a limo, trolley or another form of transportation to shuttle your wedding party from the hotel to your ceremony location. Decide whether you need transportation for your guests to get from the reception to the hotel at the end of the reception. __ Plan your honeymoon. If you’re going out of the country for your trip, make sure you and your fiancé have up-to-date passports. __ Figure out your rentals. Rentals depend on the location of your wedding, but if you’re responsible for common rental items such as chairs and plates, make a list of everything you need and where you’re going to find each item. __ Book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. If you’re not familiar with the hotel, ask a hotel representative to show you a room and don’t forget to inquire about a group rate. __ Order bridesmaid dresses. If your bridesmaids live far away, give them plenty of time to buy their dresses and get them fitted.

4-5 Months To Go __ Buy wedding bands. Shopping for wedding

__ Reserve a wedding night hotel room. Where are you staying for the wedding night? If you’re not leaving for your honeymoon immediately after the reception, decide where you want to stay for the night. __ Get your dress fitted. Your wedding dress is one of the most important dresses you will wear in your life, so it should fit impeccably. Many brides plan up to three fittings. __ Decide on attire for the groom and groomsmen. Talk to your fiancé about what he wants to wear and what will match your overall color scheme. Keep the time of day in mind when researching options. __ Check in with your vendors. Make final decisions with your vendors and update them on new wedding information, such as when they should arrive. __ Order your wedding cake. Taste a few cakes before you decide on your final choice. Talk to your fiancé about a groom’s cake if he wants one.

2-3 Months To Go __ Mail out the invitations. Double check with the post office that you have enough postage. Many wedding invitations require more than one stamp. __ Solidify the catering menu. Whether you’re doing heavy hors d’oeuvres or a sit-down meal, verify the final menu. __ Schedule your hair and makeup team. Find a good hair stylist and makeup artist to help you and your bridesmaids get ready for the day.

One Month Before __ Send your wedding party an itinerary. Make sure your family and friends know where and when to be for the wedding day so everyone shows up at the right place at the right time. __ Enjoy a facial. Everyone reacts differently to facials. If you’re planning on getting one, schedule it a few days before your wedding, or do a trial run months before.

__ Get your marriage license. Head to the Orleans Parish Marriage License Office in Benson Tower (1450 Poydras St., Suite 407) for your marriage certificate. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. Visit dhh.louisiana.gov for requirements. __ Set up your second line. If you’re planning to second line at your wedding, you’re going to need a permit. Call the New Orleans Police Department Special Events Section at 658-7100 to schedule everything 15 to 20 days before your wedding day. You can also email questions to specialevents@nola.gov. __ Practice your hair and makeup. It’s best to practice with your hair stylist and makeup artists ahead of time so there are no surprises on the big day. Plan your trial run for a day you want good hair, such as your bridal shower or bachelorette party. __ Finalize the guest list. Send a final headcount to your caterer and any other vendor who needs the number.

One Week Before __ Double check with your vendors. Touch base with everyone one more time to remind them where to go and to answer any last-minute questions they might have. __ Remind friends and family of their responsibilities. Assign duties to your wedding party or other loved ones. Who is the contact for the photographer? Who is making sure all guests get a favor? __ Get a manicure and pedicure. This can be a great bonding experience with your bridesmaids, mom and future mother-in-law. __ Put together a welcome package. If you have a lot of guests traveling for your wedding, ask the hotel if you can put a welcome basket or bag in their hotel room for when they arrive.

The Wedding Day __ Find a way to relax. Whether you go for a run or read a book in the morning, find a way to keep stress to a minimum. __ Make sure you eat something. Brides always say, “I never had time to eat anything!” Give yourself some time during the reception to have a bite. __ Have fun! You’ve made it through all the planning, now it’s time to celebrate. Enjoy your first day as a married woman. b

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La g ni a ppe

Get Lit Gemstone-inspired Kendra Scott candles great for gifting By Kelly Massicot

In March, fashion accessory brand Kendra Scott launched its new gemstone-inspired candle collection. The four candles combine the aromas of peonies and rose petals, green ivy and blackberries and lilac blossoms. The decorative lid also doubles as a coaster to place under the candle when burning it. Brighten up someone’s day by slipping these candles into a wedding guest welcome basket, add them in as part of a bridesmaid “ask,” or give as a wedding or shower gift to the couple.

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