New Orleans Bride Winter 2016

WINTER/SPRING 2016

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WINTER-SPRING 2016 Editor Melanie Warner Spencer Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Photographer Theresa Cassagne Contributing Editors Mirella Cameran, Sarah Ravits, Lisa Tudor Contributing Writers Amy Gabriel, Becca Hensley, Kelly Massicot, Phil McCausland, Anne Roderique-Jones, Michael Patrick Welch SENIOR Account Executive Brooke LeBlanc Account Executive Zane Wilson Production Manager Staci McCarty Production Designer Ali Sullivan, Monique DiPietro Traffic coordinator Jessica DeBold Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive Vice President/ Editor-In-Chief Errol Laborde Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan Director of Marketing and Events Cheryl Lemoine Event Coordinator Margaret Strahan Distribution Manager John Holzer subscriptions Sara Kelemencky, Mallary Matherne

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 Š 2016 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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c ont e nt s 84

16 STANDARDS

cakeS 9 6

f ro m the editor 16

Get Naked

adv ice 18

Questions and Quandaries Road closures, mother-of-the-groom dresses and junior bridesmaids

Natural, rustic and deconstructed, naked cakes have gone from trendy to timeless

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FOO D 1 0 0

Best Catch

f eat ure 52

Bridal Bar Crawl Beauty bars for your wedding wants

Beauty Breakthroughs 10 skincare products to correct, perfect, target and tone

ho ne ymoon 152

Dress Code

The most fabulous Honeymoon destinations across America

Stunning outfits to take you from the engagement party to the honeymoon

checklist 156

Fast-Track Hacks

Use our handy checklist to stay organized.

Tone up and slim down with targeted moves to look best in your wedding dress

in this issue 158

Setting the Tone

lagniappe 160

5 Exercises to Tone Your Upper Body and Trim Your Waist

Check It Twice

Lavished with Love A multi-million dollar dessert to celebrate new beginnings

make u p 32

Trend Watch Contouring, nude lips and feline eyes offer wow factor

Makeup Magic

ON THE COVER

Crawfish, oysters, shrimp and more bring Gulf Coast fare to your wedding festivities

bea u t y 24

real weddings 121

This Land is Your Land

95 DETAILS

Miracle products to correct, conceal, cover and contour for a flawless face

57 FASHION

LOCATIONS 102

B RI D A L / bridesmaids M E N S W E A R/ F L O W E RS 5 8

P H O T O G RA P H Y 1 0 8

Opening Night

Gowns float and diamonds shine against the filtered light and timeworn walls of the Marigny Opera House. It’s a show-stopping marriage of rustic and refined — prepare for your curtain call. jewelr y 8 4

Rock Opera

Dazzling diamonds and glittering gems that will bring down the house

Get Ready and Get Hitched Luxe locales for every aspect of your Big Day

Photo Op

A guide to the most iconic places to take proposal, engagement, wedding and post-wedding shots.

MUSIC 112

Hey, Mister DJ From apps to vinyl New Orleans’ DJs are spinning your wedding guests right round on the dance floor T RA N S P O RT A T I O N 1 14

Radar Love

Hot rods, sports cars and other exotic cars will make your Big Day getaway unforgettable

hair 36

Runway Report The hottest hair for brides-to-be

Hairstyles that Contour Picking a ‘do for your Big Day that flatters your fabulous face gi f ts 40

Give and Receive Model Jewel Grosch Foresto is wearing 18-karet rose gold and natural pink diamond chandelier earrings at Jack Sutton and a blush pullover faux fur stole at Peony Photo by Theresa Cassagne

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The Crescent City is also the Creative City with gift shops to be found in every neighborhood in vitati ons 44

R.S.V.P.

5 stylish stationery suites

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

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On Jan. 14, 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.

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Cousins Anna Marilyn and Kate Alice lovingly craft letterpress stationery and prints at their charming Warehouse District shop Grove Street Press. The adorable Cloche Cake cards are a sweet way to say thanks to your attendants for keeping you from going bridezilla lo those many months of planning and preparation for your Big Day. grovestreetpress.com

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P.S. Be sure to visit Let Them Eat Cake (myneworleans.com/Blogs/Let-Them-Eat-Cake/), the official blog of New Orleans Bride Magazine. From tips and trends to 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.

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n many ways, a wedding is like a play or movie. Makeup, hair, lighting, wardrobe, music and setting the stage are just a few of the essentials that must be in place for the show — or wedding — to go off without a hitch. We can’t think of a more appropriate location for a Big Day box office hit than the Marigny Opera House, which took its turn on the national stage when the sister of the Queen B, Beyonce, singer Solange Knowles, said I-do there in 2014. It is the set of our most spectacular fashion spread to date in “Opening Night,” page 58. Cue the lights for show-stopping wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, luxe tuxes for your leading man, on-trend hats, headpieces and other accessories, floral arrangements you’ll want to take back to your dressing room and red-carpet worthy jewels.

In this issue, beauty editor Mirella Cameran rounds up skincare products (“Beauty Breakthroughs,” page 24) and makeup (“Makeup Magic,” page 34) that will have you looking flawless on and off camera, as well as tips and advice on getting fit for your nuptials and having hair fit for a starlet.

Speaking of hair, makeup, nails, jewelry and all other things to prep and primp, feature correspondent Amy Gabriel hopped all over New Orleans to get the scoop on the city’s best beauty bars for blowouts, braids, buffs and brows in “Bridal Bar Crawl,” on page 54. We love the idea of centering your bachelorette activities on beauty treatments. For example, baubles and bubbles at the Color Bar at the Kendra Scott jewelry boutique on Magazine Street sounds like a beautiful way to bond with your bridesmaids. Can we get a show of perfectly manicured hands?

Seafood lovers will want to turn to “Best Catch,” on page 100 for our interview with New Orleans superstar chef John Besh, who tells Anne Rodrique-Jones how to incorporate Gulf Coast fare into wedding day eats.

As we enter into the first whirlwind months of 2016, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge a few members of the New Orleans Bride Magazine team for accolades racked up in 2015. Sylist Lisa Tudor was recognized for her work nationally and locally, including in this publication, during the New Orleans Fashion Week Fashion Awards Gala. Photographer Theresa Cassagne and art director Tiffani Reding Amedeo were honored by the Press Club of New Orleans during its Excellence in Journalism Awards for the Spring 2014 fashion feature, “Vintage Vows,” officially making New Orleans Bride Magazine an award-winning publication. Congratulations for your hard work and muchdeserved awards ladies, we are fortunate to have the work of such talented artists in our pages. Take a bow.

Now, on with the show!

— Melanie Warner Spencer, Editor

Editor ’s n oteb ook

Body powder is a bride’s best friend.

I love the linen and body powder at Abode for silky soft skin or to sprinkle on bed linens. It’ll be your favorite secret weapon during and after the wedding. shopatabode.com

A DV ICE

Questions and Quandaries Road closures, mother-of-the-groom dresses and junior bridesmaids

by Dee Lane

Q: As the bride, is it my responsibility to warn my guests about possible construction or travel delays in the area of my ceremony and reception?

If so, how should I do that?

In a city like New Orleans, where — especially Uptown — a street can be open one day and closed for blocks the next, informing your guests of closures is a very thoughtful gesture. However, you’re going to have many things on your plate as your Big Day approaches, and no one is going to blame you if they find themselves stuck in traffic.

But if you, or a family or wedding party member wants to go above and beyond, check Louisiana’s Department of Transportation to learn about planned roadwork.

Then post that information or link to it, along with a map of the area, on your wedding website or print it as a handout to give to those who ask for it or at

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the rehearsal dinner. Just know that no matter how much you plan, a broken water main or a wreck might delay your guests; you can’t plan for everything.

Q: My soon-to-be daughterin-law sent me an email today telling me, in no uncertain terms, her guidelines for the dress I will be wearing to my son’s wedding.

This isn’t our first time butting heads during wedding planning, but I thought she would trust me not to embarrass my family or myself. Is it the bride’s role to approve the mother of the groom’s dress? If not, how should I handle this? It is not. It is fine to have a discussion about your choices, but she may not dictate what you will wear.

It seems from your question that you are angry. Give your future daughter-in-law a break and try not to take it personally. During wedding planning, unfortunately some brides become overexcited

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about every little detail and overlook boundaries; she’s probably not directing orders at you because she thinks you’ll be inappropriate.

Ask her to set aside some time to chat with you about her plans — maybe over lunch or a glass of champagne. Let her show you what she’s excited about. Then show her examples of dresses that you’re considering and tell her why you like them. Once you’re together, you’ll both remember that you’re about to be family and I’m sure you can come to a, very flattering, decision.

Q: I’m thrilled that my niece has asked both of my daughters to be flower girls in her wedding. They are very excited and my youngest, 7, can’t stop talking about the plans. However, my oldest is 11, and while she’s flattered to have a role, she feels she’s too old to have a “babyish” job, like a flower girl. Is there an age limit

for flower girls? Is there a way to suggest that maybe my older daughter should be a junior bridesmaid instead? The usual oldest age for a flower girl is 7, which means that your younger daughter is perfectly appropriate as one but your older daughter would, in matters of age, be more apt as a junior bridesmaid.

A junior bridesmaid’s role is to dress similarity to the other bridesmaids and walk in the processional and recessional. She would not be expected to chip in for showers or bridesmaids gifts to the bride or attend the bachelorette party or other events more appropriate for older attendants.

It is OK for you to reach out to the bride and ask her about this. However, if the bride prefers that your older daughter is a flower girl, and your daughter is amenable to that, it’s totally fine and no one will think anything of it. b

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PRELUDE

beauty p . 2 4

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ma keup p . 3 0

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hair p.34

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gifts p.38

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invitations p.4 2

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b eauty

Beauty Breakthroughs 10 skincare products to correct, perfect, target and tone

By Mirella Cameran Today’s skincare products deliver amazing results, but understanding the science can take hours of homework. If you’re short on time, here are 10 not to miss:

Micellar Water: Simple Micellar Cleaning Water – surfactants in this act as magnets for oil and dirt.

Body Moisturizer: Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer – incredible price and a faultless gradual bronzer.

Coverage: Cover FX Custom Cover Drops – use to transform any product into the perfect coverage

Eye Cream: Chantecaille Nano Gold Energizing Eye Serum – the pros call this one Botox in a bottle, it repairs the skin tissue around the eye.

Moisturizer: Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Bouncy – ultimate forms of hydration are new “bounce” creams.

Facial Oil: Korres Black Pine Sleeping Oil – hydrates and stimulates collagen while you get a good night’s sleep.

Exfoliant: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – gentle and effective exfoliant in one.

Face Mask: Dr.Jart+ Water Replacement Cotton sheet masks – mess-free serum bath for your face.

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Sunscreen: Colorescience Even Up Clinical Pigment Perfector SPF 50 – a new “superscreen’” 3-in-1 provides sun protection, instantly evens skin tone and fights skin discoloration.

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Acne Buster: Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Expert – offers lasertargeted, acne busting benefits.

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b eauty

Dress Code

Stunning outfits to take you from the engagement party to the honeymoon

By Mirella Cameran photos by eugenia uhl Once you’ve found the perfect man to marry, just as hard can be finding the perfect dress. The problem is often picking just one. Fortunately, with so many wedding events held in your honor, you don’t have to. Indulge in a rack of different looks for the engagement, shower, bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner and capture every look for pro shots and selfies alike.

Ivory stretch crepe gown with beaded cap sleeves by Badgley Mischka. Chatta Box Boutique, 4114 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 454-1527

Cream lace turtle neck dress by The Vintage Shop. Luxy Boutique, 4511 Magazine St., 702-8504, luxyboutique.com

Light cut work lace sheath dress in white

by Yvonne La Fleur. Yvonne La Fleur, 8131 Hampson St., 866-9666, yvonnelafleur.com

Herve Leger draped fringe bandage dress in white. Saks Fifth Avenue, 301 Canal St., 524-2200, saksfifthavenue.com

Cream fitted dress with feather peplum

by Endless Rose. Haus 131, 5517 Magazine St., 885-2333. haus131.com

Alencon lace cocktail dress in white from the Noir collection by Lazaro. The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe, 3331 Severn Ave., Metairie, 266-2771, mae-me.com

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b eaut y

Fast-Track Hacks

Tone up and slim down with targeted moves to look best in your wedding dress

By Mirella Cameran

I

f a scientist were to measure the seconds it takes a woman to go from saying “Yes!” to thinking “How do I want to look on my wedding day?” we would only quantify what we already know: We move from one to the other with lightning speed.

And so we should. We’ve dreamed about this day our whole lives and we want to look fantastic. But that’s when panic sets in. How will we do it when just around the corner are the engagement party, showers and then the bachelorette party?

If you are one of this year’s 1.8 million brides and are having these thoughts you can throw away the diet pills and relax. We spoke to local experts for the skinny on how to look your best ever and target the body areas most likely to be on

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show, namely your arms, shoulders and waist.

Ron Morel of Trainer To Go, who trains clients at their homes, says: “Spot reduction or spot training doesn’t work.

That means you can’t just do specific exercises for one part of your body to change the way it looks. There is a layer of fat between your muscles and your skin. When you exercise, you use that fat as fuel but your body can burn fat from any part of your body. If you want to see more muscle definition, you probably need to work on some fat reduction exercises as well as muscle sculpting.

“The best thing to do is find a trainer and put a plan together. Figure out how much overall fat you want to shed through calorie burning workouts. Then identify the areas in which you would like to see more definition.

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Make your plan realistic and fun, so you stick to it. Reward your successes as you go to stay motivated and if you can co-opt a bridesmaid or guest to workout with you, it will be easier to stay the course.”

The next thing is to look at your nutrition. Working out and eating right go together like, well, love and marriage. Focusing only on one is like traveling at half-speed. It will take you twice as long to get there.

Barbara Blank of Clean Creations, a clean meal delivery service advises: “Brides are busy and have less time than ever to shop and cook healthy meals, plus they have lots of temptation around them. However, the worst thing to do is starve yourself, you’ll end up irritable and your body will go into starvation mode, which diminishes your

muscle mass and increases your fat storage.

“Eating three clean meals a day is the best way to lose weight and maintain your energy levels. We’ve had great success with brides.

We often provide meals for five days a week, this allows them to enjoy themselves at the weekends and still lose weight. A wedding is the happiest time of your life; no one wants to be miserable on a super strict diet.

“Brides often stay with us after their Big Day because it’s such an easy, affordable way to eat clean.”

If you are still thinking that your pre-wedding season is the hardest time to take on a new regime, try to recruit your fiancé. Remind him that exercise releases a lot of endorphins and is a great stress buster. He might just say, “I will.” b

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b eaut y

Setting the Tone

5 Exercises to Tone Your Upper Body and Trim Your Waist

By Mirella Cameran illustrations by Marianne Angeli Rodriguez We spoke to Janet “B-Train� Bertrand, a director of fitness at Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego California for the speediest ways to toned perfection.

Waist Trimmer Start lying on your side, with feet stacked and legs straight.

Leaning on your elbow, in a side plank position. Raise the arm that is on top and free, and begin rotating it downward and under your body. Tilt your body towards the ground lightly, while contracting your abs and holding your self in place. Then raise the top arm back to starting position. Continue to sweep the arm back and forth under your body, rotating toward the ground then back to the side. Complete 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions.

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T-Dip Plus Begin by sitting on a bench or chair. Slide your bottom off the bench while holding your body weight up with your hands, fingers facing away from the bench and palms down. With your legs straight, lower your body 2 to 3 inches, then press up through your triceps. Complete 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

Atomic Sit-up Begin by lying on your back on the floor with legs straight and arms up over your head, fully stretched out. Then raise your arms over your head moving to your feet. At the same time bend your knees and bring your legs up off the ground. As you’re sitting up, move arms to the outsides of your legs and touch the outsides of your shoes. This looks very similar to a V-up, but is much more doable and yet still challenging. Complete 3 sets of 15.

Squat and Squeeze Take a kettle bell you can safely squat. Holding it by the handles on top, let the ball of the kettle bell push up against your chest. Make sure to really squeeze the handles tight through out the movement. Begin squatting, going down to where your elbows hover above your knees less than an inch. Stay there and squeeze your gluteus and the kettle bell with your hands for 5 seconds. Then rise up to the top, tucking your gluteus and hips in at the top to complete the squat. Do 3 sets of 8 repetitions.

Pop Ups Starting in child’s pose position, raise your body up quickly to where you are on just your hands and knees. Once you are there, go into a triceps push-up, making sure your arms are narrow and elbows are brushing against your ribs. Then quickly descend back to a child’s pose. You will pop back and forth quickly between these positions. Complete 3 sets of 10 reps. For an advanced version, pop up to your feet, completing the triceps push ups from your feet then back to child’s pose. Popping back and forth quickly.

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makeup

Trend Watch

Contouring, nude lips and feline eyes offer wow factor

By Mirella Cameran Contouring, nude lips and feline eyes; the three major make up trends of the moment look gorgeous on celebrities and models of all shapes, sizes and skin tones. The big question is, will they look good on you? Will these looks exude timeless elegance or date you like an ‘80s meringue dress? We got the answers from New Orleans experts.

Contouring

Nude Lips

Meggan Ory, wwner and head stylist at Makeup by Meggan, advises: “Contouring is a must for a bride.

It is an art. We use shadowing and highlighting to either enhance or recede certain features. Contouring can allow a makeup artist to slim a nose … or slim the face. Highlighting, which goes hand-in-hand with contouring, allows the artist to accentuate certain features. You can highlight the top of the cheekbones to make them appear higher or highlight the inner corner of the eyes to make them look larger. Every bride wants to look photo shoot-ready on her Big Day, and for media photo shoots we highlight and contour the models heavily to accentuate their features. I do a toned-down version on brides to achieve the same optical effects while still looking natural.”

Lindsey Benoit, owner and head makeup artist of About Face of New Orleans, suggests: “Going with a nude lip on your wedding day will give a bride a romantic, dreamy look.

However, there are many different nude shades to choose, and the key is to choose a shade that complements your skin tone. If the color is too light, you will look washed out; if it’s too dark you won’t achieve the subtle, starry look you’re going for.

“For fair skin tones, look for a rosy-nude color, such as Lipstick Queen’s Pinky Nude. Peachy or coral nude shades, like Glo Minerals Tahiti, are good for medium skin tones. If you are on the darker side, try looking for a brown or golden shade that is a shade lighter than your natural lip color. Keeping a natural, nude look will always look effortlessly enchanting.”

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Feline Eyes Ashley Sievert, Owner and Head Make Up Artist at Ashley Sievert Beauty says: “The feline eye definitely has a ‘60s retro vibe, but it also looks classic on brides.

To pull if off, first use a taupe eye shadow to cut the crease of the eyelid and jet-black liquid eyeliner for the actual line on the top lid.

Make sure the liner is defined versus smoky or smudged; the feline is a distinct and clean look.

As for bottom liner, use a black pencil to draw a thin line on one third of the lower lashes.”

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makeup

Makeup Magic

Miracle products to correct, conceal, cover and contour for a flawless face

By Mirella Cameran Even with an intensive skincare regime and regular sessions at the gym, brides are busy organizing and celebrating and often burning the candle at both ends. Luckily, there’s a dazzling array of products that work double duty and cover up myriad sins. Here’s a roundup of our foolproof favorites.

CONTOURING KIT Contouring or strobing isn’t just for reality stars. Used correctly, it creates optical illusions. Faces can appear slimmer, noses smaller and cheekbones stronger. We found the Clinique Chubby Sticks the easiest to work with.

THE HEALTHY GLOW Luminous, dewy skin of youth is the look or “canvas” of the moment.

For 99 percent of the population who need a little help with that, Yves Saint Laurent’s Forever Youth Liberator Water-in-Oil is the answer. Its light texture melts into the skin, smoothing fine lines while delivering a radiant glow.

COVERAGE Airbrush foundation is popular, but many brides are prefer a natural look.

For this, we love NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation. This product’s powerful combination of polymers and pigment mean that you only need one drop for 16 hours of perfection.

EYELASH AND BROW ENHANCER RapidLash Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancing Serum deserves the buzz it’s receiving and could be the alternative to falsies. In just four weeks, lashes are noticeably longer.

VOLUMINOUS POUT We like the shape and volume of Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme that plumps without any itchiness or burning sensation.

The gloss glides on without any stickiness.

LONG-LASTING LIPS Of course a bride wants long-lasting lips, but CoverGirl Outlast Longwear + Moisture locks in moisture as well as color to last all day without any drying effects.

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POWDER Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte is a splurge you won’t regret. This finely milled powder has light reflecting pigments that create a soft focus “halo” effect while also taming any redness.

CONCEALER Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Concealer Treatment is our top pick for its ability to brighten eyes and banish blemishes without creasing.

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HAIR

Runway Report The hottest hair for brides-to-be

By Mirella Cameran illustrations by Marianne Angeli Rodriguez Just when they persuaded us to bob and lob it, hair at the fashion shows is as long as the runways.

No fear, start to grow or grab the extensions to get long, luxe locks or Big Day bangs.

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1. Long and wavy To complement the ‘70s boho vibe, the blow dryers and curlers came out to create big, bouncy waves and curls to reflect a carefree spirit.

2. Elegant long pony Sweep real or “enhanced” long, lustrous locks into the sleekest of ponies; it’s a cinch with a pretty tie or clasp.

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3. Sleek chignon With all the super shine sprays and oils, hair is pulled back into the sleekest of chignons without worrying about flyaways. Wear high or low.

4. Blunt chop

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If you are going to embrace the chop, do it à la Kerry Washington.

It’s like wearing your hair down while enjoying the ease and speed of short hair.

5. Flowers, Fruit and Bows According to the fashion pack, brides this year have full license to accessorize and incorporate wedding colors, flowers or even fruits into sophisticated and rustic styles.

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6. Half-pony Can’t decide up or down? Have both, the new alternative to the half updo is the half-pony. Keep pieces long and flowing at the front and neatly tied or up at the back.

7. Undone braid You could hardly find a designer who wasn’t playing with plaits from classic singles to rows of multiples. For the prettiest and most wearable, opt for a romantic messy version.

8. Messy chignon Affording the sophistication of an updo with added softness, this romantic look appeared in hundreds of variations at the shows.

9. Braided chignon Incorporating single braids nods to the trend, but why not commit to a full, multi-strand show-stopping look?

10. Barrettes & Tiaras Embellishment was practically a proclamation; so adorn short and long styles with diamonds and jewels in clips and tiaras.

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HAIR

P R E LU DE

Hairstyles that Contour Picking a ‘do for your Big Day that flatters your fabulous face

By Mirella Cameran What is your face shape? Here is a simple way to measure

step 1

step 2

The distance across your cheekbones

The distance across your forehead

W

e are going to tell you a secret.

Hairdressers have been contouring for years. It may be all the rage now in makeup, but creating styles to accentuate our best features has always been at the heart of hairdressing. As a bride, knowing the shape

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of your own face and which styles are the most flattering will help you pick a wedding look that is stunning on you.

So what’s your face shape? Most people have oval faces (think Kim Kardashian) but you can have square (Angelina Jolie), round (Emma Stone) or heart-shaped (Reese Witherspoon).

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step 3 The distance across across your jawline

Which one are you?

A very simple way to determine this is to take some measurements: Namely, the distance across your cheekbones, across your forehead and across your jawline. Then measure downwards from the tip of your forehead to the middle of your chin.

If you have an oval face, the length of your

step 4 Then measure downwards from the tip of your forehead to the middle of your chin.

face equals one and a half times the width. Face shapes nearly as wide as it is long are round. For anyone with a forehead roughly the same length as her jawline, the shape is considered square.

A heart shaped face is widest at the cheekbones with a narrow forehead.

Now you know which one you are, follow our

guide for the perfect style.

OVAL FACES Side-swept bangs and a shoulder-length look will create width and softness. Soft waves further enhance this effect and are worn by oval-faced stars such as Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. To create the illusion of more width on longer faces, straight bangs across the forehead will do the job.

SQUARE Women with square faces, such as Keira Knightley, look their best when their hair hits around the jawline in a textured or smooth bob.

For longer hair, wear waves or curls that start below the ears to soften a strong jaw and add movement.

ROUND A round face (think Miranda Kerr) really benefits from hair that creates some angles.

Having pieces cut around the face and chin, or hanging down to highlight the cheekbones will create a more sculpted, slimmer look.

Make sure hair is smooth, any volume or frizz will just add bulk. A sleek pony or severe up do will also add definition and offset the roundness of the face. Make sure no hair falls at the widest point of the face.

HEART For a heart-shaped face (e.g. Zoey Deschanel), add volume around the chin with layers or waves to balance the face. Long side-swept bangs with an up-do or pieces falling below the ears will also have the same effect. b

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Expert Advice When we spoke to local experts, we found out there’s more than the cut to consider when finding the perfect style: Glenn Milliet, owner and lead stylist of Glenn Michael Salons advised: “A hairstyle is made up of three things: color, texture and cut. So when a bride comes to us, we spend time figuring out how to make each element work to achieve the most flattering look to suit her face, her dress and her style.”

Amber Buxton, owner an lead stylist of the Amber Buxton Salon says: “Hair is just like make-up, you can use darker and lighter colors to contour the face and accentuate features such as your eyes, lips and cheekbones. Just the right amount of highlights or lowlights can create dramatic effects.”

Shannon Diaz, owner and lead stylist of Up Sa Daisy Hair and Beauty Studio commented: “Most brides have a good idea of what they want to look like. Our job is to advise on how to adapt a style to suit them. It could be suggesting pieces to chisel out features or volume to soften; but in most cases brides are very good at knowing what works and what doesn’t.”

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G IFTS

Give and Receive

The Crescent City is also the Creative City with gift shops to be found in every neighborhood

By Mirella Cameran photos by theresa cassagne

Maple cheeseboard, cheese and pâté knives featuring the Zamia design and pewter handles; pewter napkin rings from the Banana Leaf Collection, cotton napkin with a bamboo design. Serling silver bangles with satin ribbons from the LUZ and Obscuro collections. Mignon Faget, 3801 Magazine St., New Orleans, 891-2005, mignonfaget.com. Hammered metal serving bowl with glossy white finish and gold trim. Nola Gifts and Decor, 5101 W. Esplanade Ave., Suite 17, Metairie, 407-3532, nolagiftsanddecor.com. NOLA Couture neckties in 100 percent silk, Red Beans and Rice in Gulf Blue, Fleur de Lis in Cayenne Red and Pelican in Regal Purple. John’s Tuxedos, 3200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 455-5353, johnstuxedos.com.

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Porcelain vase with gold glaze, food-safe brass foliage dish, white tail deer antler finished in 24-karat gold leaf. Mixed media painting from Megan Hurdle’s “Crown” series. Jade, 324 Metairie Road, Metairie, 875-4420, jadenola.com. Earrings from Symmetry Jewelers by Nina Nguyen, gold-plated sterling silver set with white and black druzy quartz. Symmetry Jewelers, 8138 Hampson St. 861-9925, symmetryjewelers.com. Vietri peacock dessert plate, L’Objet gold Evoca cake server, Bernardaud Soleil Levant bread, dinner and salad plates, gold Chilewich dahlia placemat, Anna Wetherley pink service plate, gold Baccarat butterfly. Friend and Company, 7713 Maple St., 866-5433, friendandcompany.com.

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i nvitations

R.S.V.P. 5 stylish stationery suites

By Mirella CamerAn photos by theresa cassagne

White pearlized stock printed with rich burgundy ink featuring the bride and groom’s new monogram with burgundy lined envelopes. Gem Printing Co., 1904 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 831-1762, gemprinting.com.

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RECEPTIONS BRIDAL SHOWERS & LUNCHEONS INDOOR & OUTDOOR CEREMONIES REHEARSAL DINNERS OVERNIGHT ACCOMODATIONS AVAILABLE FOR WEDDING PARTIES UP TO 18 PEOPLE CORPORATE MEETINGS & LUNCHEONS ONLY 15 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN NEW ORLEANS

One Clubhouse Dr New Orleans, LA 70131 contact rachel apken at 504.392.2200 Rachaela@englishturn.com englishturn.com

THE PERFECT PLACE . . .

to say I do

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Elegant lace-inspired, gatefold layered invitation with pockets for enclosures.

It also features the bride and groom’s monogram. Terez Battiste, Exquisite Events, 975-4089, EEInvites.com.

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Wrapped in indigo double-faced satin ribbon, this invitation ensemble is comprised of an ivory pocket folder, an embossed monogram and two-color engraving. Betty Hunley Designs, 6057 Magazine St., 895-2870, bettyhunley.com.

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Square invitation with a scalloped design printed on thick cream stock enclosed in dark sky blue shimmer card with pocket for enclosures. Abbey Printing, 429 Wall Bvld., No. 10, Gretna, 392-7774, abbeyprinting.com.

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A tri-folded card on Arturo Italian natural cotton cardstock with navy thermography and a pattern of Louisiana irises.

The custom monogram mimics the wrought iron on The Pontalbas in the French Quarter. The Stationery Stylist, 2910 AToulouse St., 581-7248, monogram and floralthestationerystylist.com. design is made of silver metallic ink on this cream-colored stock paper invitation suite with scalloped edges. Available at Exquisite Events.

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Braid Bar at Carpe Diem

Kendra Scott Color Bar

Bridal Bar Crawl Beauty bars for your wedding wants

By Amy Gabriel photos by theresa cassagne

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hen it comes to getting bridal beautiful, beauty bars are the new something blue.

These magical places where the liquor is replaced by lacquer and the spirits are swapped out for shampoos, often focus on a single niche service and are designed for the modern woman who

wants to book an expert in various primping services.

Rather than relying on a single salon for everything from tresses to toes, you’ll most likely need to bar hop — an activity familiar to most New Orleanians — to achieve the look you want for the big day. Here, the city’s hottest beauty bars to get you pre-garter gorgeous.

The Braid Bar at Carpe Diem

Buff Beauty Bar

Wink Eyelash Bar and Makeup Studio

Book For: Braid guru Beth Washington (@ hairbybethnola), who does pop-up braid bars around the city, is available in-studio for dry hair, no prep required fishtails, French, Dutch, waterfall and halo bridal braids and updos.

Bar Tab: Basic braiding starts at $20.

Top Shelf: Ask for a five-strand braid.

209 Harrison Ave., 723-5919, carpediemboutiquesalon.com

Book For: The “Beauty Buffs” at this chic and modern space offer waxing, makeup and nail services, including gel manicures and complimentary mimosas.

Bar Tab: A gel manicure and a blowout are each priced at $35.

Top Shelf: XTREME lash extensions, blowouts and agave smoothing hair treatments.

720 Carondelet St., 522-2833, buffbeautybar.com

Book For: Natashia Paul and her team specialize in airbrush makeup artistry and bridal hair design.

Bar Tab: Airbrush foundation makeup starts at $50.

Top Shelf: Mink strip lashes and Silk V lash extensions, a hybrid between individual lashes and clusters.

911 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 459-9465, thedailywink.com

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Book For: Esthetician and brow guru Lauren Prats and her brow beauticians are pros at shaping, tweezing and brow trimming, as well as body and face waxing.

Bar Tab: Brow waxes start at $30.

Top Shelf: The Ultimate Option, a semi-permanent technique that attaches one single extension to each of your individual natural eyelashes.

126 Sierra Ct., Metairie, 325-2222, hibrownola.com

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Hi-Brow Beauty Bar

Skin Science: If you’re looking for a little more visual tweaking than makeup contouring can provide, this medical skincare spa can provide services like Ultherapy, a non-invasive and needleless neck, chin or brow lift services that has essentially no downtime, and body treatments such as BioSlimming Body Wraps and non-surgical CoolSculpting.

3213 17th St., Metairie, 309-7048, skinsciencellc.com

Blo Blow Dry Bar

Wink Eyelash Bar and Makeup Studio

Book For: Settle into the hot pink and white decked out hotspot and sip champagne while the pro “bloers” give you a wash and a do from the menu of seven signature looks.

Bar Tab: Basic blowout is $40.

Top Shelf: Clip in extensions or fancy braid work.

5530 Magazine St., 570-6101, blomedry.com

BodyBrite: In addition to wedding party makeup applications, this darling spot with the aqua and white accents provides oxygen treatments, teeth whitening, skin rejuvenation services. 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 475-5510, bodybriteusa.com

Rocket Science Salon and Beauty Bar Make Me Up

Bleu, A Blow Dry Bar Book For: The spot synonymous with “something bleu,” come by for a makeup application, extensions, bridal portraits and get giddy over cocktail-themed blowouts like the sleek and straight “neat” or the messy waves “shaken.”

Bar Tab: Blowouts start at $35.

Top Shelf: Deep conditioning “hair shots” of Moroccan Oil and hair extensions.

701 Metairie Rd., Metairie, 309-5999, bleuablowdrybar.com

Blanc Beauty Bar Book For: So sleek and chic you’ll want to marry it, the bar offers a complete array of nail services ranging from full sets and nail design to quickie manis and pedis, brow, lip and chin waxing.

Bar Tab: Slow beauty signature mani is $30; pedi is $55.

Top Shelf: Reserve the space for a party of eight and receive a complimentary bottle of bubbly and a fruit platter.

4526 Magazine St., 510-4221, blancbeautybar.com

Kendra Scott Color Bar Come In To: Create the jewelry of your dreams by customizing designs for you and your bridal party with the help of the in-house computerized color bar.

Bar Tab: Prices vary depending on items, style and jewel choice. Bridal parties with five or more guests will receive a 15 percent discount on their purchase from the Color Bar. Top Shelf: Book out the glamorous studio for you and your party to sip, sweet and customize your jewels.

5717 Magazine St., 613-4227, kendrascott.com b

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Book For: This full-service makeup boutique (with cosmetics galore) and recently revamped skincare studio offers application, airbrush makeup, lash extensions and brow appointments.

Bar Tab: Makeup services start at $55.

Top Shelf: Bridal party organic spray tanning.

3426 Magazine St., 891-9688, makemeupnola.com

Book For: The funky Marigny location offers bridal makeup and hair services and ‘dos, along with complimentary bang trims, nails, lashes and waxing.

Bar Tab: Bridal hair starts at $76.

Top Shelf: Brazilian Keratin treatments and bio peel facials.

604 Elysian Fields, 218-8982, rocketsciencenola.com

The Magnum Mindset

How to Avoid a Hangover Tips Before the Big Day Be mindful of travel fees associated with at-home services. On location versus in studio pricing can vary.

Inquire about bridal party minimums — some bars have a number expectation with private bridal bookings.

Book ahead — expecting to be scheduled with minimal notice puts you at risk of not being accommodated.

Further, book a trial for an updo and makeup service so you can hone in on the perfect look you want before the big day.

Discuss gratuities in advance so your party isn’t surprised by unexpected fees.

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fashion

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Blush by Hayley Paige “Sunny” ivory two-piece ball gown with lace crop top, keyhole back and full tulle skirt with horsehair hem at The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe; top hat by Scala at Rome’s Tuxedos; 18-karat white gold triple row diamond bracelet, platinum 7-carat asscher-cut diamond ring with tapered baguettes and triple pearl and diamond drop earrings at Jack Sutton

Opening Night Gowns float and diamonds shine against the filtered light and timeworn walls of the Marigny Opera House. It’s a show-stopping marriage of rustic and refined — prepare for your curtain call.

By Lisa Tudor | Photos by Theresa Cassagne Models Jewel Grosch Foresto, Allison Eckert, Margaret Eckert and Greg Maness Hair by Niki Walker | Makeup by Meggan Dupre Orry Photographed at The Marigny Opera House Fine Jewelry provided by Jack Sutton

2B fitted tuxedo by Jean Yves at New Orleans Tuxedos, Inc.; wedding band by Benchmark at Jack Sutton

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Private Collection gown with triple-keyhole illusion back and full princess skirt at Bustles & Bows Bridal Boutique; triple pearl and diamond drop earrings and platinum and over 3-carat cushion cut diamond halo ring at Jack Sutton BrideNewOrleans.com |

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Antique hydrangea, cranberry astilbe, white French tulips, bear claw fern, tillansandia and white cymbidium orchids. The Plant Gallery

“Cassandra� mermaid silhouette gown

by Sottero and Midgley with portrait illusion neckline and flared tulle skirt at Southern Bridal; Platinum and diamond necklace, triple pearl and diamond drop earrings and 6.72-carat emerald-cut platinum and diamond ring with baguettes at Jack Sutton

Ike Behar navy three-piece “Collin” tuxedo at John’s Tuxedos; wedding band

by Benchmark at Jack Sutton

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Jovani blue and black strapless evening dress at Pearl’s Place; diamond drop pendant necklace and 18-karat white gold diamond flower earrings at Jack Sutton

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Red and blush spray roses, red tulips, coxcomb calla lilies, snowberries and veronica. Kim Starr Wise Floral Events

Bryan Michaels slim fit tuxedo sampled in merlot at Tuxedos to Geaux

“Pride� gold brocade strapless gown by Modern Trousseau with high-low hemline and chapel train (companion fur-trimmed shrug jacket not shown) at Wedding Belles New Orleans; over 4-carat oval yellow gold diamond ring bordered in old European diamonds and yellow diamond eternity band at Jack Sutton

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Amsale Bridesmaids lace gown at Wedding Belles; Donna Morgan “Tiffany” Pailette sequin halter blouson gown sampled in Grey Ridge at Olivier Couture; belt worn as headband at Pearl’s Place Floral head piece is white gerbera daisies, ranunculus, astilbe, green bell, ficus elastic and assorted foliage.

Grow With Us Florist

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Mini scarlet spray roses, purple lisianthus, deep purple trachelium with an asymmetric design accented with hot chocolate mini calla lily, flame leucadendron, scabiosa pods and tips of purple limonium.

Fabulous Flower

Allure Men by Jean Yves Tan Groom’s notch lapel tuxedo at Ladies and Gents Formalwear

Montage by Mon Cheri silver lace gown with sequins and Modern Metallic bridesmaid dress sampled in platinum

by Sorella Vita at The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe; top hat at Rome’s Tuxedos with belt worn as hatband at Pearl’s Place

Noir by Lazaro black Mikado satin trumpet gown with Mikado and horsehair sash used in hair at Linda Lee Bridal & Boutique

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Ike Evening by Ike Behar two-button notch lapel navy and black houndstooth tuxedo at Rome’s Tuxedos; wedding band by Benchmark at Jack Sutton

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“Astor” and “Keira” Techno Metal Gowns by Nicole Miller feature empire waists, signature wrap bodice and back ruching, at Pearl’s Place; top hats at Rome’s Tuxedos; triple pearl and diamond drop earrings at Jack Sutton

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Black dahlia, millet, copperbeach, stock, gunni eucalyptus, seeded eucalyptus, pampas grass and blushing bride protea.

Bee’s Wedding and Event Floral Designs

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Empire lace sheath gown with sweetheart neckline, Private Label at Linda Lee Bridal & Boutique; Pink pear-shaped white diamond drop earrings, round rose-cut and natural pink diamond bracelet, 18-karat white gold and diamond choker, over 4-carat oval yellow diamond ring bordered in old European diamonds at Jack Sutton. Birdcage comb by Ellen Henderson at Southern Bridal; Niki Walker Red matte lipstick at Niki Walker Salon

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Allure Bridals couture gown with beaded bodice and columns of organza ruffles at Pearl’s Place; 18-karat rose gold and natural pink diamond chandelier earrings at Jack Sutton BrideNewOrleans.com |

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Black baccarat roses, scabiosa pods, astrantia, burgundy phlox, safari sunset leucadendron and red astilbe with eclectic agonis, bay laurel, feather eucalyptus foliages, pink mink protea, succulent plants and white polar star roses. IRIS Floral and Event Design Studio

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“Leana� transclucent five-tiered lace gown with tulle skirt by Rivini at I Do Bridal Couture; 8-carat yellow diamond Eternity Band and platinum 3-carat cushion-cut diamond halo ring at Jack Sutton Floral headpiece is white gerbera daisies, ranunculus, astilbe, green bell, ficus elastic and assorted foliage.

Grow With Us Florist

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Jeanette tank strap chiffon sheath dress with illusion back embellished with Swarovski crystals by Maggie Sottero at Olivier Couture; diamond cluster earrings, natural Baroque Pearl pendant and natural fancy pink 1.02 carat diamond ring at M.S. Rau Antiques

Amsale lace and tulle maids gown sampled in crimson and navy at Wedding Belles New Orleans; 14-karat yellow gold and diamond in and out hoop earrings, circle at left, oval at right, at Jack Sutton

“Tenley� gown by Maggie Sottero with illusion back, lace bodice and chiffon skirt at Olivier Couture; diamond and pearl drop earrings at Jack Sutton

Jean Yves Steel Grey Modern Fit tuxedo at Ladies & Gents Formalwear; wedding band at Jack Sutton

“Tara� beaded sheath gown by Theia Couture at Blanc Bridal Couture; 18-karat white gold triple diamond teardrop earrings at Jack Sutton Floral head piece is pink dahlias, waxflower, berry, sage, lily grass and assorted foliage from Grow With Us Florist

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18-karat gold, white and yellow diamond wedding band.

18-karat white gold diamond dangle earrings, 18-karat white gold baguette and round diamond necklace with pear shape diamond drop.

18-karat white gold diamond ring with "X" design.

14-karat white gold diamond ring with three clusters of marquis and princesscut diamonds encircled by pavĂŠ diamond halos.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

14-karat white gold in and out diamond hoops, 14-karat white gold three-stone diamond ring surrounded by three rows of diamonds, 14-karat white gold diamond fashion ring with 105 diamonds. Fisher & Sons Jewelers

Rock Opera

Dazzling diamonds and glittering gems that will bring down the house

By Mirella CamerAn photos by theresa cassagne model Kirsten Rinck

18-karat white gold, multicolored sapphire and diamond necklace, platinum and emerald cut diamond ring, 18-karat white gold, diamond and ruby elite necklace.

Adler’s Jewelry

14-karat white gold ring with a 7.5-carat oval sapphire diamond with 12 diamonds. 18-karat white gold estate diamond dangle earrings with 11.47-carat sapphires.

18-karat white gold estate necklace with 60-carats of diamonds and sapphires.

Friend and Company

Estate, five-row platinum and diamond bracelet with hand milgrain finish features 10 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds. Estate 18-karat white gold necklace with black rhodium platinum, featuring over 7.50 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds. Custom designed Wellington & Co. Signature Bridal Collection diamond engagement ring and complementing band.

Available in white, yellow, rose gold and platinum. Wellington and Company

3.5-carat three stone-diamond engagement ring, 14-karat white gold diamond halo engagement ring featuring 94 round-cut diamonds. Diamond dangle earrings in 14-karat white gold featuring 498 diamonds. Diamond tennis bracelets in white gold featuring 5, 6 and 7 carats of diamonds, respectively. White gold, 16-inch diamond tennis necklace featuring 119 round-cut diamonds. Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers

Yellow diamond eternity band with 8.37 carats of cushion-cut diamonds.

8-carat yellow cushion-cut diamond set in platinum and diamonds. L’Amour-cut diamond set in 18-karat white gold with diamond surround. Yellow diamond, yellow tennis bracelet, 6.5-carat diamond Lariat necklace in 18-karat white gold. Boudreaux’s Jewelers

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cakes

Get Naked

Natural, rustic and deconstructed, naked cakes have gone from trendy to timeless

By Mirella CamerAn

photos by theresa cassagne

Four-layer naked chocolate cake, white chocolate buttercream filling, fresh summer berries and melted ganache overlay. The Sweet Life-Bakery

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Three-tier chocolate naked cake with white buttercream icing, decorated with fresh flowers courtesy of Grow with Us Florist. Antoine’s Bakery

Two-tier naked almond sponge cake with vanilla buttercream filling, decorated with fresh flowers. Maurice French Pastries

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food

Superior Seafood

John Besh Gumbo

Superior Seafood

Best Catch Crawfish, oysters, shrimp and more bring Gulf Coast fare to your wedding festivities

By Anne Rodrique-Jones

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ating local means something entirely different for a New Orleans wedding.

Rather than the rest of the country’s affinity for a meatand-potatoes check box on the response card, here, you’re more likely to find fresh oysters and crawfishstudded pasta. Chef John Besh, a seasoned fisherman,

author of the new book “Besh Big Easy: 101 Home Cooked New Orleans Recipes,” and owner of 12 restaurants says, “In our neck of the woods, this is what we are and what we do.” The warm waters allow the city’s inhabitants to enjoy in-season seafood year-round, and there’s no better time to do so than when celebrating wedding-

related events. “You can eat steak anywhere, you come here for seafood,” says Besh.

From a raw bar to a scallop station, here are seafoodcentric ideas for the entire wedding weekend.

The Boil Nothing says New Orleans like a classic seafood boil. Far beyond the crawfish variety,

this offering can extend to shrimp, crab and oysters.

Besh’s catering team often provides a rustic crawfish boil for the rehearsal dinner and, later, refined Louisiana Creole classics for the wedding reception. “We’re doing crab, shrimp and seafood boils for a rehearsal dinner,” says Besh. “You have people coming in and they want the

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Raise the bar Choose a Crescent City classic to sip at the bar with your nearest and dearest or serve as the signature wedding drink.

Sazerac: The Roosevelt’s classic Sazerac Bar is a handsomely dark place to sip this brightly hued beverage.

French 75: While not invented in New Orleans, the French 75 is closely associated with the city. Best sipped at Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, their version of the effervescent sip is made with champagne, lemon and Courvoisier — and frankly, it screams celebration.

The Vieux Carre: Named for the French

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Quarter, this boozy libation is often tipped back at the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar and Lounge, where it was invented in 1930.

The Brandy Milk Punch: Ideal for an early celebration, this creamy eye-opener is served with brandy, vanilla, simple syrup, milk and nutmeg, and is a staple at Brennan’s.

taste of Louisiana; the casual seafood boil is the perfect opportunity for celebrating the wedding.”

John Michael Rowland, General Manager of Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar, a restaurant that holds a devout appreciation for its heritage in South Louisiana and carries out a mission to support local farmers daily by using Gulf Coast seafood, claims that, “It isn’t a southern wedding in the spring without a Cajun-style crawfish boil to kick-off your wedding festivities.The restaurant’s custom-built kitchen can accommodate large boils, equipped with four pots that hold 70-pounds of crawfish in each. The restaurant also has a new off-site catering rig that brings the boil straight to the celebration.

The Raw Bar It’s not a New Orleans wedding without a raw bar. In fact, Besh says, “I haven’t been to a Louisiana wedding reception without a raw bar. Or having the crab fingers and little crab fritters or crawfish in-season with pasta. I can’t imagine not having it.” At one of his recently catered events in a remote bayou in Southeast Louisiana, his team created a raw bar — along with the boil — featuring everything from chilled boiled seafood to chilled ceviche and shrimp — even a caviar station — all served over a huge bar made entirely of ice.

Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar offers traditional and non-traditional styles of Gulf Coast oysters for the in-house wedding-related event, including raw, chargrilled, Bienville, Rockefeller or their Angels on Horseback, which are wrapped in bacon and lightly fried.

Entrees and Stations Offering a Gulf seafood dish as an entrée option for the wedding is practically de rigueur in the Crescent City.

Naturally, there are loads of options, but the classics often feel the most special.

Commander’s Palace offers a few suggestions for set menus, along with one that includes their decadent turtle soup, spiked with sherry, to start; followed by a pecancrusted fish, topped with champagne poached jumbo lump crab, spiced pecans and a crushed corn sauce.

Naturally, the signature Creole bread pudding soufflé makes for a showy dessert.

Superior Seafood — also with myriad group options — offers everything from a blackened fish Napoleon, topped with crawfish etouffée to New Orleansstyle barbecued shrimp or their shrimp andouille brochettes: char-grilled, bacon-wrapped shrimp, stuffed with andouille and Monterey Jack cheese.

Arnaud’s Restaurant one-ups the station trend by offering seafood-specific stops. Think a shrimp and grits station, a scallops with saffron cream sauce station, a soup station with seafood gumbo and turtle soup, as well as a station with oysters, shrimp and crab claws.

Gulf Coast Cocktails Local seafood isn’t limited to the plate. Besh is often known to serve guests a seafood-inspired cocktail like a shooter or an upgraded Bloody Mary. “We do oyster shooters and a take on the bloody Mary with the boil’s shrimp that are garnished with pickled okra.”

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LOCATIO NS

The Cannery George Kuchler photo

Get Ready and Get Hitched Luxe locales for every aspect of your Big Day By sarah ravits

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hether you’re looking for a place to quietly elope or getting hitched in front of 500 of your closest friends and family members, there are seemingly endless possibilities of places in New Orleans to tie the knot or host wedding-related festivities. We’ve scouted out 12 sweet spots in and around the city that provide just the right ambiance to make your wedding memorable and romantic.

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English Turn Golf and Country Club Racheal Apken of English Turn Golf and Country Club says the facility is classically elegant and can be easily transitioned to host a modern or vintagestyle wedding ceremony.

The home of many major PGA tournaments and events, English Turn accommodates up to 500 guests and provides catering and assistance with entertainment, though couples are also welcome to bring in WINTER-SPRING 2016

their own caterers. For those who want to tie the knot outdoors, English Turn has a ceremony area that can seat up to 350, overlooking the water feature, a fountain and 18th green. “Our sunsets are always so beautiful, and the peaceful tranquility of the lush grounds is so romantic,” says Apken. The venue can also host outdoor receptions. For overnight accommodations, The Villa at English Turn is a 5,000square foot home, directly across the street from the

clubhouse, which can sleep up to 16. “It’s a perfect place for the bridal party and family to stay the weekend of the wedding,” says Apken. She recommends booking it about a year in advance.

Royal Sonesta The Royal Sonesta in the French Quarter accommodates weddings from 10 to 500 people, says Colleen McCourtney, marketing manager. It also offers in-house catering (the

hotel doesn’t allow outside food or beverage), though couples must hire their own entertainment. “The feeling here is romantic and exciting,” says McCourtney.

“We are known for our exceptional style and service, timeless elegance and the modern charm of our versatile facilities.”

Areas of interest include the hotel’s Grand Ballroom; Fleur de Lis Suite and lush tropical courtyard, as well as the hotel’s second-floor terrace. The hotel itself has more than 450 guest rooms, including 36 suites, which makes it convenient for out-of-town guests.

“We offer the highest degree of personal service from a team of warm and wonderful wedding professionals,” says McCourtney, “from bridal showers and rehearsal dinners to hospitality suites and the final brunch.”

The Cannery The Cannery was once a warehouse space for the American Can Company that sat dormant for years until the Pel Hughes company purchased it in 1997 and breathed new life into it. Today, it’s a sleek, modern event space with a flexible floor plan and layout and an outdoor patio connected to the front entrance. It also provides secure off-street parking.

The Cannery has catering in-house by Toulouse Gourmet, but the betrothed couple must bring in their own entertainment.

Overnight accommodations are not offered, and it is advised that brides book The Cannery about eight months to a year in advance. “Smaller

events like luncheons and weekday events can be pulled together in as little as a month,” says Julie Mathews, production coordinator. She adds that cocktail receptions can accommodate 500 guests.

Louisiana Castle The Louisiana Castle in Franklinton is a replica of an English Norman Keep castle, located on 10 acres of lush land away from the hustle and bustle of the Crescent City. The glass-enclosed ballroom is frequently the site of wedding receptions, featuring crystal chandeliers, white columns and inlaid floors. The “Throne Room” has king and queen thrones, a suit of armor and a wedding sofa. On the top floor of the castle is the Juliet Suite, where members of the bridal party can spend the night before getting ready for the Big Day. The Louisiana Castle’s standard packages include catering, a DJ for the reception, a wedding and groom’s cake that is customdesigned with the on-site baker, Ms. Tina. L

Broussard’s: New Orleans French Creole Restaurant One of the grand dames of New Orleans restaurants, Broussard’s first opened its doors in 1920 on Conti Street. To this day, the five-star, family-run restaurant is an elegant, quintessential must for visitors and locals looking for a nice meal. But it’s not just a restaurant — it’s also a timelessly elegant wedding venue accommodating up to 200 guests with the use of the adjacent BrideNewOrleans.com |

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Cedar Grove Plantation John and Andrew Alwert photo

English Turn Marisa Lambert photo

Hermann-Grima Courtyard, and receptions hosting up to 350. Of course, the restaurant provides catering (bringing in another caterer is not allowed), though brides should provide their own wedding cakes. Clients are encouraged to bring in outside entertainment.

With careful restoration of the centuries-old building, the space is historic and glamorous. Trent Verges, marketing director, recommends that it be booked about a year and a half in advance, adding that the “lush courtyard and our ability to use the beautiful Herman-Grima courtyard, along with our rich history, set us apart from any other venue in the French Quarter.”

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The Chicory Built in 1852 as a coffee warehouse, The Chicory is now a well-received event space (getting nods from both Martha Stewart Weddings and The Knot).

It can fit up to 400 guests, and the rental fee is allinclusive, providing catering (except for the wedding and groom’s cake), tables, gold Chiavari chairs, ivory linens, china, glassware, silverware, personal attendants for the couple, on-site security and a private room for the couple to dine at the beginning of the reception. The historic building features hard wood floors, exposed brick walls, exposed woodbeam ceilings, brass gas lanterns and a 2,000 square-foot balcony overlooking Fulton and Lafayette streets. Another WINTER-SPRING 2016

bonus is that it’s within walking distance to the French Quarter, so guests who are staying nearby will be able to get there easily.

JW Marriott The JW Marriott can accommodate up to 500 guests, reception-style; and 400 guests, plated-style, in its iconic Île de France indoor ballroom, featuring six crystal chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Canal Street and city lights. It also can host more intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions on its eighth-floor terrace.

The hotel has a catering team that works closely with the couple to “ensure that their wedding is both memorable and authentically New Orleans,” says Maggie

Hartz- Zschiedrich, catering sales executive. “We can customize any menu that suits your taste. We offer reception-style menus and plated menus.” Couples can also bring in an outside caterer if they choose. HartzZschiedrich says that couples can also bring in their own entertainment — and they won’t get charged additional power or setup fees.

Complimentary cake-cutting services are also offered.

The overall ambiance of the hotel, she says, is “a perfect blend of distinct class and Old World charm, with unparalleled accommodations, personalized services and an abundance of upscale amenities.” As an added bonus, brides can enjoy getting ready on-site — the hotel offers

a complimentary suite.

Hartz- Zschiedrich says that weddings should be booked around 10 months to a year in advance.

The Blake Hotel

For a more intimate rehearsal dinner or bridal luncheon, check out the Blake Hotel in the heart of downtown next to Lafayette Square and Gallier Hall.

“The space is perfect for rehearsal dinners and bridal luncheons,” notes Andy Le Bouef, director of sales and marketing. “We don’t host ceremonies or receptions because the space is too small, but our restaurant Café at the Square can handle the catering, or the client can bring in their own.” The hotel features a landscaped balcony overlooking St. Charles Avenue, and it offers discounted room rates. Le Bouef says that the staff begins booking up to a year in advance. He says it is a great choice for accommodations for wedding guests as well as hosting small celebrations.

The Jaxson

After an extensive renovation completed in April 2015, the Jaxson, located inside the historically significant Jackson Brewery Building, is one of the newest venues in the French Quarter and accommodates up to 375 guests indoors and 125 outdoors. For seated dinners, it can fit about 150 inside.

The overall ambiance is clean, sophisticated and modern with touches of warm New Orleans-style finishes, says Vicky Bayley, who works in business development. “We provide catering and all of the sound

and lighting equipment for entertainment,” she says.

“Brides can’t bring in their own catering, but they do bring in their own entertainment.” The facility does not offer overnight accommodations, but it does allow flexible scheduling — while many venues need up to a year or more in advance, Bayley says that they can book events up to two weeks in advance. “We focus on creating a custom experience by offering the ability to create your own menu and build your own bar,” she says. “We have a full-service restaurant kitchen and everything is cooked on-site.

We also feed the band!”

She adds that the venue provides on-site management of the event and ceremony coordination and the rental fee includes many other amenities and discounted prices during certain times of the year.

UP TO A SIZE 32

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Cedar Grove Cedar Grove Plantation, according to owner Jill Mercer — who works on-site with her husband, Joey, and their children — can accommodate anywhere from around 50 to 350 guests in the historic home that was built in 1790. She and her family strive to be attentive and kind to all visitors. “Our motto is to create a beautiful and peaceful home so that everyone who visits here will leave a better person than when they came,” she says. Going hand-in-hand with that hospitality is the catering they provide: “We are known for our delicious cuisine,” she says. (Outside catering is not allowed.) In terms of entertainment, “We welcome wedding bands, BrideNewOrleans.com |

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jazz bands or second-line bands; however, only our in-house DJ is allowed at the plantation,” she says.

The 225-year-old building is complemented by new construction allowing it to “flow with the hustle and bustle of parties and receptions.” With a chapel that’s attached to the ballroom, the plantation is praised for its romantic ambiance. “Many people ask if it’s haunted, and although I always say no, it would be remiss not to recognize how many souls have passed through this home in the past 225 years,” says Mercer. “I say that it is a spiritual place.

When people come through the front door, there is a peaceful tranquility that transpires. It’s not something we created. It just came as a gift from the house.” While it doesn’t offer overnight accommodations, Mercer says there are several hotels nearby.

Quarter-style courtyard (with a fountain). History and art buffs, along with Francophiles, will take delight in knowing that French Impressionist Master Edgar Degas once lived and painted within its walls.

Packages offered through the Degas House include an engagement party; bridal shower; champagne candlelight rehearsal dinner (that can take place in the parlor or in the courtyard); bridal brunch, luncheon or tea; dressing of the bride; honeymoon suite; morningafter champagne brunch; French Creole breakfast; a tour of the home itself; elopement ceremonies and art classes with a wine reception. Degas House has wedding coordinators on staff that can help coordinate every detail.

Entertainment such as wedding bands or DJs are not provided. Brides are also welcome to bring in outside catering.

Southport Hall

Il Mercato

Southport Hall in Jefferson, off River Road, accommodates up to 400 guests with a variety of options for on-site catering as well as offering space for outdoor caterers. Although it was once an illegal casino, owned and operated by Carlos Marcello, today it’s a “fun atmosphere” for a wedding, says Mark Bagnetto, who recommends booking it anywhere from eight months to a year in advance.

Il Mercato — a Works Progress Administration project — was designed

by Sam Stone in 1930 as a food market. In 2014, it underwent a restoration bringing it back to its original look and feel, but with grand upgrades. Enjoy your cocktail reception in the gorgeous courtyard, say your vows in front of the fireplace and enjoy elegant and delicious food by Joel Catering in the spacious main hall. The cozy and sophisticated library is the perfect place for guests to mingle in a quieter setting.

Il Mercato accomodates anywhere from 150 to 500 guests in its historic Lower Garden District setting. b

Degas House On historic (and picturesque) Esplanade Avenue is the Degas House, an elegant Southern mansion with a French

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Photo by Amy Lombardo of Tres Bien Photography

Photo Op

A guide to the most iconic places to take proposal, engagement, wedding and post-wedding shots.

By Anne Rodrique-Jones

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ew Orleanians have it good when it comes to a stunning backdrop for photos. The city is rich in history, with brightly painted homes, European-style architecture and moss-draped trees. For wedding-related milestones, the Crescent City offers a cornucopia of options to

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create the perfect shot. Here, four New Orleans photographers share their favorite iconic backdrops and a few hidden gems.

The Proposal Proposal shots are becoming increasingly popular. Imagine this: A groom is on bended knee, pouring his heart out while asking his to-be bride

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for her hand in marriage.

Hidden in the background is your wedding photographer, on-hand to capture this moment — the beginning of an exciting journey — with an abundance of photos.

Amy Lombardo of Tres Bien Photography says that the Nola Gondola has been a popular place for proposals, and she can easily hide to get

the best shots. She also loves Crescent Park in the Marigny, which provides unparalleled views of the New Orleans skyline. Sarah Mattix of Sarah Mattix Photography says she has done quite a few proposal shots at the Botanical Gardens at City Park (where a permit and fee are required). She says, “There are fewer people there and the landscaping

is beautiful; after they get engaged, we can take pictures in the garden. It turns into a photo shoot.” She also loves Audubon Park, where she can shoot in an open area and the couple won’t know she’s there. Maddox says, “The most exciting shoots are proposals.”

The Engagement At GK Photography, engagement photos are included in every package.

George Kuchler, owner and wedding photographer with 21 years of experience says that he always asks his couples where they got engaged and how. He says, “This helps me learn about them quickly and directs me where to go.” For this shoot, he might suggest bar hopping, with a stop at the iconic House of Blues. For something more classic, he might take a couple to Longue Vue House and Gardens.

“That is more secluded and it gives you variety that’s pretty with flowers in bloom, the driveway with the oak trees and the gorgeous house.”

For Brenda Sison of Sison Photography, a favorite location for engagement shoots is at the Jon Vaccari House historic house and design showroom on St. Charles Avenue. Sison says, “It’s as New Orleans as you can get: elegant, French, contemporary.” Also, it’s rarely used. Another gem for engagement photos is Mardi Gras World. Sison says, “It can be set up phenomenally; they can move the floats around on the dance floor and light them.” Lombardo says that you can’t go wrong with the French Quarter.

“It’s why so many photographers can get away with not having a studio. Why

have one when you have the most beautiful sites in the United States?” She says everywhere you turn, there’s something beautiful and amazing — specifically in the French Quarter. “You can’t go wrong with the Carousel Bar. I love framing people in the window. It’s less posed and more just like having a drink at the bar.” She also discloses a secret to those great balcony shots. “I will tell you that so many times when I’m in the Quarter for an engagement shoot, someone will be out on their balcony watching, and will ask us to come up and use it for photos. Or they have access to a courtyard that is so New Orleans but not touristy. That’s just a testament to how amazing people are in New Orleans.”

The Wedding According to Lombardo, having the entire party at Jackson Square is breathtaking. She recently had an out-of-town bride from Texas who paid for the permit and booked a shoot there. Lombardo says, “She went back to Texas with a photo that is unequivocally New Orleans.” For Mattix, Race and Religion is about as perfect as you can get for wedding shoots. Here, the balcony, agriculture and even the slave quarters inside, show the true history of New Orleans. “It screams New Orleans. You can get the French Quarter feel without being in the Quarter,” says Mattix. She’s also shot in cemeteries — specifically the Metairie Cemetery. Mattix says, “It’s quiet and calm and doesn’t even feel like a cemetery.” Sison points out the destination couples prefer different locations than locals. “Your destination BrideNewOrleans.com |

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Photo by Sison Photography

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Getting Ready Sarah Mattix of Sarah Mattix Photography offers up her suggestions for photos of the bride preparing for the Big Day. International House hotel: The walls are white and the floors are wooden; it’s airy and not too much is going on. You can focus on the couple getting ready.

The light floods.

The Roosevelt: [It] has suites and light and you can go in the rooftop by the pool and shoot there.

Photo by Amy Lombardo of Tres Bien Photography

bride is coming to New Orleans [because] they love it, but it’s not the same city that we love. They want the French Quarter, Esplanade Avenue and City Park. Their guests from out of town will recognize this as New Orleans.” She adds that local brides request more artsy and intimate locations. “Our homegrown brides prefer more architecture, the art, the music the bands — what

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make New Orleans specific to us.”

Post-Wedding While most photographers do a post-wedding shoot, Kuchler offers a specific Mr. and Mrs. package after the wedding day. “Who doesn’t want to get back in their wedding dress?” He says that the gents will often rent a tux or even wear a natty suit. “For these shoots, you WINTER-SPRING 2016

can relax and be as candid as possible. Plus, I get a ton more photos.” For these shoots, he might head to the back end of City Park around Fillmore or the backside of the French Quarter. For modern post-wedding day photos, the Saints Hotel is about as modern as you can get. “The Mr. and Mrs. sessions are all about the couple’s personality.” b

Hotel Monteleone: Go on top of the roof (in advance) and you have the sign in the background that says Hotel Monteleone. And the [Carousel] Bar. Windor Court: Beautiful doors to hang the dress right in middle and the light is great. I love the natural light that fills your face in.

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Hey, Mister DJ

From apps to vinyl New Orleans’ DJs are spinning your wedding guests right round on the dance floor

By Michael Patrick Welch

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here’s one thread that carries through the long evolution of the DJ from spinner of vinyl records to today’s laptop jockey: weddings. The wedding DJ is the true Master of Ceremonies. The DJ can, in some ways, do more than a band can do, and always for a smaller slice of your wedding budget. In this modern world there exists 1,000 different types of DJs, but two primary types of wedding DJs. The first type aims to be all things to all people. Phil Parrino has owned Countdown Sound DJ rental service for over 20 years. He and his DJs started off spinning real vinyl but today use the app Virtual DJ. “Wedding DJs are a select group; we need to know all

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styles of music because we are playing for people from 20 years old to 80 years old. Not only selecting good music but you have to be an entertainer and a good time manager — we DJs are hired so that things happen in a certain time, and it’s kept fun. Regular DJs don’t have that pressure.”

Parrino says the right equipment is also key.

“Live bands are still the trend for New Orleans’ high-end brides, but the rest of the country has replaced bands with these complicated DJ set ups,” says Parrino.

“So, every year we go to Las Vegas to learn all the latest trends and technology. Millennials for instance are really visual — they grew up playing video games — and they all want lighting. So we keep a massive collection of

wireless uplighting.”

Parrino’s team also follow musical trends.

“The younger people have shorter attention spans, so a lot of times we have to switch songs about a minute and a half into the song, when we see the dance floor dying,” says Parrino. “The old people think we’re messing the song up, but we’re just following a trend. Our goal is to make people have a good time, and if we see them start fading away, we have to bring them back.”

Parrino attests that the most popular first dance song these days is, “Thinking Out Loud,”

by Ed Sheeran, while the tune that gets the family on the floor remains Mark Ronson’s and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.”

The second type of wedding DJ is hired for their specialized niche. DJ Matty has spun vinyl 45s of ‘60s era rock-n-roll at New Orleans’s legendary Mod Dance Party monthly for 15 years.

“When I started DJing I was surprised there were 20-year-olds into ‘60s music,” laughs Matty.

“Now it’s 15 years later and they are all 35 and all getting married. So now I’m DJing all their weddings.

It’s full circle.”

Though a true vinyl warrior when DJing in public, at weddings DJ Matty makes sure he can fulfill any request even, he says, Katy Perry.

“Out in the world I usually play 45s, so if I don’t want to play something I can always tell people ‘I don’t have it.’” He admits. “But at a wedding I am happy to plug my phone in and

play requests, because I just want the family to all dance together and be happy.”

DJ Matty believes these jobs also involve protecting the wedding. Though he himself enjoys rap, he says, “I won’t play rap, no matter how much the young kids like it, because the old people just don’t like it. I ignore requests from the bride’s younger brother who wants to hear the very dirty rap song, claiming ‘Everyone will love this!’ Same with the aunt who just learned to Salsa dance or Cajun dance recently, and so wants you to play that music…but then they don’t dance, the floor just clears.”

At the risk of sounding harsh, Matty says, “I just ask the bride up front now, ‘Is there anyone I shouldn’t take a request from?’ They don’t even laugh,” says Matty, “They just say ‘yes,’ and point them out.”

Matty DJ’d four weddings the week he spoke to us: one at Studio Three on Bayou St. John, another at Cane and Table, a third at NOLA Brewery and a fourth in New York.

“There are a few songs that will never fail anywhere, no matter what demographic the wedding is, white, black, etc. They all love ‘Proud Mary’ by Ike and Tina, and ‘Shout!’ by the Isley Brothers.

“Of course DJing a wedding in New Orleans is so much easier,” Matty adds, “Because everyone from 10 years old to 60 years old loves the classic New Orleans tunes. Of course I always play Dixie Cups’ ‘Going to the Chapel’ and Ernie K-Doe’s ‘Mother in Law.’ No other city has such great wedding music!” b BrideNewOrleans.com |

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Radar Love

Hot rods, sports cars and other exotic cars will make your Big Day getaway unforgettable

By Phil McCausland

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ost times when we see a bride and groom arrive or depart a wedding, they’re entering or exiting a standard limousine. They’re comfortable, there’s plenty of room, someone else is driving and typically there’s a bar to quench a thirst or some jitters. Though it’s not a bad way to travel, there is a more exotic option for the couple that really wants to make a statement and take control of their grand entrance.

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“You can rent one of the sports cars we have, because sometimes people love to drive the car for their weddings,” says Fadi Tuqan, the manager at Auto Exotic Rentals in Houston.

The company offers Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsches, Aston Martins and many other sports cars that are liable to make an auto nut salivate, but in his experience Tuqan says convertibles are most popular for weddings.

“Couples always want to rent one of the convertible

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cars, like the Bentley convertible or Porsche convertible,” Tuqan says.

“People usually like the convertible cars. A sports car or coupe is OK but there isn’t the same demand for a wedding. They always want the convertible — it’s the most important thing.”

Each car has a daily rental fee, the rate depending on the specific vehicle, and an allotted number of miles for the day, either 50 or 100.

Additional miles cost extra.

But never fear, Tuqan

said he could work with any couple’s purse strings.

“We have a car for any budget,” he says “You have a budget for $200, $500, or $1,000 — we have several options. Based on your budget as a couple, we can work with that and find the right car that fits your budget.”

As mentioned, Auto Exotic Rentals is based in Houston, but they often send portions of their fleet to other cities in the South, particularly New Orleans. Bringing the

car to The Big Easy is an additional fee, but it’s well worth it when you’re driving a machine that can hit 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds.

They’re able to deliver with as little warning as a call the day before the wedding, though a little notice is always helpful.

“When you call, if you like one of the specific cars, you’ll ask for its availability,” Tuqan said. “You can call one day before or you can call six months before — but the sooner, the better.”

New Orleans no longer has its own exotic car rental company, but many of the limousine companies offer classic Rolls Royces as options.

Alert Transportation offers prototypical transport for weddings as well as two

1963 Silver Clouds, one named Winston (white) and the other Alfred (silver).

Each Rolls Royce comes with a bottle of champagne for the married couple, a chauffeur and can be packaged with one of their more traditional vehicles “They’re very popular and priced reasonably,” says Andrea Roser, manager at Alert Transportation.

But no matter your decision on the car, remember that safety is number one on your big day. A professional driver can be a good idea.

“Typically the bride and groom end up drinking and it’s not safe to drive the car,” Tuqan warns.

“It’s sometimes best to hire a driver. That is why the Bentley and the Rolls Royce are often the most popular cars for a wedding.” b

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alternate modes Though sports cars are exciting, maybe a traditional means of transport is more your speed.

Nicoll’s Limousine and Shuttle Service offers everything from a Lincoln Town Car for you and your future spouse to a Stretch Hummer H2 that accommodates 16, a wet bar, TV and stereo system.

Want to keep it simple and elegant? Limousine Livery’s fleet features upscale and updated traditional options between their sedans, utility vehicles and limos.

Bonomolo Limousines is another great option for the more practical couple. They can place you inside similar options to the other companies as well as a classic trolley for those desiring space for guests and a classic New Orleans look.

Don’t forget each ride comes with a trained chauffeur: so you

can keep your eyes on each other, rather than the road.

4Nicoll’s Limousine and Shuttle Service nicolls.com 454-7722 4Limousine Livery limolivery.com 561-8777 4Bonomolo Limousines bonolimo.com 522-0892 4Auto Exotic Rental autoexoticrental.com 713-444-9999 4Alert Transportation alerttransportation.com 362-4145

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Bride: Susie Doussan Groom: Philip Ewbank Date: May 16, 2015 Ceremony: St. Patrick’s Church Reception: New Orleans Museum of Art Coordinator: Sapphire Events, Jack Kane Wedding dress: Yvonne Lafleur Bride Shoes: Kate Spade Bridesmaid’s dresses: Individually selected by each bridesmaid Men’s Attire: Philip wore a Brooks Brothers tuxedo, the groomsmen wore tuxedos from Perlis Rings: Adlers Florist: Kim Star Wise Caterer: Joel Catering Cake: Pure Cake Photographer: Kristy May Photography Videographer: Vieux Carre Hair and Makeup: Glow Hair and Beauty Bar Music: Top Cats Transportation: Unique Transportation Robes: We purchased them from the Etsy shop silkandmore Photo Charms: Etsy Invites: Scriptura with calligraphy by Catherine Michaels

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Bride: Genny Carter Groom: Barr Shoemaker Date: March 21st, 2015 Ceremony Location: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Reception Location: The Roosevelt, New Orleans Wedding Planner and Designer: Elyse Jennings Weddings Gown: Monique Lhuillier from their flagship store in New York Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Monique Lhuillier Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse Rings: Juniker Jewelry Co. (Jackson, MS) Florist: Bella Blooms Floral Caterer: Roosevelt Hotel Cake: Deborah Heyd at The Roosevelt, New Orleans Photographer: Greer Gattuso Photography Hair Stylist: Hair by Nicole Leigh Makeup Artist: Melissa for Ashley Sievert Beauty Ceremony Music: New Orleans Finest Musicians Reception Band: Bucktown All-Stars Band Late Night Snack: Plum Street Snowballs Photo Booth: Boogie Booth Live Painter: Jacob Zumo Rentals: La Tavola Linens and Event Rental

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Bride: Destiny Cowdin-Lynch Groom: Blaine Calahan Ceremony: May 24, 2014 Ceremony & Reception: Latrobe’s on Royal First Look: Louis Armstrong Park Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham, Kelly’s Closet, Atlanta Georgia Hairpiece: Jenny Packham, Kelly’s Closet, Atlanta Georgia Bridesmaid’s dresses: Jenny Yoo, Bella Bridesmaid Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse Bride’s Ring: Custom designed by bride and made by Annie Fensterstock Groom’s Ring: Friend and Company, New Orleans Florist: Meade Wenzel Caterer: The Besh Group/ Latrobe’s on Royal Cake: The Royal Cakery Photographer: Greer G Photography Videography: Bella Productions Candles/ Décor: Luminous Events Hair and Makeup: H20 Salon, Metairie Music: The Boogie Men Live Painter: Ben Hamburger Second Line: Kinfolk Brass Band Wedding Design: Coordinated by the bride, owner of Ecru Interiors and Design Invitations/ Welcome Bags/ Save the Dates/ Favors: Tupelo Honey Design Wedding Day Suite: Hotel Monteleone

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Bride: Lauren Lavelle Groom: Louis Olinde Date: March 27, 2015 Ceremony: St. Anthony of Padua Reception: The Westin Grandballroom Wedding Dress: The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Hjelm at The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe Florist: Frederico’s Family Florist Cakes: Zoe’s Bakery Photographer: Eau Claire Photography Videographer: Complete Weddings & Events Hair: Whitney Lowe – Up’Sa Daisy Makeup: Melissa Vaccaro – Ashley Sievert Beauty Band: Luv Sexy

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Bride: Katherine Sanders Groom: Timothy Henry, Jr. Date: October 3, 2015 Ceremony/Reception: Latrobe’s on Royal Coordinator: Blue Gardenia Events Gown: Vera Wang, Nordstrom Bridesmaid’s: WTOO Men’s Attire: Luca Falcone Custom Clothiers and New Orleans Tuxedos Rings: Aucion Hart Jewelers Florist: The Plant Gallery Caterer: Besh Restaurant Group Catering Cake: Melissa’s Fine Pastries Photographer: Wiljax Weddings Videographer: Bride Film Hair: Sean Gispert, Paris Parker Makeup: Celeste Houser, Make Me Up Candles and Decor: Luminous Events Invitations: Scriptura Hotels: Hotel Monteleone and Hotel Mazarin Ceremony Music: New Orleans Finest Musicians Reception Band: New Orleans Karma Second Line: Kinfolk Brass Band

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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 with high-resolution (4x6/300dpi) photographs.

Below is a helpful checklist to double-check that you have all the correct materials.

what we need 1. A Word document of the following vendors: ___ Bride and groom’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: ___ Bride and groom ___ 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 burned on a CD * Please burn a Word document of your vendors on the CD. All CDs will NOT be returned.

HOW TO SEND

HOW we CHOOSE

Please mail your CD 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 won’t be returned. The bride, groom and photographer must give permission to use the photographs and information of the submitted wedding.

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bridal resources to help you with all your wedding planning needs

Beauty/ health/ fitness European Wax Center 504-392-6652 701 Metairie Road Metairie, LA center0628@waxcenter.com We believe to reveal oneself to the world is to truly be beautiful, which is why we invented the 4 step process to Gorgeous! Our exclusive comfort waxing techniques prep your gorgeous skin before and after each treatment, ensuring the most comfortable experience possible.

Maison de Cheveux 201 St. Charles Ave. suite #127 New Orleans, LA

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504-908-4247 maisondecheveux@gmail.com Your full service neighborhood salon in the central business district. Delivering luxury services at an affordable price.

Your bridal headquarters for hair and make up with no travel fees. Offering custom color, balayage, cuts, up do’s, waxing, eyelashes and hair extensions.

We welcome the entire family! New Orleans only exclusive Oribe salon!

Makeup By Meggan New Orleans, LA 504-473-7263 meggan@makingovernola.com makeupbymeggan.com Meggan Dupre Ory is a Makeup Artist servicing the greater New Orleans WINTER-SPRING 2016

area. Meggan has 9 years experience in makeup artistry. Book Meggan for your wedding or any event where you want to love the way you look!

Mary Kay CosmeticsGaynell Kennedy 8616 Steamboat Lane River Ridge, LA 504-669-5880 steamboat123@cox.net marykay.com/gkennedy Learn to Love & Lavish your Skin for Life with an educational facial on product knowledge, along with a Mary Kay Modernized Makeup application.

The Spa at Stone Creek 1201 Ochsner Blvd.

Covington, LA 985-801-7120 thespa@stonecreekclubandspa.com thespaatstonecreek.com The Spa at Stone Creek invites you to experience true relaxation and reconnect with nature. Select from our menu of services or allow our experts to design a customized retreat.

Up’Sa Daisy Hair Salon 3363 Severn Ave. Metairie, LA 504-888-8466 With over 10 years of bridal hair and makeup experience, our talented girls at Up’Sa Daisy will be sure to make every bride feel and look beautiful!! We offer everything from bridal updo’s and

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bridal resources styling to flawless airbrush makeup.

Please call us to check availability!

Bridal consultants & event designers Angelic Event Planning 504-481-5674 angelicevents8@gmail.com ig:@angelicevents With over 19 years experience in event planning our goal at Angelic Event Planning is to make sure that your special occasion is done “your way” with “no worries or work from you.”

From managing vendors and set-up to ensuring final payments and breakdown including all of the minor details in between. We execute your vision so that you can enjoy your day stress free.

Call today for your free consultation.

Belladeux Event Design, LLC 757 St. Charles Avenue, Suite 303 New Orleans, LA 70130 504.323.2100 info@belladeuxevents.com Belladeux Event Design is a full service event and wedding planner located in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. At Belladeux Event Design, our mission is to provide premium wedding and event planning and design services to clients at every stage in the planning.

We are committed to delivering solid advice, sophisticated style, and service at the highest level of quality to all of our clients.

Compass Point Events 200 Opelousas Ave. New Orleans, LA 504-366-1768 compasspointevents.com erin@compasspointevents.com Erin Steen French & Amy Steen Reggio, proprietors Weddings, receptions, showers, guest houses It’s Your Time Events Covington, LA 504-975-3375 erin@itsyourtimeevents.com itsyourtimeevents.com It’s Your Time Events is an event planning and consulting firm.

Whether you are planning a corporate event, wedding, birthday party or extravagant holiday party, It’s Your Time Events will help you design an event based on your ideas, which will be remembered for a lifetime.

Fusion Event Productions 1217 Lafitte St. Mandeville, LA

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504-909-0665 At Fusion our goal is to create special events that bring your story to life.

We believe nothing is impossible, and that each event we produce is a chance to create something totally unique for our clients to experience and enjoy. From beginning to end we are focused on understanding your vision and creating an unforgettable experience on time and under budget.

Since 2008 Fusion has built a team of planners and managers with experience in event management, operations, food/beverage, and design. Our Certified Meeting Professional is a great resource for corporate events and functions, our operations team has a keen eye for detail, and our event staff is made up of seasoned event professionals that will give any event a polished look.

Nola Event Planners, LLC 504-475-8383 NOLAEventPlanners.com NOLAEventPlanners@yahoo.com Instagram: NOLAEventPlanners Facebook: NOLAEventPlannersLLC “Dream it, want it, have it...We’ll plan it!”

We are a full service event planning company specializing in weddings, parties, galas, social events, corporate and themed events. We will travel. We offer complimentary consultations.

Weddings By lulu 1000 Bourbon St #201 New Orleans, LA 504-345-9655 lulu@weddingsbylulu.com weddingsbylulu.com Creative and detailed wedding planning & design for the discerning bride.

Z Event Company 122 Hector Ave. Metairie, LA (not a storefront) 800-714-9050 800-714-9930 info@zeventco.com For us at Z Event Company, our goal is simple: for you to be a guest at your own event! Full-scale event design and décor, provided by our event planners, will do the most to express your personality and style for an event that will be unique and unforgettable. Whether you are looking for all inclusive wedding planning or custom events and floral design, Z Event Company can create a package that is specifically tailored to you and your needs. Give us a call or contact us via email so we can discuss your next affair!

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Cake/ pastries Bittersweet Confections Cheryl Scripter, Owner & CEO 725 Magazine St., Suite A New Orleans, LA 504-523-2626 cheryl@bittersweetconfections.com bittersweetconfections.com Best of The Knot.com 2015 Two-Time Winner “Best King Cake in New Orleans” Wedding and grooms cakes, dessert bars, and favors. Call us today to schedule your consultation.

Joe Gambino’s Bakeries 4821 Veterans Memorial Blvd.

Metairie, LA 504-885-7500 email@gambinos.com gambinos.com Gambino’s Bakeries is a family owned bakery that has been creating memories for over 65 years. We specialize in custom wedding and grooms cakes, dessert bars and engagemnt cakes.

Swiss Confectionery, Inc. 747 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 504-522-7788 mail@swisscakes.net swisscakes.net For over 90 years Swiss has set the standard for wedding cakes in New Orleans. Family owned and operated for five generations, we remain committed to the traditions that have earned our excellent reputation.

The Sweet Life Bakery 6268 Vicksburg St. New Orleans, La 504-371-5153 info@nolasweetlofe.com nolasweetlife.com Hidden away in the heart of Lakeview is The Sweet Life Bakery, a cake design bakery that uses inspiration to create incredibly delicious works of art. Our designs range from classic to contemporary. We do cakes that are cute, fun, and classic and ones that are inspired by you.

Catering 12 Seasons Catering & Mr. Mudbug 131 23rd St. Kenner, LA catering@mmiculinary.com 504-465-9770 Specializing in custom, on site catering, 12 Seasons & Mr. Mudbug prides itself on offering international gourmet creations, a touch of elegance to events of all sizes and professional service.

Martin Wine Cellar 714 Elmeer Ave. Metairie, LA 504-896-7350 3827 Baronne St. New Orleans, LA 714 Elmeer Ave Metairie, LA hmartin@martinwine.com martinwine.com Martin Wine Cellar provides full-service custom catering for events large and small. Offering seasonal menus with quality ingredients and professional staff to make your gathering seamless and memorable.

Messina’s Catering and Events 2717 Williams Blvd.

Kenner, LA 504-469-7373 allison@messinascatering.com messinascatering.com Passionate about perfection and committed to excellence in every event big or small!

Ralph Brennan Catering & Events 111 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie, LA 504-539-5511 mursin@neworleans-food.com ralphbrennancatering.com We Work. You Play! For over thirty years, Ralph Brennan and his dedicated team have catered the meals and events that celebrate the moments of your life. Providing full-service custom catering for events large and small, we tailor our services to enhance your palate, theme and budget.

Ceremony/reception/ locations Austin’s Seafood and Steakhouse 5101 West Esplanade Ave. Metairie, LA 504-888-5533 AustinsNO.com Voted “Best Restaurant in Metairie,” Austin’s seafood and steakhouse is available for bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners, banquets, and corporate events. Three beautiful private rooms can accommodate groups of 10-100 guests.

Broussard’s 819 Conti New Orleans, LA 504-581-3866 valeriel@creolecuisine.com broussards.com Broussard’s is one of the founding Restaurants in the French Quarter and one of the most Historic Venues in the city. It boasts a large luscious courtyard and private rooms to host your Wedding or Rehearsal Dinner.

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bridal resources Compass Point Erin Steen French 504-366-1768 985-969-4526 200 Opelousas Ave New Orleans, LA erin@compasspointevents.com Erin Steen French & Amy Steen Reggio, proprietors Weddings, receptions, showers, guest houses Courtyard on the Ridge 407 Folse St. Harahan, LA 504-737-6660 cotrinfo@gmail.com courtyardontheridge.com Courtyard on the Ridge offers more than 11,000 square feet of ceremony and reception space, accommodating up to 400 guests. Our food is prepared fresh from scratch and served by our professional staff to assure you a memorable day.

Elms Mansion 3029 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 504-895-9200 info@elmsmansion.com elmsmansion.com Built in 1869 the Elms Mansion is the ideal setting for wedding ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners.

Full-service wedding planning and onsite catering provided. Beautifully preserved interior and expansive gardens.

Emerald Grande 10 Harbor Blvd.

Destin, FL 850-424-0622 EmeraldGrande.com Celebrating together at Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village has an enchantment all its own. We have spectacular venues with stunning views to host your event, dream wedding or social celebration. We can take care of all the details so you can relax and make treasured memories. Led by a team of skilled event planning and culinary professionals, our staff is experienced in hosting an incredibly wide range of functions.

English Turn Golf & Country Club One Clubhouse Drive New Orleans, LA 504-392-2200 racheala@englsihturn.com Englishturn.com Let our dedicated staff assist you in planning the wedding you have been dreaming of. English Turn is located just 8 miles from downtown

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New Orleans while at the same time offering a feeling of peacefulness with its tranquil setting. Our outdoor ceremony and reception locations offer the rare opportunity to celebrate your event outdoors with the lush greenery and picturesque setting of our PGA course as your backdrop.

Expotel Hospitality 504-212-2744 nolasales@expotelhospitality.com expotelnolahotels.com The Crescent City Hotel Collection is your ultimate wedding time saver! With multiple hotels in various locations throughout the Greater New Orleans Area, we have it all.

Discounted hotel rates for out of town guests, courtyard ceremonies, or private event spaces for reception.

Call today!

Fair Grounds Race Course 1751 Gentilly Blvd New Orleans, LA 504-948-1285 groupsales@fgno.com fgno.com/groupsales Whether it’s a group for “A Day at the Races” to watch live racing in the Clubhouse or Suite, a party in the Black Gold Room, a meeting or an evening party, Fair Grounds is the perfect setting to host your next event.

Federal Ballroom New Orleans 147 Carondelet St. New Orleans, LA 504-587-2088 marketing@securitycenter.com federalballroom.com The Federal Ballroom is A Historic Wedding Venue Built in 1923 as a Federal Reserve Bank. The Most Elegant Wedding Venue in the South.

Located in the Central Business District Generations Hall 310 Andrew Higgins Dr. New Orleans, LA 504-581-4367 hector@generationshall.com generationshall.com With three spacious rooms which can be rented either separately or as a whole, Generations Hall can accommodate any group, large or small.

Our three primary spaces are: The Metropolitan One, The Metropolitan Two and The Big Room. The facility is perfect for weddings, private functions, banquets, concerts, luncheons, and convention meetings of any size.

Generations Hall provides a unique

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New Orleans atmosphere for any event.

Hampton Inn Hotels & Suites of New Orleans 1201 Convention Center Blvd New Orleans, LA 504-293-1200 alicia@highpointe.com neworleanshamptoninns.com Make your New Orleans wedding comfortable, convenient and stressfree. Consider us for your wedding, reception and guest accommodation needs. Whether your attendees consist of out-of-towners, local residents, or a bit of both, we’re here to ensure they have a truly unique New Orleans experience and are well taken care of.

House of Blues 225 Decatur St. New Orleans, LA 504-310-4988 annasumas@livenation.com facebook.com/HOBSpecialEvents NewOrleans From the plush Foundation Room lounge to the colorful soaring backdrop of the Grand Music Hall, House of Blues offers a variety of unique spaces for all your wedding events.

House of Broel’s Victorian Mansion and Gardens 2220 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 504-522-2220 504-494-2220 info@houseofbroel.com houseofbroel.com The most romantic and affordable site in New Orleans. A House of Broel event isn’t expensive – it’s priceless.

Hyatt French Quarter 800 Iberville St. New Orleans, LA 504-565-4566 vera.faucheux@hyattfrenchquarter.com frenchquarter.hyatt.com Fully renovated property in the French Quarter offering a garden courtyard and beautiful ballroom space leading out to Canal Street.

Hyatt Regency New Orleans 601 Loyola Ave. New Orleans, LA 504-561-1234 kathy.mata@hyatt.com neworleans.hyatt.com From gourmet menus and lavish ballrooms to luxurious guestrooms and exceptional service, our team will ensure your special day is unforgettable.

Juliana’s Wedding & Event Center 18444 Highway 22 Ponchatoula, LA 985-261-0088 julianascenter.com info@julianascenter.com Contact: Don Jones, owner From ceremony “I Do” to honeymoon adieu, we create unforgettable weddings and elegant receptions with a distinctly southern charm.

Juliana’s offers full-service catering and bar packages, beautifully appointed indoor/outdoor event space, high-end amenities (for wedding or business affairs), and more – all for one all-inclusive rate.

JW Marriott New Orleans 614 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 504-527-6752 Margaret.Hartz@marriott.com Great loves deserve great celebrations. In the heart of the Big Easy, the JW Marriott New Orleans is the perfect place to celebrate your love and commitment. Situated in the historic French Quarter, the sophisticated elegance of JW Marriott New Orleans harmonizing with its old-world charm offers you and your guests a venue brimming with romance for your wedding day.

Le Méridien 333 Poydras Street New Orleans, LA 70130 504-525-9444 504-207-5173 Lemeridienneworleanshotel.com Little Gem Saloon 445 S. Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 504-267-4863 “Jazz Corner of New Orleans” Offering Locally Sourced Southern Cuisine in a Historic Music Venue.

Food. Music. History.

Loews New Orleans Hotel 300 Poydras St. New Orleans, LA 504-595-5316 kbruno@loewshotels.com loewshotels.com 4 star, 4 diamond hotel, centrally located in downtown New Orleans.

Ideal for wedding receptions, outdoor/indoor ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners, wedding room blocks. Convenient valet parking. The spectacular Louisiana Ballroom is the perfect venue for your reception. The Piazza d’Italia is a dramatic outdoor backdrop for your photos or

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bridal resources ceremony. Balance Spa for pre-nuptial treatments.

Louisiana Castle 47168 Highway 10, Franklinton, LA 504-455-8700 castleinfo@aol.com LouisianaCastle.com Louisiana Castle, a replica of an English Norman Keep Castle, is a romantic venue for breathtaking wedding ceremonies, elegant receptions or any special event. It is located on 10 acres with beautiful grounds, a large stage, and a beautiful pond. The glass enclosed grand ballroom is the main reception area and the Throne room with the King and Queen thrones, suit of armor, and wedding sofa is a great photo setting. The entire top floor is the Juliet Suite where the female members of the wedding party get ready, but it is also where you can spend your wedding night.

The entire Castle is yours-- only yours for a truely magical night.

Maison Dupuy Hotel 1001 Rue Toulouse New Orleans, LA 504-648-6114 sales@maisondupuy.com neworleanscourtyardweddings. com In the heart of the French Quarter, this luxurious outdoor courtyard is perfect for parties of 2 to 250 guests. Parties include engagements, rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Messina’s at the Terminal 6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd.

New Orleans, LA 504-469-7373 kristin@messinascatering.com messinasterminal.com Messina’s at the Terminal, located in the Lakefront Airport, offers two Event Rooms in a historically, unique Art-Deco environment.

New Orleans Athletic Club 222 N. Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 504-525-2375 neworleansathleticclub.com 504-525-2375 neworleansathleticclub.com The New Orleans Athletic Club is an architectural gem! Come

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workout in over 45,000 square feet of the most up to date equipment in the greater New Orleans area. We have over 45 group classes per week! Come swim in the pool, or try TRX or functional training in our Dynamax human performance center! We truly have everything to meet your fitness needs. Call or stop in today!

New Orleans Hotel Collection 1380 Port of New Orleans Place New Orleans, LA 855-798-6642 FrenchQuarterWeddings.com Splendidly original hotels in america’s Favorite city - gorgeous courtyards, ballrooms and cottages for your wedding.

NOLA Hotel Group 504-962-7220 alebouef@nolahotelgroup.com blakehotelneworleans.com saintjameshotel.com hotelstpierre.com andrewjacksonhotel.com Come experience the joie de vivre that only New Orleans can offer and generate memories that will flourish forever.

Whether Downtown or French Quarter, Nola Hotel Group has something that will delight your senses and leave you more than satisfied.

Omni Royal Orleans Hotel 621 St. Louis St. New Orleans, LA 504-529-7022 cmyers@omnihotels.com omniroyalorleans.com From a classic ballroom to a private French Quarter courtyard wedding site and Spanish lace balconies, the Omni Royal Orleans is the embodiment of the best of New Orleans wedding location.

Orpheum Theater 129 Roosevelt Way New Orleans, LA 504-274-4871 sales@orpheumnola.com The Orpheum Theater is a nearly century-old Beaux Arts theater in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District.

Built in 1918, the iconic space – which is one of the few remaining vertical hall designs in the US - has hosted vaudeville acts,

silent films, movies, corporate meetings, weddings and countless concerts. More than a stunning historical structure, this reimagined space brings an entirely new tier of entertainment and private event space to New Orleans.

Presidential Palace 1800 Vintage Dr. Kenner, LA 504-467-3500 Presidential Palace.com thepresidentialpalace@gmail. com Presidential Palace, the most elegant reception venue in the greater New Orleans area features all inclusive packages that make your wedding day stress free! Our goal is to make sure your & your guests every need is met. Presidential Palace, where your ever after... Begins.

Ramada Plaza Beach Resort 1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 800-472-1790 info@ramadafwb.com From the picturesque beachfront backdrop for the ceremony of your dreams to the expertly decorated ballroom for the reception you’ll cherish forever; Ramada Plaza Beach Resort is the perfect location for your destination wedding.

Renaissance New Orleans Arts Hotel 700 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans, LA 504.613.2330 annelise.borchardt@marriott.com Ideally located in the heart of New Orleans in the revitalized Arts District, the Renaissance Arts Hotel is where your wedding vision starts an exhilarating journey. Just blocks from the French Quarter in the historic riverfront neighborhood, a oneof-a-kind wedding experience awaits you and your guests the minute you step into our hotel.

Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette Hotel 817 Common St. New Orleans, LA 504.525.1111 annelise.borchardt@marriott.com Capture the incomparable spirit of New Orleans with the Renaissance New Orleans Pere

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bridal resources Marquette Hotel. Set in the heart of the legendary French Quarter, our boutique New Orleans hotel provides a one-of-a-kind experience making your wedding day something you and each of your guests will remember.

Riverview Room 600 Decatur Street, 4th Floor New Orleans, LA 504-525-3000 Mary Quarls maryq@riverviewroom.com riverviewroom.com The Riverview Room - Where the French Quarter meets the Mississippi. The Riverview Room is located on the fourth level of the Jackson Brewery Millhouse in the heart of the French Quarter. The open spaces and outdoor terraces present a panoramic view of the Mississippi River, the French Quarter and the Central Business District. The comfortably elegant atmosphere of the room is accentuated with mahogany paneling, early New Orleans period lighting fixtures and plush carpeting.

Floor to ceiling windows provide an ever-changing river view. Four terraces are available for guests to step outside and experience the charm of New Orleans. On our Decatur street balcony, guests can view Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the French Quarter.

Rosy’s Jazz Hall 500 Valence St. New Orleans, LA 504-896-7679 steve@rosysjazzhall.com rosysjazzhall.com Rosy’s Jazz Hall is a unique venue with a warm atmosphere and a rich New Orleans heritage. We have a two story atrium, which is used for wedding ceremonies as well as an indoor balcony and beautiful outdoor New Orleans Style Courtyard.

Royal Palm 1901 Manhattan Blvd. Building E Harvey, LA 504-644-4100 kim@5starfpc.com royalpalmfpc.com Royal Palm is a luxury events venue located only 7 miles from downtown New Orleans. We have ample parking, and can accommodate events anywhere from 30 to 1000 guests.

Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans 300 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA

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504-553-2205 RSNOinfo@sonesta.com sonesta.com/royalneworleans For over 40 years the Royal Sonesta’s experienced wedding professionals have been creating storybook weddings in New Orleans with exceptional style and the highest degree of personal service.

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel 500 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 504-525-2500 Whether it’s a grand affair or an intimate celebration the Sheraton New Orleans hotel offers the perfect location and the perfect fit. From the Armstrong Ballroom with its lofty ceilings, magnificent skylight, 20 foot wall of windows and sweeping views to the sophisticated backdrop of the more elegant Waterbury Ballroom with its sparkling crystal chandeliers, we have the ideal setting for making memories.

Stella Plantation 4881 Highway 39 Braithwaite, LA 504-919-7474 caroline@stellaplantation.com stellaplantation.com New Orleans’ Best Kept Secret Stella is a family-run, working plantation 20 miles southeast of New Orleans. An inherently Southern setting, the plantation grounds are shrouded in live oak trees and surrounded by 1500 acres of gorgeous countryside and wilderness. Stella is an enchanting venue for a unique excursion, intimate gathering or grand event.

The Cannery 3803 Toulouse St. New Orleans, LA 504-486-8351 info@cannerynola.com cannerynola.com The Cannery is a premiere wedding venue. The 12,000 sqft venue includes an outdoor terrace, grand foyer, ballroom, chic lounge & bridal suite with a private restroom and walk-in closet.

The Chicory 610 S. Peters New Orleans, LA 504-521-8055 brent.bogan@chicoryvenue.com chicoryvenue.com The Chicory, an elegant venue for your New Orleans wedding ceremony and reception, features exposed beams, brick walls, and gas WINTER-SPRING 2016

lanterns. Originally built in 1852 as a coffee warehouse, The Chicory has maintained its simple name with New Orleans pride. With over 25,000 square feet, 6 rooms and an elegant outdoor rooftop, The Chicory is a very versatile space. From intimate private dinners to grand New Orleans weddings, and corporate events, The Chicory offers a unique and historic event space.

White Hall Plantation 100 Central Ave. Jefferson, LA catering@mmiculinary.com 504-465-9770 Located on River Road, White Hall Plantation is a hidden gem in the heart of Jefferson, Louisiana. A charming venue and culinary expertise coupled together to create your special occasion!

The Court of Two Sisters 613 Royal St. New Orleans, LA 504-522-7261 court2si@courtoftwosisters.com courtoftwosisters.com The Court of Two Sisters, located in the heart of the French Quarter, serves a daily Jazz Brunch buffet and an a la carte dinner menu at night.

Guests dine in our lush, spacious courtyard or in one of three elegant, indoor dining rooms. Reservations are recommended.

Flowers Act One Events, Inc info@actoneevents.com Cara Velez BLA 504-722-8961 Terry Conerly AIFD 504-313-8508 Act One Events, Inc is a full service event company providing flowers ,drapery, lighting and specialty items for any event. The owners Cara Velez BLA and Terry Conerly AIFD created Act One Events to expand and improve the services we provide to our clients. It is our goal to make all your planning as simple as possible with one vendor. Act One Events with our combined resources can provide all your venue needs, We also offer day of coordinator services, and we will be more than happy to help find any vendor that you may require. We offer very competitive pricing and very personal service. One or both of the owners are on-site for every event.

The Forum 3131 Veterans Memorial Blvd.

Metairie, LA bgilbert@mmiculinary.com 504-833-7666 Located in the heart of Metairie, The Forum is ideally located and perfectly suited for a variety of meetings, receptions, and parties. Spacious enough to accommodate large groups, The Forum has intelligently designed rooms that can break down into smaller spaces for more intimate gatherings such as workshops and business retreats.

Tomas Bistro 755 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans, LA 504-527-0942 contact@tommysrestaurantgroup.com tomasbistro.com Beautiful venue with exposed brick walls and vaulted glass ceiling for a very “New Orleans” style ceremony and reception. All food is catered inhouse by our amazing culinary team.

W Hotels of New Orleans 333 Poydras St. New Orleans, LA 504-207-5173 whotelsofneworleans.com Get ready for your big day. Say “I do” overlooking the sparkling downtown lights at W New Orleans, or celebrate under the stars in the courtyard at W French Quarter.

Arbor House floral-event-creative 2372 St. Claude Ave. suite 124C New Orleans, LA 504-656-4884 Info@arborhousefloral.com Arbor House is a full service florist with an emphasis on unique everyday designs, beautiful one of a kind events, and locally made gifts. We are located in the historic Marigny Neighborhood.

Bee’s Wedding and Event Designs 738 Phosphor Ave. Metairie, LA 504-830-4031 Eric@beesweddingdesigns.com BeesWeddingDesigns.com At Bee’s Wedding & Event Floral Designs in New Orleans, we understand that every wedding is like no other, because every bride has a unique vision of what her wedding ceremony and reception should be. We also recognize that the decisions and pressures involved in a wedding can be frustrating and time-consuming. Our decades

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bridal resources of experience with weddings have taught us that our first job is to learn your needs and concerns. The next step is for us to follow through with close attention to every detail, helping to give you more time and less worry. With a wide range of floral options and a longstanding reputation for personalized service, Bee’s stands ready to help make your wedding day in New Orleans joyful, beautiful and trouble-free.

Beth’s Florist & New Orleans Wedding Planners 2014 Clearview Parkway Metairie, LA 504-455-2353 bethsflorist@gmail.com bethsflowersonline.com One thing that sets us apart from other florist is the day before your wedding you can come in a view your wedding flowers!

Brittney Ray’s Florist 2108 Paris Road Chalmette, LA 504-271-9012 brittneyrays@yahoo.com brittneyraysflorist.com New Orleans Premier Family Florist.

We realize a wedding is a once in a lifetime affair! We provide exceptional, personalized service and use only the freshest flowers. We are family owned and operated for over 27 years. Each work of art that leaves our store is designed especially for you with experience and class.

Fabulous Flowers LLC.

By Appointment New Orleans, LA 504-909-0253 fabulousflowers@cox.net fabulousflowers.us Specializing in weddings and events Fabulous Flowers can provide a wide selection of styles and looks for your special day while working with your budget! Make your wedding, Fabulous!

Grow With Us Florist 106 Metairie Heights Ave. Metairie, LA 504-837-9449 flowers@growithus.com growithus.com Fresh, custom, unique florals.

Iris Floral + Event Design Studio 5331-B Canal Blvd.

New Orleans, LA 504-304-4966 weddings@irisnola.com

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irisnola.com Custom-designed wedding flowers... no minimums...local, destination, bridal-party-only weddings welcome!

Kim Starr Wise Floral Events 2032 Adams St. New Orleans, LA 504-315-5607 kim@kimstarrwise.com kimstarrwise.com Unique floral designs for your special event and wedding. We create florals built around your look and style! If you can dream it, we can make it!

Nosegay’s Bouquet Boutique 4931 W Esplanade Ave. Metairie, LA 504-888-1212 MyOnlyFlorist.com Jay@MyOnlyFlorist.com We at Nosegay Floral Designs create fabulous bridal bouquets right here in Metairie for all the New Orleans area. Our designers are artists that turn your ideas into floral elegance and our service is second to none.

When you come to us for your special day be prepared for the royal treatment!

The Crystal Vase Flowers & Gifts 504-888-8891 crystalvaseflowers@gmail.com crystalvaseflowers.com Crystal, the owner & designer has been in the wedding floral industry for over 20 years. I recently closed our retail store to place all of my attention on weddings. I pride myself on details and the personal attention each one of my brides receive from me, after all it is your special day!

The Plant Gallery 9401 Airline Highway New Orleans, LA 504-488-8887 kenny@theplantgallery.com scanner.tpg@theplantgallery.com amy@tresbienphotovideo.com ThePlantGallery.com The impact that floral arrangements have on a wedding’s ambience cannot be underestimated. Their natural elegance reminds guests of the simple beauty of love, and their vivacity celebrates the couple’s new life together. To ensure that our custom creations meet the happy couple’s vision, we hold one-on-one consultations to discuss theme, color, and setting among other details.

GIFTS JADE 324 Metairie Road Metairie, LA 504-875-4420 In an area where history and antiques are treasured, JADE compliments those elements with lucite, brass, clean lines and comfortable upholstery. As JADE continues to grow, you can find Bridal & Gift Registry, Metairie’s only Visual Comfort Lighting Gallery, and large spaces to hang beautiful works from local artists.

Honeymoon travel Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau 850-609-5390 CFournier@co.okaloosa.fl.us Camille Fournier 1540 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Every year, happy couples from all over the country recite vows to one another in Destin, Ft. Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island, the Heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast. Part of the fun of a beach wedding is the chance to kick off your shoes and show your creativity. If you’re like most couples, you’ll find inspiration all around you in the Heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast where the beach isn’t just a location – it’s a Theme!

Gone With The Wind Travel Bethany and Amy Sandals Specialist 504-888-9198 4051 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 Metairie, LA gwtwtravel.com gwtwtravel@aol.com Let us help you plan your romantic get away! We are travel experts who specialize in honeymoons and destination weddings.

The Nautilus Condominium (800) 328-8039 660 Nautilus Court Fort Walton Beach, FL rentals@nautiluscondominium.com The Nautilus is an affordable vacation condominium located directly on the Gulf of Mexico in Northwest Florida.

We offer for rent 1, 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums, all with our patented Million Dollar View. Give our vacation specialists a call today to find out how we can turn your beachside dreams into a reality!

Town & Country Travel Inc 110 Veterans Blvd. Suite 180A Metairie, LA

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504-838-8702 tctvl@bellsouth.net townandcountrytravelinc.com We are a full service travel agency specializing in Honeymoons and Destination Weddings. Call for your consultation.

Travel Central 3221 N Causeway Blvd.

Metairie, LA 504-834-7000 vacations@travelcentralvacations.com travelcentralvacations.com Your honeymoon and destination wedding specialist!

Invitations Exquisite Events New Orleans, LA 504-975-4089 Info@eeinvites.com eeinvites.com Exquisite Events was created with the unique client in mind, offering a full line of invitations to perfectly complement your event. Luxury invitations at an affordable price.

Gem Printing Co. 1904 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie, LA 504-831-1762 gemprinting.com gem@gemprinting.com Gem Printing Co., locally owned and operated since 1918 ~ now in our fourth generation, specializes in wedding invitations, custom cups, koozies, handkerchiefs, napkins, etc. We carry invitations for both weddings and showers, as well as birthdays, graduations, and baptisms.

One Day Service.

The Stationery Stylist 2910 Toulouse St. New Orleans, LA 504-581-7248 stationerystylist.com Custom wedding stationery boutique since 2001. Custom wedding designs are our specialty.

Jewelry Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers 5700 Veterans Memorial Blvd.

Metairie.LA 504-885-4653 Fountain Park Centre 1901 Manhattan Boulevard Harvey, LA 70058 504-648-2300 diamonds@ramseys.com Extraordinary quality. Prices that will delight. No one does Diamonds like Ramsey’s.

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Music Jason Schell 3 Mary Ridge Ct. River Ridge, LA 504-481-8771 Jakapi@aol.com Formed 10 years ago, Refried Confuzion is New Orleans’ Premiere wedding band specializing in Custom Weddings and Second lines to make your special event an evening to remember!

Photo booths Boogie Booth Photo Booth Comapny PO Box 581 Mandeville, LA 504-457-8033 info@boogiebooth.com boogiebooth.com We are a full service photo booth and green screen company who specializes in bringing the fun to your event.

Funtastic Fotos, LLC P.O. Box 58418 New Orleans, LA 504-466-9209 anthony@funtasticfotos.com funtasticfotos.com Funtastic Fotos’ flipbook technology requires guest to move around for only 7 seconds with props in hand in front of a white or green screen. The 7 second video is then converted into a flipbook, which is printed on-site in about 90 seconds. All flipbooks and pricing include a custom designed cover, use of props and hand held signs, as well as a DVD compilation of all the videos at your event.

GoGo Booth 618 Dodge Ave Jefferson, LA 504-224-9801 Info@GoGo-Booth.com GoGo-Booth.com We are a photo rental service that brings the fun to you. Whether it be a traditional photo booth or an open style setting, GoGo Booth provides the best quality photos for your guests to share on social media and take home as a momento of your special day. We want your wedding to be remembered and we will do our best to make it unique!!

Inslomo Booth 1940 Cambronne St. New Orleans, LA 504-875-7170 info@inslomobooth.com inslomobooth.com New Orleans’ first and only slow motion photo booth company. We pro-

vide your guests with instant prints and slow motion video clips. We can also provide you with a memorable custom video montage of the video clips from your wedding. It’s the next generation of the photo booth.

Mobile Memories Photo Booth 985-290-9060 mobilememoriesbooth.com Mobile Memories Photo Booth is New Orleans’ premier photo booth rental company! We specialize in weddings and all of our packages include a friendly photo booth attendant, props and unlimited visits to the booth. And instead of exiting the photo booth and having 2 photo strips, we print a strip for everyone who was in the picture. So if 5 guests go into the booth together, all 5 get a photo strip to take home. Guests absolutely love it!

Snap And Sketch Photo Booths PO Box 74666 Metairie, LA 504-494-8269 SnapAndSketch.com DjRonnieRoux@aol.com Snap And Sketch brings you the latest innovative trends with photo booths. DJ Ronnie Roux has more than 20 years experience and offers wireless up lighting. Please send it to me today, so we can include you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you in advance!

Photography Belle Amour Photography 1441 Fremaux Ave. Slidell, LA 985-768-6603 nichole@Belle Amour Photography. com Belle Amour Photography.com The stolen glances and heartfelt embraces. It’s the look of anticipation as he waits for you down the isle. It’s the look of pride on daddy’s face as he gives you away while fighting back tears. It’s the feeling as if nobody else is in the room during your first dance.

These and all the other special moments are what we strive to capture.

Every wedding is unique, so let us tell your story with beautiful and timeless photographs...preserving every detail of your big day!

We are Belle Amour Photography Beautiful Love Billiot Photography and Videography 285 Moss Lane Mandeville, LA

504-669-3082 Chuckbilliot@bellsouth.net Chuckbilliot.com I know how important it is to have a relaxed fun and positive attitude the day of your wedding. I’ll help you accomplish this with a professional, caring approach. A certified professional photographer, my style is photojournalistic, working with a sensitivity to move quickly and quietly so that you can enjoy your wedding day. Serving over 900 brides since 1995.

David Tompkins Photography 504-738-7944 david@davidtompkinsphotography. com davidtompkinsphotography.com David Tompkins is a Master Photographer and Photographic Craftsman. As a photographic artist, David has shot weddings all over the world. David can customize your wedding to your needs.

Eau Claire Photographics New Orleans, LA 504-432-7879 eauclairephotographics.com Eau Claire Photographics is a husband and wife photography team based out of New Orleans, Louisiana. Our clients and couples often describe our style to us as natural.

We agree. We love soft and romantic imagery. Our wedding day coverage is unscripted and unposed. We photograph emotion as it happens for elegant documentary coverage of your wedding day.

Eye Wander Photo 7341 Jefferson Hwy. Ste M Baton Rouge, LA 225-366-4567 hello@eyewanderphoto.com The first step in capturing the essence of a wedding with all its intricacies is not to look, but to listen. As we hear the hearts of our clients when they talk about their relationship and celebration, we are translating their desires into emotional, beautifully lit timeless photographs, bringing to life their vision. From the Wanderings of our Eye, we give you memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Images By Robert T. 985-966-2793 info@imagesbyrobertt.com imagesbyrobertt.com With the many years of experience, Trent has made a name for himself in South Louisiana as a photographer flexible enough to produce heart-warming memories for families

during the special milestones of their life. When a couple allows me to photograph their wedding, I become a part of their life. For as long as they live, they will look at the pictures of their wedding and remember the photographer who took them. For that long, I remain a part of their life story, that’s what makes my job rewarding.

Jessica Renee Photography Mandeville, LA 985-774-8213 hello@jessicareneephotography.com jessicareneephotography.com Jessica Renee Photography is about artfully and authentically capturing the beauty of your love story with gorgeous photographs you can treasure for years to come. Our style is vibrant, fun, organic, and editorial.

LA Studios 2808 Athania Pkwy Metairie, LA 504-669-5711 r.ron@cox.net LAStudios1.com Photographer specializing in contemporary wedding photography. Also destination weddings. We provide still photography and video productions at very reasonable prices.

Red Leaf Weddings 10172 Jefferson Hwy New Orleans, LA 504-402-7692 New Orleans wedding photography studio, Red Leaf Weddings, delivers timeless, naturalistic photojournalism and beautiful fine art wedding day portraiture. Contact us to learn about our wedding day photography packages.

Rick King Photography 445 Laura Dr. North Mandeville, LA 985-626-3614 rking@rickkingphotography.com rickkingphotography.com Wedding Photography Stacy Marks Photographer 1025 N Hullen St. Metairie, LA 504-237-2173 stacymarkswed@gmail.com Stacy’s style draws from a background of fashion, editorial and music photography, which blend into one when photographing a wedding. He has the talent of drawing people out of themselves to capture real interactions and beautiful images. Visit his site to see more

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bridal resources stunning photos!

The Red M Studio 3422 49th St Metairie, LA 504-450-0065 info@TheRedMStudio.com TheRedMStudio.com We are a husband and wife team who have been delighting our clients with our clean, simple, yet bold photographic style since 2011. With a keen eye for capturing moments that matter, we tell wedding stories inspired by your love that you will treasure for a lifetime. From initial consultation to delivering your final art pieces, we offer a full service experience that receives the same care as if it were our own.

Tim Mcaskill Cinematic Weddings Professionally Shot Wedding Video 504-390-1002 timmcaskill.com Things have changed a lot in how weddings are Filmed today compared to 15 years ago. We’re no longer in the single camera Filming Business now.

We are Bringing a small crew of people and gear to Handle the job of Filming Your wedding so the end results looks like a Made for TV presentation. We Use up to 3 Professional Grade Pro Style Video Cameras and DSLR Cameras and Now Flying Drones as well as Multiple small wireless Microphones Placed on the Groom Priest and Readers to record the Audio for cd Quality sound.

Our Wedding DVDs will Be HD Blu Ray and Standard Play DvDs to share with your Family. Your Wedding DVD will be Between 90 minutes and 3 hours long after all the editing has been done. Visit My Site for Pricing and Video Samples.

rentals@1st-lake.com 1stlake.com 1st Lake Properties has over 70 locations and offers over 9,500 quality apartment homes in the greater New Orleans area. Where you live is our business.

The Dazet Group of Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave New Orleans, LA 504-345-1000 504-862-0100 The Dazet Group of Keller Williams Realty New Orleans helps buyers and sellers with all of their home buying and selling needs. Servicing the Greater New Orleans area.

Rentals AMA Distributors, LLC 1525 Airline Drive Metairie, LA 504-835-3232 amadistributors.com Our Game Is Entertainment. Founded In 1945, AMA Distributors is one of the largest amusement and family entertainment companies in Louisiana.

AMA Distributors focuses on all aspects of family entertainment including; Pool Tables, Ping Pong Tables, Foosball, Airhockey, Jukeboxes, Photo Booths and Video Games. AMA is the only Brunswick Pavilion dealers in a 350 mile radius. Having A Special Event and Need Some Entertainment? AMA Distributors Rents Equipment as well.

Wild Wonder Photography wildwonder.photography 847-708-7281 A wedding storyteller and dreamcatcher, providing awesome wedding photography for cool, creative, and down-to-earth couples. We create images worthy of your love.

Designery22 A Linen Rental Boutique 504-507-0811 designery22.com Serving areas around New Orleans, Baton Rouge, & The Northshore. Designery22 is a New Orleans specialty linen rental boutique that specializes in developing one-of-a-kind and unique experiences, by infusing your personal style into your special event. It is our mission to help you create your own story. Whether it’s an elegant narrative or an enchanting fairytale – it all begins with the table… The table dressings are the “once upon a time” to your “happily ever after” of a night. They set the tone of your dreamy evening and are truly the extension of your individual taste. Let Designery22 have the privilege of telling your love story through the texture and dimension of a glamorous table linen.

Real estate 1st Lake Properties, Inc 504-455-5059

OMRents Terry Conerly Office 504-482-4408

Welch Photography & Video 1199 Girod St. Mandeville, LA 985-845-8405 WelchPhoto@gmail.com WelchPhotoVideo.com As a family team of photographers and videographers, we will be there to tell the story of your special day.

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cell- 504-313-8508 info@OMRents.com OMRents is an innovative cutting edge company serving the special events and convention industry for over 40 years. From our dedicated delivery drivers to our account executives and show coordinators everyone on the OMRents team is committed to providing quality event furniture with a level of service insuring customer satisfaction. Our distribution center is centrally located in New Orleans with 50,000 square feet of rental inventory ready for immediate delivery.

Special services Backyard Printing (& Secondline Handkerchiefs) Leslie McCroey 1960 Surgi Drive Mandeville, LA 985-231-7789 backyard printing@gmail.com backyardprinting.com secondlinehandkerchiefs.com Backyard Printing is full service screen printing and embroidery business. Our special love is our second line handkerchiefs and decorated umbrellas that we print and decorate for weddings and special events We have two web sites.

Harvie Live Wedding Paintings 2961 Maurepas St. New Orleans, LA 985-687-9106 info@harvieoilpaintings.com harvieoilpaintings.com As seen on TLC Four Weddings. Guests are amazed as Harvie transforms a blank canvas into a timeless keepsake using oil paints and thick impasto texture. The Bride and Groom are the focal point, surrounded by the bridal party and guests. Transform your wedding from ordinary to extraordinary with this unique form of entertainment.

Heirloom Live Event Paintings 4401 Euphrosine New Orleans, LA 504-812-1750 heirloomlive.com Heirloom Live Event Paintings would like to capture a moment in time from one of your most important days of your life! We will come to your wedding and create a keepsake that can be passed down from generation to generation. Our Paintings come to life and depict that special moment as your guests watch the artist in action!

You now have a memory that can last forever!

Mr. Snowball Catering 504-234-2110 mr.snowball@yahoo.com Mr.Snowball Catering is the best idea since the snowball itself. Mr.Snowball Catering has been in business for over 15 years and has become the top Snowball Caterer in Louisiana with bringing New Orleans favorite treat to any event. Mr.Snowball guarantees you and guest will fall in love with the premium flavors poured amazingly fine ice. BRING THE NEW ORLEANS SNOWBALL EXPERIENCE TO YOU!!

NutriChef USA 4020 South 57th Ave. suite 204 Lake Worth, FL 561-641-5210 customerservice@nutrichefusa.com Products and services for after the “I Do”. Top quality kitchen tools made to last a lifetime Party Rentals Delivered 504-441-8705 Info@PartyRentalsDelivered.com PartyRentalsDelivered.com We understand that creating a successful event requires more than the right tables, chairs, linens and accessories. It’s the service behind our products that ensures the planning, delivery and pickup will all run smoothly.

Southern Candymakers 334 Decatur St New Orleans LA 504-523-5544 info@southerncandymakers.com southerncandymakers.com Offering fresh Creamy Pralines and Chocolates, in lovely customizable wedding favors, sumptuous trays for dessert spreads, and elegant welcome gifts for your special guests when they arrive at their hotel. sponsor Dorignac’s Food Center 710 Veterans Memorial Blvd.

Metairie, LA 504-834-8216 A wedding is for celebrating, not worrying. So, why not let Dorignac’s help make it easier? Our floral artists, experienced chefs, bakery personnel and wine experts are here to assist you with everything from floral arrangements and beautiful cakes to selecting wines and party trays. Best of all, getting high quality doesn’t mean paying a high price. Call 504-834-8216 or stop by the store and let’s start planning your big day!

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bridal resources Transportation Bonomolo Limousines Inc. 1401 Lafitte St. New Orleans, LA 800-451-9258 Info@BonoLimo.com BonoLimo.com At Bonomolo Limousines, we offer the most dependable and affordable means of transportation whatever the occasion may be. We are a company based on loyalty and customer satisfaction, which is the main reason we have been in business for over 40 years.

Celebrity Limousine & Transportation, Inc. P.O. Box 73373 Metairie LA 504-888-5466 tierney@celebritylimoservice.com celebritylimoservice.com Family owned and operated since 1982.

Videography Bella Productions Wedding Films 5860 Citrus Blvd., Suite D194 New Orleans, LA 504-400-7915 Korry@mybellafilm.com mybellafilm.com Cinematic Wedding Films Dyle Films 6390 General Diaz New Orleans, LA 504-813-4183 info@dylefilms.com dylefilms.com We all feel so blessed to be working in the wedding industry. Working in and around New Orleans has taught us a lot - especially how amazing it is to get married in an area so rich in culture and history. Weddings in the South are like no other and we embrace that. We think it is so wonderful to be able to capture such a significant day in someone’s life.

We love to concentrate on the little details that could otherwise be lost in the big picture. Most importantly, we like for each bride and groom to just live in the moment and trust that they will be able to relive their wedding day forever through our work.

Your Day Production Wedding Videographers yourdayproduction.com weddings@yourdayproduction.com 504-273-0005 New Orleans 985-227-4579 Houma/Thibodaux Video & photography services for your special day with over 25 years of expe-

rience. Our combination of creative video artists and the latest technology gives us the ability to transform the record of your wedding into an original and stylish work of art you will want to watch forever.

Wedding apparel Bliss Bridal 4712 Magazine St. 504-592-7507 beablissbride.com nola@beablissbride.com Combining the elegance of a full-service bridal boutique with a showroom of beautiful gowns under $1500, we create the perfect moment for our brides to Say Yes without overstepping their budgets. Bliss Bridal offers brides an upscale, yet affordable, experience.

Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique 3230 Severn Ave Suite B Metairie, LA 504-780-7090 bustlesandbows@gmail.com bustlesandbowsbridal.com Come say “I DO”, in Style!

I Do Bridal Couture 4265 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 225-361-0377 ramsey@idobridalcouture.com Louisiana’s couture bridal boutique offers private suites for brides and their families. Exclusive lines include Monique Lhuillier, Sareh Nouri New York, Heidi Elnora, Liancarlo, Tulle, and AMSALE, Watters, Bliss Monique Lhuillier, and Nicole Miller.

John’s Tuxedos 3200 Houma Blvd.

Metairie, LA 504-455-5353 johnstuxedos.com A locally owned and operated full service men’s formalwear store serving the New Orleans Area since 1984.

Voted “Best of the Knot”.

Ladies and Gent’s Formal Wear 708 East I-10 Service Road Slidell, LA 985-643-9449 ladiesgentsfw@aol.com ladiesgentsformalwear.com We are dedicated to bringing you exceptional service, attention to detail and an atomospher of distinction that you will not find anywhere else.

It’s not just a wedding day, it’s your wedding day. Making it memorable is as important to us as it is to you!

Linda Lee Bridal & Boutique 3848 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite 203 Metairie, LA 504-889-1889 lindaleebridal@yahoo.com We are a full service bridal salon that caters to all brides no matter what their budget, style, or size. Find the gown of your dreams at Linda Lee Bridal.

NOLA Couture Uptown 2928 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 504-319-5959 French Quarter 528 St. Peter St. New Orleans, LA 504-875-3522 nolacouture.com NOLA Couture is a New Orleans inspired accessory and apparel store.

The concept was launched in 2006 in the wake of hurricane Katrina by New Orleans native Cecile Hardy. NOLA Couture was one of the first apparel brands to feature New Orleans-inspired prints, on men’s neckwear, in fun, vibrant colors. The prints were designed to lift spirits and celebrate the city’s unique culture. NOLA Couture has two locations including a store on Magazine Street and in Jackson Square.

Pearl’s Place 3114 Severn Ave. Metairie, LA 504-885-9213 info@pearlsplace.com pearlsplace.com Family owned & operated for 42 years.

The only full service bridal salon in the metro area. Looking forward to helping you & your family with any of your bridal needs. As always complimentary alterations.

Rome’s Tuxedos 3213 17th St. Metairie, LA 504-324-7227 romestuxedos@gmail.com romestuxedos.com Tuxedo and suit rentals and sales.

Southern Bridal 1200 West Causeway Approach Suite 8 Mandeville, LA 985-727-2993 southernbridal@yahoo.com southernbridal.net We love to dress your entire wedding party with Unique & fashion forward styles, and pride ourselves in offering the highest level of customer service!

The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe 3331 Severn Ave. Metairie, LA 504-266-2771 maemebridal@gmail.com mae-me.com Designer gowns at delightful prices where customer service is always in style! Bridal, Mother of the Bride, Bridesmaid, Flowergirls, Accessories, Jewelry & More!

Trashy Diva 537 Royal St. New Orleans, LA 504-522-4233 2048 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA (504) 299-8777 trashydiva.com The perfect wedding starts with Trashy Diva’s Bridal Collection. We feature vintage inspired styles for the bride and bridal party. Complete your special day with clothing, shoes, accessories, and lingerie from Trashy Diva.

Tuxedos to Geaux 3400 16th St. Metairie, LA 504-455-5393 tuxedostogeaux@gmail.com tuxedostogeaux.com DON’T RENT! OWN IT! New tuxedo coat, pant, formal shirt, tie and cummerbund set or New Suit, dress shirt and tie with free lifetime alterations. $159!! We specialize in wedding groups, small or large.

Wedding retail Blanc Bridal Couture 3819 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA Ido@blancbridalneworleans.com blancbridalneworleans.com Visit Blanc Bridal Couture for an intimate, exclusive wedding gown shopping experience. Be pampered as your experienced, fashion-forward personal stylist navigates you through our well-edited collection of hand-selected designer gowns. From traditional to “something different,” Blanc Bridal Couture has something for every bride. Bridal. Bridesmaids.

Flowergirls. Appointments encouraged. •

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hone y m o o n The St. Regis Aspen

This Land is Your Land The most fabulous Honeymoon destinations across America

By Becca Hensley

C

lose your eyes.

Imagine the most romantic place in the world. Is it a sugary beach that frames an azure sea? Does it involve a canoe for two on a secluded mirror-like lake? Perhaps a mountaintop picnic comes to mind, that bottle of champagne kept cold in a nearby snowdrift. Read on to

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pursue the dream.

Beach Bumming Who needs shoes? Barefoot glamour reigns at Acqualina Resort & Spa, in Miami, where you can step from your ocean front suite onto a crescent of bone-white beach or splash in any of four pools. With hammocks galore; ruby red umbrellas

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for shade; and torch-lit, private waterside dinners, this resort on the seductive Florida Riviera knows how to pamper. Spend an entire morning in the ESPA’s Private Spa Suite, where a private terrace invites you to linger over a long lunch after your treatments. The warm caress of the sun is complimentary. acqualinaresort.com

Like a musical soundtrack to your coquetry, the waves whisper a lullaby at Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, California. The only SoCal property poised on the sand, this intimate hotel seems to hover above the sea. Watch the sun set from the bar, where high tide encircles the structure, giving the impression you’ve set sail in

a boat. Or, let the balcony butler stock your suite’s veranda with gourmet snacks and bubbly for a personal sundowner. Sneak out to explore the town, known for its art scene.

Splurge on a souvenir painting to commemorate your union. surfandsandresort.com, visittheoc.com/ maps-and-information/ oc-weddings Active couples can expend calories aplenty at Four Seasons Maui at Wailea in Hawaii, snuggled between other resorts on one of the island’s best-known beaches. Golf, snorkeling and outrigger canoe trips tempt here, but slow down for the individual instructional massage course taught in the beachside hales (huts).

After a day spent stand-up paddleboarding, or SUPing à deux, reward yourself with the hotel’s coddling private dining experience at the “adults only” Serenity Pool, the perfume from Plumeria trees wafting in the breeze. fourseasons.com/maui

Lake Languor Glamp like the Gilded Age at The Point, a Relais & Chateaux retreat in New York’s Adirondacks. Built by the Rockefeller clan as an escape to nature from urbanity, this log mansion hideaway epitomizes the romance of rustic resplendence. It lords over a lake, framed by a pine forest.

Interiors, festooned with art and fine antiques, justify the suggested black tie evening dress code. But, by day you’ll don active wear to ply the bounty of the woods. In winter, ice fish or snowshoe. In summer, pull your canoe into a

remote nook, picnic basket loaded with supplies. Book the Boathouse, so you can canoodle by moonlight on its wrap around porch. relaischateaux.com/gb/ united-states/pointsaranac-lake

Mountain Moments Even the moose feel an affinity for the way Jackson Hole’s Amangani in Wyoming melds into the mountainscape. They’ll stare enviously as you cavort in the long-as-a-river infinity pool. Sleek, minimal, architecturally savvy, this opulent hotel showcases nature’s handiwork with astonishing vistas of the Grand Tetons from every angle. In winter, ride the private dinner sleigh up the butte for an al fresco repast beneath the impossibly starry sky. Staff will arrange rose petals on your bed, chilled champagne on your terrace or bubbles in your semi-sunken tub — just ask. www.aman.com/resorts/ amangani Mud’s nothing new in Telluride, a former mining town turned celebrity beloved ski resort, ensconced in a stunning box canyon in Colorado. But slathering it all over your body makes for a novel couple’s spa treatment at Madeline Hotel and Residence’s M Spa, where the Mountain Love Journey ends in intimate, mud cleansing, soak in the tub for two. Opt for a one-bedroom balcony suite. Its fireplace comes in handy after a dog sled ride or a day well skied or hiked. Ask the Bath Barista to customize your boudoir with house infused oils (we love the juniper), bath salts BrideNewOrleans.com |

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and beauty potions. madelinetelluride.com/spa-menu.php The razzle dazzle is real in Aspen, a mélange of all things chic and cosseting. Experience the chic chi factor best at St. Regis Aspen, where the brand’s penchant for tony hospitality reaches Rocky Mountain heights.

Take a capacious Presidential Suite complete with a baby grand piano. There, the hotel can arrange for a local musician to tap out a tune while you find nourishment in the St. Regis Aspen Resort signature midnight feast. A butler stands by to make a crackling fire or iron your eveningwear, though you’ll have to do the actual skiing yourself. stregisaspen.com

The Boulders

Mohawk Room at The Point

Coastal Craft: Forgot to get married? The captain of the Love Boat can remedy that. Exchange your vows aboard Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess or Crown Princess as you sail from Los Angeles to San Francisco on a winetasting extravaganza. Pop into wineries in Napa, Sonoma and Santa Barbara on this California oastal voyage. At sea, expect champagne and strawberries delivered, breakfast in bed, an invitation from the captain to visit the bridge and happy hour canapés — all part of the Honeymoon package. Between ports, yield to a couples’ treatment in the uber luxurious Lotus Spa. princess.com

Madeline Hotel and Residence

Entirely Urban In Miami, Como Metropolitan is the perfect hotel to absorb the city’s contrasting angles. Just a breath away from the South Beach buzz, part of the historic district, this re-invented Art Deco hotel has a voguish tranquility.

Pistachio accents and geometric shapes refer to its Jazz Age past, while contemporary Asian elements portray the Singapore-

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based hotel group’s sophisticated provenance.

With a wellness focus, Metropolitan promises freshsqueezed juices, abundant aromatherapy and Balineseinfluenced spa treatments.

But hedonist can root into the sultry beach, the gin drinks at Traymore’s Bar, and the welcoming lethargy of poolside sun loungers. comohotels.com

bathroom; king-sized, cushy beds; and butler in waiting.

On the Black Foot River, he’ll cast a fly, while she rides a horse (or vice-versa). At days end, you’ll meet up at the spa — then proceed to the main restaurant for an epicurean, wine-paired meal.

Tomorrow, you’ll river raft with a guide, and watch the hawks make circles in the sky. pawsup.com

Desert Deliverance

The National Park

You know what to expect in a town evocatively called Carefree, Arizona. Worries abate in this otherworldly Sonoran Desert landscape, where 12-million-year-old, immense red rocks mottle the terrain, and anthropomorphic cacti soar to the sky. Dusk sets the horizon afire like nature’s fireworks show. Watch the evening arrive in style from Promise Rock at The Boulders, an unforgettable resort near Scottsdale. You’ll bunk in individual casitas, spacious Southwestern-style adobe cabins with fireplaces and desert views. Tee off at either of the two awardwinning golf courses, fly in a hot air balloon and renew your soul in the spa with a Native American-influenced global shaman treatment. theboulders.com

Thanks to President Woodrow Wilson the United States sports a treasure trove of national parks. With 59 national parks extending from Maine to Hawaii, it might be difficult to decide which one best matches the vastness of your love.

Consider Ahwahnee at Yosemite National Park (California), the queen mother of national park lodges because it was constructed to be a celebrityready upmarket hotel in the 1920s. With lodge-style rooms, its main house stars as the crown jewel. Rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking and biking are just some of the activities for honeymooners. Across the nation, just outside Maine’s Acadia National Park, look for whales from your room on Frenchman’s Bay in Bal Harbour. At the Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, you can play tennis, sea kayak or board a yacht for a sunset cruise. Slumber in a sea-facing balcony room.

Spend the days exploring the rocky beaches and hiking trails of breathtaking Acadia. Save some for the charming hamlet’s antique stores, cafes, galleries and boutiques. A lobster roll goes without saying. nps.com, theharborsidehotel.com b

River Repose It’s timeless. And, if your luxury tent were not so lush, you might get away with pretending to be part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who forged through this very unsullied landscape.

At The Resort at Paw Up, 45 minutes northeast of Missoula, you’ve checked into Pinnacle Camp for its romantic digs, which feature heated floors; a sybaritic

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che c k l i s t

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.

WINTER-SPRING 2016

__ 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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in this issue The area code is 504, unless otherwise noted.

Beauty “Dress Code,” Pg. 26 Chatta Box Boutique, 4114 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 454-1527. Luxy Boutique, 4511 Magazine St., 702-8504, luxyboutique.com. Yvonne La Fleur.

Yvonne La Fleur, 8131 Hampson St., 866-9666, yvonnelafleur.com.

Saks Fifth Avenue, 301 Canal St., 524-2200, saksfifthavenue. com Haus 131, 5517 Magazine St., 885-2333. haus131.com. The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe, 3331 Severn Ave., Metairie, 266-2771, mae-me.com.

“Fast Track Hacks,” Pg. 28 Trainer To Go, 994-3822, trainertogonola.com. Clean Creations, 309-5427, cleancreations.net.

“Setting the Tone,” Pg. 30 Fitness Quest 10, San Diego California, 858-271-1171, fitnessquest10.com

Makeup “Trend Watch,” Pg. 32 Makeup by Meggan, 473-7263, makeupbymeggan.com. About Face, 304.1556, aboutfacenola. com. Ashley Sievert Beauty, 462-1731, ashleysievert.com

Hair “Hairstyles that Contour,” Pg. 40 Glenn Michael Salons, 828-6848, glennmichaelsalon.com. Amber Buxton Salon, 717-6822, amberbuxton.wix.com/salon. Up Sa Daisy Hair and Beauty Studio, 3363 Severn Ave., Metairie, 888-8466.

Gifts “Give and Receive,” Pg. 42 Mignon Faget, 3801 Magazine

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St., 891-2005, mignonfaget. com. NolaGifts and Decor, 5101 W. Esplanade Ave., Suite 17, Metairie, 407-3532, nolagiftsanddecor.com. John’s Tuxedos, 3200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 455-5353, johnstuxedos. com. Jade, 324 Metairie Road, Metairie, 875-4420, jadenola. com. Symmetry Jewelers, 8138 Hampson St. 861-9925, symmetryjewelers.com. Friend and Company, 7713 Maple St., 866-5433, friendandcompany. com.

com. Hi-Brow Beauty Bar, 126 Sierra Ct., Metairie, 325-2222, hibrownola.com. Blo Blow Dry Bar, 5530 Magazine St., 570-6101, blomedry.com. Rocket Science Salon and Beauty Bar, 604 Elysian Fields, 218-8982, rocketsciencenola.com. Kendra Scott Color Bar, 5717 Magazine St., 613-4227, kendrascott.com.

Skin Science, 3213 17th St., Metairie, 309-7048, skinsciencellc. com. BodyBrite, 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 475-5510, bodybriteusa.com

Invitations

Fashion: Bridal/ Bridesmaids/ Menswear/Flowers

“R.S.V.P.” Pg. 46 Gem Printing Co., 1904 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 831-1762, gemprinting.com. Terez Battiste, Exquisite Events, 975-4089, EEInvites.com. Betty Hunley Designs, 6057 Magazine St., 895-2870, bettyhunley.com.

Abbey Printing, 429 Wall Blvd., No. 10, Gretna, 392-7774, abbeyprinting.com. The Stationery Stylist, 2910 Toulouse St., 581-7248, thestationerystylist. com.

Feature “Bridal Bar Crawl,” Pg. 54 Braid Bar at Carpe Diem, 209 Harrison Ave., 723-5919, carpediemboutiquesalon.com. Buff Beauty Bar, 720 Carondelet St., 522-2833, buffbeautybar.com.

Wink Eyelash Bar and Makeup Studio, 911 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 459-9465, thedailywink.com. Make Me Up, 3426 Magazine St., 891-9688, makemeupnola.com. Bleu, A Blow Dry Bar, 701 Metairie Rd., Metairie, 309-5999, bleuablowdrybar.com.

Blanc Beauty Bar, 526 Magazine St., 510-4221, blancbeautybar.

WINTER-SPRING 2016

“Opening Night,” Pg. 58 The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe, 266.2771, 3331 Severn Ave #102, Metairie, mae-me.com. Rome’s Tuxedos, 3213 17th St., Metairie, 324-7227, romestuxedos. Jack Sutton, 365 Canal St., Suite 122, 522-8080, jacksutton.com.

New Orleans Tuxedos, Inc., 4959 W Napoleon Ave, Metairie, 486-5309, neworleanstuxedosinc. com. Bustles & Bows Bridal Boutique, 3230 Severn Ave., Metairie, 780-7090, bustlesandbowsbridal.com. The Plant Gallery, 9401 Airline Highway, 488-8887, theplantgallery. com. Southern Bridal, 1200 W. Causeway Approach, Suite 9, Mandeville, 985-727-2993, southernbridal.net. John’s Tuxedos, 3200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 455-5353, johnstuxedos.com. Pearl’s Place, 3114 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-9213, pearlsplace.com. Kim Starr Wise Floral Events, 2032 Adams St., 315-5607, kimstarrwise.com.

Tuxedos to Geaux, Tuxedos to Geaux, 3400 16th St., Metairie, 455-5393, tuxedostogeaux.com

Wedding belles, 3632 Magazine St., weddingbellesnola.com.

Olivier Couture, 1901 Highway 190 Suite 24, Mandeville, 985-674-6994, oliviercouture. com. Grow With Us Florist, 106 Metairie Heights Ave., Metairie, 837-9449, growithus.com.

Fabulous Flowers, 2020 Chestnut St., 909-0253, fabulousflowers. us. Linda Lee Bridal & Boutique, 3848 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, 889-1889. Bee’s Wedding and Event Floral Designs, 738 Phosphor Ave, Metairie, 830-4031, beesweddingdesigns.com. Niki Walker Salon, 625 Baronne St., 522-5677, nikiwalkersalon.com. IRIS Floral and Event Design Studio, 5331 Canal Blvd., 304-4966, irisnola.com. I Do Bridal Couture, 4265 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge, 225-361-0377, idobridalcouture.com Ladies & Gents Formalwear, 708 I-10 Service Rd., Suite 300, Slidell, 985-643-8750, ladiesgentsformalwear.com.

Jewelry “Rock Opera,” Pg. 84 Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., #110b, Metairie, 832-0000, lmfj.com.

Fisher & Sons Jewelers, 5101 W Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 885-4956, fishersonsjewelers. com. Adler’s Jewelry, 722 Canal St., 517-9469, adlersjewelry. com. Friend and Company, 7713 Maple St., 866-5433, friendandcompany.com.

Wellington and Company, 505 Royal St., 525-4855, wcjewelry. com. Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers, 5700 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 885-4653, ramseys. com. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, 701 Metairie Rd., Metairie, 831-2602, boudreauxsjewelers.com.

Cakes “Get Naked,” Pg. 96 The Sweet Life-Bakery, 6268 Vicksburg St., 504-3715153, nolasweetlife.com.

Grow with Us Florist, see fashion. Antoine’s Bakery, 3030 Severn Ave., Metairie, 309-8599, antoinesfamouscakes.com. Maurice French Pastries, 3501 Hessmer Ave., Metairie, 885-1526, mauricefrenchpastries.com.

Food “Seafood Celebration,” Pg. 100 Besh Restaurant Group Catering , 301 Tchoupitoulas St., 299-9777, chefjohnbesh. com. Superior Seafood, 4338 St Charles Ave., 293-3474, superiorseafoodnola.com. Commander’s Palace, 1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221, commanderspalace.com. Sazerac Bar, 130 Roosevelt Way, 648-1200, therooseveltneworleans.com/dining/ the-sazerac-bar, Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, 813 Bienville St, 523-5433, arnaudsrestaurant.com/bars/ french-75/.

Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar and Lounge, 214 Royal St., 523-3341, hotelmonteleone.com/ entertainment/carouselbar. Brennan’s, 525-9711, brennansneworleans.com.

Locations “Get Ready and Get Hitched,” Pg. 102 English Turn, Clubhouse Drive, New Orleans, 720-408-6014, englishturn.

com. Royal Sonesta, 300 Bourbon St., New Orleans, 586-0300, sonesta.com/ royalneworleans. The Cannery, 3803 Toulouse St., New Orleans, 486-8351, cannerynola.com. Louisiana Castle, 47168 LA-10, Franklinton, 544-8700, louisianacastle.com.

Broussard’s, 819 Conti St., 586-1155, broussards.com.

The Chicory, 610 S. Peters St., thechicoryvenue.com.

JW Marriott, 614 Canal St., 525-6500, marriott. com/hotels/travel/msyjwjw-marriott-new-orleans.

The Blake Hotel, 500 St. Charles Ave., 522-9000, blakehotelneworleans.com.

The Jaxson, 620 Decatur St., 2B, 229-4608, thejaxson. com. Cedar Grove, 6533 River Road, Westwego, 431-5743, cgtplantation. com. Southport Hall, 200 Monticello Ave., Jefferson, 835-2903, info@newsouthport.com. Degas House, 2306 Esplanade Ave., 821-5009, degashouse.com.

Il Mercato, 1911 Magazine St., ilmercatoevents.com

Photography “Photo Op,” Pg. 108 Tres Bien Photography, 534-8737, tresbienphotovideo.com. Sarah Mattix Photography, 460-5697, neworleansweddingphotography.com. GK Photography, 10170 Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge, 737-5557, gkphotography. com. Sison Photography, 250-2400, sisonphoto.com.

Music “Hey Mister DJ,” Pg. 112 Countdown Sound DJ,

220-4846, countdownsound. com. DJ Matty, 428-9178.

Newssta n d L oca tion s Find copies of the latest issues of New Orleans Bride Magazine at exclusive newsstand locations around the city:

Transportation “Radar Love,” Pg. 114 Nicoll’s Limousine and Shuttle Service, 454-7722 nicolls.com. Limousine Livery, 561-8777, limolivery.com. Bonomolo Limousines, 522-0892, bonolimo.com. Auto Exotic Rental, Houston, 713-4449999, autoexoticrental. com. Alert Transportation, 362-4145, alerttransportation.com.

Honeymoon “This Land is Your Land,” Pg. 152 Acqualina Resort & Spa, acqualinaresort.com. Surf & Sand Resort, surfandsandresort.com, visittheoc. com/maps-and-information/oc-weddings. Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, fourseasons.com/maui. The Point, a Relais & Chateaux , relaischateaux.com/ gb/united-states/pointsaranac-lake. Amangani, aman.com/resorts/ amangani. Madeline Hotel and Residence’s M Spa, madelinetelluride. com/spa-menu.php. St. Regis Aspen, tregisaspen. com. Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess or Crown Princess, princess.com.

Como Metropolitan, comohotels.com. The Boulders, theboulders. com. The Resort at Paw Up, pawsup.com. Ahwahnee at Yosemite National Park, nps.com. Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, theharborsidehotel.com b

Linda Lee Bridal & Boutique 3848 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie Bustles & Bows Bridal Boutique 3230 Severn Ave. Metairie The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe 3331 Severn Ave., No. 102 Metairie Blanc Bridal Couture 3819 Magazine St. New Orleans Bittersweet Confections 725 Magazine St. New Orleans Maison de Cheveux Salon 201 St. Charles St., No. 127 New Orleans Swiss Confections 747 St. Charles St. New Orleans Johns Tuxedos 3200 Houma Blvd.

Metairie Tuxedos to Geaux 3400 16th St. Metairie The Sweet Life Bakery 6268 Vicksburg St. New Orleans Gambino’s Bakery 4821 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie Pearl’s Place 3114 Severn Ave. Metairie Ramsey Diamond Jewelers 5700 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie

L a g ni a pp e

Lavished with Love A multi-million dollar dessert to celebrate new beginnings

by Melanie Warner Spencer Imagine a dazzling dessert so extravagant that it comes with a $9.85 million price tag. Presented with a French 75 made with Hennessy Paradis, Grand Marnier 100, fresh lemon juice, sugar, Cristal Champagne and 24-karat gold leaf flakes and a delectable Strawberries Arnaud, featuring Ceylon cinnamon, Tahitian vanilla and a rare port. Next to your sweets sits is a 10.06-carat natural fancy royal blue diamond ring from MS Rau Antiques, and your sweetie suddenly is on bended knee. If that price tag induces sticker shock, opt for the regular Strawberries Arnaud, sans ring, for $9. Bon appĂŠtit!