New Orleans Bride Volume 2 2026

VOLUME 2 / 2026

FASHION

BEAUTY

EXPERT ADVICE

Volume 2 / 2026 NEW ORLEANS BRIDE

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VOLUME 2 / 2026 EDITORIAL

Editor Andy Myer Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Web Editor Kelly Massicot Photographer Theresa Cassagne Contributing Editors Becca Hensley, Lisa Tudor Contributing Writers Amy Gabriel, Misty Milioto Copy Editor Liz Clearman ADVERTISING

Senior Account Executive Brooke Genusa Brooke@MyNewOrleans.com Vice President of Sales and Marketing Kate Henry, Kate@MyNewOrleans.com Account Director Meggie Schmidt Senior Account Executive Erin Chiartano MARKETING

Marketing Manager Haley Nash

RENAISSANCE PUBLISHING PRODUCTION

Digital Director Rosa Balaguer Arostegui Senior Designer Ashley Bravata ADMINISTRATION

Office Manager Emily Ruiz

Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne

For subscription information call (504) 828-1380

A Publication of Renaissance Publishing, LLC Printed in USA 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380

New Orleans Bride is a publication of New Orleans Magazine and is published twice a year by Renaissance Publishing, LLC., 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380. It is available 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 © 2026 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. Official digital reprint and framed content is only available from Renaissance Publishing, LLC by calling (504) 828-1380. Official digital reprint and framed content is only available from Renaissance Publishing, LLC by calling (504) 828-1380. myneworleans.com/frames

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C O N TE NTS

STANDARDS

DETAILS

F RO M TH E E DITOR 22

CAKES 56

Cake Couture BRIDAL B UZZ 24

Painterly artistry and local flavors delight guests

R EA L WE DDINGS 80 F LOW E RS 6 0 HO NEYMOON 86

Petal Forward

Closer to Home

A delicate, modern silhouette has replaced oversized bouquets

Proof that a dream honeymoon doesn’t have to be overseas

CUI S I N E & CO C KTA I LS 66 L AGNI APPE 88

Layer by Layer

The New Wellness Ritual for Brides

Expert advice on choosing the right wedding cake

IV Lounge Nola

A Toast for Every Guest 68 Creative mocktails from local bars and restaurants LO C AT I O N S 7 0

Wedding Venues for Every Style

PRELUDE

ON THE COVER

Historic mansions to waterfront properties that define elegance PH OTO G RA PH Y 7 4

On Point for the Unexpected L I PS 26

Unplanned moments often create the most powerful images

Juicy Smooch Products for a perfect pucker

M US I C 7 6 S K I N 28

Dance-Free Fêtes

Kitchen Complexion

Alternative routes for enjoying music

Foodie-forward ingredients for delicious skin BEAU TY 30

FASHION

T RA N S PO RTAT I O N 78

Getting There

Making Waves Treatments and tools for body, bounce and volume

A handy guide on getting to and from the wedding BR IDAL/M EN S WEAR 42

Trading Vows I NV ITATIONS 32

Elevated Enclosures Hand-drawn monograms and wax stamps set the nuptial tone

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Timeless looks shot among the backdrop of the recently renovated New Orleans Board of Trade

Monique Lhuillier Keaton gown and Jennifer Behr earrings at I Do Couture, idobridalcouture.com; White shawl dinner jacket with teardrop bowtie at Rome’s Tuxedos & Suits, romestuxedos. com; Models: Lundyn Nims and Brock Sylvia for Images Model and Talent Agency; Photographed by Theresa Cassagne; Styled by Lisa Tudor; Makeup

by Meggan Ory; Hair by Monique Muñoz

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FRO M THE E D I T OR

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e’re excited to share the latest issue of New Orleans Bride with you.

This issue’s cover and fashion feature were photographed at the New Orleans Board of Trade, a setting that feels almost made for moments like these, with its striking architecture and history. Against that backdrop, we explored bridal looks that balance modern romance with timeless sophistication, pieces designed not just to be seen, but to be remembered.

Inside, you’ll find a deep dive into the details that shape a celebration. Our trend stories explore what’s new in cakes, bouquets, hair, beauty and makeup. We also raise a non-alcoholic glass with a feature on mocktails inspired by some of the city’s most inventive bars. Complete with recipes, it’s a reminder that celebration doesn’t depend on spirits to feel spirited.

We asked photographers to reflect on what lingers after the last song ends, and their answers were unanimous: It’s not the perfectly posed moments that stay with them, but the unexpected ones. The wind catching a veil at just the right second. A glance that no one planned, but everyone remembers. These are the moments that make a wedding feel alive. So don’t overthink it and let yourself be present and enjoy your own wedding!

To round out the issue, we turn our attention toward what comes next, honeymoons. From serene escapes to vibrant destinations across the United States, we’ve gathered inspiration for every kind of traveler, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or a little of both.

As always, our goal is to be a source of inspiration. Thank you for letting us be part of your celebration.

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NEVER MISS AN ISSUE, SCAN AND SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Join us August 19, 2026 at The InterContinental New Orleans for the biannual New Orleans Bride bridal show. Meet the city’s top wedding professionals in a festive setting to plan your big day. Visit brideneworleans.com for tickets, pricing and more details.

P.S.

Be sure to visit our website and check out our “Let Them Eat Cake” blog. We love to hear from you! If there is a topic you would like to see featured, a real wedding or proposal story, please email LTEC@myneworleans.com.

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BRID AL BUZZ GLOW UP

TABLE FOR THE WEDDING PARTY

New Orleans has never been short on spectacular dining, but 2025 and early 2026 have brought a fresh wave of restaurants tailor-made for the moments surrounding your big day—from bachelorette brunches to rehearsal dinners worthy of the occasion.

If you’re dreaming of a bridal luncheon that feels like a garden party crossed with a Louisiana love letter, keep your eye on acclaimed Chef Melissa Martin’s latest venture, Saint Claire, which opened in June 2025 on an oak-shrouded 4-acre property just 10 minutes from downtown. 1300 Richland Road, Algiers, 504-766-9316, saintclaire.me For a bachelorette brunch with energy and flavor, Addis brings the party. Weekend brunch here weaves Ethiopian flavors into midday favorites against a backdrop of DJ music and bottomless mimosas. 2514 Bayou Road, 504-218-5321, addisnola.com For smaller, more intimate gatherings, Evviva earns its place on the list. This newcomer specializes in creating close, considered experiences—ideal for a bridal party dinner where the conversation matters as much as the meal. 2600 Dauphine St., 504-267-0640, evvivanola.com And if you’re planning a rehearsal dinner with both the groom’s crew and the full wedding party in mind, Studio in Uptown has you covered. The modern steakhouse from the team behind Doris Metropolitan brings the kind of polished, crowd-pleasing energy that works for every seat at a long table. 4734 Magazine St., 504-510-2791, studio-nola.com

For brides who want more than a last-minute facial before the big day, Jenn Mills—licensed master esthetician and founder of Cultskin by Jenn and Biomecult—has a treatment timeline designed to deliver real results from the inside out.

Mills recommends starting six months out with her signature MarfaCult, a once-monthly, four-month advanced combination treatment that pairs SkinPen Microneedling, Aerolase NeoElite Laser, CryoSkin Therapy and Epicutis TSC to address pigmentation, melasma, fine lines, acne scarring, pore size and skin laxity. She also advises brides to begin Biomecult, her own prebiotic fiber blend formulated to address the gut-skin axis, at the same time. Two months before the wedding, Mills recommends her Cult Facial—a comprehensive, fully customized treatment she developed eight years ago that incorporates enzymes, microcurrent, LED therapy, connective tissue massage, manual lymphatic drainage and extractions to restore barrier function and microbial balance. One month out, she adds the Sculpt Facial, a two-part treatment targeting the muscles, fascia and bones of the face to increase microcirculation, support lymphatic movement and sculpt and train facial musculature before the big day.

For the bridal party, Cultskin by Jenn offers in-office packages for groups of 10 or fewer that include 25-minute mini facials, chair massages, local natural wine, tea, a personalized playlist and the option to add a local cheese and charcuterie board—with the office closed exclusively for the event. Parties should book at least six months in advance. 3701 Magazine St., cultskinbyjenn.com, biomecult.com

BEYOND BOURBON STREET

New Orleans has always delivered for bachelor parties, but the city’s newest options prove you don’t have to plant yourself on Bourbon Street to have the time of your life.

Opened in 2025 by hospitality veterans Colin Kennedy and Nicole Theriot, Lost Coyote is tucked behind the corner of Esplanade Avenue and Claiborne in a historic circa-1870 building on the edge of Tremé. The 100-seat restaurant and pool club combines a moody bar, a Louisiana-focused menu with global influences and a heated year-round pool available for private

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DITCH THE BARRE—GO FULL CIRCUS

Looking for a bachelorette activity that’s more death-defying than downward dog? Beast Studios in Arabi has your squad covered. Founded by internationally recognized circus impresario LadyBeast, this brand-new dedicated circus training space just minutes from Downtown New Orleans is one of the only dedicated circus training spaces in the region—and it’s exactly as wild and wonderful as it sounds.

Whether your crew wants to swing from the rafters in Intro to Trapeze, nail a handstand with Coach Sweet Tooth Simone or channel their inner acrobat through vertical rope work, there’s a class for every level of daring. Beast Studios is now offering specialty workshops with visiting guest artists and a new six-week training series, making it easy to plan a one-time bridal party adventure or a pre-wedding fitness journey. 1231 Center St., Unit C, Arabi, beaststudiosnola.com

buyouts—exclusively for guests 21 and older. 1614 Esplanade Ave., lostcoyotenola.com For a sober complement—Loop Nola’s High Ropes Course in City Park offers one of the most genuinely bonding experiences in the city. Two courses wind through a canopy of live oaks and pine trees in the Couturie Arboretum, with nine elements rising up to 30 feet off the ground. Private bookings are available for groups of 10 to 30, guided by staff certified by the Association for Challenge Course Technology, with half-day and full-day options. 1031 Harrison Ave. (City Park), 504-330-5369, loopnola.org

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P R ELUDE

MAKEUP

Juicy Smooch Your first kiss after “I do” calls for a pretty pucker. The juicy blurred lip trend, which combines a softer pout with a hydrated and glossy appearance, will have you looking oh-so-kissable.

BY AMY GABRIEL

Bachelorette party perfect, the Paint! Light Up Lip Gloss from Caren is a lit wand with a side mirror making application a cinch. The creamy and non-sticky application offers long-lasting shine without shimmer in this Wild colorway. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, 921 Canal St., 504-6702929, ritzcarlton.com

For bride-perfect shine and sheer color, the Lipbrella 100% Mineral Tinted Lip Oil from Mama Sol has you set to smooch. With SPF 20 infused into each tube, this is a honeymoon makeup bag must. The Spa at Four Seasons, 2 Canal St., 504-434-5100, fourseasons. com/neworleans/spa Achieve the high shine of a clear gloss and the nourishment of a balm with Osea Hyaluronic Lip Booster. Powered by hyaluronic acid and seaweed for a softer, plumper-looking pucker, the taste of sweet mangomandarin will linger on your lips.

Earthsavers Spa + Store, 5501 Magazine St., 504-899-8555; 3301 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 140, 504-835-0225, earthsaversonline. com

For a summer peach-flavored pout, the HydroPure Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss from Jane Iredale is a pillowy soft gloss that combines hydration with balm benefits for fuller, supple lips. Waldorf Astoria Spa New Orleans, 130 Roosevelt Way, 504-335-3190, therooseveltneworleans.com

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Rich and buttery, a Lip Whip Color Balm from Kari Gran in a peppermint-tinted colorway provides a glossy, velvety texture that’s the perfect mix between a balm and a lipstick. Vibrant Market, 3811 Magazine St., 504-206-4419, thevibrantmarket.com

Accentuate the blurred lip trend with a soft, sheer crystal shimmer with a few swipes of the Legendary Lip Oil in Adrianna from RMS Beauty.

The Windsor Court Spa, 300 Gravier St., 504-596-4736, thewindsorcourt.com

A luscious and hydrating vegan gloss for juicy lips, the Mango Lip Honey from Ere Perez glides on smoothly while adding pop and plumpness. Freedom Apothecary, 1430 Terpsichore St., 504-884-4711, freedomapothecary.com

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P R ELUDE

S KIN

Kitchen Complexion When it comes to beauty, your powder room and your pantry aren’t as far apart as you think. As you primp for your nuptials, consider incorporating products with foodie-forward ingredients into your regimen for a delicious appearance.

BY AMY GABRIEL

Clarify your complexion with Lotion No. 2 by Margy’s Monte Carlo. With rose water to soothe, pineapple extract to exfoliate, honey extract as an antioxidant and pomegranate extract for hydrating and anti-aging, this product is a powerhouse. The Spa at Four Seasons, 2 Canal St., 504-434-5100, fourseasons.com/neworleans/spa After an evening spent celebrating, a combo of organic coconut oil and Kakadu plum seed oil in the Coconut Clean Cleansing Balm from RMS Beauty will help to effortlessly remove stubborn makeup while keeping moisture intact. The Windsor Court Spa, 300 Gravier St., 504-596-4736, thewindsorcourt.com

Enjoy garden-inspired suds by showering with an Heirloom Tomato Soap Brick from Flamingo Estate. With a dash of wildharvested tarragon and handpicked Madagascan black pepper, this 12 oz. bar will make for a moisturerich lather. ByGeorge, 1507 Magazine St., 504-350-2449, bygeorgeneworleans.com

For bridal-ready skin, nourish and hydrate with Manuka Honey Whipped Oil from Naturopathica. This rich hydrator transforms from a cream to an oil, locking in moisture and helping protect skin while making it sensual and smooth. Earthsavers Spa + Store, 5501 Magazine St., 504-899-8555; 3301 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 140, 504-835-0225, earthsaversonline.com.

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With ingredients of coconut and honeysuckle, a pea-sized amount of Coconut Hydrating Primer will create a smooth canvas for your next makeup steps. Ashley Sievert, 608 N. Causeway Blvd., 504-4621731, ashleysievert.com

Taut skin will be at your fingertips with the Mighty Tighty Turmeric & Banana Tightening Mask from FarmHouse Fresh. An antioxidantrich blend of turmeric and fresh bananas will nourish and rejuvenate with each application.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, 921 Canal St., 504-670-2929, ritzcarlton.com

Get a healthful dose of greens from Botnia’s Kale Mask. The vitamin-rich, farm-grown kale illuminates skin from the inside out, nourishing the skin barrier all while brightening your complexion. Freedom Apothecary, 1430 Terpsichore St., 504-884-4711, freedomapothecary.com

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P R ELUDE

HAIR

Making Waves You’re looking to add a little glamour to your locks as you glide down the aisle. With wavy hair at the crest of beauty for brides, these hair treatments and tools will help build body, bounce and volume.

BY AMY GABRIEL

Keep your waves in place with Texturiza Texture Spray from Unite, a dry, translucent finishing spray that delivers fullness and definition with a matte finish. The citrus floral scent adds to the appeal. Blo New Orleans, 5530 Magazine St., 504-570-6101, blomedry.com To activate curls while adding moisture for an anti-frizz look, a dose of Killer Curls from Kevin Murphy is the antioxidant rich leave-in you’re looking for. The Windsor Court Spa, 300 Gravier St., 504-596-4736, thewindsorcourt.com Bring your mane vision to life from the base, beginning with the Power Fol Shampoo from Maya Chia. By balancing the scalp microbiome with a proprietary blend of active ingredients, it lays the groundwork for the appearance of thicker and fuller hair. Vibrant Market, 3811 Magazine St., 504-206-4419, thevibrantmarket.com.

To create long-lasting, loose waves, the Mint X-Long Curling Iron - with an extended 1.25-inch barrel - makes styling seamless. Earthsavers Spa + Store, 5501 Magazine St., 504-899-8555; 3301 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 140, 504-835-0225, earthsaversonline.com

Create piecey waves out of even the finest hair with Oribe Matte Waves Texture Lotion. Ideal for creating a matte texture and adding grip for styling. Bluemercury, 5601 Magazine St., 504-891-3574, bluemercury.com

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Effortless waves await with the Mint S-Waver. The double tourmaline ceramic barrels (1.6 inches) create large, gorgeous waves that are both luxurious and natural looking. The Windsor Court Spa, 300 Gravier St., 504-596-4736, thewindsorcourt.com

Pump long-lasting volume into your waves and add lift at the root with a set of Kitsch Ceramic Thermal Rollers. About Face, 701 Metairie Rd., 504-304-1556, aboutfaceco.com

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P R ELU DE

INVITATIONS

Elevated Enclosures

The magic of handwritten text and illustrations unique to the couple set the nuptial tone while colorful envelope liners, hand-drawn monograms and wax stamps herald the event.

BY LISA TUDOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THERESA CASSAGNE

Clockwise from left: Printed on fine Arturo paper with soft deckle edges, this invitation has a natural, organic feel. Off-white stock complements the bold black ink and open-face lettering, which is finely engraved into the paper for a classic finish; A custom sketch of the historic venue is the focal point of this invitation printed on classic ivory stock with rounded gilt corners and the envelope liner features a watercolor of the ceremony venue, Capital on Baronne; Printed on luxurious 140-lb ivory stock, the delicate embossed border sets an elegant tone and a combination of bold and script fonts highlights the custom Victorian-style monogram centered at the top, all at Gem Printing Company, gemprinting.com. Custom illustration of the Elms Mansion by Ashleigh Sparks paired with calligraphy by Maria Helena Hoksch flat-printed in taupe with rounded corners at Heron Paperie, heronpaperie.com

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Lavin | Hurley wedding suite: Soft pink stock letterpress printed in sepia ink, with custom envelope liner featuring sepia-toned illustration of Hygeia Fountain at Audubon Zoo. Dark brown welcome party insert foil stamped in copper creating a dramatic color scheme carried throughout the reception. Pasha | Decker wedding suite: Soft white stock letterpress printed in charcoal ink, enhanced with die-cut edges, inset pink border, French blue ribbon and rose shimmer wax seal. Envelope liner with vintage garden illustration.

The inclusion of a wax seal with new moon motif alludes to new beginnings and is present on multiple aspects of the wedding suite, including the mehndi ceremony insert, by Scriptura, scriptura.com

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Three-piece garden party suite featuring custom artwork that incorporates nine bespoke symbols fastened with an oval, double-sided details card knotted around the invitation with a chiffon ribbon.

Chartreuse envelope with a yellow sorbet envelope liner and all-caps calligraphy complete the suite.

Creative concepts, design, watercolor painting, line drawings, letterpress, cutting, calligraphy, assembly and mailing by Catherine Flotte of Sprinkles Art Co, sprinklesartco. com. Blind-embossed lemons top chartreuse engraving and a custom watercolor illustrated liner on off-white stock by Eugenie Babington for Heron Paperie, heronpaperie.com

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Clockwise from left: Michaelis | Mata wedding suite: Soft white stock letterpress printed in two colors, woodland green and robin’s egg blue, enhanced with custom monogram, full-color floral illustrations and die-cut insert, by Scriptura, scriptura.com. Repurposed artwork of a great blue heron paired with flat-printed marsh text and a mid-green envelope; repurposed 18th-century artwork creates a flat-printed chinoiserie frame paired with a pistachio envelope by Eugenie Babington for Heron Paperie, heronpaperie.com

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Clockwise from top: For Isabelle & Sam, the bride’s dress served as inspiration for a custom watercolor envelope liner matching her lace fabric. The invitation itself featured calligraphy letterpress printed onto heavy watercolor paper with a painted edge for a pop of color and a custom illustrated watercolor itinerary for the weekend; For Bethanie, classic typography and an elegant monogram, by designer/illustrator Jennifer Vencil at Eglantine Rose Letterpress, eglantinerose. com. Floral wreath monogram printed in meadow thermography on off-white stock at Heron Paperie, heronpaperie.com

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TRADING

VOWS SINCE 1880 THE NEW ORLEANS BOARD OF TRADE’S IMPOSING IRON GATES AND PICTURESQUE COURTYARD HAVE PROVIDED A GRAND ENTRANCE TO THE

ICONIC BUILDING LOCATED DOWNTOWN AT 316 MAGAZINE ST. RECENTLY REOPENED AFTER A METICULOUS RENOVATION THAT PRESERVED THE

RENAISSANCE REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE AND STUNNING OUTDOOR SPACES, THE ELEGANT VENUE SEAMLESSLY BLENDS HISTORIC GRANDEUR WITH THE FINEST MODERN AMENITIES AND CRAFTED CUISINE BY JOEL TO CREATE AN UNFORGETTABLE BACKDROP FOR CELEBRATIONS.

By Lisa Tudor | Photography by Theresa Cassagne Makeup by Meggan Ory | Hair by Monique Muñoz Models Lundyn Nims and Brock Sylvia for Images Model and Talent Agency Photographed at New Orleans Board of Trade, boardoftradenola.com Facing page: Nicole + Felicia Look 1 (Style NF103) and Jennifer Behr drop earrings at I Do Couture, idobridalcouture.com

Black "Jasper" single-button peak lapel tuxedo at John’s Tuxedos & Suits, johnstuxedos.com

Ricca Sposa “Orion” mikado princess-style gown with detachable bowed sleeves (not shown) and back-bowed train with Olive and Piper "Elysia" pearl drop earrings at The Bridal Boutique by Maeme, maemebridal.com

Facing page: ivory shawl dinner jacket at John’s Tuxedos & Suits, johnstuxedos.com This page: "Sabine" strapless ballgown of corded and chantilly lace over mikado paired with companion “Sabine” lace halter

by Canadian designer Lea-Ann Belter and pearl drop earrings at Wedding Belles, weddingbellesnola.com

"Rocco" framed-edge notch lapel tuxedo with black shirt and teardrop bowtie at Rome’s Tuxedos & Suits, romestuxedos.com

Justin Alexander Signature "Dickinson" fit and flare mikado gown with floral appliqué and floral earrings at Bliss Bridal, beablissbride. com

Galia Lahav vintage full lace "Hermosa" gown at Unbridaled New Orleans, unbridaled.com; Ti Adoro pearl drop earrings at Linen Jolie Bridal, linenjoliebridal.com

"Lyla" strapless sheath Chantilly lace gown with basque waist and delicate detailing by Allure Bridals with Ti Adoro pearl drop earrings at Linen Jolie Bridal, linenjoliebridal.com

Satin silk crepe bias-cut "Harriet" gown with lace veil

by Alexandra Grecco at Unbridaled New Orleans, unbridaled. com; Ti Adoro pearl drop earrings at Linen Jolie Bridal, linenjoliebridal.com

White shawl dinner jacket with teardrop bowtie at Rome’s Tuxedos & Suits, romestuxedos.com

Justin Alexander "Katelyn" gown with corded Alencon lace sleeves at Bliss Bridal, beablissbride.com; Ti Adoro pearl drop earrings at Linen Jolie Bridal, linenjoliebridal.com

DE TAI L S

CAKE S

Cake Couture

As the centerpiece of the reception, painterly sugar work and artistry in the design elements of the wedding cake speak to your style and incorporating seasonal and local flavors delight your guests.

BY LISA TUDOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY THERESA CASSAGNE

Freesia, ranunculus, hydrangea, astrantia and green hellebores adorn the lavender sponge cake filled with house-made lemon curd, iced with vanilla bean buttercream by Cake Boss Cheryl Scripter for Bittersweet Confections, bittersweetconfections. com; Floral design by Zoe Hardie for Pamela Dennis Designs, pameladennisnola.com

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Iced in shades of pastel buttercream adorned with hand-drawn rosebuds, intricate basketweave and pearlized gumpaste roses, the opulent three-tier design features an edible handpainted gilt-framed floral motif inspired by the venue’s domed mural. On top are six layers of white almond cake with amaretto buttercream filling; the 8” tier is three layers of old-fashioned butter cake with praline buttercream filling and Louisiana pecans; the 10” bottom tier is five layers of devil’s food cake with espresso buttercream filling. Design inspired by The Board of Trade venue and created by the pastry artisans at Joe Gambino’s Bakery, gambinos.com

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DE TAI L S

FLOWER S

Petal Forward A smaller bunch of blossoms, often in a single shade, have replaced the oversized bouquet with a delicate modern silhouette

BY LISA TUDOR PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA CASSAGNE

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Designer Barbie L’Hoste used sea waltz delphinium, lavender stock and scabiosa, white and ivory garden roses, pink mondial roses, and Sarah Bernhardt peony with touches of white lisianthus to create a bouquet of lavender, blue and dusty pink for TPG, The Plant Gallery, theplantgallery.com

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A petite bundle of lilly of the valley and bear grass loops represents sweetness and a “return to happiness” by Kim Starr Wise for Kim Starr Wise Floral Events, kimstarrwise.com

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All-white bouquet of hydrangea, ranunculus, anemone, garden roses and green hellebores

by Pamela Georges for Pamela Dennis Designs, pameladennisnola.com

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DE TAI L S

CUISINE & CO CKTAI L S

Layer by Layer

Chef Martha Gilreath of Nolita Bakery shares advice on choosing flavors, designs and the perfect wedding cake

BY AMY GABRIEL

T

he process of selecting a wedding cake is one with many layers. Far more than just fantasizing about fondant, there are many factors to take into consideration. We caught up with Chef Martha Gilreath of Nolita Bakery to ask for her “top-tiered” advice so you can take it one stress-free slice at a time.

I love an inspiration photo, we won’t replicate another artist’s work. But it’s super helpful to get the right idea. If you have multiple inspiration photos, try to link the ones that are similar in style.

At one point in the planning process do you recommend scheduling your cake tasting? As early as possible! At least five months before, but spots

cold storage if the delivery time you set up is hours before, especially in the summer.

fill up quickly so if you can schedule it earlier — do it! Also, it takes time to turn a vision into what will ultimately be your dream cake. If you’re getting married during either of our wedding seasons (March/April or September-November) it’s super important to make sure we have time to create or procure everything we will need to turn the vision into reality.

For the tasting, do you recommend that a couple come prepared with a flavor profile or do you prefer to showcase what you do best? I love

a mixture. Tell me what you’re thinking — and let me throw in some curveballs. We have had a lot of couples switch gears. Sometimes couples have an initial idea, but after looking through our wedding book or batting ideas back and forth something new can emerge. It’s also super helpful to be transparent with your cake maker. They are the ones who can let you know if maybe structurally or seasonally there are better options to make your cake the centerpiece.

Do you appreciate it when a couple comes with an idea for the design of the cake by way of a magazine or Instagram inspiration picture? While

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Should weather factor in for your cake choice during a summer NOLA wedding? Absolutely! Also checking with your venue to see if they have

How do you determine the size of cake for the number of guests, and can that drastically affect the choice of cake style? We have a chart that breaks

down each size tier, sheet cake, etc. into wedding servings. But you don’t always need a massive cake. A smaller focused cake along with slab cakes for service is my favorite option.

In terms of budget, what factors can increase the cost of a cake? Fillings,

intricacies in design, fresh florals vs. handmade sugar flowers and delivery are the ones I consider the most.

You recently introduced your New Orleans Bridal Collection with a lineup of specialty wedding cake flavors. What are some popular local flavor profiles that you’re most excited about? Our Nolita Louisiana bridal collection is

stunning. My favorites are Cafe au Lait, Satsuma, the Old Fashioned (yes, like the drink), and our Bourbon Spice. Truly unique to Nolita.

Nolita Bakery, 3201 Orleans Ave., 337-603-4138, nolitanola.com b

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CUISINE & CO CKTAI L S

Salon Salon at Maison Métier Nothing (But Flowers) 1 oz hibiscus tea 1 oz chrysanthemum tea .75 oz lime cordial .25 oz ginger syrup Directions: Shake. Pour into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top with fever tree elderflower tonic. Garnish with an edible flower.

Ingredients for Hibiscus Tea 8 g dried hibiscus flowers 2 c boiling water Directions: Steep for 10 minutes, strain and cool.

Ingredients for Chrysanthemum Tea 8 g dried chrysanthemum flowers 2 c boiling water Directions: Steep for 10 minutes, strain and cool.

A Toast for Every Guest Creative mocktails from local bars and restaurants ensure every wedding guest has something special to sip

BY AMY GABRIEL

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hile some of your party guests will be reaching for a celebratory coupe of Champagne or toasting to your future with French 75s, others may be more inclined to keep their alcohol consumption to a minimum or even abstaining entirely. Having an inclusive bar that caters to all partygoers will help keep the good times flowing. Fortunately, today’s nonalcoholic beverages are anything but an afterthought, featuring the same creativity, complexity, and presentation as their spirited counterparts.

From floral and refreshing to spicy and sophisticated, these locally inspired mocktails from some of New Orleans’ favorite bars, hotels and restaurants prove that a great celebration doesn’t require alcohol to raise a glass. b

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Ingredients for Lime Cordial 23 g lime zest 230 g sugar 200 ml lime juice Directions: Zest limes. Add sugar, massage zest and sugar to encourage lime oil to release. Add lime juice, stir well. Cover and let sit overnight. Stir to dissolve sugar. Strain through fine mesh strainer.

Ingredients for Ginger Syrup 100 g peeled and rinsed ginger 100 g sugar 100 ml boiling water Directions: Combine in blender. Strain through fine chinois.

Ralph’s on the Park Can’t-We-Elope 2 ounces cantaloupe purée 1 ounce ancho and serrano pepper syrup 1 ounce lime juice To garnish: simple syrup To garnish: kosher salt To garnish: lime, zest of Directions: Dip the rim of the coupe glass in lime juice. Then on a plate, mix the zest from one lime, one teaspoon of salt, and one teaspoon of pepper.

Turn the glass over onto the plate and twist to adhere the mixture. Shake the cantaloupe purée, ancho and serrano pepper syrup and lime juice together.

Double strain and pour this into the garnished coupe glass.

Ingredients for the Ancho and Serrano Pepper Syrup 4 each ancho chiles, dried 2 each serrano peppers .5 liter water .5 liter sugar Directions: Heat 4 dried ancho chiles and 2 dried serrano peppers, sliced in half with the seeds intact over high heat until it is very fragrant. Add .5 liter of water and boil for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture into a container. Stir in the .5 liter of sugar.

Directions for Cantaloupe Purée: Cut the cantaloupe in half, then remove the seeds and the skin. Blend on high in a mixer for 2 full minutes.

Strain off the solids.

Recipe from Brittney Sienkwicz [Ralph’s on the Park-Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, New Orleans]

The Carousel Bar & Lounge at Hotel Monteleone Ginger Peach Snap Half glass of white ginger tea (2-3 oz) *The hotel uses Tea Forté white ginger pear tea 0.5 oz lemon juice 0.5 oz agave nectar Dash peach puree 1 oz ginger beer Candied ginger

Avegno The Pink Dress 5 oz strawberry purée 1.5 oz lemon juice To top: water (or Sprite for added sweetness) To garnish: lemon wheel Directions: Stir all the ingredients together. Serve over ice in a tall glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Hot Tin at The Pontchartrain Hotel Sparkling Festival Lemonade 4 oz Strawberry Rosemint Lemonade 1.5 oz ginger beer 1 mint top 1 lemon wheel rose petals Directions: Fill a glass with ice. Add the lemonade. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with mint, lemon and rose petals.

Ingredients for Strawberry Rosemint Lemonade 1 bunch mint 3 c sugar 1 qt water 1 qt lemon juice ½ oz rose water 1 c puréed strawberries 1 qt ice water Directions: Muddle mint in the bottom of a 1-gallon pot. Add sugar and 1 quart of water to the pot. Bring to a simmer so the sugar dissolves. Turn off heat and add the lemon juice, rose water and strawberry purée. Steep for 10 minutes. Add the ice water, stir.

Strain and chill.

Directions: Place the ginger tea, lemon juice, agave nectar, and peach purée in a shaker.

Shake and strain over a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a candied ginger.

MOCKLY Seeking a sleek and simple addition to your NA (nonalcohol) wedding bar? Local concept Mockly (drinkmockly. com) has created an elevated, craft-level option in the form of a spirited and stylish can. “Mockly was made for moments that call for celebration - and a New Orleans wedding is exactly that,” says Aimée Sedky, co-founder of the brand. “We like to say it was ‘made for Mardi Gras’, which means it was built for big, joyful, everyone’s-invited occasions, not as a wellness substitute or a consolation prize for people not drinking.”

From a cocktail hour welcome experience showcasing the cans chilled in an ice bucket, to a more formal sit-down reception where you can uplevel the drink with coordinated glassware and garnish, Sedky says that the creative ideas for presentation of these tonics, spritzes and elixirs overfloweth. “Guests can sip it straight from a beautiful, chilled glass, or the couple can set up a DIY ‘mock or mix’ cocktail station and let their drinkers mix in a spirit of choice. It’s the one beverage on the table that genuinely serves everyone.”

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The Chloe

Wedding Venues for Every Style

From historic mansions to waterfront spaces, these standout properties define elegance

BY MISTY MILIOTO

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ew Orleans has long been one of the most enchanting wedding destinations in the world, and the city’s lineup of venues continues to grow and evolve. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony for 30, a blowout reception for 300 or an indulgent wedding weekend where your entire party sleeps under the same roof, these local gems offer something for nearly every vision and budget.

restaurant — transforming the intimate property into a private home for an entire wedding weekend. Event spaces include a front patio shaded by a majestic oak tree, a pink-hued lounge with an impressive art collection and a wraparound front porch overlooking St. Charles Avenue. The culinary team specializes in innovative New Orleans cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, and the hotel requires a minimum two-night stay for a full buyout. 4125 St. Charles Ave., 504-541-5500, thechloenola.com

THE CHLOE

The Chloe is a lovingly restored 19th-century mansion turned 14-room boutique hotel in Uptown. The hotel’s full-buyout option puts every space at a couple’s disposal — guest rooms, the courtyard pool, patios, bar and

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CANAL STREET INN

Tucked in the heart of Mid-City along the Canal Streetcar line, this handsome 110-year-old Greek Revival mansion is one of the city’s most

Sully Mansion

charming and consistently celebrated wedding venues — and one of the most accommodating for out-of-town guests. The lush, manicured garden, shaded by mature trees and anchored by a white pergola, accommodates up to 150 guests for ceremonies and receptions. The elegant formal dining room, with its delicate stained-glass windows and carved wood fireplace mantel, is ideal for rehearsal dinners and intimate seated celebrations.

Whole-house buyouts of the inn’s 11 private bedrooms allow couples to bring their nearest and dearest under one roof for a true destination wedding weekend, with a made-from-scratch Southern breakfast served each morning. 3620 Canal St., 504-483-3033, canalstreetinn.com TERRELL HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST

Built in 1857 for Richard Terrell, a wealthy cotton broker from Natchez, this grand three-story Italianate stucco-over-brick mansion on Magazine Street has been quietly perfecting the art of intimate weddings for decades.

The brick courtyard — complete with multiple fountains and lush tropical vegetation — provides a picturesque outdoor setting for ceremonies and receptions for 20 to 120 guests. The double parlor, with 14-foot ceilings crowned by original plaster moldings and ornate ceiling medallions, lends a sense of timeless New Orleans grandeur to indoor celebrations. What sets the Terrell House apart for bridal parties is the ability to reserve the entire property, which includes 12 guest rooms spread across the main house, carriage house and Creole House (apartment-style suites ideal for extended family and out-of-towners) across the street. In-house catering is available, with chefs who can accommodate a range of dietary needs.

1441 Magazine St., 504-237-2076, terrellhouse.com CREOLE GARDENS

Equal parts funky and charming, this woman-owned and locally operated historic property in the Lower Garden District is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue that channels the true bohemian spirit of New Orleans.

The Roadhouse, a 2,400-square-foot indoor-outdoor event space adjacent to the Banana Courtyard, accommodates up to 225 guests and features a built-in bar, in-house sound system and a colorful Caribbean-inspired ambience that feels more like a backyard party with your closest friends.

The Lakehouse

The lush banana-tree-shaded courtyard is available for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours. Couples and their guests can book overnight accommodations across the property’s three historic antebellum buildings, which together offer 24 uniquely decorated rooms — making it possible to keep the wedding party together from rehearsal through farewell breakfast. The venue is pet-friendly and allows outside food truck vendors. 1415 Prytania St., 504-569-8700, creolegardens.com SOULET MUSE

Tucked along Magazine Street in the Lower Garden District, Soulet Muse is a beautifully preserved 1850s Creole townhouse with exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings and original antique hardware that make it feel like a true New Orleans home rather than a conventional event space.

The venue’s defining feature is its pair of lush outdoor courtyards: a front courtyard that opens directly onto Magazine Street and a private rear courtyard characterized by a signature living plant wall, lush greenery and twinkling bistro lighting. A wraparound balcony overlooking the back courtyard provides an elevated vantage point for guests and a dramatic backdrop for photographs. Wedding packages include exclusive access to the entire 3,500-square-foot venue—both courtyards, a custom kitchen island, a bay of vintage double French doors and three private suites for getting ready or overnight stays. The space accommodates up to 120 guests and is well-suited for ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and receptions. 1173 Magazine St., souletmuse.com SULLY MANSION

For couples dreaming of an intimate ceremony steeped in authentic Garden District elegance, Sully Mansion is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Originally built in 1890, this historic boutique inn accommodates up to 30 guests for weddings and private events. The vine-draped outdoor courtyard, shaded by oak trees and framed by a jasmine-covered pergola, provides a quintessentially New Orleans setting for ceremonies and private dinners. The venue offers tailored wedding experiences that include ceremony coordination and event rentals such as linens, tables and chairs. Stained-glass windows, pine floors and a formal staircase make for exceptional wedding photographs.

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Terrell House Bed & Breakfast

House of Broel’s Victorian Mansion and Wedding Chapel

Soulet Muse

Creole Gardens

A two-day buyout is available for couples who want to keep their entire wedding party under one roof. 2631 Prytania St., sullymansion.com HOUSE OF BROEL’S VICTORIAN MANSION AND WEDDING CHAPEL

Originally built in 1850 and famously elevated in 1884 — when former owner William Renaud literally had the house hoisted up to add an entire new floor beneath it — House of Broel is one of St. Charles Avenue’s most storied wedding destinations. The magnificent first floor, added during that legendary renovation, is now a wedding and reception venue wrapped in crystal chandeliers, marble fireplaces and exquisite antiques.

The outdoor secret gardens and jasmine-draped courtyard, featuring a pavilion, offer a romantic setting for outdoor ceremonies and photoshoots.

Owner Bonnie Broel, who is also an ordained minister, has been welcoming couples for more than three decades, and all-inclusive wedding packages cover everything from the open bar and cake to a dedicated wedding coordinator. The venue accommodates two to 200 guests, making it one of the most flexible options in the city. Note: House of Broel does not offer overnight accommodations, but its Magazine Street and Garden District neighbors provide ample options nearby. 2220 St. Charles Ave., 504-699-1423, houseofbroel.com THE LAKEHOUSE

New Orleans couples rarely associate the word waterfront with wedding venues, but The Lakehouse changes that entirely. Perched directly on the edge of Lake Pontchartrain in the Lake Shore–Lake Vista neighborhood, this sleek contemporary venue is one of the only freestanding waterfront wedding spaces in the city. The 7,000-square-foot indoor space features floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic marina views and accommodates up to 299 guests. The covered outdoor deck is the kind of ceremony backdrop no ballroom can replicate. What makes The Lakehouse particularly special for bridal parties is the five-bedroom, five-bathroom condo situated

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directly above the venue, which can be booked for overnight stays and accommodates smaller events such as rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and bachelor and bachelorette gatherings for up to 75 guests. 7412 Lakeshore Drive, 504-943-6818, thelakehousenola.com THE JAXSON

For couples who want Mississippi River views, a French Quarter address and room for a proper celebration, The Jaxson delivers on all fronts.

Housed in the historic Jax Brewery building overlooking the river, the venue accommodates between 100 and 425 guests for ceremonies and receptions, with a private outdoor terrace perched directly above the water.

In-house catering and a dedicated events team handle the details, while the second-line option gives destination wedding guests an experience they won’t forget. Summer evening receptions on the river terrace combined with sparkler send-offs are among the most photographed finales in the city. 620 Decatur St., 504-514-1574, thejaxson.com FOUR SEASONS HOTEL NEW ORLEANS: A PROPOSAL WORTH REMEMBERING

The Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans has long been one of the city’s premier wedding venues — but for 2026, the hotel has introduced something that goes well beyond a ballroom or a courtyard. Available exclusively for one couple at a time, the hotel’s new Midnight on the Terrace Spa and Dinner Experience includes a one-night stay in a suite, private after-hours access to the Spa with personalized treatments and a candlelit four-course dinner with wine pairings on the Spa Terrace, with sweeping views of the Mississippi River. Optional upgrades include a private musician, custom floral décor and photography. Priced at $10,000, the experience is designed for proposals, honeymoon kickoffs or any milestone occasion that calls for something genuinely unforgettable. 2 Canal St., 504-434-5100, fourseasons. com/neworleans b

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P HO T O G R APHY

GK Photography

On Point for the Unexpected Professional photographers reveal how unplanned moments often create the most powerful images

BY BECCA HENSLEY

I

have a professional photographer friend who reminds me of an English setter (or other bird dog) on point. She’ll stand totally still, all senses alert, camera poised — even when not actively shooting a photo on her perfect shot list. It’s likes she’s watching something nobody else sees.

When I ask her what she’s doing, which I inevitably do, she’ll turn, clearly listening to the hubbub around, smelling it, even tasting the surrounding energy — and she’ll say to me calmly: “I’m waiting for something to happen.”

What amazes me every time is how she can take her planned shots but still be anticipating that next level of panache. She’ll put the bridal couple and other participants at ease, and follow her plan, which results in sublime photos. But she’s keenly aware that at any movement, the metaphorical wind will change—and she’s ready for it. When something goes off script, she sees it, she focuses in, she snaps it.

Indeed, often, the best loved photos hail from unforeseen circumstances: that unpredicted rainstorm that has everyone running for cover, the flower girl who decides to dump her entire basket of flowers in the aisle at once rather than following directions to toss them one by one, the dog companion who breaks free and runs amok. Nothing in life ever goes as

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planned — especially not at a wedding. So, embrace the chaos and the joys as one, knowing that when you choose your experienced photographer that they have your back. They will be on point, like my friend. They’ll not only capture all the poses you pinned and planned for, but they’ll unveil the beautiful authenticity of your celebration—even when it dances to its own drummer.

Michele Caswell-Adams, part of the mother-daughter duo of experts that helm Unique Weddings & Events in New Orleans, recalls a recent April wedding in the French Quarter where there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.” As soon as the second line started, the party began to hear thunder, though there were still no clouds. But it started to sprinkle the moment the party turned on Bourbon Street — then — as Michele describes it — “out of nowhere the skies opened and we got a downpour.” As guests ran for nearby cover, something magical happened: “The bride and groom began dancing in the rain.” Michelle raves about the captivating photos caught of the couple alone on the empty street, suffused in glowing light.

“It wouldn’t have happened without the rain,” she says.

Husband-and-wife team Marianne and Steve Sabrier of The Red M

The Red M Studio

Studio, born and bred New Orleanians, have been recording events and taking portraits since 2011. Ruminating about how the best photos weren’t part of the master plan, they recalled a second-line moment during an October wedding early in their career when a late season hurricane blew in and “knocked all of the plans askew.” As Marianne tells it: “The wedding had ended and the wedding party was standing around figuring out what would happen next as the rain started falling.

It was clear that the police escort was not showing up, when all of a sudden, I heard the brass band say, ‘We are the Treme Brass Band ... we don’t need no escort, baby!’ The brass band cranked up the music, the second line fell into place and off we went, with me at the front, leading the way, telling the whole party to go left, then right at each intersection.”

Marianne says she was “so discombobulated” that she lost her sense of direction as they marched. “But I never lost my sense of the amazing melee unfolding in front of my lens.” She says they ended up coming down Orleans Avenue, a street not originally on their route. “There we were with the iconic St. Louis Cathedral in the background, and the lacy French Quarter balconies in the foreground; I got the shot of a lifetime!” she recalls. It was such a serendipitous moment that resulted in such fantastic wedding photos that Marianne and Steve used the resulting photos in their marketing for years. “That day just depicted the quintessential New Orleans experience,” she said.

George Kuchler, of GK Photography, says that his 30 years doing wedding photography has been “a training ground for his entire photography business.” Known for his high energy, celebratory spirit, positive attitude and keen eye, George says the reality of any wedding is that it’s life in

Unique Weddings & Events

motion, and full of surprises. “You learn to see everything in front of you as a possible problem to solve, a workaround,” he says. “I call my favorite candid moments the shots between the shots.” George says capturing these moments is key — even when they’re funny, shocking or sad. They happen quickly and getting the images amounts to the true fun and satisfaction in the art of wedding photography.

He remembers one wedding at a small venue in Slidell during Mardi Gras season when the power went out right before the reception was supposed to start. Apparently, a Mardi Gras float had hit a power line.

“Though everyone took out their iPhones and turned the LED lights on and candles were lit on tables, it was still way too dark for me to take pictures,” he recalls. Suddenly, as George turned on his flash, he heard the DJ crank up his generator and begin to play the couple’s song. The couple started to dance in the dark. “After the first verse, out of nowhere all the lights came back on, and the crowd went nuts,” he says. “The bride was crying with joy,” an emotion that showed magically in all the resulting photos that George snapped. His photos captured elation (and relief) in the crowd amongst all the guests and the bridal party. They showed that feeling of enchantment when something that went wrong, goes right — and something unexpectedly wonderful happens and is recorded for posterity. b uniqueweddingsinneworleans.com theredmstudio.com gkphotography.com

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MUSIC music vibes, maybe a recital thrummed by a string quartet. Keep in mind: You don’t have to make a dance-free wedding formal or fancy. Choose what you like. Bring on the raging rockstar, indie or folk music — even an uplifting gospel choir.

MUSICAL THINGS TO DO

Dance-Free Fêtes Alternative routes for enjoying music BECCA HENSLEY

Y

ou’ve got two left feet — but, thankfully, so does he. Awkwardly, that’s how you met: at a wedding where neither of you wanted to cut the rug, let alone join everyone else on the dance floor. Instead, you shrugged, giggled, chatted in a corner and bonded over the fact that both of you hate to dance. You’d tried ballroom dancing classes and failed. He’d spent years tripping over the tango. Within an hour, you’d admitted to one another that you preferred repartee to the samba and listening to music rather than dancing to it. Could we call it: love at first conversation?

So, once you decided to marry, no way were you going to do a first dance in front of a crowd—or even consider having the most important night of your life revolve around hours of dancing to music so loud it could drown out confabulation with friends and family. You wanted a “no dance” reception, where music still played a role.

You worried though — would that disappoint your guests? After all, these days most people associate weddings with a raucous dance floor.

In the end, you realized that you could absolutely keep music as an instrumental (pun intended) part of the event — after all, this is New Orleans —, without turning the whole fête into a dance party. So, you agreed: no boogeying down or

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cha cha cha-ing in a formal way. Music would happen but not be subsumed by dance fever. That said, you wouldn’t dream of stopping someone from tapping their feet or succumbing to a twirl.

And, if somebody — anybody — happened to start a conga line or do the Macarena, you just might join in, left feet and all.

IDEAS FOR HAVING A DANCE-FREE FÊTE

Rest assured. Dancing is not prerequisite to a successful and memorable reception. Even without a dance floor, live music establishes a mood, but it doesn’t have to be the centerpiece.

If conversations between friends and family are what you’re after, keep the musical volume understated, which allows people to converse.

For this sort of wedding, consider your venue carefully. Look for outlets with stellar acoustics, places that can accommodate soft or atmospheric music, but also allow for normal conversations.

Gardens, art galleries, boutique hotels, bar buyouts, small theaters and presidential suites are great options for this sort of party.

If you want music to star at your wedding reception — though not in a dance band way —, hire a strolling minstrel strumming a guitar or a feisty saxophone player jazzing it up as people swill cocktails before dinner.

Alternatively, offer up an intimate, seated concert—perhaps something with chamber

Karaoke! You can kit up a karaoke stage to make singing and vocals the forefront of your wedding fun. This activity works best after a sit-down dinner or in the case of a lively, buffet cocktail reception. Get the fun started with a few extroverted friends who love to croon a tune, then let the participation-style entertainment set a tone of revelry and feistiness. After everyone’s grabbed the mike and had a chance to sing their favorite song, switch the game to music trivia. Guests can form teams or participate individually to name that tune. This is a perfect mainstay for smaller receptions and mixed-age group parties.

For dance-leery couples who nevertheless love music and are keen to ensure guests have plenty to do, set up music-focused stations around the reception area. The activities can be enjoyed between courses or at various stages of the afternoon or evening event.

Create a cozy vinyl listening nook, where guests can pick and play records or offer up a cozy corner to build personal playlists. These can sit alongside a photo booth with a music theme. Some couples have reported the success of a silent listening lounge (great for introverts who need some space), complete with headphones and bridal party-curated playlists. It provides a place for those so inclined to groove to their own beat.

A digital jukebox with a plethora of options puts guests in charge of the party’s vibe. It’s especially ideal for transitions or downtime. Know a lot of musician friends who’ll be attending the soirêe? Set up pianos or a slew of instruments from guitars to flutes for guests to perform impromptu concerts on a stage. You can also decorate the tables with maracas, tambourines, bells, recorders or other handheld percussion and music makers, so all the guests can join in.

For an afternoon reception or hen party, consider pairing live music with a painting class, lawn games, board game stations, wine tasting or cooking demonstrations. Music played as an accompaniment to fireworks, stargazing or light shows makes for a grand finale for any party.

Popular scores include: “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay, “Levels” by Avicii or “Time” by Hans Zimmer, depending on the effect you seek or the music you like.

Use songs or acoustical soundtracks to build momentum for each stage of your event and to signal endings and beginnings.

Remember, nobody comes to a wedding to dance. They come to celebrate you, dance shoes optional. b

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TR ANSPORTATIO N

your beloved and your guests to your wedding.

Pick between classic Harleys or BMWs on the motorcycle side or hop on a Genuine Buddy scooter with your pals and fly through the streets. eaglerider.com/neworleans TANDEM BIKE

Prove your commitment to fun, whimsy and teamwork by renting bikes on your Big Day. French Quarter Go gets its bicycles made specifically for the wear and tear of the Big Easy’s streets, so that the beginning of your marriage isn’t too bumpy. frenchquartergo.com PARTY BUS

Getting There

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

D

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

HORSE AND CARRIAGE

The classic New Orleans mode of wedding transportation, the horse and carriage, is the image of wedded bliss. Enter your ceremony as if you are in your own personal fairy tale. Royal Carriages has been a New Orleans institution since 1941 and provides several options to its guests. neworleanscarriages.com STREETCAR

Seat 40 to 52 of your guests in a classic New Orleans streetcar by chartering one from the city. You can create your own route, bring food and non-alcoholic drinks onto the streetcar and decorate it to your heart’s content. It’s a mode of transportation steeped in history but customizable to your goals. norta.com/help-and-contacts/ business-information/streetcar-charters

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LIMO

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

A classic Rolls Royce or antique Bentley exudes vintage luxury and style and allows you to transcend time. Arrive at your wedding in true elegance and enjoy the plush leather seating while sipping Champagne, alerttransportation.com PEDICAB

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

MOTORCYCLE OR SCOOTER

Get a fleet of motorcycles or scooters to carry you,

Why not rent a party bus? Champagne chillers, accent and fiber optic lighting, flat-screen TVs, a mirrored ceiling and a dancing pole — gasp! — are a few of the amenities. The buses range in size, running up to 40-passenger limits, and New Orleans Party Bus will meet all of your specifications. nopartybus.com GONDOLA – CITY PARK

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

Charter a yacht and party all the way to the altar.

Watch the sun set and enjoy balmy breezes as you float through the waters of Lake Pontchartrain.

If you’re up to it, have the captain of the ship officiate the wedding. The options are endless when luxury is your focus. neworleansyacht.com TROLLEY

Don’t worry, you can still ride off into the sunset in a classic Crescent City trolley even if your wedding isn’t on one of the town’s main streetcar lines. Limousine Livery provides refurbished streetcars free of both cable restraints and tourists. What’s more, the renovated vehicle’s cushioned seats offer a little more luxury than the city’s current hardwood offerings, so you can cozy up and cool off next to your new spouse. limolivery.com b

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Bride: Madeline Jane Abbott and Groom: Harrison Daniel Dickerson Date: February 21, 2026 Ceremony Location: Academy of the Sacred Heart Chapel Reception Location: Metairie Country Club Wedding Planner: Maria Maginnis with InNola Events Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza at Wedding Belles Reception Dress: Yvonne La Fleur (the bride’s Sacred Heart graduation dress repurposed) Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Sung at Bella Bridesmaids Men’s Attire: Perlis Rings: K. Miller Gem & Jewelry Brokerage Florist: The Plant Gallery Caterer: Metairie Country Club Cake: Gambino’s (both groom’s and bridal cake) Photographer: John Cain Photography Videographer: Bella Productions Hair: Lisa Marquette and Kelly Gueno Le at Salon M Makeup: Laurie Baldo Lassere at Salon M Ceremony Music: Sarah Jane McMahon Reception Music: Got Groove Invitation and all Details: Write On Stationery and Mpress

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Bride: Tyler Wyche Groom: Joey Sansone Date: March 14, 2026 Ceremony and Reception Location: Felicity Church Photographer: Jordan Blanchard Wedding planner: Alicia with Pennywell Events Wedding Dress: Vagabond at Unbridaled Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Chose their own dresses Men’s Attire: John’s Tuxedos Florist: Blooms Botanica Caterer: Black Pearl Catering Cake: Bywater Bakery Hair and Makeup: Glam Nola Favors: Koozies from Etsy-FavorFiesta Music: Nola Dukes Band Bride’s Getting Ready Location: Virgin Hotels New Orleans Rehearsal Dinner: Coquette After Party: Barrel Proof Officiant: Dr. Ryan Wolfe, a close friend of the couple

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Submit your wedding for our magazine!

CHECK OUT HOW....

To be considered as a featured local wedding in New Orleans Bride magazine, email a download link or zip file with high-resolution photographs and a word document of the detail listed below. If you are selected you agree to be published in the pages of New Orleans Bride, as well as on our related websites and blogs.

Below is a helpful checklist to ensure that you have included all of the correct materials.

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

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

* Please send at least 10-15 photographs and Word document of your vendors

HOW TO SEND Please email a download link or zip file of photos and Word document to tiffani@myneworleans.com Subject line: Real Wedding Submission ONLY DOWNLOAD LINKS AND ZIP FILES WILL BE ACCEPTED. DO NOT SEND INDIVIDUAL FILES.

HOW WE CHOOSE 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. The bride, groom and photographer must give permission to use the photographs and information of the submitted wedding.

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HON E Y MO O N The Ranch at Rock Creek

Closer to Home

Proof that a dream honeymoon doesn’t have to be overseas

BY BECCA HENSLEY

Y

ou don’t have to go to the ends of the earth for a perfect honeymoon.

When the world seems untenable and insecure, look closer to home.

Save the far-flung trip for later. Take advantage of the bounty we have here across the United States from Florida to Alaska, from Hawaii to Maine. With all its glorious variety, the U.S. offers a realm of unexplored wonders. Whether you want to play cowpoke, chill on a beach, be pampered at a temple of gastronomy or step into a film set, we’ve got the trip for you.

FOR BUCKAROOS

Pack your metaphorical spurs (or at least your jeans) and head to the wilds of Montana to play cowpoke and live the ultimate western adventure.

Situated between the Pintler and Sapphire mountain ranges, 90 minutes from Missoula Montana Airport, The Ranch at Rock Creek encompasses some 6,600 acres of ruggedly appointed Montana wilderness. Bunk in

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luxurious cabins, historic barn accommodations or glamping tents, set along the creek. In warmer months, honeymooners can ride horses, fly fish, hike, bike and do clay shooting; winter offers up snow-fueled activities from snowshoeing to sleigh rides. (Since each guest has a private expert guide, you can try something new with confidence.) A 2,000-square-foot spa pampers after days in the saddle, and inclusive farm-to-table meals are served with gusto in a variety of atmospheric restaurants. Insider tip: Couples will love the retreat’s hot tubs, hammocks, bowling in the saloon and mining for sapphires at the resort’s on-property sapphire mine. theranchatrockcreek.com FOR BEACH BUNNIES

With all the romance and dolce vita it represents, Miami’s penchant for 1920’s-era Mediterranean architecture is deftly echoed at Acqualina Resort

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection

AUBERGE COLLECTIONPHOTO

Acqualina Resort & Residences

The Inn at Little Washington

& Residences, a honeymooner’s dream haven steps from the ocean in Sunny Isles Beach. Seductively lustrous, the retreat occupies 4.5 stunning beachfront acres, much of it a garden mecca, enlivened by alluring red couches in the shadows of scarlet umbrellas. Choose from three beachfront swimming pools, world-class dining and a 20,000-square-foot, utterly cosseting Acqualina Spa. Be among the first to book the new Oceanfront Villa Suite, posh and private with 2,800-square-feet of indoor-outdoor space, made for spending time alone. Want to arrive in style? Couples booking the Villa Suite for three nights have one-day access to a Lamborghini Urus SE to explore the electrifying city of Miami, dinner at Il Mulino New York and a couple’s massage in the Royal Spa. Insider tip: Book the resident photographer Pipe Yanguas to capture your honeymoon’s best moments and opt for a Seed to Skin Tuscan Candle Massage at the spa. acqualinaresort.com FOR GASTRONOMES

Chew and digest your honeymoon the Relais & Châteaux way at The Inn at Little Washington, in Virginia, a gourmet terminus of extraordinary proportions. The brainchild of Michelin-starred Chef Patrick O’Connell (nicknamed the Pope of American Cuisine), this bijoux hotel for epicurean pilgrims, a one-time vintage gas station redone with maximalist glee (think whimsical wallpapers, lavish fabrics and rooms named for famous chefs), sits amid gardens and sports Blue Ridge Mountain views, a farm, sinuous trails — even a chicken coop kitted out with chandeliers. But, it’s the restaurant that takes the metaphorical cake where O’Connell

theatrically turns every seasonally derived course into a party. Dishes to anticipate might include delights such as peanutty soft shell crab or lamb carpaccio with Caesar salad ice cream. Don’t miss the mooing cheese cart that chats to diners in cheesy puns, executed with humor, fancy and art de vivre. While at Inn at Little Washington, couples can take wine country tours, hike the trails at nearby Shenandoah Valley National Park or shop for antiques in the cute villages of Washington and Sperryville. Insider tip: Do a private tasting with Master of Scotch Jeff LaBelle and join The Goose Walk, a daily ritual where the Inn’s Farmer leads a parade of geese down Middle Street to live saxophone riffs. theinnatlittlewashington.com FOR GILDED AGE FANS

With its fourth season being filmed, HBO’s historical drama series “The Gilded Age” tells the story of high society in 1880s Newport, Rhode Island, when it was a playground for the moneyed elite. Couples who like to immerse in their favorite show’s settings can indulge in Gilded Age’s Newport, a haven of historic mansions that edge the rugged Atlantic Coastline. Known for its sailing traditions and famous 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, it’s home to The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection, a 33-room luxury retreat and a historic coastal landmark built by a Vanderbilt family scion. A cozily elegant honeymoon where burrowing into elegant New England digs defines the day, this honeymoon promises spa treatments, culinary classes, lobster, littleneck clams and stupendous explorations of Newport’s coastline on a guided classic car tour. Insider tip: The Sunset Champagne Drive via vintage car is a honeymoon must. auberge.com/vanderbilt/experiences b BRIDENEWORLEANS.COM |

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L AG NIAPPE

A Wellness Ritual for Brides At IV Lounge NOLA, brides and their parties can drip, glow and sip their way to wedding-day radiance in a luxurious French Quarter lounge — or let the nurses come to them.

BY MISTY MILIOTO

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ove over, mani-pedi. Today’s New Orleans brides are dripping their way to the altar — literally. IV Lounge Nola, tucked one block from St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter, has built out a dedicated wedding program that’s equal parts pampering and practical. The 1,000-square-foot lounge features four hair and makeup stations, a massage room, a relaxing lounge with four recliners, a large bathroom with shower and a kitchen stocked

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with small bites catered by The Mardi Gras School of Cooking. A Champagne bar and bloody mary bar round out the experience. Bridal party packages are fully customizable, and if you’d rather stay put, a team of registered nurses will come to you — at your hotel, home or Airbnb. With drips designed for glowing skin, energy, immunity and stress relief, it’s the only getting-ready ritual that works from the inside out. 519 Wilkinson St., Ste. 107, 504-302-1056, ivloungenola.com b