REAL WEDDING:: REBECCA MATTE + MICHAEL HIDO {Destination NOLA}

Written by Myndee Corkern

Photos by Ashley Kristen Photography

HOW THEY MET IN REBECCA’S WORDS: 

“We met over 11 years ago on Plenty of Fish which was the original free online dating website. Michael’s screen name was MrMichael and mine was MsBeckie. All of Michael’s friends call him Mike, but he’ll always by my Michael. I can honestly say that the first time I saw him I knew he was the one.

“I always wanted a destination wedding. Something about them seems so much more intimate where everyone becomes family by the end. Michael’s only request for a wedding was that his family would be there and that everyone would have a good time. We went back and forth on a lot of destinations and one late night my mom suggested New Orleans and it clicked right away. New Orleans is the kind of place you always talk about going but never actually seem to make it there, or this was the case for us and the majority of our guests. So the idea was a hit and the plan for our NOLA nuptials was made. With further research we discovered that New Orleans is just as romantic as it is fun, with antebellum mansions, hidden courtyards and dreamy oak trees everywhere, the only thing harder then deciding on a spot to hold our wedding was figuring out where to go for dinner. The Tree of Life in Audubon Park, however, stood out above everything as the dreamiest place to say our ‘I do’s.'”

“Picking our venue was a bit difficult as I was obsessed with lighting. I really wanted a big chandelier and something different from a traditional ballroom. I came across Bevolo Events on Pinterest and just could not get it out of my head. Everyone looks good in the light of a flame and Bevolo is lined with the dreamiest lanterns that give everyone a romantic glow and I think the photos really show that! Bevolo also had this very gritty vibe to it with the exposed brick and unfinished floors it felt like everything I’d thought of New Orleans. Pretty in the candlelight but built for a party that ends in a mess.”

“Our first dance song was called ‘The Dreamer’ by Tallest Man on Earth. Being that Michael is more musically gifted then me this was one of his jobs to pick the song and he did a fantastic job! It was very romantic and Michael plays it all the time so its nice to get to relive that moment.”

Using lanterns instead of traditional bouquets piqued our interest here at NOW, so we asked Rebecca to elaborate on this beautiful choice:

“I wanted to try to have less of an impact environmentally so decorating with candles instead of flowers just made sense. I also wanted to bring a bit of the reception to the ceremony. Since Bevolo makes lanterns this was one of the easiest way to tie it all in.”

“Being in a relationship for ten years I’ve been subjected to a lot of bouquet tosses and ‘you’re next’ statements. I was tired of these and wanted to embrace my independent ladies. We played ‘Independent Woman’ and I handed my bouquet to my incredible grandmother, a woman who has taught me to grow flowers and drink whiskey.”

FEATURED NOW VENDORS:

REHEARSAL BRUNCH: Tableau Restaurant

TRANSPORTATION: Audubon Limousines

ADDITIONAL CREDITS:

PHOTOGRAPHY: Ashley Kristen Photography | WEDDING PLANNER + RENTALS: Decor on a Dime | OFFICIANT: Michelle Zeller | CATERER: Rosemary & Roux | GETTING READY LOCATION: Chateau Le Moyne | CEREMONY: The Tree of Life, Audubon Park | RECEPTION VENUE: Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights | BRIDE’S ATTIRE: Samantha’s Bridal Boutique | GROOM’S ATTIRE: RW & CO | BAKERY: Shake Sugary | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Jack Magic | HAIR: AHB Hair and Makeup | MAKEUP: Makeup by Meggan | FLORIST: Harkins the Florist | VIDEOGRAPHER: Filmbalaya Films