REAL WEDDING:: Marion Alejos-Puente + Ian Brisco {BRISCO BODA}

::AS SEEN IN THE MARCH 2021 ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Written By: Jessica Burke | Photos: Rare Sighting Photography

“Ian and I met at a hole in the wall bar through mutual friends,” shares Mari. “Ian was kind enough to buy me a po boy that evening,” she says, which led her to immediately text a friend, “I am going to marry this man!”

As it turns out, Mari’s intuition was right and five years (to the day!) and many adventures around the world later, the couple tied the knot at Corpus Christi Epiphany Catholic Church.

Mari and Ian's "globe" guest book. Photo: Rare Sighting Photography

“We wanted our wedding to be a great blend of our cultural backgrounds,” shares Mari. “During the ceremony, we had Bible readings in Spanish and French.” They also included traditional Latino Lasso and Arras Coins rituals that symbolize eternal love and prosperity. The priest kept the ceremony upbeat by including references to the couple’s love of traveling and included lyrics from Luther Vandross (one of Mari’s favorites) during the Gospel.

They also included traditional Latino Lasso and Arras Coins rituals that symbolize eternal love and prosperity. Photo: Rare Sighting Photography

“This wedding had originally been planned at not one, but two different locations but due to COVID-19 restrictions and changes it had to be replanned within 3 days, with Thanksgiving being one of those days. Rena Sweeney from Alchemy Events and Rene Jalice and his staff from Down the Hatch pulled off a successful event in a short amount of time that people are still raving about!” Mari says.

Ian and Mari enter the courtyard of Down the Hatch in New Orleans for their wedding reception. Photo by Rare Sighting Photography

“At the wedding reception, we wanted traditional New Orleans food and traditional Latino cuisine,” says Mari. Down the Hatch was able to create a fabulous menu including Shrimp and Grits, a NOLA staple, and Ropa Vieja, one of Cuba’s national dishes.

Mari and Ian cut the wedding cake. Photo: Rare Sighting Photography

The groom's cake featured a Compass Rose design. Photo: Rare Sighting Photography — The groom’s cake featured a Compass Rose design in keeping with the couple’s travel theme.

DJ G blended different genres of music, from Bounce to Merengue to keep the atmosphere lively and ended the evening with Second Line music.

The wedding favors included miniature globes and NOLA-themed candles by Wicks NOLA. Photo: Rare Sighting Photography — The wedding favors included miniature globes and NOLA-themed candles by Wicks NOLA.

Mari and Ian dance in the courtyard at Down the Hatch. Photo: Rare Sighting Photography

Being able to celebrate with her family and friends was everything Mari and Ian could ask for. “After so many changes due to COVID, they were the perfect moments to have.”

The newlyweds plan to honeymoon in Morocco in late 2021.