REAL WEDDING:: Jean-Carl + Sissy Borg {The Perfect Surprise}

Bride and groom portrait in New Orleans courtyard with fountain and greenery, bride wearing long cathedral veil and holding bouquet

::FEATURED IN THE FALL 2025 PRINT ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Photography by Ibay Photography

sissi + jean-carl’s story

Sissi and Jean-Carl tied the knot in New Orleans, a city they chose for its vibrant traditions, unforgettable food, and unbeatable nightlife. Their love story began at a frat party at the University of Michigan in 2019 – Jean-Carl spotted Sissi but was too nervous to approach. Instead, he messaged her later on Facebook, and after months of chatting, she finally agreed to dinner. They’ve been together ever since.

Bride and groom kissing in front of St. Louis Cathedral holding decorative second line umbrellas in New Orleans

Bride and groom sharing first dance in elegant ballroom reception in New Orleans with guests seated and DJ in background

Outdoor wedding ceremony in Jackson Square in New Orleans in front of St. Louis Cathedral with bridal party and guests seated

Jean-Carl pulled off the ultimate surprise proposal during his birthday party. While Sissi was preparing to sing “Happy Birthday” and light the candles on his cake, their friends and family were secretly setting up for a proposal instead. As the music changed to “Marry Me,” Jean-Carl dropped to one knee in front of their loved ones. “I’m usually very nosey and catch on quick,” Sissi shared, “but the proposal I did not see coming – he pulled it off amazingly!”

Wedding party portrait in Jackson Square in New Orleans with bride, groom, bridesmaids in lavender dresses, and groomsmen in tan suits

Close-up of bride and groom exchanging vows during outdoor wedding ceremony in New Orleans with bridesmaids in lavender

Two-tier white wedding cake with floral decorations on ornate stand surrounded by blush and ivory flowers

For the wedding, the couple included a traditional hand fasting ceremony and had their best friends officiate. Their favorite moment? The unforgettable second line through the French Quarter. “It was an incredible experience to share with our guests,” they said – one that perfectly captured their joy, love, and the spirit of New Orleans.

Elegant wedding reception ballroom with gold chairs, chandeliers, and buffet tables set for celebration in New Orleans venue

Bride and groom sharing their first kiss at Jackson Square wedding ceremony in New Orleans with St. Louis Cathedral in background

New Orleans second line wedding parade with bride and groom dancing through French Quarter holding umbrellas surrounded by guests

::AS SEEN IN THE 2025 FALL ISSUE OF

NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE ::

NOW FEATURED VENDOR:

WEDDING PLANNER/DESIGNER: PK Events

ADDITIONAL VENDORS:

GETTING READY LOCATION + RECEPTION LOCATION + CATERER: The Royal Sonesta New Orleans | CEREMONY LOCATION: Jackson Square | OFFICIANT: Ceremony, Sandy’s Ceremonies & Such + Hand Fasting Ceremony, Gregory Fernandez + Alysia Fitzgerald | REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: Desire Oyster Bar | BRIDAL GOWN: The Wedding Shoppe, Michigan | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Birdie Grey | GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Manno Clothing & Tailoring + Plymouth Tailoring & Alterations, both of Michigan | PHOTOGRAPHER: Ibay Photography | FLORIST: Floral Blooms by Kimberly Quinlivan | BAKERY: Chez Ru Rene | CEREMONY MUSIC: Violinist Marta Turianska | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT + SECOND LINE: Scherri Horaist | MAKEUP: Bri with Makeup Meltdown | HONEYMOON: New Orleans, Louisiana | JEWELER: Helzberg Jewelry | INVITATIONS: Zazzle Inc