REAL WEDDING:: Monique Dazet + Loren Bartholomew {you are the best thing}

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

Written by: Jessica Burke | Photos: WeddingLens Photo + Video

KENNER, LOUISIANA

how they met + the proposal

“We were friends years before we started dating,” says Monique. “We were together 4 years before getting engaged.” The proposal came in September 2019 when Loren took Monique to their favorite Dueling Piano bar in Austin, TX and had one of the piano players play their song “You are the Best Thing”. Loren got on the stage and got down on one knee and popped the question in front of the entire crowd. Monique said “YES!!!“

the wedding rings and wedding invitation

the wedding ceremony

Instead of having bridesmaids, Monique and Loren felt it would be more special to have just their parents, siblings and nieces and nephews stand by them for the wedding. The brides’ best friend, Jonathan, got ordained just so he could marry them. “Only our closest friends and family were there which made it even more special,” shares Monique.

the ring bearers carry a sign announcing the brides

Loren walks down the aisle

Monique walks down the aisle

the brides are all smiles at the wedding altar

the first kiss

the wedding reception

Monique and Loren had to move their wedding 4 date times due to the pandemic and finally were able to celebrate at The Crossing in the heart of Kenner, Louisiana’s historic Rivertown. “It was amazing to feel the love when the day FINALLY came,” shares Monique. Highlights of the reception included a delightful menu by LaBella’s Catering, the in-house caterer at The Crossing, and a five tier wedding cake. J.A.M. Brass Band performed adding a traditional NOLA touch to the celebration.

the wedding reception room at The Crossing