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REAL WEDDING:: Sable Nelson + E. Lee Dyer IV {Fab, Fun, Free Contest Winners}

ABOUT THE COUPLE:

Sable K. Nelson, a Milwaukee native, proudly identifies as a black queer social justice advocate, public health policy analyst, and attorney.

E. Lee Dyer IV, a Marrero native, proudly identifies as a black trans man (FTM), social justice advocate, educator, community organizer, and higher education professional.

The couple first met in 2012 at NCCU School of Law in Durham, North Carolina. Sable and Lee currently reside in Richmond, VA.

THE PROPOSAL: 

Louis Armstrong Park is one of the groom’s most loved places in New Orleans, and he wanted to share it with his bride. He took her to his favorite spot and proposed under the stars. 

maroon and green wedding invitations
candid photo of bride in wedding dress
groom placing his handkerchief into tuxedo pocket
bride behind groom first look

ABOUT THE FAB, FREE, FUN WEDDING CONTEST

Waning Moon Weddings by LaToya, a professional wedding officiant service and ministry, held its first annual LGBTQ+ free wedding contest – The Fun, Fab, & Free Wedding Contest – in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2019.

The contest received submissions from diverse couples from around the world.

When asked about the momentum behind this project, Papillion-Herr says, “For couples in the LGBTQ+ community, there is a level of unimaginable fear and uncertainty when planning any major life event. The Fun, Fab, & Free Wedding Contest is my way of creating a safe space and openly celebrating their love, beauty, and diversity. This project has received an outpouring of support from political organizations and event professionals all over the city of New Orleans.”

This contest was designed to make a dream wedding come true for, an otherwise, marginalized community in the wedding industry. By partnering with local event professionals, Waning Moon Weddings hosted the city’s first free, luxury LGBTQ+ wedding on November 10, 2019.

new orleans wedding ceremony

Our wedding was amazing. What made it most amazing is the infusion of NOLA culture and our family. It was a gumbo of our culture, family, and friends. So much love and smiles that day. The decor was amazing. The food was amazing. Our officiant Latoya made sure our culture and LGBTQ identities were encompassed in the wedding.” – Lee + Sable

bride and groom jumping the broom
"I think the top moment of the wedding was the Jumping of the Broom, a tradition passed down from enslaved Africans."
wedding day family photo
mardi gras indians new orleans wedding
The bride and groom posing with a member of the Zulu Tramps.

These wedding vendors donated their time, materials and talent to help make Lee and Sable’s dream wedding come to life.

FEATURED NOW VENDORS:

PHOTOGRAPHY: Capture Studio NOLA

WEDDING CONCIERGE: The Bridal Citizen

INVITATIONS: Upscales Custom Collection

ADDITIONAL CREDITS:

GETTING READY LOCATION: Macarty House | CEREMONY + RECEPTION LOCATION: The NOCCA Institute | OFFICIANT: Waning Moon Weddings by LaToya | MENSWEAR: Joseph A. Bank | FLORIST: Fat Cat Flowers | BAKERY: Bitter Sweet Confections & Fleur De Treats & Sweets | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: DJ FTK, Live Painter Heather McNamara and Second Line by Zulu Pleasure Club Tramps | HAIR + MAKEUP: Jordan Hunter | WEDDING PLANNER: Michelle Norwood Weddings | RENTALS: Table Cloths 4 U | CATERING: Cafe Orleans Catering,  Justini Cocktails and Tap Truck NOLA | REHEARSAL BRUNCH: Beaucoup Eats Catering and B. Sherrie Dining Experience  | JEWELER: Modern Gents Trading Company | FAVORS:  Yadhhae by Jada Hunter | SECOND LINE UMBRELLAS: Juana’s Party Bling | SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT: 1Z2R Design Studio | BTS Photos: Cameron Johnson Photography

bride and groom wedding attire smiling at each other
bride smiling showing her custom wine tumbler
custom white handkerchiefs for second line with fleur de lis
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bride and friend sharing a toast
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Bride reading a card on her wedding day
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broom for jumping of the broom tradition
bride and friends posing for wedding day photo
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bride holding bouquet just before bouquet toss
bride and groom after wedding ceremony
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tuxedo and white bowtie
black and white photo of a woman fastening the bride's wedding dress
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bride and groom dancing, laughing
wedding day shoes, purse, jewelry and garter
simple elegant wedding cake with flowers
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groom adjusting bowtie
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luggage and bride's garter
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bride wearing white gloves holding groom's hands

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Myndee is a freelance writer and author. She is a New Orleans area native who has been creating digital content for over 10 years. Her work has been featured in local and national publications, including New Orleans Living Magazine and CNN. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new exercise classes, listening to audio books and spending time with her three kids. As an introverted extrovert, Myndee loves being part of the generation where most of her friends live in her computer.

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