REAL WEDDING:: Noni Ellison + Randy Mckee {A Symphony of Love}

Bride and groom raise champagne glasses beside a towering gold wedding cake framed by lush white floral arrangements and orchids.

::FEATURED IN THE 2026 SPRING PRINT EDITION OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Photography by Amy Anaiz Photography

noni + randy’s story

Noni and Randy’s love story began not with spectacle, but with intention. Introduced by a mutual friend and colleague, Attorney James Carter of New Orleans, the two spent four years building a relationship grounded in shared values, professional respect, and a deep appreciation for culture and community. When Randy proposed, the answer was simple and certain. “Yes,” Noni said, without hesitation.

Bride in an off-the-shoulder floral lace wedding gown smiles while joining hands with the groom during the ceremony.

Bride in long-sleeve floral lace wedding gown surrounded by bridesmaids in black satin dresses while preparing for ceremony

Grand staircase reception entrance covered in lush white flowers with the couple’s monogram displayed at the center landing.

Bridal portrait of bride in floral lace off-the-shoulder wedding gown holding white rose bouquet against soft blue background

Miss Dior perfume bottle with diamond engagement ring, sparkling bridal heels, and crystal accessories styled on black fabric backdrop

Their wedding day reflected everything that defines them as a couple: elegance, artistry, heritage, and joy. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was not simply a wedding, but a thoughtfully curated experience where every detail carried meaning.

Groom poses with father, grandfather, groomsmen, and young ring bearer in matching black tuxedos in elegant hotel hallway

Elegant white and gold wedding invitation suite with monogram crest and formal script calligraphy for New Orleans church wedding

Bride having makeup applied near hotel window with soft curls and strapless getting-ready outfit reflected through greenery foreground

The ceremony took place at the Katherine Drexel Chapel at Xavier University of Louisiana, where guests were welcomed by the soulful sounds of the late New Orleans jazz violinist Michael Ward. His music set the tone for a ceremony that felt reverent and celebratory all at once. As Noni and Randy exchanged vows, the moment was elevated further by performances from Grammy Award–winning artist Kenny Lattimore and his longtime pianist, Javance Butler, whose music accompanied the bridal party’s entrance and underscored the ceremony with warmth and romance.

Bride and groom laugh together while posing in front of a dramatic black sculptural art installation inside the museum.

Pianist in black tuxedo playing grand piano during wedding ceremony inside modern church with warm candlelight and white floral décor

Bride in floral appliqué ball gown with dramatic cathedral veil posing on staircase surrounded by lush white floral arrangements and wedding cake display

Musician in a black tuxedo sings into a microphone during the wedding ceremony as guests look on from wooden pews.

At the conclusion of the vows, the couple honored tradition by jumping the broom, a powerful symbol of unity and new beginnings. As they did, Grammy Award–winning artist Howard Hewett performed his iconic “Say Amen,” creating a moment that was as moving as it was unforgettable.

Bride and bridesmaids in black satin dresses pose inside church ceremony space surrounded by white florals and candlelit aisle décor

Groom and groomsman in classic black tuxedos opening Tiffany & Co. gift boxes in hotel hallway before wedding ceremony

Hairstylist placing sparkling crystal bridal hairpiece into bride’s softly curled half-up wedding hairstyle

The celebration continued at the New Orleans Museum of Art, where guests were greeted on the front steps by Michael Ward’s music once more before entering for a seated four-course dinner. The reception unfolded like a love letter to New Orleans and to music itself. Delfeayo Marsalis and his jazz band, alongside vocalist Rechell Cook, welcomed guests into the space and accompanied the bridal party’s entrance, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary sophistication.

Assorted wedding cupcakes decorated with sorority and fraternity-inspired emblems and a “1913” topper.

Luxurious white floral wedding aisle lined with candles and orchids inside modern church ceremony space beneath large statue of Christ

Bridesmaids in black satin robes laughing and toasting champagne while seated together during bridal suite preparations

Groom poses with a large group of guests in tuxedos and suits in front of the lavish floral staircase and wedding cake display.

Throughout the evening, Howard Hewett returned to the stage for a 45-minute performance of his greatest hits, serenading guests during dinner. Later, legendary New York DJ Chris Washington took over, transforming the museum into a vibrant dance floor that carried the celebration late into the night.

Reception dining room with cream linens, tall floral centerpieces, candlelight, and gold geometric chairs surrounded by artwork.

Bride and groom pose with family members in formal attire beneath the grand floral staircase and gold monogram backdrop.

Tiffany & Co. wedding bands and pear-shaped diamond engagement ring displayed in blue velvet boxes atop formal wedding invitation suite

Overhead floral installation of white orchids, roses, and hydrangeas suspended above candlelit reception tables.

Bride and groom jump the broom

One of the most personal and emotional moments of the wedding came as a surprise for Randy. Noni unveiled a commissioned work of art capturing their parallel lives, from Louisiana roots to college years to their shared legal careers. It was a tribute not only to where they’ve been, but to the journey they continue together.

Bride and groom stand inside a contemporary art gallery framed by a glowing green installation and museum exhibits.

Groom places a wedding band on the bride’s finger during an intimate ceremony surrounded by white floral arrangements.

Newlyweds share a quiet romantic moment inside a vintage white car at the end of the wedding celebration.

Bride seated at the center of the dance floor surrounded by guests holding hands during a lively wedding reception moment.

Newlyweds walk down a flower-lined aisle hand in hand after the ceremony as guests applaud from their seats.

As the night reached its crescendo, guests poured outside for a jubilant second line led by Kinfolk Brass Band, joined by Zulu Tramps and Mardi Gras Indians. Wedding party members carried custom-designed second line umbrellas, created by Noni’s Delta Sigma Theta sorority sister, Sheridan Cooper. Guests were gifted monogrammed linen napkins as keepsakes, a final thoughtful gesture marking a night filled with intention.

Guest in a turquoise feathered Mardi Gras Indian-inspired costume dances through the reception while musicians perform behind her.

Bride and groom lead a vibrant second line celebration outside the museum surrounded by Mardi Gras Indians, parasols, and brass band musicians.

Guests gather outside the illuminated museum entrance during the evening wedding reception celebration.

For Noni, the most cherished parts of the day were many: the ceremony, the first dance, the Second Line, and the overwhelming sense of love that surrounded them. But above all, it was the feeling of celebration, of legacy honored and joy shared, that made their wedding extraordinary.

Noni and Randy’s wedding was not just a union of two people, but a masterful blending of love, culture, music, and meaning. A celebration that lingered long after the final song, echoing like a perfect melody.

Bride and groom embrace beside a vibrant feathered Mardi Gras Indian-inspired art piece inside the museum venue.

Large multigenerational group portrait gathered around the bride on the reception dance floor inside the museum venue.

Bride and groom pose beneath the “Frederick M. Stafford Gallery” sign with the bride’s cathedral-length veil trailing behind her.

::AS SEEN IN THE 2026 SPRING PRINT EDITION OF

NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

NOW FEATURED VENDORS:

GETTING READY LOCATION: Ritz Carlton New Orleans

DECOR RENTALS: True Value Rental

ADDITIONAL VENDORS:

CEREMONY LOCATION: St. Katherine Drexel Chapel at Xavier University, New Orleans | OFFICIANT: Reverend Dr. Jonathan Augustine | RECEPTION LOCATION: New Orleans Museum of Art | REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: Dooky Chase Restaurant | BRIDAL GOWN: Custom Galia Lahav, NYC Flagship Store, SOHO | RECEPTION DRESS: Custom Albina Dyla, NYC | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Amsale, NYC Flagship Store, SOHO | GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Custom Lavoisier Suits, New Orleans | PHOTOGRAPHER: Amy Anaiz Photography, NYC | VIDEOGRAPHER: Bricks Group Media, Miami | BAKERY: Chasing Wang, New Orleans | CEREMONY MUSIC: Performing Artist Kenny Lattimore with pianist Javance Butler, Los Angeles | Jazz Violinist Michael Ward, New Orleans | COCKTAIL RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Jazz Violinist Michael Ward | PRE-DINNER RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra | Rechell Cook | DINNER RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Performing Artist Howard Hewett, Los Angeles | POST DINNER RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Chris Washington, NYC | SECOND LINE BAND: Kinfolk Brass Band + Zulu Tramps and Mardi Gras Indians, New Orleans | TRANSPORTATION: Limousine Livery | BRIDAL STYLIST: Selina Howard, Vainglorious Brides, NYC | HAIR + MAKEUP: Bflyyexperience + Besimplystunning | HONEYMOON: Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa | WEDDING PLANNER: Elegance by Ace | WEDDING DESIGNER + FLORIST + DECOR + LIGHTING: Tantawan Bloom, NYC | CATERER: Brennan’s Catering | JEWELER: Tiffany & Co. | FAVORS: Custom umbrellas and embroidered linen napkins designed by the bride’s Delta Sigma Theta sorority sister, Sheridan Cooper of New Orleans | INVITATIONS: Scriptura