REAL WEDDING:: Allison Hymel + Todd Nielsen {The Crossing}

::AS SEEN IN THE OCTOBER 2020 ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Written By: Jessica Burke | Photos + Video: Your Day Video and Photography

ALLISON + TODD’S STORY:

Allison and Todd’s story begins the way many love stories do today – online. The couple met virtually on Bumble and had their first in-person date at Bayou Wine Garden.

When it came time to propose, Todd chose the perfect location – Popp Fountain in City Park. You see, not only is this historic Art Deco fountain beautiful, it’s also the same place years ago that Allison’s grandfather proposed to her grandmother!

Todd convinced Allison they were doing a normal Sunday afternoon with his kids, Ashton and Blythe, and meeting friends at City Bark, which happens to be across the street from the fountain. When they arrived early, he suggested they walk around the fountain to pass the time.

“As we’re walking up, I bring up the story about my grandparents,” shares Allison. “You see, my Grandma’s response to my Grandpa’s proposal was, ‘I don’t know. I’m tired. Ask me tomorrow.’” Helping to buy time, Ashton asked, ‘Well did he ask again the next day?’ and Allison replied, ‘He sure did! And it’s a good thing because I wouldn’t be here today if he didn’t.’”

As they walked up to the fountain, Blythe announced, “I think my dad should propose to you here!” As Allison walked on ahead, she said, “I think that would be a great idea!” Todd responded, “Will you make me ask you again tomorrow?” Allison, completely caught off guard, turned and asked “Whaat?” Todd dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him “I, of course, said yes!” says Allison. “We walked around the fountain a little bit more and then went back to [our] home. My parents, brother, sister-in-law and nieces were waiting next door with champagne to celebrate!”

Allison + Todd's virtual wedding invitation.

Allison's Bouquet by Beth's Flowers — Allison’s bouquet by Beth’s Flowers included beautiful Magnolia blooms.

Although Allison and Todd originally intended to plan a small, simple ceremony in the park and save a big celebration for later, Allison shares, “I was given the advice to plan this wedding in a way that there would be no regrets if a second larger celebration couldn’t happen for one reason or another. Three weeks later, I had a gown; we had a baker, venue, florist, photographer, musicians, decor gurus and were facing 2 hurricanes heading our way. It was insane! In the end, it was a version of my dream wedding I didn’t know existed.”

The entrance to The Crossing.

Todd’s children were their witnesses for the intimate outdoor ceremony at The Crossing in historic Rivertown. Allison’s brother sang “Ave Maria” and to include family and friends who couldn’t attend in person, they had the ceremony live streamed by their photography and video team, Your Day Video and Photography. Allison says the live streaming experience was wonderful. “The best was reading the comments left by those who tuned in and getting messages and pictures of people’s celebrations at home,” she says. “One of my cousins sent me a picture of the reception spread they had set up on their coffee table – complete with mini muffulettas, a mini cake, and a Disney Wedding snow globe.”

Allison and Todd kiss as they're pronounced husband and wife.

WATCH ALLISON AND TODD’S LIVE STREAM BY YOUR DAY VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHY BELOW:

With a guest list of just 17 people, Allison was concerned The Crossing would seem too big, “but,” she shares, “it was perfect!” Allison raves about the food and comments, “I was able to have an outdoor wedding in August in New Orleans because their outdoor space is covered and has fans! The Crossing was beautiful and had so much to offer.”

Allison and Todd's reception at The Crossing.

Place settings with menu and leaf place cards

The first dance is Allison’s favorite part of the whole day, “because it was just the two of us,” she shares. Allison is a classically-trained soprano and the couple chose the first song Todd heard her sing, “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” for this special moment. ”When we first started dating, he came to see me in a show at the WWII Museum called ‘Songs that Won the War’ that highlighted the songs of the Allied Forces in WWII. I remember being more nervous that I had been in years!”

Allison and Todd dance at their wedding.

The wedding cake by 5 Dough 4 Bakery.

Allison and Todd had some fun with their wedding cake flavors. (Pro tip – you can choose different flavors for each layer!). The bottom layer of the cake was lemon and blackberry, a custom combination Allison had ordered last year for her birthday, and the top layer was almond champagne.

Custom cookie favors