REAL WEDDING:: Stephanie Riales + Chris Hooee {FRIENDS TO FOREVER}

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

Written By: Jessica Burke | Photos: Sara Ann Green Photography

It was the Summer of 2013 when Stephanie Riales found her new best friend, Chris Hooee, during a fun night out at Dublin House. For more than a year, the two best friends would spend weekends and holidays together and as Stephanie puts it, “Chris was always my constant.”

“In Winter of 2014, I came to my senses and we went on our first “official” date,” says Stephanie. “Chris got floor seats to a Grizzlies game – how could I say no? Needless to say, it was the date to end all dates.”

Six months later they found their first apartment together and a year after that they bought their first home as a couple.

“Two days before Christmas 2018 in the house we made a home, Chris asked me to spend forever with him,” shares Stephanie. “I didn’t say ‘yes’- I said ‘of course’.”

Wedding Details. Photo: Sara Ann Green Photography

The couple began planning a destination wedding with 75 guests in their favorite city, New Orleans for April 18, 2020. Covid, of course, changed their plans. “Moving to October and to just 25 guests was not ideal but ended up being absolutely perfect,” says Stephanie. “It was intimate, emotional and just the best party with our favorite people.”

Bridesmaid's pop confetti. Photo: Sara Ann Green Photography

Chris and the groomsmen have fun on the rooftop of their AirBnB before the wedding. Photo: Sara Ann Green Photography

Stephanie’s brother walked her down the aisle and her grandfather officiated the ceremony. “Chris’ mom led a Zuni Native American wedding vase tradition during the ceremony,” says Stephanie.

Stephanie's brother walks her down the aisle. Photo: Sara Ann Green Photography

The wedding ceremony on the steps of the W French Quarter courtyard. Photo: Sara Ann Green Photography

The whole day was perfect. “My favorite part was our first look in City Park on the beautiful bridge,” says Stephanie.

The couple kiss on a bride in New Orleans City Park. Photo: Sara Ann Green Photography

The day was filled with photo opps including a Pedicab ride around the French Quarter after the ceremony. The evening ended with traditional New Orleans second line music: “Kinfolk was AMAZING and ended the night perfectly!” shares Stephanie.

The couple take a pedicab ride around the French Quarter after their ceremony. Photo: Sara Ann Green Photography