Allyson & Zachary’s New Orleans Board of Trade Wedding

Taylor Van Ness

May 22, 2026

A Love Story, From A to Z | Allyson and Zachary’s love story is one built on time, growth, and deep roots. They met at just 15 years old and began dating at 16, growing up side by side through college, graduation, travel, and even purchasing their first home together. As Allyson puts it, “It…

FEATURED IN THE 2026 SPRING PRINT EDITION OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

Photography by The Crawfords Photography and Film

Allyson Rivera and Zachary Mesman’s wedding was a meaningful New Orleans celebration more than a decade in the making. From their ceremony at St. Francis of Assisi Church, where generations of Allyson’s family have also exchanged vows, to their reception at the New Orleans Board of Trade, their wedding day honored both their history together and their family traditions.

Allyson & Zachary’s story

Allyson and Zachary’s love story is one built on time, growth, and deep roots. They met at just 15 years old and began dating at 16, growing up side by side through college, graduation, travel, and even purchasing their first home together. As Allyson puts it, “It was a long time coming for this engagement.”

Bride stands with bridesmaids in matching satin lavender gowns holding burgundy and blush floral bouquets outside a bright white venue entrance.

When the moment finally arrived, it happened in one of their favorite places. Zachary proposed at Fess Parker Vineyard in Santa Barbara, blending romance with a destination that already held special meaning for them.

Their wedding day honored both their journey and Allyson’s family history. The couple was married at St Francis of Assisi church in New Orleans, marking the fourth generation of Allyson’s family to wed there, following her great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents.

Smiling bride leans out of the backseat window of a vintage white getaway car before the ceremony.

Full wedding party poses inside a historic church with vaulted ceilings, floral arrangements, and polished wood floors.

After so many shared milestones, Allyson’s favorite moment was simple and powerful: the Mass, and finally saying her vows to Zachary after a very long wait.