REAL WEDDING:: Shana Williams + Shane Jones {NOLA IN ONE NIGHT}

December 5, 2021
Jessica Burke
Featured Couples

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

Written by: Jessica Burke | Photos: Kayla Lazard

their story

Shana and Shane met through a mutual friend. He believed the two would be a match made in heaven… and he was correct!

Shane decided to take it back to where they took their first trip, which happened to also be Shana’s favorite place, New Orleans, to propose.

Shane set up a photo shoot in Jackson Square and as soon as the photographer set the shot, he popped the question!

wedding invitation and shoes

the first look

Shana and Shane did a First Look in the same place that Shane proposed, Washington Artillery Park overlooking Jackson Square in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Shana says, “My day went from calm to hectic. Our schedule began to fall behind and with all these major events happening throughout the day. The only thing I could think about was the day not going as planned. After waiting for our transportation, we were finally on the way. As the car pulled up, all of my nervousness went away. I could hear the well wishes and feel the cameras from onlookers as I passed Cafe Du Monde in my white dress. There he was standing there. Back turned. I slowly walked over to him. Hug him from behind and when he turned around, we both had the biggest smile. Calm and finally relieved. There was my husband.”

Shane was filled with emotion as well. “The first time I saw Shana on our wedding day was the same feeling I felt the first day I met her; my heart skipped a beat. I forgot to breathe. It was absolutely one of the best moments of my life,” he shares.

Jackson Square wedding portrait

why a new orleans wedding

“New Orleans has played an intricate part in our love story,” shares Shana. “New Orleans was our first trip together and where Shane proposed. So when Shane mentioned having a destination wedding in New Orleans, it was a no-brainer to scratch everything we knew about weddings and keep everything somewhat traditional. Fall was our backdrop. Hues of cinnamon, burgundy, ivory, and gold were huge inspirations. Then came the theme of vintage glam. From Second Lines to cake pulls, we wanted to give our guests Nola in One Night.”

wedding party with st. louis cathedral in background

Jackson Square Wedding portrait

family ties

“We had an even more special note added to our wedding,” shares Shana. Shana’s grandmother, Reverend Loraine Williams, officiated the wedding ceremony!

DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans Wedding

the second line

“All of our guests were traveling to New Orleans, many for the first time,” says Shana. “With that being said, our Second Line was a little different than the New Orleans tradition by having the band come in as soon as we were announced husband and wife. It caught everyone off guard! People are still talking about our wedding weeks later!”

New Orleans Wedding Second Line