STYLED SHOOT: WEDDING WEEKEND MINIMONY IN NOLA

“Multi-day weddings have been common for thousands of years and I thought, why aren’t more local couples doing that here? I wanted to show how you can plan an intimate wedding weekend experience with your nearest and dearest in our beautiful city and embrace our culture and nuances. It’s more important than ever to “support local” so we called in some of our favorite local wedding professionals to inspire you in this fashion and decor editorial. The party doesn’t have to end after 3 hours! “

– Rena Sweeney, Alchemy Events

Wedding detail flat lay — Upscales Custom Collection’s Suede Rose Invitation Suite will set the tone for a luxurious wedding weekend event. Scent is one of the most powerful memory creators. While you’re in New Orleans, visit Bourbon French Parfums for a custom blending session and relive your wedding weekend experience every time you wear your custom fragrance.

Whether you go out before the wedding or after, comfort is queen, but looking good is a must! Dayna is wearing the Rooney Pant Jumpsuit, a black and gold animal print-inspired look from Honeybee Bride. Hanna is wearing a buttercream lace a-line Midi Dress, also from Honeybee Bride that features a plunging neckline and lace overlay. They’re carrying coordinating “So Extra Bride” handbags from Honeybee Bride in silver and gold respectively.

Wedding ceremony at Jazz Quarters in New Orleans — Located in Faubourg Tremé, steps from the historic French Quarter and the revitalized Louis Armstrong Park, this "Creole Hotel" offers the best of all New Orleans travel: accommodations in iconic Creole cottages and suites, the modern amenities of a hotel, and the charm and upscale of boutique inn. The cottages and suites are inspired by and named after local musicians and the central courtyard is the perfect spot to gather for an intimate wedding ceremony or brunch!

To set the scene for the intimate wedding ceremony, we brought in tufted black velvet chairs for guest seating, red velvet draping, and gold “Elsa” candle holders and glass and gold candlesticks from ELEMENT. Amy Marshall of Berry Blossom Flowers created an asymmetrical floral design incorporating Black Baccara roses and Eva Lady Blush Roses on Jazz Quarters’ existing pergola.

Judge Kevin J. Centanni served as officiant for our candlelight ceremony.

_H0C0353 — Here Dayna is wearing a sexy three-piece black pant suit ensemble and Hanna is wearing a modern ivory Mikado fit and flare wedding gown with notch neckline from MaeMe The Bridal Boutique. The tulle overshirt is detachable and adds an extra touch of glamour to her look. Both brides have a soft, natural look for the wedding ceremony.

I believe that individuals should embrace their personal fashion sense for their wedding day attire. Couples don’t have to “match” nor should they feel compelled to conform to any fashion expectations. Pant suits can be sexy and a bride can absolutely wear black for her wedding!

– Rena Sweeney, Alchemy Events

_H0C0527 — For the reception, Dayna and Hanna add lots of sparkle and a pop of color - red lipstick! - to their looks. Dayna is wearing a black sequin-embellished, V-neck formal gown from Pearl’s Place and Hanna is wearing a backless white lace wedding dress that she designed, with a ruched back, scalloped train and embroidered jewelled detailing.

It’s all in the details. Here Lord of Meringues and Passport Polish coordinated the favors and nail colors for this mini moon wedding. Dayna’s nails feature Passport Polish’s Ayo Scott collection and Hanna is wearing their Puerto Rico nail color with custom “love” embellishment.

The matching meringues are in Dragonfruit and Violet flavors and perfectly match the nail designs.

It’s getting hot in here…hot tub that is. Hanna and Dayna enjoy a bottle of bubbly in Jazz Quarters’ hot tub. It’s the perfect way to wind down the reception and just enjoy the ambiance of this New Orleans courtyard. Hanna is wearing a satin white bodysuit with ruffled neckline of her own design and Dayna is rocking a black bikini with a black and gold body chain.

It’s time for BRUNCH!

No wedding weekend in New Orleans would be complete without brunch! For this editorial, Pigeon Catering & Events prepared a decadent menu of sweet and savory NOLA brunch staples along with custom cocktails to go with!

Burrata with an assortment of toppings and ciabatta croutons, served with Champagne — Pigéon prepared this Burrata Board with an assortment of fresh and pickled toppings. This colorful board is served with ciabatta croutons and pairs perfectly with sparkling wine.

Bananas Foster French Toast with toasted pecans.

waffles with syrup — English Muffin French Toast, with layers of cream cheese and fresh berries, drizzled with raspberry compote.

On the savory side, Chef created an elevated version of shrimp and grits featuring a grit cake topped with jumbo tail-on shrimp and Creole Sauce Piquant. — On the savory side, Chef Geoffrey Rhode created an elevated version of shrimp and grits featuring a grit cake topped with jumbo tail-on shrimp and Creole Sauce Piquant.

Served in miniature cast iron pans, enjoy a frittata made with sweet potato, spinach and roasted tomatoes. Enjoy with a Green Tomato Bloody Mary.

We styled ELEMENT’s matte black stoneware plates, smokey grey wine glasses and white iridescent crush napkins for the post wedding courtyard brunch.

Dayna is wearing Honeybee Bride’s Versailles wide leg, sleeveless jumpsuit with a bustier bodice and Hanna is wearing Honeybee Bride’s Euphoria Dress, a vanilla, lightweight v-neck dress with cap ruffle sleeves and center slit. Completing their looks are “Honeymoon” and “Wifey” crystal hair pins, exclusive designs for Honeybee Bride. Now that they’re “official,” Dayna swaps out her Bride handbag for a “Mrs” variation.

For something truly unique, consider bringing Gift Horst’s tuk-tuk photo booth to your wedding. You and your guests can pose in the velvet-draped mobile tintype studio. After the event, Gift Horst will create your custom metal print art portraits that will become treasured keepsakes for years.