Zachary + Grace: An Elegant Courtyard Ceremony

Zachary and Grace were sipping champagne and eating Debbie Doberge cake at The Bakery Bar with four of their closest friends, when, to Grace’s complete surprise, Zachary got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. After saying “yes!” the six of them spent the rest of the evening celebrating at their favorite rooftop locations around the city, including Hot Tin, NOPSI and Monkey Board.

On June 16, 2018, the couple gathered with 140 guests at the New Orleans Board of Trade to say their vows. After getting ready with her bridesmaids at St. James Hotel, Grace, looking stunning in her white sheath gown, made her way down to the lobby where Zachary was waiting patiently. As he stared out of the window, Grace could not hold back the tears. But she didn’t want him to see her crying so she took a few moments to compose herself before tapping her soon to be husband gently on the shoulder.

When Zachary turned around, the joy and love between them filled the lobby. The two shared hugs, kisses, loving words and, yes, more tears before moving outside to the Board of Trade courtyard.

The couple wrote their own ceremony, so they took the opportunity to thank their family and friends for all their love and support. What made the day even more special was the fact that Grace’s maternal grandparents, who were celebrating their own 63rd wedding anniversary that very month, were able to attend. She was also able to wear her paternal grandmother’s engagement and wedding band from 1929. The entire event had so much meaning behind it.

After saying their vows in front of the Board of Trade fountain, Zachary and Grace joined their guests inside where they spent the evening dancing and mingling. They decided to forego some of the more traditional wedding moments, such as the garter toss, cake cutting and money dance. Instead they wanted to enjoy their wedding with their guests… and that is exactly what they did!

Vendor Credits:

GETTING READY LOCATIONS:  St. James Hotel | CEREMONY LOCATION:  New Orleans Board of Trade | OFFICIANT:  Judge Sherri Friday | RECEPTION LOCATION:  New Orleans Board of Trade | REHEARSAL PARTY: Apres Lounge on Fulton St. | BRIDAL GOWN:  Pronovias; Town & Country Bridal Salon | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS:  Show Me Your Mumu |  GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE:  Giorgio Fiorelli, Tuxedos to Geaux | PHOTOGRAPHER: The Rylands | FLORIST: Crystal Vase Florist | BAKERY:  Debbie Does Doberge, The Bakery Bar | CEREMONY MUSIC: On Fire Entertainment | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT:  On Fire Entertainment | HAIR: Eden Salon | MAKEUP: Glam Nola | HONEYMOON:  Isla Mujeres Travel Agent | WEDDING PLANNER/DESIGNER:  Elizabeth Burkhardt | DECOR RENTALS: Ceremony Arbor created by Bride’s brother | CATERER:  Pigeon Catering | JEWELER:  Blue Nile | FAVORS:  HD Photobooth Co., Faux Pas (Koozies) | INVITATIONS:  Carlson Craft, Name It, Fawn Lettering