Each year St. Charles Avenue magazine enjoys rounding up a selection of locals’ weddings for you to enjoy. Whether you’re planning your own wedding, dreaming of one or just like to view the “big days” of others, you can find inspiration, beauty and the knowledge that no matter where New Orleanians’ weddings takes place, our locals can’t help but show their NOLA pride. In this, our 12th compendium, we offer you seven weddings ranging from big to small and simple to elaborate, and hope that you enjoy the love shown throughout the next 7 pages.
Rhame – Pottharst
Ellen Elizabeth Rhame and Robert Clark Pottharst decided to vacation in Italy in the summer 2014, and Robbie took that opportunity to plan a surprise engagement. On the couple’s first stop in Venice, Ellen was surprised to a leisurely cruise through the city’s romantic canals on a private gondola. Halfway through the ride, the gondolier brought the wooden boat to a halt in a secluded Venetian canal. Robbie dropped to one knee and asked Ellen to marry him while a photographer captured pictures of the happy moment.
On the night before their wedding, a festive rehearsal dinner celebration was held at Founders Hall at Charles Towne Landing in Charleston, South Carolina. The two wed the following day, January 31, at St. Philip’s Church. Ellen walked down the aisle taking her father’s arm to a pipe organ, trumpets and timpani, and wearing her soon-to-be mother-in-law’s wedding veil. Doris Hutto King provided the wedding coordination as well as magnificent floral arrangements that transformed Hibernian Hall into a winter-white wedding reception.
Guests were served delicious food from Hamby’s Catering and wedding cake from Claire’s Confections. Family and friends danced to live music performed by The Men of Distinction while photographer Evan Laettner captured the entire evening.
The happy couple spent the first week of their honeymoon on the secluded beaches of The Maldives, and enjoyed a second week snow skiing in Verbier, Switzerland and then admiring the city lights of Geneva. They returned to their home in the French Quarter neighborhood of downtown Charleston, where Ellen is an Anesthesiologist and Pain Medicine Physician at Roper Saint Francis Health System and Robbie is a Vice President at CareMore Health System, a subsidiary of Anthem.
Celebrants: The Reverend Brian McGreevy and The Reverend John Haden McCormick Bride’s Dress: The Gown Boutique in Charleston Bride’s Veil: Borrowed from the groom’s mother Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo, Bella Bridesmaids Groom’s Attire: Tuxedo with bow tie and cummerbund designed by the groom Bride’s rings: Keith Miller Gem & Jewelry Brokerage Groom’s Wedding Band: Croghan’s Jewel Box, Charleston Wedding Invitations: Betty Tompkins Hunley Designs Hair & Makeup: Charlotte Belk
TOP LEFT: The Bride and Groom leaving the wedding reception while friends and family toss flower petals TOP RIGHT: Sarah Villere Pottharst, the Bride and Katherine Wilhelm Rhame BOTTOM LEFT: Elona Eargle Rhame, Dr. Robert Whitfield Rhame Jr., the Bride, Robert Whitfield Rhame III and Katherine Wilhelm Rhame BOTTOM RIGHT: Timothy Krey Carnahan, Sarah Villere Pottharst, the Groom, Katherine Livaudais Carnahan, Burt Krey Carnahan and David Friedrichs Pottharst
Bart – Goehring
On December 21, 2013, John Jacob Goehring took Michelle Erin Bart out to a romantic diner at Ralph’s On The Park, followed by a nighttime stroll through the French Quarter. Halfway up the steps to the Riverwalk he dropped to one knee and proposed amidst the iconic backdrop of Jackson Square. She immediately said, “Yes!”
The Goehrings hosted the rehearsal dinner at the Palm Court Jazz Café before the January 17 wedding at The Ritz-Carlton.
With assistance from wedding coordinator Michele Adams of Unique Weddings in New Orleans, the couple was able to create their dream wedding. The Ritz was artfully decorated with floral arrangements by Urban Earth Design Studios and Michelle walked down the aisle to music by Tanya and Dorise.
A reception with music by MoJEAUX entertained guests throughout the evening. Guests enjoyed both a groom’s and wedding cake by Royal Cakery, while photographer Oscara Rajo and videographer Bill Blanke captured the memories. Guests left with a Michelle and Jacbog “Keepin’ it Hot!” personalized hot sauce.
They made their way to St. Lucia for 10 days for their honeymoon and returned to their New Orleans home where Jacob is an attorney at Christopher Schwartz Law Firm and Michelle works as a Guidance Counselor at Louise S. McGehee School.
Celebrant: Rabbi Alexis Berk and Cantor David Mintz Wedding Gown: Romona Keveza, Wedding Belles Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo, Wedding Belles Groom’s Attire: Perry Ellis, John’s Tuxedo Groomsmen’s attire: Perry Ellis, John’s Tuxedo Bride’s and Groom’s Wedding Band: Jack Sutton Invitation: Scriptura, calligraphy by Maria Helena Hoksch Hair: Steven Sobel Salon Makeup: Robert Hudson Makeup Studio
TOP LEFT: The Bride and Groom TOP RIGHT: Chris Ezell, Laura Goehring Spanjer, Brent Harris, Mindy Lieberman, David Donaldson, Jamie Simon, Burton Upchurch, Mathilde Semmes, Austin Marks, Carrie Bart Marks, the Groom and Bride, Jennifer Bart, Scott Goehring, Marisa Katz, Rush Thompson, Melissa Lyman, John Romer, Isadora Stevens, Jude Guerin, Bess Meeks and Clay Segrest BOTTOM LEFT: Bill Goehring, Tammye Goehring, the Groom and Bride, Cathy Bart and Morris Bart III BOTTOM RIGHT: Kinfolk Brass Band and the Bride
Heumann – Saporito
Christopher Barrett Saporito created the perfect proposal weekend in Pass Christian for Heidi Christina Heumann. Chris planned a sunset boat ride and once in the bay – suggested that they fish. He asked Heidi to pass him a cork from the compartment, and she didn’t even notice the engagement ring dangling from it until she saw Chris down on one knee. Chris asked for her hand in marriage, and when they returned to the dock both the Heumanns and Saporitos were waiting to celebrate with the happy couple.
Ten months later, another celebration began with gatherings, luncheons and a memorable rehearsal dinner at Arnaud’s. A sunset ceremony took place under the oak at the New Orleans Country Club with ceremony music performed by Harry Hardin. The couple celebrated their wedding with family and friends amidst lovely blossoms arranged by Meade Wenzel and Linda Tarnok. All danced the night away to the music of the Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra as they enjoyed tasty treats and libations, including a stunning ruffled wedding cake by Denise St. Pierre and a humorous groom’s cake from Zoë’s Bakery. Sam Hanna of Eau Clair Photographics captured the memories.
After a church ceremony at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Heidi and Chris flew to Bora Bora for their honeymoon. The two now reside in Houston, where Chris is a Private Equity Associate for Encap Investments and Heidi continues working as a commercial real estate appraiser.
Celebrants: Reverends W. Gedge Gayle Jr. and Ronald L. Calkins Lantern Lighters: Travis Michael Bairnsfather, Trent Joseph Bairnsfather, Luke Anthony Trombatore, and Seth Joseph Trombatore Readers: Margaret “Maggie” Pendleton, Jordan Heumann and Stephanie Gail Heumann Wedding Gown: Paloma Blanca, Mia Bridal Couture Bridesmaids’ Dresses: The Dessy Group Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank Bride’s Wedding Band: Friend & Company Groom’s Wedding Band: Hiller Jewelry Invitation: Gem Printing Hair: Rhonda Walter Braquet Makeup: Marta of Salon Tereska
TOP LEFT: Mr. and Mrs. Chris Saporito TOP RIGHT: Cricket and Annie Heumann, the Bride and Groom, and Rhenda and Jerry Saporito BOTTOM LEFT: Hunter Heumann, Miller Richmond, Andre Bienvenu, Andrea Flandry, Tim Finn, Katie Scanlon, Neil White, Mimsy Brewster, Cooper Johnston, Simms Carbine and Holly Mabry Poole, (front) Scott Saporito, (back) Jonathan De Laureal, (front) the Bride and Groom, (back) Mac Brown, Crutcher Reiss, Harris Diano, Colleen Gravley, Charlotte Discon, Meg Delozier Ferguson, Robert Richmond, Kindall Caldwell, Barrett Bass, Julie Sanders, (front) Chas. Richard, (back) Ben Price and Andrew Wilson BOTTOM RIGHT: The Bride and Groom cut the cake
Crabtree – Rodgers
One evening, Kaitlin Elizabeth Crabtree was working late at Arnaud’s while her boyfriend, James Stewart Rodgers II, was placing candles and roses all over the apartment. James also surprised Kaitlin with one of her favorite dinners from Magasin Café. Kaitlin thought that James was being sweet after a long week at work, but halfway through the dinner James pulled the ring out of his pocket and asked for her hand in marriage. Even though Kaitlin first thought he was joking around, she quickly said “Yes!”
In preparation for the wedding ceremony, the Rodgers hosted a rehearsal dinner at Red Fish Grill. On June 6, the two families came together to celebrate the union of Kaitlin and James at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church. Kaitlin did all of the planning herself, along with the Arnaud’s team and good friend Kate Rosson, a wedding planner based out of Oxford, Mississippi, to assist with the day of coordination. Kaitlin walked down the aisle to the music by Stephen Blackmon and adorned the Church with flowers from Ambrose Gardens.
A reception followed at Arnaud’s Restaurant. Photographer, Matthew Foster,captured all of the special moments of the guests dancing to The Escalade Band. Kaitlin and James had a wedding and groom’s cake by La Louisiane Bakery, and guests left the wedding with Koozies, Cups and America themed sunglasses.
After the wedding, the happy couple spent six days in Cancun, Mexico. Kaitlin and James returned to their home in the Broadmoor neighborhood ,where she works as Arnaud’s Assistant Director of Sales and James is an Inventory Analyst for Stryker Orthopedics.
Celebrant: Dr. Donald Frampton Wedding Gown: Handstitched by Sarah Pottharst, Maid of Honor Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo, Wedding Belles. Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Attire: Fabian Couture New York, Perlis Bride’s Wedding Band: Hiller Jewelry Groom’s Wedding Band: Grandfather’s wedding band Invitation: Pepperite Hair: Robert McElwee, with Salon Dante & Trent Patin Makeup: Lynna Hong Vo
TOP LEFT: Bride and Groom TOP RIGHT: Tammy Hudson, Donald Scott Crabtree, Kaitlin Rodgers, James Rodgers II, James Buck Rodgers, Jaci Rodgers BOTTOM LEFT: (Back) Joseph Conley, Cody Adams, David D’Urso, Robert Ingraham, Kevin Kush, Jamie Madaris, John Rodgers, Charles Harrison Crabtree (front) Judith King, Meghan Bright, Elizabeth Corey, Elizabeth Bowman, the Bride and Groom, Sarah Pottharst, Forrest Richards, Amanda Menniti, Eliza Richardson, (very front) Courtney “Bella” Frankowski, Gabrielle Frankowski and Sophie Frankowski BOTTOM RIGHT: The wedded couple leaves as loved ones throw rose petals
Elkins – Newcomer
Michael A. Newcomer and Elizabeth Miles Elkins first met on the steps of South Coast Repertory theatre. Their courtship continued in Los Angeles and New York City, and finished with a proposal on the coldest and rainiest Mardi Gras Day in recent memory, which also happened to be her father’s birthday! As friends and family gathered in the den to sing happy birthday to Elizabeth’s father, Michael asked her to join him upstairs in that back office. Once Elizabeth arrived, Michael got down on one knee and proposed!
The wedding festivities began on the Thursday before the wedding with a rehearsal dinner hosted by Michael and Gary Elkins at Gautreau’s. Friday evening was spent celebrating the guests who travelled from out of town with a Cochon de Lait at the Pharmacy Museum hosted by family friends of the bride.
Elizabeth and Michael wed on April 18 at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception hosted by Gary and Kate Elkins at their home. Guests were greeted with a special gin and elderflower cocktail, and sounds from a jazz trio. Kenneth LaCour and Laura Monk with Grand Events worked together with Bee’s Wedding & Event Floral Designs to create a lush and elegant wedding. Dakota Restaurant in Covington provided a delicious menu highlighting both Elizabeth’s and Michael’s tastes, while Zoë’s Bakery created a Toasted Almond Buttercream wedding cake and a croquembouche groom’s cake. Katie Stoops Photography captured the moments of guests dancing to the music of BRW throughout the evening.
The two honeymooned to St. Lucia at Rendezvous for eight days. After returning to their Garden District home, Elizabeth is enjoying her first summer off as the drama teacher at Isidore Newman School while performing as a Victory Belle at The National World War II Museum, and Michael is exploring his new hometown while continuing his acting career.
Celebrant: Dr. Donald Roy Frampton Wedding Gown: Lihi Hod, Gabriella New York Bridal Salon Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J. Crew Groom’s Attire: J. Crew Groomsmen’s attire: Own Grey Suits Bride’s Engagement Ring: An Edwardian Cocktail Ring from Trumpet & Horn Bride’s and Groom’s Wedding Band: Friend & Company Invitation: Scriptura Hair: & Makeup: H20 Salon
TOP LEFT: The Bride and Groom TOP RIGHT: The wedded couple cuts the cake BOTTOM LEFT: Kimberly Robertson, Caden Robertson, the Groom and Bride and Ron and Ian Robertson BOTTOM RIGHT: Geoffrey and Caitlyn Elkins, Kate Elkins, Marilyn Sevier, Sophia McLeod, the Groom and Bride, Keli, Nicholas and Brett Elkins, Beverly Elkins, Gary Elkins, Liam, Callum, Kathryn Robertson, and Matthew and Rowan McLeod
Gunn – Eustis
Hayden Elizabeth Gunn had been traveling for work all week and had promised friends that she and her boyfriend, Laurance Brittin Eustis, would cook dinner that night. Brittin needed to bring their dog, Hammer, to the vet that evening. After a few minutes, Brittin called to let Hayden know that the vet wanted her to come quickly to see an X-ray of Hammer.
Dr. Joe, the vet and good friend of the couple, pointed out that there was a ring on the X-ray, and Hayden just thought that somehow Hammer ate someone’s ring. When Hayden finally turned around, Brittin was down on one knee with the same ring that was on the X-ray screen. Brittin asked Hayden if she would make him and Hammer the happiest men in the world by marrying him.
The Eustis family hosted a rehearsal dinner at The Ridge Club on Lake Martin, Alabama to celebrate the May 9 ceremony. With assistance from wedding coordinator and florist, Jeffrey Long, Hayden and Brittin had a beautiful ceremony at The Chapel at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin, and Hayden was able to walk down the aisle to the Auburn Quartet.
A reception was held at Kowaliga on Lake Martin, where guests dined on cuisine from Kowaliga Restaurant and wedding cake from Teresa’s Catering and Wedding Cakes. Guests danced to music by Bo Henry Band and were also given sunglasses and koozies too. Photographer Hillary Gamble, Je Vois Photographer and videographer Justin Clayton captured the evening.
After the wedding, the happy couple honeymooned in Costa Rica for 10 days. Hayden and Brittin returned to their Lakeview home, where Hayden is the district manager of sales for Cascades Tissue Group and Brittin is a Charter Fishing Guide at Bag ’Em Charters.
Celebrant: Reverend James Haskins Wedding Gown: Amy Kuschel, Wedding Belles Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Sung, Bella Bridesmaids Groom’s Attire: Mr. Burch Gray three-piece suits, ties and pocket squares from Nola Couture Groomsmen’s attire: Mr. Burch Gray three-piece suits Bride’s and Groom’s Wedding Band: Benny’s Jewelry Invitation: Carlson Craft Hair: Brenda McSweeney, Shear Concepts Makeup: Barret Fleming
TOP LEFT: The Bride and Groom TOP RIGHT: James Peters, Thomas Peters, James Eustis, Jonathan Dubos, Carlisle Gunn, Melissa Marino, Armand Samuels, Jessica Sanford, Ashley Blanchard, Joe Vaccaro, Tara Micelle, Lacey Howell, Jeffrey Howard, Brittany Stegall, the Bride and Groom, Dane Halpern, Lindy Gunn, Lauren Schaper, Deidra Baird, Ellen Bridges, Bess Granger, Mary Eliza Reep, Totty Kostmayer, Larry Eustis, Jordan Matthews, Charles Perez, Paul Arnemann and Casey Forshag BOTTOM LEFT: Bud Conaway, Mary Elizabeth Conaway, Linda Gunn, the Bride and Groom, Robert Gunn, Carlisle Gunn, Lindy Gunn BOTTOM RIGHT: Christine Egner, Karin Giger Eustis, the Bride and Groom, Larry Eustis and James Eustis
Zanone – Suquet
Mother’s Day weekend 2013, Jonathan Matthew Suquet planned to propose to Mary Abigail “Abby” Zanone with a sweet surprise. Abby thought that they were going to see a movie, when instead Jon surprised her with flowers, candles, champagne, homemade bread and an engagement ring. Abby was upset because she couldn’t get in touch with her parents – who live in Memphis – because little did she know they were actually in town waiting to celebrate at the Suquet house. Both families came together the next day to celebrate with a barbecue with family and friends.
The Suquets hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Freedom Pavilion at The National World War II Museum to prepare for the April 18 wedding at St. Francis of Assisi Church. With the help of wedding coordinator Robin Legendre, the couple wed in front of their friends and family.
Guests were invited to a reception at the New Orleans Country Club, where they danced all night long to music by Jessie’s Girls from Atlanta, Georgia. Urban Earth decorated the reception hall to complete the new couple’s whimsical vision. Paul Morse Photography and Life Stage Films documented the ceremony and reception to capture Abby and Jon’s memories. Guests enjoyed delicious bites throughout the evening and celebrated with wedding and groom’s cakes by Royal Cakery. At the end of the evening, guests left with light sabers, wands, beads, and cookies to remember the union of Abby and Jon.
After the wedding, the two honeymooned in San Francisco and then made their way to Napa for a week to enjoy wine tastings and excellent food.
They are now settled in their Uptown home, where Jonathan is a Financial Analyst for IberiaBank and Abby is a Compliance Analyst for Pan-American Life Insurance Group.
Celebrant: Reverend Kevin Wm. Wildes, S.J., Ph. D Wedding Gown: Liancarlo ivory Alençon lace gown, Maggie Louise Bridal from Memphis, Tennessee Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo, Bella Bridesmaids Groom’s Attire: Samuelsohn fitted by George Bass Groomsmen’s attire: Perlis Bride’s and Groom’s Wedding Band: Friend & Company Invitation: Betty Thompkins Hunley Designs Hair: Lauren Cothern, Paris Parker Salon Makeup: Jackie Gould, Paris Parker Salon
TOP LEFT: The Bride and Groom’s first kiss TOP RIGHT: The couple with their wedding cake BOTTOM LEFT: Beth Zanone, Emily Wheat, Toni Zanone, Jon Suquet, the Bride, Dr. Michael Zanone, Sarah Jane Zanone, Susan Williams BOTTOM RIGHT: Joseph Suquet, Ileana Suquet, Jon Suquet and the Bride and Groom
