Ceremony Spaces
The Eliza Jane hotel features a number of unique spaces to accommodate intimate ceremonies and receptions — all with a backdrop of chic yet timeless decor. The courtyard, with its Venus-inspired decor and lush greenery, is perfect for bridal showers. For rehearsal dinners, the Holbrook features a private courtyard and can accommodate up to 150 guests. Meanwhile, the Press Room is the ultimate setting for intimate wedding welcome receptions. And for farewell brunches, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Couvant, is a beautiful space offering a fresh perspective on the traditional French brasserie. hyatt.com – By Misty Milioto
Culinary Creation
Locally based My House Events (previously named My House Social) curates a selection of chefs and event planners nationwide to craft personalized events for clients large and small. In so doing, the company also creates a new revenue stream for up-and-coming and notable chefs. Founder and CEO Barrie Schwartz, and her business partner, Danielle Lee, started the wedding arm of the business in 2013, and now My House Events does everything from wedding event ideation to execution.
App Savvy
A new mobile app called The BACH recently launched in New Orleans, allowing groups to plan bachelor and bachelorette parties, while discovering and booking incredible experiences. The group travel platform allows travelers and locals alike to collaborate and share a group itinerary, keep track of flight times, chat with guests, track and split expenses, purchase experiences, and make easy decisions with the polling feature. The BACH also allows the host or hostess to create secret events for the bride or groom. thebach.com
Bridal Brunching
Local culinary historian and award-winning author Poppy Tooker recently celebrated the launch of her sixth book, “Drag Queen Brunch” (Rainbow Road Press, $30), with photography by Sam Hanna. In addition to profiles of 15 drag queens, the book contains 60 cocktail and brunch recipes from some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, such as Hooch Punch from Sobou and shakshuka from Saba. Choose a location to take your bridal party for brunch, and then surprise them with a copy of the book as a bridesmaid gift. poppytooker.com
