Elizabeth Ashely Finlay and Jonathan Michael Steudlein were united in marriage on October 13, 2007, during a candlelight ceremony at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Jefferson. Deacon Andrea Capaci officiated the ceremony during which, in true Spanish tradition, the groom gave his bride the Arras (13 coins) representing Christ and his 12 apostles, and the couple has wrapped with a lasso and mantilla around their shoulders- This binds the couple together as they equally share the responsibility of marriage for the rest of their lives. Father Gerard La Porte celebrated the nuptial mass. The church was decorated with blue hydrangeas and candles lining the aisle. The music was provided by Dr. Louise Labreare and accompanied by harpist Jaques Weaver, with floral design by Lori Leaves.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. Arturo Eduardo Finlay originally of Habana Cuba and Mrs. Elizabeth Garcia Finlay originally of Guatemala City. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Joseph Steudlein of New Orleans. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory organza gown with rose appliqués, flowing over the gown was an ivory mantilla. She carried a bouquet of blue hydrangeas and white and blue roses.
Jamie Roberts served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Elizabeth Dufrechou, Kim Reboul, Tiphanie Bennett, Amanda Canizarro, Gigi Vanlangendock, Kendall Pearse and Jamie Springmann. Jordan Pearse served as junior bridesmaid. Each attendant wore a chocolate silk gown of their preferred style. Caly Pearse served as flower girl, and Ashton Steudlein as ring bearer. George Steudlein, uncle of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Hank Steudlein, Aaron Adolph, Jeremy Goff, Justin Mehrtens, Dennis Pearse, Stanley Pearse and Michael Pearse.
Following the ceremony the parents of the bride hosted a reception at the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park. Guests danced to the salsa meringue band of Julio y Cesar and enjoyed a three tier cake created by Croissant D’Or. Thursday night prior to the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Andrea’s Restaurant.
Following the honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the couple will reside in Metairie. Jonathan is outside Sales Manager for Industrial Products and Ashley is a master’s level Medical Social Worker at East Jefferson General Hospital.
