Often, we hear that it’s all about the dress when it comes to planning the wedding. I would venture that in reality however, it’s all about the ceremony and reception venues. Until a couple has booked those two elements, it’s challenging to plan any other aspect of the event, because the venues set the look and tone. There are countless incredible venues throughout New Orleans from historic mansions, churches and hotels to contemporary event spaces that wow. There truly is something for every couple’s personality — just take your pick! We are always excited about renovated and re-imagined venues, particularly when they are new to the wedding venue fold. That’s why when we first heard that interior designer and former creative director of Domino magazine Sara Ruffin Costello and her photographer husband Paul Costello transformed the former City of Love Ministries church in the Irish Channel into their offices, a VRBO rental and event space all rolled into one, we had to see it and share it. Officially dubbed the the Mallalieu Harmony Church, it is the setting for our fashion spread and it has wow-factor in spades. Prepare to be inspired.
As always, we also have tips from the pros on everything else you need for your Big Day, so dig in and take notes. Let’s plan a wedding!
P.S. Visit Let Them Eat Cake (www.myneworleans.com/Blogs/Let-Them-Eat-Cake/), the official blog of New Orleans Bride Magazine for more tips and trends, trunk shows and other events, plus advice, ideas, inspiration and interviews. It’s all of the bridal buzz you can use, five days a week.
On Jan. 22, join us at the Hyatt Regency for the New Orleans Bride Magazine Bridal Show. Meet more than 150 of the city’s top wedding professionals in a festive setting, sip champagne, sample fabulous food and plan your wedding. Visit www.myneworleans.com/events for tickets, pricing and more information.
Editor’s Notebook
In December, Elms Mansion on St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District celebrated its 50th anniversary as a wedding and special events venue. Built in 1869 by Watson Van Benthuysen II, the mansion is owned and managed by brother and sister Tom Roche and Faith Roche, who are the mansion’s third family of owners. A picturesque garden and courtyard, variety of interior spaces appointed with luxe antiques, as well as gourmet catering have kept couples coming back for a half-century. elmsmansion.com
Sunday Shop, the home design studio and retailer on Magazine Street in the Lower Garden District, recently announced its new gift registry. “Couples can register for all items that we have in-store as well as special order items from any vendors we carry in the shop,” says Sunday Shop Brand Director and Buyer Jo Gremillion. “We offer bedding, towels, glassware, pillows, elevated everyday utilities, sets of custom handmade ceramics and dishware, and many unique items as well as personal attention and curation assistance for each registry.” For more information or to start your registry, email registry@sundayshop.co. sundayshop.co
