New Orleans Bride Winter 2020

Real Weddings: Van Vrancken – Dick

Bride: Vanessa Van Vrancken / Groom: Matthew Dick / Wedding Date: May 18, 2019 Ceremony location: Academy of the Sacred Heart / Reception location: The Balcony Ballroom Gown: Carolina Herrera, New York City Bridesmaids dresses: Chase Designs / Tuxedos: Tuxedos to Geaux Engagement Rings: Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers / Wedding rings: Cartier Florist: Federico’s Family Florist Caterer: The Balcony Ballroom Cake: La Louisiane Bakery […]

Fit for a Princess

There’s no doubt Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, was glowing with joy on her wedding day, but she also had more than a little help from her longtime friend and London-based facialist Nichola Joss. Joss, who counts among her clients other A-listers such as JLo and Kate Moss, believes massage is critical for radiant skin. […]

Paper Trail

Invitations Photographed by Theresa Cassagne Rustic, romantic invitation suite hand-deckled and thermography printed on 130-pound paper with metallic gold ink to enhance the couple’s monogrammed greenery crest, Invito Bello, invitobella.com. This premium-weight pewter invitation by Vera Wang features bright Sun Gold engraved ink. The couple’s duogram complements the combination type styles highlighting the […]

Keep it Local

1. Colorful, hand-painted ceramic wine bottle stoppers, Nola Gifts & Décor, nolagiftsanddecor.com 2. Decorative pewter pelican salt and pepper shaker set, Friend & Company, friendandcompany.com 3. Magnolia tea towel by local artist Kristin Malone, Nola Gifts & Décor, nolagiftsanddecor.com 4. White ceramic and turquoise melamine cake stands, Nothing Bundt Cakes, nothingbundtcakes.com 5. Decoupage New […]

Natural Beauty

For those with sensitive skin or concerns over chemicals, the organic, a.k.a. “clean” beauty, sector is now a booming playground, with “natural” products selling three times faster than so-called traditional brands*. However, with so many different labels and promises to navigate, we’ve eliminated the guesswork to offer up sure-fire winners. Launched in 2013, Beautycounter […]

Bridal Buzz

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 […]

From the Editor

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 […]

Hot Picks

With so many makeup brands available is there need for more? Yes, we say, because with new technology and innovations, products just keep getting better and better. Here are a few of the new launches we couldn’t wait to share. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation this product has swept the […]

Locks of Love

Don’t think about your bridal hair in isolation, it needs to be an integral part of your overall look,” so advises April Ponder of the David Falcon Salon on Magazine Street in Uptown. Ponder continues, “In addition, remember people will be staring at the back of your head for the ceremony so your hair has […]

Real Weddings: Charleston-Thomas

Bride: Reagan Charleston / Groom: Reece Thomas / Wedding Date: Dec. 9, 2018 Ceremony/Reception: New Orleans Board of Trade Wedding Designer: Wink Design & Events Photographer: Mateo & Company Caterer: Pigeon Caterers Prep location: St. James Hotel Hair Stylist: Amber Buxton / Makeup Stylist: Makeup By Meggan Coordinator: Amanda Price Events / Event Designer: Wink […]

Real Weddings: Beneville & Lindsley

Bride: Danielle Beneville / Groom: Noah Lindsley / Wedding Date: June 28, 2019 Ceremony and Reception location: Marché Coordinator: Stephanie Baker with Marché Gown: Bridal Boutique by MaeMe / Bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal / Men’s Attire: Jos A. Banks Bride’s Ring: LaMore Design / Groom’s Ring: Titanium Rings Florist: Nola Flora Caterer: Marché / Cake: […]

Real Weddings: Beitler-Sullivan

Bride: Julie Beitler / Groom: Tom Sullivan / Wedding Date: Oct. 11, 2019 Ceremony and Reception location: The Gallery (Tomas Bistro) Coordinator: New Orleans Wedding Planning Gown: Berta Florist: Florist Herbivore Floral Designs Caterer: Tomas Bistro / Cake: Ice cream by Creole Creamery Photographer: Lauren Carroll Photography / Videographer: Film Thread Productions Bride’s Hair: Stefano […]

Lagniappe: Enter the Dream

Local artist and designer for Anthropologie, Rebecca Rebouché, is known for her allegorical paintings of the natural world. Now, her emotive and naturalistic style graces the bottle of her new perfume, Exotic Memory. Born from a dream, the artwork and the perfume are meant to conjure imagination. The unisex scent, formulated by artisanal perfumer Kathleen […]

Check It Twice

10-12 Months To Go __ You’re engaged! Make sure you celebrate with your fiancé, friends and family. __ Nail down the basics. Where are you getting married? Who’s paying for what? What is your budget? How many guests will be there? __ Alert the wedding party. Decide who you want in your wedding party and […]

Globe Trotting

You’ve said your vows —now what? It’s time to launch your new life with a memory-packed vacation. But, where to go? The options can overwhelm, especially if you want a trip as unique as your wedding. That’s why we’ve scoured the globe for some of 2020’s most exciting honeymoon possibilities. French Twist Just an hour […]

Details: Getting There

Don’t stress about how you’re going to make it to your wedding. With so many options for couples in New Orleans — whether you want to make it to your ceremony by land, air or sea — you can arrive in style. Each choice has its own charm and beauty and can be perfectly tailored […]

Details: Big Day Boogie

Lucky you! You’re planning your wedding in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, the bounce music capital of the world and perennial home to a bunch of Grammy-nominated musicians. So of course you want to make live music a big part of your Big Day — but how do you make sure you hit all […]

Details: In Focus

Photography is one of the most important aspects of your wedding, since the photos will remain long after the Big Day. So finding the best photographer to suit your needs is paramount. Here, three local wedding photographers offer their tips on finding and working with the best person for the job. Marc Pagani Photography Marc […]

Details: Lovely Locations

Every wedding should demonstrate personal touches that express the style of the couple. In this way, the big day becomes an extension of the couple’s union. No matter what your preference, these local venues offer something for every taste. ROMANTIC The Chicory, which was built in 1852 and firsts began as a simple coffee warehouse, […]

Details: Modern History

Due to the magnitude and impact World War II had on the world, it’s no wonder that the National World War II Museum in downtown New Orleans has quickly become touted as one of the best museums in the world. Visitors flock from all over the United States and abroad to visit and learn about […]

Details: There’s No Place Like Roam

Lately you’ve noticed that some of your most fun group dining outings are at food halls. The perfect compromise for the picky eater, the adventurous foodie and the steadfast dieter, the variety and range that the concept provides has so many positives that couples have started to incorporate a similar style into their wedding food […]

Details: Bachelorette Bonuses

Your bestie has gone bridal and you have landed the gig as maid of honor. Your goal is to create a bachelorette and shower experience that will have the other members of the bride tribe instagramming and hashtagging until they break the internet. One darling idea to help set a festive tone? Incorporate a mix […]

Details: Late Night Snacks

You can’t stop talking about how much you want everyone on the dance floor at your reception. You’ve booked a top-notch band and made sure there’s plenty of space for your cousin to do his bring-the-house-down breakdance sequence. How to keep everyone electric sliding until the wee small hours? Late night snacks will do the […]

Details: Painterly Elegance

Three-tiered almond cake with lemon mascarpone buttercream and fresh fruit filling, covered in grey marbled, gold and white fondant with decorative navy and gold ruffles, The Sweet Life, nolasweetlife.com. Three-tiered lemon cake with cream cheese filling, covered in white fondant with burgundy and gold hand-painted brushstrokes, Gambino’s Bakery, gambinos.com. Two-tiered, triple-layer cake iced in a […]

The City of Love

Edwardian era diamond and pearl choker featuring a dozen strands of seed pearls interspersed with floral filigree medallions and Old European diamonds at Friend & Company. What could be more naturally New Orleans than to have and to hold your wedding in a stylishly transformed Irish Channel church formerly known as City of Love Ministries? […]