There’s the wedding of course, and then the honeymoon — but it all begins with the proposal. As romantic couples scramble to envision and then plan what might be the most memorable day of their lives (so far), he or she who plans to do the asking might consider setting the fete in one of the city’s most awe-inspiring top suites. While many hotspots outdoors, in restaurants, at home or in hotel common rooms might come to mind first, the choice of a capacious suite and extravagant “I do” — not to mention a private, one-night after party — launches happy couples on the next phase with — can we say it? — a bang.
And, just imagine the photos? Greer Gattuso (greergattuso.com), a local photographer known for her ability to evoke the essence of a couple and for depicting a storybook mood of timeless elegance, jumps for joy when couples choose a presidential or spacious suite for proposals (or wedding day photos, of course). “Natural light is so important,” says Greer. “And larger suites tend to have more of it. Add in when a suite has a terrace, and the we truly have the space — in all manner of speaking — to tell a beautiful story. I want to capture images that couples can hold for years to come, and starting with the proposal just makes sense,” she says.
Jess Kearney (jesskearneyweddings.com) who has a passion for beautiful images and says she “photographs for love,” seeks to tell a compelling tale. She suggests that for proposal photos couples make it fancy but keep it personal. “I want to show elevated romantic moments that truly identify who you are as a couple,” she says. While recommending opting for a suite that embodies your spirit as a couple, Jess strongly advises planning the logistics in advance with the photographer. “Each little detail will add to the thoughtfulness and romance of the moment,” she adds, suggesting surprising your beloved with “their favorite flowers and Champagne ready to pop, plus a playlist crafted with songs that are meaningful to you both.”
So let’s get the party started. New Orleans brims with gorgeous hotel suites that fit the bill, but we’ve collected some of our favorites to help you best express your intentions.
Literature-loving couples will want to pop the question at Hotel Monteleone (hotelmonteleone.com), where myriad literary legends have found their muse, including Ernest Hemingway who immortalized its renowned Carousel Bar & Lounge in his short story “The Night Before Battle.” Do it in the historic wing’s Hemingway Penthouse, a stately suite with French Quarter views, a garden jacuzzi tub, complete with bath salts and curated amenities such as caviar, macarons and chocolate-covered strawberries from the in-room dining menu. Following the hoped-for “I do,” and photos by your chosen photographer, celebrate with a couples Togetherness Massage at the hotel’s Spa Aria, then cap the evening with drinks and selfies at Carousel Bar in a classic merry-go-round seat.
Opt for one of the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans’ (fourseasons.com/neworleans/) two lavish Presidential Suites, kitted out in crimson and blue, each with wondrous northern views of the Mississippi River and the French Quarter. There, concierges can arrange a private showing of rare jewels and exquisite engagement rings by iconic M. S Rau — but only if the answer is yes. After photos, indulge in a custom, candlelit dinner for two, crafted by Executive Chef Dario Montelvere. Champagne, a private jazz performance and a rose petal turn down service seals the deal.
On the French Quarter’s edge, hewed from the bones of 1908 Beaux-Arts Maison Blanche (and still evoking at antebellum spirit), The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans (ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/msyrz-the-ritz-carlton-new-orleans/overview/) knows how to convey luxury. Its grandest bolthole, The Residence Suite, peers over Canal Street. It encompasses two bedrooms, ideal for prepping for photos before the proposal event. It also features a dining room big enough for the ten guests you want to join you for the engagement after-party. Breathtaking, the haven’s 3,500-square-foot terrace, replete with alfresco fireplace, takes the party (or private question) outside.
Hotel Peter & Paul (ash.world/hotels/peter-and-paul) set into the bones of a 19th-century church and former Catholic school in the lesser known Faubourg Marigny, will delight soon-to-be-engaged couples looking for a funkily stylish backdrop with historical gravitas for their proposal experience and photos. Go on bended knee in the Rector’s Repose, a stunning, richly arrayed room that crowns the rectory. It boasts a pampering limestone tub. Celebrate that affirmative response with dinner in the Elysian Bar and the hotel’s “Brioche in Bed” experience for morning sustenance.
Spirited duos in the throes of love can start their photographic ramble through The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel (therooseveltneworleans.com), the famous Sazerac Bar and take a few snaps along the tiled catwalk like so many smitten couples before you. Woo your love in the jaw-dropping Presidential Suite, purposefully built to impress and bedazzle, sure to work in your favor. You’ll find up to 1,930 square feet of space for peerless photos. Be sure to call the concierge in advance to arrange romantic décor, Champagne and an abundance of white rose petals.
