Rand and Michael
The setting of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art proved to be just the perfect spot for Rand Pearson Butcher and Michael Winston Rutledge to meet. It was during the “O What a Night Gala”—yes, a hectic evening with the museum packed with people, but a mutual friend thought to introduce them. Rutledge, a native of Missouri, came to New Orleans to attend Tulane Law School—Rand is from New Orleans.
Months later, while they were on vacation in Chicago, Michael asked Rand to marry him. The evening wedding was June 10, with the ceremony and the reception taking place at the New Orleans Country Club. Rand’s dress was bought in Baltimore, one of the places she stayed after the storm. The strapless silk satin dress has pleats going from the bodice to the hem, and Rand accented it with a beautiful veil made by Judy Cobb from antique lace Rand’s great grandmother collected. Topping it off was a band of small white roses. She carried a bouquet of white calla lilies, small white roses and ranunculus, while the bridesmaids, who wore short white silk dresses with a champagne sash, carried bouquets of white hydrangeas. The theme of white flowers continued through all of the arrangements, which were also complemented by pale pink flowers and greenery. The men wore navy-blue blazers with white pants and Vineyard Vines ties from Perlis—a gift from Michael. He chose ties that had something on them reflecting what each groomsmen’s special interest was.
The country club went all-out with the food, serving shrimp and crabmeat in ice sculptures, a sushi bar, lamb chops, duck crepes and beef tenderloin. The cakes were from Swiss Confectionery—the wedding cake had multiple tiers finished with off-white icing and white roses scattered about, the groom’s was in the shape of a duck, because duck hunting is one of his favorite things to do. Harvey, Jesus and Fire was the night’s band, playing any number of tunes to keep guests on their toes.
The duo honeymooned in the Grand Cayman Islands and currently lives in New Orleans. Michael is an attorney with Salley, Hite, Rivera and Mercer, and Rand is a counselor and the cross-country coach at De La Salle High School.
Cathy Rutledge, Michael and Rand, and Winston Rutledge
Scott Butcher, Brent Butcher, Rand and Michael, Ellie Montgomery, Marion Butcher, Courtney Montgomery, Richard Montgomery, Walker Montgomery, Dorothy Beatrous and William Beatrous
Ellen Rutledge, Elizabeth Riviere, Courtney Montgomery, Morgan Mason, Scott Butcher, Megan Bragg, Rand and Michael, Jeffrey Fitch, Matthew Davis, Edward Gordon, Christopher Villere, Jeffrey Peters and Matthew Kizer. The children in front: Edwin Corbin Powers, Ellie Montgomery and Walker Montgomery.