When David Sabiston Butler went to Coconut Beach in Kenner for a volleyball game shortly after moving to New Orleans, instead of his eyes locking on the ball, they locked on Lydia Hamilton Tompkins.
Three years later, David drove Lydia out to the Lakefront with the pretext of dinner with friends. As they were early, he suggested they walk to the Coconut Beach site for a look at the view. He dropped to one knee and proposed.
The couple enjoyed a sumptuous rehearsal dinner in the private room of Restaurant August. On Saturday, January 9, 2016 Lydia and David were married in the chapel of her alma mater, The Academy of the Sacred Heart. Sarah Jane McMahon and Dale Melancon provided the ceremonial music and the bride’s uncle, Matt Holliday, played an original piano composition
Their marriage was celebrated at The Orleans Club, which was decorated, along with the room at Restaurant August and the chapel, with beautiful fresh flowers by Meade Wenzel. The wedding cake was by Leah Michael. Lydia had treated David to Debbie Does Doberge Cakes for his birthdays, so she arranged for the bakery to create five unique groom’s cakes, each a different flavor representing a school he went to or a city he lived in. After a wonderful reception including dancing to the band BRW, guests left with customized bags of popcorn designed by Nancy Ellis. Photographer Matthew Foster and a videographer from Shannon Talamo Films captured the festivities.
After a honeymoon in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, Lydia and David returned to live in the Carrollton neighborhood in New Orleans, where Lydia is a pediatric physical therapist at Crane Rehab Center and David is an Executive Director at Lucid Software.
Celebrant: Father Frank Reale, SJ
Bride’s Dress: Amy Kuschel from Wedding Belles
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jim Hjelm from Bella Bridesmaids
Groom’s Attire: Lula Falcone Custom Clothiers Tuxedo
Bride’s rings: Friend & Company Fine Jewelry
Groom’s Wedding Band: Friend & Company Fine Jewelry
Wedding Invitations: Betty Hunley Designs
Hair: Marcia from Salon Dante
Makeup: Kellie Bode
