Ann Valentino had just graduated from LSU and Dr. Harold Anthony “Tony” Fuselier Jr. had just started his internship at Charity Hospital on the LSU service. They met each other at a house party in Pass Christian on July 4th and it was love at first sight! Ann and Tony dated exclusively for the next few months, and he decided to ask her to marry him. Of course he asked Mr. Valentino first, and then thought of the perfect way to pop the question. Tony and Ann were going to a Mardi Gras ball with some of their best friends and were going to meet at Lafitte’s Blacksmith for a drink beforehand. On the way to the bar, they went to Pat O’Brien’s first. Tony couldn’t wait to surprise her, so he asked her right there! Of course she said yes.
They had planned a wedding in July, but Tony was drafted into the Airforce as a Captain so the wedding was moved up to May. Ann and her mom planned a beautiful wedding at Holy Name of Jesus Church on St. Charles Avenue with a reception at the Royal Orleans. Ann’s dress and her bridesmaids’ dresses were from Liberty Shop, and her veil of Brussels lace was a gift from her mom and arrived just in time for the wedding. Rohm’s Floral Designs created all of the flowers – Ann especially wanted white peonies. The tiered cake was from Swiss Bakery and the table was decorated with loops of greenery and more peonies.
The parties were nonstop and included a bar shower, cocktail parties and brunches at Beattie Geary’s and at the New Orleans Country Club. Millie Ball’s mom gave Ann a “doe dinner” and her bridesmaids’ luncheon at the Pontchartrain Hotel was given by her mom. The rehearsal dinner given by Tony’s parents was at the Metairie Country Club.
After the wedding Tony and Ann changed into their going away outfits and were off to St. Martin in the Bahamas.
Today, Ann and Tony live in New Orleans and have four incredible boys and five grandchildren! ✦
