Stephen Moses and Dee Russ had known each other from an early age. Their parents were best friends and ate dinner together every Sunday and Thursday night, so Dee and Stephen were destined to be together! At the end of ninth grade, Stephen asked Dee to go to a special party and that was the real beginning. They dated on and off for years, and after graduation from Tulane University Stephen knew he would be going into the service as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy.
Stephen took Dee to a movie at the Lowe’s Theatre and popped the question while Dee was watching the show and eating popcorn! Not the most romantic idea, but Stephen knew that he could be stationed anywhere and wanted Dee to be his bride. Of course, she said “Yes!”, and her Mom started planning the wedding right away.
They were engaged on February 3 and were married four months later. There were nonstop parties – the engagement party at the Russ’, luncheons, dinners, cocktail parties, bridal showers and more! Stephen’s grandparents had a beautiful party for them at the Rib Room. The rehearsal dinner was held at the Lakewood Country Club and the wedding on June 19 took place in the Grand Ballroom at the Roosevelt Hotel.
Dee’s mom called on Rohm’s Floral Designs to create the magical chuppah and flowers for the ballroom including peonies, orchids, roses, flowers for the cake and the bouquets for Dee and her bridesmaids. Dee’s dress and her bridesmaids’ dresses were from Kreeger’s.
The wedding began at 7 p.m. with Rabbi Leo Bergman as the officiant. After a beautiful cocktail buffet and traditional Jewish ceremony, Dee and Stephen left for the airport, having drinks with friends before they were off to their honeymoon suite at the Americana in Puerta Rico.
Dee and Stephen have been married for 55 years. They have had a 25th and a grand 50th anniversary, all with the help of close friend Ralph Brennan. They have two wonderful children and two grandchildren and call New Orleans home! Φ
