Just weeks before graduating from the University of Alabama, friends introduced Eleanor Barret Beuerman to Leland Kenneth Manning. Ellie’s interest was piqued when Leland ordered a dirty martini, her drink of choice. They met up for more martinis; during that first date they talked for hours, realizing how much they had in common. However, they only had the opportunity to get to know one another briefly before Ellie moved to Dallas after graduation. But as fate would have it, Leland decided to pursue a master’s degree at SMU a year later, and the two reconnected in Dallas.
Six years later, the couple was vacationing in Cabo San Lucas. Leland took Ellie completely by surprise when he proposed during breakfast on a morning boat ride. When she said yes, she had no idea that her future husband had another surprise waiting—he flew both sets of their parents in so they could celebrate becoming a new family!
Family traditions became the cornerstone of the wedding they would plan in Ellie’s hometown, New Orleans. They married at St. Charles Ave. Presbyterian Church, where Ellie was christened. As she walked down the aisle on March 25, 2023, she wore a necklace made of her great-grandmother’s gold and pearl barrette from the 1870s, and for luck, she had a sixpence from England, worn by many previous generations, in her shoe. On her left hand, a ring crafted around Leland’s grandmother’s engagement diamond sparkled.
The art deco design of this ring carried over into the décor at the Orléans Club, where the reception was held. The elegance and opulence of the 1920s set the tone for a “Feast of the Senses.” Outside, peonies and wildflowers graced the gates, and peonies, roses and wisteria covered the porch. Inside, the staircase and the outer formal rooms burst with greenery and flowers. A Japanese garden featured papier mâché Japanese Higanbana and ikebana; an oyster bar had white lanterns and oyster shell centerpieces; and the President’s room took on the atmosphere of a 1920s speakeasy with vibrant colors and lights.
The speakeasy atmosphere was also evident in the specialty cocktail—the martini, of course. For a more modern twist, there was also an espresso martini. These cocktails complemented the menu created by the Orléans Club, which highlighted Louisiana favorites such as grillades and grits and crawfish etouffee. In the Japanese garden, guests feasted on sushi from Rock N’ Sake, and in the oyster bar NOLA Boils served up raw or chargrilled oysters and shrimp remoulade in martini glasses.
The newlyweds kicked the festivities into high gear with their first dance to “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk. The high-energy song immediately made everyone feel like dancing, which they did, well into the night.
After all that dancing, Leland and Ellie traveled through Morocco for twelve days, with stops in Madrid and Paris along the way. They returned to their home in Dallas, where Ellie is a managing director at a PR/marketing and communications agency and Leland is in commercial real estate.
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Hotel Saint Vincent
Reception Décor: Maude Mashburn, Moss New Orleans
Coordinator: Caroline Acomb
Celebrant: Rev. Chris Currie, Senior Pastor, St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church Ceremony Music: Steven Blackmon, Alex Mahon, Bon Operatit!
Wedding Gown: Private Designer Collection, Yvonne LaFleur
Bridesmaid Dresses: Adrianna Papell
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Traditional white tie and tails, Perlis
Engagement Ring: Bespoke design by Ashton Garrett (and Leland)
Bride’s Wedding Band: Diamonds Direct
Florist: Maude Mashburn, Moss New Orleans
Favor: Custom fortune cookies and pralines
Invitation: Calligraphy —Winnie Brown; Watercolor envelope lining—Maude Mashburn; Design and Printing—Margaret Jones, Scriptura
Caterer: Chef Sarah Wood – Orléans Club; Jeremy Schreiber-NOLA Boils; Rock N’ Sake
Wedding Cake: Tuscan Millefoglie wedding cake by Royal Cakery
Groom’s Cake: Espresso Martini cake in a giant martini glass by Royal Cakery Photographer: Mateo & Co. – Matt Diaz
Hair: Holli G. Story – H2O Salon & Spa
Makeup: Jay Do
Reception Music: Welcome—Bon Operatit!; Reception Band—Party Starters 504 Band
