Jessica Elizabeth Carvin was enjoying a lovely evening in New York’s West Village when she met Joseph Albert Luchenta. Just 10 months later, while she was visiting for Mardi Gras, Joseph asked if they could stop by Jessica’s family church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in downtown New Orleans, to light a candle for her father and his mother, both of whom are deceased. They entered the church, which Joseph had arranged to be completely empty, and he dropped to one knee to propose. After Jessica said “Yes!” they returned home to a huge surprise party of family and friends.

Jessica knew she wanted to be married in Hacienda San Angel in Mexico, a place where she had enjoyed family celebrations throughout her life and the first place that she been on vacation with Joseph.

The festivities began at the rehearsal dinner, which was a sunset boat cruise and dance party in Puerto Vallarta.

The next day, January 13, 2018, Jessica and Joseph were married at Hacienda San Angel by Elizabeth Lyons Sanders, a close friend of both the bride and groom. Piel Canala played during the ceremony, which took place in the Hacienda’s open-air church overlooking the water. Jessica’s best friend and college roommate Sara Fay Egan, from florist and event planners Jackson Durham, coordinated the evening and created a beautiful ambiance for the intimate wedding with white flowers and candles.

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The authentically Mexican reception was followed by a cocktail hour featuring the Paloma, a favorite of the bride and groom. A violin mariachi band played as the sun set and guests enjoyed a veritable Mexican feast. The celebrations were made even more special by celebrating in the same place Jessica’s parents had celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.

“Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans” by Louis Armstrong was perfect for the couple’s first dance. New Orleans is Jessica’s hometown and Joseph spent a year working in the Crescent City, developing a deep connection with it.

Afterward, Jessica and Joseph broke into a few verses of “Despacito,” which ensured the party was underway! At the end of the evening a nightcap of churros and a boozy milkshake were served on the hacienda’s rooftop accompanied by fireworks.

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The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Rome, Positano and Capri, Italy followed by a few days in Paris. Jessica and Joseph returned home to New York City where Jessica works in finance and Joseph in technology.

Just a few months later on April 7, 2018, Jessica and Joseph returned to New Orleans to receive a blessing for their wedding vows at St. Patrick’s Cathedral by Father Harry Bugler. This time, Jessica included all of her closest friends’ children in the wedding party – 14 in all. After the blessing, there was a traditional New Orleans wedding brunch at Brennan’s. Dunn Sonnier Antiques • Flowers * Gifts decorated with pink dogwood and white pear branches mixed with ranunculus, peonies and garden roses. Guests danced the afternoon away to band Groovy 7 while the bride and groom cut into three cakes by Beth Buindo Sweets. Afterward a second-line lead the group to an after party on the balcony at Arnaud’s where DJ Heatwave kept everyone on their feet until well after the sun went down.

With this Ring: Carvin–Luchenta