Growing up in New Orleans, Julie Eleanor Comarda and John Edward Koerner IV had known of one another for years. They crossed paths countless times before a Friday in late December 2023, when John’s friend convinced him to approach Julie and get her number. John texted and invited her for a drink a month later, and Julie then spent two months learning everything she could about him from mutual friends. She then messaged him asking if he’d still like to get together. In late March 2024, the two met for drinks at the Chloe. They ended up closing the bar down, and from there a relationship very quickly blossomed.
Seven months later, John convinced Julie that they were going to Galitoire’s to celebrate her niece’s birthday. They were getting ready at home, and after John zipped her dress, Julie turned to find him with a ring! After Julie accepted, a night of celebration began at John’s parents’ house, where family and close friends gathered to toast their happiness. From there, Julie’s favorite party bus, Candyland Corey, picked everyone up and took them to many of the couple’s favorite neighborhood bars, including Fat Harry’s and F&M Patio Bar.
Just as they began their engagement at their favorite places, Julie and John planned their wedding at iconic New Orleans locations that they loved. Julie spent the morning of their big day getting ready at Hotel St. Vincent, where she wore pajamas monogrammed with their initials, their wedding date, and other meaningful details. Especially meaningful to her was the Academy of the Sacred Heart, where she and several family members had attended school. As she walked down the aisle at Sacred Heart on May 24, 2025, the bride carried a rosary borrowed from her sister-in-law and wore her grandmother’s pin inside her dress.
After John and Julie said “I do,” the celebration moved to the Orpheum Theater, which was decked out with beautiful floral arrangements by Dunn & Sonnier, vibrant pink decor, and a dance floor complete with a disco ball and LED lights. Guests took in the festive atmosphere while sipping the evening’s special cocktail, the New Orleans classic Purple Drink. Also a New Orleans classic, Dickie Brennan’s created a delectable menu, finished off by several desserts: the wedding cake and groom’s cake from Just Eat Me Sweets and root beer floats, in honor of the groom’s father.
Like much of their celebration, the newlyweds’ first dance also featured a local favorite; they chose the song “Next to Me” by Louisiana artist Tab Benoit. When the lively reception ended, the evening continued with a late-night dance party at F&M, where the legendary DJ Baby Daddy spun until the wee hours.
In need of some relaxation after the festivities, John and Julie enjoyed a honeymoon in France and Italy before returning to their beloved New Orleans, where they live uptown. John is Senior VP of Marketing and Retail Sales at Reily Foods Company and Julie is a Realtor for McEnery Residential.
Rehearsal Dinner: Arnaud’s
Reception Décor: Distressed Rentals (furniture)
Day of Coordinator: Iris and Oak Events, Caroline Broussard
Celebrant: Father Patrick Carr
Ceremony Music: Gospel choir coordinated by Henry Washington
Wedding Gown: Mark Ingram/ Mark Ingram New York
Bridesmaid Dresses: Long pink dresses of their choosing
Groom’s Attire: Rubensteins custom tuxedo
Groomsmen Attire: Their own tuxes, and Parker Jr. wore a suit from Perlis
Engagement Ring: Aucoin Hart
Bride’s Wedding Band: Aucoin Hart
Groom’s Wedding Band: Aucoin Hart
Florist: Dunn and Sonnier
Favor: Sunglasses and props
Invitation: By Invitation Only, Little Rock, AR
Caterer: Dickie Brennan’s
Wedding Cake: Just Eat Me Sweets
Groom’s Cake: a five gallon bucket filled with fish made by Just Eat Me Sweets
Photographer: Hannah Pickle
Photo Booth: Riverview Photography
Videographer: Bride Film
Hair: Christina Nelson
Makeup: Makeup by Meggan, Meggan Ory; Lauren Rodas and Kellie Bode
Music: BE Collective: Blue Rhythm Band
Video Mapping: Braennan Steele
