Caroline Elizabeth Cushner and Edward Hugh Jackson lived in the same dorm freshman year at Tulane, and they soon found themselves hanging out in the same friend group. Neither was looking for a serious relationship, but after getting to know one another for a few months, Hugh asked Caroline for a date. He happened to ask her out on Valentine’s Day, and the next day they headed to the Tree of Life in Audubon Park with a bottle of wine for a “quick first date.” That “quick” date ended up lasting four hours, and they never looked back.
Five and a half years later, Hugh took Caroline back to the Tree of Life for a picnic. They talked about their future, and suddenly Hugh asked Caroline to look at a nonexistent bird. When she turned back toward him, he was down on one knee holding a family heirloom engagement ring. Caroline soon realized that a jogger in the park was actually her older brother in disguise, and that he was photographing the moment when she said yes!
Because they began their relationship and engagement surrounded by oak trees and Spanish moss, they knew they wanted to marry surrounded by them as well. They also wanted to share the New Orleans they have come to love with their friends and family from out of town, and they wanted to incorporate their mutual love of art into their special day. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden proved the prefect place for them to say “I do” on December 14, 2024.
Guests were greeted with hot toddies, hot chocolate, and pashminas to help keep warm. Translations and explanations during Jewish ceremony ensured that everyone attending the interfaith couple’s wedding could follow the ceremony and feel included. The décor enhanced the beauty of the sacred words, with gold frames, chandeliers, and antique furniture adorning the garden.
These elements were chosen to reflect the design of the reception venue, the New Orleans Museum of Art, which was decked out in lush florals and greenery complementing the centuries-old artwork. In keeping with the theme that combined vintage details with natural, organic touches, Caroline and Hugh chose the “Bee’s Knees” as their specialty cocktail.
The magical feeling created by the theme set the tone for the newlyweds’ first dance to Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon.” Caroline often thought of this song when she first realized she was falling in love with Hugh, and it has become especially meaningful for them over the years. The couple also chose to celebrate love and lasting marriage with an “anniversary dance,” inviting all married couples to the dance floor and cheering on those who had been together longest.
After an unforgettable wedding weekend, the couple unplugged during a four-day “mini-moon” at Bolt Farm Treehouse in Walhalla, S.C. They then returned to New Orleans, where Caroline is a digital marketing consultant, and Hugh, who is currently with Bild Design, is working toward becoming an architect.
Rehearsal Dinner Location: New Orleans Country Club (The Virgin Hotel Rooftop for the Welcome Party)
Reception Décor: AD Events; Distressed Rentals; Luminous Events; See Hear Pro; Tents by Design; Yur Event Rental; Johnson Tropicals
Coordinator: Uncommon Camelia
Main Planning/Design: Amélie Pizza
Lead Coordinator: Jeny Himel
Celebrant: Rabbi David Gerber, Congregation Gates of Prayer
Ceremony Music: Vermilion Strings
Wedding Gown: (Ceremony) Martina Liana, Kleinfled Bridal, (Reception) Sottero and Midgley, Kleinfeld Bridal
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie
Groom’s Attire: Alton Lane
Groomsmen Attire: Generation Tux
Bride’s Engagement Ring & Wedding Band: Family ring (Hugh’s mother + grandmother)
Groom’s Wedding Band: Andria Barbone
Florist: NOLA Flora
Invitation: (Main invitations and all signage) Paume Design, (Save The Dates) Scriptura
Caterer: Ralph Brennan Catering
Wedding Cake: Chasing Wang
Photographer: Mon Soleil
Videographer: Genuine Collective
Hair: Hair By Beth (Beth Washington)
Makeup: McKey Bridal (Toni Terry)
Music: Rouge Krewe
