Emma Louise Hodgson was in middle school when she accompanied her mother to meet a friend’s new partner and stepchildren. One of those stepchildren, Baker Wayne Livingston, was also in middle school. A typical preteen, Baker spent most of the time on his phone, but he looked up enough for Emma to notice that he was cute. By the time they were sophomores in high school, Baker thought Emma was cute as well. He asked her out, and they went to the movies to see “Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Ten years later, Baker took Emma to the Sculpture Garden in City Park. Amid the stunning artwork and greenery, Baker got down on one knee and presented Emma with a cushion cut diamond on a white gold band as he asked her to marry him. Emma, of course, joyfully said yes! They began planning a wedding at another iconic New Orleans location—the Audubon Tea Room.
They felt drawn to this venue because it offered space for both an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception. On May 25, 2024, the ceremony space was bedecked in lilac purple and forest green, with strategic lighting choices highlighting the natural beauty of the surroundings. Baker and Emma writing their own vows and exchanging them in front of their loved ones marked a particularly poignant moment in the ceremony.
After Judge Donna Rayes pronounced them husband and wife, the reception began immediately in the indoor space, where a dance floor awaited the newlyweds and their guests. The couple kicked off the festivities with a first dance to “All Your’n” by Tyler Childers, a song that has always reminded Emma of Baker. The dance floor remained packed all night thanks to Calfee Productions’ music selections, and a menu created by Audubon Tea Room helped guests keep their energy going. Everyone especially loved the crawfish beignets.
Like crawfish, lemons are abundant in Louisiana in May, making the wedding cake the perfect complement to the menu. La Louisiane Bakery whipped up a vanilla cake with buttercream and lemon filling, the perfect bite to end the evening.
Though the wedding festivities have ended, Emma and Baker are still hitting new milestones in their journey together. They recently moved to Seattle, Washington, where Emma works in law and Baker works in wealth management. In their spare time, they are planning their late honeymoon, a two-week trip to Thailand and Japan.
Rehearsal Dinner Location: The Country Club
Wedding Gown: Bliss Bridal
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux
Florist: Bouquets and table decorations by mother of the bride, Delise Simmons; Bridal bouquet by Grow With Us
Invitation: Zola
Photographer: Mike Lirette Photography
Hair: About Face
