Anthony Joseph Alfonso III was a middle-schooler at Newman when he first met Julia Davis Hollings, who went to Trinity, at a football game in 2006. Julia attended Newman for high school, and the two were always friends. Both went away for college, and both returned to the city after graduation. They reconnected through their friend group, and eventually Anthony asked Julia on a date for drinks at Cure and then dinner at Oak. After a few months of dating, they became a couple in May 2019.
Four years later, they were at home on a Thursday night eating BBQ chicken, when seemingly out of nowhere Anthony proposed. Julia, who never saw it coming, said yes. Their families came over later for a surprise celebration Anthony had arranged—because he’d planned it all along!
They were married on January 27, 2024 at Trinity Episcopal Church, a special place for Julia as a graduate of the school. After the ceremony, the celebration continued at the Columns Hotel, where the couple had enjoyed gatherings with friends and great cocktails over the years. Guests arrived at sunset, welcomed by a jazz trio and trays of peroni and champagne. Julia and Anthony were on the balcony of the hotel waving to guests as they walked into the party. They especially loved the ambiance; with oak trees framing St. Charles Avenue and the streetcar rolling by, the Columns set the perfect stage for their big day.
The Columns also lent itself perfectly to the design and décor for the wedding. The main color palate on the invitation was dark orange and chartreuse, replicating the color palate at the hotel. The florals during the reception were whimsical and bright, with colors also pulled from those found throughout the hotel.
Of course, the Columns is known not only for its elegance, but also for its incredible food and cocktail program. The hotel created a reception menu including fried oysters, short rib lettuce wraps, mushroom fried risotto, fried green tomatoes, oysters on the half shell, a NY Strip carving station, shrimp and grits, chicken gumbo, and so much more! The food was beautifully complemented by cocktails, including Julia’s Martini (mandarin vodka, yuzu curacao, lime, with a twist) and Tony’s Carajillo (espresso infused rum, liquor 43, cocoa bitters, and creme de cacao).
Guests sipped these libations as the newlyweds shared their first dance to “Brooklyn” by Steely Dan, a song they both love. This dance kicked off an unforgettable, fun-filled night!
After the wedding, Anthony and Julia took a week-long honeymoon trip to a beautiful small island in the West Indies called Nevis. The island is small, relaxed and boasts an incredible food scene, making it the perfect place to unwind. They returned to their home in uptown New Orleans, where Julia is a publicist and Anthony is an accountant/CPA.
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Crescent City Steaks
Coordinator: Amanda Price Events
Celebrant: Reverend Andy Thayer
Ceremony Music: Harry Hardin
Wedding Gown: Justin Alexander from Bliss Bridal; the Guiseppa
Groom’s Attire: Custom chocolate brown suit designed by Luca Falcone
Engagement Ring: Custom design made by Keith Miller, gold bezel set
Bride’s Wedding Band: Custom design made by Keith Miller, channel set baguette diamonds set in gold
Groom’s Wedding Band: Rose gold coin edge by Keith Miller
Florist: Cry Baby Florals
Invitation: Scriptura
Wedding Cake: Jenny’s Cakes
Photographer: Love is Rad
Videographer: Bri London Duron
Hair: Hair by Beth
Makeup: Melissa Vaccaro
Music: B Street Benny
