Caitlin Elizabeth Lowe and Carson Chadick Thielen hung out in a group from the New Orleans music scene for three years before something between them began taking shape in early 2019. In May of that year, they traveled to a hobby farm in Maine. By the end of the trip, they knew they wanted to be together on a farm, writing music, chopping wood, and raising chickens. By October 2020, they were living on a hobby farm, complete with chickens, in North Carolina.
With the farm and chickens squared away, the couple traveled to the Algarve, Portugal for Caitlin’s 30th birthday in 2022. Carson convinced Caitlin, who is terrified of heights, to walk out onto an arch overlooking the ocean. As they took in the view, Carson pulled a ring out of his bag. Caitlin, without hesitation, said yes. The two then began planning a New Orleans wedding.
The festivities began with a rehearsal dinner at Commander’s Palace, where Carson’s parents had held their wedding reception. It was a special time to honor the memory of Carson’s late father, Chad Thielen.
A photo of Carson’s father, along with photos of both his and Caitlin’s grandfathers, was displayed on an altar during their wedding at Felicity Church on March 9, 2023. In addition, Carson’s cousin read a poem Carson wrote for her wedding to her late husband. As Dr. Derek Duplessie officiated the ceremony, the couple could feel the love of those present and those who had gone before. This feeling was punctuated by a surprise from Carson’s sister, who arranged for the Nova Corral choir to perform “How Can I Keep from Singing?” The joy in this music echoed in their recessional song, “Where You Lead” by Carole King.
Perhaps the most joyful song of the evening was “Oceans,” a song Carson began writing during their 2019 trip to Maine. Caitlin knew the song was a perfect way to mark their beginning as husband and wife. Of course, the groom couldn’t share the first dance with his bride and play the song, so his sister and two friends performed it with the Essentials’ horn section.
During this unforgettable evening, Caitlin and Carson also gave a nod to one of their favorite experiences in the French Quarter with an absinthe station. Both the station and the reception menu were created by Black Pearl; the fried green tomato bánh mî and caramel pork belly stood out as crowd favorites. Guests also loved the desserts: Angelo Brocato’s cannoli and Willa Jean’s chocolate chip cookies.
Later, the party moved to The Half Moon for an informal end to the celebration. The festivities concluded the next day with a farewell brunch at Wonderland and Sea. Caitlin and Carson then returned to North Carolina, foregoing a honeymoon in favor of an extensive kitchen renovation. When not tending their hobby farm, Caitlin is a product manager and Carson is a musician and audio engineer. The two are awaiting their first child in April 2025.
Coordinator: Uncommon Camellia; Primary planner—Twana Hayes, Day-of support—Meryl Cusimano
Celebrant: Derek Duplessie
Ceremony Music: Harpist and Violist
Wedding Gown: Lea-Ann Belter, Kelly’s Closet
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Paul Smith
Engagement Ring: Niett Metals
Bride’s Wedding Band: Suzanne Kalan
Groom’s Wedding Band: Vintage memento mori ring from Vintage 329
Florist: Blooms Botanica
Favor: Matchbooks
Caterer: Black Pearl
Wedding Cake: Willa Jean
Photographer & Videographer: Katie Sikora
Music: The Essentials
