James and Kelly Brown married on December 22, 1981. Thomas and Carol McGovern married on December 22, 1991. In 2014, their children, Nicholas C. Brown and Elizabeth A. McGovern, both attended Boston College and enrolled in the “Perspectives” program under Professor Brian Braman’s directorship. Soon after moving into the dorm freshman year, Elizabeth and Nick became best friends. Despite a connection obvious to friends and family, the two graduated in 2018 and went their separate ways—her to Phoenix, him to New Orleans—without ever having dated.
Then one day in 2019, Nick’s college roommate invited Elizabeth, a musician, to play a benefit concert, and she called Nick out of the blue to tell him the news. The two stayed in touch for the rest of the year, seeing each other for the first time since college during Mardi Gras 2020. As the pandemic made social isolation the new normal, Nick and Elizabeth continued reconnecting through phone calls, Facetime movie nights, and sharing music. Nick even drove cross-country to visit his friend twice. In January 2021, the couple finally admitted their feelings for one another. Later that year, Elizabeth moved to New Orleans to begin law school at Loyola; Nick was in his last year of law school at Tulane.
In November 2023, Nick’s family hosted a candle-lit backyard dinner. Nick stood up, toasted the Browns and McGoverns, and asked Elizabeth to marry him. She joyfully accepted the proposal, and there was no doubt about their wedding date.
Nick and Elizabeth married on December 22, 2024. Professor Braman, who had traveled from Boston, pronounced them husband and wife on the patio at Audubon Tea Room. Elizabeth carried a faux magnolia bouquet, representing Louisiana, strength, and timelessness. The beautiful oak tree was adorned with a vine-covered chandelier, lending itself perfectly to the timeless holiday theme. To seamlessly transition from the ceremony to the reception, the indoor space incorporated outdoor elements such as branches, greens, and live local trees.
Guests took in the beauty of the décor as they sipped cocktails from a menu created by the bride’s father; the libations were inspired by New Orleans and by the families’ beloved pets. The cocktail menu was one of the many ways the newlyweds’ families helped make the day extra special. Another took place on onstage, as the bride performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” accompanied by the groom’s father on violin and brother on guitar. Elizabeth followed this number with “Hold My Hand” by Wild Pink, in honor of her family. The Yat Pack, who accompanied her on both songs, then kept the dance floor packed for the rest of the night!
After a magical celebration, Elizabeth and Nick spent a week relaxing in Antigua and Barbuda. They then returned to New Orleans, where they recently closed on their first house in Lakeview. Nick is an attorney at Porteous, Hainkel and Johnson, and Elizabeth is an attorney at Gordon Arata.
Photographer: Sarah Alleman
Planner: PK Weddings and Events: Kristen Rauch
Coordinator: PK Weddings and Events: Claire Pizzuto
Venue: Audubon Tea Room
Bridal Gown: Sareh Nouri from Town and Country New Orleans
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J and J designs
Men’s Attire: Perlis
Rings: Beje Jewelry
Invitations: Camellia Memories by Megan Kattengell
Floral and Decor: TPG Weddings, Kenny Rabalais
Furnishings: TPG Weddings and Yur Event Rentals
Caterer: Dickie Brennan
Cake: Chez Rue Rene Bakery by Terry Monk
Videographer: Wild Light Film by Scott Strickland
Hair & Makeup: Flawless Bride
Music: Bill Horaist Entertainment, The Yat Pack, and La Lumière Quintet
Transportation: Alert Transportation
Rehearsal Dinner: Galarie de Galatoire
Avenue Weddings
