In 2015 Rosaria Nowhitney was a middle school math teacher at Samuel J. Green Charter School, and she noticed that one of her students was experiencing some unique challenges. After a bit of investigation, she learned that the student was a mentee of Son of a Saint, a nonprofit that provides mentorship, education, recreation, camaraderie, cultural enrichment, and emotional support to fatherless young men in New Orleans. Rosie reached out to Son of a Saint’s founder, Bivian “Sonny” Lee III, about her student. Soon Sonny, Rosie, and the student’s mentor were constantly working together support him and find the resources he and his mom needed. Sonny was struck by how strongly Rosie advocated for her students, and he knew he wanted to connect with her outside of the youth-focused work they were doing.
The perfect opportunity arose when Sonny needed a volunteer for a promotional video for Son of a Saint’s partnership with Dat Dog. He asked Rosie, who loves Dat Dog and loves to eat. After the shoot, they grabbed a drink after and connected on things outside of Son of a Saint. Sonny invited Rosie to a house party later that evening, and the rest is history.
Rosie soon became a part of the Lee family traditions, including having dinner together at 2:00 p.m. every Sunday. One Sunday, her parents were visiting from upstate New York and, of course, joined them for dinner. With the two families sitting around talking and enjoying each other’s company, Sonny stood up, asked Rosie to come over, and got down on one knee. Rosie joyously said yes, thrilled that they could share the moment while everyone was together.
The couple and their talented wedding planner, Christina Chapuis at Inspira Creative, began planning a three-day extravaganza full of good people, good food, and good music. The wedding weekend began on Thursday, May 2, 2024, with a welcome party for about 60 people on the rooftop of the Son of a Saint building. Guests enjoyed Ethiopian food from Addis Nola while overlooking the New Orleans skyline.
The wedding took place the next day, May 3, at Xavier University St. Katharine Drexel Chapel. Xavier is a special place for the Lee family; Sonny’s mother, uncles and aunts graduated from there. As they recited their vows, Rosie placed Sonny’s late father’s wedding band on his finger. The ceremony and following reception were extremely intimate, with only family in attendance. Because Rosie’s family is from upstate New York, they used the wedding as a rare opportunity to have their entire families together. During the reception, held at the New Orleans Jazz Market, the newly-joined family celebrated the newlyweds with toasts and a delectable menu created by Pigeon Catering and Events.
The New Orleans Jazz Market is home to the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, who performed during cocktail hour as guests sipped libations crafted especially for the bride and groom: an old fashioned for him and a spicy margarita for her. The orchestra set the mood perfectly for Rosie and Sonny’s first dance as husband and wife to “Anything For You” by Ledisi Featuring PJ Morton. After the first dance, the couple and their family got a huge surprise—PJ Morton himself! The musician, who grew up in the same neighborhood as Sonny and was his classmate at St. Augustine High School, wowed everyone with a surprise piano and vocal performance of one of his solo songs called “First Began.” The special day ended with a second line around the Jazz Market, led by the Stooges Brass Band and Zulu Tramps. But the party wasn’t over yet.
The celebration continued the next day as Rosie and Sonny welcomed friends and family to “Lee Fest,” held at a historic estate with a large ballroom and exquisite grounds on Grand Route St John, just a couple blocks from the Fairgrounds, where the second weekend of Jazz Fest was in full swing. The location ensured that guests from out of town could hear some music and experience the Jazz Fest energy. The energy was infectious as guests savored creations from Dooky Chase Catering. Drinks were flowing, and classic New Orleans daiquiris were a huge hit! Signature go-cups with “Lee Fest” were the perfect memento of an unforgettable three days.
Rather than taking a honeymoon right away, Rosie and Sonny decided to enjoy some time at their home in New Orleans. Sonny continues the work at Son of a Saint that brought the couple together. Rosie has since left the classroom to pursue her competitive boxing career. She is currently a boxing personal trainer and was ranked #7 in the nation for U.S. Olympic Boxing. Sonny and Rosie are joyfully awaiting the arrival of a little Lee in 2025.
Celebrant: Bishop Mark Stewart
Ceremony Music: New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
Wedding Gown: Bliss Bridal
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Anthropology
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Indochino
Engagement Ring & Bride’s Wedding Band: Diamond’s Direct
Florist: John Kent Florals
Wedding Cake: Chasing Wang
Photographer: James Shaw Studio
Hair: Rachel Barbin
Makeup: Jessica Carnley
Transportation: Burton
Audio Visual Book: Mirror Image Photo Booths
DJ: DJ RQ Away
Décor: Luminous Events
