We have all been asked to help a friend move, but rarely does it lead to romance. Luckily that’s exactly what happened when Kelly Elizabeth Ordemann was helping her friend pack up and move out of town. As often happens, lots of friends get recruited to lend a hand, and one set of helping hands belonged to Edward James Smith III, who showed up ready to work and brought two bottles of champagne, turning the task of packing and moving into a sendoff party!
The day after the moving party, Kelly left town for a month. Eddie called her every day she was away. They wasted no time after she returned – their first date was at Cavan the very next night, and 18 months later Eddie was planning a proposal.
Kelly, a newly-graduated doctor, had moved to Baton Rouge for her pediatric residency, and Eddie came for a weekend visit. They were walking around the flower beds at the Baton Rouge Botanical Gardens when Kelly heard Eddie’s car keys fall. She turned around and noticed that he was grabbing something from his pocket, and in the moment he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
Kelly and Eddie wanted to plan their rehearsal in a historic New Orleans establishment, and Broussard’s was the prefect fit. They loved the atmosphere created by the back courtyard, and Broussard’s food selections provided several mouthwatering options. Guests were particularly fond of the oysters.
The next day, the couple got ready for their wedding near another New Orleans establishment: Audubon Park. Kelly and her bridal party got dressed at her family home bordering the park, while Eddie and the groomsmen got dressed at a friend’s house on the opposite side the park. The men then had an eventful trip crossing the park in full tuxedos! They had their first look in front of Kelly’s family house with family and friends watching from the porch.
After that first look, they were off to Trinity Episcopal Church, where they were married on November 3, 2018, by Reverend Michael Kuhn. Then it was back to Kelly’s family house for the reception.
The couple chose to hold the reception in Audubon Park in front the house because Kelly had such fond memories of growing up there. The park became a special place for Eddie and Kelly as well, after many evenings walking Eddie’s dog, GW. For their big day, the reception tent was decked out with lights that beautifully illuminated the surrounding trees, and the table centerpieces pulled everything together by featuring the wedding colors: coral and gray. Chez Nous catered the wedding, and the grazing table was prepared by Suzie Ridgeway. Eddie loved the pastalaya from Chez Nous, and Kelly’s favorite were Suzie’s tomato sandwiches and tuna tartare.
The couple both loved the song they chose for their first dance, “For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder. After an evening of dancing and celebrating with friends, they returned to Baton Rouge, where Kelly is a pediatric resident at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and Eddie owns a business consulting group. In May 2019, the couple took their dream honeymoon trip: Santorini and Athens, Greece for five days; Treviso, Italy for four days; and Paris, France for two days. Eddie specifically chose Treviso, Italy because Kelly loves prosecco and Treviso is in the heart of prosecco country. No doubt they raised many a glass to a long, wonderful life as a married couple!
Reception Décor: Event Rentals
Coordinator: Elizabeth Kelleher
Wedding Gown: Private Label, Town & Country
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Jenny Yoo
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Attire: Caravelli Tuxedos, Tuxedo to Geaux
Florist: Meade Wenzel
Invitation: GEM Printing
Caterer: Chez Nous and Suzie Ridgeway
Wedding Cake: Royal Cakery
Groom’s Cake: Robert’s Chocolate Doberge Cake
Photographer: Farlow Photography
Hair: Heidi Schirrmann Designs
Makeup: Katie Evans
Music: BRW
