When Ashton Elise Rabalais was in high school, a friend invited her to a Brother Martin football game. Ian William Sigl’s friend invited him to the same game. These two friends were dating—and also driving the four of them. They picked up Ashton first, and then Ian. Luckily, the passengers hit it off! They talked through the entire game, and soon after they went on their first date to Tower of Pizza. From there, Ian and Ashton became high school sweethearts.
Seven years after that game, Ian took Ashton the Four Seasons, saying he wanted to make a tradition of getting a cocktail at the Chandelier Bar the Friday before Christmas. Afterward, they rode the elevator to Vue Orleans at the top of the building. They were talking about how they had just celebrated seven years when Ian said “How about forever?,” got down on one knee, and proposed.
Ashton joyfully said yes, and the two began planning a unique New Orleans wedding weekend. Rehearsal festivities took place at Richelieu Bar and Arnaud’s, and on April 6, 2024, the couple said “I Do” at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Afterward, the celebration moved to the Rabalais’ home, where Ian and Ashton had designed a floral wonderland in close collaboration with The Plant Gallery. Flower arrangements and greenery graced the entire space, indoors and out, and the beautiful live oak trees were adorned with sparkling lights. The exquisite floral display above the dance floor took everyone’s breath away.
Guests marveled at the spectacular florals as they sipped three specialty cocktails: a mint margarita; an old fashioned; and the “Drunk in Love,”—a French 75 with Empress gin. The “Drunk in Love” was a favorite at their engagement party, so they brought it back for the big day! These libations paired beautifully with a menu crafted by Messina’s Catering & Events. Delights such as oysters, candied bacon, tuna nachos, and pork belly bites kept everyone raving throughout the night.
While the food was certainly a highlight of the evening, the most memorable moment was the newlyweds’ first dance to “This Is It” by Scotty McCreery. The lyrics “This is a moment we won’t forget / On top of the world, here, together” were perfect for a couple whose first step toward forever was literally at the top of one of the highest buildings in the city; it seemed made for Ashton and Ian.
After an unforgettable evening surrounded by their loved ones, Ian and Ashton spent two weeks in Sicily exploring, relaxing on the beach, and feasting on delectable pasta, olive oil, and wine. They then returned to their home in Old Metairie, where Ian is a Senior Auditor at Eisner Amper and Ashton is the Vice President at The Plant Gallery.
Reception Décor: The Plant Gallery
Coordinator: Z Event
Celebrant: Father Joesph Palermo
Ceremony Music: Kitty Cleveland
Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier from Warren Barren in Dallas
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid Baton Rouge
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Jos A Banks
Wedding Bands: Aucoin Heart
Florist: The Plant Gallery
Favor: Beads by MPress
Invitation: Write On Stationary, M Press Printing
Cakes: Bittersweet Confections
Photographer: Paul Morse
Videographer: Bride Film
Hair and Makeup: H20
Music: Blue Rhythm Band; Kinfolk Brass Band
Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
Ice Sculptures: Ice Dragon Ice Sculptures
Charcuterie Display: St. James Cheese Company
Travel Planning: Ashley Carey Travels
