Conor Thomas Lutkewitte felt ready to meet his future wife, so he asked his cousin, Evie, if she had any friends she could introduce him to. Evie immediately thought of Dreda Maurer Romig, but warned Conor that due to Dreda’s medical school rotations she didn’t have much time to socialize. However, she also let him know that Dreda would be at her upcoming birthday party, where the two met for the first time.
After meeting at the party, Conor sent Dreda an Instagram message asking her out for drinks. They started their first date with cocktails at Bouligny, followed by a three-hour dinner at Baru. Six months later, they were celebrating half a year of dating at Brennan’s, where the host talked them into a very prom-like photo on the stairs.
A few months later, Dreda and Conor were back at Brennan’s, this time for what Dreda thought was a nice family dinner before her sister returned to Connecticut. As they were heading upstairs to meet everyone, the same host stopped them for a picture on the stairs. Despite some resistance, Dreda eventually agreed. After the photo, Conor got down on one knee! Both of their families knew he was going to propose and were eagerly waiting to celebrate their engagement.
Since their engagement began at a classic New Orleans restaurant, it was only fitting that the Lutkewitte family hosted the rehearsal dinner at another classic – Arnaud’s, where the delicious meal was finished off with personalized baked Alaska. Arnaud’s also fit perfectly into the couple’s wish to let the beauty of the city speak for itself, a crucial part of the venues they selected. St. Francis of Assisi, where the couple said their vows on March 20, 2021, was adorned with white, green and light blue for a look of simple elegance. This color scheme also beautifully complemented the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, where the reception took place. Dreda’s father had taken charge of planning the floral arrangements for the reception, but had managed to keep everything a surprise, meaning that the newlyweds were oohing and aahing at the decorations along with their guests!
Like the venues, the signature cocktails at the reception were classic and elegant: the French 75 and the Old Fashioned. These libations were the perfect addition to Patti Constantin’s menu. Guests especially loved the raw oysters, assorted grilled cheeses and the handmade tortillas and taco station.
The delicious food fueled a night of celebration, kicked off by Conor and Dreda’s first dance to “Your Smiling Face” by James Taylor, a song the two love to dance to in the kitchen while they cook together. After the celebration, they enjoyed a few days of relaxation in Lake Tahoe and Napa before returning to their home in the Fountainbleu neighborhood of New Orleans, where Conor is an attorney and Dreda is an OBGYN.
Celebrant: Father Michael Schneller
Wedding Gown: Augusta Jones, Wedding Belles
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale, Wedding Belles
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Tuxedos from Perlis
Engagement Ring, Bride’s Wedding Band & Groom’s Wedding Band: Keith Miller Jewelry
Florist: Thibodeaux’s Florist
Favor: Personalized Hand Sanitizer
Invitation: Scriptura
Wedding Cake: Bittersweet Confections
Groom’s Cake: Blue Bell Dutch chocolate ice cream designed chocolate cake
Photographer: Jennifer Zdon, Twirl Photography
Hair: Beth Washington
Makeup: Katie Malone
Music: Compozitionz
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