When Christopher Baron Wall planned his proposal to Kelly Kristine Waltemath in October 2020, he knew how important her family and their second home in Florida were to her. Therefore, it seemed only natural to lure her onto the family’s yacht in Sandestin by telling her that he had been roped in to being the photographer for the Waltemath Christmas card. The next thing Kelly knew, Chris was down on one knee! She joyfully said yes and soon after began wedding planning.
When she thought about her vision for the big day, Kelly saw an outdoor ceremony in Watercolor, Florida. She envisioned flowers everywhere, a champagne wall, and their families dancing with their closest friends. Kelly and Chris knew they wanted two priests very dear to them, Doctor Father Joseph Michael Krafft and Reverend Terry Hayden, to marry them. The priests agreed to marry the couple according to Catholic doctrine indoors in a church, and later to celebrate an outdoor ceremony. The church teaching and COVID combined to make it possible for Chris and Kelly to have two weddings.
The first took place on August 7, 2021, at Notre Dame Seminary Chapel in New Orleans, which was turned into an exquisite pink floral wonderland. Only seventeen people were present, though Kelly knew that others were there in spirit. She wore three lockets, each one in memory of a special woman who had guided her.
She wore them again during the second ceremony in Watercolor on October 23, 2021, which was everything she envisioned. Kelly walked down the aisle at Cerulean Park surrounded by stunning white fresh flower arrangements everywhere she looked. Fathers Krafft and Hayden pronounced Chris and Kelly husband and wife under a beautiful blue sky.
The celebration continued at the Watercolor Lakehouse, where the main attraction was a Veuve Clicquot Rose feature wall. When guests walked into the reception, they immediately saw a wall with greenery, abundant flowers, and a neon sign that said “I Veuve,” surrounded by elegant decorations and hundreds of glasses of Veuve Rose. A balloon display with a light up “W” for Wall contributed a festive touch, while the white twinkle lights and sheer fabric that adorned the ceiling with two large hanging installs of greenery and florals created a dreamlike atmosphere.
As the newlyweds officially kicked off the party with their first dance to “Speechless” by Dan & Shay, guests were wowed by the huge ten-foot sparklers that lit up! After an evening filled with dancing, their grand exit was equally fantastic. Guests walked past a “treat hallway,” where they received a custom candle with monogrammed matches, a chocolate sand dollar, and a KC chocolate bar made in Paris. Chris and Kelly hopped onto a golf cart decorated with balloons as sparklers went off and guests waved goodbye with shakers.
After a honeymoon in St. Lucia, they returned to New Orleans, where Kelly runs The Kelly Waltemath Group real estate team and Chris is a Construction Manager/Lead Estimator at Crowley Holdings.
Wedding Dinner: (New Orleans) Corrie Pellerin, Something Pretty
Rehearsal Dinner: (Watercolor) David Kessler, Café 30A
Reception Décor: Sally Lacourse, Florals By The Sea; H&M Event Rentals; Mingle 30A
Coordinator: Kristi Purvis with Kiss the Bride Weddings (Watercolor)
Ceremony Décor: Stephen Sonnier of Dunn and Sonnier (New Orleans); Sally Lacourse, Florals by the Sea (Watercolor)
Wedding Gown: Martina Liana Luxe Gown, Town & Country (New Orleans)
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Sorella Vita, Town & Country (New Orleans)
Groom’s Attire: Black tux with white bow tie, John’s Tuxedo (Metairie)
Groomsmen attire: Black tux with black bow tie, John’s Tuxedo
Engagement Ring: Family diamond ring
Groom’s Wedding Band: Diamonds Direct (Metairie)
Favor: Heidi LoCicero, Frillseekers Gifts (Watercolor); Beth Harris, Relish (New Orleans)
Invitation: Diane Holdsambeck, My Lady Dye (invitation); Heidi LoCicero, Frillseekers Gifts (save the date)
Caterer: Cheryl Walton, WaterColor Inn & Resort
Wedding Cake: La Louisianne Bakery (New Orleans); Heidi McAnulla, Bake My Day (Watercolor)
Groom’s Cake: La Louisianne Bakery (New Orleans)
Photographer: Greer Gattuso (New Orleans); Dear Wesleyann Photography (Watercolor)
Videographer: Sixpence Studios (Watercolor); Dustin Wheeler Bride Film (New Orleans)
Hair: Destin Mobile Makeup Box + Maritza Valle from Hair Loft Studio New Orleans
Makeup: Shannon Gauthier (New Orleans); Brittany Sigler & Allison Viviano with Destin Mobile Makeup Box (Watercolor)
Music: Az-Izz Band through Music Garden Bands