Whimsical garden meets classic southern in today’s New Orleans wedding captured by Greer Gattuso Photography. I am absolutely in love with the dreamy bridesmaid looks with their floral crowns and flowing ribbon bouquets. And the ceremony location under the gorgeous oak tree is perfection. I love how even though the wedding was outside, the bride still made an entrance area so her groom could have his first look of her down the aisle.
I enjoy creating spaces that people want to hang out in and never leave. Lighting is key to a comfortable inviting space. Even though the wedding was in November, it can still be pretty warm in Southern Louisiana so we went with neutral colors for décor and attire… shades of peach, green, grey and white. I wanted my bridesmaids to look like little whimsical tree fairies with flowers throughout their curly locks. I made all of my bridesmaids headpieces which was a perfect, simple addition to their flowing gowns and natural hair and makeup. Brian is a fancy man, always sporting a 3 piece tailored suit regardless of the 100 degree weather, so a vest for the groomsmen was an easy decision. We kept the décor and attire simple but very reflective of our personalities and the comfort we seek to provide all who enter our home.
Mama always said “Always wear the dress, Ashley and never let the dress wear you.” I’d like to think I’ve used that advice in all areas of fashion and style from what I’m wearing to the room I’m decorating. Natural, inviting, elegance are three words I would use to describe my personal style with a particular attention to antique details. My dress was a simple cut and not what I envisioned but when I put it on, it just felt right. The lace was a beautiful antique French lace and was really comfortable. I had an amazing seamstress, Luba Gary of Slidell, take the size 14 dress and fit it perfectly to my body. The dress was originally a straight tube top cut. Luba cut, lowered and sewed until it was just right. She even added tiny straps out of the extra lace… simple yet elegant.
There were a few things that were important to the two of us while planning and we actually agreed on all of them. First was budget. Seek out the deals and make it ourselves if we can’t! Second were the photos. Memories fade but a photo can last forever! Greer did an incredible job capturing the chaotic happiness of the day from start to finish. Secondly, we wanted a small, intimate wedding which was quite difficult considering I alone have 14 grandparents but we made it work. Lastly was the ceremony. As a little girl I always knew my Pawpaw would marry me and he did : ) I am blessed to have not only two parents but four, and couldn’t imagine walking down the aisle without both of my dads.
Almost all of the décor was made or put together by myself, friends and family. My mom is extremely talented when it comes to arrangements. All of the floral arrangements from the wedding with an exception to the hand bouquets and dining centerpieces were created by my mom. The flowers were actually silk! All of the chandeliers I found at a flea market and restored. We intend to have them restored to working condition to be able to hang them in our first home. I think the most involved DIY project was the shot glasses that were painted and chalked with guests names. “Shoot to sit” was the sign, also made and decorated by my mom, which prompted guests to take the shot to be able to see their seat number written at the bottom of the glass.
With most of our family and friends living outside of New Orleans, a traditional second line in the Quarter was a must. Brian and I don’t consider ourselves really traditional but who doesn’t love a good Second Line? We chose Galvez because of the intimate dining room and dance floor overlooking the Mississippi on one side and French Quarter on the other. Food was important but not as important as the open bar! Galvez offers traditional Spanish cuisine and our signature cocktail was their house made Sangria which was perfect since I was marrying a Spaniard!
Photography | Greer Gattuso Photography | Ceremony | The Tree of Life | Reception | Galvez | Planner | Kelly Sherlock, LLC | Florist | Les Deux Soeurs | Cake | Haydel’s Bakery | Rentals & Lighting | Party Plus Bridals | Paper Goods | Minted | Band | The Alley Cats | Transportation | American Luxury Limousines | Dress | Essense of Australia from Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique | Veil | Malis Henderson | Groomswear | Luca Falcone | Hair & Makeup | Kieu Vu
