Inspired by the tropical flora and the traditions of New Orleans, Amy and Gabe travelled their from their home in Rhode Island for their colourful wedding. “Our wedding inspiration was long summer nights, discotheques and rainbow sherbet” the bride said. “Plus, my deep love for New Orleans and its essential blackness. I have never felt more at home in a place.”
Hiring a local wedding planner was a must for this pair as they were planning from afar. Becca Kelly was invaluable in ensuring the day went off without a hitch. The bride and groom got ready at the NOPSI Hotel, an old historic banking building turned eclectic hotel. They did their photos and family portraits here before the ceremony, then moving to the Industrial Gardens for the ceremony, led by the bride’s friend, Danielle.
Gabe and his parents walked down the aisle to This Must be the Place by the Talking Heads and Amy with her mum to Day Dreaming by Aretha Franklin. The couple read vows they’d written to each other and the ceremony ended with them jumping the broom to Never Too Much by Luther Vandross.
After the ceremony came the iconically New Orleans Second Line. Lead by NOLA local, Benard, a true old style band leader who really put on a show. Everyone then changed into more comfortable clothes for their reception party, including the bride who rocked a colourful dress. “The reception was so fun, so humid and the time flew!” Amy explained. “I’m so happy I had a dress change. Chef Myra and Bywater Bakery were especially amazing. DJ Fayard was a late addition to the night and he just got our whole vibe.”
When asked if they had any advice for other engaged couples, Gabe responded, “When you’re setting your budget, set the amount you’re willing to spend at the absolute rock- bottom; in fact, when you hit rock-bottom, maybe start digging through the crust until some magma starts bubbling up. Will you be able to keep to that budget? Probably not. There’s a good chance that you’ll be hit with many unexpected expenses! It may feel like you’re getting pushed to splurge but, in the end, the amount you spend is not directly proportionally to the fun that your guests will have, or to how fondly you’ll remember being able to declare ‘I do’ to your spouse.”
“Think about what is important to you and your partner and keep that as your guiding star”, Amy advises. “For me, it was important to have a great photographer and Natalie’s work was phenomenal. She captured the beauty of the day that I barely had time to fully see. She felt like family honestly and I am so grateful that we could work together! It will be more money than you planned, but I do not regret a cent!”
