This wedding was all about the details- those sweet personal ones and all things chicly southern! [I don’t know if gets much more southern than a magnolia leaf chandelier at a Louisiana plantation!] The bride, Megan, dressed in Vera Wang, and the groom, Michael, sporting a traditional black tuxedo, were married by the bride’s uncle in a stunning New Orleans catholic church. The guests were then bused to a 250 year-old plantation about 20 miles south of New Orleans for a seated dinner reception. Megan's vision for the wedding was a classic and chic color palette of black, gold and white infused with tons of organic and magnolia leaf accents. She wanted guests to feel as if they had been transported into a classy, whimsical southern wonderland.
Think: A garden party fit for a King and Queen!
Megan and Michael were engaged while wine tasting on vacation at Saddleback Cellars in California. So, it was only fitting that wine from the vineyard was available on all tables and that the place card holders were Saddleback Cellars corks! The place cards were displayed on vintage wooden doors atop wine barrels, to stick with the vineyard theme, underneath a bistro light tent that was situated in the oak tree scattered yard of the historic plantation. Once guests collected their cards and walked into the tented reception, they were greeted with monogramed Mardi Gras beads on their seats. These were, of course, absolutely necessary for when Megan, Michael and the bridal party made their grand entrance into the reception via their own second line parade donning Mardi Gras masks and throwing beads. You know it’s not a New Orleans wedding without a second line! Megan and Michael’s “MM” wedding monogram could be found not only on the beads, but also on the menus, bar napkins, match boxes for exit sparklers and all wedding related stationary. Like I said... DETAILS!
The 20+ person head table was adorned with heavy low lush floral arrangements, varying lanterns and candles and ridiculously beautiful floral-accented sweetheart chairs for the bride and groom. The guest tables alternated between high, extravagant floral centerpieces, more simple low lush centerpieces and large candelabra centerpieces. Magnolia leaves accented all of the centerpieces and potted magnolia trees lined the walls of the reception tent. After a three-course meal of traditional southern fare and a speech from Megan's father that had every eye in the room filled with happy tears, the Atlanta-based party band got everybody on their feet… and once guests were up, they never sat back down!
The entire party danced the night away on the black and white checkered dance floor under a candle lit custom-made magnolia leaf chandelier and ceiling draping adorned with fairy lights. Megan and Michael were able to take a quick break to snap pictures in front of the breathtaking floral and candle wall that was the wedding cake’s backdrop. Thankfully, a live painter was there to capture the fabulous night in its entirety.
It was truly a magical night for a couple that had as much style as they did obvious love for each other!
I am so thankful to have been part of Meg and Michael's engagement and beautiful big day. When I received a Christmas card from the new Mr. and Mrs. Burley [featuring pictures from the wedding day! Ek!] and Meg's parents within days of each other, I couldn't help but realize how fortunate I am to have clients that turn into lifelong friends.
Featured Vendors:
Photographer: Sison Photography ; Dressing Hotel: The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel ; Dress Designer: Vera Wang ; Dress Shop: Warren Barron ; Tuxedo Shop: John’s Tuxedos ; Makeup and Hair: Flawless Bride LLC ; Transportation:Alert Transportation ; Ceremony Church: Mater Dolorosa ; Reception Venue: Stella Plantation ; Cakes:Mad Batter Bakery ; Floral and Candle Decor: Bella Blooms Floral ; Band: Mo’ Sol ; Videographer:Dyle Films ; Invitations:bell’INVITO ; Caterer:New Orleans Catering ; Live Painter: Hannah Lee ; Ceiling Treatment: Luminous Events of New Orleans ; Event Rentals: Your Event Delivered+ Distressed Rentals+ The Plant Gallery