New Orleans Weddings
/New Orleans is a hub of beautiful culture, and it is one of the world's most fascinating cities. Steeped in a history of influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and beyond, it is home to a truly unique melting pot of culture, food and music. When strolling through town, you'll find bowls filled to the rim with gumbo, late nights in dark jazz clubs, historic neighborhoods, and tantalizing festivals throughout the year.
Every time we visit for a wedding, Jones seems to find the best local spots for us to eat when we're not filming. For example, Cafe Du Monde, which is famous for its cafe au lait and delicious fluffy powdered donuts served in a Parisian open air cafe setting. Excuse us as we share an obligatory photo of our food, solely intended to make you jealous, but unintentionally causing ourselves to now be hungry in the office.
And we ALWAYS get excited to see the word "sucre" involved with any event we're filming! They are a sweet boutique, and they are often called upon to create the most delightful macaroon cookies and other delicious treats for weddings--both as desserts served and sent as "to go" gifts with guests.
As a Texan, the most obvious thing that sticks out about experiencing the city of New Orleans is both the grandiose architecture and the natural sounds--live musicians play jazz on every corner, from troupes of young teens using everything (including buckets) as drums all the way to classy, uniformed groups like the ones we see at our wedding events--like The Jaywalkers and The Storyville Stompers. French Quarter weddings (a downtown area of New Orleans) often see the bride and groom reach their reception venue by a horse drawn carriage or by leading a “second line” preceded by a jazz band.
A second line parade at a wedding signifies the beginning of the life between the bride and groom. The second line band leads the wedding party and guest from the church to their reception venue or it may take place at the reception venue itself. The second line stems from the African American jazz funerals and has evolved to become part of all New Orleans celebrations.
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/58914163[/vimeo]
Roman Catholic weddings or very traditional religious ceremonies are also very popular and deeply ingrained into NOLA culture. Just stepping foot into any of the cathedrals in town helps you to see why--the architecture of the cathedrals is very European, and a good reminder of the sanctity and majesty of the wedding ceremony.
Magnolias, jasmine and gardenias are popular choices for flower arrangements.
Here are some of our favorite people, places and spaces that we've filmed during our New Orleans events. Whether you're planning an event in NOLA or simply visiting, be sure not to miss these historic landmarks!
The Roosevelt New Orleans
Particularly, visit this place during the holiday season, when all the trees and indoor plants are strung from ceiling to floor with christmas lights and trees, creating a magical winter wonderland within the marbled foyer.
Academy of the Sacred Heart
4521 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70115
Christ Church Cathedral
Located just near the French Quarter, this cathedral's pale pink granite exterior contrasts with its darkly wooden interior and gorgeous blue ceilinged front altar.
This image from the wedding video reminds me a lot of of the beautiful colors in the images from PBS' popular TV show, Downton Abbey. They often keep their colors confined to a minimized hue spectrum.
Storyville Stompers
A faithfully Jazzy second line band.
The Ritz Carlton Hotel & Grand Ballroom
The Elms Mansion & Gardens
Maison Montegut House
Want to know more?
You can watch our films of these NOLA brides and their southern weddings: