Jennifer and Kyle had a stunning wedding at City Park's Pavilion of the Two Sisters AND figured out a great way to use the champagne walls as an entrance & exit to make their guests' experience an amazing one. Champagne on the way in, King Cake on a stick on the way out. We're obsessed with this - and with all the super fun details they packed into their wedding day!
What was the most memorable part of the wedding planning process?
I think the most memorable part of the process for us was our marriage classes. It sounds so cheesy, but we truly learned so much and actually really enjoyed them in the end. Even the pre-marriage retreat we went on in very rural Louisiana.
Why did you choose the Pavilion of the Two Sisters for your big day?
The Pavilion of the Two Sisters felt like a perfect blend of timeless New Orleans yet still modern and updated. City Park is so gorgeous and romantic, we fell in love with the space the minute we visited.
Why was decor & lighting important for your wedding aesthetic? The lighting was one of the focal points for me for the wedding because I think that the lighting completely sets the tone for the evening. It's definitely one of the most under appreciated parts of weddings, and it was in the top five list behind marrying Kyle. No one wants to dance when the lights are bright and you're feeling like a sixth grader. We wanted the wedding to be romantic and warm and when the lights went down after dinner, we wanted people on the dance floor!
Did you enjoy the design process with the Luminous team?
It was very special for my family to be able to work with the Luminous team again because they also played a huge role in my older sister's wedding 5 years ago. One of the reasons I LOVE the Luminous team is how fun and easy they make the design process! I showed them a few pictures on my pinterest board and they created the vision I wanted and so much more from only a few photos. Truly, their work is magic!
What is your favorite memory from wedding day? Again, I'm going to sound so cheesy, but I think the doors opening to walk down the aisle to Kyle. It's a moment that you envision and when it actually happens it takes your breath away and is a moment that will be in my memories forever.
Do you remember what you were thinking when you saw the completed reception space for the first time?
I think the exact thing I was thinking was "Oh my gosshhhh it's SO gorgeous!!" The day truly was a dream! To be surrounded by your family and friends, wearing the best dress you've ever worn, and to add to it... the most beautiful decor and venue. Best day of our lives to date.
What advice would you give to other couples trying to plan their big day?
In the end, the most important thing is to get married. The behind the scenes stuff no one will know didn't get done or had to be scrapped, so don't stress and enjoy the entire process! Also, exercise. In the words of Elle Woods, "exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't kill their husbands. They just don't!"
What's next for the new Mr. and Mrs?!
We didn't live together before marriage, so currently we're adjusting to life with a new roommate! We recently moved to the Northshore, which is new for both of us, so we are enjoying this new adventure together! A huge thank you to all our vendors who helped us celebrate the most amazing day of our lives! We couldn't have gotten down the aisle without them and are forever grateful! Photographer: Lauren Carroll @laurencarrollphotography Videographer: Chad Bower @bowerproductions Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier @moniquehuillier from Casa de Novia Bridal Couture @cdnbridal in Houston, TX Tuxedos: Squires @squirestux Bridesmaid and Flower Girl Dresses: Jenny Yoo Collection from Bella Bridesmaids and BHLDN Makeup: Olga Longoria and daughter and Bleu, a Blowdry Bar @bleu_a_blowdrybar Florist: Bella Blooms @bellabloomsfloral Wedding Cake: Mary Aycock - Almond Wedding Cake with Buttercream Icing Groom's Cake: Haydel's Bakery @haydelsbakery - Chocolate Doberge Cake Band: Az IzZ @azizzband from Atlanta, GA Stationery: Paper N' Things @papernthingsbr Artist: Alex Harvie @harviepaintings Church: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Reception: Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park Favors: King Cake on a Stick from Sugar Love Cakes Bakery @sugarlovebysierra Candles, Champagne Walls and Decor: Luminous Events of New Orleans Custom Mardi Gras Bead Medallions: Beads by the Dozen Transportation: Big Easy Limos Hotel: Le Pavillon - Kira Reaver, sales manager Rings: Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Ring Box: The Mrs. Box Late Night: Chick-fil-A Coordinator: Lulabelle Weddings and Events - Lauren Bridges @lulabelleweddings
The rental items from Luminous Events included:
Champagne Walls
Clear Glass Vases and Pillar Candles for the Entryways
Centerpiece and Accent Candles
Ring of Fire - cake table
Black Iron Gate (for Mardi Gras Bead Display)
Ivory & Gold Trimmed Bars & Stage Fronts