Real Wedding - Mary Beth & Carey

Mary Beth & Carey were married at the beautiful Stella Plantation. For this adorable couple (who met at a wedding in New Orleans!), design was a really important aspect of their guest experience. They hired Caroline as their planner and Lisa as their designer (#dreamteam) - and we are thrilled with the results.

What was the most memorable part of the wedding planning process?

Definitely visiting the warehouse! It was like opening a treasure box. There were so many beauties in there, it was exhilarating. The warehouse allowed us to visualize the different designs and options for our space.

Both Lisa and Caroline are passionate about their work and it truly shows.

Why did you choose New Orleans , and specifically Stella Plantation, for your big day? We chose New Orleans because that is where we first met (shockingly, at a wedding we both attended). We had considered quite a few venues in New Orleans, but we both wanted an outdoor setting. We didn't want the Bourbon Street wedding but still wanted the New Orleans charm. When we visited Stella Plantation, we knew it was everything we wanted. We were looking for that charming southern outdoor setting with large live oak trees and made the immediate decision on our site visit to Stella Plantation that this would be our spot. We even had other visits planned, but we didn't need to wait to make our decision, and we reserved our date right then and there.

Why was decor and lighting important for your wedding aesthetic? Decor and lighting not only set the tone/mood of the wedding, but it creates it. We wanted a romantic garden look while having one heck of a party. We had our reception in a white tented pavilion, and without decor and lighting, it's just that. A white tented pavilion. The lighting and decor highlighted the already natural beauty of the wedding setting and dressed up the tent to continue that natural beauty indoor.

Did you enjoy the design process with the Luminous team? Absolutely! We loved working with people that truly care. Wedding planning can be difficult and budgeting can be challenging. We changed our minds many times during the process and Luminous was so professional and quick to create solutions. Even when we would have to make tough decisions because of budget concerns, Luminous was quick to offer compromises to stay within the budget without sacrificing our vision. Making dreams come true is Luminous expertise.

What is your favorite memory from your wedding day? Outside of seeing each other for the first time, watching our friends and family all together having the best time! It's a beautiful thing to see all the people you love in one space. And of course we loved hearing the feedback of our guests at how beautiful the setting was and how much fun was had.

Do you remember what you were thinking when you saw the completed reception space for the first time? The first thought was "NO WAY!" It was amazing! It was bigger, better and more beautiful than anything we could have ever imagined. Luminous took a blank canvas that was a white tented structure and turned it into a magical setting perfect for a celebratory party. No detail was overlooked.

What advice would you give to other couples trying to plan their big day? Hire someone to help you, especially if you are planning from out of town. Weddings are a lot of work, another full time job. Don't take away from the excitement of being engaged and attempt to plan your own wedding. There is a reason why wedding business is such a huge profession. Give them your vision, and then leave it to the professionals. If you choose to work with Luminous, rest assured that you are in good hands and that they will bring your visions to a stunning reality.

https://vimeo.com/317365828

What's next for the new Mr. and Mrs?! Lots of traveling. We love to travel with our miniature Dachshund. And just enjoying being married and basking in aftermath of the beautiful and amazing memories of our wedding day through pictures and the retelling of stories to relive our magical day.

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The rental items from Luminous Events included:

Crystal Chandelier in the Lazy Oak Tree

Centerpiece Decor

Boxwood Hedge Chandelier & Grand Crystal Chandelier

Reclaimed Wood Bars & Hedge Bar Backs

Band Stage Fronts & Backs

Lounge & Sweetheart Area

Pinleg Highboys

Festoon Lighting

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Vendor Love:

Photographer: We are the Rylands @wearetherylands

Videography: Apercu Films @apercufilms

Venue: Stella Plantation @stellaplantationweddings

Band: B Street Benny @bstreetbenny

Catering: 12 Seasons Catering @12seasonscatering

Florist: Herbivore Floral Designs @herbivorefloraldesigns

Hair & Makeup: Flawless Bride @flawlessbridellc

Design, Decor, & Lighting: Luminous Events @luminousevents

Photo Booth: HD Photo Booth @hdphotoboothco

Transportation: New Orleans Tours