My Favorite Bride EVER at New Orlean's Audubon Tea Room
Today, I feel old. Why, you ask? Well, because my sweet little Kory - whom I've known and loved since she was knee high to a grasshopper - tied the knot in the most sophisticated, chic New Orleans wedding ever and I get to share it with everyone here today! It's a weird feeling. Seeing one of your favorite little squirts grow up into such a stunning bride, plan such a beautiful wedding, give such wise and thoughtful advice. Especially when the fondest memories you have of the aforementioned bride are in trying to get her and her big sister, Kellie, to say bad words without knowing it. And laughing our tails off when they did. I blame my best friend, Katie, who has been a bad influence on me for as long as I can remember. Anyway, I feel so lucky to call this pretty girl and her family friends and can't wait for you guys to see the stunning pics from Laura Caraway of her lovely, lovely day.
From the Bride... Jake and I have known each other pretty much forever... my parents and his parents are lifelong friends. Although I grew up in Houston, we have deep-seated family ties in Louisiana and many family celebrations and holidays were spent there. One Easter, when my family and I were there for the holiday, Jake and I bumped into each other. We started dating about a month later. We dated for six years before he finally popped the question!
THE DRESS.Dress shopping was NOT the most enjoyable for me. I am so very indecisive, I must’ve tried on every style there is. After leaving our favorite store and wavering on one dress in particular, I decided to revisit the store during a trunk show.
I put the dress back on, met with the designer and after being allowed to make a few small customizations, it wasn’t even a question any more! The (added) removable straps were a hit and my favorite part of the dress.
THE VENUE.The venue was the easiest decision out of our entire wedding planning process. Having one big open area where everyone could be together, whether it be to dance or enjoy the food, was our top priority. No venue compared to the Audubon Tea Room. Their amazing New Orlean's food didn’t hurt either!
BEST MEMORIESI feel like I (and we) broke all wedding rules on the day of. Not only did we have a first look but we were (surprisingly!) running a bit ahead of schedule and were able to enjoy a few minutes with family, friends and a few guests before the wedding in the hotel lobby, in my dress and all!
Even though it meant that some saw me before coming down the aisle, this is one of my favorite memories from the day of -- no stress, just enjoying all of our favorite people in our favorite city.
SPECIAL TOUCHES.The first decision we ever made was to go with a non-traditional wedding cake and have a tiered cookie cake instead. If possible, it was even more delicious than it was gorgeous.
Glasses of milk were passed around for guests to enjoy with their slice of cookie cake!
ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDESI spent a lot of time worrying “What will people think?” and Jake was so great at keeping me grounded and reminding me that the weekend and the wedding was about only the two of us. It’s definitely easier said than done but try to focus on what is important to you!
Photographer: Laura Caraway Photography | Coordinator: Three Little Words | Florals: Leaf + Petal Nola | Wedding Dress: Enzoani | Cake: Bittersweet Confections | Church: St. Francis Of Assisi | Reception Venue: Audubon Tea Room | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Dessy Collection By Vivian Diamond | Makeup: Ashley Sievert Beauty | Hair: Nicole Pigeon Theobold | Band: The Boogie Men | Hotel: Hotel Provincial | Bridesmaids' Dress Salon: Bella Bridesmaid | Wedding Dress Boutique: Brickhouse Bridal