If you could sum up your wedding in three words, what would they be?
Elegant, Celebratory and Ethereal
Tell us about your wedding venue(s) and why you chose to get married there.
We live in Washington DC and knew we wanted to get married in New Orleans. Laura grew up there and we both love the city. We knew we wanted to get married at Il Mercato as soon as we entered the courtyard to visit. It had everything we were looking for in a venue. We loved the fireplace, herringbone brick courtyard, neutral colors and Spanish style romantic feeling. Joel’s Catering has absolutely amazing authentic New Orleans cuisine. We knew our guests would love our venue too! Laura’s Uncle John married us and it was so special to have him perform our ceremony using Laura’s grandmother’s prayer book.
What was your favorite wedding detail?
Everything was just perfect! We absolutely loved the flowers and the candles! Laura framed and displayed old photos of our parents and grandparents on their wedding day. It was special to know they were there in spirit.
What is your favorite wedding memory from the day?
The first look and the second line are our top two favorite wedding memories! The first look was so special and luckily the rain held out for that special moment between us. It really calmed our nerves and was such a sweet moment between the two of us. The rain also luckily and thankfully held out for our second line too! It was SO much fun and will forever be such an amazing memory! Our loved ones are still talking about it!
How did you incorporate your personalities into your wedding celebration?
We love oysters and had Two Girls One Shuck for our oyster bar. We love our friends and family so incredibly much and wanted to be able to spend as much time with them as possible so we decided to do a first look and attend our cocktail hour. We also love music and had quite the selection of music throughout the evening. Nola Dukes Band provided us with a string quartet for the ceremony. Kinfolk Brass Band performed our second line. We had a jazz trio playing during the cocktail hour and Nola Dukes Band kicked off the night with their amazing music! We are both very fun loving people and wanted everyone to have the BETZ time of their lives! 🙂
What is your wedding song?
“You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
Prep Spots: Windsor Court Hotel + International House Hotel | Ceremony + Reception Location: Il Mercato | Event Rentals: Luminous Events Gulf Coast Tent Rentals | Caterer: Joel’s Catering | Florist: Kim Starr Wise | Wedding Cake: Chasing Wang | Groom’s Cake: Haydel’s Bakery | Getting Ready Attire: In Bloom Intimates | Wedding Dress Designer: Berta at Bridal Boutique Lewisville | Bridesmaid’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Wedding Shoes Designer: Stuart Weitzman | Hair + Makeup: Glam Nola | Groom’s Apparel: Trunk Club | Groomsmen Apparel: The Black Tux | Bridal Accessories: Kendra Scott earrings, Tia Mazza veil | Transportation: River Bend Charters | Ceremony + Reception Music: Nola Dukes Band | Second Line: Kinfolk Brass Band | Stationery: Alexa Pulitzer save the dates Scriptura wedding invitation suite | Event Coordination: Southern Couture Weddings | Oyster Bar: Two Girls One Shuck
