NOW Weddings Magazine September/October 2022 by NOW Weddings Magazine

nowweddingmagazine.com WEDDING INSPIRATION INSIDE

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WITHSTAYLETUSYOU. ® The day you’ve always dreamed of is our pleasure. To plan the wedding you have always imagined, contact the Catering Team at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans at (504) 670-2871 or visit ritzcarlton.com/neworleans © 2022 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Burke from the wedding of Emily Owens and Johnathan Price (pages 30-33)

OCTOBERSEPTEMBER+2022REALWEDDINGS30 Emily Owens + Johnathan Price 36 Kiesha Brown + Eljay Sinceno 46 Kelsey + Michael Boisclair

ARTICLES40Cheers!to 10 Years The Cannery in MidCity New Orleans celebrates ten years of fabulous events EDITORIAL8Romancein the Marigny Floral wedding inspiration at Marigny Opera House 52 Fall Decor Inspiration Reception centerpiece ideas from Urban Earth at the Higgins Hotel

FLORALS Hummingbird Floral Studio CANDLE DECOR Glo Events

Sarah Alleman

Our blog is filled with tons of great resources, inspiration, wedding stories and photo editorials that will help you plan an amazing wedding.

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NOW Weddings Magazine is published bi-monthly by New Orleans Weddings Magazine, Inc. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. NOW Weddings Magazine is a registered trademark of NOWM, Inc. The use of the trademark is strictly prohibited. The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, New Orleans Weddings Magazine cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. NOW Weddings Magazine cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers or any other portion of this publication

About The Cover

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JESSICA@THENOWBRIDE.COMBURKEDaynaDufrene

PHOTOGRAPHER + STYLING:

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nowweddingmagazine.com WEDDING INSPIRATION INSIDE

Tuxedos + Suits VEIL Lovestruck + Golden HAIR: Glenda Schouest for Dazzle Doll MAKEUP: Ann Marie White for Dazzle Doll MODELS:

Jarrel

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUTPLEASEADVERTISING,CONTACT:

sugarshakernola.comand#1SpecialEventsBandInNewOrleansTheGulfCoastRegionBooking: WCAEntertainment504-239-9133WilliamCredoAgency@gmail.comgkphotography Come see us live at RoCk’N’Bowl iN New oRleaNs oCtoBeR 1 at 8:30 Pm

NOW WEDDINGS STYLE romance A FASHION + DECOR MARIGNYEDITORIAL in the PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ASHLEY KRISTEN COLLECTIVE See more from Romance in the Marigny NOWWeddingMagazine.comat

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(FACING PAGE) Bride’s details, styled by Sarah Alleman, include Wedding Day Perfume from Gus Mayer Birmingham that has been hand engraved by Grace Calligraphy with initial and date.

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(THIS PAGE) Wedding shoes decorated and hand-painted with the wedding date and venue by Louisiana artist Christina Pappion of Pappion Artistry. Flatlay styled by Sarah Alleman.

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(5) A boutonniere by FloralHummingbirdStudio

(THIS PAGE) The custom invitation suite by Invitobella with venue

(FACING PAGE) The groom’s details, styled by Sarah Alleman, include (1) “Raleigh” by Johnston & Murphy shoes, (2) a black silk bow-tie, and (3) sliver fleur de lis cufflinks, all available at John’s Tuxedos & Suits ,

(4) Wedding Day Cologne from Gus Mayer Birmingham, has been hand engraved by Grace Calligraphy with monogram and date.

SarahFlatlayenvelopeillustrationliner.styledbyAlleman.

details

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Helena and Jarrel pose with an antique 1963 White Rolls Royce, provided by Alert Transportation & Limousine Co.

Hummingbird Floral Studio created a lush, garden-like entrance to Marigny Opera House and Glo Events added romantic candles to light the way inside.

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Book with Brooks customized frosted acrylic signage designed to complement the invitation suite design.

details

(FACING PAGE, THIS PAGE) Helena is wearing Rafaela by Calla Blanche, an ivory 3D lace mermaid wedding dress with sweetheart neckline, corset-style bodice and dramatic, cascading train. She is also wearing the Beatrix veil by Lovestruck + Golden This single layer veil has a satin ribbon stitched to the edge and is made with soft, bridal illusion tulle. Helena’s hair was styled by Glenda Schouest and her makeup was by Ann Marie White, both for Dazzle Doll Salon & Glam Bar. She is also wearing Passport Polish’s Ready Made Press-ons in the color St. Barth

Jarrel is wearing a timeless, navy, two button, notch-lapel Sebastian Tuxedo available at John’s Tuxedos & Suits.

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details

Ashly is wearing Teresa by Calla Blanche, a 3D ivory lace mermaid wedding dress with detachable tulle shoulder pieces. The Harriet veil by Lovestruck + Golden is a cathedral length design, complete with blusher.

Ashly’s up-do was styled by Glenda Schouest and her romantic, glam makeup was by Ann Marie White, both for Dazzle Doll Salon & Glam Bar. She is also wearing Passport Polish’s Ready Made Press-ons in the color Greece

Ridge is wearing a black, two-button shawl lapel tuxedo, available at John’s Tuxedos + Suits.

The ceremony setting, semi-circle of tiered candelabra from Glo Events, includes a lush “garden” overflowing with colorful blooms and greenery by Hummingbird Floral Studio

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Marigny Opera House now serves as a community meeting place and hosts charitable and philanthropic meetings, workshops and seminars for public and private audiences as well as weddings and other private events.

The Marigny Opera House, located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans, dates back to the mid-1800s and was originally known as Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The church was closed by the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1997 and thebuilding was reopened as a “Church of the Arts” in 2011.

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Innocence Imogen floral linen by Nüage Designs serves as the backdrop for True Value Rental’s blush plates, matte gold flatware and Pink Carousel and Debutante water goblets.

Embroidered monogram napkins by Southern at Birth rest on each place setting and hand-painted taper candles by MJ Tablescapes peek from the fanciful florals.

The lush garden vibe carries through to the reception table design with a dramatic elevated centerpiece complemented by small vases overflowing with blooms by Hummingbird Floral Studio

A frosted acrylic table number by Book with Brooks and True Value Rental’s Louis XVI gold chairs complete the design.

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Helena and Jarrel pour a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose Champagne into a tower of champagne coupes from True Value Rental.

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The cake sits atop a round gold plateau cake stand from True Value Rental and Nüage Designs Blush Primrose 3D Overlay. Votives from Glo Events and springs of greenery from Hummingbird Floral Studio complete the table.

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Helena and Jarrel pose with the 4-tier blue fondant wedding cake by Kimbla’s Cakes. Handmade sugar flowers cascade down the cake.

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Adding a New Orleans touch, a beignet tower “groom’s cake” with buttercream icing, fresh raspberries and powdered sugar sits atop a gold plateau cake stand from True Value Rental.

Votives and a blush satin linen from Glo Events and sprigSs of greenery from Hummingbird Floral Studio decorate the table.

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We fell in love with Beyond the Bar’s vintage Piaggio Ape (pronounced ah-pay, and translating to “bee” from Italian)! This cute little truck brings the prosecco anywhere it can drive in and comes complete with a matching bar!

Frosted acrylic signage from Book with Brooks personalizes the bar and florals by Hummingbird Floral Studio complete the look.

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EDITORIAL CO-PRODUCERS: Sarah Alleman Photography sarahallemanphotography.com Jessica The Photographer FEATUREDjessicathephotographer.comPHOTOGRAPHER Ashley Kristen Collective CREATIVEashleykristen.comDIRECTION Alchemy Events alchemyeventsnola.comONLOCATION Marigny Opera House marignyoperahouse.orgFLORALS Hummingbird Floral Studio hummingbirdfloralstudio.comCANDLES+DECOR Glo Events gloeventdecor.comRENTALS True Value Rental truevaluerentalnola.comTUXEDOS John’s Tuxedos + Suits johnstuxedos.comGOWNS Calla Blanche AnnGlendacallablanche.comHAIR+MAKEUPSchouest+MarieWhitefor Dazzle Doll Salon + Glam Bar neworleansmakeupandhair.comINVITATIONS Invitobella invitobella.com WEDDING CAKE Kimbla’s Cakes kimblascakes.comACRYLICSIGNS Book With Brooks instagram.com/bookwbrooksMANICURES Passport Polish passportpolish.comCLASSICCAR Alert Transportation & Limousine Co HAND-PAINTEDalerttransportation.comSHOES Pappion Artistry pappionartistry.comMOBILEBAR Beyond the Bar instagram.com/beyondthebarnolaLINENS Nüage Designs nuagedesigns.comVEILS Lovestruck + Golden HANDlovestruckandgolden.comPAINTEDCANDLES MJ Tablescapes EMBROIDEREDmjtablescapes.comNAPKINS Southern at Birth etsy.com/shop/southernatbirthPERFUME Gus Mayer Birmingham ENGRAVINGgusmayer.comFORPERFUME BOTTLES Grace Calligraphy gracecalligraphy.com credits MODELS: Jarrel Bowens, Ashly Goodwin, Ridge Goodwin + Helena Koclanes

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“Our proposal day was truly like a movie,” shares Emily. “We got dressed up and went to Galatoire’s for dinner. After that, he whisked me away to Jackson Square where he proposed. When we returned home, about 40 of our closest friends and family were there waiting for us. We ended the night surrounded by everyone we love!”

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EMILY + PROPOSALJOHNATHAN’SSTORY

BURKE + JOHN BRUCE FOR JESSICA

JUNE JESSICA THE

11, 2022 | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA PHOTOGRAPHY BY

PHOTOGRAPHER, LLC see more>>>

N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 31 NOW real wedding Emily Owens & Johnathan Price THE PRICE WAS RIGHT

THE WEDDINGS Emily and Johnathan’s June wedding was actually their second time to say “I do.” The couple wed in July of 2021 in an intimate civil ceremony while in the middle of planning their wedding celebration at The Audubon Tea Room. Emily and Johnathan chose to have a vow renewal on the steps of the Sea Lion exhibit at the Audubon Zoo with 250 of their family and closest friends looking on.

guests enjoyed a live band, The Nola Dukes, delicious food and a Bubbles Bar, decorated with a neon sign reading “Shimmy Emmy’s Spirits” that featured a variety of champagne cocktails.

The couple danced the night away with their guests and the evening included a dance performance by Emily and her friends. “I was an Ole Miss Rebelette (dance team) and we did one of our traditional dances at the reception,” she shares.

THE DETAILS Emily tied a miniature keepsake frame with a photograph of her grandfather who has passed away on her

At the end of the night, they shared a special exit. “...{Johnathan} is a huge LSU fan and I am a huge Ole Miss fan so our exit was everyone picking a side and waving pom poms!”

Atbouquet.thereception,

N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 33 NOW FEATURED VENDORS PHOTOGRAPHY JESSICA THE PHOTOGRAPHER jessicathephotographer.comBAKERY GAMBINO’S BAKERY gambinos.comFLORALS FAT CAT FLOWERS fatcatflowers.com See more from Emily & Johnathan’s wedding NOWWeddingMagazine.comat:

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Eljay then got on one knee and proposed! “I was shocked and in disbelief but without hesitation, I said ‘YES!!’.”

“Eljay looked at me and laughed,” she says. Eljay began taking photos and then after about 20 minutes asked Kiesha if she was ready. “Ready for what?” she asked.

“In 2013 we met while serving in the Louisiana Army National Guard,” shares Kiesha. “In July 2014 we decided to make {the} thing official and started dating. On my 24th birthday we took our official first trip together as a couple and we have been traveling together ever since.”

“On February 27, 2021 Eljay amazed me while taking my graduation pictures,” she shares. “The morning of the pictures I was giving Eljay such a hard time. I asked him repeatedly if he really loved me. Of course he answered ‘Yes’. I told him to prove it by marrying me.”

The couple spent hours taking photos that day and as they headed to the final location, Kiesha looked at Eljay and said “Hmm, you look handsome!” Eljay responded “You look beautiful!” And Kiesha replied, “Too bad we’re not taking engagement pictures!”

KIESHA + ELJAY’S STORY

N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 37 NOW real wedding Kiesha Brown & Eljay Sinceno IT JUST MAKES SINCENO JANUARY 22, 2022 | NEW ORLEANS, LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY see more>>>

“Once I revealed the inside of the jacket she started laughing and crying at the same time and that’s when I finally REALLY felt like I made the right decision on the suit,” he shares.

Eljay worked with Cortez Jackson of custom suit company, Lavoisier in New Orleans to create a truly personalized tuxedo for the wedding. During their second consulatation, Jackson mentioned the ability to add photographs to the jacket lining. Eljay had the perfect photos to use: images from his and Kiesha’s travels around the world! He kept this detail of the tuxedo a surprise for Kiesha that he revealed only during their First Look on the wedding day.

“I have never been the woman that likes to try on clothes while shopping, so dress shopping was a nightmare of a thought for me,” Kiesha shares. Fortunately, she was introduced to designer Tabitha Bethune of Wild Life New Orleans. “I knew I wanted a mermaid fit, so that was my only request from her. I gave her free reign to design the rest however she saw fit,” says Kiesha. Bethune proposed using pieces of Kiesha’s mother’s dress to embellish the gown. “The train on my wedding gown had the lace from my mom’s dress around the edges.” Bethune created Kiesha’s gown to transform during the wedding day: with pearl fringe for the ceremony, a sheer lace jacket for the beginning of the reception and a dramatic one-shoulder top for the second line!

ABOUT THE WEDDING ATTIRE Kiesha and Eljay both had their wedding attire custom made.

ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: GETTING READY LOCATION: The Sonder; The Jung Hotel | CEREMONY + RECEPTION LOCATION, DECOR, + CATERING: JE Banquets and Receptions at The Algiers Auditorium | OFFICIANT: Dwight Clay | BRIDE’S GOWN: Tabitha Bethune, Wild Life New Orleans | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: David’s Bridal | GROOMSMENS’ ATTIRE: The Pink Veil | PHOTOGRAPHY: David Williams Photography | VIDEO: Merix Alexander | WEDDING + GROOM’S CAKE: Jenny’s Cake Creations | BRIDE’S BOUQUET: ByEterea | BRIDESMAIDS’ BOUQUETS: Bloom Bar Floral Design | TREATS: Flavor Creations Cookies, Talented Toya’s Sweet Reality, The Batterina | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: DJ ArieSpins | TRANSPORTATION: Burton Transit NoLa | HAIR: Braids by Jasmine Wright (braids); Akeisha Tircuit (styling) | MAKEUP: Kelzmania Makeup LLC | WEDDING PLANNER/DESIGNERS: Boswana Sellers and Staci Lewis | JEWELRY: Silly Shiny Diamonds (bride), Aucoin Hart (groom) | HANDKERCHIEFS: Queen of Orleans | INVITATIONS: Shutterfly | SECOND LINE: Mardi Gras Indians + Young Fellaz Brass Band | NAILS: Haus of Glam | LASH EXTENSIONS: Lashes by Chelsea Rojo | RING BOXES: MUUJEE

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Kiesha loved the attention to detail. “To see the time and effort he put into the suit jacket was one of the many moments that assured me that he was the man for me!”

NOW FEATURED VENDOR GROOM’S ATTIRE LAVOISIER SUITS lavoisiersuits.com See more from Kiesha & Eljay’s wedding NOWWeddingMagazine.comat: N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 39

Levy chose neutral colors and timeless details that would allow The Cannery to be elegant on its own with no extra effort, but also a “blank canvas” that would allow clients to personalize the space to their taste if they desire, as have thousands of clients over the years. BY: Jessica Burke

The Cannery in MidCiTy new Orleans Celebra Tes 10 years Of fabulOus evenTs

The Cannery’s 12,000 square feet includes five distinct spaces, all of which Levy designed to have a different feel for the party.

cheers!

For this event, The Cannery’s Director of Sales and original visionary, Kellie Levy, wanted to transform the spaces that everyone is used to and showcase the possibilities for event design at the venue.

TO TEN YEARS

It was also in the post-Katrina tragedy and devastation that another business, Toulouse Gourmet Catering was born. “While we were evacuated, we started thinking about how we could come back and help our community rebuild,” shares Levy. “With the faith of the Hughes and Levy families, we opened a catering business to help feed the people of New Orleans as they rebuilt their Whatlives.”started

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The Cannery was built between 1965-1970 as a warehouse for the American Can Company until its closure in 1988. In 1997, Pel Hughes Companies, the parent company of The Cannery, purchased the warehouse as a location for their print and direct marketing company and in 2006 after Katrina devastated New Orleans, opened Floor de Lis in the space to help rebuild the city and employ family that was no longer employed at the family printing company after the hurricane.

This year marks a special anniversary for New Orleans venue, The Cannery. In June of 2012, this MidCity venue opened its doors and has been hosting events, large and small ever since.

with a BBQ pit in the back has grown to a successful gourmet catering company that survived numerous tragedies including the 2008 crash and the 2020 pandemic that shuttered so many businesses. “Toulouse Gourmet now serves as not only the in-house caterer for The Cannery, but also caters weddings and events across the New Orleans Metro Area,” says Levy. “Our story has been one of opportunity out of tragedy.”

To celebrate their 10th anniversary milestone, The Cannery hosted a fabulous party in July with hundreds of past clients, event industry partners as well as family and friends in attendance.

“I wanted to offer guests an experience as they moved throughout the different spaces,” says Levy. “Design is my passion. I love to research and see what is the most current trend. In this industry, the trends are constantly changing and you have to always be thinking outside the box and push the limits.”

And create it she did! “I started with the bespoke lighting of New Orleans designer Julie Neill as my grounding point for The Cannery’s design,” shares Levy. “I was working with a cinderblock building in an industrial area and knew I needed to create a design that was not over the top in one direction to one type of taste.”

After Party Band performs on stage in The Cannery’s Bienville Ballroom. Marquee Letters from Alpha-Lit New Orleans light up the dance floor.

THE HISTORY

With Toulouse Gourmet growing, Vic Hughes, owner of Pel Hughes Companies, approached Levy with an idea. “My Uncle Vic came to me and said, ‘I may be crazy, but what if we create an event space in this building.’”, referring to the space that is now The Cannery,” shares Levy. “I was scared and nervous, but also honored that he believed in me to create a space that people would want to come to.”

WRITTEN + PHOTOGRAPHED

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This space was home to Cocktail + Creative Co.’s cocktail station where they served up their signature smoked Traditional Old Fashioneds and Lavender Limoncello cocktails. “They were amazing that night!” says Levy.

THE EVENT COLLABORATORS

In the Royal Parlor, we treated guests to specialty Summer cocktails, Moscow Mules and Sgroppino Lemon Sorbet Cocktails. continued>>>

“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years,” says Levy. “We’ve seen so many magnificent designs in our space over the years.”

ELEMENT provided their Lattice Beige Sofa, Chairs and Ottoman (below) and Clear Chiavari Chairs for guest seating in the Bienville Ballroom

“I have been using ELEMENT for years,” says Levy. “They have always been there to bring our vision to fruition with their extensive inventory and knowledge. Lesley and Val selected the perfect pieces for this party.” Those pieces included Circular Parlor Shelves, Woodland Bar and their Chesterfield Brown leather sofas for our Havana-themed Bourbon Bar.

Levy’s inspiration for the Anniversary Party design was born from a desire to showcase the possibilities she’s seen realized at The Cannery after 10 years of hosting events.

Levy called on her vendor friends to help bring her vision for the Anniversary Party to life.

“I believe you are only as good as your team and vendors and it’s important to have good relationships,” says Levy. “Everybody that I work with, we all have the same vision, the same mentality. We want to please the client. I can always depend on my vendors to bring ideas to the table. Each and every one of these vendors, the relationship that I have is beyond anything I could imagine.”

Charcuterie Presentation by NOLA Events & Tailgates, LLC

In the Parlor we had our photo opp area withThe Modern Debutante’s new black rose flower wall embellished with an over-the-top balloon installation from Soirée Bouquets and a neon sign reading “The Cannery” from Calfee Productions along with Alpha-Lit New Orleans’ 4ft tall Marquee Numbers. “Everyone wanted a photo there!”

Lopez designed topical arrangements throughout the party.

Dat Dog grilled up gourmet hot dogs to order in the Toulouse Courtyard

Also collaborating with Levy to execute her vision was event designer Christopher Jeffrey Guthrie who put the finishing touches on the decor.

The space also included several grazing stations with a Toulouse Gourmet favorite, Savory Artichoke Cheesecake and specialty charcuterie displays designed by NOLA Events & Tailgates including one spelling out “The Cannery.”

“In our Bienville Ballroom, After Party Band performed throughout the evening,” says Levy. They started out with easy listening hits from Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke and then switched gears to top hits from five decades of music. “The band was thrilled to be selected to entertain for The Cannery’s 10 year anniversary party,” says band manager William “Chuck” Credo IV. “After Party has performed MANY incredible events at the venue over the years and couldn’t wait to be involved with the fun! The dance floor remained packed until the party came to an end.”

Tropical Centerpieces by Perfect Presentations grace the buffets and tables

Also in the Ballroom, Toulouse Gourmet served their traditional New Orleans Shrimp & Grits along with many passed appetizer favorites. A sushi presentation by Cannery friend and sushi chef, Chef Ricky, was a focal point with a gorgeous tropical floral presentation by Perfect Presentations at the center of the table.

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“Johnny is unbelievable,” says Levy of Perfect Presentations owner Johnny Lopez. “He’s a master at his craft, one of those people you can just say ‘this is what I’m thinking’ and just trust and see it come to life.”

The “Havana” bar featuring ELEMENT’s Circular Parlor Shelves and their Chesterfield Brown leather sofas (above).

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Circular Bar from ELEMENT with balloon installation by Soirée Bouquets

Desserts by Zoe’s Bakery

Photo Opp Backdrop in the Royal Parlor featuring The Modern Debuatante’s Black Rose Wall, Balloon Installation by Soirée Bouquets, and Alpha-Lit New Orleans’ Marquee Numbers

The Toulouse Courtyard space was home to a jazz trio from Jazzman Entertainment playing classic New Orleans Jazz and NOLA favorite, Dat Dogs, who grilled up their gourmet hot dogs to order for party guests.

“Each and every vendor did an amazing job and really brought my vision to life,” says Levy.

General Manager, Ashley Dubret + Director of Sales, Kellie Levy

Last, but certainly not least, was the dessert room with elegant crystals and yummy delights, nestled in the Crown Room. This candle-lit room featured sweets from Zoe’s Bakery and frozen treats from Big O’s Pops.

“We’ve been through so much together and the pandemic was the biggest challenge we ever faced,” says Dubret. “By working together and having faith, we were able to make it to the other

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Cocktail + Creative Co. served up their

“We’re working together to build a business that will last for a long time,” says Dubret. “Our clients take comfort knowing that we have these life-long connections.”

“Thisside.” party was a celebration, not only of 10 years in business, but that we made it through all these challenges, including a global pandemic, together,” says Levy. “We wanted to celebrate with the friends and family who made it possible. It’s been an amazing journey and I look forward to many more years.”

BourboncocktailssmokedsignatureintheBar.TheCannery’s

“Our Executive Chef for Toulouse Gourmet, Mike Reynolds, has been with us since the beginning,” shares Levy. “And my childhood best friend, Ashley Dubret, is the General Manager for Toulouse Gourmet and The Cannery.”

A FAMILY BUSINESS

“The Cannery and Toulouse Gourmet are family owned and operated and we pride ourselves on our family connection,” says Levy. “And in that we include friends who are like family.”

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“After several years, we both realized what we felt for one another was more than friendship, it was real, true love.”

Kelsey and Michael met in 2015 at work. “Our co-worker friendship blossomed into a best-friendship,” she shares.

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KELSEY + MICHAEL’S STORY

BY ASHLEY KRISTEN COLLECTIVE

Kelsey Michael Boisclair

NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 47 NOW real elopement

REAL, TRUE LOVE APRIL 27, 2022 | NEW ORLEANS, LA PHOTOGRAPHY

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PLANNER: Simply Eloped | RINGS: Brilliant Earth (hers), Kay Jewelers (his)

THE EXPERIENCE "Our wedding day was perfect," says Kelsey. The couple did a First Look in the courtyard of their hotel and walked through the French Quarter taking photos on the way to the Court of Two Sisters. "We took pictures everywhere, and loved all the attention we got from people due to us being all dressed up."

THE PLANNING "We picked New Orleans because we'd never been before," says Kelsey. " We booked Simply Eloped to help us finalize allllll the details of our wedding. They were fantastic! They sent us a list of venues to choose from, and we were drawn to the Court of Two Sisters due to the sheer beauty and incredible history of the building."

WHY AN ELOPEMENT "We chose to elope because we've both been married before," shares Kelsey. "We both did the big, extravagant wedding, and felt that the meaning of the day gets lost in all of that. We wanted the day to be just about us, and we wanted to be able to enjoy the day completely, without complications and alone together."

"I never stressed over any step of our wedding process," Kelsey says. "They narrowed my choices down for me (trying to make choices for photographers, venues, etc in a city you've never been to before is daunting, to say the least) so I was able to easily make choices regarding our special day. It's because of them that we were able to sit back and enjoy every second of our day."

After the ceremony, they walked down Bourbon Street handing out beads and taking pictures with people in the street. "We returned to our venue for a romantic (and delicious!) dinner, before heading back to Bourbon Street to celebrate our nuptials."

ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: GETTING READY LOCATION: Sonder-St Helene |

See more from Kelsey & Michael’s elopement NOWWeddingMagazine.comat: NOW FEATURED VENDOR CEREMONY VENUE COURT OF TWO SISTERS courtoftwosisters.com NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 49

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA BURKE | ON LOCATION THE HIGGINS HOTEL | FLORALS URBAN EARTH | CHAIRS TRUE VALUE RENTAL | LINEN ELEMENT inspiration FALL DECOR Urban Earth DEsignErs Phil McKinnEy anD rolanD MontEalEgrE PartnErED with higgins hotEl catEring & confErEncE sErvicE ManagEr DEnisE sarvEr to DEsign rEcEPtion tablE insPiration in thE higgins’ art DEco arcaDia ballrooM all thrEE looKs fEatUrE thE golD whitnEy sEqUin ovErlay linEn froM ElEMEnt & chaMElEon fanfarE chairs froM trUE valUE rEntal. 52 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

Look 1 thE slEEKEst of thE thrEE looKs, this trio of PEtitE floral arrangEMEnts ovErflow froM MonEt long stEM glass canDlE holDErs giving thE illUsion that thE blooMs arE floating abovE thE tablE floating canDlEs, Pillars anD votivEs in clEar glass cast a roMantic glow NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 53

Look 2 a lUsh, low cEntErPiEcE gracEs thE cEntEr of thE tablE at thE PErfEct hEight to allow gUEsts to convErsE Easily. sMall canDlEs in colorfUl DEPrEssion glass coUPEs aDD a vintagE fEEl to thE DEsign. 54 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com

Look 3 thE Most DraMatic of thE looKs, this two tiEr arrangEMEnt aDDs hEight withoUt coMProMising convErsation across thE tablE a trio of MonEt long stEM glass canDlE holDErs in varying hEights with floating canDlEs anD votivEs in clEar glass aDD a sUbtlE glow to both tiErs. NOWWeddingMagazine.com | 55

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56 | N.O.W | NOWWeddingMagazine.com AlertInterContinentalToulouse12Gambino’sBAKERIESBakeryKimbla’sCakesCATERERSSeasonsCateringGourmetCateringFLORALFatCatFlowersHummingbirdFloralStudioFASHIONLavoisierSuitsDECOR+RENTALSGloEventsTrueValueRentalPHOTOGRAPHERSAminRussellPhotographyJessicaThePhotographerSarahAllemanPhotographyENTERTAINMENTSugarShakerVENUES:CourtofTwoSistersHigginsHotelNewOrleansTheCanneryTheMooreTheRitz-CarltonNewOrleansTRANSPORTATIONTransportation&LimousineCo. NOW SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 VENDOR LIST @neworleansweddings@nolawedding@nowmagazine504@nowmagazine504 we're social ! Follow NOW Weddings Magazine for daily inspiration.

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