It’s a new week, babes, let’s do the dang thing! I am so excited to share this week’s blog with you. All last year, I dropped several blogs that included snippets and details about planning my own wedding. Well the day FINALLY came on February 10, 2023 and it was the best day ever, from what I remember! (I may also be biased). Continue reading if you want to know what being a bride is like! 

The hubs(Logan) and I stayed together the night before the wedding, so that we could wake up together, have coffee, and enjoy a little moment of calm before the day began moving at full speed. If you don’t mind seeing your significant other on wedding day, I would highly recommend this! 

Although I didn’t have a bridal party, I asked a few close friends to come hang with me that morning while BB babes, Jess and Ashley, did their thing, glamming those who wanted hair and makeup! It was a great morning spent with all my faves, albeit a little overwhelming at times. Somewhere in the middle of the day- I began to fade. I didn’t get much sleep since we’d arrived in New Orleans 2 days prior- I was just SO excited that it was finally all happening! My future Mother in Law noticed that I was turning into a zombie bride, and thankfully she respectfully forced me to go take a nap! I am glad she did, because I felt more refreshed when I woke up! 

(Bride Tip #1: Take the time you need for you on wedding day) 

When I awoke from my nap, Heather P, one of my ride or dies, was right there offering a cup of heaven, I mean coffee ;), and it was finally my turn to get glammed by my babe, Jess. I put Jess through the wringer this last year. I probably changed my hair and makeup inspo 16 times, and also made her use products that she was unfamiliar with- yet I know they work for my dry skin! She adapted quickly, like the boss babe she is, and still slayed the look. I will be forever grateful for her artistry on my day! 

After hair and makeup, it was full speed ahead. I quickly got dressed, and it was time for the first look with Dad. My mom gave him a special handkerchief I had made on Etsy, and then I snuck out and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around, and there may have been a few happy tears when he saw me for the first time! I am the only girl out of 4 kids, so it was definitely a special moment that we got to share. 

Look at this handsome groom! (Insert heart eye emoji here)

The next thing I knew, it was time to head down the aisle! As my planners, Lindsay and Mandy from Southern Approach, opened the venue doors into the ceremony, I didn’t know where to look, it was overwhelming seeing everyone I love in one room. It’s a lot to take in, ya’ll! I didn’t even focus on Logan until about halfway down the aisle! Woops! But I made it to the end of the aisle, and got the chance to exchange personalized  vows with the guy I love the most. There was not a dry eye in the house! 

Exiting our ceremony we went straight into the second line, which is a mini brass band parade. We marched around the block with our wedding party in tow, parasols and  handkerchiefs in the air!  We danced along the sidewalk, as people exited their homes to cheers and dance along with us! The cutest little boy saw us twirling our handkerchiefs overhead, and ran inside to grab a dish towel so he could do the same with us! Needless to say, the second line was EPIC! A whole New Orleans VIBE!

After the second line, we were whisked away to take couples portraits; sign the marriage license; and enjoy some moments together. Our amazing friends Drew and Tee were our witnesses in signing the marriage license. Tee may or may not have signed in the wrong spot. Haha Luckily, the license still got approved! 

Next, we rejoined our guests, and were announced into the reception- which was decorated perfectly by the amazing vendors we hired. (Crystal Vase Flowers and Distressed Rentals). We also included, After the Tone, this is a guestbook option where a vintage phone is designed to collect recorded voicemails from your guests. 

(Bridal Tip #2: 10/10 would recommend this option of a “guestbook”. When we got the sound clip back-We could hear the emotion behind all of our guests’ voices. We laughed, we cried, we FELT the love) 

We didn’t do any of the typical wedding activities- first dance, cake cutting, garter/bouquet toss- that just isn’t “us”. No shade to you if you partake! We simply enjoyed an evening with our most favorite people in the world, filled with amazing food, drinks, and dancing to music provided by live band, The New Orleans Players(They absolutely crushed it!) Even the staff at the venue noticed that the room was filled with nothing but love and joy the entire night! We did, however, partake in a last dance at the end of the night. All of our guests waited outside, while we enjoyed a private moment to ourselves. I am SO glad we did this! 

(Bridal Tip #3: Do the private last dance; or another private moment meant just for you two)

To end the formal portion of the night, we ran through a grand exit of sparklers, and I swear we didn’t stop smiling and laughing. Seriously, just look at the joy in our faces! 

A quick outfit changed upstairs, and we were on the bus to Anna’s on Royal, a local bar located in the Marigny! We wanted our guests to experience New Orleans, just as we love to, but the night didn’t end here. Many of us decided to keep the party going and we headed to Frenchmen street to enjoy some live jazz. We did just that, dancing and singing along for hours at Cafe Negril! Needless to say, the day was amazingly perfect: the vendors we hired, the execution of the event, the guests we invited; and the love that was shared. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. It was the perfect way to become a Mrs. and I would do it all again in a heartbeat! 

Check out the complete vendor team below: 

Photo Credit: @LoveisRad

Venue and Catering: @barrilleauxs_restaurant 

Planner: @southernapproachevents

Photographer: @loveisrad

Florals: @crystalvaseflowers

Rentals: @distressedrentals 

Transportation: @royalcoachlimousine

Band: The New Orleans Players 

Hair and Makeup: @beauty.brigade.bb

Bridal Boutique: @lovebridalboutique

Bridal Gown: @sarahseven

After Party Dress: @beforebysarahseven

Feather Jacket: @centurygirlvintage

Umbrellas: @bellaumbrellas Menswear: @generationtux