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Every corner of the South has a unique personality, and we like celebrating them all! On Fat Tuesday, New Orleans and its fabulously rich Mardi Gras history is an easy pick. From the colors to the symbols, every aspect of Mardi Gras has tradition and meaning, making it ripe with inspiration for a bold and vibrant wedding! If you need a brief run-down on Fat Tuesday fun, check out this post we published last year, then scroll down for the rest of the celebration!

The team, lead by Ashley from The Graceful Host, chose two dresses by Modern Trousseau from Hayden Olivia Bridal. Both were full volume and totally glam, just like Mardi Gras! They also included a cathedral-length veil, a classic choice for New Orleans brides, many who marry in grand cathedrals.

Separk Mansion, a newly renovated home, was the perfect backdrop. With Mardi Gras as their inspiration, the team chose to infuse the energy and fun of carnival season into the floral design while still keeping the overall look formal, like a Mardi Gras ball.

Classic New Orleans delicacies like mini muffulettas were served.

Love this ruffled cake linen, inspired by the bride’s gown! Sweets were in no short supply, from the tiered cake to beignet truffles. Of course, the team had to include the cake pull tradition, a New Orleans staple!

Love these fun photos Old South Studios captured of the second line!

From Ashley:

Being that I was born and raised in New Orleans, I jumped at the opportunity to design a real wedding inspiration with true New Orleans style! It was so important to me that no detail be left out. And, our bride and groom are actually a real married couple! They were so sweet, and had a blast “doing it all over again”! I wanted this wedding to be approachable and have elements that brides could take away and use within their own wedding. The entire day was so much fun, and it was so rewarding sharing my culture with Charlotte!

Photography: Julie Staley, Old South Studios | Event Design and Coordination: Ashley Culicchia Cash, The Graceful Host | Venue: Separk Mansion | Makeup Artist: Erin Ashley Makeup | Hair Stylist: Adrian Howe Esthetics & Beauty | Floral Design: Chelish Moore Flowers | Menu and Bar: Donald Shives, Best Impressions | Cake Baker: Got What It Cakes | Paper Goods: Elisabeth Rose | Rentals: Party Reflections | Wedding Gowns: “Tate” and “Teacup” from Modern Trousseau’s Fall 2014 collection, available at Hayden Olivia Bridal | Belts: Whitney Alyssa from Hayden Olivia Bridal | Jewelry: Haute Bride from Hayden Olivia Bridal | Groom’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Second Line Umbrellas: Gems Printing | Welcome Box: Paper Source

emily Written with love by Emily
9 Comments
  1. avatar Lisa reply

    Those mini muffalettas are too cute!

  2. avatar Mardi Gras Inspiration Photo Shoot | Hayden Olivia Bridal Boutique – Charlotte, NC reply

    […] of Fat Tuesday, we are thrilled to share a collaboration we were apart of that is featured on Southern Weddings Blog today!  Enjoy the beautiful color and amazing gowns […]

  3. avatar Charlotte Wedding Photographer | Old South Studios | Charlotte Wedding Photography and Family Portraiture | Published Southern Weddings<br/>Mardis Gras Styled Shoot reply

    […] HERE to see our feature on the Southern Weddings blog.  And as they say in New Orleans…..Laissez les […]

  4. avatar Southern Weddings Feature | Erin Ashley reply

    […] we had the pleasure of working on was published on the Southern Weddings Blog!!!!  Check it out here.  This was such a fun shoot planned by The Graceful Host and we just love the images that the […]

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  8. avatar Charlotte Wedding Photographer | Old South Studios | Charlotte Wedding Photography and Family Portraiture | {Published} Southern Weddings Mardis Gras Styled Shoot reply

    […] Take a peek at the fun we had at The Separk Mansion last February.  The ladies at Southern Weddings magazine wanted to “Laissez le bon temps roulez” too and were kind enough to feature us last Fat Tuesday HERE. […]

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Welcome back to our finalist series for our third Ultimate Southern Challenge! As you may recall, this time we’re all about burlap. Our next finalists, Tying the Knot and Greer G. Photography, combined to produce a full shoot based on oysters and burlap (since oysters traditionally are packaged in burlap sacks), and we love their ideas for lending a little bit of glamour to this humble material! They put together several different projects, so let’s take a look:

First, the team put together a beautiful boxed invitation with a burlap and lace wrap.

An old window and burlap-backed seating charts made for a fun twist on the traditional escort card.

This rustic glam burlap garland would be perfect at the entrance to your venue or strung from chair to chair at a wedding ceremony. And it’s so easy to make!

For a beyond-easy DIY, dress up store-bought pillar candles with burlap and twine bands.

Finally, we had to share this adorable burlap banner:

If you’d like to see more from this shoot, you can check it out right here!

Credits:

Planning and Design: Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination // Photography: Greer G. Photography // Florist: Bee’s Wedding and Events // Lighting Decor: Luminous Events // Invitation Suite: Tupelo Honey // Venue: Race and Religious // Makeup: Ashley Melzer Sievert // Hair: Ginger Dickey at Color Bar Salon

Thank you so much, Elyse and team! Readers, if you love this idea, be sure to let us know in the comments! And remember, you’re welcome to give a vote of support to more than one concept.

emily Written with love by Emily
54 Comments
  1. avatar giselle g cuccia reply

    These pictures are amazing. I wish you were my photographer when I got married. XOXO

  2. avatar Bobbie reply

    Love the Rehearsal Dinner shoot. It is fresh and delightful and Bride and Groom would be lucky to have those memories captured in such beautiful photos.

  3. avatar Stevie reply

    Love!! These are my favorite for sure :) Greer is fabulous, and they make a great team!

  4. avatar Heather reply

    This is the best! Absolutely stunning and very well put together!

  5. avatar Tracu reply

    I really love the attention to detail in every photograph. I especially love the window idea for the seating charts. Who knew burlap could look so beautiful?

  6. avatar Katie reply

    I love this look… and the candles are just perfect!

  7. avatar Lisa LaFrance reply

    Beautiful, classic, elegant and most importantly UNIQUE! Fabulous work!

  8. avatar Toni Napolitano reply

    Love this! So unique & thoughtful in both concept & execution. Who would have thought burlap could be elegant? Absolutely adore the seating chart idea always refreshing to see a new twist on tradition. You have my vote!

  9. avatar Jason Anthony reply

    This is THE ONE, fresh, classic, duplicable, glam meets southern charm, perfect!!!

  10. avatar Mona reply

    The perfect amount of details, each coming together seamlessly, from the burlap to the lace, to the candles and florals, so incredible…wow!

  11. avatar Brandon O’Neal reply

    This is stunning, I love it! Truly some really beautiful, chic ideas. Any bride would be lucky to work with Greer and this team.

  12. avatar jessica crawford reply

    gorgeous! I am in love with the invitation suite and the neutral color scheme

  13. avatar Ashley reply

    So New Orleans Classy… LOVE the oyster and pearl detail on the invitation!

  14. avatar Melissa Johnson reply

    Wonderful representation of New Orleans and burlap! We do love our NOLA wedding industry family! Brava!

  15. avatar ChickiD reply

    Just gorgeous!

  16. avatar Sybil reply

    Rustic and elegant in a perfect blend. Every detail absolutely beautiful…Got My Vote!

  17. avatar vicki reply

    Love the theme…very original; and, the the photography is amazing, does it justice!!!!!

  18. avatar Eddie Marroquin reply

    LOVE the old world feel of race and religious! and greer, your amazing eye captured these details beautifully! excellent work, y’all!

  19. avatar GreerGPhotography | New Orleans Wedding Photographer » Blog Archive » Ultimate Southern Weddings Challenge reply

    […] So excited to share that our rehearsal dinner shoot was chosen as a finalist in the Southern Weddings Burlap Challenge! […]

  20. avatar Justin reply

    The flowers look great. Some real beautiful work by bees weddings and event design

    • avatar Andree C reply

      Justin: I agree, Justin. The whole thing is beautiful, but the flowers, which can make or break it ,definitely pulled the whole thing together and are just exquisite. Beautiful job Bees Florist!

  21. avatar Heather reply

    Great decorations and a unique theme. Great job by the entire team

  22. avatar kayla reply

    the flowers look amazing! great job to bee’s wedding and events :)

  23. avatar Wendy reply

    Absolutely gorgeous! Bee’s does incredible floral work and the pictures capture the elegant and unique feel of this wedding.

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    […] of their Ultimate Burlap Challenge! Now, we need YOU to help us win the challenge by commenting on our feature on their blog! Help us win the (burlap) ribbon! Thank you, thank […]

  25. avatar Lindsay reply

    I love this creative use of burlap on the table, garlands, and menus! What a creative way to tie New Orleans’ oyster heritage into a gorgeous event!

  26. avatar Julia reply

    Stunning! Absolutely burlap-tastic!

  27. avatar Valerie reply

    These photos are breathtaking! Im definately hiring you to shoot all my future events!

  28. avatar Chase LaBure reply

    Beautiful design!!

  29. avatar Jeremy Fredricks reply

    This is amazing work! best of the best!!!

  30. avatar Robyn reply

    This photoshoot is amazing!! The flowers by Bee’s Wedding and Events are phenomenal! Great work as usual Mrs. Carolyn and Mr. Eric!!

  31. avatar Terry Taravella reply

    Very Beautiful!!!

  32. avatar Debbie reply

    Love the flowers – so elegant, simple and unique! Just beautiful!

  33. avatar Megan reply

    I LOVE this, everything is so unique and thoughtful!

  34. avatar Denise Grein reply

    Love the photos by greer g photography. Beautiful!!!

  35. avatar Kelly reply

    LOVE Elyse at Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination! I wouldn’t have anyone else coordinate my wedding! :)

  36. avatar Sandy Spitale reply

    Amazing! Flowers are magnificent – natural colors and white arrangements are outstanding. Just stunning!

  37. avatar Tina p reply

    I love Love LOVE how all the different textures were captured to create a stunning event! Great design…. Even better photography!! Rustic glamorous!!!

  38. avatar Carmel Johnson reply

    This is the best! Love all of the creativity!

  39. avatar Danielle reply

    This is so beautiful!! Great work everyone!!

  40. avatar Kathy H. reply

    Beautiful photography and love the flowers. Great job by all!!

  41. avatar Kathy K reply

    Beautiful work done by Bees Weddings and Designs. Especially loved the unique way they used burlap in the old window as a part of the seating chart and the burlap banner that the couple is carrying.

  42. avatar Christopher Wise reply

    These pictures look amazing. Splendid job!!!

  43. avatar Jen reply

    Absolutely amazing! Im impressed with the photographers keen eye.

  44. avatar Elizabeth Zweiback reply

    Great photos, nicely done Greer G!

  45. avatar eric fredricks reply

    Thanks to everyone who had a part in this photo shoot. This was truly a group effort. We had so many great ideas came to the table that we did not even use. In the end I think the best ideas came to the table.

  46. avatar Shannon Rhodes reply

    Fantastic ideas! Especially looooove luminous events! The candles are simply beautiful!

  47. avatar Kathy Herrmann reply

    Great job by Bee’s!!!

  48. avatar Danielle reply

    love the pictures, absolutly gorgeous… amazing job Greer G. Photography!!

  49. avatar Jacqueline Simon reply

    Elyse did a PERFECT job designing the burlap photo shoot! It’s simply breathtaking! Also, the candles/lighting from Lisa at Luminous and the flowers from Bee’s are magnificent. Greer did such an amazing job of capturing the organic beauty of the materials used. Again, it’s pure perfection! New Orleans has such amazing vendors and is the perfect place to host a real southern wedding. This is definitely the winner of the burlap challenge! :) :)

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  51. avatar SW yard sale + wedding colors « toile of a mind reply

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  52. avatar Ultimate Southern Weddings Challenge « Greer G. Photography reply

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  53. avatar Burlap and Lace Wedding reply

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My emails to Emily regarding this post could not have had more exclamation points or capital letters. If they did, it would appear I was screaming at her! (I’m so not apologizing either!) We’re all clearly very excited to be chatting about Mardi Gras traditions today, and happy to provide inspiration for a Mardi Gras wedding!

My Southern heart literally skipped a beat when we starting talking about Mardi Gras! (!!!) I’m not going to say that Mobile, Alabama does Mardi Gras better than NOLA (we do do football better though! ; ), because that would just be a plain lie. I am going to say that we do it some kind of awesome! I mean, when I was a little girl, I ROCKED multiple gigantic hair bows made by my mama that were that gorgeous combo of green, purple and gold! My favorite one involved ribbon with “throw me somethin’ mister!” printed on it. That’s right, that bow was bigger than my head!

One thing missing from Mobile’s Mardi Gras celebration would have to be the French Quarter. The French Quarter is the cultural hub for NOLA, and boasts streets and streets of these gorgeous wrought iron covered balconies.

Credit: Austin Gros via Green Wedding Shoes

Historically, Mardi Gras masks allowed people to mix without regard for race, gender, or economic status. Krewe members (those who put on the Mardi Gras parades) wore masks on the floats to hide their identities. These masks wore also originally worn on stage in theaters to convey exaggerated emotions (hence why some are slightly frightening!).

Credits: Masked couple photo by A Bryan Photo; colorful masks photo by Rachel Thurston; sparkly mask photo by Amelia Lyon via 100 Layer Cake;

Mardi Gras masks are traditionally purple, green and gold, and often are decorated with feathers, jewels and glitter. Even the colors have meaning: purple symbolizes justice, green, faith, and gold, power.

Credits: Feather shoes photo by Crystal George Studios via Rock n Roll Bride; purple mask and beads photos by Belathee Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

Tossing beads is a tradition born in the 1920s when the Rex Krewe parade threw inexpensive handmade glass necklaces to bystanders. Nowadays, krewe members seek out innovative trinkets to toss to the crowds, such as candy, frisbees, plastic cups, and even doubloons all marked with the specific parade’s name and logo. But believe me, nothing flies as far as some good ol’ Mardi Gras beads!

Credits: Mask and shoes photo by Crystal George Studios; black mask photo by Belathee; beads and cake photos by Crystal George Studios; mask menu photos by Colson Griffith via Brenda’s Wedding Blog

Now the fleur-de-lis doesn’t have much to do with Mardi Gras specifically, but how could be do a NOLA post without including the official symbol of the state of Louisiana? I love that following Hurricane Katrina, the fleur-de-lis has been widely used in New Orleans as a symbol of grassroots support for New Orleans’ recovery. Now that is what the South is about!

Credits: Docuvitae via Style Me Pretty and Austin Gros

Carriages (or buggies as we Southerners call them!) and rickshaws are great for transportation on those fabulous (and bumpy) cobblestone streets of the French Quarter! I’m kind of crushing hard on this buggy covered with feathers – so regal!

Credits: Mardi Gras pedicab photo by Kate Byars via Every Last Detail, traditional carriage photo by A Bryan Photo, and pedicab photo by Rachel Thurston

Y’all! I literally squealed out loud when we received these images of the second line! The “second line” is a tradition for brass band parades. It’s made up of those who follow the band just to enjoy the music, and traditionally twirl a parasol or handkerchief in the air. This “dance” is called “second lining.” How much fun does that sound?! The second line also has routes in jazz funerals, where the jazz band plays and parades to honor the life of the deceased, and friends and family follow the band dancing or walking to add to the spirit of the procession.

Credits: Dancing couple photo by Docuvitae via Style Me Pretty, couple with umbrellas by Rachel Thurston, couple with balloons by Austin Gros via Green Wedding Shoes, band and hanky waving photos by Docuvitae, umbrella and sign photos by A Bryan Photo

So y’all, who’s up for a road trip to NOLA? After this post, I am SO in!

Have you been to Mardi Gras? What’s your favorite Mardi Gras tradition?

marissa Written with love by Marissa
14 Comments
  1. avatar Latrice reply

    I totally could use some Mardi gras fun right night!

  2. avatar Sierra reply

    I’ve never been there before. I’m in!

  3. avatar Megan reply

    I went to New Orleans for the first time and my first NOLA wedding in March of 2010 and it was a BLAST! The second line was definitely my favorite part!

  4. avatar Tim Duncan reply

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the shoes and all the colors!!

  5. avatar Katie | Invitations by Ajalon reply

    absolutely LOVE all of these inspiring images! If anything, I cannot die without experiencing Mardi Gras and NOLA for real! And thank you for including our menus in the mix. :D We love SWmag!

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