In true Southern fashion, friends and family in attendance was the most important part of their wedding to Katie and Michael, so hosting the celebration locally in New Orleans was a given! These two wanted to create a good ol’ classic NOLA wedding, so when it came to the details of their nuptials, selecting the gorgeous interiors and formal garden of the Beauregard-Keyes House as their venue was one of the first decisions they made. I could go on and on about the beauty of this wedding, but I doubt I’ll do a better job than Katie–she said their wedding was “just a beautiful, twinkly evening full of glasses clinking and people smiling.” Sounds divine!
Big thanks to Maile Lani for sending us their day!
What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? We went through so many options, but in the end, we realized it was important to us that our friends and family could all easily attend, so keeping it in New Orleans was the first decision we made. Michael and I both love the French Quarter with all of its charm and mystery, and the Beauregard House has beautiful interiors, a courtyard, and a formal garden! It was the perfect venue for us.
There was this one moment during the ceremony when a woman walking down the street outside of the garden with a huge beautiful voice randomly sang out, “It’s a glorious day!!” It was so New Orleans and perfect, and it set the mood for the whole evening.
What readings, if any, did you have at your ceremony? We actually just let our officiant write something. The ceremony was the first time we heard it and it was lovely. Letting go of some elements of the day was hard for me, but once I did, it allowed us both to enjoy the whole experience more.
What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? The food, the weather, the music, the people…it could not have been anywhere else but in the South, ya know? Many people have told us our wedding is exactly what they picture when they think of a good ol’ classic New Orleans wedding. Love it!
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? Letting go of perfection and details so we could actually enjoy ourselves and remember the day fondly, instead of worrying about what was not done correctly. We succeeded! It is perfect in our memories–just a beautiful, twinkly evening full of glasses clinking and people smiling.
How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. Michael was a friend of my roommate. I was living in New Orleans and Michael was in Jackson, Wyoming. He came to visit my roommate and we totally fell for each other. A month later, I was on a plane to Jackson to visit, and and two weeks after I left Wyoming, Michael was on a plane to New Orleans for good. Three years later, we were engaged. He proposed around the holidays at dusk out in the country. It was really sweet and funny, and I was totally surprised!
When did y’all get married? October 25, 2013
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 140
Tell us about finding your wedding dress. There is a really fun old school shop in New Orleans called Yvonne LaFleur. All of their dresses hang from the ceiling. I remember going in there as a kid and being totally enamored. My bridesmaids and I went one day to try some dresses on, not thinking I would find the one, but then I found a lace dress that made me tear up–it reminded me of my grandmother in the best way. I was comfortable, I felt elegant, and most importantly, I felt like myself.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? Michael and I are working on a little house we bought in Old Metairie. He starts dental school in a few weeks and I keep myself beyond busy owning two businesses.
Photographer: Maile Lani / Venue: Beauregard-Keyes House / Florist: The Plant Gallery / Cake Baker: Haydel’s Bakery / Caterer: Martin’s Wine Cellar / Bride’s Gown: Yvonne LaFleur / Hair Stylist: Agnus at Lux / Groom’s Attire: J.Crew
Maile Lani is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!
Everything about this wedding is divine and the ring bearer and flower girl are so cute!
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