Married January 5, 2019
Bridal Prep: Family Apartment in the French Quarter
Ceremony: St. Louis Cathedral
Reception: Pat O’Briens on the River
Videographer: Bella Productions
Band / DJ: The Boogie Men- Scott Schmidt
Coordinator: Jennifer Green- Pat O’s
Florist: Diane Mouton
Bakery: Haydel
Hair: Jessica- Just Face It Beauty
Makeup: Jessica- Just Face It Beauty
Brides Gown Designer: Essence of Australia
Bridesmaid Gown designer: Alfred Sung
Bridal Boutique: Sposa Bella- Lafayette, Louisiana
Tuxedo Store: Tuxedos 2 Geaux
2nd Line Band: Storyville Stompers Brass Band
Stationary: Invitations: Lulu Roniger
Calligraphy: Cynthia Hayes
Live Painter: Denise Hopkins

How did you meet?
Aimee was at Bacchus Sunday with her family when a guy and his friends showed up to the gathering behind hers wanting to shotgun beer. Since he only had keg beer, he asked to trade beers with her. At the end of the night, Aimee asked the same guy to take a picture of her and her family. The guy said he would, but only if she would give him her number. Aimee put the guy as “Matt Mardi Gras” in her phone.

Include a little bit about yourselves. What do you do?
I’m an attorney (just passed the bar last October!), and Matt is a chemical engineer. He’s an introverted yankee, and I’m an extroverted southerner. I guess opposites really attract!

How did the proposal go? 
Aimee and Matt were spending a long weekend before the July 4th weekend in Ithaca, NY where Matt went to college. On a hike around Beebe Lake at the end of the weekend, Matt asked Aimee to marry him, and of course she said yes! Aimee was kind of surprised, but had a hunch it was coming. They then headed to the Cornell Dairy Bar to celebrate their engagement, followed by a trip to Lititz to continue the celebration with Matt’s family!

Where was your ceremony held and why did you pick this site?
St. Louis Cathedral. I’m amongst the fourth (possibly fifth) generation to get married there, so it means a lot to me and my family.

Where was your Reception held and why did you pick this site?
Pat O’s on the River! We loved how they look care of everything, it was in the French Quarter, and they were super easy to work with. I loved the views of the river and how there was a space for everyone.

What unique or special things did you do at the reception? 
We did a live painter. Denise Hopkins painted our second-line with my grandmother’s building in the background. She was able to include my grandmother on her balcony, which is super amazing since my grandmother passed away three weeks before the wedding.

Pick one moment in the day that was your favorite thing?
Aimee- Seeing Matt for the first time and being able to do the first look in the stairway where my grandmother spent her childhood.

Matt- Walking to Aimee’s grandmother’s apartment, and seeing Aimee for the first time.

Did it really go by as quickly as everyone says?
Absolutely. I want to go back!

What was the inspiration behind picking the color palette and decor that you picked?
I wanted a timeless wedding that I could look back at in 50 years and still be really proud of.

From the Bride – When you first saw the groom, what were you thinking/feeling?
I cannot wait to marry him.

From the groom – When you first saw the bride, what were you thinking/feeling?
Matt will probably send a separate email with this response.

Who was your baker, what was the flavor of your cake? Was it delicious?!
Haydel’s Bakery. We did lemon and butter cream. I thought it was delicious! Matt does not really like cake.

Did you do a first look? 
We did do a first look, and it was totally worth it. We were able to get all of the pictures finished, and we were able to get a lot of really special pictures we would not have otherwise have gotten. Also, I loved how our first look was just the two of us. It was so intimate and perfect.

Did you have a coordinator or did you plan everything yourself? If you didn’t have a coordinator any advice for brides planning their own wedding?
My mom and I planned everything mostly ourselves. I would tell brides to not stress, make to do lists, and realize the day will be perfect even if the little things do not happen. However, if you have a choice of making a decision now or later, make the decision now. I promise most of the decisions will not matter in the long run, and you will be less stressed the days before the wedding. I also liked that we had a long engagement, because it allowed me to really spread out making decisions. But I was really happy that the things I really wanted (band, venue, and photographer) were booked early because that ensured that we got everything we wanted. So key advice, book early, make decisions now, and allow yourself to have fun.

What was your first dance song? Why this song?
Just the Way You Look Tonight- Frank Sinatra. I wanted a classic song, and I’ve always loved Frank Sinatra. Also, jazzy songs are fun! We picked a song that the band would play well, and I think it totally paid off. Also, if your groom has two left feet (like my sweet husband does), TAKE DANCE LESSONS! We had so much fun, and Matt had some pretty groovy dance moves at the end of it.

Band or DJ? Did they rock it?
The Boogie Men! They absolutely rocked it! Everyone said it was their favorite part of the wedding.

We want to hear YOUR advice for future brides.
If I could do it again, I would tell brides to try and visit with everyone in between the first dance and cutting the cake. It allows you to have fun for the second half of the wedding! Also, depending on the dress you have, look up bathroom methods (might be TMI, but you will be happy you did). Also, COMFY shoes! I promise no one will see them, and you will be so happy and will be able to enjoy the wedding so much more.

Anything else you want to say?
You were the absolute best and we are so happy you were our photographer! Thank you so much for being a special part of our day. We cannot wait for our pictures!