First Look Weddings, Weddings by Corine

New Orleans Hotel Mazarin Wedding Photographer | Sandra & Jonnathan

Married: March 23, 2019
Bridal Prep: Hotel Mazarin
Ceremony: Hotel Mazarin Courtyard
Reception: Hotel Mazarin – La Louisiane
Videographer: Mary M Cinema
Band / DJ: Rock-It productions
Coordinator: Rachel Olavarrieta
Florist: Nola Flora
Bakery: Haydel’s Bakery
Hair: Flawless Bride
Makeup: Flawless Bride
Bridal Boutique: La Vie en Blanc, Miami, Florida
Tuxedo Store: The Black Tux
2nd Line Band: Kinfolk Brass Band
Stationary: Scriptura and Minted

How did you meet?
We met at a party the summer before Sandra’s senior year in high school at a mutual friend’s house and there was an instant connection. That night, Sandra sent him a friend request on myspace and he responded with a message. The rest is history…

Include a little bit about yourselves. What do you do?
We were both born in Miami and lived in South Florida our entire lives until 3 years ago. Sandra is an OBGYN resident and we both moved to New Orleans when she matched at Tulane 3 years ago. Jonnathan started an independent insurance agency, Vecino Insurance, just before leaving Miami. He continues to sell insurance from New Orleans. Outside of work, Sandra loves to eat with friends and Jonnathan really enjoys working out at CrossFit.

How did the proposal go? Who proposed to who, were you surprised?
After about 8 years of dating, Jonnathan FINALLY popped the question. He gave Sandra a white coat, much like the one she wore during medical school and now wears to work, with the big questions embroidered on it… “Will you marry me?”. He gave her the gift and got down on one knee privately and then surprised her with dinner with their entire families. It was perfect.

Where was your ceremony held and why did you pick this site?
We chose the Hotel Mazarin courtyard for our ceremony because the feeling within that courtyard spoke to us. It was so intimate and beautiful. The sound of the fountain in the background and the lush green leaves flowing in the breeze totally set the mood.

Where was your Reception held and why did you pick this site?
At the Hotel Mazarin, La Louisiane event space. The exposed brick and intimate event space was exactly what we envisioned for our closest family and friends.

What unique or special things did you do at the reception? 
We had the most fun during the second line. Initially, we were bummed that we had to move it to the end of the night at the last minute due to the St. Joseph’s Day parade passing right in front of our hotel at the same time as our ceremony. We wanted to have our second line between the ceremony and reception. It couldn’t have worked out any better. Having it at the end of the night built up everyone’s excitement and the experience truly exceeded all of our expectations. Besides, our guests also got to enjoy the St. Joseph’s Day parade right after our ceremony and they even gave us a shout out! Some bridesmaids also joined the dancers mid-parade.

Pick one moment in the day that was your favorite thing?
The first look photoshoot, without a doubt. Having that moment between us helped all my anxieties float away and allowed me to enjoy the rest of the evening. It was like nothing else mattered in that moment. We then had the best time walking through the Quarter with our best friends and being congratulated by complete strangers. I am so glad we chose to go through with it.

Did it really go by as quickly as everyone says?
YES!

Who was your baker, what was the flavor of your cake? Was it delicious?!
Haydel’s Bakery traditional cake and an additional king cake. We had layers with raspberry, praline, and amaretto filling that were all SO delicious! The king cake was amazing as well.

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?
I did it all myself while working 80-hour weeks mid residency. I won’t say it wasn’t hectic at times and I must say these past 2 weeks were pretty stressful. BUT, it is so doable! Decide on most things early, leave the details for later, and if any one aspect doesn’t make you happy and brings on more stress than you’d like, just eliminate it! We got rid of so many details that didn’t “spark joy” and it was the best thing we could have done.

What was your first dance song? Why this song?
Todo Cambio by Camila… it was a song Jonnathan dedicated to me early in our relationship and despite listening to so many other songs during these past few weeks, nothing felt quite like it.

Band or DJ? Did they rock it?
DJ all the way! Rock-it productions (Jay Jay) took all my Latin recommendations and literally had the whole place dancing mid-dinner. It was amazing!