Married: May 20, 2017
Bridal Prep Location: Renissance Pere Marquette Hotel
Ceremony: Immaculate Conception
Reception: Chateau Country Club
Entertainment: Bucktown Allstars
Florist: Gambino’s

How did you meet?
We met at Mike’s bar in tiger land when we were in college at LSU through mutual friends. We ran into each other on campus about a year after that. I had a semi formal coming up and my friend and I messaged him on Facebook asking for Vincent and his friend to come with us. I actually meant to ask his friend to be my date but instead I accidentally asked him and we have been together ever since.

Tell us all about the proposal!
My favorite place to go skiing is Whitefish, Montana. I grew up skiing there with my family. We went there every year for about twelve years. It is most definitely my favorite place in the world. They have a Jesus statue that looks over the mountain and the town and it is gorgeous. Vincent planned a huge surprise and proposed to me in front of the Jesus statue on Big Mountain Whitefish while we were skiing. I was completely shocked! My brother and his wife were hiding behind trees taking pictures. It was 5 degrees outside so taking a lot of pictures with my hand out of my glove was challenging 🙂 We then skied down the mountain to meet my family at a restaurant and celebrate with some champagne. I have no idea how he pulled it off! He got the ring through security at the airport and even secretly packed a sports coat and dress clothes for us to go to dinner that night.

Where was your ceremony held and why did you pick this site?
Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church. It is my favorite church in New Orleans. I’ve always loved it.

Where was your Reception held and why did you pick this site?
Chateau golf and country club. Vincent’s sisters had their receptions here. We knew they had great service and great food. We loved that they take care of everything for you and we love the big open and gorgeous ballroom.

What unique or special things did you do at the reception? 
We had an Italian dance that Vincent’s family does at family weddings. Our guests joined in and it was a blast! Bucktown also handed Vincent a trumpet to play and he played along with them to uptown funk, the LSU fight song, and our second line exit. It was a blast!

What was your favorite part of the day?
Dancing at the reception

Did it really go by as quickly as everyone says?
Yes!! Too quickly!!

What was the inspiration behind picking the color palette and decor that you picked?
I wanted to go with colors my bridesmaids would look good and feel comfortable in. I liked going with something elegant and formal.

From the Celeste – When you first saw Vincent, what were you thinking/feeling?
I just had the biggest smile. I was so happy and I was thinking Holy cow. This is it. Soak it all in! I remember my eyes being watery and not being able to see much as I walked down the aisle. I was just smiling at Vincent and breathing trying not to cry.

From Vincent- When you first saw Celeste, what were you thinking/feeling?
I’m so lucky

Who was your baker, what was the flavor of your cake? Was it delicious?!
Gambinos! Our wedding cake was traditional almond wedding cake with buttercream filling. We loved it!! The grooms’ cake was an Italian cream cake wrapped in Cannolis. It was perfect and they were both delicious!!

Did you do a first look? If so how did you feel about it? If not, do you wish you had?
No. I don’t wish we had. I liked having the traditional and emotional first look walking down the aisle.

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?
Yes! We had Tess Robin! She was incredible! Having her really made the experience of planning so much less stressful. Having her there day of to take care of everything allowed myself and our parents to enjoy our day so much more. I absolutely recommend at least a day of planner!

Band or DJ? Did they rock it?
Band! Bucktown rocked it!! As always!

We want to hear YOUR advice for future brides.
I picked my vendors and photographers based on what would make my wedding day more enjoyable and not have to worry about anything because I’m a planner. I loved having Beebe and my day of wedding planner because I knew they would be in charge and have everything under control and I wouldn’t have to be. I loved having the reception at Chateau! It was so easy and great! I’d recommend anything that makes your actual day more enjoyable.

Anything else you want to say?
Thank you!!