Married: October 13, 2018
Bridal Prep: Windsor Court
Ceremony & Reception: The Jaxson
Entertainment: Louisiana Spice

How did you meet?
On a blind date through a mutual friend.

What is your favorite thing about each other? 
David: my favorite thing about Kristen is her independence and how hard she works for our family.
Kristen: my favorite thing about David is how he always puts Heidi and I first, no matter what, and also how passionate he is about cooking/his career. I love seeing him light up when he comes up with something new. I love being his guinea pig with his new recipes (especially because I can barely fry an egg)

How did the proposal go? Give us all the sweet details!
We had a 6-month photo shoot scheduled in City Park for our daughter. We started over in one area full of gorgeous wildflowers and then decided that we wanted to get some shots near one of the small lakes where David and I had our first picnic date and where we took our first picture together. While we were setting up the photos, he got down on one knee and proposed. I could tell he was nervous about something in the moments leading up to it, but I was so excited that it happened and was so happy that Heidi was there to share it with us!

Where was your ceremony held and why did you pick this site?
The wedding ceremony and reception were at the Jaxson, located inside the Jackson Brewery in New Orleans. I’ve always loved this venue and the location on the river in the French Quarter. Coincidentally, David’s great-grandfather was the final owner of Jax Beer and Brewery. His office used to be at 620 Decatur (the address of the Jaxson). We did not know this when we booked the venue!! It was truly meant to be! We displayed his photo on our memory table and the Venue made a special post about it on Facebook.

What unique or special things did you do at the reception? 
We had Kristen Schenck of Nola Live Painting. This was our wedding gift to each other. I wanted something truly sentimental for our home and we are so pleased with the outcome. She personalized the painting with our bridal party and family members and even included our fur babies. Definitely a memorable keepsake!

Pick one moment in the day that was your favorite thing?
My favorite part of the day was seeing David’s face as I walked down the aisle. He was already crying as I walked down the aisle, and the ceremony was very emotional and beautiful! We both cried!

Did it really go by as quickly as everyone says?
Yes!!!! I remember the attendant pulling me aside saying that we had an hour left and I was shocked!

What was the inspiration behind picking the color palette and decor that you picked?
Fall inspired, lots of natural colors and greenery. Burgundy is my favorite color to wear, so I picked that for the bridesmaids.

From the Bride – When you first saw the groom, what were you thinking/feeling?
“Omg, he is crying!!!” …. lol, but really, I was not expecting David to cry. It was so sweet to see that side of him that I don’t get to experience very often. Even with a red face and tears, he was still the most gorgeous and handsome man ive ever laid eyes on.

From the groom – When you first saw the bride, what were you thinking/feeling?
There are no words that can explain my emotions when I first saw my daughter, then Kristen, walk down the aisle. This was a totally new feeling of complete happiness. Both of my girls never looked so perfect. I couldn’t hold back my emotions. It was the perfect moment.

Who was your baker, what was the flavor of your cake? Was it delicious?!
The bakery who made our wedding cake was Pure Cake, New Orleans. Traditional wedding cake with cream cheese icing. One tier with almond filling, one with pralines and cream. And a wedding cake topper for us to take home consisted of our favorite…. red velvet cake with cream cheese icing! We had so many compliments on the cake, with so many guests asking where it came from.

Did you do a first look? If so how did you feel about it? If not, do you wish you had?
No. We wanted the more traditional approach, and given the outcome of David’s reaction, we are so glad that we chose to skip the first look.

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?
We had a coordinator solely for the day of, to keep us organized and to contact all of our vendors in the weeks prior. My best advice is to definitely get a day-of coordinator. It’s worth every penny and you will have ZERO STRESS on your wedding day.

What was your first dance song? Why this song?
Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers. We love older songs and this one has always been our favorite.

Band or DJ? Did they rock it?
Band. YES! Their set list was a great selection and the lead singer was amazing! The band was Louisiana Spice.

We want to hear YOUR advice for future brides.
The biggest advice I have is to take the time to enjoy your night. Enjoy the food, the band, the vendors. Let your guests come to you to say hello! I think I spent too much time making rounds that I didn’t have enough time to enjoy the band, the photo booth, etc. and it FLEW BY so fast!

Anything else you want to say?
Can we do it all over again?!?!