Married: May 4, 2019
Bridal Prep: Marriott Hotel
Ceremony: St. Louis Cathedral
Reception: The Jaxson
Band / DJ: Got Groove
Florist: Adrian’s florist
Bakery: Haydels
Hair: Glam on the go
Makeup: Glam on the go
Brides Gown Designer: Kitty Chen
Bridesmaid Gown designer: Sorella Vita
Bridal Boutique: Blush Bridal
Tuxedo Store: Men’s wear house
Stationary: Sciptura

How did you meet?
We met at Fontainebleau High School in Mandeville. We were good friends but never dated. After college we were both living in Denver. We went out to karaoke and catch up, and the rest is history!

Include a little bit about yourselves. What do you do?
Katie: I just completed my third year of medical school in El Paso.

Garrett: I work in energy private equity in Houston.

What is your favorite thing about each other? Share a personal story.
Katie: Garrett is probably the friendliest and most easy-to-talk-to person I know—I joke about him being able to keep a conversation with a cardboard box. When people tell me about first or finally meeting him, they always mention how friendly and funny he is. He is also driven and always strives to do better. He takes pride in his work.

Garrett:
Outside of her obvious beauty, Katie has always been one of the kindest hearts I know. She is always looking out for other people. She is also extremely intelligent and driven. These are just some of the many qualities I find so attractive about her. Katie has always been a personal favorite of my mom, ever since our trip to Europe in high school. I am not sure I will ever admit it, but she was right.

How did the proposal go? Who proposed to who, were you surprised?
I knew we’d eventually get married, but being in school, we weren’t really on any specific timeline. He asked my dad when we were home for the LSU/BYU game Labor Day weekend 2017, then proposed in Jackson Square on Christmas Eve. I was under the impressions that we were going to mass at the Cathedral then dinner at Galatoire’s. His parents dropped us off early to “go save a seat,” but instead, he proposed. All our parents and siblings were then waiting for us at the restaurant to celebrate.

Where was your ceremony held and why did you pick this site?
We knew we wanted to have a New Orleans wedding, since many of our friends would be traveling in for it. We chose the Cathedral since Garrett proposed there.

Where was your Reception held and why did you pick this site?
We chose to have the reception at The Jaxson because of the short walk from the Cathedral. After viewing several potential venues, I felt most comfortable working with the team at The Jaxson. Also, the design and decor match our style, so that helped.

What unique or special things did you do at the reception? 
My mom surprised us with a live painter! Glow sticks, personalized koozies, signature drink (Chunngle Juice), and oyster bar!

Pick one moment in the day that was your favorite thing?
Katie: Looking at the dance floor, it was surreal to see our families and friends from different times of our lives, who live across the country, all be together in the same place and having a great time.

Garrett:
Seeing her walk down the aisle. I couldn’t picture this day in my life until it was happening and it was more overwhelming than I could have ever anticipated.

Did it really go by as quickly as everyone says?
Katie: YES. I feel cheated.

Garrett: Faster than I was told. I didn’t even have much time to dance!

What was the inspiration behind picking the color palette and decor that you picked?
Blush and gold are classic and timeless spring wedding colors. I also liked the idea of having a girly yet sophisticated color palette.

From the Bride – When you first saw the groom, what were you thinking/feeling?
Excited that this once in a lifetime moment was here, that this is the person I’m going to be with forever. Garrett can work a tux, too.

From the groom – When you first saw the bride, what were you thinking/feeling?
She looked stunning. I loved how her dress was so classy and elegant at the same time. I’m pretty sure all the other guys were jealous.

Who was your baker, what was the flavor of your cake? Was it delicious?!
Haydel’s traditional almond wedding cake with buttercream frosting and alternating fruit fillings between layers. It was absolutely delicious and beautiful with the flowers between tiers.

Did you do a first look? If so how did you feel about it? If not, do you wish you had?
K: We did a first look. I was excited because I knew I’d cry, so I got that out of the way.

G: We did a first look. It was great to spend that personal time together before everyone else had the chance.

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 did 99% of the planning for us. Her attention to detail is unmatched, from the personalized gift wrapping for flower girl gifts, to the Barrel of Monkeys to hang off of the Chunngle Juice glasses, to the Just Married sign on the pedicab. My mom should really do this for a living.

What was your first dance song? Why this song?
Lovin’ You Easy by Zac Brown Band. It is upbeat and not overkill on the cheese.

Band or DJ? Did they rock it?
The band GOT Groove? KILLED it. Everyone has said how fun the band was.

We want to hear YOUR advice for future brides.
Do not go out late the night, and get a lot of sleep the week before. I was too excited/anxious and woke up at 6am the morning of the wedding after a late rehearsal dinner and I was feeling it that night. I still had a blast!

Anything else you want to say?
Y’all were amazing, not only as photographers but as bridal attendants, wedding coordinators, extra bridesmaids, and moral support.