Danielle + Ryan | Real New Orleans Wedding | Belle Soiree Events

Hello hello hello! First I will say, I CANNOT BELIEVE IT IS MAY! With 22 fabulous events this year and MY OWN WEDDING, it seems 2014 is passing by in a big hurry. I have been wanting to blog this wedding for quite some time and I'm so happy I found some time to finally do so! Danielle contacted me quite some time before their October wedding with a need for some planning assistance. Being a full New Orleans destination bride, she needed a little extra pep in her planning. She had already booked her venue at The Chicory which just happens to be one of my favorite venues in New Orleans. I could tell by her writing style and her design inspiration board that this gal was right up my alley. Besides her over the top sweet nature and that gorgeous smile, her groom was also one of the nicest we have ever had! We met and the magic began. Ryan, the groom, has one hell of a mom. She made this gorgeous wedding dress hanger below herself and I still find myself going back to look at this picture. She also shipped a handful of boxes to us full of vintage finds (See the cake table and floral vases!) All these little special details helped this wedding become one that holds a special place in my heart. Their escort cards were some of my all time favorites. Danielle had the "Louisiana map" that features New Orleans made into little tags that we strung along vintage suitcases from Mrs.Vintage. I still have a few extras hanging in my office!

Keeping with the theme, the couple chose to not have one wedding cake and instead have a plethora of assorted desserts from Sucre bakery. Not only was this a visual, colorful, (and sparkly!) feast for the eyes, it was downright tasteful. By tasteful, I mean delicious! I loved styling this for Danielle and might even steal the idea for my own wedding ;).

Once the party got started it did.not.stop. The pictures do this crowd NO justice. I just love when the dance floor is packed the entire night and this was no exception. Danielle and Ryan are music lovers and it showed with the booty shaking all night long. Since Danielle and Ryan are from out of state as well as their entire guest list, we decided to end the night with a surprise second line. If you are not familiar with a second line in New Orleans, please please please become familiar. This is a rich and loved tradition in our city and also a very exciting event to add into a New Orleans wedding. The second line band literally busted into the reception with horns blazin and the guest went nuts. They danced in the street all the way to Canal Street. I'm pretty sure that moment was the time of their lives. Ah, makes my heart happy. 

When a wedding like this comes along, it is a planners dream to have a top notch photographer team on board. I am so elated to say Dark Roux Photography captured this wedding in a way only they could. See for yourself! 

Seriously. How can you not love this wedding? I know I sure do! It will forever have a place in my planner heart. In addition to the great pictures, Danielle is now a fabulous friend of mine and I am so thankful to keep in touch with such a lady! Until next time..

Planning, Styling + Coordination | Belle Soiree Events

Wedding Prep Hotel | Olivier House

Ceremony + Reception | The Chicory

Photography | Dark Roux 

Candle Decor | Luminous Events

Vintage Rentals | Mrs. Vintage

Bakery | Sucre

Florals | Meade Wenzel

Reception Entertainment | Omega Sound

Second Line Band | Smitty Dees