Who says your intimate wedding can’t have major style?! Ceisha + Derek’s micro wedding in New Orleans had 12 people on the guest list, and they still created a magical atmosphere that featured a rad dried palm ceremony installation, a five-course dinner, a tarot card reader, and the traditional NOLA second-line. Transforming Race and Religious with the help of Michelle Norwood, C + D have created a blueprint on how to plan an intimate wedding that’s still full of personal details. We’ll let C tell you how they were able to create the memorable moments, despite their suddenly smaller guest list:
The original plan for the wedding was to have 80 of our closest friends and family at the party of the year but plans had to change due to the pandemic. Because we could not have our dream wedding, we wanted to make sure the day was a bright spot in a year of craziness for us and the 12 friends and family we were able to include. We carefully chose a divine five course plated dinner, a delightful brass band that played our favorite music, and fun entertainment including cornhole boards and a tarot card reader.
Hannah Pickle Photography was there to capture the day in photo. Scroll along and let’s take a look!
A Muted Neutral Color Palette
Eglantine Rose Letterpress created these elegant invitations that really set the tone for a special event. All of C’s bridal accessories were classically beautiful like her Reads Jewelers, Inc “something blue” ring and other Lily and Roo jewelry pieces.
Stunning Bridal Attire
C’s Peter Langer “Chole” gown from Neimus Marcus was covered head-to-toe in a delicate floral lace. Ultra romantic! She kept her bridal beauty look minimal and elegant thanks to Faces of Virtue hair and makeup.
Courtyard Ceremony for This Wedding in New Orleans
Antigua Floral played off the aged and worn colors and textures of the venue’s courtyard when they created this ceremony installation. Dried palms continue to be a hot choice for modern brides!
Pure joy!
New Orleans Second Line
Having a traditional NOLA second line was super important for C + D, and they were worried it wouldn’t happen due to Covid restrictions and a smaller guest list. However, they pulled it off with the help of Kinfolk Brass Band!
Processional: Ed Sheeran Cover of Rihanna’s We Found Love
Recessional: You and I by Ingrid Michaelson
First Dance: At Last played by Kinfolk Brass Band
The Newlyweds
We have to talk about how handsome D looked in Franklin and Anthony + Dapper Sense groom attire!
Doesn’t C have a kilowatt smile?!
Our advice to those planning is do not allow wedding planning to take away your joy. Wedding planning is stressful, especially during a pandemic. Do not add to the stress by focusing on things outside of your control. If something cannot happen exactly the way you want it, be flexible and open to the fact that the new option may be even better than the first.
A socially distant, Covid wedding should always have a sanitizing station for guests! We love C + D’s custom monogram face masks. See where you can buy the best face masks as wedding favors here!
When you have a smaller guest list, you can really play around with your wedding budget and splurge a bit on fancier details and rentals like this gorgeous wooden bar façade and metal bar back. Lovegood Rentals provided such beautiful furniture for the day, like the cute lounge area below!
Don’t forget the drinks! Tap Truck Nola treated guests to wine, beer and spirits from Texas, where C + D live. Adorable personal detail!!
Wedding in New Orleans Reception Ideas
C + D chose a minimal tablescape with small floral vases, beige candles and gold accents.
Doesn’t this look so cozy? Sign us up for a 5-course dinner in a quaint courtyard stat!!
C + D brought in tarot card reader, Latoya Papillion Herr, as a fun, interactive reception activity. Our prediction for them? Wedded bliss forever and ever!
We can just imagine how delicious the Black Pearl Catering dinner was. Good food and magical Perrier Party Rental lighting make for a perfect New Orleans Summer evening.
The most memorable part of the wedding was sitting outside as newlyweds in a stunning New Orleans courtyard with our closest friends and family while talking, laughing, drinking and eating an exquisite five course dinner. At dinner, Derek gave a heartfelt speech that I will remember forever.
Ending the night with a super cute Covid wedding cake idea! Chasing Wang crafted personal cakes for each guest and they were set on marble + wood cake stands which doubled as the guest favors. If that isn’t perfection, we don’t know what is!!
(video above by Bride Films)
Congratulations on your beautiful wedding in New Orleans, Ceisha + Derek! We are wishing you the very best! We’ll end with your final piece of advice to planning couples everywhere:
When it is all over, you will be married and it is truly one of the best feelings in the world.
photography: Hannah Pickle // venue name: Race and Religious, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA // event design: Michelle Norwood Designs // planning: Michelle Norwood Events // florals: Antigua Floral // wedding dress: Peter Langer “Chole” // wedding dress boutique: Neimus Marcus // bride’s ring: Reads Jewelers, Inc // hair stylist: Faces of Virtue // makeup artist: Faces of Virtue // groom attire: Franklin and Anthony and Dapper Sense // videography: Bride Films // paper goods: Eglantine Rose Letterpress // catering: Black Pearl Catering // cake: Chasing Wang // furniture rentals: Lovegood Rentals // lighting: Perrier Party Rental // cocktails: Tap Truck Nola // jewelry: Lily and Roo // second line band + ceremony music: Kinfolk Brass Band // tarot card reader: Latoya Papillion Herr