When it comes to New Orleans, two things come to mind…Mardi Gras and music! For Charles and Rebecca, they incorporated a little bit of both into their wedding day with Kinfolk Brass Band playing through the streets of New Orleans from the ceremony to the reception! Emilia Jane Photography captured all of the fun these two had and every detail thoughtfully planned by, Blue Gardenia Events including elegant centerpieces and beautiful textured linens to a fabulous flower wall and a gold stained cake! Take a peek below and check out the full gallery here!
From the Bride…We were spending Memorial Day Weekend in Washington DC visiting some friends. At the time, President Obama was in office and we were both so excited for the opportunity to tour the West Wing of the White House. Unfortunately, pictures aren’t allowed while on the tour, except in the Press Room which was our final stop.
When we got to the press room, our friends suggested we each take turns standing at the Podium and taking a few pictures or “fielding some questions.” When it was my turn to “be interviewed,” I had no idea the final question would be from Charles asking me to marry him.
We were both excited and anxious about finding ways to incorporate New Orleans traditions with my (Rebecca’s) Assyrian traditions. It was surprising how much overlap there was between the two and how seamlessly they flowed together once we thought things through. For example, both Assyrian and New Orleans traditions call for a marked celebration of the Bride and Groom’s new life together with a procession of music (specifically using drums and horns), so we were able to use the Second Line as a way to start this celebration and end with an Assyrian song as we entered the reception together.
Finding ways to integrate both rich cultures in a balanced way required careful planning, but was definitely worth it. It was incredible to see both sides of our families and friends experience the nuances each of the traditions had to offer and it made the day feel that much more perfect!
Photography: Emilia Jane Photography | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Invitations: Gourmet Invitations | Ceremony Venue: Capitol Park Museum | Reception Venue: Roosevelt Waldorf Astoria | Makeup: Lynna Vo | Hair: Ali Vaszquez | Band: Brass A Holics | Black Acrylic Place Cards: Jen and Jules Designs | Floral: Bee's Weddings and Events | Lighting, Candle Decor & Custom Bars: Firefly Ambiance | Linens: Nuage Designs | Planning: Blue Gardenia Events | Second Line & Mardi Gras Indians: Kinfolk Brass Band | Tables & Chairs: Perrier Party Rentals