April 21, 2014

Featured by Glamour and Grace || Romantic, Vintage Wedding at Maison Montegut

April 21, 2014/ Kourtney Amelia

Designing her wedding reception to "feel like coming home" to her mother's house, Mary made sure to select decor details that spoke to her heart. All the crystal, lace, silver, mercury glass, and family photos were brought in by her mother for this truly romantic event at Maison Montegut. We are excited to announce that our film has been featured alongside the work of their fantastic New Orleans photographer, Mark Eric, in the blog for brides who love vintage and handmade details, Glamour and Grace.

Enjoy their full film below. Mary's personal touches and gifts for her groom and family will have you misty-eyed in minutes, I promise! Plus, every location seems like a scene out of Downton Abbey, between the historic venue locations and the classic Victorian outfits worn by the bridesmaids and ring bearers.

For a full look at the beautiful photography from the event, you must check out Mark Eric's blog. Here's a little sneak peek at why we think he's one of the best wedding photographers around:

Bridal Prep & Groom Prep: The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans

123 Baronne St New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 648-1200

Ceremony: Christ Church Cathedral

Reception: Maison Montegut

Event Planner: Elyse Skansi, Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination

Photographer: Mark Eric

Catering: Joel's

Florist: Iris Floral and Event Design Studio

Cocktail Hour Music: John Royen Band

2nd Line Band: The Jaywalkers

Reception Entertainment: Crystal Clear Band

April 08, 2014

Second Line Tradition - Moments from weddings at The Roosevelt + The Ritz-Carlton

April 08, 2014/ Kourtney Amelia

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If you've never experienced a NOLA celebration, well, then let me tell you something - they do weddings right in New Orleans. Weddings are already unique amongst parties in that they are always a cheerful celebration of the joining of two circles of families, friends, and communities, and then adding the tradition of a second line just amps up the celebration level. What is a second line? A basic description would say that it is an informal parade of wedding guests lead by a live brass band through the streets of New Orleans. But those words don't do it justice, because what a second line does is something bigger.

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Imagine, for a minute, that it's the end of a wedding reception. You've spent the day being pampered with close friends and family, sipping mimosas, getting ready in leisure, taking portraits with everyone from your closest college friends to your great-great aunt, making sincere wedding vows, enjoying cocktails and home-style cajun cooking, and dancing the night away to live jazz, and now it's time to leave. But just because it's time to leave the wedding doesn't mean it's going to be over so soon. As you gather your things to leave, the sounds of a trumpet, tuba, and trombone are wafting through the halls to the ballroom. Suddenly, a whistle guides you to handkerchiefs, and you're dancing down the street following this band, waving your handkerchief to the beat of the music. As you dance through the french quarter streets with your wedding party, other NOLA residents wave and join in to dance with you for a few minutes. Some of them will join your parade for the entire time! Half an hour later, you can't wipe the smile off of your face from the fun that you've had. Everyone you pass by cheers along with you, because everyone knows: this is special, and worth celebrating.

Here are some scenes from second lines we've filmed in the past:

Bridal Prep & Groom Prep: The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans

123 Baronne St New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 648-1200

Ceremony: Christ Church Cathedral

Reception: Maison Montegut

Event Planner: Elyse Skansi, Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination

Photographer: Mark Eric

Catering: Joel's

Florist: Iris Floral and Event Design Studio

Cocktail Hour Music: John Royen Band

2nd Line Band: The Jaywalkers

Reception Entertainment: Crystal Clear Band

Photographer Paul Morse. You can view his official images of the wedding here.

Event Design by Linda Matzkin & Alexandra Kappel of Hopple Popple Events.

Ceremony and Reception at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans

Reception Band: Jimmy Church Band

Makeup: Tisa from Tisa’s Beauty Bar

Florist: Urban Earth

Second Line Band: The Storyville Stompers

April 30, 2013

New Orleans Weddings

April 30, 2013/ Kourtney Amelia

New Orleans is a hub of beautiful culture, and it is one of the world's most fascinating cities. Steeped in a history of influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and beyond, it is home to a truly unique melting pot of culture, food and music. When strolling through town, you'll find bowls filled to the rim with gumbo, late nights in dark jazz clubs, historic neighborhoods, and tantalizing festivals throughout the year.

Every time we visit for a wedding, Jones seems to find the best local spots for us to eat when we're not filming. For example, Cafe Du Monde, which is famous for its cafe au lait and delicious fluffy powdered donuts served in a Parisian open air cafe setting. Excuse us as we share an obligatory photo of our food, solely intended to make you jealous, but unintentionally causing ourselves to now be hungry in the office.

And we ALWAYS get excited to see the word "sucre" involved with any event we're filming! They are a sweet boutique, and they are often called upon to create the most delightful macaroon cookies and other delicious treats for weddings--both as desserts served and sent as "to go" gifts with guests.

As a Texan, the most obvious thing that sticks out about experiencing the city of New Orleans is both the grandiose architecture and the natural sounds--live musicians play jazz on every corner, from troupes of young teens using everything (including buckets) as drums all the way to classy, uniformed groups like the ones we see at our wedding events--like The Jaywalkers and The Storyville Stompers. French Quarter weddings (a downtown area of New Orleans) often see the bride and groom reach their reception venue by a horse drawn carriage or by leading a “second line” preceded by a jazz band.

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A second line parade at a wedding signifies the beginning of the life between the bride and groom. The second line band leads the wedding party and guest from the church to their reception venue or it may take place at the reception venue itself. The second line stems from the African American jazz funerals and has evolved to become part of all New Orleans celebrations.

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Roman Catholic weddings or very traditional religious ceremonies are also very popular and deeply ingrained into NOLA culture. Just stepping foot into any of the cathedrals in town helps you to see why--the architecture of the cathedrals is very European, and a good reminder of the sanctity and majesty of the wedding ceremony.

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Magnolias, jasmine and gardenias are popular choices for flower arrangements.

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Here are some of our favorite people, places and spaces that we've filmed during our New Orleans events. Whether you're planning an event in NOLA or simply visiting, be sure not to miss these historic landmarks!

The Roosevelt New Orleans

Particularly, visit this place during the holiday season, when all the trees and indoor plants are strung from ceiling to floor with christmas lights and trees, creating a magical winter wonderland within the marbled foyer.

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Academy of the Sacred Heart

4521 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70115

Christ Church Cathedral

Located just near the French Quarter, this cathedral's pale pink granite exterior contrasts with its darkly wooden interior and gorgeous blue ceilinged front altar.

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This image from the wedding video reminds me a lot of of the beautiful colors in the images from PBS' popular TV show, Downton Abbey. They often keep their colors confined to a minimized hue spectrum.

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Storyville Stompers

A faithfully Jazzy second line band.

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The Ritz Carlton Hotel & Grand Ballroom

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The Elms Mansion & Gardens

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Maison Montegut House

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Want to know more?

You can watch our films of these NOLA brides and their southern weddings:

March 21, 2013

Christmas Wedding at The Roosevelt || It Feels Like Coming Home || Mary + Aaron, the full film

March 21, 2013/ Kourtney Amelia

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"When we decided not to have our wedding at my mother's home, I knew that where-ever we had it, it had to feel like being at home." Mary told me this in the brief minutes we spent in the courtyard just before she and Aaron entered the Montegut house for their first dance. As you watch the film, you'll see exactly what she and Elyse Skanski (Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination) were able to create within the walls of the Montegut House---her family had brought their own heirloom crystal, milkglass vases, and mercury glass votives to adorn all of the tables and fireplace mantles. The vintage cake topper had even belonged to Mary's grandfather. You can read more about that in our first post about Mary & Aaron's vintage home-style wedding.

In every wedding we film, we try to capture the spirit of the city where the wedding is taking place as well as the event itself. From the performing street bands to the Second Line parade that led the party away from the Montegut House, New Orleans charmed us once again.

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I should also mention that not only do we adore filming in New Orleans, but we also love December weddings. In the south, the air is finally a little crisp, but rarely is it ever bitter at that point in winter, and holiday decorations are in full swing. When we walked into the Roosevelt Hotel in downtown New Orleans, the entire first floor and all of its corridors were like a winter wonderland--lit up with thousands of christmas lights, and trees everywhere--we almost couldn't see the walls, it was so lovely! There were some happy families there bustling about with their children in holiday outfits and red velvet dresses taking pictures. With that cheery scene, we headed upstairs to the room where Mary was getting ready.

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Mary wore a strapless lace wedding gown with a cathedral length veil and a very unique bolero jacket that actually included her train.

Mary is quiet, sweet, and funny--and her sense of classical taste led her to select a very unique approach to her wedding gown. She wore a lovely fitted lace bolero with an off-shoulder ncckline and quarter-length sleeves. While it was fitted perfectly at her waist in front, the back of it buttoned down to a long train, giving her a stunning, full- length dress for the ceremony and a perfect and easy dress length for the reception without the worry of bustling the dress.

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This shot feels very 'Downton Abbey' to me...

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Doesn't this appetizer plate look amazing? The catering was done by Joel's out of New Orleans.

For a full look at the beautiful photography from the event, you must check out Mark Eric's blog. Here's a little sneak peek at why we think he's one of the best wedding photographers around:

Stunning, right? Mark was wonderful to work with--he's a real team player, friendly, and hard-working, too. Plus, he's super talented--grabbing amazing shots that really tell the emotion of the moment. I can't decide which of the gallery images from that post are my favorite, but I love the guitar and singing shots, and his great images of the second line band, the Jaywalkers.

Bridal Prep & Groom Prep: The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans

123 Baronne St New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 648-1200

Ceremony: Christ Church Cathedral

Reception: Maison Montegut

Event Planner: Elyse Skansi, Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination

Photographer: Mark Eric

Catering: Joel's

Florist: Iris Floral and Event Design Studio

Cocktail Hour Music: John Royen Band

2nd Line Band: The Jaywalkers

Reception Entertainment: Crystal Clear Band

March 15, 2013

Ritz-Carlton New Orleans | Those glasses look good on you - Emily + Kearney, the preview

March 15, 2013/ Kourtney Amelia

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Meet Emily & Kearney, our latest Mason Jar couple. Their wedding was dripping with high-style design and the whole event was lovingly narrated through speeches by their dearest friends and family. Jones traveled to their destination wedding in New Orleans to not only film their wedding day, but also their rehearsal dinner. Filming at the rehearsal dinner allows us to capture all of those stories and toasts that your family can cherish for years to come.

Emily grew up in New Orleans, but she moved to Boston during her teenage years. NOLA has always remained dear to her family, and so, with joy, their new extended family travelled to New Orleans to enjoy both its charm and the celebration of love. This short sneak peek of their wedding video features a snippet of a speech by Emily's brother, who had everyone rolling with laughter.

Their wedding celebration was exquisite--a true homecoming for all involved. Emily joined organizational forces with Kearney's mother and they designed an elaborate feast for the rehearsal dinner. We must say that the toasts were equally well-crafted by all the family members, friends, and siblings involved. The Elms Mansion (where the rehearsal dinner was held) is a luxurious and regal location in New Orleans full of southern charm. A jazz band played both indoors during cocktails and outdoors during dinner.

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The father of the groom welcomes his guests to the rehearsal dinner.

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Comic timing and tender stories are definitely this family's specialty. While they are the first to mention that they all speak their mind, and speak it loudly, we have to be the first to say that we enjoyed their speeches and as always, we are so thankful to be a witness to the love this family shares.

Here are some screen grabs from the wedding video we are working on for them:

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Kearney, the ever-eloquent groom, sent his loving Emily some gifts to open before the wedding. Among a parade of lovely notes and cards, he gave her a necklace he had made from one of his grandmother's rings, saying that although his grandmother had never met Emily, they would have been great friends if she were still alive.