May 10, 2016
Danni lived in Texas all of her life and she never dreamed that she would tie the knot in the French Quarter. After graduation from Texas A&M University with a degree in elementary education, she moved to Fredericksburg, Texas, to teach math and science to fourth graders. She did not know anyone in the small town until she met Brandon, a dashingly handsome neighbor from Illinois. They fell head-over-heels madly in love and the rest is history! She had the world in her hand… or, as we say in New Orleans, the world was her oyster! Brandon’s family owned a home in the French Quarter where he had spent many wonderful vacations during his childhood, so they decided to take their first vacation there. Danni was charmed with the architecture, food, music, history and culture that they shared there. It was no surprise that when he proposed to her on bended knee, they would soon plan a romantic French Quarter wedding. Danni wasted no time in planning her fairy tale wedding; they were engaged on March 31st and were meeting with potential venues by May. After looking at many lovely venues, the young couple fell in love with the ambience and charm of Maison Dupuy’s elegant 2,000-square-foot courtyard, beautiful fountain, and French doors— the perfect backdrop for their wedding and reception. Located only two blocks from the heart of Bourbon Street, this unique hotel offers guests a distinct mixture of history and luxury unlike any other. As soon as Danni met with Maison Dupuy’s wedding coordinator, Kimberly Ellison, she knew she had found the perfect place to have their wedding. Kimberly was personable, offered great all-inclusive rates, and even suggested photographers and florists. She made sure they had everything they needed to streamline the planning process.
“The second line was non-negotiable for my husband,” Danni related, “This was the one thing I left my husband completely in charge of; he was very into it! He hired Kinfolk Brass Band and even practiced his dance moves in the weeks leading up to the wedding! We had an absolute blast! It is such a special New Orleans tradition that we could not pass up. It truly made our wedding very special for our out of town guests. They still talk about it today!”
Poppy and Mint provided the simple yet elegant floral arrangements. They even offered free delivery and pickup of the flowers if they were willing to donate them to a local nursing home or hospital! Danni and Brandon loved that idea and were very pleased with the beautiful arrangements and courteous service. (504) 509-1060.
On November 21st, the eagerly anticipated day of the wedding, Danni awoke to perfect weather for their intimate wedding. After the romantic exchange of vows and a three-hour reception, the new bride and groom along with their eighty guests spilled over onto Bourbon Street. Danni and Brandon’s wedding and reception were straight out of a storybook: stress-free, joyful, and beautiful! The guests all seemed to enjoy a wonderful time dancing and socializing as they savored the delicious food and drinks. Many claim it was the most memorable and exquisite wedding they had ever attended. The happy couple savors fond memories as they excitedly plan their honeymoon to Ireland in July.
There are many options for wedding services in New Orleans. Wedding venues include these notably romantic French Quarter options…
French for “market,” Marché is one of the most romantic and scenic settings for weddings and rehearsal dinners. It features a long bank of windows facing the French Quarter that gives the wedding celebrants a sweeping view from the rooftops to the river. It is no wonder that more wedding proposals have been made there than at any other French Quarter restaurant. Presently, Marché is a dedicated venue for weddings and other banquet events boasting 7,000 square feet of riverfront property. 912 N. Peters Street, (504) 586-1155.
The French Market Corporation offers many wedding and reception possibilities, from well-known iconic areas to more private, intimate settings for ten to 300 guests. These include Washington Artillery Park, offering a panoramic view of St. Louis Cathedral on one side and the Mississippi River on the other side, and Jackson Square Amphitheatre, located directly across from Jackson Square. Dutch Alley’s intimate picturesque setting is tucked away from public view in the French Market District. The slate tile, string lights, and covered pavilion make it a perfect spot to host a small-to-medium-sized wedding. The large, open-air Flea Market Pavilion is ideal for hosting large-scale events, offering indoor/outdoor space for your guests. Set against a historic French Quarter backdrop, directly adjacent to the Old U.S. Mint, the Flea Market Pavilion comfortably holds 300 -500 people. Crescent City Park includes the Mandeville Shed, a former industrial wharf space that has been converted into an open-air event space. At the edge of the Mandeville Shed is the Mandeville Ellipse, a raised grass lawn. This space is perfect for a large wedding overlooking the river with a convenient location adjacent to the French Quarter. Piety Wharf is a former industrial wharf space that has been repaired to provide sweeping views of the Mississippi River and New Orleans skyline. This hip venue has a great industrial vibe that provides the perfect backdrop for any mid-sized event! The Piety Gardens follow the lines of former train tracks to the wharves. These beautiful gardens with the Piety Street footbridge are the perfect space for a pop-up wedding. Jeremy Smith, (504) 522-2621, Ext. 210.
Many brides wonder, “What could be more romantic than expressing your love aboard the Steamboat Natchez as the sun sets on the Mighty Mississippi?” This last authentic paddle wheeler is an icon of New Orleans and offers catering and entertainment options for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, weddings, and receptions. Captains can perform the ceremony or you may invite your own celebrant. Food is created fresh on board, and full packages include cakes, flowers, live jazz, and more. Breathtaking views of the beautiful city skyline, spectacular photo opportunities while floating down the Mississippi River, and calliope melodies make for a memorable event. (504) 569-1431.
Lafitte Guest House is the quintessential French Quarter venue and the perfect place to tie the knot. Constructed in 1849, this French Quarter mansion located at 1003 Bourbon Street offers fourteen expertly appointed guestrooms, an intimate courtyard, and stunning fine art gallery. With an enchanting location, Vieux Carre’ charm and a staff dedicated to perfect event planning and unforgettable memories, Lafitte Guest House specializes in intimate wedding ceremonies and vow renewals for two to 75 guests. For second-line parades down Bourbon Street from a candlelit patio, Lafitte Guest House is your home in New Orleans. Step outside your door, down the front stairway, and onto Bourbon Street. (504) 581-2678.
Broussard’s, one of New Orleans dining’s Grande Dames, is the perfect place for a rehearsal dinner, welcoming cocktail party, bridal luncheon, or wedding. The scenic and historic setting reflects our city’s rich culinary tradition. The century old wisteria beside the fountain in their lovely French Quarter courtyard provides the ambience that guarantees the betrothed and their wedding party a memorable event. The staff at Broussard’s is very accommodating and their French and Creole inspired menu is extremely enticing. A fixture for fine dining since 1920, Broussard’s is located at 819 Conti Street, (504) 581-3866. For rehearsal dinners, Bridal luncheons, welcoming cocktail parties, and receptions, there are myriad choices! Bride’s favorites include…
Salon Restaurant, the French Quarter restaurant of chef and co-owners Tariq Hanna and Joel Dondis, everything is served with an air of sophistication and elegance that is locally sourced but internationally inspired, drawing from Hanna's global experiences and influences. Salon is the culmination of Sucré’s beautiful approach to haute cuisine and its passion for exceptional service and presentation, blending the time-honored formality of New Orleans service with exquisite cuisine in a casual French mid-century modern dining room. Salon offers guests menus of savory and sweet, an expertly curated wine list, and cocktail concoctions that are both quirky and whimsical. Afternoons offer modern high tea service, brunch and light lunch menus with refreshing tea cocktails, and house-made sodas—a perfect option for a bridal luncheon!
Salon Restaurant even makes gloriously delicious wedding cakes! When it comes to planning your wedding or special event, few decisions are as delightful as choosing your wedding cake. From the traditional to beyond, our expert pastry chefs will design a one-of-a-kind creation as memorable as the day itself. Their Spring Blossom wedding cake has lemon chiffon cake layered with orange blossom cream and fresh southern berries. It has a marbled pastel pink fondant, accented with patina gold trim topped with sugar peonies, hydrangeas, roses and dogwood blossoms! Yes, it tastes as wonderful as it looks! Restaurantsalon.com, 622 Conti Street, (504) 267-7098.
The Bombay Club and Martini Bar is a classy restaurant with romantic private booths, specializing in handcrafted cocktails, specialty martinis, steaks, and seafood. It features the Bombay Club’s British theme with a Cajun attitude. The tasty menu includes crackling-crusted fish and chips, a boudin Scotch Egg, and alligator bangers with grits. The bar boasts an extensive selection of single malt scotches, ports, reserved bourbons, and premium cigars. The Bombay Club hosts jazz combos and cabaret seven nights a week. 830 Conti Street, (504) 577-2237.
Brides and Grooms should consider shopping for that special ring to signify enduring love and commitment and/or wedding and engagement gifts at Maison Royale where exquisite crafted jewelry featuring sparkling hand-selected diamond wedding rings, rare gems, and fanciful gemstones are found. The tremendous display is a treasure trove of precious metals, flawless gems, and eye-popping collections, all of which are hand-selected by Jack Adams, third generation jeweler from a renowned family of jewelers in New York. The elegant upscale selection includes vintage, contemporary, estate, and custom designs. Maison Royale, a New Orleans tradition, has been located at 501 Royal Street since the early 1960s. (504) 524-5045.
The Bride and Groom should look their best when professing their love for one another. Tessa Makeup Artistry will ensure that any bride looks her best by serving her before and during her wedding for a flawless appearance all day long. Tessa is a licensed Esthetician as well as a media & bridal makeup artist who has trained at the renowned Award Studio in Burbank, CA, and also trained and assisted under makeup artist and developer, Ashley Sievert. She treats each face as a unique canvas and her services include traditional makeup application, HD airbrush makeup, lash application, and even grooming for the Groom! (504) 676-8424.
On your special day, there are also many options for transportation depending on how large your wedding party may be and how far you may need to travel. Two fantastic choices include…
Locally owned and operated, Allure Transportation provides reliable, chauffeured transportation and courteous, prompt customer service, making them the ideal source for transportation for a wedding in New Orleans and beyond. Weddings are their specialty and their fleet offers style and elegance. They offer Mercedes Benz Sprinter limousines and coaches, Cadillac XTS sedans, and Lincoln MKT stretch limousines with a “bride’s door” for easy access and beautiful bridal portraits! All have “state of the art” amenities, including high-end stereo sound systems, lighting packages, smart televisions, Wi-Fi, and cell phone charging stations for your special needs. Their professional staff will cater to your needs to assure your wedding transportation is luxurious, memorable, on time, and in style. alluretlc.com (504) 444-2795.
A magical fairy-tale wedding and reception ends with an elegant mule-drawn, white wedding carriage while their guests toss rose petals. The carriage driver, dressed in a white tuxedo, will take you wherever your hearts desire. Snuggled together and feeling the afterglow of all the joy and love of your wedding celebration, you can enjoy touring the French Quarter sharing a warm embrace. A simply magical end to an enchanted evening can be sealed with a kiss. Royal Carriages can provide your first ride on your life journey. (504) 943-8820.
Consider these lovely options and more to make your special day as unique as the love it celebrates with a French Quarter wedding rich in history, tradition, charm, and elegance. Romance, after all, has always found its home in the French Quarter and is one of the many reasons that New Orleans remains a top wedding destination.
“The second line was non-negotiable for my husband,” Danni related, “This was the one thing I left my husband completely in charge of; he was very into it! He hired Kinfolk Brass Band and even practiced his dance moves in the weeks leading up to the wedding! We had an absolute blast! It is such a special New Orleans tradition that we could not pass up. It truly made our wedding very special for our out of town guests. They still talk about it today!”
Poppy and Mint provided the simple yet elegant floral arrangements. They even offered free delivery and pickup of the flowers if they were willing to donate them to a local nursing home or hospital! Danni and Brandon loved that idea and were very pleased with the beautiful arrangements and courteous service. (504) 509-1060.
On November 21st, the eagerly anticipated day of the wedding, Danni awoke to perfect weather for their intimate wedding. After the romantic exchange of vows and a three-hour reception, the new bride and groom along with their eighty guests spilled over onto Bourbon Street. Danni and Brandon’s wedding and reception were straight out of a storybook: stress-free, joyful, and beautiful! The guests all seemed to enjoy a wonderful time dancing and socializing as they savored the delicious food and drinks. Many claim it was the most memorable and exquisite wedding they had ever attended. The happy couple savors fond memories as they excitedly plan their honeymoon to Ireland in July.
There are many options for wedding services in New Orleans. Wedding venues include these notably romantic French Quarter options…
French for “market,” Marché is one of the most romantic and scenic settings for weddings and rehearsal dinners. It features a long bank of windows facing the French Quarter that gives the wedding celebrants a sweeping view from the rooftops to the river. It is no wonder that more wedding proposals have been made there than at any other French Quarter restaurant. Presently, Marché is a dedicated venue for weddings and other banquet events boasting 7,000 square feet of riverfront property. 912 N. Peters Street, (504) 586-1155.
The French Market Corporation offers many wedding and reception possibilities, from well-known iconic areas to more private, intimate settings for ten to 300 guests. These include Washington Artillery Park, offering a panoramic view of St. Louis Cathedral on one side and the Mississippi River on the other side, and Jackson Square Amphitheatre, located directly across from Jackson Square. Dutch Alley’s intimate picturesque setting is tucked away from public view in the French Market District. The slate tile, string lights, and covered pavilion make it a perfect spot to host a small-to-medium-sized wedding. The large, open-air Flea Market Pavilion is ideal for hosting large-scale events, offering indoor/outdoor space for your guests. Set against a historic French Quarter backdrop, directly adjacent to the Old U.S. Mint, the Flea Market Pavilion comfortably holds 300 -500 people. Crescent City Park includes the Mandeville Shed, a former industrial wharf space that has been converted into an open-air event space. At the edge of the Mandeville Shed is the Mandeville Ellipse, a raised grass lawn. This space is perfect for a large wedding overlooking the river with a convenient location adjacent to the French Quarter. Piety Wharf is a former industrial wharf space that has been repaired to provide sweeping views of the Mississippi River and New Orleans skyline. This hip venue has a great industrial vibe that provides the perfect backdrop for any mid-sized event! The Piety Gardens follow the lines of former train tracks to the wharves. These beautiful gardens with the Piety Street footbridge are the perfect space for a pop-up wedding. Jeremy Smith, (504) 522-2621, Ext. 210.
Many brides wonder, “What could be more romantic than expressing your love aboard the Steamboat Natchez as the sun sets on the Mighty Mississippi?” This last authentic paddle wheeler is an icon of New Orleans and offers catering and entertainment options for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, weddings, and receptions. Captains can perform the ceremony or you may invite your own celebrant. Food is created fresh on board, and full packages include cakes, flowers, live jazz, and more. Breathtaking views of the beautiful city skyline, spectacular photo opportunities while floating down the Mississippi River, and calliope melodies make for a memorable event. (504) 569-1431.
Lafitte Guest House is the quintessential French Quarter venue and the perfect place to tie the knot. Constructed in 1849, this French Quarter mansion located at 1003 Bourbon Street offers fourteen expertly appointed guestrooms, an intimate courtyard, and stunning fine art gallery. With an enchanting location, Vieux Carre’ charm and a staff dedicated to perfect event planning and unforgettable memories, Lafitte Guest House specializes in intimate wedding ceremonies and vow renewals for two to 75 guests. For second-line parades down Bourbon Street from a candlelit patio, Lafitte Guest House is your home in New Orleans. Step outside your door, down the front stairway, and onto Bourbon Street. (504) 581-2678.
Broussard’s, one of New Orleans dining’s Grande Dames, is the perfect place for a rehearsal dinner, welcoming cocktail party, bridal luncheon, or wedding. The scenic and historic setting reflects our city’s rich culinary tradition. The century old wisteria beside the fountain in their lovely French Quarter courtyard provides the ambience that guarantees the betrothed and their wedding party a memorable event. The staff at Broussard’s is very accommodating and their French and Creole inspired menu is extremely enticing. A fixture for fine dining since 1920, Broussard’s is located at 819 Conti Street, (504) 581-3866. For rehearsal dinners, Bridal luncheons, welcoming cocktail parties, and receptions, there are myriad choices! Bride’s favorites include…
Salon Restaurant, the French Quarter restaurant of chef and co-owners Tariq Hanna and Joel Dondis, everything is served with an air of sophistication and elegance that is locally sourced but internationally inspired, drawing from Hanna's global experiences and influences. Salon is the culmination of Sucré’s beautiful approach to haute cuisine and its passion for exceptional service and presentation, blending the time-honored formality of New Orleans service with exquisite cuisine in a casual French mid-century modern dining room. Salon offers guests menus of savory and sweet, an expertly curated wine list, and cocktail concoctions that are both quirky and whimsical. Afternoons offer modern high tea service, brunch and light lunch menus with refreshing tea cocktails, and house-made sodas—a perfect option for a bridal luncheon!
Salon Restaurant even makes gloriously delicious wedding cakes! When it comes to planning your wedding or special event, few decisions are as delightful as choosing your wedding cake. From the traditional to beyond, our expert pastry chefs will design a one-of-a-kind creation as memorable as the day itself. Their Spring Blossom wedding cake has lemon chiffon cake layered with orange blossom cream and fresh southern berries. It has a marbled pastel pink fondant, accented with patina gold trim topped with sugar peonies, hydrangeas, roses and dogwood blossoms! Yes, it tastes as wonderful as it looks! Restaurantsalon.com, 622 Conti Street, (504) 267-7098.
The Bombay Club and Martini Bar is a classy restaurant with romantic private booths, specializing in handcrafted cocktails, specialty martinis, steaks, and seafood. It features the Bombay Club’s British theme with a Cajun attitude. The tasty menu includes crackling-crusted fish and chips, a boudin Scotch Egg, and alligator bangers with grits. The bar boasts an extensive selection of single malt scotches, ports, reserved bourbons, and premium cigars. The Bombay Club hosts jazz combos and cabaret seven nights a week. 830 Conti Street, (504) 577-2237.
Brides and Grooms should consider shopping for that special ring to signify enduring love and commitment and/or wedding and engagement gifts at Maison Royale where exquisite crafted jewelry featuring sparkling hand-selected diamond wedding rings, rare gems, and fanciful gemstones are found. The tremendous display is a treasure trove of precious metals, flawless gems, and eye-popping collections, all of which are hand-selected by Jack Adams, third generation jeweler from a renowned family of jewelers in New York. The elegant upscale selection includes vintage, contemporary, estate, and custom designs. Maison Royale, a New Orleans tradition, has been located at 501 Royal Street since the early 1960s. (504) 524-5045.
The Bride and Groom should look their best when professing their love for one another. Tessa Makeup Artistry will ensure that any bride looks her best by serving her before and during her wedding for a flawless appearance all day long. Tessa is a licensed Esthetician as well as a media & bridal makeup artist who has trained at the renowned Award Studio in Burbank, CA, and also trained and assisted under makeup artist and developer, Ashley Sievert. She treats each face as a unique canvas and her services include traditional makeup application, HD airbrush makeup, lash application, and even grooming for the Groom! (504) 676-8424.
On your special day, there are also many options for transportation depending on how large your wedding party may be and how far you may need to travel. Two fantastic choices include…
Locally owned and operated, Allure Transportation provides reliable, chauffeured transportation and courteous, prompt customer service, making them the ideal source for transportation for a wedding in New Orleans and beyond. Weddings are their specialty and their fleet offers style and elegance. They offer Mercedes Benz Sprinter limousines and coaches, Cadillac XTS sedans, and Lincoln MKT stretch limousines with a “bride’s door” for easy access and beautiful bridal portraits! All have “state of the art” amenities, including high-end stereo sound systems, lighting packages, smart televisions, Wi-Fi, and cell phone charging stations for your special needs. Their professional staff will cater to your needs to assure your wedding transportation is luxurious, memorable, on time, and in style. alluretlc.com (504) 444-2795.
A magical fairy-tale wedding and reception ends with an elegant mule-drawn, white wedding carriage while their guests toss rose petals. The carriage driver, dressed in a white tuxedo, will take you wherever your hearts desire. Snuggled together and feeling the afterglow of all the joy and love of your wedding celebration, you can enjoy touring the French Quarter sharing a warm embrace. A simply magical end to an enchanted evening can be sealed with a kiss. Royal Carriages can provide your first ride on your life journey. (504) 943-8820.
Consider these lovely options and more to make your special day as unique as the love it celebrates with a French Quarter wedding rich in history, tradition, charm, and elegance. Romance, after all, has always found its home in the French Quarter and is one of the many reasons that New Orleans remains a top wedding destination.
