I met Gina and Luke when they were getting ready at The Ace Hotel in New Orleans. The bridesmaids were celebrating with champagne in their matching silk robes, which was a perfect way to start the day. Gina’s dress was a showstopper named Florence, the name of her Nana who had passed the year before, and she felt that was a sign — so her Nana could be with her every second of the wedding day. Once Gina and Luke were ready, we shot their first look and portraits on the balcony of their suite before heading down with the bridal party to walk to the ceremony venue, Il Mercato. The bridesmaids and grooms were up for anything, so we took a few hilarious photos of the groups together.
Il Mercato was decorated like a dream, with flowers and candles everywhere. While the wedding was big — over 200 people — the vibe was welcoming and warm. After the ceremony, Gina and Luke led their guests in a second line around the neighborhood before coming back to a totally transformed space for the reception. The entire rest of the evening was spent on the dance floor — the newlyweds even crowd surfed!
Venue: il Mercato
Planner: Elyse Jennings Weddings
Officiant: Nick Robinson
Bridal Gown: Leah Da Gloria, from Bridal Reflections 5th Avenue
Veil: Galia Lahav
Jewelry: Bijou of Katonah
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Hair: Annie Rush of Marie Robinson Salon
Brides Makeup: Brittney Evans
Bridesmaids’ Makeup: Katie Malone Makeup
Bridesmaids’ Jumpsuits: Lauren by Ralph Lauren
Maid of Honor’s Dress: Jay Godfrey
Groom’s Attire: Trunk Club
Groomsmen’s Attire: Hermès
Engagement Ring: Samantha Doppelt of SLD Jewels
Wedding Bands: Samantha Doppelt of SLD Jewels
Floral Design: Bella Blooms Floral
Invitations: Fine Lines of Katonah
Ceremony Program and Handkerchiefs: The Polka Dotted Bee
Napkins and To-Go Cups: For Your Party
Ceremony Music: New Orleans Classical and Jazz
Second Line: Kinfolk Brass Band
Parade Permits and Police Escort Coordination: Frenchmen Street Productions
Reception Music: I Love This Band
Catering: Joel Catering
Cake: Chasing Wang Baking Studio
Bar Fronts and Lounge Rentals: Distressed Rentals & Revival
Wood Tables and String Lighting: Luminous Events
Essentials Rentals: Perrier Party Rentals
Transportation: Big Easy Limos, Hotard Coaches
Accommodations: Ace Hotel – New Orleans
Videography: Studio Vieux Carre
