Last Wednesday night was a memory that I will hold close to my heart forever. We watched the videos from our Wedding for the first time. The Wedding came to life again, it was as if I was seeing it with a whole new pair of eyes. All 15 of us in our itty bitty house made for quite a cozy night, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was a celebration, it was a time to slow down and remember that this is what life is about. My Mother in Law suggested I cook every Wednesday night. Ya’ll, if my schedule allowed for it and I knew I wasn’t going to get backed up, I would do it every single week for all of us. I would do and it and love every minute of it. I don’t really know what it means to do anything quick and easy though because I am my mother’s daughter. Flowers, table clothes, tea light candles, were put out that night. What I made? 40 handmade meatballs and Red Gravy from scratch. “If you’re going to make the effort, at least do it right.” These are words I heard often while growing up. I always have backup everything too- because I hate running out of anything. HAHA! It starts to become second nature when I’m at the grocery. Gotta get backup! I enjoy going to the grocery, have fun cooking, and love spending time with my family.
In 2012, a few things will be changing with my schedule and bookings so I look forward to slowing down a bit. Until then, 2011 is my year, our year! I am working my booty off and going to challenge and push myself more and more each day. I swear there are some weeks I wonder how I got through it. I am excited about this year, I look at my calendar over the next few months and it’s almost completely booked. Between the weddings, E-sessions, Bridals and the Grow With Me kids- yall keep me busy ;) Thank you x 100!
Work was put on hold last Wednesday. It was fine. Life goes on. I cooked. Cleaned house. Laughed and cried watching our video. Enjoyed every minute of my family being over. Prayed that I’ll have many more days like that night.
So guys, I guess it’s time to share my wedding, a view into my world for a minute. Me on the other side.
I owe a million thank you’s to everyone involved!!
Preparation: My parents house & Randy’s parents house
Ceremony: Our Lady of the Rosary Church on Esplanade Ave.
Reception: Pavilion of the Two Sisters – New Orleans City Park
Photographers: Studio Tran – Beebe Tran, Corine Tran, Leslie Pendleton, Eric Bordelon, & Jason Cohen
Videographers: Blink Video – Melanie Talley & Wendy Saucier
Florist: Erin Steen
Makeup: Suzette Stuprich with UpSa Daisy Salon
Hair: Shannon Diaz with UpSa Daisy Salon
Church Vocals: Aria Mason
Church Organist: Tommy Zanca
Church Trumpeter: Gary Hotard
Reception Band: The BoogieMen
Reception Coordinator: April Laughlin
Girls & Girls Chuck Taylors: Famous Footwear
Girls Button Down Shirts: Men’s section @ TJ Maxx & Marhshalls
Girls Monogram Totes: The Knot
My Dress: Romona Keveza – Town & Country
My Shoes: Badgley Mischka – “Randall Pump”
My Custom made Hair Flower: Etsy – Byrdferth
My Veil: Same one my Mom wore when she married my Dad 34 years ago :)
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jcrew
Wedding Cake: Haydels
Grooms Cake: Holly Bratton with Couture Cakes
Reception Photobooth: Squareface Photobooths
Candy Buffet Jars: Walmart & Michael’s Crafts
Chinese Takeout Boxes: Uline
Sticker’s on Boxes: Zazzle
2nd Line Handkerchiefs: Augie Leopold Advertising
Koozies: Inman Promotional Team
Vintage Signs: Etsy – The Back Porch Shoppe
Old Time Camera’s for Guest Sign In: Ebay
2nd Line Umbrella’s: Luna Bazaar
Guy’s Tuxs : John’s Tuxedo
Guy’s Avitor Sunglasses: Amazon
Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Ramsey’s
Randy’s Bass Guitar Wedding Gift: Marcus Miller Fender Jazz Bass – Musician’s Friend
Here are my pieces of advice for all my future couples: I totally hammed it up. I will be the first to admit. When I saw the camera in my face, I smiled, danced or grabbed whoever was next to me to take a picture. I know what it’s like to be the one taking the pictures and I love seeing my couples interact with each other. When they hold hands, kiss or just a simple smile. I was somewhat nervous in the beginning, which is seen on my face a bit during prep. During the ceremony Randy broke the golden rule and chomped gum the whole time, I twirled my hair way too much on the alter. During the Reception, I laughed, cried and danced my rear end off. I look at the pictures and I’m thankful I did bootcamp for 6 months before the wedding came. It really did relieve so much stress all while getting in shape! I wasn’t a twig for the Wedding, I’ll never be a twig. I’m a healthy girl. I’ve gained some lbs since then and I really don’t care ;) Well yes, actually I do. But I’m working on that! I’m happy, we like to cook and enjoy ourselves. It’s what you do when you’re from NOLA. However, I do still exercise and still go to bootcamp. My last words to say are just to soak it all in. I reminded myself a couple of times on the Wedding Day to just chill out, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. I will remember this day for the rest of my life, I am so happy I have these memories, both my photographs and videos. I can’t stress how important this is. Weddings are expensive, don’t skimp on two very important things. It’s what helps preserve that special day. Make the best of it ;) One last thing- no two weddings are ever the same, it’s all about what you make of them! Every couple has their own vision and their own plans of how they want the day to unfold. The cameras help to preserve that special day. Make the best of it ;) HAM IT UP, you’ll be glad you did!! haha.
Love you guys, hope you enjoy! I had ALOT TO SAY and lot’s of Vendors to thank!! Now you can see what this post took me so long to get up!
My Video Montages – THANK YOU Melanie & Wendy!
Click the links below to view all 4 of our Montages.
My Wedding Photos – THANK YOU Beebe, Corine, Leslie, Eric and Jason – the 5 of you worked your MAGIC!!! Here are just some of my favs, around 150 – I didn’t want to put too many up and jam up the blog.
