Claire and Andrew share a love of travel, food, and history. New Orleans, one of their favorite cities, became the obvious choice for their destination wedding in February. As Claire put it, “New Orleans is one of the only places where I walk through the city and see cemeteries, skeletons [note: Claire is an archeologist], old decaying brick buildings juxtaposed with bars, shops, people’s homes. They love any excuse to throw a parade or festival and I love that energy. We didn’t want a New Orleans themed wedding, but we did want a wedding that was a party from the moment that people stepped off the plane.”
And that’s what they did. Claire and Andrew planned a weekend full of events, with a welcome party and outing on Bourbon Street two nights before the wedding, a rehearsal dinner at their favorite Israeli restaurant, family brunches, tours and museum visits. Most guests stayed at the Ace Hotel, and it created a lovely easy intimacy among their community, where on any walk through the lobby I’d see their guests coming and going, sharing a drink, or Andrew playing Rummikub with his 86 year old grandmother.
There was the normal flurry of getting ready in the early afternoon of their wedding, and things were running just a little behind schedule. Andrew waited in the courtyard of the hotel, an oasis of red brick, green ferns and peeling paint. Claire walked along the street to meet him for their fist look, passing a sign that read “you really do get what you want,” words that seemed so appropriate on that day. And as soon as they saw each other, the stress melted away into smiles. They then returned to the suite, where Andrew (who is a master gifter) presented Claire with a letter, a sculptural skull with crown, a pair of Lord of the Ring inspired pipes, and a bottle of tequila with shot glasses, which they immediately used for a toast with two of their best friends.
They had friends serve as their officiant and poet laureate of their ceremony, and Claire and Andrew exchanged personal vows. Immediately after, the Kinfolk Brass Band led the party through the streets of New Orleans in a traditional second line parade. They returned to the ballroom of the Ace Hotel for the reception, which had been transformed with lush greenery and flowers, vintage rentals, and long candle-topped tables. Everyone then sat down for a family style meal of southern-meets-Italian fare – a culinary match for Andrew and Claire’s engaged-in-Venice, married-in-New Orleans story. They kicked off dancing with The Monster Mash – one of Claire’s favorite songs that had also made an appearance at their Halloween engagement session.
Andrew and Claire, thank you for letting me be part of your adventures! I had an incredible time with you and your family and friends.
P.S. Make sure you scroll to the end and check out the extended cut of favorites in the slideshow.
Claire and Andrew’s Ace Hotel New Orleans wedding slideshow
Finally, my heartfelt thanks so all the other vendors who made this day so delightful.
Planner: Michelle Norwood Weddings
Venue: Ace Hotel New Orleans
Florist: Antigua Floral
Rentals: Lovegood Wedding and Event Rentals
Second Line: Kinfolk Brass Band
Caterer: Josephine Estelle
Baker: Debbie Does Doberge
Hair & Makeup: Flawless Bridal
If you like what you see, and are interested in having me photograph your Ace Hotel New Orleans wedding, please get in touch.
These images are beyond gorgeous! You’re amazing!