{New Orleans} Wedding with Charcoal Gray and Merlot Color Scheme: Allyson + Justin

In a classic case of “Mother knows best”, Allyson and Justin were introduced by Allyson’s mother at a military retirement ceremony. They hit it off and kept in touch after meeting.  As Allyson states, “they’ve been chasing each other ever since.” It doesn’t hurt that they look delightful together. Their wedding was photographed by Erik Umphery Photography. If you’re like me, you love red roses and you’ll love the romantic ways they turned up here! Also, make sure to read the wedding details: you’ll be instantly transported to an old world full of charm and fantasy.  You can also see more from this wedding over at Ebony.com.

Bride:  Allyson Rainey
Groom:  Justin Green
Wedding Date:  10.09.2011
Location: Jax Brewery, New Orleans, LA

The Proposal ….. “He proposed during a spring afternoon walk around a lake. He bent down to tie his shoe and, as he reached down, he looked up, grabbed my hand and began telling me how he wanted to “share the world with me”.”

Wedding Details ….. “The  wedding was at Jax Brewery in New Orleans, LA.  The event was held on a rooftop overlooking the French Quarter on one side and the Mississippi River on the other side.  With an Old Hollywood theme mixed with a taste of New Orleans, the event was as authentic as any NOLA Gala of 1920.  Music was played by a string quartet as the sun set behind the bride and groom.  Day turned to night as poems were read, over themes (songs) of famous love stories depicted in Hollywood.  The bride and groom were accompanied by 10 bridesmaids, 10 groomsmen, 2 flower girls and 2 ring bearers.  The colors were Charcoal Grey/Deep Merlot Red and the accent color of wine sparkled through the flower arrangements.  As the sun began to set, Black Magic Roses provided natural coloring to the rooftop as the sky turned from blue to orange and resting at dark night. The fairy tale story of a Creole Princess and Black Knight were told by the children in the family and the parents of the couple entered with formal attire styled in the early century.  Traditional moments of the sand ceremony and jumping of the broom (handmade from the family’s land) were symbolic of the union confirmation.”

Incorporating Culture ….. “The wedding party wore Mardi Gras masquerade masks as they were introduced to the reception during the playing of “Treme”.  The food was served in a traditional NOLA cocktail style with stations galore all around.  Cuisines from all over Louisana  were showcased and guests second-lined to brass band music while shimmering with umbrellas and handkerchiefs.  Photos were taken on the river, in the French Quarter and on the rooftop of Jax Brewery overlooking the city.  Guest seating was based upon street signs as tabletops reflecting the old candle light lamp posts from the early century.  Some guests used the famous Street Car Rail System for  travel to and from the celebration continuing the traditions of the ceremony.  After the formal reception, the wedding party and guests enjoyed the remainder of the evening in the French Quarter, learning and revealing the city’s secrets.”

Unforgettable Moments ….. “The authenticity of every moment was as NOLA as can be. A great moment was the smashing of the cake (from the oldest bakery in the city)  into the groom’s face, but walking down the aisle and hearing the flashes of cameras, whispers of compliments and the look on my father’s face when he gave me away trumped that.”

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{You Make Loving You So Easy}

He loves that ….. “my fiesty demeanor keeps him on his toes.”

She loves ….. “his ability to calm and relax me and the perfect balance we create.”

Vendors

Wedding Dress: Southern Bridal
Photographer: Erik Umphery 
Florist: NOLA Flora
DJ: DJ Diagnosis
Cake: Gambino’s Bakery