Wedding planning in New Orleans requires a unique skillset. Patience. Determination. Inventiveness. The ability to improvise. An in with the city’s most exclusive venues.
At Clandestine Events + Experiences, our job is to have those skills, so that you don’t have to. Because when it all comes together, it makes for a truly magical experience. Jonathan and Abbey wanted that magic, so we dusted off our wedding planning hats and got to work.
We started off with lots of conversations with the soon-to-be bride and groom to get a sense of their hopes, their dreams and their so-crazy-it-just-might-work ideas. Jonathan has a storied history in the New Orleans music scene, so he had a keen eye on the details — the best music, the best food & drink and the best overall experience we could provide to guests who were visiting New Orleans for the first time. Once we knew what we needed to do, we started dreaming up a gorgeous New Orleans wedding where we made the Southern Gothic glamorous.
After over a year of planning, it was finally show time. The entire evening took place at one of the most popular venues in the country, Race + Religious, a classic 19th-century New Orleans cottage equipped with a lush courtyard and a swimming pool lit by luminescent gas lamps. Even though it was an uncharacteristically chilly night in NOLA, our guests — most of which hailed from New York and the Midwest — enjoyed the crisp moonlight air waiting for the bride and the groom.
Once the ceremony started, our guests were equally enchanted by Abbey’s stunning dress and Jonathan’s wide-eyed gazes at her that night. Conducted by Alice Solloway, the ceremony was something out of a movie. The romance was palpable even after the ceremony ended, when the attendees made their way to a second line led by the legendary Storyville Stompers.
Even though our out-of-town guests were unfamiliar with the New Orleans tradition, they had no hesitation letting loose as they made their way down Tchoupitoulas. With umbrellas in tow, the newlyweds led their guests back to Race + Religious for an exuberant reception. A celebration of love, companionship and connection, the party featured an elevated Louisiana feast from Palate, performances by New Orleans legends such as Jon Gros (one of Jonathan’s closest friends), magnificent lighting by Luminous Events and stunning floral arrangements from Kim Starr Wise, who — like her name suggests — truly works wonders with her superstar flower power. The guests ate, drank and danced all night, honoring a historic moment for Jonathan, Abbey and their friends + family.
Effortlessly captured by top New Orleans photographer Elizabeth Ray, Jonathan and Abbey’s wedding was one we were proud to be a part of.
As top New Orleans event planners, we possess all the skills needed for a great party like this one — one with heart, style and soul. If you’re looking to plan a wedding that goes above and beyond everyone’s expectations, give us a call today.