Luxe New Orleans Wedding

Philip and Randy’s love story began in 2015 when a dating app led them to a first date getting hamburgers. Randy proposed to Phil on Martha’s Vineyard while the couple and their families biked around the island. When everyone arrived at the beach, Randy asked Phil’s father to take the couple’s photo as Randy got down on one knee. Phil said yes and everyone celebrated with a scallop and wine dinner.

Seafood was also on the menu when Randy and Philip tied the knot in 2019. The couple chose to celebrate their wedding at The Parlor at the Ponchartrain in New Orleans with a dinner at Jack Rose, the in-hotel restaurant. No theme was assigned to the wedding but, instead, inspiration was drawn from the Ponchartrain’s retro-chic style and a focus was put on embracing the feel of the venue, supporting local makers and encouraging guests to dress to express themselves.

Randy and Philip prepped for the day separately, each surrounded by close loved ones. Once they were ready for the day the pair reunited for a sweet first look moment. Philip wore a purple window pane jacket with purple velvet lining and a dark purple tie. Randy dressed in a blue window pane jacket with blue velvet lining and a dark blue velvet tie, both wearing comfortable black velvet slippers perfect for hitting the dance floor.

The blue and purple color palette sparked inspiration for the floral design, created with creams, tans and touches of lavender thanks to the help of Sara, the owner of Antigua Florals. Keira garden roses, Quicksand roses, white Lilac, white Scabiosa, white Snapdragons, lavender Lisanthus, blue thistle and seeded eucalyptus contributed to the floral arrangements. Aside from the flowers, the couple’s reception décor was minimal with the exception of a driftwood arch that was built by Randy’s best man and decorated by Antigua. Staying on budget was a challenge for Philip and Randy, but they worked closely with their vendors to make it happen thanks to the help of their wedding planner, Valerie.

With 120 guests in attendance, Philip and Randy walked down the aisle, each with both of their parents. The ceremony was filled with tears thanks to the heartfelt officiating from the couple’s friend, Jeff, the personally written vows from the couple and speeches from four close loved ones who gave marriage advice and shared stories.

After exchanging rings, Phil and Randy stepped on blown rainbow glass and exited The Parlor with the help of a New Orleans Brass Band who lead the Second Line parade as guests rejoiced in the streets with champagne and rainbow umbrellas. Embracing New Orleans tradition, everyone was given Second Line towels to waive that matched the blue color palette and had the newlyweds’ last names designed into a logo printed on the towel.

Family dinner was a special tradition for the newlyweds which they honored after the ceremony with a sit-down meal for guests serving a fritto misty appetizer, freshly tossed kale Caesar salad and an entrée of Shrimp Muddy Waters (shrimp with squid ink pasta) selected with the assistance of QED Hospitality.

Entering the reception after dinner was Randy and Phil’s most memorable moment of the day, walking in to see their friends and family already up on their feet and having the time of their lives in true New Orleans fashion thanks to the high energy B Street Benny. More guests joined the party after dinner and a build-your-own macaroni and cheese bar was a huge hit with the 200 now in attendance.

For dessert, the couple enlisted the expertise of local pastry chef Jeremy Fogg who was tasked with creating an “unexpected wedding cake.” His creation was a decadent chocolate cake with layers of blood orange curd and burnt caramel along with strawberry macaroons and fresh strawberry sorbet on the side.