A Lively New Orleans Destination Wedding: Darius + Jessica
/Darius and I were both living in Los Angeles, and my good friend was dating a co-worker of his. We ended up at the same place and the same time, and hung out as a group, but then split off on our own at the end of the evening so that we could continue talking long after everyone else had called it a night. Fast forward two weeks, and we were on a plane and jetting to the Bahamas together! To be truly honest, I was more excited about going on vacation with my girlfriend (it was a group trip and we were all staying in a beautiful home) than anything – but as fate would have it, Darius and I immediately became inseparable and had the absolute best time together.
Not too long after we started dating, I went outside to see that my car had been hit in the middle of the night. I was working on a film set that morning, and couldn't be late for work to deal with it. I called Darius crying, and without skipping a beat, he asked me for the set address and told me that he would meet me there. He showed up, picked up my keys, and I came home to find out that he had handled absolutely everything for me that day. New tires, insurance called...everything. I knew right then that he was a keeper!
We love, love, love to travel and knew we wanted our wedding festivities spread out over an entire weekend so that we could really enjoy all of our family and friends. My dad lived and taught in New Orleans for years, and I still remember how magical it felt to me when he brought me there as a child. We had guests coming from all over the country, many of which had never been to New Orleans before. Overflowing with history, music and soul (and the BEST food ever!), we couldn't imagine a better place to eat, drink, laugh, and create the most amazing memories with all of the people we love.
Little pieces about our wedding:
We built our wedding arch ourselves out of copper pipes, and plan on incorporating them into our home.
The secondline parade was a surprise for guests, and they can't stop talking about it!
My dad's childhood friend gifted us beautiful handkerchiefs silkscreened with a thank you letter to our guests, and embroidered with our logo. They were perfect for expressing to our guests what they mean to us, and for waving in celebration during the parade!
My something old was my grandmother's wedding band, which I wore at the alter.
We made little changes to the menu to fit us better: we swapped out bread and rolls for mini cornbread and biscuits, and french fries with house made cheese sauce. They were served from a trolley outside the venue.
Guests got to experience a true taste of NOLA festivities as parade floats rolled by during the reception.
My dad was fighting brain cancer (he has since passed away) and having him walk me down the aisle was my most emotional and proud moment of the day.
Words by Jessica, the bride, as told by Amber Marlow. Photos by Kamila Harris.
VENDORS
Photography | Kamila Harris Photography
Videographer | Russo Films | @russofilmsnola
Wedding coordinator | Southern Belle Events | @southernbelleevents
Venue | Tomas Bistro
Bride’s hair | Clariss Rubenstein | @clarissanya
Bride’s makeup | Jessica
Bridesmaids’ hair | Ashley Robino | @ay_robino
Bridesmaids’ makeup | Danielle Daray | @danielledaraymakeup
Florals | Poppy & Mint | @poppyandmint
Catering | District Donuts | @districtdonuts + @streatcar
DJ | DJ Jaytek | @therealjaytek
Second Line | Kinfolk | @kinkfolkbrassband2019
Dress | Hayley Paige, purchased at JLM Couture Flagship Boutique in West Hollywood
Shoes | Jimmy Choo
Invitation suite design | Curate Denver
Printing | THkit
Jewelry | Natori (Nordstrom)
Kamila is a New York based feminist, progressive, and inclusive wedding and elopement photographer. She still gets nervous butterflies before each wedding, teary-eyed at every ceremony, and dances with her camera at every reception. She has a calm energy, and her photography style is honest and natural, capturing the real moments, and creating some really stunning portraits too.
