Rachel + Chris

Wedding planner: La Mintz | Bride + Groom prep: private home | Ceremony: St. Mary’s Assumption | Reception: Destrehan Plantation Mule Barn | Hair + Makeup: Flawless Bride | Florist: Poppy & Mint | Cake: Haydel’s Bakery | Caterer: Capdeboscq | Oyster station: Drago’s | Decor: Luminous Events | Linens: Yur Event | Live Painting: Color Me Nola | Band: Louisiana Spice | Transportation: Big Easy Limos | Video: Your Day Production | Second shooter: Ryan Swanson

Chris and I actually went to the same elementary school and had many of the same friends throughout high school but it wasn’t until undergrad in college that we met. We both had plans of going to veterinary school and had many of the same classes together. We became good friends and eventually began dating and have now been together almost 7 years.

After Chris graduated veterinary school he moved to Auburn, Al for a rotating internship and it was a weekend he had come down to visit and had planned a dinner with both our families in New Orleans at Clancy’s. Little did I know he had already talked with my dad and planned the entire day. He had planned on stopping by Audubon park on our way to dinner (since we were early) to take pictures. I didn’t understand at the time why he was so insistent on stopping there especially since it had been raining on and off all day. I begrudgingly agreed and while we were getting ready to take pictures he got down on one knee and proposed! We then headed to dinner to celebrate with all our family!

I was hesitate to do a first look since both Chris and I are more traditional, but I am so happy we did! It was definitely one of the most memorable moments of that day. It was so nice to have that moment together to share because the entire day goes by so fast. Plus we were able to get some great photos of just the two of us!

First dance: You are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne

The wedding cake had multiple layers each with its own flavor, and the groom’s cake was a chocolate cake with strawberry filling.