Inspiration

As soon as we saw this fabulous New Orleans wedding by Nancy Ebert Photography, we just knew we had to share it with you. Firstly, how incredibly beautiful and stylish are the bride and groom, Bridgette and Saul? Answer: Very! Absolutely nailing it in a secondhand wedding dress with ruffles and vintage white tuxedo jacket that belonged to the groom's father. Also, their brass band procession escorting them from the ceremony to reception has to be one of the most fun ways to move from venue to venue we have ever seen. Even as a passerby the atmosphere must have been electric. If you're not in the mood for the New Year celebrations tonight, you will be after viewing this!

What Made Our Day Unique

Well firstly we flew from London to New Orleans! Most of our guests had never been there before, but we fell in love with the city when we visited once before. Having a brass band playing us out of our wedding ceremony and onto our wedding ceremony venue, was pretty unique! We found our wedding planner Michelle Norwood, through one of the venues that we were going to book. She came highly recommended. Luckily she was pretty established and knew which suppliers would fit into our budget. We were mostly concerned with beignet cost-efficient but also proving our guests with a typical New Orleans experience. We were particularly adamant about the food being authentic Southern BBQ, which all our guests adored

Bridgette & Saul

Secondhand Wedding Dress

Bridgette had no desire to try on hundreds of wedding dresses, and whilst casually browsing the internet one day, came across a bridal collection by Johanna Ortiz. She knew instantly she had found 'the one.' Undeterred by her findings that the gown she loved was no longer available, she managed to hunt down a secondhand wedding dress on an auction site, with the seller living only 10 minutes away! The gown fit like a glove and looks like it was made for Bridgette. The ruffle skirt and shoulder detail is divine, not to mention the tie-up back.

Inspiration & Styling

The overall vibe of the day was super chill with wild dancing! We wanted guests to feel comfortable, so there was no strict dress code. We kept the fact that there would be a Second-line procession, a secret from our guests. But I did explain that comfortable footwear was a must. I myself changed out of my wedding shoes and into my Vans trainers, as soon as possible, so I could dance for the entire night. One of my favourite parts of the day was the vow exchange, between Saul and I. It really did feel incredibly intimate. Another moment that springs to mind is our amazing after dinner rain dance. All-day we had been treated to beautiful sunshine, and then as soon as the plates and glassware were cleared away, the heavens opened up. Rather than retreating inside, everyone ran out and the brass band kept playing. We all got soaked dancing in the rain, and I’m not sure I’ve ever been happier.

Bridgette & Saul

Advice

Be selfish. Everyone will bask in your love, and you will be satisfied knowing you have satisfied yourselves. It is worth noting, that if you pay for the majority of it yourself, then you really do have the right to throw whatever kind of party you want! That cliché of the day going so fast is TRUE. Carve out moments for just you and your partner. Don’t put pressure on yourself to make it the best day in the universe; cause chances are it will be anyway by virtue of the fact that you are saying ‘I do’ to your person.

Bridgette & Saul

Groomsmen in Tuxedo jackets have been taking over our pages during the festive break. From grey velvet dinner jackets to burgundy red plush numbers, there is a cut and colour to suit all. Search our real wedding archives to see them all and more stylish weddings. You'll also find more real weddings by talented Photographer Nancy, and a Black Brides Matter editorial we think you'll love too.

Find Your Own Second Hand Wedding Dress

Have a browse over at Recycle My Wedding

TAKE ME THERE
Lorna Shaw

Written by Lorna Shaw

Wedding Venues: Preservation Hall | Pharmacy Museum | Food: Little Bushel Catering Co. | Cake: Sprinkle Liberally | Florist: Leaf and Petal | Stationery: Nicholals Stevenson | Entertainment: Hot 8 Brass Band | Planner/ Stylist: Michelle Norwood | Decor & Hire: LoveGood Rentals | Celebrant: Endy Mckay | Second Hand Wedding Dress: Johanna Ortiz | Bridal Boutique: Still White | Bridal Shoes: Joseph Azagury | Vans | Hair & Makeup: Faces of Virtue | Grooms Suit: Saul wore his Dad's old wedding suit

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