Louisiana-New Orleans — The Knot Community

Collin Richie or Matthew Foster

Joeybinabliss — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 03:10:27 +0000

Hi all!

We are trying to choose our photographer and have it narrowed to Matthew Foster or Collin Richie. We LOVE their work and style, so were wondering if anyone might have pictures they'd care to share if you used either, particularly at Latrobe's which is where we are having our wedding. I thought after the venue decisions would come easier...I was wrong. :)

Thanks in advance ladies!

2nd Line Dilemma

coolcatclaire — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 18:08:19 +0000

I'm down to the 3 venue choices but for one of them, NOMA, I'm wondering whether a 2nd line is feasible. Has anyone done this? Where and when would you do it?

chicory brides?

kpelleteri — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:45:01 +0000

hi all! i'm having my wedding reception at the chicory next June. was just wondering if there was anyone out there who had their ceremony/reception there, and if so what your experience was. thanks!

St. Ann Cottage

pickleberry02 — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:04:15 +0000

I am haveing a very small wedding (under 50). Has anyone had their wedding or have been to a wedding at the St. Ann Cottage? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Free limo with tux rental

jap5053 — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:41:41 +0000

Has anyone ever heard of getting a free limo with tux rentals? If so, where and after how many rentals? Thanks!

Florist charge sales tax?

shaylapetties20 — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:20:10 +0000

Hi there! Does your florist charge sales tax on your entire floral order or just on the flowers purchased? My florist is doing a lot of set up work and charged over 10% of taxes. Is the the case with everyone else?

Question vase rental

kiermart — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 01:17:31 +0000

Hi ladies, Do you know any rental places that rent gold vases other than event rental, I checked there and they only had gold glitter not sure how it looks in person yet.

venue

mssantacruze — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 23:54:35 +0000

Hi, I was wondering has anyone had a wedding at The Champagne Palace. i would like to know your experience and the quality of service and food. Any info. would help!!!

WARNING- Maurice's Bakery

mcahil1 — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 02:12:13 +0000

I have to post this because it has been really bothering both my Mom and I. Usually I would not comment on another wedding like this but I can't let another bride go through this.
A couple of weeks ago I went with my finace, Mom and future mother in law to look at reception places. We visited Chateau where was saw a cake that looked fake upon first look. It was a round 3 tier cake that were stacked like steps- all the backs even. When we got closer we noticed the cake was leaning so bad it looked like it wouldn't make it to the reception. Then came the icing job-- it was buttercream only, but it wasnt smooth or even like it should have been and there were OBVIOUS multiple finger prints on the front of the cake. The base of the cake was covered in what appeard to be tin foil, and was left like that. Then comes the decorations. The piped icing that was suppoed to be at the bottom of each tier was very unevenly sized or even in a straight line for that matter. In some areas they didnt have it in the propper spot which showed the gap between the bottom of the cake and the top of the next. I am thinking the bride wanted fondant to look like ribbon on the front of each tier-- it looked like left over piece of fondant thrown on the front of the cake. This is the WORST cake I have ever seen and I feel so bad for the poor bride who had to show up to her reception and see that cake.

We pointed out the look of the cake to the wedding coordinator and she agreed with how awful it looked (it had just arrived so she had not seen it yet). At around 3pm while we were there she called the bakery to inform them of this cake and that she would like someone to come and fix it before the reception at 8. I followed up 3 days later with Chateau only to find out that nobody came to fix it, or even have a manager call her back regarding the cake. Also, I found out that the cake was in fact unfinished-- it was supposed to have a cake topper which was nowhere in site and a little more decoration on the cake itself.

In the 2nd ballroom we looked at there was a Haydel's cake, buttercream only as well, and it was completely flawless and just beautiful. I am appauled by the horrible customer service and the awful cake that Maurice's let go out of his bakery.. It made my decision even easier to go with Haydels.

I hope this helps some of you make a decision regarding a bakery, at least maybe you can take one off of the list!

New Orleans Courtyard Wedding

hanniraynell — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:23:04 +0000

NEED HELP. We are planning a 11-3-2012 courtyard wedding in New Orleans for 50 people. All we want is a ceremony followed by a cocktail recption with appetizers. Our budget is $5,000-$6,000. So far all places are like $10,000-$20,000 with 100 people minimums. Is this not a possible thing to do in New Orleans? It has become so stressful we are on the verge of calling it off! Has anyone been to or had a small wedding in New Orleans?

**blauland

cbroekstra — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:29:58 +0000

replied to your PM!

bezlu

Frances Mangonon — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:11:36 +0000

Would you PM or email me at frances.mangonon@gmail.com? It's regarding wedding planners. Thanks!

any ideas on party busses.

jwhite235 — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 03:32:26 +0000

we will most likely use house of blues and then a chuch not far. we would want guest picked up at parking garage, then to church. pick up at church to house of blues.
thanks.

Second Line Band

kiermart — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 21:53:07 +0000

I'm looking for a good, reasonable second line band...can you ladies help me Also I'm trying to find out how much the rebirth brass band charge and how to get in touch with them... HELP!!!

Bezlu or Kiasoulmate

coolcatclaire — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:15:19 +0000

I sent you both a PM about trying to get in touch with Bezlu.
Thanks!

questionmaybe its just me

kiermart — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 03:28:33 +0000

I have sent two different sellers on recyclebride messages one for over a month and the other for two weeks and they will not respond. I even had Robert from the recyclebride team send a message on my behalf n still no answer. Is it just me or has this happened to someone else. P.s. they haven't been sold they don't have sold on the photos

OOT Bride Trip Planned to New Orleans Need Advice of Vendors!!!

fhplyer01 — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:41:24 +0000

I am leaving for New Orleans on June 28th and will be visiting family for a week! I can't wait but I am planning my wedding in less than a year and need some advice of vendors. We are getting married on a Friday, April 5, 2013 at the New Orleans Cathedral and I my reception site within walking distance. I want the New Orleans feel and not so much corporate resturant feel. There will be approximately 100 guests and half will be from OOT. I am on a pretty tight budget of l$15,000 including the Cathedral. I want to meet with a photographer and the two I have in mind are Lauren Carrol and Ardent Studio. I do want to look into a videographer and 2nd line band. The cake isn't that important to me but I do need one though :) Please let me know of any ideas you have! Thanks so much for your help! Reading all the posts on here have been so helpful!

City Park Brides

GingerCake — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:36:56 +0000

Hi Ladies. Wanting to get some input about what hotels you are choosing for your guests and for you to get ready in that is in close proximity to the park.

Houmas House: May 27th - PIPs

max&lucy — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:33:23 +0000

Hi ladies
I already posted my vendor reviews, but we didn't have the pics back yet, so here are a few:

Newly engaged!

MJ4205 — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 22:18:05 +0000

Hi ladies! I recently got engaged :) Now the planning begins! I have an appointment next Thursday to look at the Federal Ballroom. I want a reception venue that is pretty simple (not a lot of color). I want to make the reception my own with adding my own touches to it. I also do not want to spend more than $20k on the wedding. Do any of y'all know a venue that will allow an outside caterer? Sometimes they allow an a outside caterer but it has to be from their preferred list. I feel like the venue will be the hardest part of the wedding. I am also interested in Pavillion of Two sisters and The Foundry. Any help with reception venues will be very much appreciated. Happy planning!

NWR: help me find somewhere to eat

ZeroOrchestra — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:37:25 +0000

Hey all. Btw, I used to post as QueenJane, for those who've been around that long. Second, I'll be in Nola next week and I need some help. I'm on a pretty strict diet. I'm planning to get fruits and veggies at the market, but I'm more concerned on where I can get a healthy breakfast like plain egg whites/fruit/toast and grilled chicken or fish for lunch. Our room will not have a microwave or fridge. We're staying at the Prince Conti, so in the quarter or Marigny is ideal. Also, any suggested jogging routes, or areas to stay away from? TIA

Second Line Umbrellas

gtwin2 — Wed, 30 May 2012 00:01:51 +0000

Bride and Groom second line umbrellas. $25/ea or $40 for both. Also for $5 ea: bride/groom hankerchiefs, bachelorette sash&crown. Located in Baton Rouge. Serious inquiries email gtwin2@hotmail.com

Thanks for looking!!

Omni Royal Orleans

pickleberry02 — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 21:57:14 +0000

Has anyone had their wedding/reception in the courtyard? How was it? I have concerns because someone told me there was a large generator in the courtyard that might be noisy during the ceremony.

I'm a wedding neophyte! Help!

Queeninertia — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 21:27:20 +0000

Hey everyone!

I always thought girls who spent years dreaming about their weddings were from a space dimension full of tulle and diamonds, but now that I'm faced with the task of actually planning my own wedding, it's pretty clear they were the smart ones. I have no clue how to do it!

My fiance and I are both longtime NOLA residents but not natives, and we're having wedding in New Orleans which means we've got a lot of folks coming in from New York and DC (our respective places of origin.) Our budget is not huge, but we're crafty and we've got some nice arty friends who want to help. Neither of us are religious nor do we have religious relatives to cater to, so we're having the friend who introduced us preform the ceremony.

So far the venues we're looking for the ceremony are:

Beauregard-Keayes House- I've been peering through that little garden window for years, and it's just so beautiful. Does anyone know how expensive it is? I'm trying not to fall in love with it because I have a sneaking suspicion it's outside our price range.

The African American Museum: It's really gorgeous, they have events and they're a great insitiution in need of some money right now. I've emailed them, but I haven't had much luck with a reply.

The Pharmacy Museum: I'm not crazy about this one, only because I don't think there's any on-site place to get ready and I'm afraid that if I have to travel from place to place before the ceremony I'll be late.

Also, for ceremony/reception combined: New Orleans Jazz Quarters, it just looks lovely, but I've never heard anything about it.

For the reception we'd like to rent out the Old Iron Works on Piety St. We live in the Bywater and it's a cool, convienient place but it has no wedding support at all- is that bad? I hear it can become expensive and/or be a big hassle.

This is so long, I'm sorry. These are my basic questions:

1: What areas should we not skimp in? A friend told us the things she regretted from her wedding were not hiring a professional wedding photographer and not hiring a day-of planner, what would you guys add to this?

2: If venues/vendors don't call back when they say they will, what is the appropriate time frame for calling again? I don't want to be a pest.

3:What are some nice, not too pricey places you'd reccomend for a pre-wedding party? I'd love to have everyone get together the night before, but not at, say, our local dive bar. We're trying to be marginally classy without blowing all of our money.

Thank you so much, I need all the help I can get!

-Rae

Flip Flops for Free

carolemb — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 22:09:45 +0000

If pick them up, they are yours!
27 pair of black flip flops in various sizes in Baton Rouge. I'd like to get rid of them in the next couple of days.
PM me if you want them.
Thanks!

House of Blues and church site?

jwhite235 — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:26:47 +0000

We are OOT and was wondering if anyone has use the H of B for reception and we are looking for a non denominational church also.thanks

HELP LADIES!!

kiermart — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:45:23 +0000

Hi, I am looking for (10 or 12) 24" or higher vases. Maybe there is a bride in new orleans area willing to sell them after there wedding, Im trying to skip the ridiculous shipping costs. My wedding is in november. If anyone can help me i would greatly appreciate it. Have a Great Day!!

my venue visits

tlc35 — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 01:50:20 +0000

My FI and I looked at venues theis past weekend and i decided to put in my 2 cents. we only went to 3 places.

House of Broel - I don't hear much about this venue on the boards. it is very formal and was a bit stiff for our tastes. It was quite pretty and right on St Charles. It was the least expensive of anywhere I got quotes from. The front area was divided into an entryway and 1 room on each side of that and I think it would only work well for a small wedding that was less then about 50 people.

Rosy's Jazz Hall - We really liked it but it is only for quite specific taste. It is very New Orleans-y. If you want something grand and elegant and super romantic it is not the place for you. It does have a fun, funky vibe. We are booking it for us because my FI was actually excited about it and he is one of those guys who wants as little wedding pomp as possible.

Wax Museum - I though it was a nice space and much more versitile than Rosy's but in turn that meant that it would be much more work and cost into making ot what we want. The location is great but no good area for getting ready if you want to do ceremony and reception in the same place. The price is quite good compared to most of the areas we researched. I didn't mind the "creepiness" of the museum but it does have some dark exhibits.

Hope this helps the girls researching venues

Need nice hotel HELP!!!!

mssantacruze — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 03:41:49 +0000

I'm trying to find a suite for my girls and I to meet at before the wedding. I also want us to spend the night there after the wedding any Ideas. I would like something nice and affordable if possible.

Vendor Reviews!! 6-15-12 LONG! and PIPs

cbroekstra — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 04:16:39 +0000

Hey all! I am still trying to recover from my wedding weekend, but I just had to write my reviews of the vendors because I looked at this board a lot during my engagement for guidance! We had an awesome time and everyone I have talked to since the wedding told me that they had a blast and I know it was because of some of these vendors! I grew up in mid-city and we liked to hire vendors that were 'in the hood' has my mother called it because we wanted to hire people we knew and trusted for years. We had a perfect day without any problems! I feel so blessed to say that all my vendors were A+!

Ceremony - Holy Rosary: I grew up really close to this church and once I knew I was marrying a catholic boy, I knew I had to get married here. The wedding coordinators were great and the rehearsal and ceremony were perfect.

Reception - Pavilion of Two Sisters, City Park: Again, since I grew up practically across the street from City Park, I have known since I was a little girl that I wanted my wedding in the park. They were my first phone call after I got engaged and they were booked for most Saturday nights in June when I got engaged 15 months out! I had to go with a Friday so that I could get both here and Holy Rosary. So I recommend booking ASAP if you want a wedding here! Cathy was our coordinator, and she was great. She was a little hard to get a hold of early on, but once we got close to the wedding, she was super quick to respond to emails and phone calls. Unfortunately, the week of the wedding, she was out of town to attend her niece's wedding, but Denise stepped in and was perfect. The reception was all I could dream of. Denise and Shawn (our attendant) executed everything look exactly like I described to them without me being there to help set up. A day of coordinator is a waste of money with this venue because they are awesome! The food was perfect and everyone told me that they really really liked it. Our attendent, Shawn, was on the ball the whole time. If I needed to put my drink down, he was there to take it. When I needed it back, it was a fresh cold one. He kept everything on schedule. I couldn't have been happier.

Photographer - Collin Richie: I actually found Collin through a Facebook ad. He is out of Baton Rouge, but travels to NOLA to do weddings all the time. He met me in New Orleans so we could have a face to face interview and I booked him on the spot. He is super professional, but also fun and makes you feel like a friend and not just a customer. I had my bridals taken about a month out from the wedding and they were awesome. The day of, he was really efficient and got all the family pictures done super quick even though I have a huge family and a weird family dynamic. I can't wait to see the finished product of the wedding!

Videographer - Bella Productions: Korrey and his assistant were great. We never met face to face before my wedding day, but he was always super quick to email me back if I had any questions. He was really reasonable with prices, and every video I've seen posted, has been awesome. I can't wait to see it!

Hair & Makeup - Flawless Bride: Lyndsey Hager was my artist and she was super sweet and everything looked awesome! I had her do my trial for my bridals, hair and makeup for my rehearsal dinner, and then the day of. Everyone complimented me on my hair and makeup. The girls with Flawless bride were professional, fun, and sweet! Definitely recommend them!

Band - Harvey Jesus and Fire: Hands down, the best decision I made for a band. They were SO much fun. Everyone during and after the wedding told me that they were one of the best wedding bands they had ever heard. They made the reception a blast. He played a great variety of songs and even had some new hits that are on the radio now that everyone knew. Definitely recommend them a thousand times over.

Florist - Adrian's Christian Flowers: Also keeping it in the hood, we booked Adrian's because my family has used them for arrangments for years. They do a lot of weddings at both Holy Rosary and in City Park, so they were super knowledable about everything. If you go in for a consultation, make sure you bring photos, because they don't have a lot of recent and modern pictures of arrangements, but they executed exactly like I described to them. The prices are really reasonable for the amount of flowers we ordered too.

Wedding Cake - Swiss Confectionary: Swiss was a part of the package with City Park. They only have traditional cake flavors and fillings, and they are awesome at them. I wasn't looking for anything untraditional, so it was perfect. A lot of people at the wedding complimented the cake and said it tasted great. It was exactly like I wanted.

Groom's Cake - Gambino's: My H wanted a grand piano cake since he loves piano and tries to play. The cake was delicious! It didn't feed that many people, which was unfortunate because everyone really liked it and wanted to taste it!

Wedding Dress and Bridesmaid Dresses - Town & Country: I received SO many compliments on my dress and the bridesmaid dresses. T&C has a beautiful selection of upscale dresses. However, after we had bought the dresses from them, we felt like they didn't give us much attention. The alterations of my dress by Bab's were flawless.

Guys' Attire - Men's Warehouse: I guess this would be the only vendor that I had a problem with. My H and I have always had a good experience when walking into the store in the past, so that is why we wanted to give them our business. However, when all the guys were picking up their tuxes, they were all HUGE. It seemed like either the person who fitted them didn't know what they were doing, or they just put whatever size suit in the style we ordered in the bag. One of the groomsman, who wears a 32 waist was given a pair of pants that were a size 40! Luckily, they were able to give all the guys the proper sizes and they looked great the day of. The manager was great with fixing all the sizing issues.

Photobooth - Southern Gem Photobooth: Awesome! They had 2 attendants and both were great. I was told by so many guests that they thought the booth was an awesome and fun idea. Definitely worth the money!

Hotel Block - Hotel Intercontiental: I booked the Intercontinental through www.hotelplanner.com (which was awesome!). We had a little hiccup about 2 weeks before my wedding with some misconceptions about our contract (PM me if you need to know why), but Dena Aicklen (our coordinator) fixed everything and the hotel suite we stayed in for the weekend was great!

Ceremony Music - Cathy Anderson (Harpist): Cathy is the parent of one of my little sister's friend. She plays harp for the Louisiana Philaharmonic. She coordinated a violinist, a cellist, and our vocalist for us. She helped me SO much with picking out all the music for the ceremony. When I was up on the alter, I took a moment to really listen to the music, and the harp sounded so great. I am so happy I used her!

Transportation - Limousine Livery: We used 3 limos and 2 limo buses. All the drivers were on time, professional, and the limos were really clean!

Here are some pictures:

H and I

Our cake from Swiss

Groom's cake from Gambino's

Some crazy family members in the photobooth!