Married: March 3, 2018
Ceremony: Our Lady Of Guadalupe Chapel
Reception: Board Of Trade
Entertainment: At Fault
Videography: Cory Ruiz
Florist: Ever After
Bakery: Haydel’s
Hair: Ginger Dickeys
Makeup: Megan Marks
The Bride Wore: Essence Of Australia
The Bridesmaids Wore: Dessy
Bridal Boutique: Bridal Boutique By Mae Me
Tuxedos: John’s Tuxedos
Stationery: Fergie’s Printing

How did you meet?
We have actually been knowing each other since high school! We eventually started going to the same college and winded up taking classes together since we were both going for our Bachelor in Business Management degree.

How did the proposal go? Who proposed to who, were you surprised?
Lloyd made reservations at Ruth’s Chris to celebrate our dating anniversary. We planned on going eat dinner and look at the decorations on Fulton St. since it was December. It was STORMING outside but he insisted we still go.

He had two of my friends, Courtney & Ali, in on the whole thing. My friend Courtney texted me and said they’d be downtown for the Saints game so she wanted to meet up because they had dinner reservations at Ruth’s too. (I should have thought that was weird but nope, didn’t think anything of it.)

We all meet up before going to dinner and Lloyd, Courtney & Ali keep insisting we go take pictures under the gazebo on Fulton, even though it was storming. (Definitely should have thought this was weird too.)

We all go under it and start taking pictures like normal friends, couples do. Then Lloyd turned to me and proposed. YES, I was surprised but I’m so glad he coordinated it to where I’d have friends there to take pictures!

Where was your ceremony held and why did you pick this site?
Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel

Why? Merisa was familiar with the church since her sister was married there previously. The priest also worked at the high school and college she attended.

Where was your Reception held and why did you pick this site?
The New Orleans Board of Trade.

Why? We loved the uniqueness of it. Anytime we would tell someone where the reception was, they wouldn’t recognize the name and we liked that, it was different! Plus, it’s an historical building where they would trade coffee from 1880-1960 which we thought was a pretty cool touch to it.

Plus, the courtyard! The space of everything was just perfect for us.

What unique or special things did you do at the reception? (for example, ice sculptures, live painter, glow sticks, sun glasses, 2nd line band, mardi gras indians, memory table, the list goes on of fun things you may have done)
We had a memory table to honor Lloyds mother who passed away.

We also had glow sticks which seemed to be a big hit, especially for the kids that were there!

What was your favorite part of the day?
Everything! There was not one thing that I can say I wish went differently.

Did it really go by as quickly as everyone says?
Yes!

What was the inspiration behind picking the color palette and decor that you picked?
We went with blush/rose color for the bridesmaids & slate blue for the groomsmen. We found that those two colors went together beautifully.

Who was your baker, what was the flavor of your cake? Was it delicious?!
Haydel’s. We did multiple flavors so everyone can have their choice! They were all delicious!

Did you have a coordinator or did you plan everything yourself? If you didn’t have a coordinator any advice for brides planning their own wedding?
Everything was planned and coordinated by us. It was a little stressful at times but if you’re an organized person and have a laid back personality then you’ll be fine!

Band or DJ? Did they rock it?
We went back and fourth about this for a while but ultimately decided to go with a band. We are so glad we did! We went with At Fault and couldn’t have asked for anyone better, so fun & would recommend x1000!

We want to hear YOUR advice for future brides.
Enjoy the process, it really does go by quick. At times it can get stressful and overwhelming but remember to do everything the way YOU & YOUR significant other want to! People will have opinions coming left & right but it’s YA’LLs day. Try to stay organized but don’t stress over the small things, no one will remember or notice that anyways. People are there to celebrate, eat, drink & dance!