Married: May 31, 2019
Bridal Prep: JW Marriott
Ceremony: Holy Name of Jesus Church
Reception: Pavilion of Two Sisters
Band / DJ: The Bucktown Allstars
Florist: Villeres
Bakery: Haydel’s Bakery
Hair: DLindsay at Up’Sa Daisy
Brides Gown Designer: Limor Rosen
Bridesmaid Gown designer: Bill Levkof & Dessy
Bridal Boutique: Kelly’s Closet in Atlanta
Tuxedo Store: John’s Tuxedo
Stationary: Scriptura
Live Painter: Christina Pappion

How did you meet?
“How much does a polar bear weigh?” That’s the question that Steven asked to start our conversation on Tinder. Yes, we did meet on a mobile dating app. Steven just moved back home from Hattiesburg and was living with his mom and dad while I was home for the summer before my senior year at LSU. We went on our first date to Creole Creamery and we drove around town talking all night. In reality, it was just Steven talking as I sat awkwardly silent the whole night.

Include a little bit about yourselves. What do you do?
We love traveling, especially to see live concerts. We never turn down an opportunity to try a new restaurant or enjoy a night out at a cocktail bar.

How did the proposal go? Who proposed to who, were you surprised?
The proposal was a night I’ll never forget. We came home for Mardi Gras 2018 since Steven rides in the Endymion parade. Little did I know February 10th would be such an exciting day in our lives. Steven strategically had me invite my family to the extravaganza to experience the parade inside the Superdome. I had not talked to him all day as he was busy riding on the float for about five hours before he arrived. His float made the roundabout in the Superdome and came towards me. I was so worried about letting my family know which person he was on the float that I turned around and Steven was holding a sign for me. It read “Michelle will you marry me?” and that’s when the waterworks followed. It was such a great surprise and worth it not knowing the amount of planning and secret activity going on amongst Steven, his family and my family. He did a great job!

Where was your ceremony held and why did you pick this site?
We had our ceremony at Holy Name of Jesus Church. We chose this location because it is such a beautiful church. As children, we both drove by it and wanted it to be a part of our wedding day.

Where was your Reception held and why did you pick this site?
We had our reception at the Pavilion of Two Sisters in City Park. It was a tough decision with the ample amount of venues in the city. Ultimately, it came down to the fairytale feeling we pictured when we toured it a year before our wedding day. We could envision the set up and the band playing for all of our guests.

What unique or special things did you do at the reception?
– 2nd lining at the reception with our custom umbrellas
– live painter. Everyone was in amazement of how great our painting was coming along at the reception. Props to Christina Pappion
-PhotoBooth by Snap & Geaux – funny and great photos that make great memories not only for us but for our guests

Pick one moment in the day that was your favorite thing?
We enjoyed saying our vows facing our family and friends in the church (rather than with our backs to them). At the end of the night, we ended up on stage with the Bucktown All-Stars signing “Don’t Stop Believing” which was a perfect culmination to the day and how much fun we had.

Did it really go by as quickly as everyone says?
YES! It went by way too quickly. I wish the day could have just slowed down a little. We had soo much fun, but wish we could have taken it in a little bit more.

From the Bride – When you first saw the groom, what were you thinking/feeling?
I looked down at the end of the aisle and I just thought to my self, “my life with this man is going to be perfect!” I see him crying at the end of the aisle and of course here comes the water works for me. All thoughts of falling/tripping leave my mind because he’s there waiting for me at the end and will be there with me forever.

From the groom – When you first saw the bride, what were you thinking/feeling?
When I heard trumpets begin playing and saw the ushers open the doors, I knew it was time for my best friend to walk down the aisle. As she stepped into the church with her father, I instantly began crying. I tend to keep it together but when I saw the love fo my life in her wedding dress I couldn’t hold back any tears. Seeing her walk towards me had me feeling weightless and as if she was the only other person in the church. Holy Name of Jesus Church has a long aisle which made the anticipation rise as Michelle got closer to me. When her father handed her off to me and I held her hand for the first time that day I felt comfort knowing I would always have her by my side.

Did you do a first look? If so how did you feel about it? If not, do you wish you had?
We didn’t do a first look. We wanted to be more traditional and wait until the ceremony to see each other. We don’t regret that decision as it created a special moment for us with our friend and family watching.

What was your first dance song? Why this song?
We danced to “All I’ll Ever Need” by Anderson East. Steven discovered Anderson East on Spotify (he thinks he is a professional music producer). While we were in Atlanta we actually drove two hours to see him live in concert and decided “All I’ll Ever Need” was going to be our song as a couple forever.

Band or DJ? Did they rock it?
Bucktown All-Stars!!! Highly highly recommend them! They got the whole crowd dancing and moving. They engaged the whole reception by coming onto the dance floor and interacting with our guests. A week later and family/friends are still raving about the music and how their legs hurt from all of the dancing that went down.

We want to hear YOUR advice for future brides.
Do not get stuck talking to people the entire time. Get on the dance floor and dance your butt off, you will remember those moments more. Also, do not let the little things stress you out. Everything is going to be great!