Southern Wedding - Southern Living

Their Story

I hesitated when he asked for my number,” recalls Beth Lundell, who met Josh Garver at a party in New York City. “But when he said ‘If you give me your number, I will definitely call you,’ I was drawn to how intentional he was.” After a year of dating, Beth, who is from Auburn, Alabama, moved to San Francisco, and Josh, a Boston native, followed two years later. A year after that, a trip to Greece was the site of his proposal. For their spring wedding, they decided to celebrate their two backgrounds and create a mini-vacation for family and friends in New Orleans. There, they found the perfect mix of a vibrant city atmosphere and traditional Southern influences. Friday night’s rehearsal dinner at Latrobe’s on Royale in the French Quarter—the historical site of the first Louisiana State Bank—was a nod to Josh’s career in finance, while Beth, an architect, was drawn to the Southern vernacular design of the Houmas House, where they said their vows.

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Wedding Coordinator: Get Polished Events; 504/301-0316
Photographer: A Bryan Photo; 205/222-2207
Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier through Bridal Galleria; 415/362-2277
Groom's Suit: Banana Republic

Photo: A Bryan Photo

Wedding Programs

Beth bought 45 RPM records of blues, jazz and Southern artists and slid the programs inside. During the cocktail hour, guests played DJ and spun their records.

Photo: A Bryan Photo

Ceremony Venue

The classic architecture of the Houmas House and the live oaks draped in Spanish moss set the stage for a classic Southern ceremony.

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Ceremony and reception venue: Houmas House Plantation and Gardens; 225/473-9380
Rentals: Urban Earth Design Studios; 504/524-0100

Photo: A Bryan Photo

"Something Old" Bouquet

Beth’s “something old” was a Victorian key brooch pinned to her bouquet.

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Flowers: Dunn & Sonnier Flowers; 504/524-3235

Photo: A Bryan Photo

Beth's Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids wore vibrant yellow dresses and were able to choose their own shoes for comfort and savings. Their bouquets consisted of white asters, daisies, and local foliage for a charming, casual feel.

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Bridesmaid's dresses: J. Crew
Flowers: Dunn & Sonnier Flowers; 504/524-3235

Photo: A Bryan Photo

Special Touches

Birdseed packets were offered to guests to throw as the couple walked down the aisle after the ceremony.

Photo: A Bryan Photo

Wedding Memento

Beth and Josh asked friends and family to circle words in a Cajun dictionary that would remind them of their Louisiana wedding day.

Photo: A Bryan Photo

Color Inspiration

Lemons, which were used to decorate tables at the reception, were the inspiration for Beth’s sunny color palette.

Photo: A Bryan Photo

Reception Flowers

Mason jars tied with raffia held wildflowers at the reception.

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Flowers: Dunn & Sonnier Flowers; 504/524-3235

Photo: A Bryan Photo

Daisy Wedding Cake

A mass of daisies drifted down the sides of the wedding cake.

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Wedding Cake: The Royal Cakery; 504/246-2065

Photo: A Bryan Photo

Dessert Bar

A dessert bar featured Southern favorites, including pecan and sweet potato pies.

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Catering: Latil's Landing at Houmas House

Photo: A Bryan Photo

The Send-Off

Guests sent the couple off to their Moroccan honeymoon with sparklers at the end of the night.

Classic Spring Wedding

Their Story

Wedding Programs

Ceremony Venue

"Something Old" Bouquet

Beth's Bridesmaids

Special Touches

Wedding Memento

Color Inspiration

Reception Flowers

Daisy Wedding Cake

Dessert Bar

The Send-Off