Classic Spring Wedding
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
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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.
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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
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"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
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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
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Special Touches
Birdseed packets were offered to guests to throw as the couple walked down the aisle after the ceremony.
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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.
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Color Inspiration
Lemons, which were used to decorate tables at the reception, were the inspiration for Beth’s sunny color palette.
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Reception Flowers
Mason jars tied with raffia held wildflowers at the reception.
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Flowers: Dunn & Sonnier Flowers; 504/524-3235
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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
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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
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The Send-Off
Guests sent the couple off to their Moroccan honeymoon with sparklers at the end of the night.