Here’s the captivating tale of Laine and Matthew, whose love story unfolded like a fairytale. The couple exchanged vows in a beautiful Catholic ceremony in Covington, Louisiana, surrounded by luxurious elements and glamorous style. Art De Vie was on hand to preserve every momentous occasion. Although they first crossed paths at mass in Chicago, it wasn’t until after a whirlwind romance and several months of distance that they realized their love was meant to be.
Just 18 short months later, they stood before the same church where Laine’s grandparents had exchanged vows 60 years prior—an emotional full circle. The lovely pair, effortlessly exuding timeless elegance on their big day, opted for a classic color palette of white, blush, and gold that elegantly complemented their reception at the Southern Hotel.
Amidst the sophistication, however, this wedding was not without its playful touches: hundreds of cookies, a whimsical ribbon send-off, and an informal buffet dinner ensured an atmosphere as charming as it was refined.
The Inspiration
As we began planning our special day, we sought to create a wedding that embodied the essence of sophistication and refinement. The guiding principles for our celebration were simplicity, elegance, and timelessness. To achieve this vision, we chose a palette of soft blush tones, rich gold hues, and subtle oyster nuances, blending these elements together in a harmonious balance that perfectly captured the romance and charm of our love.
The Flowers
Our floral choices reflected our desire for elegance and simplicity. We selected peonies and roses to create beautiful, compact bouquets featuring an all-white palette for my own arrangement and blush-toned hues for my bridesmaids’ bouquets. To add depth and visual interest at the reception, we blended blush tones with various whites and incorporated natural elements like curly willow branches into our centerpieces.
The Attire
As soon as I slipped into my own wedding dress, I knew it was meant to be – the fit, the feel, everything about it just felt like me. It’s not every day you find a dress that makes you feel like your authentic self, but this one did just that. I had been searching for a gown that would stand out from the crowd and reflect my personal style, and I finally found ‘the one’.
For my bridesmaids, I wanted to give them dresses that not only flattered their figures but also added a pop of color to our overall aesthetic. The ones we chose exceeded all my expectations – they looked stunning and truly brought out the best in each of them.
The Photography
Photography played a significant role in our special day, as the memories captured in those moments would forever be etched in our minds. Years from now, when flipping through the wedding album, it’s the images that will transport us back to that joyous occasion. After thorough research, we decided to invest in exceptional photographers who could not only capture the essence of our love story but also convey our unique personalities through their lens.
Doug and CheyAnne proved to be a dream team to work with – their professionalism, warmth, and discretion made everyone feel at ease. Like stealthy photo ninjas, they seamlessly blended into the scene, capturing every precious moment without being obtrusive. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the end result and the way they brought our wedding story to life.
The Venues
St Peter Catholic Church holds a unique significance in my life, as it’s where I spent most of my formative years, making my sacraments and attending school from kindergarten to 8th grade. This connection is what drove Matt and me to choose this church as the backdrop for our special day, despite being residents of Chicago at the time. Interestingly, my grandparents were also married there 60 years prior, adding another layer of sentimental value to our decision.
Meanwhile, we opted for The Southern Hotel in Covington, Louisiana – a historic gem that embodies quintessential Southern charm and warmth, allowing us to share this essence with both local and out-of-town guests, including my groom’s family from Pittsburgh, PA. Following its recent renovation, the venue boasted fresh, elegant décor that perfectly complemented our overall aesthetic.
The Ceremony
Trish Foti Gento stole the show as our vocalist at the ceremony. Her beauty leaving a lasting impression. To complement her stunning performance, we opted for timeless traditional music that evokes powerful emotions – it never fails to send shivers down my spine and brings me to the brink of tears. The talented trio comprising Brother Kenneth Boesch on organ, Zorca Dimova on violin, and Gary Benoit on trumpet, brought the music to life, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
The Refreshments
We envisioned a refined yet relaxed wedding atmosphere, where our guests could socialize and enjoy their meal at their own pace. To achieve this, we opted for a buffet-style reception instead of a traditional sit-down dinner, allowing our loved ones to mingle freely and savor each bite. Another unique touch was the cookie table, a cherished tradition in the groom’s family.
The grandmother, mother, and aunts of the groom worked tirelessly to prepare hundreds of homemade cookies – ten varieties in total – for our guests’ delight. As for the wedding cake, it exceeded my expectations in every way; Zoe did an outstanding job creating a breathtaking masterpiece that not only looked stunning but also tasted incredible, with multiple layers allowing for various fillings like almond, lemon, and strawberry flavors on each tier.
I couldn’t possibly choose a favorite – the best part was not having to.
Advice for Other Couples
As you navigate the world of wedding planning, remember to stay true to yourself and focus on the reasons why this celebration is important to you. It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but try not to let stress over the small stuff overshadow your excitement for the big day. For me, finding inspiration online was key – I fell head over heels for BHLDN’s unique aesthetic and would have chosen every element from their website if possible.
The guys also looked sharp in their attire from The Black Tux, giving us a stylish and modern vibe that we wouldn’t change for the world. As we looked back on our special day, Matt and I both agreed that it was truly unforgettable – we joked about wishing we could relive that feeling every day. My hope is that all couples have this same sense of joy and togetherness as they celebrate their love.
The Decor
To elevate the ambiance of the special day, we incorporated elegant touches to our décor. A combination of lush floral arrangements, soft candlelight, and delicate votives created a warm and inviting atmosphere. To add an extra layer of whimsy, we opted for beautiful wedding wands – a unique alternative to traditional rice throwing – which were sourced from a talented vendor on Etsy.
Special Details
My mother-in-law’s thoughtful surprise turned out to be a treasured keepsake from our special day. As part of the celebration, she arranged for an artist to capture our first dance on canvas, painting it live at the reception. This unique gift allowed everyone in attendance to share in the magic and become a permanent reminder of our joyous occasion.
The beautiful portrait was later transformed into personalized thank-you cards that we sent to our loved ones as a heartfelt expression of gratitude for their presence and generosity.
The Send Off
Our first dance was set to the iconic La Vie en Rose, beautifully performed by the talented band, Four Unplugged. As we had chosen an outdoor location for our special day, just outside of New Orleans, it only made sense that we would take part in a traditional second line exit from the reception.
However, we didn’t quite fit in with the conventional approach to umbrellas often seen at these celebrations; instead, opting to wave our custom-made wedding wands as we danced and celebrated into the night.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Hawaii for our honeymoon, and I’m thrilled to share our island-hopping escapade with you. We chose this stunning destination because neither of us had experienced its beauty before, and we wanted to create lifelong memories together. Our two-and-a-half-week odyssey took us to Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, where we stayed at luxurious resorts like the St Regis in Princeville, Fairmont in Wailea, and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Kona.
Kauai stole our hearts with its serene atmosphere and breathtaking natural wonders. We hiked to hidden waterfalls, snorkelled in crystal-clear waters, and watched awe-inspiring sunrises. The quiet and peacefulness of this island were the perfect antidote to the whirlwind of wedding preparations. Maui was a thrilling change of pace, with its vibrant energy and stunning beaches. We spent our days snorkelling, kayaking, and soaking up the sun.
This island’s lively atmosphere was a wonderful contrast to Kauai’s tranquillity. Our final destination, the Big Island, was the epitome of romance. We splurged on the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Kona, where we enjoyed nightly performances by local musicians under the stars, sipped champagne, and indulged in house-made truffles. The resort’s exceptional service and stunning setting made it a truly unforgettable experience.
We were treated to breathtaking celestial displays every night, with shooting stars lighting up the sky. We also had the privilege of watching sea turtles basking on the beach and exploring a unique freshwater ‘pond’ designed for snorkelling throughout our trip. We savoured the most delectable cuisine, with sushi and sashimi being a particular highlight.
I’m grateful to Laine & Matthew for sharing their beautiful wedding with us, and to Doug & CheyAnne of Arte De Vie for inspiring me along the way. Be inspired by more elegant real weddings.