I still recall the initial sense of déjà vu when I stumbled upon the captivating New Orleans wedding. It wasn’t until later that I pieced together what made it so familiar – a beautiful historic Southern venue, replete with opulent details and charming nuances. This was no ordinary celebration; it shared the same iconic setting as Solange Knowles’ extravagant wedding a couple of years prior at Marigny Opera House (remember those captivating caped portraits?). Yet, Shawndy & Kiley infused this atmospheric space with their unique essence, and I’m thrilled to share the breathtaking photographs by Marissa Lambert Photography. The story behind their big day is equally fascinating. After facing unexpected job loss shortly after getting engaged, Shawndy channeled her energies into planning an unforgettable celebration. With mere months to spare, she meticulously curated a luxurious and laid-back affair that reflected her personal style. As she confessed, ‘…After the tears dried, I realized this gave me the chance to pour all my heart and soul into planning my dream wedding. From that point on, planning my wedding became my full-time job. I spent every waking moment pouring my blood, sweat, and tears into every detail.’ The results are nothing short of spectacular – bespoke accessories, a daring color palette, custom linens, and even a DIY ceremony backdrop all testify to Shawndy’s dedication to perfection. Scroll down to learn more about how she brought her vision to life, and don’t forget to pin your favorite details for inspiration!
Our Love Story
It all began in early 2011 when Kiley and I met through mutual friends. Little did we know that our chance encounter would eventually blossom into a romantic relationship. At the time, I was busy renovating my new home, which Kiley happened to be working on as well. As we spent most of our days together, our initial acquaintanceship gradually evolved into something more meaningful. Looking back, it’s astonishing to realize that despite having crossed paths numerous times over the years, we hadn’t yet pieced together the puzzle. In fact, I later discovered that Kiley had lived in an apartment adjacent to my mother’s for over a year – and to make matters even more surreal, the room where I would often stay with my mom shared a wall with his! As our relationship continued to grow, we eventually moved in together after three and a half years. The culmination of all these moments came when Kiley proposed on Thanksgiving night in 2014 while we strolled along the Mississippi River in New Orleans. It was a beautifully intimate moment, free from distractions and chaos – exactly how I had always envisioned it.
The Inspiration
To bring a touch of elegance to the decor, I opted for an array of pink hues and metallic gold accents that beautifully contrasted with the vintage wooden tables and furniture we rented. To add some visual interest, I deliberately selected a blue-gray shade for our wedding party attire and accessories, creating a thoughtful balance between cohesion and contrast.
The Attire
The most treasured possessions from my special day are my custom-made engagement ring and shoulder necklace. The process of designing and crafting each piece took months, with the help of two talented jewelers. My engagement ring holds a deep sentimental value as it’s made from melted gold and diamonds from three family heirlooms: Kiley’s mother’s ring, his grandmother’s ring, and our 15-year wedding anniversary band. The design was inspired by a vintage Dior ring I found online, which served as the foundation for my unique piece. On the other hand, my shoulder necklace was a collaboration with an Etsy-based jeweler in Florida. We exchanged numerous messages, photos, and ideas before the final product arrived. Although it required some adjustments to fit perfectly, the end result exceeded my expectations. What I adore most about it is its one-of-a-kind design that I’ve yet to see on any other bride. I’m also thrilled with my Christian Louboutin shoes that harmoniously matched the color of my gown. The floral crown created by Poppy & Mint Floral was nothing short of perfection, leaving me utterly enamored.
The Venue
As we planned our wedding, I couldn’t help but think of this unique venue that had caught my eye while helping my Matron of Honor plan her special day the year prior. In fact, I had already reached out to inquire about availability long before we got engaged. The venue’s exclusive nature – they only host a limited number of weddings each year – only added to its appeal. The distressed, historical atmosphere was unlike anything else, and it felt like the perfect fit for our special day.
As non-religious individuals, neither my fiancé nor I had ever considered a traditional church wedding. But this former church building offered a unique compromise. Plus, the fact that Solange Knowles had recently gotten married there only added to its allure – her photos in Vogue were a testament to the venue’s romantic charm.
Of course, working with this venue wasn’t without its challenges. The historic building’s limitations meant we had to get creative when it came to accommodating our 115 guests. We ended up setting up a trailer of luxurious portable toilets on the side driveway, which was certainly… memorable.
But the biggest adjustment was dealing with the strict rules surrounding sound levels inside the venue. Due to its age and residential location, amplified music wasn’t allowed. Our band had to perform an entirely acoustic set, which resulted in a mellow atmosphere that was more subdued than we had anticipated. While it was initially disappointing, the evening’s vibe ended up feeling cozy and intimate – and the lack of loud music actually added to the venue’s charm.
The Flowers
A bouquet featuring a diverse array of flowers comes together to create a stunning visual display. The coral peony’s vibrant hue is perfectly complemented by the subtle blush tones of the coral peony, magenta garden roses, and pink Maria Theresa garden roses. Meanwhile, the blush Café au Lait dahlia adds a touch of sophistication with its delicate, velvety petals. White anemones provide a crisp contrast to the warmer hues, while hot pink peony injects a burst of energy into the arrangement. Finally, the blush Haiku garden rose ties everything together with its soft, romantic charm.
Advice for Other Couples
Etsy proved to be a treasure trove for my wedding, allowing me to save hundreds of dollars on various items, including my beautiful veil. However, I now regret not investing in a videographer to capture the memories of that special day. At the time, it seemed like an unnecessary expense, but in hindsight, I realize it would have been priceless.As I look back, I’m reminded that some guests may never fully understand our wedding choices, and others won’t hesitate to share their criticism. We received questions like ‘Why no children allowed?’ ‘Why not a traditional cake?’ ‘Why serve Asian food?’ and ‘Why no DJ?’ or ‘Too small of a wedding party?’My advice to newly engaged couples is to learn to tune out the negativity and focus on what truly matters – your own happiness and fulfillment. It’s okay if others don’t get it, as long as you’re satisfied with your decisions. Don’t let anyone else dictate your wedding vision; instead, prioritize your own joy and make choices that reflect your unique love story.
The Photography
As I scrolled through Marissa’s website, it was her photography that initially caught my attention. The delicate balance of colors and lighting in each shot exuded a soft, feminine, and artistic quality that perfectly aligned with my expectations.
The Decor & Details
The wedding decor was a true reflection of teamwork and creativity, with many elements starting as humble beginnings. A simple flower pot from IKEA was transformed into a stunning centerpiece through a touch of gold spray paint and small battery-operated lights. Similarly, plain wooden letters from Etsy were given new life by covering them with moss and artificial flowers to create beautiful door wreaths. The impressive 8-foot flower frames that served as our ceremony backdrop were an inspired design collaboration between my husband and his talented coworkers, brought to life after finding inspiration on Pinterest. Despite the distance between Houston and New Orleans, we persevered in bringing all these elements together to be filled with flowers. One of my favorite parts of the decor was the table runners, which I wanted to make extra special by ordering 15 yards of gold and metallic sequinned fabric from California and having it professionally cut into runner size. The end result was truly breathtaking, as the fabric catches the light perfectly – a sight that photos simply can’t capture. As a thoughtful touch, we also had custom drink Koozies designed by PaperLeigh via Etsy as favors, while the bar used reusable plastic cups designed by GraciousBridal via Etsy for a sustainable and eco-friendly touch.
Unique Details
Less than five and a half months passed from the moment I said yes to the day we exchanged vows. I’m just not built for long engagements – my impatience got the better of me! As fate would have it, our special day coincided with New Orleans’ Jazz Festival. The weekend’s festivities brought an added layer of excitement to our celebration, with sky-writing airplanes drawing smiley faces and sweet messages like ‘Love’ above us. However, navigating the crowds that came with the festival proved a challenge. Our initial plan for a hotel-provided van to transport me and my bridesmaids to the church went awry due to the sheer number of people flocking to the city. As we stood waiting, a kind valet parking attendant noticed our predicament and generously offered us a ride in his own vehicle. We decided to keep our wedding intimate by making it an ‘adults only’ event, which didn’t sit well with everyone, but we’re grateful for the decision. Our big day reflected our easygoing nature as a couple – we found a perfect balance between tradition and laid-back charm.
The Refreshments
When planning my wedding, I encountered a unique challenge: three important people in my life – me, my maid of honor, and my father – all share dietary restrictions that made finding catering services tricky. To accommodate our needs, I approached PF Changs, a restaurant with which I had a personal connection. The manager was willing to take on the task, making us their first-ever wedding catering clients. They excelled in providing two buffets with servers available to assist guests as they moved around the venue, enjoying an array of dishes without the need for menus or seating charts. The atmosphere was relaxed and social, allowing guests to mingle freely.
To satisfy our sweet tooth, we opted out of traditional wedding cake and instead offered a variety of cupcakes, treats, and mini pies from Dawn at Shake Sugary. Many of these options were carefully crafted to be gluten- and dairy-free, ensuring that all our guests could indulge in something they loved. Our open bar inside the venue and on the patio provided an additional layer of convenience for our guests. On the patio, a unique touch was added with a pirogue filled with ice serving cold beers – allowing guests to help themselves to their preferred beverage.
The Honeymoon
We didn’t get to embark on an immediate getaway after the wedding, but we did mark a special milestone on our first anniversary by taking a ‘second honeymoon’ of sorts in Playa del Carmen, Mexico – and it was every bit as celebratory as one would hope.
The Music
As I gaze upon the tender moments of Shawndy and Kiley’s special day, I’m struck by the beauty of their song selections. Dara Maclean’s ‘Yours Forever’ sets the tone for their romantic first dance as a married couple, while Natalie Merchant’s ‘Kind & Generous’ serves as a poignant backdrop for their father-daughter dance. Meanwhile, T Carter Music’s ‘A Mother’s Song’ fills the air with warmth and love during their mother-son dance. What I find particularly refreshing is Shawndy’s candor about the limitations of their venue’s sound system and her regrets about not having a videographer to capture every moment – it’s a reminder that real talk has its place in wedding planning. A huge thank you goes out to Marissa Lambert Photography for sharing this stunning New Orleans wedding with us, as well as to Shawndy and Kiley for allowing us into their intimate celebration.