My sister Andrea and her now-hubby Rogan were married on New Year's Eve and I can truly, honestly, impartially say that she was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen and that was the coolest wedding I have ever been to! I heard these sentiments from other wedding guests as well so it's totally true and proven. :) I have always known that Andrea has impeccable taste and a clear vision of how she wants things. It's how she effortless transitioned into an interior designer after all. But I just couldn't picture how incredible it would all come together! BIG props to her wedding planner and her team for making it all happen - there were a lot of components to this wedding! :)
I really, really can't wait for the professional pictures to come out (she had our family photographer from Corpus there) - he did a great job capturing all the fun and I hope to update this blog with some of those once they come out. In the meantime, I have scraped together blurry iphone pics from me and others who posted to FB. I seriously stole from other people's pages. Aint no shame. Getting ready with the Bride We had a magical hair and make-up team to help us get ready! I was really kind of down with being 8 months pregnant and having no energy to do my hair and make-up in the prior weeks. So it was a treat to be transformed into a pretty princess! The beautiful maternity dress that Andrea picked for me was a big help too. Not to mention, it was comfortable. Win/win!
Amanda and I in our very important jobs as Matrons of Honor - love!
Andrea waiting to have her veil put on
The wedding planner had staff to do all the challenging things, like veil, wardrobe changes and bathroom breaks. Easiest matron of honor job I've ever had! ;)
She was seriously breathtaking and no pictures will ever do her or that dress justice!
Somewhere not so far away, my mom and Beau were having Grayson practice his job of walking the sign down the aisle.
He had been running a fever for 1 1/2 days prior to the wedding so I was stressing about him not making the wedding! But in true Grayson form, he pulled it together and was pretty perfect through the whole thing. I couldn't ask for more!
So grown up :)
Ceremony
I can't even begin to capture all the elements and characteristics of this wedding. Andrea had a perfect mix of combining New Orleans culture with a happenin' New Year's Eve celebration! The ceremony was in the courtyard of the Omni Royale Orleans. It was so special and I enjoyed watching her walk down the aisle. Rogan worked very hard to keep his composure. :) I wish there was video of Grayson making his way down the aisle as well. It took a lot of coaxing with all his playing with the sign and goofing off. Rogan called it swagger ;) When the ceremony concluded, the jazz band leader (not sure what he's called) danced Andrea and Rogan's (gorgeous!) parasoles up the aisle to them, the bridesmaids and groomsmen pulled out our handkerchiefs, as did all the guests, and the jazz band led us through the hotel and to the streets of New Orleans!
Ceremony recessional (that's a word, right?)
The Second Line Once we all gathered outside (the weather was awesome), we had a police escort around the French Quarter while Andrea's entire wedding party danced through the streets. But not until everyone grabbed a couple of beers (in coozies no less) that were positioned by the front door of the Omni. It was some of the most unique, new fun we've ever had! Grayson had the time of his life! He loved the view from his Daddy's shoulders and really danced while he waved his sign to the crowds lining the streets to watch! I wish I had video of it.
There was a quick swap of bouquets for boas and beers for the matrons of honor and bridesmaids. So fun!
Dallas Caldwells in the Second Line!
Pre-Reception We returned to the hotel to get a few pictures with the photographer and the guests headed in to the ballroom, which was completely converted into Andrea's vision. I can't even describe it but I'm pretty positive that I didn't even notice all the details. A side note, I will say it was so awesome to have the wedding where we stayed and to just be able to stumble, or waddle, upstairs after a long night . :)
A quick family picture in the Omni lobby. I love that they still had Christmas decor up. :)
Reception The band really got everyone moving, the room had a luminous pink glow and the food was a-whole-nother story! I'm so sad I never made it to the dessert room. I had heard a lot about the willow tree that was brought in for all the desserts (that took the place of a cake). I just had so much fun dancing with Beau and my cousins and hanging with my parents' friends who all flew in from Corpus and who I hadn't seen in a long time! They are just as fun as anyone our age so it was a really good time! These are the only pics I have:
My nephew Walter the Bull Dog was there in spirit
The masks were exceptional. Really beautiful in person :)
Cousin Scott and his girlfriend, Michelle
Some of the bridesmaids
Cousin Elaine and her hubby Brian - the guys had really beautiful black masks
Sisters!
Midnight Surprise - Mardis Gras Indians!
There had been buzz for days about a midnight surprise that Andrea had planned for everyone. Sure enough, it did not disappoint! Here is a great article about the historical culture and relevance of the Indians. Keeping with the New Orleans undertone, the bride and groom led two Mardis Gras Indians and their band on to the dance floor. Here are two fuzzy videos I took! Beau had a very good time ;)
Andrea and Rogan towards the end of the night. Loved her party wedding dress!
Other NOLA happenings
Saturday night we went to NOLA Restaurant for Rogan's birthday dinner. A great meal and fun atmosphere. It was nice to just be with the 2 sides of family before guests started arriving the next day. Antoine's was the location for the rehearsal dinner. Wish I had pictures, and more importantly a video, because no less than 20 of their friends stood up to toast the couple. Rogan and his friends have been friends since the 4th grade, through undergrad and even law school so there were plenty of hilarious stories. Lots of sweet ones too :) What else?
Breakfast at Brennan's! Our last white linen restaurant until well after #2 arrives!
Waking up bright and early on New Year's Day (a perk to being prego and not hungover), I noticed how peaceful and quiet the city seemed. Since we were right of Royal Street, we heard everything at every time of the day. Right when I was thinking how calm it seemed, this Sugar Bowl Parade marched past us. Gray and I had a blast catching beads from our balcony! This city really doesn't ever rest!
This H.S. band was so good and their uniforms were pressed and perfect. They took great pride in their music. So fun for us!
Grayson catching beads!
Police on horseback - always a favorite of mine.
I know I'm missing so many details and stories but I'm out of space and energy. Andrea and Rogan, we are so proud of you guys and love you so much! You definitely gave us memories to last a lifetime! xoxo
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