City Park Garden Wedding with Bright Blooms in June | Gabrielle + Kirk

As summer is coming to a rather abrupt end, I started reminiscing about a gorgeous wedding that kicked off the summer season for us. School was out, the sun was beaming, the blooms were stunning and a very sweet couple was head over heels to tie the knot! Oh and if you didn’t see their Rehearsal Dinner post yet, you can find it here: Warehouse District Rehearsal Dinner at Tomas Bistro.

We recently received the gorgeous gallery from the lovely Sandra with Eau Claire Photographics and were just starry eyed over every image. Gabrielle and Kirk were one of the kindest couples I have ever had the privilege to work with. They lead busy lives on the other side of the country but were so excited to bring lots of family and friends to Gabrielle’s home town and throw a fantastic New Orleans wedding! While the bride’s family lives locally over half the guests traveled in for this destination wedding.

The bride and bridesmaids got dressed in the bride’s home and then we took a quick opportunity to get some photos at City Park before heading to the church. It was quite warm, but the photos were worth every moment. City Park has so many amazing photo opportunities and so pulling the limo and Rolls Royce over and just taking a few steps offered the shade of the majestic old oak trees that the park is known for.

The couple was married at St. Anthony of Pauda on Canal Street. Special to her family, her sister and Matron of Honor, was married in the same church. The flowers from Bella Blooms were breathtaking and really highlighted the historic elements of St. Anthony of Pauda – high ceilings, wood pews, mosaics and stained glass windows. After a celebratory mass and vow exchange the couple was all smiles as they kissed for the first time as husband and wife!

The reception was held at the Pavillion of Two Sisters in City Park. The space was transformed into a romantic and warm, yet vibrant setting by a team of very talented vendors. I loved that the welcome table was a round table outside of the venue that was seen before entering the space. A lace overlay from Lovestruck Linens was chosen for the welcome table that was topped with gorgeous candles and lush florals from Bella Blooms. Greenery was added onto the white trellis outside of the doors – altogether it was the perfect “welcome” into the venue. Amber lighting was added both inside the reception space and on the beautiful grand oak tree in the garden by Party Rentals Unlimited. The fountain area underneath the majestic oak was surrounded by gold lanterns from Bella Blooms. Guests definitely enjoyed both the indoor and outdoor elements of the reception.

Inside, After 8 Band was getting the crowd going. The bride enjoyed a dance with her husband for the first time as well as a very special surprise choregraphed dance with her dad. After that, I am not sure if our sweet bride EVER left the dance floor. Everyone danced the night away until the brass band arrived at midnight to provide a very special second line exit that everyone thoroughly enjoyed!