Like any good corporation, Szazszorszapathy wanted to provide a reference and review of the services we used to create this memorable event. Below are the companies who made it possible!
Aucoin Hart Jewelers
address:
1525 Metairie Road
phone:
504.834.9999
Our rings were custom-made by Aucoin Hart here in New Orleans. David went to them to create my rings, which he had already designed. Sherry was the designer he worked with and she was responsible for translating his vision into reality. Her small touches - like rotating the daisies so they caught light differently, adding a way to bind my two rings together, and adding a “hidden” rose gold daisy inset on the interior David’s band - resulted in both of us having jewelry that is unique and perfectly “us”.
Parvani Vida
address:
7107 Hwy 6 S, Houston 77083
phone:
281.498.9292
My dress was created by the designer at Parvani Vida in Houston. Barbara, our saleswoman, was an amazing woman. The dress was not one I selected, but one she suggested I try. With no intention of buying a dress, we all knew it was TheDress as soon as I put it on. We customized it with a pale pink lining and cap sleeves, and Jeanie custom-made the dress for me - down to sewing on lace and beads by hand. The service was beyond personal - they were integral to creating the beautiful dress that I was so lucky to find. I hope anyone looking for a weddign dress in Houston will give them a try - they create a truly unique experience. www.parvanivida.com
John’s Tuxedos
address:
3200 Houma Blvd.
phone:
504.455.5353
The guys over at John’s were great. They had a great selection, which resulted in the sharp look the boys got to have. Personal service & on-site stock give this place a decided edge over the chain stores.
Flora Savage
address:
1301 Rue Royal
phone:
504.581.4728
The flowers were done by Susie at Flora Savage, as recommended by our friend Will. He has already briefed her on my tastes, and when I showed up, she had already marked some possibilities. Her suggestion of a hand-tied bouquet was perfect, and with very little discussion, she had selected exactly what I wanted.
I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the end result - these bouquets were so wild and textural and gorgeous. They added that unique touch that we were looking for, and she even had time to pull together an extra boutineer that I had forgotten about.
I can’t say enough good things about what Susie was able to do for us!
Eclipse Salon
address:
536 Bienville Street
phone:
504.522.3318
The salon that we went to for hair and nails was great. They are well-equipped to handle bridal parties and we were in and out in only 2.5 hours for 4 people. And you have to love a salon that greets the bridal party with mimosas :)
New Orleans City Park
address:
#1 Palm Drive
phone:
504.482.4888
In our search for a wedding location, we ran across a lot of beautiful homes - some affordable, some not. New Orleans is certainly a city where you have a plentiful selection of unique and elegent wedding locations to choose from. Plantations, 200 year-old mansions, manicured gardens, and even a castle.
However, when we arrived for our appointment at City Park’s Popp Bandstand and Parkview Terrace, nothing else could compete. Trees dripping with spanish moss, creek flowing nearby, surrounded by raw natural beauty and housed in open, airy simplicity - it was a location fitting of *us*.
Because we were giving up some of the privacy, the pricetag was quite reasonable for the 100 person shindig we wanted to throw. Below is a quick review:
The Coordinator
Wendy Christman was our contact point at City Park, and she was awesome. Very professional but low-key, which left us feeling both confident in her and relaxed about the process. She helped us move the date, she made the selection of key components easy, she was alwasy available for a quick questions - I couldn’t have asked for more personal service.
The Catering
As I remembered from the food tasting and heard over and over from our guests, the food was *spectacular*. Unique but familiar blends of flavors created a cajun-inspired spread that was refined and satisfying. I had no less than 10 people stop me at the wedding to rave about the food. The extra perk? When it was all over, they packed up all the leftovers for us and loaded cars headed to both the house and the afterparty. We have been enjoying the leftovers ever since!
The cake was included in the package, but created by Swiss Confectionary (747 St. Charles). I actually heard people exclaim, “My god, its wedding cake that TASTES good!” It was not only beautiful, but truly a confectionary treat.
The Location
Choosing to have the ceremony outdoors, there was some concern about noise, mosquitos, setup, and whatnot. The playground next door did make it a little difficult to hear from the back, but only because I didn’t project as well as the boys did :) The 90 guests filled up the Popp Bandstand comfortably. The sunset bathed us in this warm glow, while our guests enjoyed the lighting and not having sun in their eyes.
The Parkview Terrace was every bit as elegant as I remembered, and the guests seemed to really enjoy the wraparound gallery.
The Staff
Our bridal attendant, Casey, was a goddess. She aniticpated my every need and ran things so smoothly, I didn’t have a single concern. They loaded our cars, ensured everything was where it needed to be, and took great care of us.
A special note: the catering staff went above and beyond by giving some of our guests a ride home when a cab ditched them at the reception. I could not be more impressed with how professional and considerate they were.
We cannot adequately express our gratitude for the people who offered themselves as our support crew in getting ready for the wedding. Without them, we would have been crazy and overwhelmed! Below are the people who helped make this the amazing event it was:
Andre
Bringing his zen and experience to the ceremony, Andre honored us with officiating our wedding. We couldn't image a more personal and Right person to join us before our friends and family.
Will
Will was not only our SoundMaestro, slaving over prep, setup and execution, but he was also the host for the AfterParty in the Garden District. The amount of work and effort that he put into this event is beyond words, and we are so grateful to have had him at our side and often 3 steps ahead, assuring everything was perfect!
Meltem
Slave labor has never been so amiable and loving. As the Maid of Honor, she defiantely got a workout for months before the wedding, providing minion-labor for the favors and a week's worth of preparation in the week leading up to the wedding.
Austin
Our photographer, Austin, offered us his photography services as a wedding gift and we very much appreciate the beautiful moments he captured for us. He always seems to know just how to capture people's most genuine expressions and emotions.
Alex
Alex came in early to be a CherishedMinion and was indispensible in running errands, wrangling details, and most importantly, being in charge of David on the day of the wedding :) We highly recommend him as the best BodyMan ever!
Lish
Lish filled the days before and after the wedding with picking up the little tasks that kept us healthy and sane - things like keg-schlepping, errand-running, feeding us when we had forgotten, ensuring planes were not missed, and generally nurturing us in all the ways we would never have remembered.
Mike & Andee
On call for TouristInfo and StuffSchlepping, Mike & Andee were the extra pair of much-needed hands both in the months leading up to the wedding and in the transport of food, possessions and people from Reception to AfterParty.
Angie
Angie, often referred to as our "housegirl," invested so much of herself in planning and execution of this event. She participated in brainstorming & creation of many aspects. She did the bridal party's makeup. She had the emergency repair supplies. And when it was all done, she came and scrubbed our house & kitchen back to a gleaming wonder. We are so spoiled!
Mark & Tim
The DJ's at the Whirling Dervish were kind enough to take our enormous request list and play it until we could hardly stand. They also snuck in our First Dance from the Reception, which was both delightful and embarassing :)
Beyond these people, we were surrounded by people who offered to help with anything they could. There were people who made airport runs, lent a hand, and provided the physical and emotional support we so needed. Thank you to each of you who gave so much of yourselves!
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