We are SO excited to share Bri Emery + Justin Bakies’ New Orleans wedding today! Bri is a friend to GWS and a creative director whom you may know as the founder of designlovefest, both the blog and go-to arthouse for countless brands. We were at the edge of our seats from the moment these two got engaged, fully aware that this would be a day filled with major creative elements, unique designs, and FUN. And guess what? We were NOT wrong! They wed at Race + Religious, capturing the quintessential New Orleans feel, and here’s what Bri had to say about the day:
We got married in Justin’s home town so that made it very special! We wanted it to be a day of joy and fun. Our guests (who were told we were already married that morning) were surprised with a short and simple ceremony on the bridge overhead when they arrived, then a jazz band marched us all out onto the streets to celebrate!
Being the creative genius she is, Bri sent a mood board to the team to get everyone on board with the jazzy, 1920s New Orleans vibe. And it’s a true testament to the vendors that B + J’s day truly matched the original vision! Ruby and Pearl Events were there to ease the day-of stress, while Jesse Chamberlin Marble and Caitlin B Photography photographed every unique + rad detail along the way.
Let’s have a look!!
The invitation was a combination of Audubon-inspired art by Mike Willcox and lettering by Nick Misani. Kind of a perfect marriage, don’t you think?!
Bri’s Bridal Style
I had no clue what I wanted to wear! My business partner, Joanie, (who’s wedding we shared on GWS!) thought I was slacking in the dress department and took me to Nieman Marcus to just look and get ideas. The Naeem Khan cape was pure love at first sight! I also found the beaded Jenny Packham dress that day and decided to layer them together. I was considering wearing a black dress, but this feathery number stole my heart immediately.
The First Look
Love this part!
Okay, the monochrome florals by Of The Flowers are to DIE FOR!!
Just surged ahead to the top of our favorite bouquet of the year list. DREAMY.
A Surprise Ceremony!
Here they come! Love this.
Have you ever seen more stylish guests? Such a fun surprise!
Here Come the Newlyweds
Talk about fun: Bri + Justin had a traditional second line parade following the vows! A jazz band and Mardi Gras Indians helped usher in the beginning of a new life together for the bride + groom!
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How good are these masks?
We needed a closer look at Bri’s faaaabulous cape. Shall we all swoon together?
That “just married” glow!!
Isn’t New Orleans the perfect wedding backdrop?
A Magical Reception
SO pretty.
Jaw DROP. All the texture and color looks like something out of a dream!
Stop it with that pink pampas grass! Of The Flowers made some magic here!
- I would 1000% recommend a day-of planner. I felt almost no stress on the day of and I know it was because of that.
- An ongoing checklist (the one my semi-planners gave me was so helpful!)
- Go with your gut. If something isn’t working out, don’t force it. You want to have a good feeling about all of your vendors to decrease stress along the way.
- A mood board is so helpful to send to your vendors and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Loving how the feathered effect of the pampas grass matches Bri’s cape!
Introducing: Mr. + Mrs.
King + Queen of New Orleans!
Bri + Justin danced to “Must be in a Good Place Bow” by Bobby Charles and had their fortunes read during the reception!
It's either when a bunch of us jumped in the pool at the end of the night or the second line parade! Both were such happy moments full of laughter and excitement.
An epic wedding requires an epic video. Cue Sharkpig Weddings with the goods! (And cue the tears from us.)
There’s so much to love here, but mostly we’re loving Bri’s contagious smile…so much joy in one day! We’re thrilled for you two and sending all our love from the GWS team!
photography: Jesse Chamberlin Marble // venue name: Race + Religious, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA // event design: Bri Emery // planning: Ruby and Pearl Events // florals: Of The Flowers // wedding dress: Jenny Packham // hairpiece: Of The Flowers // bride's shoes: Mansur Gavriel // bride's ring: Kathryn Bentley // hair stylist: Bianca Linette // makeup artist: Bianca Linette // groom attire: Ted Baker // groom's ring: Julio Cuellar Jewelry // videography: Sharkpig Weddings // catering: Black Pearl Catering // cake: Bittersweet Confections // furniture rentals: Love Good Rentals // linen rentals: BBJ Linen // music: The Flashdance // officiant: Victor Reginato (our friend) // photo booth: Boogie Booth // second photographer: Caitlin B Photography // bridal cape: Naeem Khan // wedding bands: Julio Cuellar Jewelry // trailer outside, tables, chairs + bar: Lovegood Rentals // wedding invitation art: Mike Willcox // wedding invitation lettering: Nick Misani // wedding invitation printing: Czar Press // wedding invitation stamps: Vintage Postage Shop // tarot card: Gail Kiefer // rehearsal dinner: Cane and Table NOLA // 2nd line band: Kinfolk Brass Band
Love this wedding ! Just FAB !! ♥♥