Kristen and Andy had been dating for 8 years, and were finally ready to tie the knot! The two live in and absolutely adore New Orleans. It was only right that their wedding be dedicated to their beloved city! The couple decided to marry at Music Box Village, a non-profit organization with a beautiful message. The semi-industrial outdoor space consists of a number of musical “house” installations curated and created by local artists. These interactive “music boxes” give way to support the local New Orleans art scene and initiate creative experimentation.
With a mission like that, it’s no wonder that Kristen and Andy envisioned their wedding here! In order to make this wedding come to life, the couple hired wedding planner Syd Kleinberg and photographer Ashley Biltz. With the addition of beautiful floral arrangements by Duia and Jean, Kristen and Andy were able to have the wedding day of their dreams.
The Big Easy
With their wedding being a love letter to the place they call home, it was only fitting that their invites had an adorable picture of it as well! Paper and Toys created this beautiful drawing of New Orleans that Andy and Kristen will be able to cherish forever.
This ring is a STUNNER! Kristen’s engagement ring is an emerald-cut diamond with tapered baguettes designed by Ring Concierge.
Kristen wore a beautiful custom wedding gown by designer Carol Hannah. Not only was the layered fabric incredibly romantic, but the golden color was as well!
Notice anything weird in this photo? You’re looking at Flat Leah! Leah, a bridesmaid of Kristen’s took a bit of a tumble while riding a motorized scooter. Unfortunately, as a result, Leah needed surgery and wasn’t able to (physically) attend the wedding. But she most certainly was not left out of the celebration!
The cutout (of her chugging a bottle of champagne during my bachelorette party) encapsulated her personality perfectly. She went with us to the rehearsal, got ready with us, and was added to photos. By the end of the wedding night, we lost her lower body, which seemed appropriate.
The groomsmen had their fair share of fun, too!
A First Look at Love
Years of anticipation eventually culminated into this one special moment where Andy and Kristen saw each other as bride and groom for the first time.
The background of the music box village was the perfect juxtaposition to the couple’s wedding attire. The industrial and wooden elements joined together to highlight the beauty radiating from the loving couple.
#1: Have fun. Do whatever the hell you want to do. It's your day, so make it so! Things may go awry, but you won't notice. My day was perfectly imperfect and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Love Songs
In a place centered around the beauty of music and art, it’s only fitting that the wedding had some amazing musical elements.
Our band was KILLER, and we had to opt for the full brass addition! The music was my favorite (and the hardest) part! We went through songs with our band and then told them to go crazy and make it their own. We were also lucky enough to have a smaller band play during cocktail hour and the ceremony.
The flower arrangements felt as if they were straight out of a hidden garden. Natural greenery perfectly complemented the daintiness of the pink and red roses.
The happy couple was surrounded by their closest friends and family when finally saying “I Do”.
My absolute favorite memory is of our guests walking into this crazy metal enclosure and seeing the space for the very first time. It's out of this world! And of course, having everyone realize why we love New Orleans (and them!) so much. Marrying my best friend was the literal icing on the cake (which features our pup, Rupert, of course).
Beauty On a Budget
Friends were able to mix, mingle, and enjoy some delicious drinks during cocktail hour. The specialty drinks for the night were a Fall Mai Tai and a “New” Old Fashioned. A true tribute to NOLA!
For an added personalized touch, artist Kacie Landis painted a stunning picture of the newlywed couple.
When describing her vision and inspiration for the wedding reception, Kristen said:
It’s an industrial space, with mixed metals and wood, so my thought was to go over-the-top with florals and romantic additions because the juxtaposition would be so cool –and it worked!
The soft, pink tones on the tables and chairs perfectly captured this vision!
There were also sweet DIY elements sprinkled in throughout the wedding. Kristen made all of the signage, after using their invitations as a guide.
A bourbon-cherry “old-fashioned” flavored wedding cake was the grand finale of this spectacular evening. With elements this thoughtful and detailed, Kristen and Andy’s wedding won’t be soon forgotten! Congratulations to the happy couple!
photography: Ashley Biltz // venue name: Music Box Village, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA // planning: Syd Kleinberg // florals: Duia and Jean // wedding dress: Carol Hannah (and custom) // wedding dress boutique: The Sentimentalist // hairpiece: Carol Hannah 'Mica' veil // bride's shoes: Loeffler Randall // bride's ring: Ring Concierge // bridesmaid dresses: Baltic Born and Stitch and Tie // getting ready robes: Katie Kime // hair stylist: Alicia Lynch // makeup artist: Jessica Carnley // groom attire: Stitch and Tie (lapel) // groom's ring: Boudreaux's Jewelers // videography: Chris Parish Creative // paper goods: Paper and Toys // catering: Elysian Seafood // cake: Kimbla's Cakes // furniture rentals: Distressed Rentals & Revivals // specialty rentals: VW Bus // music: The New Orleans Players // second shooter: Sonia Savio // wedding painter: Kacie Landis