Korissa + Ryan are one of the most fun couples I’ve ever met. They are party people through and through, so it only made sense that they would choose to tie the knot in one of the most famous US party capitals— New Orleans!

From beignets, to jazz bands, partying on a rooftop on Bourbon street, cajun food, a ceremony near the bayou, and fireworks… you really can’t get any more New Orleans than this!!!

I met these two in San Diego when we did their 2 engagement sessions (if you remember this wild one, you know why we had to do this one just in case 😂). Korissa travels a lot for her work and one of her favorite places to visit is Nola. She fell in love with the city, so her and Ryan decided it was a perfect place for them. Their family came from far and wide to celebrate with them. And I have to tell you about it!!

The couple welcomed their guests with a cajun style dinner and a surprise second line jazz band parade!!! That’s some rehearsal dinner!!! After some memorable speeches and dinner, the jazz band surprised us and led us outside to start the parade. Blocked streets (just for us) and the jazz band led us around the party center of the French Quarter. We were dancing and parading to the music until we reached the final venue of the evening: a rooftop bar! We had the whole place to ourselves where the wedding could party the night away. Everyone threw Mardi Gras beads down to the street below! It was the best way to kick off the wedding weekend!

Here are the most iconic moments from their wedding day…

They started off getting ready at the Omni Royle hotel in the heart of the French Quarter, just a couple blocks from the famous Jackson square! On my way to the wedding, I ate some beignets from Cafe Du Monde while listening to jazz band street performers in the square.

When the bride put on her dress, she looked straight out of a movie. She was literally like a princess stepping onto the terrace in their hotel suite. It felt like Paris or something!!!

After their first look, we took a stroll down the streets of New Orleans for some pictures. We wandered down Bourbon street and into the square. Jazz music and the smell of daiquiris and fried chicken was everywhere!

Then, we gathered into party buses to take us to their venue, where they would be having a sunset ceremony.

The southern estate was outside of the city center in the more rural and authentic parts of Louisiana. The hanging moss, trees, and antebellum architecture brought the feelings of southern charm and peace. We were getting the best of both worlds with the music and party of the French Quarter along with the beauty and culture of their venue.

The ceremony concluded with… yes, another jazz band AND fireworks! It was epic. The rest of the reception was filled with laughter and the craziest dance party. There was all the best bayou fixings — jumbalaya, gumbo, praline fried chicken, a fresh oyster bar, and of course, beignets from Cafe Du Monde! Peep the alligator ice sculpture the bride used to take shots from!

I absolutely love when people’s destination weddings go all out, matching the culture, music, food, and vibes of the location. I am obsessed with the culture of New Orleans, so it was so cool to see it represented!

VENDORS:

Venue @Southernoaksweddings

Rehearsal Dinner @arnaudsnola

Welcome Party Rooftop @oldabsinthhouse

Photography @parallel33photography

Videography @foxweddingsco

Florals @crybabyfloral

Makeup/Hair @glamonlocationllc

Hotel @omnihotels

Beignets @cafedumonde

Second line jazz band - Welcome Party @jaywalkersnola

Second line jazz band - Wedding - The Pin Stripes