Quintessential New Orleans Wedding Inspiration

June 30, 2022

I am so honored that this iconic wedding inspiration shoot has been published in the most recent Southern Bride Magazine.

Ah! New Orleans-hot and humid summers, giant live oak trees, historic French quarter, large estates with wrap around porches. This wedding inspiration shoot will take you there, show you a good time and leave you dreaming of more!

The vibrance, textures, history and magic of quintessential New Orleans are on full display at The Estate at Raintree Ranch. This hidden gem, an 8,200 square foot French Orleans style mansion decorated with a modern curated flare, is nestled on a 452 acre private gated estate in Emory, deep in the heart of East Texas.

Every detail of this inspiration shoot designed by Brooke Salitore owner and lead planner of RSVP Events and captured by photographer Jen Symes is dripping in historic beauty, from the grandeur of the venue its self to the lush, jewel toned florals by La Tee Da. The fitted modern wedding gown by designer Yaniv Persey and floral “Goddess” veil by Toni Federici were perfection. The bespoke invitation suite designed by Alexa Pulitzer match flawlessly with the french Orleans style of the estate.

The ceremony was situated at the entrance of the estate where florist La Tee Da foraged magnolia branches on the property to fashion a dramatic magnolia garland draped dramatically from the upper balcony framing the couples nuptials. To either side of the front porch steps were towering brass vases overflowing with the vibrant florals including Coral Charm Peonies, Black Beauty Roses and Blue Thistle only to name a few. No charming accent was left untouched as evidence by the floral dog collars of the mansion’s welcoming statues.

After changing into their reception attire, the bride and groom participated in a traditional second line as they danced their way into the courtyard reception escorted by a lively band quartet followed by toasts in front of a champagne tower and the cutting of the cake beautifully designed by Ashton Marie Cakes before being seated for their four course crafted southern fare dinner. The head table was set with vibrant antique china, vintage Waterford crystal, vintage silverware laid on a cobalt blue velvet tablecloth.

New Orleans isn’t just a place as we found out while planning this shoot, it is a unique and contained culture that doesn’t know a stranger.

As they say down in New Orleans, “Laissez les bons temps rouler.”