Katie Annessa and Alexander Reed have one of those quintessential love stories, in that they met in high school, were high school sweethearts, and continued dating through college–both of them, attending LSU.
With the wedding planning process headed by Bobbi Rice, Katie and Alexander’s wedding day began with preparations at the Windsor Court Hotel in the French Quarter of New Orleans. A collection of bridal bouquets and boutonnieres were delivered to the hotel that morning, and the bridesmaids bouquets consisted of handtied bunches of blush and coral peonies, ranunculus, and garden roses. Katie’s bouquet was an arrangement of roses, ranunculus, and hydrangeas wrapped in antique ivory silk ribbon and adorned with crystal broaches.
AS KATIE WALKED DOWN THE AISLE, HER FATHER HELD HER HAND THE ENTIRE TIME.
Although the bride and groom didn’t see each other during the morning, they decided to have a “First Look” photo session in the Windsor Court’s courtyard. After a few private moments and photos, they rode in style to the Audubon Zoo in a Rolls Royce. The zoo created a unique backdrop for more formal portraits with the bridesmaids and groomsmen before their church ceremony.
The ceremony décor was a delicate array of ivory rose and hydrangea floral wreaths hanging on the entrance doors. At the altar, several large silver urns were on display, filled with hundreds more ivory roses and white hydrangeas. As Katie walked down the aisle, Bobbi noticed that her father held her hand the entire time, making for a very sentimental giving away ceremony. “Most dads are so worried about stepping on the dress or walking properly, but he was completely in the moment,” Bobbi says. “It was very sweet.”
After the ceremony, guests relocated to the reception at the Audubon Tea Room and enjoyed a cocktail hour while waiting for the bride and groom’s arrival. SmileBooth photo booth provided some entertainment, and freshly made taffy was served from a horse-drawn cart.
The ballroom was decorated with florals, linens, and décor provided by Bobbi Rice Weddings. Tall centerpieces featured peach and coral tones of roses, peonies, ranunculus, and orchids. Each vase was also decorated with custom pearl draping.
Overall, it was a festive affair with first dances, fantastic music provided by Groovy 7, bouquet and garter tosses, and a traditional New Orleans second line parade led by the bride and groom.
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Audubon Nature Institute, New Orleans, LA; Floral and Event Design, Planner: Bobbi Rice Weddings, Baton Rouge, LA; Wedding Dress: Eve of Milady; Bride’s Shoes: Chanel
