Elegant New Orleans destination wedding for contest winners

Virginia couple Lee and Sable were the lucky winners of an absolutely free destination wedding in New Orleans. The contest, coordinated by Waning Moon Weddings, required the couple to hand over complete control of their celebration to the vendors, which was only a challenge until they experienced the Waning Moon Team’s incredible vision.

“We wanted to wow them with a bold design and amazing detail,” says a Waning Moon representative.

The exquisite, intimate wedding, complete with luscious florals and a live painter, took place on November 10, 2019 at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. For their first dance, Lee and Sable chose What a Wonderful Thing Love Is by Al Green.

“Remember that you have to keep falling in love as you grow and change,” the couple writes. “Getting to know each other will be a lifetime adventure.”

What challenges did you face as an LGBTQ+ couple planning your wedding?

Because we were working with inclusive vendors already, we trusted them fully. Sable is a stickler for detail and planning so she had a moment of trouble handing over the reins. But once we got to speak with LaToya (Waning Moon Weddings) and a few of the other vendors, we knew everything would be perfect!

Our biggest hurdle was family. The dynamics around family always show during moments like this. But at the end of the day, the people that were most important were there and it was one of the best days of our lives!

Advice for vendors and venues working with LGBTQ+ couples?

Be honest and transparent while being mindful. This is a WEDDING! Not just a “gay wedding” or “trans wedding.” We are as gentle and nervous on our big day as any other couple.