Amanda and Ashley’s New Orleans December church wedding was full of entertainment, including a surprise Usher dance, getting Smirnoff Iced by a friend, and watching everyone have such a great time. The couple’s wedding inspiration was a muted color palette with pops of green and metallic. The two brides wore white—one in a gown and one in a pantsuit, and were attended by bridesmen in blue suits and bridesmaids in lavender gray gowns. Their wedding night was capped with a bubble sendoff while rocking Christmas light necklaces and Santa hats.
TELL US YOUR LOVE STORY
Ashley and I met through mutual friends on a coed flag football team. We all began hanging out outside of football and eventually started dating. We loved enjoying the City of New Orleans, traveling, cheering on the Saints, good food and good booze. After dating five years, Amanda popped the question in City Park and had a surprise party planned after.
TELL US ABOUT THE PROPOSAL(S)
Ashley was under the impression we were going to film additional clips for a film that a friend was submitting to the New Orleans Film Festival. However, Amanda had orchestrated the entire thing and got down on one knee (in white jeans, in the mud 🙂 ). Once Ashley got over the shock, she said yes! We spent the rest of our enGAYgement night with friends and family celebrating.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WERE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER?
Amanda knew Ashley was the one when she survived her first family lake vacation. Ashley knew Amanda was the one after our first Christmas together.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BIG DAY
We each stayed at the Hilton Riverside in separate rooms with our wedding party. We used one room for hair and makeup and one for pictures and getting ready. Mandy (our wedding planner) and our wedding party made sure to maneuver us from room to room so we wouldn’t see each other. We headed to The Felicity for our first look and pictures before the ceremony. The ceremony began at 5:30 with a cocktail hour and reception to follow. We enjoyed dancing and celebrating with our friends and family, and added light up Christmas necklaces and Santa hats towards the end. The only thing we wished was different is that we wanted to keep partying long into the next morning.
WHAT DID YOU KNOW FOR SURE WHEN STARTING TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING?
We definitely knew we wanted our caterer. Ashley and Walker have known each other for years, so we knew the food would be amazing. We both knew we wanted a New Orleans feel, a venue with character, and for everything to be simple and elegant.
WHAT SURPRISED YOU DURING WEDDING PLANNING?
How much we relied on our wedding planner. She helped guide us on details and constantly reminded us on the smalls things that we likely would have forgotten. Prior to planning a wedding, we didn’t think we needed a planner. But now, we don’t know how we would have done it without her.
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN WHILE YOU WERE PLANNING YOUR WEDDING?
The details pile up. There are so many small things that have to be taken care of and staying on them week by week helps to stay ahead.
ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING THEIR WEDDINGS?
Every detail of a wedding cost money. It’s your day and it’s your wedding. If it’s not important, don’t feel like you need to do it to please someone else. And if it is important, make it happen.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR WEDDING DAY?
Our first look and finally getting to party with all of our friends and family.
SEARCH FOR LGBTQ+ INCLUSIVE WEDDING VENDORS
VENDORS
Event Planner: Amanda Price Events
Photographer: Mateo & Company
Dress Store: Town and Country Bridal
Invitation Designer: Gem Printing Company
Cake Designer: Gambino’s Bakery
Transportation: American Luxury Limo
DJ: Jack Magic Entertainment
Caterer: Black Pearl Catering Co.
Equipment Rentals: True Value Rentals
Floral Designer: Herbivore Floral Designs
Beauty: Monique Munoz Creative Hair
Event Venue: Felicity Church
Beauty: Verde Beauty
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