From the LA Clippers to a New Orleans wedding full of traditions

sexy wedding dress

Francisco and Sydney met in Los Angeles in September 2016 when they were interns for the LA Clippers. Sydney had just moved to California from Texas, and Francisco was a returning veteran. Throughout that NBA season, Francisco and Sydney got to know each other and a friendship slowly developed into love. The next summer they began dating, and after five and half years of adventures, Francisco planned an intimate proposal in December 2022 at one of their favorite spots. A year and a half later they tied the knot during their seventh anniversary weekend in front of family and friends at Il Mercato in New Orleans, all captured on camera by Laura Shepherd Images and planned with the help of Vine & Branch Events Co..

traditional wedding invitations

Madela Bridal wedding dress kitten heel wedding shoes

pearl wedding jewelry

Bridal style: The epitome of elegance

Bride Sydney wore a stunning fitted, off-the-shoulder lace gown complete with delicate long lace sleeves by Netta BenShabu. Simple pearl jewelry accented her look that was finished with a natural Hollywood glam look courtesy of Chrisitina Michelle and Shay M Makeup.

classic groomsmen suits

Classic groomsmen style

The groom and his groomsmen donned classic black suits with the groom having a white bow tie instead of a matching black one.

champagne bridesmaid dresses

Champagne bridesmaids and clear straps

Sydney's bridesmaids wore elegant champagne halter-neck dresses from Show Me Your Mumu Weddings completed by sandals with clear straps so as not to take away from the overall look.

Catholic church wedding

lace-trimmed veil

white rose bouquet

white rose boutonniere

The ceremony: A family tradition

The couple's ceremony was held in the same church that Sydney’s parents had gotten married in (St. Joseph Catholic Church) and was even officiated by the same priest. Sydney’s mom was escorted by her grandpa again, and their flower girl and ring bearer (now all grown up!) walked down with their own children as Sydney and Francisco’s flower girl and ring bearer. There was not a dry eye in that church!

white vintage getaway car

Incorporating cultural traditions

As a multicultural couple, there were four unique cultural aspects for this wedding between Francisco and Sydney: The lasso, the money dance, the second line, and the cake pull. The lasso is a unity ceremony in which a Catholic couple has a large rosary placed over them before a blessing. This was done by the groom's Godfather and his wife.

second line parade

New Orleans tradition: A second line

A second line is defined as, "A parade tradition in New Orleans, Louisiana, that involves a brass band, participants, and a grand marshal or parade leader." Lead by Kinfolk Brass Band, the guests followed the bride and groom down Magazine Street as locals came into the streets from shops and restaurants to celebrate with the newlyweds.

Bridgerton-inspired wedding cake

pearl bracelets

cake pull tradition

A cake pull with pearls

Another tradition that the bride incorporated was a cake pull. In this tradition, the bride adds charms to the bottom of the cake and has her bridesmaids (or anyone else she chooses) pull them before the cake cutting. Each charm represents something different and is normally associated with good luck. At Francisco and Sydney's wedding, these charms were on pearl bracelets so the girls could wear and keep them.

reception mini dress

Kicking off the party with a money dance

The money dance is when guests will line up in front of the bride and groom and pin money on them as they dance with the couple. It wasn't long after this that the bride and groom changed into their reception party outfits and danced the night away

View All Images