Photo: Storm Santos
Maybe it’s the city’s effortlessly cool laidback vibes, maybe it’s the art and mystique that lingers in the air, but it’s no secret that New Orleans has always been a favorite hangout for celebs, and for many even their home base. That’s why when it comes time to plan their weddings, NOLA is a very popular celeb destination. Let’s get into the who, what, and where of our 5 favorite celebrity weddings in New Orleans. Who knows, maybe you can score a vendor or two from their list…
Photo: Rog Walker
If Beyonce is the Queen B, then that makes Solange a princess, so it’s fitting that, like all royal weddings, this one took place at a church, Holy Trinity Church to be specific, now the Marigny Opera House. She arrived in style with her soon-to-be hubby, Alan Ferguson, on a white bicycle adorned with cream-colored roses. For her first of many looks, Solange rocked an ivory jumpsuit with a dramatic plunging neckline and cape by Stephané Rolland.
The two went their separate ways to prep for their I do’s and to slip into their official ceremony attire. Solange stunned in a regal cape gown by Humberto Leon for Kenzo accessorized with matching gold cuffs on either wrist. Flanked by her ladies (including her sis, Bey) in all white, in these portraits by Rog Walker, she exudes elegance and strength.
Ferguson wore a chic double-breasted ivory suit by Lanvin paired with a crisp white shirt and black leather gold-toe shoes. Solange walked down the aisle to a symphonic instrumental of Donny Hathaway’s, “I Love the Lord, He Heard My Cry.”
Photo: Rog Walker
After the ceremony, the festivities began with a screening of Mahogany, starring Diana Ross. Then the real party began celeb-studded musical performances by Kelela, Questlove, and Kindness.
Photo: Rog Walker
Venue: Marigny Opera House
Wedding Dress: Humberto Leon for Kenzo
Accessories: Jill for Lady Grey
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Groom’s Attire: Lanvin
Jumpsuit: Stephané Rolland
Wedding Photographer: Rog Walker
Photo: Sophie Lin Berard
Good Girls star, Christina Hendricks found love on set when she met her now-husband George Bianchini. The two originally planned to tie the knot overseas, but fell head over heels for NOLA and never looked back. Their three-day wedding weekend was all about immersing their guests in the glamour and mystery of this truly one-of-a-kind city. And what better way to welcome your guests than with a proper cocktail party at a mini-mansion followed by a ghost tour of The French Quarter? Christina greeted guests in an over-the-top blue and white floral mermaid gown from one of her close friends, Christian Siriano.
Photo: Instagram via @actuallychristinahendricks
For the wedding day, the couple and their wedding party hunkered down at the historic Napolean House. The landmark that was once home to its namesake, Napoleon Bonaparte, during his exile, is now a pillar in the NOLA fine dining scene. Hendricks entrusted florist, Sharime Kayla, with transforming the mansion into a floral wonderland in shades of plum, blush, and chocolate. The courtyard ceremony was officiated by rock icon, Shirley Manson, the lead singer of Garbage.
Photo: Instagram via Hello! Magazine
Their guests were then treated to some must-have New Orleans classics like steak, shrimp and grits, and muffuletta. To spice things up, the couple opted to have Bananas Foster flambéed right at each table instead of a traditional wedding cake.
Photo: Instagram via Hello! Magazine
Ceremony Venue: Napoleon House
Welcome Party Venue: Mini Mansion at the Soniat House
Welcome Party Dress: Custom Christian Siriano
Wedding Dress: Katya Katya
Veil: Claire Pettibone
Florals: Sharime Kayla
Wedding Photographer: Sophie Lin Berard
Ghost Tour: Hottest Hell Tours
Groom's Attire: Paul Smith Designs
Photo: Storm Santos
White Lotus star, Alexandra Deddario married Andrew Form in a celebration that was truly New Orleans. The day started with an intimate ceremony at Preservation Hall. Alexandra wore an effortlessly chic pleated silk wool gown by Danielle Frankel.
Photo: Storm Santos
Andrew was also serving laidback Southern vibes in a cool tan pinstriped suit by Brunello Cucinelli. Led by Preservation Hall’s famed jazz band, their Second Line wove through the French Quarter to their reception at Bar Marilou where guests were treated to cheeseburgers, dancing, and tarot card readings.
Photo: Storm Santos
Ceremony Venue: Preservation Hall
Reception Venue: Bar Marilou
Groom’s Attire: Brunello Cucinelli
Wedding Dress: Danielle Frankel
Wedding Photographer: Storm Santos
Photo: Instagram via @malcolmmcrae
To quote Mugatu from "Zoolander", “That [Anya Taylor-Joy] is so hot right now.” It seems like this doe-eyed beauty is popping up in everything from indie thrillers to sci-fi dramas and, with designers tripping over each other to dress her, she has officially secured her status as a fashion icon. So, it’s no wonder that the photos of her secret New Orleans wedding to Malcolm McRae, that she posted on their anniversary, went viral. With the company of only two of their closest friends, Cara Delevingne and Sebastián Faena, McRae and Taylor-Joy eloped at an intimate ceremony at Hotel Peter and Paul, a historic New Orleans landmark that was once a convent.
Photo: Instagram via @anyataylorjoy
Anya wore a custom gown by Dior in a lovely shade of champagne embroidered with hummingbirds and various other nods to the couple’s love story. Surrounded by candles and white roses, the couple exchanged their vows in the chapel followed by an intimate dinner that culminated in anatomically correct heart-shaped cakes. Due to its secretive nature, the majority of vendors are unknown and it appears that the couple and their besties snapped most of the pics themselves. Nevertheless, here’s what we could gather…
Photo: Instagram via @anyataylorjoy
Ceremony Venue: Hotel Peter and Paul
Wedding Dress: Custom Dior
Wedding Cake: We’re assuming that this had to be a bakery in NOLA for the sake of freshness, not to mention that it’s very on-brand for a city known for its vampires. We’re on the lookout for some hot tips if anyone knows which baker crafted these one-of-a-kind creations.
Photo: Bob Metelus, Erica Rodriguez, Mel Barlow Photography, Allan Zepeda via Vogue
Another American Princess, Serena Williams had her fairytale wedding in New Orleans, and this one was far from an intimate affair. So loved is this couple that their guest list couldn’t even begin to fit in a typical venue, they needed the entire Contemporary Arts Center. Because Vogue had an exclusive on this royal wedding, they had not one but a TEAM of four photographers to capture the big day.
Guests watched on as Serena and Alexis Ohanian exchanged vows under a modern floral arch in an extravagant space draped in shades of grey and ivory fabric. Serena looked absolutely regal in a beaded chiffon cape and custom Alexander McQueen strapless sweetheart ballgown.
Photo: Bob Metelus, Erica Rodriguez, Mel Barlow Photography, Allan Zepeda via Vogue
After the ceremony, guests were treated to a reception inspired by one of Serena’s favorite fairytales, let’s see if you can guess which one…
Venue: The Contemporary Arts Center
Groom’s Attire: Custom Armani
Wedding Dress: Custom Alexander McQueen
Reception Dress: Custom Dress by Donatella Versace
Wedding Photographers: Bob Metelus, Erica Rodriguez, Mel Barlow Photography, Allan Zepeda
Hair Stylist: Angela Meadows
Makeup Artist: Natasha Gross
Bridesmaid Dresses: Custom Galia Lahav
Event Planner: Jennifer Zabinski Events
Event Designer: Preston Bailey Entertainment & Set Design, Inc.
Event Entertainment: Elan Artists
DJs: DJ Trauma, DJ Mike Wise
Event Catering: Creative Edge Parties
Event Production: See Hear Productions
Invitations: Alpine Creative Group
Wedding Cake: Lulu Cake Boutique
Welcome Bags: Lady J Creative
Stylist: Kesha McLeod
Jeweler: XIV Karats
Want to get married in New Orleans like one of your favorite celebs? New Orleans loves that for you and wants to help! Yes, you read that right, New Orleans wants to help you plan your wedding there for FREE! Check out their wedding website here or fill out this form for free hotel quotes and planning assistance.
Follow @visitneworleans to see even more of this perfect wedding destination.
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