New Orleans Destination Wedding: With two parades in the French Quarter

New Orleans destination wedding

Korissa and Ryan - as a couple - are party people through and through, so it only made sense that they would choose to tie the knot in one of the most famous US party capitals: New Orleans! Korissa travels a lot for work, and one of her favorite places to visit was (and is!) Nola. She fell in love with the city, so she and Ryan decided it was a perfect place for them to tie the knot. From beignets to jazz bands, partying on a rooftop on Bourbon Street, Cajun food, a ceremony near the Bayou, and the most epic fireworks, it really doesn't get any more "New Orleans" than this incredible wedding!

Scroll down to see the most amazing photography by Parallel 33 Photography of this wedding at Southern Oaks, featuring florals by Cry Baby Floral, a stunning dress by Made With Love Bridal, and the greatest reception party complete with an alligator ice sculpture by Dawson List. You won't want to miss clicking here to check out the full gallery of photos either - we promise!

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There's nothing so New Orleans as kicking off an event with a parade!

The couple welcomed their guests with a Cajun-style dinner and a surprise second line jazz band parade. After some memorable speeches and a delicious dinner, the jazz band surprised everyone and led them outside to start the parade that went all the way around the party center of the French Quarter. The group was dancing and parading to the music until they reached the final venue of the evening: a rooftop bar! They had the whole place to themselves, and everyone took full advantage of throwing Mardi Gras beads down to the street below. It was a super fun way to kick off the wedding weekend!

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An iconic day is made up of smaller, iconic moments

This wedding day was made up of so many iconic, memorable moments. From getting ready at the Omni Royale Hotel in the heart of the French Quarter, to the bride putting on her dress and looking like a princess stepping onto the terrace in their hotel suite, the entire day from start to finish was magical. After their first look, the couple took a stroll down the streets of New Orleans for some pictures before gathering into party buses to head over to their venue where they had a sunset ceremony.

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outdoor nighttime wedding ceremony

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Wedding ceremonies don't have to be so serious, and this one definitely proved that!

The Southern Oaks estate where Korissa and Ryan got married was outside of the city center. The hanging moss, trees, and architecture brought all the feelings of southern charm and peacefulness. The ceremony concluded with - yes - another jazz band and a whole bunch of fireworks!

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private bride and groom food table

The party really got going when they brought out the alligator ice sculpture

The rest of the reception was filled with laughter and the craziest dance party. There were all the best Bayou fixings — jambalaya, gumbo, praline fried chicken, a fresh oyster bar, and of course, beignets from the famous Cafe Du Monde. And no one could miss the alligator ice sculpture the bride took shots from! Their destination weddings went all out, matching the culture, music, food, and vibes of New Orleans. It was impossible for everyone there to not fall in love with Nola.

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