SOUTHERN WEDDING INSPIRATION
FALL 2024
DISPLAY UNTIL
NOV 15, 2024
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SOUTHERN WEDDING INSPIRATION
WINTER 2024
DISPLAY UNTIL
FEB 28, 2025
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CRYSTAL BALLROOM
26 NORTH ROYAL STREET, MOBILE, ALABAMA
251-338-2000 | BATTLEHOUSEMOBILE.COM
PHOTOS (LEFT): STEFANI MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY |
4 | NOW | nowweddingsmagazine.com
A Letter From The
Publisher
NOW Weddings Publisher Letter
Welcome to the 2024 Fall+Winter issue of NOW Weddings
Magazine!
In this issue we bring you not one, but two fashion editorials. The
first, Ethereal Elements, is my personal passion project for this
issue. I styled and photographed this editorial myself, carefully
choosing each detail to capture the essence of the 4 Elements of
Earth, Water, Air and Fire.
I am immensely grateful to my friend Kellie Levy who helped
me find my direction for this editorial and hosted the shoot at
her venue, The Cannery, in New Orleans. I couldn’t have asked
for a more amazing team of wedding vendors to collaborate on
this photo shoot, including Ashley Bateman and the Nola Flora
team who created the beautiful florals, DeQuindra Rouzan and
Amanda Mautemps of Faces of Virtue Beauty Studio who styled
the models’ hair and makeup looks to perfection, Rishita Monga
of Ajoonii whose jewelry I discovered just days before the photo
shoot and fell in love with immediately, Mari Brisco of Passport
Polish who created the custom manicures for our models, Fawn
& Sparrow whose crystal crowns were absolutely perfect, and
Calla Blanche who provided the stunning gowns we featured in
this editorial.
For our second editorial, we headed to Mobile, Alabama to
photograph a fairytale-inspired editorial at Crown Hall Events.
I’d like to thank our fabulous vendor team who helped make this
shoot magical: Mary Megan Parker of MM Parker Events who
directed the shoot, Sheila Kirksey of Rose Bud Flowers who
created the bouquets, Jodie Willis who styled our models hair and
makeup, and Bliss Bridal and I Do Bridal & Formal whose gowns
we featured in the editorial.
In this issue, we have selected 6 beautiful Southern wedding
stories to share with you and, as always, have included LOTS of
advice to help you as you plan your dream wedding.
As you flip through the pages, I hope you find inspiration, joy, and a
touch of magic that only Southern charm can bring.
I also hope you’ll join us for one (or more!) of our upcoming bridal
shows - we have two scheduled in New Orleans - September
24, 2024 and January 21, 2025 and one scheduled in Mobile at
the Battle House Hotel on January 12, 2025. You can find more
information about our shows at theNOWWeddingEvent.com
Warmest wishes,
Jessica Burke
Publisher
NOW Weddings Magazine
Jessica Burke
Dear Readers,
@nowmagazine504
nowweddingsmagazine.com
NOW Weddings Magazine
@nowweddingsmagazine
@nowwedding
8 | NOW | nowweddingsmagazine.com
REAL WEDDINGS
42
Tiffany Nichols + Jeff Youngblood
56
Jewel Evans Porter + Paul Porter
68
Tessa Mattke + Kevin Castrinos
78
Mary Hannah Farnell + J. Kenny Crow lll
88
Abby Bender + Patrick Sullivan
112
Rachel Hunter + Alex Harvey
CONTENTS
FALL + WINTER 2024
FEATURES
20 ETHEREAL ELEMENTS:
Bridal Looks Inspired by the Elements Air. Earth, Fire & Water
96 ONCE UPON A GOWN:
Fairytale Fantasies for the Modern Bride
20
Follow NOW Weddings Magazine for daily inspiration.
@nowmagazine504
NOW Weddings Magazine
@nowweddingsmagazine
@nowwedding
nowweddingsmagazine.com | NOW | 9
FEATURED ARTICLES
18 A HEARTFELT GESTURE:
Giving Back Through Your Wedding
122 BRIDAL HAIR TRENDS:
Embracing Tradition with a Modern Twist
126 PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO MATTERS
132 SAYING “I DO” TO FINANCIAL HARMONY
138 ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
IN EVERY ISSUE
4 Publisher’s Letter
10 About the Covers
142 Vendor Resource Guide
144 Advertiser Index
INSPIRATION
94 Cakes - Inspiration from Kimbla’s Cakes
108 Enchanted Elegance: Bridesmaid Looks Fit for a Princess
84
The Language of Flowers
86
The Fine Print
87
Your Wedding Invitation Timeline
92
Let Them Eat Cake
110
Your Gown
111
Bridesmaids’ Responsibilities
116
Tux Talk
119
Groomsmen Responsibilities
120
Beautiful Bride
124
Memories Captured
125
Your Wedding Day Photography Timeline
130
Glamorous Getaways
131
Your Honeymoon
135
The Ultimate Name Change Checklist
136
Day of Checklist
140
Vendor List
NOW WEDDING PLANNER
12
To Do Before I Do
16
Wedding Budget Planner
40
Finding Your Style
46
Your Guest List
48
Your Rehearsal Dinner
50
Ceremony Planning
52
Marriage License
54
Reception Planning
60
Bon Appétit
62
Entertainment Planning
64
The Ultimate Wedding
Music Checklist
72
Your Event Planner
74
Contracts 101
76
Wedding Décor
82
Wedding Flowers
Stefani Horn
Rae Leytham Photography
98
78
IBay Photography
32
Find More
Southern Wedding
Planning Inspiration
Online:
nowweddingsmagazine.com
10 | NOW | nowweddingsmagazine.com
PUBLISHER
JESSICA BURKE
jessica@nowweddingsmagazine.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Shana Lindsay
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Vikki Reed
EDITORIAL LIAISON
Ashley Revels
FOR ENGAGED COUPLES
Our blog is filled with tons of great resources, inspiration, wedding stories and photo
editorials that will help you plan an amazing wedding.
FOR THE WEDDING PROFESSIONAL
NOW Weddings Magazine offers affordable advertising packages with tons of perks.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ADVERTISING,
PLEASE CONTACT:
NOW Weddings Magazine
Phone: 504-832-2775
Email: sales@thenowbride.com
www.NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
NOW Weddings Magazine Print Edition is published bi-annually by New Orleans Weddings
Magazine, Inc. Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication
without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. NOW Weddings
Magazine is a registered trademark of New Orleans Weddings Magazine, Inc. The use of the
trademark is strictly prohibited. The information in this publication is believed to be accurate.
However, NOW Weddings Magazine cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. NOW
Weddings Magazine cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods
and services provided by advertisers or any other portion of this publication.
NOWWeddingsMagazine.com
SOUTHERN WEDDING INSPIRATION
FALL 2024
DISPLAY UNTIL
NOV 15, 2024
$12.99
SOUTHERN WEDDING INSPIRATION
WINTER 2024
DISPLAY UNTIL
FEB 28, 2025
$12.99
Fall 2024
PHOTOGRAPHER: Rae Leytham Photography
BRIDE: Mary Hannah Farnell Crow
Winter 2024/25
ON LOCATION: The Cannery, New Orleans
GOWN: Galea by Calla Blanche
BOUQUET: Nola Flora
HAIR + MAKEUP: DeQuindra Rouzan + Amanda Mautemps
for Faces of Virtue Beauty Studio
CRYSTAL CROWN: Fawn and Sparrow
JEWELRY: Ajoonii
MANICURE: Passport Polish
MODEL: Averi Crawford
NOW Weddings Magazine is published twice annually in March and
September. We feature two cover changes per issue.
@nowmagazine504
we're social!
NOW Weddings Magazine
@nowweddingsmagazine
@nowwedding
Where Forever Begins
Tie the knot at InterContinental New Orleans' renovated
ballroom with grand chandeliers and high ceilings
overlooking St. Charles Avenue. Let us make your
wedding day as enchanting as the Crescent City itself!
www.icneworleans.com
shannon.buckley@icneworleans.com
504.585.4379
444 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70130
12 | NOW | nowweddingsmagazine.com
FOUR TO SIX MONTHS
❏ Finalize guest list and mail Save-the-
Date announcement
❏ Reserve rehearsal dinner location
and/or caterers
❏ Order wedding invitations and thank-
you notes
❏ Hire calligrapher
❏ Create wedding website with
directions, accommodations, local
attractions and other wedding details
❏ Reserve accommodations for
wedding night and out-of-town
guests.
❏ Book honeymoon and finalize travel
documentations, if necessary
❏ Order wedding cake, groom’s cake
and any other confections
❏ Research all legal requirements —
permits + licenses
❏ Purchase/rent any decor to be
used during the ceremony and/or
reception
NINE TO FIFTEEN MONTHS
❏ Announce engagement to family
and friends and plan an engagement
party
❏ Choose wedding date, preferably
more than one in case your preferred
venue and/or vendor is booked
❏ Select wedding attendants
❏ Establish budget early, with maximum
amounts for each event/vendor/etc.
❏ Decide on the style, formality and
guest-list size for the wedding
❏ Select wedding planner
❏ Reserve ceremony and reception
location
❏ Secure wedding officiant
❏ Begin compiling guest list and mailing
addresses
❏ Start the selection process for
wedding professionals, including
photographer/videographer,
entertainment, ceremony music,
caterer, transportation, florist and
stationery
❏ Start the wedding gown and wedding
attendants’ dress search
❏ Consult travel agent for honeymoon
plans. If traveling abroad, you will
need valid passports and up-to-date
immunizations
SIX TO NINE MONTHS
❏ Select gift registries
❏ Order wedding gown & accessories,
including veil, shoes and undergar-
ments (wear to fittings)
❏ Order menswear for groom and
attendants
❏ Take engagement pictures
❏ Select and order bridesmaids dresses,
schedule fittings, etc.
❏ Engagement party
❏ Finalize wedding professionals:
❏ Baker
❏ Caterer
❏ Florist
❏ Photographer
❏ Party Rentals
❏ Ceremony Music
❏ Reception Entertainment
❏ Stationery
❏ Videographer
❏ Other __________________________
DO YOU FEEL AS THOUGH you have a million things to do before you say, “I Do”?
Not to worry. We’ve compiled a time line to help organize all your wedding events. Review the
numerous wedding professionals at nowweddingsmagazine.com and let them help plan your perfect wedding.
To-Do Before “I DO”
NOW Weddings Planner
allow at least 6 weeks for
wedding gown alterations
Rae Leytham Photography
Rae Leytham Photography
Rae Leytham Photography
nowweddingsmagazine.com | NOW | 13
TWO WEEKS PRIOR
❏ Confirm all appointments and finalize
professional services:
❏ Baker
❏ Lodging Reservations
❏ Beauty Appointments
❏ Party Rentals
❏ Caterer
❏ Photographer
❏ Ceremony Music
❏ Reception Entertainment
❏ Entertainment
❏ Transportation
❏ Florist
❏ Videographer
❏ Honeymoon Reservation
❏ Other_________________________________
❏ Arrange for pick-up of wedding gown,
if you haven’t done so already
❏ Plan seating arrangements, if
necessary
❏ Pick up marriage license
❏ Plan honeymoon wardrobe, obtain
travel tickets and confirm
reservations
❏ Remember to update wedding
website with any event changes
TWO TO FOUR MONTHS
❏ Purchase wedding bands and have
engraved if desired
❏ Order favors and gifts. Purchase cake
knives, toasting crystals and other
accessories
❏ Mail out-of-town invitations
❏ Reserve wedding day beauty ap-
pointments for bride and attendants
❏ Select wedding readings
❏ Confirm menu selection and/or bar
with caterer
❏ Book specialty services, including
photo booth, ice sculptures, rentals,
Second Line, etc.
❏ Continue writing thank you notes
for previous bridal parties, couple
showers, etc.
FOUR TO SIX WEEKS PRIOR
❏ Mail local invitations
❏ Take bridal portraits and have framed
for reception display
❏ Begin addressing wedding
announcements
❏ Pick up wedding rings
❏ Complete name-change documents
❏ Print ceremony programs
❏ Remember to update wedding
website with any changes
❏ Review banking and insurance
information and see what needs to
be updated after you’re married
❏ Fill out a Change-of-Address at post
office, if necessary
ONE WEEK BEFORE
❏ Schedule pick-up and return of
groom’s and groomsmens’ attire, if
rented
❏ Prepare final payments to wedding
vendors, as well as donations to
ceremony officiants and musicians, if
necessary
THE DAY BEFORE
❏ Welcome family and friends from
out-of-town
❏ Have honeymoon bags packed
❏ Gather all wedding day items
❏ Attend rehearsal dinner and give gifts
to wedding party and family
YOUR WEDDING DAY
❏ Arrange to see hairstylist and make-
up artist BEFORE your attendants
❏ Be dressed and ready about two
hours before ceremony for photos
RELAX...
saying “I DO” is the easy part!
schedule a hair and makeup run-through
two to four weeks prior to your big day!
Rae Leytham Photography
Rae Leytham Photography
Download
our Printable
Planner at
nowweddingsmagazine.com
Amelia Island
Cocoa Beach
Fort Walton Beach
Galveston
Hutchinson Island
Jekyll Island
New Orleans
Orange Beach
Pensacola
Pensacola Beach
Panama City Beach
Myrtle Beach
Vilano Beach
OUR DESTINATION LOCATIONS ARE
AS UNIQUELY BEAUTIFUL AS YOU
At Beaches & Bouquets, we make your wedding dreams
a reality. Whether you’re looking for beachfront bliss or a
historic setting in the Warehouse District of New Orleans,
we have a dream-come-true location for you.
OUR DESTINATIONS
beachesandbouquets.com
CONTACT:
KELLY ST. MYER
850.340.0434
16 | NOW | nowweddingsmagazine.com
BEFORE YOU SAY “I DO,” you need ask “How Much?” Traditionally, the bride’s family carries the majority of the financial responsibility.
But with the cost of weddings growing as well as the average age of couples increasing, many couples are picking up some of the wedding
expenses. Grooms’ families are also chipping in more than just the traditional rehearsal dinner and other small expenses. But no matter
how the bill is divided, couples need to decide on a budget and stick with it. Use the worksheet below to decide how your budget will
be divided.
Your Budget Planner
CEREMONY & RECEPTION
$____________ Ceremony Location
$____________ Officiant’s Fee
$____________ Marriage License
$____________ Reception Venue
$____________ Caterer
$____________ Bar
$____________ Rentals
$____________ Cake
$____________ Transportation
$____________ Wedding Planner
$____________ BUDGET
$____________ ACTUAL COST
ATTIRE
$____________ Wedding Gown
$____________ Headpiece/Veil
$____________ Shoes
$____________ Trousseau/Undergarments
$____________ Jewelry
$____________ Hair & Makeup
$____________ Groom’s Tuxedo/Suit
$____________ Groom’s Shoes
$____________ Wedding rings
$____________ Other
$____________ BUDGET
$____________ ACTUAL COST
STATIONERY
$____________ Save-the-Date
$____________ Invitation & Envelopes
$____________ Reply Cards & Envelopes
$____________ Programs
$____________ Seating Cards and/or Menu
Cards
$____________ Thank-You Notes
$____________ Postage
$____________ Calligraphy
$____________ Announcements
$____________ Other
$____________ BUDGET
$____________ ACTUAL COST
FLOWERS & DÉCOR
$____________ Ceremony Decor
$____________ Bridal Bouquet
$____________ Attendants’ Bouquets &
Boutonnières
$____________ Corsages & Boutonnières for
Family
$____________ Reception Centerpieces/Decor
$____________ Delivery Fees
$____________ Other
$____________ BUDGET
$____________ ACTUAL COST
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
$____________ Photographer’s Fee
$____________ Videographer’s Fee
$____________ Engagement + Bridal Portrait
Sessions
$____________ Wedding Album
$____________ Additional Album(s)
$____________ Additional Prints + Video
Copies
$____________ BUDGET
$____________ ACTUAL COST
ENTERTAINMENT
$____________ Ceremony Music
$____________ Reception Band/DJ
$____________ Second Line
$____________ Artists (Live Painters, Photo
Booth, Etc)
$____________ BUDGET
$____________ ACTUAL COST
DETAILS & GIFTS
$____________ Attendants’ Gifts
$____________ Parents’ Gifts
$____________ Guest room Welcome Gifts
$____________ Favors
$____________ Toasting glasses/Cake Knives
$____________ Second Line Umbrellas
$____________ Guest Book
$____________ Announcements
$____________ Other
$____________ BUDGET
$____________ ACTUAL COST
TOTAL BUDGET
your budget will determine every element of
your wedding - set a realistic budget and stick to it.
NOW Weddings Planner
18 | NOW | nowweddingsmagazine.com
NOW
Non-profit Spotlight:
Prodisee Pantry
A Heartfelt Gesture:
Giving Back Through Your Wedding
WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING, COUPLES OFTEN find themselves immersed in a whirlwind of decisions, from
selecting the perfect venue to curating a memorable menu. One choice that’s gaining popularity is the decision to
donate to charity in addition to or even in lieu of traditional wedding favors. This trend is not only a meaningful way
to celebrate love but also a chance to make a positive impact.
NOW Weddings Publisher Jessica Burke, strongly
believes in the importance of giving back and earmarks
a percentage of NOW Bridal Show ticket sales for each
show the magazine produces to be donated to a local
non-profit.
In southern Alabama, that non-profit is Prodisee Pantry.
Filling plates with healthy food and filling hearts with
hope is Prodisee Pantry’s mission and their passion. In
other words, food and love are shared. Gatherings for
engagements, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and,
of course, weddings are where love and food are the
centerpiece.
“The work that Prodisee Pantry does in their community
is inspiring,” says Burke. “And I’d be remiss if I didn’t
mention their generosity beyond Baldwin County, AL. In
2005, they came to the aid of their Gulf Coast neighbors
after Hurricane Katrina devastated our area. As a New
Orleans native who was directly impacted by Katrina
and the generosity of others who came to our aid, it is a
wonderful feeling to be able to give back all these years
later. I would love to encourage engaged couples to
consider charitable giving as part of their wedding.”
According to Prodisee Pantry’s Executive Director,
Deann Servos, “this new trend of supporting a nonprofit
by gathering your bridal party and serving is an awesome
way to celebrate while sharing. It can be as simple as
packing food boxes for the hungry and then heading to
a local restaurant for a simple meal instead of hosting a
weekend getaway.” Servos continues, “Or, perhaps it’s
asking for donations to your favorite charity instead of
having a gift registry.”
Like most non-profits, volunteers are the heart and
energy of Prodisee Pantry. They make sure Baldwin
County’s food insecure families have access to
healthy locally-sourced fresh foods and connections
to other needed services. Prodisee Pantry is so much
more than groceries. Families and individuals get
encouragement, referrals and can walk over to dozens
of onsite supportive services including: employment
and job training, free legal help, medical, dental and
mental healthcare, housing and homeless, aging and
veteran services, budget counseling, addiction and drug
education, and so much more!
Since 2003, this nonprofit’s caring volunteers have filled
shopping carts with food and shared hope over 220,000
times with the families struggling financially due to
unemployment or underemployment, poverty, crises or
natural disasters.
For additional information about Prodisee Pantry, call 251-626-1720 or visit www.prodiseepantry.org
or follow on Facebook @ItsAboutHunger or Instagram @ProdiseePantry
20 | NOW | nowweddingsmagazine.com
elements
ETHEREAL
Bridal Looks Inspired by the Elements Air, Earth, Fire & Water
Photographed on Location at The Cannery in New Orleans
nowweddingsmagazine.com | NOW | 21
DETAILS
This editorial was
inspired by the
four elements Air,
Fire, Earth and
Water. Every detail
was meticulously
selected to capture
the essence of
each element.
22 | NOW | nowweddingsmagazine.com
nowweddingsmagazine.com | NOW | 23
DETAILS
Embodying the element of AIR, Averi is wearing Calla Blanche’s Apollo by L’amour, a sparkly beaded square neck sheath wedding dress with a
detachable tulle overskirt. (This page right + bottom left) Averi is wearing Nargis (Mother Of Pearl) earrings and Pearl Twirl Rings from AJOONII and
Fawn and Sparrow’s Raw Quartz Cluster Crown. She holds a bouquet of wispy purple blooms by NOLA FLORA. (Left and this page top left) Averi
is wearing the Baroque Pearl Necklace, Coin Pearl Bracelet and Pearl Twirl Ring from AJOONII with a crown of baby’s breath designed by NOLA
FLORA. Faces of Virtue artists DeQuindra Rouzan and Amanda Mautemps created Averi’s angelic bridal makeup look and soft, elegant updo.