SPRING 2026
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SOUTHERN WEDDING INSPIRATION
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4 I NOW I nowweddingsmagazine.com
A Letter FROM THE
PUBLISHER
T H I S I S J U S T T H E B E G I N N I N G
NOW Weddings
Dear Readers,
There’s something about this season that feels like possibility.
Spring and summer are when ideas stretch out, connections
start forming, and everything feels just a little more alive. And
that’s exactly the energy behind this issue of NOW Weddings.
If you’re newly engaged, first of all, welcome. This season of life
is exciting, emotional, joyful, and yes, sometimes overwhelming.
One minute you’re celebrating, the next you’re wondering
where to even begin. In these pages, you’ll find real advice
meant to help you navigate it all, how to find the right vendors,
what questions to ask, how to spot businesses that are truly
invested in your day, and how to build a wedding team you can
trust. We want you to feel informed, confident, and supported
as you make decisions that shape such a meaningful moment in
your life. Think of us as a resource, a guide, and a place you can
come back to whenever things start to feel like a lot.
For our wedding professionals, this issue also marks something
important.
Over the past year, we’ve been intentionally building what we
call The Wedding Krewe. Around here, community matters. The
Wedding Krewe is about connection, education, visibility, and
belonging. It’s a space where vendors can learn from one
another, build genuine relationships, and rise together, not
through competition or exclusivity, but through collaboration
and shared growth.
We’re hosting regular meetups, creating opportunities to
connect with couples in meaningful ways, and designing
experiences that go beyond the traditional “trade show” model.
The momentum is real, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to
watch people start to see what we’re building. This is a
welcoming place. Curated, thoughtful, and intentional. If you
care about doing good work, showing up authentically, and
being part of something bigger than yourself, there’s room for
you here.
At the heart of it all is one shared goal: creating a community
where couples and vendors connect in ways that feel human,
helpful, and fun. Where inspiration lives alongside practical
guidance. Where relationships are built before, during, and long
after the wedding day.
As we look ahead into 2026, we’re focused on building deeper,
stronger roots in the markets we serve. We’re working on new
ways to bring people together, new experiences for couples,
and new opportunities for vendors to be part of something that
truly supports their growth. Big things are coming, and we’re
just getting started.
If you’re a wedding professional interested in becoming part of
The Wedding Krewe, we’d love to hear from you. You can find us
on Instagram at @theweddingkrewe or reach out anytime. And
to our couples, stay close. We’ve got events, resources, and
experiences coming your way, all designed with you in mind.
Thanks for being here. Thanks for believing in community. And
thanks for letting us be part of this season with you.
Warmly,
Jessica Burke
Jessica Burke
Publisher, NOW Weddings
@nowwedding
@nowmagazine504
@nowweddingsmagazine
NOW Weddings Magazine
PHOTO: RAGIN IMAGING
6 I NOW I nowweddingsmagazine.com
CONTENTS
SPRING + SUMMER 2026
FEATURES
22 LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Timeless wedding looks,
cleared for takeoff at
the New Orleans
Lakefront Airport
58 TASTY BITES
A Culinary Adventure
86 ONCE UPON A TIME
A modern fairytale set
beneath Southern oaks
at Hatcher Farms
nowweddingsmagazine.com
Find More
Southern
Wedding Planning
Inpiration Online:
86
nowweddingsmagazine.com I NOW I 7
FEATURED ARTICLES
34 SIDE HUSTLE OR
SEASONED PRO?
How to Protect Yourself When
Hiring Wedding Vendors
48 BEYOND THE BOUQUET
5 Financial Steps to Planning
Your Happily Ever After
102 PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
EVERY ENGAGED COUPLE
SHOULD KNOW
Advice from Professional
Wedding Photographer
Trent Spann of Images
by Robert T
114 STATIONERY 101
The Essential Glossary
and Guide
120 HONEYMOON WORTHY
JOURNEYS
From Fairy Tales to Faraway
Shores
INSPIRATION
110 CAKE INSPIRATION
Works of Confectionery
Art by Kimbla’s Cakes
PLANNING TIPS
12 TO-DO BEFORE “I DO”
42 YOUR WEDDING
FLOWERS
78 TUX TALK
82 YOUR GOWN
83 BRIDESMAID
RESPONSIBILITIES
105 PHOTOGRAPHER +
VIDEOGRAPHER
QUESTIONS
108 LET THEM EAT CAKE
IN EVERY ISSUE
4 PUBLISHER’S LETTER
10 ABOUT THE COVERS
128 MEET THE WEDDING
KREWE
48
34
114
120
8 I NOW I nowweddingsmagazine.com
REAL Gulf Coast Weddings
14 Noni Ellison + Randy Mckee
38 Ryan Klasing + Colt Turner
44 Allison Simoneaux + Patrick Gallagher
52 Sommer + Dennis Pace
68 Amber + Jacoby Lunkins
72 Allyson Rivera + Zachary Mesman
76 Ashley Moore + Seth Baumgarten
80 Katie Queyrouze + Taylor Fitzpatrick
84 Grace Kovach + William Chemell
100 Amber Peytavin + Maxwell Smith
106 Lana Ray + Anna Necaise
112 Morgan Thomson + Cole Hobbs
118 Rachel Weaver + Colton Kelley
122 Taylor Thompson + Hale Wise
SPRING + SUMMER 2026
CONTENTS
14
38
44
52
68
72
84
100
118
122
76
80
106
112
10 I NOW I nowweddingsmagazine.com
@nowwedding
@nowmagazine504
@nowweddingsmagazine
NOW Weddings Magazine
SPRING + SUMMER 2026
PUBLISHER
JESSICA BURKE
jessica@nowweddingsmagazine.com
ABOUT THE COVERS
NOW Weddings Magazine is published twice annually in March and September. We feature two cover changes per issue.
Follow NOW Weddings Magazine for daily inspiration.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Shana Lindsay
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Antoni Pham
EDITORIAL LIAISON Ashley Revels
CREATIVE STRATEGY Kellie Levy
DIGITAL MARKETING & Taylor Van Ness
CONTENT DIRECTOR
SPRING 2026
DISPLAY UNTIL
JUNE 01, 2026
$12.99
SOUTHERN WEDDING INSPIRATION
SPRING 2026
SUMMER 2026
DISPLAY UNTIL
SEPT 01, 2026
$12.99
SOUTHERN WEDDING INSPIRATION
SUMMER 2026
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 2026. 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.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Kristen Marcus
Photography
FLORALS:
Arrie's Flowers
HAIR + MAKEUP:
Amber Champagne,
Champagne Artistry
Beauty Studio
GOWN:
Putting on the Ritz
ON LOCATION:
Hatcher Farms (Mobile, AL)
MODEL:
Kiera Lindsay
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Trent Spann,
Images by Robert T
GOWN:
I Do Bridal & Formal
HAIR + MAKEUP:
Amber Champagne,
Champagne Artistry
Beauty Studio
FLORALS:
Arrie's Flowers
ON LOCATION:
Messina's at the Terminal
(New Orleans, LA)
MODEL:
Kiera Lindsay
12 I NOW I nowweddingsmagazine.com
To-Do Before
“I DO”
NOW Weddings Planner
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.
NINE TO FIFTEEN MONTHS
J Announce engagement to family and
friends and plan an engagement party
J Choose wedding date, preferably
more than one in case your preferred
venue and/or vendor is booked
J Select wedding attendants
J Establish budget early, with maximum
amounts for each event/vendor/etc.
J Decide on the style, formality and
guest-list size for the wedding
J Select wedding planner
J Reserve ceremony and reception
location
J Secure wedding officiant
J Begin compiling guest list and mailing
addresses
J Start the selection process for
wedding professionals, including
photographer/videographer,
entertainment, ceremony music,
caterer, transportation, florist and
stationery
J Start the wedding gown and wedding
attendants’ dress search
J Consult travel agent for honeymoon
plans. If traveling abroad, you will
need valid passports and up-to-date
immunizations
SIX TO NINE MONTHS
J Select gift registries
J Order wedding gown & accessories,
including veil, shoes and undergar-
ments (wear to fittings)
J Order menswear for groom and
attendants
J Take engagement pictures
J Select and order bridesmaids dresses,
schedule fittings, etc.
J Engagement party
J Finalize wedding professionals:
J Baker
J Caterer
J Florist
J Photographer
J Party Rentals
J Ceremony Music
J Reception Entertainment
J Stationery
J Videographer
J Other __________________________________________________
FOUR TO SIX MONTHS
J Finalize guest list and mail Save-the-
Date announcement
❏ Reserve rehearsal dinner location
and/or caterers
J Order wedding invitations and
thank you notes
J Hire calligrapher
J Create wedding website with
directions, accommodations, local
attractions and other wedding details
J Reserve accommodations for
wedding night and out-of-town guests.
J Book honeymoon and finalize travel
documentations, if necessary
J Order wedding cake, groom’s cake
and any other confections
J Research all legal requirements —
permits + licenses
J Purchase/rent any decor to be
used during the ceremony and/or
reception
Allow at least 6 weeks for
wedding gown alterations
PHOTO: IMAGES BY ROBERT T
PHOTO: IMAGES BY ROBERT T
PHOTO: JENNIE TEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
nowweddingsmagazine.com I NOW I 13
NOW Weddings Planner
TWO TO FOUR MONTHS
J Purchase wedding bands and have
engraved if desired
J Order favors and gifts. Purchase cake
knives, toasting crystals and other
accessories
J Mail out-of-town invitations
J Reserve wedding day beauty appoint-
ments for bride and attendants
J Select wedding readings
J Confirm menu selection and/or bar
with caterer
J Book specialty services, including
photo booth, ice sculptures, rentals,
Second Line, etc.
J Continue writing thank you notes
for previous bridal parties, couple
showers, etc.
FOUR TO SIX WEEKS PRIOR
J Mail local invitations
J Take bridal portraits and have
framed for reception display
J Begin addressing wedding
announcements
J Pick up wedding rings
J Complete name-change documents
J Print ceremony programs
J Remember to update wedding
website with any changes
J Review banking and insurance
information and see what needs to
be updated after you’re married
J Fill out a Change-of-Address at post
office, if necessary
TWO WEEKS PRIOR
J Confirm all appointments and finalize
professional services:
J Baker
J Lodging Reservations
J Beauty Appointments
J Party Rentals
J Caterer
J Photographer
J Ceremony Music
J Reception Entertainment
J Entertainment
J Transportation
J Florist
J Videographer
J Honeymoon Reservation
J Other____________________________________________________
J Arrange for pick-up of wedding gown,
if you haven’t done so already
J Plan seating arrangements,
if necessary
J Pick up marriage license
J Plan honeymoon wardrobe, obtain
travel tickets and confirm
reservations
J Remember to update wedding
website with any event changes
ONE WEEK PRIOR
J Schedule pick-up and return of
groom’s and groomsmens’ attire,
if rented
J Prepare final payments to wedding
vendors, as well as donations to
ceremony officiants and musicians,
if necessary
THE DAY BEFORE
J Welcome family and friends from
out-of-town
J Have honeymoon bags packed
J Gather all wedding day items
J Attend rehearsal dinner and give gifts
to wedding party and family
YOUR WEDDING DAY
J Arrange to see hairstylist and makeup
artist BEFORE your attendants
J 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!
nowweddingsmagazine.com
Download
our Printable
Planner at:
PHOTO: IMAGES BY ROBERT T
PHOTO: IMAGES BY ROBERT T
Noni Elison
and
Randy MCKee
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY ANAIZ PHOTOGRAPHY
SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 I NEW ORLEANS, LA
A SYMPHONY OF LOVE
NONI ELLISON AND RANDY MCKEE CELEBRATED THEIR
UNION THROUGH MUSIC, CULTURE, AND A LOVE ROOTED
IN LEGACY.
> Noni and Randy’s love story began not with spectacle, but with intention.
Introduced by a mutual friend and colleague, Attorney James Carter of New
Orleans, the two spent four years building a relationship grounded in shared
values, professional respect, and a deep appreciation for culture and community.
When Randy proposed, the answer was simple and certain. “Yes,” Noni said,
without hesitation.
Their wedding day reflected everything that defines them as a couple: elegance,
artistry, heritage, and joy. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was
not simply a wedding, but a thoughtfully curated experience where every detail
carried meaning.
The ceremony took place at the Katherine Drexel Chapel at Xavier University of
Louisiana, where guests were welcomed by the soulful sounds of the late New
Orleans jazz violinist Michael Ward. His music set the tone for a ceremony that
felt reverent and celebratory all at once. As Noni and Randy exchanged vows,
the moment was elevated further by performances from Grammy Award–winning
artist Kenny Lattimore and his longtime pianist, Javance Butler, whose music
accompanied the bridal party’s entrance and underscored the ceremony with
warmth and romance.
At the conclusion of the vows, the couple honored tradition by jumping the
broom, a powerful symbol of unity and new beginnings. As they did, Grammy
Award–winning artist Howard Hewett performed his iconic “Say Amen,” creating
FEATURED WEDDING
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nowweddingsmagazine.com I NOW I 17
18 I NOW I nowweddingsmagazine.com
a moment that was as moving as it was
unforgettable.
The celebration continued at the New
Orleans Museum of Art, where guests
were greeted on the front steps by
Michael Ward’s music once more before
entering for a seated four-course dinner.
The reception unfolded like a love letter
to New Orleans and to music itself.
Delfeayo Marsalis and his jazz band,
alongside vocalist Rechell Cook, welcomed
guests into the space and accompanied
the bridal party’s entrance, seamlessly
blending tradition with contemporary
sophistication.
Throughout the evening, Howard Hewett
returned to the stage for a 45-minute
performance of his
greatest
hits,
serenading guests during dinner. Later,
legendary New York DJ Chris Washington
took over, transforming the museum into
a vibrant dance floor that carried the
celebration late into the night.
One of the most personal and emotional
moments of the wedding came as a
surprise for Randy. Noni unveiled a
commissioned work of art capturing their
parallel lives, from Louisiana roots to
college years to their shared legal careers.
It was a tribute not only to where they’ve
been, but to the journey they continue
together.
As the night reached its crescendo,
guests poured outside for a jubilant
second line led by Kinfolk Brass Band,
joined by Zulu Tramps and Mardi Gras
Indians. Wedding party members carried
custom-designed second line umbrellas,
created by Noni’s Delta Sigma Theta
sorority sister, Sheridan Cooper. Guests
were gifted monogrammed linen napkins
as keepsakes, a final thoughtful gesture
marking a night filled with intention.
For Noni, the most cherished parts of the
day were many: the ceremony, the first
dance, the Second Line, and the
overwhelming
sense
of
love
that
surrounded them. But above all, it was the
feeling of celebration, of legacy honored
and joy shared, that made their wedding
extraordinary.
Noni and Randy’s wedding was not just a
union of two people, but a masterful
blending of love, culture, music, and
meaning. A celebration that lingered long
after the final song, echoing like a perfect
melody.
Continued from page 15
nowweddingsmagazine.com I NOW I 19
NOW
FEATURED VENDORS
GETTING READY
LOCATION:
Ritz Carlton New
Orleans
ritzcarlton.com/
neworleans
DECOR RENTALS:
True Value Rental
truevaluerentalnola.com
ADDITIONAL VENDORS
CEREMONY LOCATION:
St. Katherine Drexel
Chapel at Xavier
University, New Orleans
OFFICIANT:
Rev. Dr. Jonathan
Augustine
RECEPTION LOCATION:
New Orleans Museum
of Art
REHEARSAL DINNER
LOCATION:
Dooky Chase Restaurant
BRIDAL GOWN:
Custom Galia Lahav,
NYC Flagship Store,
SOHO
RECEPTION DRESS:
Custom Albina Dyla,
NYC
BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS:
Amsale, NYC Flagship
Store, SOHO
GROOM/GROOMSMEN
ATTIRE:
Custom Lavoisier Suits,
New Orleans
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Amy Anaiz Photography,
NYC
VIDEOGRAPHER:
Bricks Group Media,
Miami
BAKERY:
Chasing Wang Baking
Studio
CEREMONY MUSIC:
Performing Artist Kenny
Lattimore with pianist
Javance Butler, Los
Angeles | Jazz Violinist
Michael Ward, New
Orleans
NONI
ELLISON +
RANDY
MCKEE
Continued on page 20
20 I NOW I nowweddingsmagazine.com
Continued from page 19
nowweddingsmagazine.com I NOW I 21
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
ENTERTAINMENT:
Jazz Violinist Michael
Ward, New Orleans
PRE-DINNER
RECEPTION
ENTERTAINMENT:
Delfeayo Marsalis & the
Uptown Jazz Orchestra |
Rechell Cook, New
Orleans
DINNER RECEPTION
ENTERTAINMENT:
Performing Artist
Howard Hewett,
Los Angeles
POST DINNER
RECEPTION
ENTERTAINMENT:
DJ Chris Washington,
NYC
SECOND LINE BAND:
Kinfolk Brass Band + Zulu
Tramps and Mardi Gras
Indians, New Orleans
TRANSPORTATION:
Limousine Livery
BRIDAL STYLIST:
Selina Howard,
Vainglorious Brides,
NYC
HAIR + MAKEUP:
Bflyyexperience +
Besimplystunning
HONEYMOON:
Johannesburg and Cape
Town, South Africa
WEDDING PLANNER:
Elegance by Ace
WEDDING DESIGNER +
FLORIST + DECOR +
LIGHTING:
Tantawan Bloom, NYC
CATERER:
Brennan’s Catering
JEWELER:
Tiffany & Co.
FAVORS:
Custom umbrellas and
embroidered linen
napkins designed by
the bride’s Delta Sigma
Theta sorority sister,
Sheridan Cooper of
New Orleans
INVITATIONS:
Scriptura
NONI
ELLISON +
RANDY
MCKEE
22 I NOW I nowweddingsmagazine.com
is in the air
T I M E L E S S W E D D I N G L O O K S ,
C L E A R E D F O R T A K E O F F .
Photography: Trent Spann, Images by Robert T
imagesbyrobertt.com
Gowns: I Do Bridal & Formal
idobridalformal.com
Tuxedos: John’s Tuxedos and Suits
johnstuxedos.com
Hair & Makeup: Amber Champagne,
Champagne Artistry Beauty Studio
IG: @amber.champagneartistry
Florals: Arrie’s Flowers
IG: @arriesflowers
On location: Messina’s at the Terminal
messinasterminal.com
Models: Kiera Lindsay and Braxton Harrell
nowweddingsmagazine.com I NOW I 23