A Rainy New Orleans Wedding at the Elms Mansion and Saint Louis Cathedral

 

Worried it will rain on your wedding day? The rain only enhanced this beautiful New Orleans wedding.

 

 

When it comes to a New Orleans wedding, few celebrations capture the city’s vibrant energy, historic elegance, and lively traditions quite like the Edwards’ Elms Mansion wedding. From a heartfelt ceremony at Saint Louis Cathedral to a joyous second line parade through the French Quarter, and a grand reception at Elms Mansion, this day was a perfect blend of romance, culture, and timeless beauty.

 

Despite a little rain, the day unfolded with the magic only New Orleans can provide—an unforgettable wedding set against the city’s most iconic backdrops.

 

 

Getting Ready at the Historic Hotel Monteleone

 

The morning began in the heart of the French Quarter, where the bride and groom got ready at the legendary Hotel Monteleone. Famous for its elegant rooms and the iconic Carousel Bar, this historic hotel provided a beautiful and classic setting for the couple’s wedding preparations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bride shared an emotional first look with her father and brother, a touching moment before heading to the ceremony. Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen prepared with excitement, eagerly anticipating the moment he would see his bride for the first time—as she walked down the aisle.

 

 

Jackson Square Groom Portraits

 

 

 

 

A Breathtaking Wedding at the Saint Louis Cathedral

 

 

One of the most iconic wedding venues in New Orleans, Saint Louis Cathedral provided a breathtaking setting for the Edwards’ nuptials. Nestled in Jackson Square, the cathedral’s towering spires, intricate stained glass, and centuries-old architecture made for a grand yet intimate ceremony.

 

As the doors opened and the bride walked down the aisle, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. Surrounded by loved ones, with live music echoing through the grand nave, the groom saw his bride for the first time—an emotional and unforgettable moment in the heart of New Orleans.

 

 

 

A French Quarter Second Line & Streetcar Ride to the Elms Mansion

 

 

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests embraced one of the most beloved New Orleans wedding traditions—a second line parade through the French Quarter. Led by a brass band, guests waved white handkerchiefs and danced through the streets, celebrating the couple in true New Orleans fashion.

 

 

 

 

 

The festivities didn’t stop there. The wedding party then hopped aboard a vintage New Orleans streetcar, winding their way through the city’s historic streets towards their next destination: the Elms Mansion.

 

A Streetcar to the Elms Mansion

 

 

 

 

A Stunning Reception at Elms Mansion

 

 

A Reception at the Elms Mansion

 

Arriving at the Elms Mansion, guests were greeted by the timeless beauty of this Garden District estate. With its grand columns, lush gardens, and historic interiors, the venue set the stage for a truly elegant evening.

 

 

 

Under a clear-top tent, the reception took place beneath the stars, with twinkling lights reflecting against the rain-kissed grounds. A live band kept the energy high, while a live painter captured the beauty of the night from within the mansion’s charming gazebo.

 

Inside the Elms Mansion: Cake Cutting and Wedding Portraits

 

 

Inside the mansion, guests gathered for portraits and the cake cutting, surrounded by antique furnishings and glowing chandeliers. Every moment felt like a scene from a classic New Orleans love story.

 

 

Elms Mansion in the Rain: A New Orleans Staple

 

 

Rain only added to the charm of the Edwards’ reception at the Elms Mansion. Under a clear-top tent, twinkling lights cast a warm glow, creating an intimate atmosphere. As night fell, the couple shared their first dance, surrounded by loved ones. A lively band kept the energy high, and guests danced the night away, celebrating under the stars.

 

 

 

 

 

Beignets & an Elms Mansion After-Party to Remember

 

There is nothing more New Orleans than having the Cafe Du Monde beignet truck at your wedding afterparty!

 

 

As the reception came to an end, the surprises continued. A Café du Monde food truck arrived at the mansion’s entrance, serving up fresh beignets and café au lait—a perfect late-night treat for guests before the after-party began.

 

 

 

 

 

Inside the Elms Mansion

 

We always LOVE an afterparty and having one inside the Elms Mansion was absolute MAGIC!

Tip from a wedding photographer: Travel can be a definite mood killer when you are throwing a party. That is why we love the Elms Mansion so much! The Edwards’ brilliantly planned having a late night snack of coffee and bignets on everyone’s way into the grand ballroom of the Elms Mansion. They were then greeted by a DJ already playing, light show and bartenders with drinks already being poured.

 

 

Inside the mansion’s grand ballroom, a DJ took over, keeping the party alive late into the night. One of the most memorable moments? The couple’s beloved dog made a special appearance—in the form of giant cardboard cutouts that guests twirled on the dance floor, adding a playful and personal touch to the night.

 

 

 

 

 

A True New Orleans Wedding

 

From rain-soaked romance to lively traditions, the Edwards’ wedding was the epitome of a New Orleans fine art wedding. Every detail—from the Saint Louis Cathedral ceremony to the Elms Mansion reception, the French Quarter second line, and the streetcar ride—reflected the unique beauty of a New Orleans wedding.

 

 

For couples dreaming of a classic, elegant, and unforgettable wedding, with a dash of the New Orleans spice? Look no further!

 

Looking for your dream New Orleans wedding photographer?

 

Are you looking for a wedding photographer that captures the true excitement and thrill that New Orleans has to offer? As a New Orleans fine art wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing timeless, elegant, and editorial-style wedding photography in some of the city’s most exhilarating locations. And we are with you until the party stops! Whether you’re planning an Elms Mansion wedding, a Saint Louis Cathedral ceremony, or a destination wedding in New Orleans, I’d love to tell your love story through my lens.

 

Tell me all about your dream New Orleans wedding HERE!

 

 

Special thanks to our incredible team of vendors for making this gorgeous wedding happen!

 

Coordination: DeeDee Cohen

Gown: Newhite Bridal, Belle Bridal Atelier

Ceremony: The Saint Louis Cathedral

Preparation: Hotel Monteleone

Reception Venue: The Elms Mansion

Makeup Artist: Jessica Carnley

Grooms Attire: Hall Madden

Florals: Pam Dongleux

Cake: Swiss Cakes Nola

Band: Brwneworleans