Marital Memories

Brides Reflect On Their Big Days

These local brides take a stroll down memory lane to their walks down the aisle. Each bride had a beautifully unique vision of what her dream wedding entailed. Each of these ladies shared one thing in common…looking back, they wouldn’t have done a thing differently. Read on for all the magic and mishaps.

Natalie Musso Rodrigue

Married Stetson Rodrigue

on November 18, 2017

Location

My husband and I got married at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Iberia. This is the church where I was baptized, where I received my first communion and where I was confirmed. Both my parents and my older sister and her husband got married in this church. It’s also the church where my family has always attended Sunday mass. I wanted to continue the tradition!

The Look

I’ve always liked neutral colors and an “airy” bright look, so that’s what we went with. My bridesmaids’ dresses were a slate color and all of the flowers were neutral: white, blush and some greenery. The groomsmen wore traditional black and white tuxes.

I’ve always known what kind of dress I wanted. So when we went shopping for the dress, I only looked at dresses with the style I had in mind. It made my decision a whole lot easier because there are so many beautiful dresses out there. I bought the second dress I tried on.

My late grandmother’s rosary was incorporated into my bouquet, so that was very special to me. I also wore my older sister’s veil as my “something borrowed,” and it just so happened to match the beading of my straps perfectly. My sister and I are very close so it meant a lot.

Favorite Moment

There are so many favorites, but if I had to chose my very favorite moment, it would be saying our vows in front of a church full of people who love and support us. It was so special to see all of the smiling faces who were genuinely happy to be there celebrating our marriage with us.

Mishap Moment

Surprisingly, there was only one minor mishap. As the procession of the grandmothers started, one of the straps on my dress popped. Thankfully our wedding planner, Katie Parris, had an emergency sewing kit and sewed my strap back on right before I walked down the aisle. I was nervous it wasn’t going to hold through the entire ceremony. It did end up popping again on the altar right at the end of the ceremony. I told my husband to hold my arm tight and we walked down the aisle laughing.

Advice For Future Brides 

Truly enjoy it and soak in every moment of the day! It is the best day ever, and it goes by so quickly (even quicker than I had imagined). Don’t stress over planning and don’t overthink little decisions. The day will be just as it was meant to be (popped strap and all).

Vendors

Florist and Wedding Planner – Katie Parries, the Thistle Company

Photographers – Thad and Caitlin Billot, September Company

Hair and Makeup – Hue Salon

Reception Hall – The Madison in Broussard

Catering – Beau Soleil

Wedding Cake – Kathleen Short

Groom’s Cake – Sarah Trosclair, Sarah Cakes

Christina Landry Hidalgo

Married Hugh Hidalgo

on April 18, 2017

Location

We wanted a small intimate wedding. After becoming completely overwhelmed with options and prices for a local wedding that would not be small or intimate, we decided that a destination wedding would be perfect for us and eliminate a lot of stress. It did just that! We chose the Royalton Riviera Cancun in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

The Look

I wanted a more rustic theme and loved pink, navy and gold together, but I also wanted something that would complement the location.

Prior to getting engaged, I never envisioned my “bridal look.” With the help of my mom, sister, mother-in-law and sister-in-law, I was able to find the perfect dress. I chose the dress that was the perfect mix of everything we loved about a few different dresses.

I loved my cathedral length veil, which was something I knew I wanted from the beginning, and the pearl necklace that I wore. The pearls were my grandmother’s. It was a great reminder of her on my special day since she couldn’t be there.

Favorite Moment

Seeing Hugh’s face as I walked down the aisle.

Advice To Future Brides

The day goes by so quickly, so budget for a good photographer and videographer so you will be able to always remember your special day. Make sure to enjoy the entire process and don’t stress out about the little things. And if you start to stress out about the little things, a destination wedding is the way to go!

Vendors

Wedding Dress – Bustle in Baton Rouge

Men’s Suits – Men’s Warehouse

Bridesmaids and Flower Girl – David’s Bridal

Photographer/Videographer – Novski Wedding Photography

Resort Venue – Royalton Riveria Cancun

Travel Agent – Carla Sapienza

Michele Hulin Domingue

Married Max Domingue

on December 15, 2017

Location

We were married in St. Edmond’s Catholic Church in Lafayette. Max and I grew up going to this church. It is a part of our history and our life. The church is absolutely beautiful with incredible architecture. The reception was at City Club in River Ranch. Since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of the place where we would dance our first dance, toast our champagne, eat our first bite of cake and make memories that would last a lifetime.

From the moment I talked to Jennifer, who handles all of the events at City Club, I felt an instant connection. She was kind, bubbly, genuine and informative. I had the chance to walk into the ballroom and my dream came to life. The Fleur De Lis Ballroom is an extraordinary room with elegant chandeliers, the perfect size dance floor and classy grey and white décor.

The Look

We had a Christmas wedding because that time of year best fit our schedules. I loved the idea of a classy Christmas wedding with subtle hints of red and winter greenery throughout.

My dress made me feel like a princess. It had a beautifully detailed keyhole opening in the back, so I wanted to have a low romantic up-do to be sure the back was visible. I wanted a natural look for makeup and Stefanie and Michelle with Elle Rae Boutique did it perfectly.

A few of my favorite aspects of my look were my shoes! To go with the Christmas theme, coincidentally it’s also my favorite color, and to match my bridesmaids’ dresses, my red shoes gave everything such a special touch. Of course, my dress was also incredible. It even had uniquely hidden pockets, which I can’t even begin to tell you how useful that was!

Favorite Moment

From the moment I woke up, to running through our sparkler exit, the entire day was a dream come true! Though if I had to pick a favorite, it would be my dad surprising me with a father-daughter dance that he and my Matron of Honor planned. It was choreographed with him wearing a black top hat and dancing to some of our favorite songs. I just jumped in and followed along. It was hysterical and such a surprise!

Mishap Moment

Unfortunately, the hook and eye on my dress came off and was lost. Therefore, the zipper didn’t want to stay up all the way. My wedding planner came to my rescue and slipped stitched the back of my dress.

Advice To Future Brides

Appreciate all of the steps leading up to your big day – they all matter – big or small. And during the big day, stand back a few times to witness everything happening. See your bridesmaids and how beautiful they all look. Don’t be too serious. You will experience a ton of emotions; it’s completely normal. Laugh, cry, smile and try to make time stand still for a moment.

Vendors

CP, DJ services – Chad Pellerin

Photographer – Clare Bischoff

Videographer – Lauren Simon

Cake and Pies – Gambino’s Bakery

Makeup – Elle Rae Salon, Michelle Faul

Hair – Elle Rae Salon, Jade Zimmerman

Danielle Romero Mestayer

Married Avery Seth Mestayer

on May 27, 2017

Location

My husband and I had always agreed that we wanted an outdoor, plantation ceremony. With his family living nearby, Desert Plantation was a no brainer. It’s beautiful, elegant and so romantic.

The Look

Because Desert Plantation is already beautiful on its own, I would say natural is the best way to describe our wedding. All of the vendors’ styles came together perfectly and just as I had always dreamed of.

My dress…was MY dress. It was a simple choice for me. When I tried it on for the first time, I felt beautiful and comfortable. Most importantly, I wanted my husband to think “Wow,” and that’s exactly the reaction I received. My favorite part of my wedding day look was of course my THEIA gown, cathedral veil and blusher. Blushers are such an old romantic tradition; it gave me the total bride feel. Along with my rosary, something borrowed and something blue, which was passed down from my sisters.

Favorite Moment

Every wedding I attend, I always love to watch the groom’s reaction as he sees his bride for the first time. So when it was finally my turn, I couldn’t wait to see my groom’s face. His smile will always be my favorite memory.

Mishap Moment

As I was heading down the aisle with my father, I realized I had forgotten my favorite part of my wedding day look – my blusher. But those wedding butterflies took over as soon as I saw my groom and I totally forgot about everything else around me.

Advice To Future Brides

Appreciate every single moment! Take it all in and enjoy everything. Slow down and have fun! It is truly one of the best days of your life.

Vendors

Wedding Dress: Town and Country Bridal

Candles: Truly Haute Candles

Band: Krossfyre

Catering: Louisiana Bayou Bistro

Bridesmaids & Flower Girl: Bella Bridesmaids

Bride’s Cake: Courtney Dugas

Makeup: Hue Salon

Hair: A. Marcelite Salon

Venue: Desert Plantation

Rings: Allain’s Jewelry

Florist: Root Floral Design

Photographer: Hannah Mulligan Photography