Words from the couple
How did you meet and how long have you been together?
Sean and I met almost 5 years ago through my college roommate (Thanks Sarah!)
What were your highlights of the day? Were there any surprises?
To me, the mass was the highlight of our wedding day. It was the first time I was able to really relax and let it all sink in. I felt at peace standing next to Sean, surrounded by everyone we loved. We also decided to incorporate the Croatian tradition of the blessing of the marriage crucifix. During our marriage prep our mentor couple told us the history of the marriage crucifix, which started in Siroki-Brijeg. Not one single divorce or broken family has been recorded in living memory in this little town of Bosnia and it is said to be because of this tradition during their vows. When the bride and groom go to the church to be married they carry a Crucifix with them. The priest blesses the Crucifix and instead of saying that they have found the ideal partner with whom to share their lives, he says, “You have found your Cross! It is a Cross to love, to carry with you, a Cross that is not to be thrown off, but rather cherished.” When they exchange their marital vows, the bride puts her right hand on this Crucifix and the groom puts his right hand over hers. Both are bound together and united to the Cross. In times of difficulty and misunderstandings, they turn to the Cross. It was such a special moment to have during our ceremony, and serves as a great reminder of our marriage that we now have hanging in our home.
The only surprise on our wedding day was how hot it actually was. I rented these gigantic cooling fans for our reception but I don’t think they did a thing lol. We didn’t care though, everyone still had a BLAST dancing to the band all night long.
What advice would you give to other couples planning their day?
I would tell couples planning a wedding right now to not be afraid to ask for help! It was something I wish I was better at during the wedding planning process. The week of your wedding can be chaotic and you can’t accomplish everything on your own no matter how organized you are. Which leads me to…. I would also recommend hiring a wedding planner. I found myself still trying to finish last minute things the morning of my wedding and it really cut into enjoying time with my bridesmaids.
If you have a large family and a large bridal party, then I would recommend making a list of names that you would like photos with and giving it to your photographer or your MOH. It was something I wish I had done because it would have made group photos go a lot smoother and quicker.
Lastly, I would tell them that something will inevitably go wrong on your wedding day no matter how perfectly you plan your day. What matters is how you respond to the problem. You can let it ruin your whole day, or you can let it roll off your back and still have best day of your life!
Ceremony Location + Reception Location | What made you decide to get married there?
I was on the hunt for a reception venue that wasn’t your typical ballroom. I fell in love with Maison Lafitte’s classic southern charm. The venue was beautiful on its own and did not need much decorating.
Vendor Details
Videography – Brooke Boydd
Catering – The Lakehouse
Florist – Merry Floral
Wedding Cake – Zoe’s Bakery
Wedding Dress Designer – Stella York
Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Show Me Your MuMu
Getting Ready Attire – Bronte & Clyde
Wedding Shoes Designer – ASOS
Bride’s Hair Dresser – L&Co. Salon– Hailey Garner
Makeup Artist – Glam On Location, LLC
Groom & Groomsmen Apparel – Tuxedos To Geaux
Reception Music – Louisiana Spice Band
Event Rentals – Glo Event Decor
Wedding favors – SipSip Hooray
Invitations / Stationary – Shine Wedding Invitations
Transportation – American Luxury Limo
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