A Glam Halloween Wedding With A Black Dress And Beignets
The star-studded celebration was brought to life by Jason Albus Photo, as two unconventional lovebirds exchanged vows. Meet Yvette, an amateur bikini bodybuilder and business development extraordinaire, who found her perfect match in Brandon, a land surveyor with a flair for being a professional nice guy and beard tamer. The dynamic duo chose the iconic Ace Hotel in New Orleans, LA, and Frenchmen Square as their picturesque backdrop for the big day, which took place on October 31st, 2016.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
Our special day took place on a hauntingly beautiful Halloween night in New Orleans, where we immersed ourselves in a ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ themed wedding that exuded opulence and intrigue. The city’s rich history and autumnal atmosphere perfectly captured the essence of a luxurious, devil-may-care celebration of eternal love and devotion. We deliberately crafted an intimate experience, eschewing traditional wedding trappings for a sense of exclusivity and togetherness.
Rather than posing for formal engagement or bridal party photos, we opted for sultry boudoir shots that reflected our unique relationship. And in a bold move, we defied convention by having the groom witness the bride’s transformation on their shared wedding day, embracing an unprecedented level of closeness and vulnerability. As we exchanged vows, it was just us, surrounded by the mystery and romance of the night, solidifying our bond and reinforcing our life-long commitment to one another.
Tell us about the ceremony:
We opted for a concise ceremony, with Brandon’s entrance set to the haunting tones of Lana Del Rey’s ‘Off to the Races’ and my own walk-in accompanied by the emotive ‘Born to Die’, both from her iconic album. It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of her dreamy, sensual soundscapes and poignantly imperfect lyrics. In fact, our entire playlist for the night was a loving tribute to Lana Del Rey – there was no hiding our admiration!
Tell us about your reception:
As the night unfolded, we found ourselves surrounded by loved ones in a stunning private room at the Ace Hotel. The atmosphere was electric as we dined and laughed together, feeling grateful for this special time with our closest friends and family. After dinner, we made our way to Frenchman Street, where the sounds of jazz filled the air and the streets were alive with Halloween revelers. We wandered from club to club, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant street scene.
As the evening drew to a close, we parted ways with our group and ended the night on a sweet note – just the two of us, sharing coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde before returning to our AirBnB loft. What made this day truly unforgettable was having an amazing photographer by our side, capturing every moment from breakfast to bedtime.
What was your most important lesson learned?
I had meticulously planned every detail for my wedding, booking most aspects a full year in advance. As I thought I was nearing the home stretch, life decided to throw me a curveball. It started when I discovered, just eight weeks before the big day, that our original venue had closed down – and I found out through Yelp! No courtesy call or warning from the venue; it was as if they wanted to spare me the trouble of knowing.
Devastated but not one to let emotions get the better of me, I swiftly shifted gears and secured an alternative at the esteemed Ace Hotel in record time. The end result was a wedding experience that far exceeded our expectations, with staff, cuisine, and atmosphere all impressively surpassing our original venue.
Vendors
As the photographer, Jason Albus Photo, captured the essence of the special day, the beauty of the surroundings at the Ace Hotel venue was complemented by the stunning floral arrangements courtesy of Leaf & Petal NOLA. The bride’s attire, a breathtaking Pronovias dress, perfectly matched her radiant personality, while her evening gown from Fausta added an extra touch of glamour to the proceedings. With the help of Bella Bride Boutique in San Antonio, she found the perfect fit for her big day.
Meanwhile, the groom’s rings, crafted by Iz&Co. and Clocks and Colours, served as a thoughtful reminder of his love and commitment, while her ring, a custom design from San Antonio Jewelry, shone brightly as a symbol of their eternal bond.
