A Traditional, New Orleans-Style Wedding at Marigny Opera House in New Orleans, Louisiana

Capturing the spirit of New Orleans was the theme to Beth Nauman (35 and a clinical researcher) and Philip Anglewicz’s (41 and a professor) wedding. Set in Marigny Opera House in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, which was built in 1853 as the Holy Catholic Church, the big day embodied all the eclectic city has to offer: food, music, color, tradition and culture. Ceremony music, played on a Steinway baby grand piano, included a jazz arrangement of “Pachelbel's Canon.” As for Beth, “I walked to 'La Vie en Rose,' inspired by New Orleans musician Louis Armstrong,” Beth says. After the ceremony, she and Philip filled New Orleans tradition with a second line, in which a brass band paraded the couple down the streets of New Orleans as they carried vintage umbrellas and onlookers waved white hankies in their direction. 

After the fanfare, guests supped on a true New Orleans-style meal with beans and rice, gumbo, spicy fish and other Creole-influenced delicacies, all while sitting amid decor chosen because it represents the feel of the city. Fall-hued flowers in traditional New Orleans shades of turquoise, deep purples and gold lined the tables, while fleur de lis shapes added flavor to even the smallest detail. “We wanted our guests to experience a fantastic New Orleans party: elegant and festive, featuring local cuisine and traditions like a second line and live music," Beth says. "Since most of our family and friends live in the Midwest and on the East Coast, the event delivered a grand introduction to New Orleans, a city rich in history and culture, and it was unlike any wedding most of them had ever attended." —Ginger Harris