HOW DID YOU MEET?
Through work in the optical industry. We were friends for a long time and reconnected after Covid.
WHEN DID YOU BECOME ENGAGED, AND HOW?
September 22, 2025 in Lafayette Square in New Orleans. He set up flowers and champagne while I was getting ready for dinner, and when I came downstairs he had the hotel staff blindfold me and lead me across the street to the park. After he proposed, everyone in the park started cheering and clapping for us, and a woman came over to us and recorded the whole thing (which we were able to get a copy of). Afterwards we sat and watched the sunset and shared a bottle of champagne together.
#WEDDINGGOALS
Just to have a good time with all the people I love!
HOW DID PLANNING GO?
It went pretty smooth. I did all the planning myself, and once I had an idea of what we both wanted, things started to fall into place. I also relied on friends and my wedding coordinator to help with suggestions for vendors, and we lucked out with amazing people!
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Maintaining a budget! And, the seating plan.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUDGET
We just had so much planning and started getting carried away, and decided halfway through if we were going to do a big wedding, we might as well go all out, so needless to say, our budget went out the window.
HOW WAS THE CEREMONY?
We had to pivot last minute, since we hit a little
snafu with our original location a few weeks before. The weather was great, so we ended
up holding it on the back patio of the hotel, which made it easy to head out on our parade
after we said ‘I do!’
SPECIAL MOMENTS
I had a memorial wall with photos of all our loved ones who had passed, but were still very much there in spirit. It was my favorite, and most sentimental detail.
FUNNY MOMENTS
I had a cotton candy cart, and the kids had a ton of cotton candy and ended up on a sugar high running around the hotel, and up and down the old elevator all night.
MEMORABLE MOMENT
My bouquet toss to Proud Mary was definitely a highlight. I ended up tossing it to my cousin, who actually got engaged shortly after!
SPECIAL DANCE SONGS
First Dance: More of You by Chris Stapleton
Father/Daughter: Thank You by Led Zeppelin
Bouquet Toss: Proud Mary by Ike & Tina Turner
CARLA’S FAVORITE PART
The moment right before the ceremony. We were in separate rooms; I was with my dad and my best friend, and it was quiet and calm. We knew we were going to walk toward each other for the last time as boyfriend and girlfriend, and shortly after lead our friends on a second line parade through the square, as husband and wife.
FAVORITE DETAIL
Everything! Having all our friends and family there to celebrate and share our love. The music was amazing, the food was fantastic, and the company was the best!
SPECIAL DETAIL
Custom cigars with our names on the band from a cigar shop in NYC, and custom made eyeglass cleaners and cleaning cloths, since we are both in the optical industry.
LOOKING BACK, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR GUESTS WILL REMEMBER THE MOST?
How much fun it was! We still have friends saying it was one of the best weddings they’ve ever been to.
ADVICE FROM THE COUPLE
Just have fun, and remember to be present. Enjoy every second, and don’t get too hung up on details. Let others step up on the day of to help you, so you can savor every moment.
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?
Nothing!
