July 23, 2024

A Whimsical and Modern Celebration | Erin + Nathaniel’s New Orleans Wedding

A Derbès Mansion Wedding in New Orleans, LA

Erin and Nathaniel tied the knot at the enchanting Derbès Mansion in New Orleans, LA, on May 13, 2023. Their love story began over nine years ago when they met as students at Boston University.

The Proposal

Nathaniel’s proposal was as heartfelt as their journey together. During a cherished visit to North Carolina, one of their three dogs, Archie, carried a ring box onto the porch, symbolizing the start of their new chapter.

Wedding Style

Erin and Nathaniel envisioned a whimsical and modern wedding, focusing on an intimate, fancy outdoor gathering with their closest friends and family. Their love for hosting and cooking inspired the warm, welcoming energy of their special day.

Unforgettable Moments

One of the most poignant moments came right after the ceremony. Surrounded by their closest friends—Matthew, Melody, and Jack—they signed their wedding certificate, a powerful reminder of their shared history and growth. This emotional celebration was filled with happy tears and laughter, perfectly captured in photos that they will cherish forever.

Why They Chose Elle M Events

Funnily enough, Nathaniel and Erin have known Lauren, the owner of Elle M Events, for quite some time. She lives next door to Erin’s parents and has watched their relationship grow from graduation to cross-country moves and visits back home to North Carolina. When Erin started wedding planning, she had many questions and Lauren was always there to offer support, even before they officially decided to work together.

Choosing New Orleans as their wedding location—a place full of joy and fond memories—meant planning a wedding far from their Brooklyn home. Erin and Nathaniel wanted a planner who understood their vibe and who they were as a couple. They were over the moon when Lauren offered her services. It felt like everything fell into place perfectly, knowing they had someone they could trust to navigate every decision, especially with an 8-month turnaround. Lauren’s deep understanding and commitment to making their wedding truly reflect them reassured Erin and Nathaniel that they had made the right choice. Lauren’s dedication to her clients made them feel like their wedding was a priority, reflecting her genuine care and expertise.

Venue Selection: The Derbès Mansion

When Erin and Nathaniel met with Chris from The Derbès Mansion over Zoom, they were instantly drawn to the venue’s beautiful, meandering gardens and outdoor spaces. The interior of the mansion, with its stunning architectural and interior details, added a touch of grandeur while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere—an essential combination for the couple. Chris impressed them with his ability to provide a venue that had everything they needed but also offered the flexibility to customize every detail to their liking. The beauty, flexibility, and support from both Chris and Lauren made the planning process smoother. When they finally visited the venue in person after booking, they were even more blown away by its magical charm. Having their friends and family stay there for a few days made the experience even more special.

Who They Were Wearing

Erin went to many bridal salons in NYC but fell in love with a beautiful Vivian Westwood dress from their NYC bridal salon. The beaded design was understated yet perfectly captured the spirit of New Orleans. Nathaniel looked dapper in a custom Suit Supply double-breasted suit, and later changed into an additional navy double-breasted suit from The Row. The bridesmaids were given the freedom to choose dresses that matched the bright and colorful florals, ensuring they felt beautiful and comfortable. The variety in colors, cuts, and styles added a lovely, unique touch to the bridal party’s look.

Stationery Design

As a graphic designer, Erin always knew she wanted to custom design her wedding stationery. She and Nathaniel made a fun weekend out of printing and cutting everything themselves. Those invites were truly made with love and added a personal, heartfelt touch to their wedding.

A Tip for Other Couples

If Erin could provide a tip to another couple planning their wedding, she would say, “Choose one thing to really focus on making the day magical for you. For us, it was florals!”

Join us in celebrating Erin and Nathaniel’s beautiful journey and the unforgettable moments of their wedding day at The Derbès Mansion.

Let’s Create Your Dream Wedding Together!

Erin and Nathaniel’s wedding at The Derbès Mansion was a magical blend of personal touches, elegant details, and heartfelt moments. From the whimsical decor to the custom-designed stationery, every element reflected their unique love story. If you’re looking for expert guidance to create a wedding that truly represents you and your partner, Elle M Events is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our wedding planning services and how we can make your dream wedding a reality. Let’s start planning your perfect day together!

For more information and to schedule a consultation, reach out to us at Elle M Events. We can’t wait to bring your vision to life!

Vendor Team

Photography: Amy Ellis Photography

Planner: Elle M Events

Venue: The Derbès Mansion

Florist: Pick a Petal

Beauty: Glam on Location

Dress Designer: Vivian Westwood

Tux: Suit Supply

Band: Nola Dukes Band

DJ: Calfee Productions

Tents + Lighting: Larkin’s Event Tents

Table/Chair Rentals: Distressed Rentals + Revival

Bar: Movers and Shakers

Catering: Black Pearl Catering