Artfully elegant
September 25, 2024
Frances & Andrew Fennell
2.3.24
When envisioning their wedding celebration, Frances and Andrew dreamed of a “European, all-day” affair for their mostly out-of-town guests.
“Our priority was showcasing the city we love to our nearest and dearest,” says Frances, a civil engineer/urban designer. “We put so much effort into making the wedding uniquely ours.”
Frances, who grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and Andrew, from Marietta, Georgia, kicked things off with a welcome party at RíRa Irish Pub and an Italian rehearsal dinner at Open Kitchen, a frequent date-night spot for the couple. Their wedding day included an 11 a.m. wedding mass, followed by brunch at La Belle Helene. The celebration continued at The VanLandingham Estate, where guests sipped on hot toddies (Frances is a University of Mississippi alum) and sampled crawfish beignets and grit cakes, a nod to the bride’s Louisiana roots. At the end of the reception, guests gathered for a traditional Louisiana Second Line exit, a wedding procession led by the couple. An after-party at Workman’s Friend closed out the evening.
The wedding featured thoughtful, personal touches, starting with the wedding design created by Frances, who is also an artist. Inspired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s renowned Unicorn Tapestries, she painted her own version, using it in the invitations, place settings and on pillows. The flowers and bridesmaids dresses also played off the design.
A custom bar back showcased Western portraits of the bride and groom painted by Frances. Cocktail hour included performances from Andrew, who works in sales and is lead singer of the band Three on the Tree, and Frances’ brother, guitarist in the Secret Formula Band.
Also at the celebration: Andrew’s beloved 1978 Bronco, Natasha, which took the couple for a spin after their church ceremony and served as a vintage backdrop for photos. “We took her for a joyride around Uptown,” Frances says. “This felt so classic and true to us.”
The Details:
Photographer | Mary Hannah Harte
Venues | St. Peter Catholic Church (ceremony); La Belle Helene (wedding brunch); The VanLandingham Estate (reception)
Planner | Jackie Fogartie Events
Floral Design | The Bloom Room
Dress | Ladies of Lineage (wedding); rag & bone (after party)
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux
Caterer | Best Impressions Caterers
Cake | Miri Nadler Cake Design, Charleston, South Carolina
Entertainment | J’Michael Peeples (wedding brunch); Secret Formula Band, Three on the Tree(cocktail hour, reception); Sol Fusion (reception)
Rentals | PR Design Styled Collection (furniture); Stradley Davidson, Charleston, South Carolina (linens)
Custom Stage Front, Bar Back & Seating Display | Knotty Artisans
Stationery | Viri Lovely Designs
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