Tyler & Nicholas Summerford
11.23.24
For their wedding, Charlotte couple Tyler and Nick had just one city in mind: New Orleans. Nick, a graduate of Tulane University, continued visiting the Big Easy post-graduation, soaking up its vibrant energy, incredible food and rich culture. It soon became a favorite destination for Tyler, too. “It’s a city that celebrates life in every way,” she says. “It felt like the perfect backdrop for the kind of wedding we dreamed of: one filled with music, tradition and soul.”
Following the ceremony, Tyler and Nick joined their guests for happy hour at Hotel Henrietta on St. Charles Avenue. Afterward, the wedding party paraded to The Elms Mansion for the reception, following a brass band in a lively second-line procession.
Instead of a plated dinner, the couple opted for an array of chef stations, featuring Mediterranean, Italian and Southern flavors that reflected their heritages, personalities and love for sharing a great meal with family and friends. A live oyster shucker served fresh oysters on the half shell, along with boiled shrimp, seaweed salad and calamari salad. Dessert included wedding cake and baklava.
Most important on the menu: Bojangles cajun filet biscuits for a late-night snack. Tyler’s grandfather, Richard Thomas, was co-founder of the famous chicken franchise. “The one and only concern I had with getting married in New Orleans is that we were deep in Popeyes territory, and there wasn’t a Bojangles within a two-hour driving distance,” Tyler says. “After one small request to Bojangles’ leadership team, they were ready to deliver, literally … It was a small, heartfelt tribute to my late grandfather and best friend … Sharing something he created, with the people we love most, felt like a meaningful way to have him there with us on our wedding day.”
The Details:
Photographer | Love is Rad, Ollie Alexander
Venue | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, New Orleans (ceremony); The Elms Mansion (reception)
Planner | Iris and Oak Events
Floral Design | Antigua Floral
Dress | Ines Di Santo, Alexia’s Bridal Boutique
Beauty | Jessica Jackson Hair; Kristen Noel Kiefer, Kristen Noel Makeup
Groom Attire | OMJ Clothing, custom bamboo tuxedo
Caterer | The Elms Mansion
Cake | La Louisiane Bakery
Entertainment | BRW New Orleans Band
Stationery | Arzberger Stationers
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