A Southern Wedding Part One: All the Small Things

Who doesn't love a wedding, especially when it's in a town as rich with culture as New Orleans? Yes, the stifling heat was a bit of a bother (as was the downpour less than 15 minutes before the ceremony was scheduled to start). But I must say that Julie and Shaun's wedding was a hit - and it all had to do with the personal touches they included to make it a memorable event.

For starters Julie's 'something old' was lace from her mother's veil. I love that she included this sentimental tribute.

She gave her bridesmaids charm bracelets with the NO Saints signature Fleur de Lis. I had brought my own charm bracelet because of that very same French icon.

My charm bracelet with charms collected from Lehigh, Ireland, Pi Beta Phi, and France

Matching charms

In fact, there were Fleur de Lis everywhere, including the beautiful flower arrangements that Julie's mother created (not to mention that Julie's family drove down all the way from Ohio with these arrangements). And the groom's cake kept the theme going strong:

Jill's bold flower arrangements hanging off a fleur de lis post

The groom's cake was a lovely touch

The reception had southern charm with its Second Line dance (an ode to jazz band-style funerals, with the 'second line' pouring out into the street behind the band):

The bride and the groom leading the way

The whole group got up to dance and shake their napkins

Topping off the evening with jambalaya and a Ring Pull for the wedding cake made it a memorable night.

The Cake Pull - another Southern tradition for the bridesmaids

Heading to Bourbon St. after the reception in our formal wear (the bride changed, though the groom led the way sans blazer) was a great ending to a wonderful trip.

And the surprising turn of events: the only Silk Road Pearls jewelry I wore was white stud earrings. It's the first time in close to a year I haven't been in it head to toe (so to speak) - but there's a reason why. Tune in tomorrow for Part Two for more details.

And be sure to visit Vineyard Loveknots to enter the Silk Road Pearls Giveaway! Ends 8/14.