Michelle and Josh (and every other bride and groom) hoped for good weather, but were realistic about planning a garden wedding in Louisiana—rain was definitely a possibility. Lo and behold, the rain began as soon as the couple were announced husband and wife and the result is a moody and romantic and totally gorgeous tented reception planned to perfection by Southern Fete. The florals by Root Floral Design are deep and gorgeous. We ‘re especially smitten with the suspended floral chandeliers—amazing! We also love the way Hannah Mulligan Photography captured the emotions of the lovely couple and the twinkle of the reception under the clear tent in the pouring rain. This one is a perfect example of the success of a “plan b” wedding day.
What made the wedding special and unique?
From Cassie:
From the beginning, Michelle knew she wanted something special for their reception. She wanted a garden feel that wowed guests but felt inviting. Planning an outdoor wedding in Louisiana always comes with its fair share of challenges, and the week of the wedding we knew we had to move to the rain plan. The rain held out until the very moment the priest announced “Mr. and Mrs. Josh Boudreaux” for the first time. From that point forward, the skies opened and didn’t close again until well after the party had ended.
Michelle gifted her mom with a locket for her nosegay with pictures of when she was little. It was such a sweet gesture and one her mom loved. Michelle and I also spent a lot of time thinking about her cake table and how we could do something different. With the help of her florist, we opted to use foraged greenery around the circumference of the table and it ended up being the perfect compliment to her cake!
Regardless of if we went with plan A or rain plan, Michelle and I had also spent quite a lot of time talking about the main focal point of the tent; a large chandelier covered in the most beautiful greens and decked to the max with flowers. Mia with Root Floral delivered a chandelier more stunning than any of us could have imagined, that stopped everyone dead in their tracks.
But, can we talk about the first look? We haven’t seen a groom show so much emotion during a first look as much as Josh showed when he first saw Michelle. The pictures show such raw and genuine emotion that speak volumes and are proof they are meant to be Mr. and Mrs. Boudreaux.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
From the bride:
I tried on many different dresses searching to find the dress of my dreams. I ended up falling in love with a completely different dress than what I had in mind. I found my dress at Joan Pillow bridal boutique in Houston, Texas. It’s a Monique Lhuillier gown and the second I tried it on, I knew it was the one!
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Mother Nature surely had a hand in this one. One of the most memorable parts of the night was how guests embraced the rain and still had the very best time. Michelle commented that night that she was okay with the rain because she knew it was God’s way of making sure they remembered their special day. I loved her attitude about it and think the photographs are proof that even when it rains (or pours!), the very best of memories can still be made!
As the planner, one of the most memorable parts of the day for me was watching the southern hospitality, that I cherish so much about Louisiana, come to play. Some vendors became “guest shuttlers” donning ponchos and large umbrellas and walking guests into the tent. Guests created a share umbrella “drop” so people who may not have come prepared had something to use to get from here to there. In the end, everyone watched out for one another to make sure that it was the best time possible.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
We met while on vacation in Destin, Florida through mutual friends/family. While on a trip to Houston for a weekend getaway, Josh had to make a stop to deliver some equipment to a customer before we started our weekend. To my surprise, the box with the “equipment” in it was really full of roses and my engagement ring! He ended up getting down on one knee and proposing to me in front of the Gerald Hines Waterwall.
Planner: Cassie Thibeaux, Southern Fete // Photographer: Hannah Mulligan Photography // Florist: Root Floral Design // Rentals: Event Rentals // Cakes: Crystal Weddings // Hair and Makeup: Beauty by Victoria // Band: Windstorm // Reception Venue: ULL Alumni House // Caterer: Sam Trahan