Merci

We don't know about you, but New Orleans was incredible!  The time flew by and everything was over far too quickly.  Thank you to everyone for helping us capture all of the joyful moments!  "Spock" has compiled an album of your shared photos for you to enjoy.  Relive all of the good times wherever you may be today.  Thank you for celebrating our special day with us!

Photo album link:

https://goo.gl/photos/291xYgBKa31LuaqUA

*Professional photo credits to Megan Lendman Photography*

http://www.meganlendmanphotography.com/

Logistique

And now, for a few logistics:

Carpooling

For those who have rented cars and are willing to assist with carpooling guests to the reception from the ceremony, please contact us of via phone or email asap so we know how many cars to expect.  Note:  First Grace Church (ceremony) has a parking lot, Benachi House (reception) is street parking only.

New Orleans also has easy access to apps such as Uber and Lyft for those choosing to use affordable ridesharing options.

Locations/Times/Directions

For your convenience:

Ceremony: Sunday, February 5th at 4pm
First Grace United Methodist Church
3401 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Reception: immediately to follow 5-9pm
Benachi House & Gardens
2257 Bayou Rd, New Orleans, LA 70119

Directions from ceremony to reception:
*Note: several alternate routes exist, based on the GPS used.  All approx 8-10min*

9 min (2.5 miles)
via N Carrollton Ave and Esplanade Ave
8 min without traffic

First Grace United Methodist Church
3401 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119

Head northwest on Canal St toward N Clark St
0.5 mi

Turn right onto N Carrollton Ave
0.9 mi

Slight right toward Esplanade Ave
174 ft

Turn right onto Esplanade Ave
1.1 mi

Turn left onto N Rocheblave St
203 ft

Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Bayou Rd

Destination will be on the left

256 ft
Benachi House & Gardens
2257 Bayou Road, New Orleans, LA 70119

Pictures

To aid with sharing everyone's lovely pictures across social media handles, we have created the hashtag #beemarriednola  Come and find us on Feb 5th for fun stories on this! :)

Please be sure to use this hashtag when posting photos online so we can snag them and create one large album to share with all guests and keep for ourselves!  Take tons of fun selfies both on wedding day and during your entire vacation in New Orleans.  The city is beautiful and full of great photo ops.  We hope you have a great time!  

Weather

As we all know, weather can be a bit unpredictable.  Thankfully, the reception has indoor space for everyone, but we are hoping you'll be able to enjoy the garden outdoors for the evening as well.  Be sure to bring a light jacket or cardigan in case it's chilly.

Weather Forecast

Clothing

Don't forget to pack comfy shoes to dance in!  I wouldn't plan on sitting in your chair all night.  :)

See you soon!  Safe travels to all

The Second Line

It may appear a bit strange to visitors the first time you lay eyes on a New Orleans' second line.   The basics are this: New Orleanians love celebrations and we love music.  This is the precious combination of the two.  Whether for a homegoing for a loved one, a wedding, or just because it's Wednesday and the sun is out, you will commonly find a second line throughout the city.  This parade of people, large or small, is traditionally led by a brass band and followed by a line of people.  Don't worry, there is no need to run to youtube and practice any formal line dancing.  :)  You simply enjoy the music and walk however you feel free, typically with a handkerchief or umbrella in hand.  

Here's a brief history (thanks to Wiki): Second line is a tradition in brass band parades in New Orleans, Louisiana. The "main line" or "first line" is the main section of the parade, or the members of the actual club with the parading permit as well as the brass band. Those who follow the band just to enjoy the music are called the "second line." The second line's style of traditional dance, in which participants walk and sometimes twirl a parasol or handkerchief in the air, is called "second lining." It has been called "the quintessential New Orleans art form...."  
Click here to read the full page:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_line_(parades)

As a kid, I was often "tortured" to learn the second line as a part of my culture.  Since I was a bit shy, I dreaded this practice (of course, one has to learn how to properly strut your stuff as not to embarrass the family lol).  But as I got older, I realized how proud I am to be from a city that knows the value in taking time to celebrate significant moments in life and to do it with the best soundtrack possible.

So please join us in a small second line as we celebrate our marriage and as we say in the Big Easy... "Do Watcha Wanna"!

*We're staying near the building, so no worries if you forget your comfy shoes or are unable to walk far*

Les préféré

If you ever find yourself hungry in New Orleans, you're doing something wrong.  I will apologize in advance for anyone who made a New Year's resolution to follow a strict diet... I suggest strongly to seriously give yourself a break.  Vacation calories don't count afterall, right?  That's what I've been told anyway.  Just go with it.  You'll thank yourself, trust me.  :)

There are entire books devoted to New Orleans cuisine, but I will try to narrow it down to a quick top 10 to give you an idea of what you have look forward to.  A few of our favorites include:

1.  Camelia Grill - Amazing old diner atmosphere with an incredibly fun staff.  Don't be afraid to order the fries with your omelette, it may sound weird, but it works.  Get there early if you want to avoid the line.  Also open late for good munchie time.
*Hint: there is also a location in the French Quarter now and the food is just as good if you can't get Uptown*
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Camellia-Grill/104113072958918?rf=250301408353469

2. Cafe' Du Monde - Just 'cause you have to do it, right?  Don't worry about getting powdered sugar all over the floor and yourself - it's part of the fun and tradition.  Tips: don't wear black that day, enjoy the view of Jackson Square and live music nearby.  Good place to take a break from walking in the French Quarter.
http://www.cafedumonde.com/

3. Elizabeth's - Two words: Praline Bacon.  Don't question, just order it.  You will only regret not having it sooner.  Also a great venue for dinner.
http://www.elizabethsrestaurantnola.com/contact_us.html

4.  The Ruby Slipper - If you haven't noticed a theme by now, my inner foodie loves breakfast... and this place has a great menu to choose from.  2 convenient locations.
https://www.therubyslippercafe.net/

5. Carmo - Vegans and vegetarians, don't worry we didn't forget about you!  We chose this place as one of our caterers for a reason - delicious tropical menu, great artwork and lovely staff.
http://www.cafecarmo.com/

6.  Mother's Restaurant - Homecooked meal away from home.  Buffet style, large portions and affordable.  If you see a line outside, you will know why.
http://www.mothersrestaurant.net/

7. SuhkiThai - Another great place if you're hunting for vegetarian options or southern food isn't your thing.  We've eaten here more than I'd like to admit.  Highly recommend the pad thai.
http://sukhothai-nola.com/

8.  District: Donuts.Sliders.Brew - Daily specialty donuts.  I'm not talking just any donuts here people, you may need to get out a knife.  Sliders are incredible.  Just thinking about the biscuits makes me want to move up my travel date...  Coffee is also excellent.
http://districtdonuts.com/#locations

9.  Parkway - If you haven't made a stop for a po'boy, you haven't officially been to New Orleans.  If you want to go all out, go for the "debris fries" - no, it's not described on the menu that way, but if you order it you'll sound like a local ;) - think roast beef, gravy and cheese on top of fries eaten with a fork. They are sinful and well worth it.  Also: a po'boy "dressed" means you want toppings on it - don't freak out when they ask you haha.
*Important tip to avoid the line: Order on the bar side, not the kitchen!*  Then you can take your food and sit anywhere you like.
http://parkwaypoorboys.com/

10.  Port of Call - Hands down the best burgers and some of the best drinks in the city.  You will never want fries with your burger again...the baked potato is SO good!
http://portofcallnola.com/index.php

BON APPETIT!

Lagniappe:
The Creole Creamery http://www.creolecreamery.com/

Cafe Maspero http://www.cafemaspero.com/

Commander's Palace http://www.commanderspalace.com/

Atchafalaya http://www.atchafalayarestaurant.com/

Bayou Beer Garden http://bayoubeergarden.com/

Juan's Flying Burrito http://www.juansflyingburrito.com/

My 6 Favorite Places To Visit in New Orleans

So as you all may have heard, New Orleans is a tremendous, unique, and magical place. You could stay in this city for months and still find new and wonderful things to do. Here are just a few suggestions for those of you looking to make this trip a special get-a-way.


My 6 Favorite Places To Visit In New Orleans:



1. City Park: is one of my favorite parks I have ever been to in the world. It is home to the New Orleans Art Museum and Sculpture Garden. There is also plenty to see in the park itself-giant trees, a lake, a boathouse where you can rent canoes and paddle boats, a carousel, and plenty of walking trails. City Park is located in Mid-City just up the street from where the wedding is taking place.

2. Frenchmen Street: is my favorite spot to go see live music. You will find mostly jazz musicians playing here at a number of bars located in the same vicinity, so you can duck in and out of places-i.e. bar hop and get to experience several jazz bands with different styles all in one glorious evening. Shotgun Jazz Band, who will be playing at the wedding, is frequently seen playing on Frenchmen.

3. Magazine Street (Uptown): is going to be the furthest from where most of the wedding shenanigans will be taking place, but it is well worth the fifteen minute journey. Once you arrive on Magazine Street you will be greeted with numerous coffee shops, restaurants, bars, bakeries, boutiques, and thrift stores. If you want a t-shirt from a local shop, or a unique piece of New Orleans art, this is the place to explore. You  can walk up and down Magazine window shopping and then stop into one of the local cafe's or restaurants for some yummy cuisine.

4. Warehouse District: is located downtown New Orleans and is a very interesting side trip if you are into both art and architecture. This delightful district is filled with art galleries, restaurants, and more upscale bars and dining experiences.  There are also some museums near this part of town including The Ogden Museum of Folk Art, The Contemporary Art Museum, and The World War II Museum, all of which are highly recommended.

5. French Market: is going to be the place where you get an all in one experience. If you are running low on time and only have one thing to choose from, I might recommend coming here. You get street musicians, shopping, food, and sight seeing all in one fell swoop. Great place for purchasing your more commercial New Orleans souvenirs for friends back home. Also it is near the river, so you can add a river stroll to your experience. Jackson Square is right there as well as the famous Cafe Du Monde and crawfish tasting.

6. Bayou Wine/Beer Garden: is a place where if you are looking for a nice glass of wine or beer that is near the area that all of the wedding events are occurring in Mid City, this is the spot to go. There are two separate establishments right next to one another, one is more of a sports bar with a huge outdoor patio, and the other is a quaint and modern looking wine bar with great bottle and glass options as well as cheese, and tapas which compliment your wine tasting experience. Both have great ambiances that are different from one another so if you are looking for a more casual drinking environment I would recommend the Beer Garden; a little more quaint and romantic-I would go for the Wine Garden.

Logement

Lodging

Hello all!  We have received the most questions so far regarding lodging options.  We've decided it may be helpful to post a few suggestions from places some of you have already booked and some good websites to search.  Hope this helps!

1.  Both the ceremony and reception are located in our favorite part of NOLA: Mid-City!  :)  (Lots of great restaurants and City Park nearby to explore as well... be we'll come back to that another time)

Link about NOLA neighborhoods: http://www.neworleansonline.com/tools/neighborhoodguide/

Don't feel as though you have to stay close to the venue if you want to explore the city.  It will only take about 20min tops to get to the venue via Uptown, the French Quarter or the Warehouse District just to give you an idea.  As far as public transportation... the street car is an option, but it may be limited depending on the direction you're trying to travel (and the weather might be iffy). Uber or renting a car might be most convenient depending on the number of days you'll be in town vs how many places you want to explore.  And please note the airport is in KENNER! :)  It'll take awhile for you to get in/out of town depending on traffic.  

2.  A few Mid-City lodging options for those choosing to stay nearby:

Canal Street Inn:  http://www.canalstreetinn.com/

3620 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119   504-483-3033

Degas House:  http://www.degashouse.com/

2306 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119

Ashton's Bed & Breakfast: http://www.ashtonsbb.com/

2023 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116

3.  Good websites to search for lodging:

Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/

Homeaway: https://www.homeaway.com/

L'emplacement

    

Ceremony

Sunday, February 5, 2017 - 4pm

First Grace United Methodist Church

3401 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70119

http://www.firstgraceumc.org

For any of you wondering: why First Grace?  You won't have to ask after you visit.  It only took us one time and we never looked anywhere else.  We dearly miss our church home and family every week we are away.  The comforting hugs, uplifting songs, colorful company, meaningful words, shared laughs... just a few of many things that help you survive an exhausting week.  We are happy to share one of our special places with you.  Please enjoy reading an excerpt from the history on the church below:

On October 21, 2007, two years after Hurricane Katrina, two United Methodist congregations less than one mile apart merged to form a new body. The remnant of First UMC, an historically white congregation, and the remnant of Grace UMC, an historically black congregation, merged to form First Grace UMC.

In its first year, the worshiping congregation grew from 60 to more than 130. In addition, a missionary for Hispanic/Latino ministries joined the First Grace family and the Latino/a population has been steadily growing. As you can see with your own eyes, our congregation mirrors the diverse wonders of our city.

The sanctuary and building took on over five feet of water from the levee breaks of Katrina. We are still rebuilding.

Reception

Sunday, February 5, 2017 - to follow

Benachi House & Gardens

2257 Bayou Road, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70119

http://www.benachihouse.com/

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!  We saw this place and fell in love.  Have your cameras ready. :)  Lots of photo ops inside and out.  Ample street parking.  Some may want to Uber or carpool from the church to the reception.  Contact us if you need assistance.  Directions below.

Directions from Ceremony to Reception:

9 min (2.5 miles)

via N Carrollton Ave and Esplanade Ave

8 min without traffic

First Grace United Methodist Church

3401 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119

Head northwest on Canal St toward N Clark St

0.5 mi

Turn right onto N Carrollton Ave

0.9 mi

Slight right toward Esplanade Ave

174 ft

Turn right onto Esplanade Ave

1.1 mi

Turn left onto N Rocheblave St

203 ft

Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Bayou Rd

 

Destination will be on the left

256 ft

Benachi House & Gardens

2257 Bayou Road, New Orleans, LA 70119