A Fairytale Wedding at Southern Oaks in New Orleans

Dark Roux Photography had the honor of capturing Stacey and Ryan’s fairytale wedding and we love what the team at Southern Oaks had to say about the event…

“To many, the mansion at Southern Oaks is the epitome of New Orleans’ own unique brand of Louisiana luxury, but to Stacey, it feels more like a second home. When she looks at the finely manicured lawns or the grand façade framed by old oak trees, she thinks not of the southern debutantes and fancy parties hosted there, but of the sound her roller blades used to make on the grounds’ brick walkways where she would skate as a child.

When Stacey’s parents, Bobby and Sue Asaro, established Southern Oaks over 34 years ago, they pledged a commitment to excellence that still resonates today, from the staff’s first greetings to the last drops of champagne. So when Stacey got engaged, she could think of no better venue to host her friends and loved ones in the celebration of her marriage to the love of her life, Ryan. She traded in her roller blades for wedding shoes and finally got the chance to walk through the doors of the estate as a bride.

Stacey and Ryan’s ceremony was held at the historic Marigny Opera House. It commenced just as twilight’s glow began to fall upon the tall stained-glass windows behind the couple’s altar, bathing the room in warmth. The groom, eager to kiss his bride, elected to do so before even being given the cue by the officiant. Sometimes love cannot wait. Instead of a ‘first look’ before the ceremony, Stacey and Ryan chose to share a ‘first moment’ alone together immediately following it, taking time to catch their breath before being whisked away to their reception.

The front gates of Southern Oaks opened to ‘Hey Baby,’ played not by Bruce Channel, but by a twenty-piece marching band in true New Orleans style. As the band serenaded the crowd, a dazzling fireworks display lit up the night sky and streamers gracefully fell from the heavens to complete the couple’s grand entrance. The night was filled with music and dancing, including a show-stopping impromptu performance by the father of the bride, singing ‘Make Me Smile’ by Chicago with a live band.”

And here are some of the most magical moments below….

Vendors / Photography – Dark Roux Photography / Ceremony Venue – Marigny Opera House / Reception Venue – Southern Oaks / Florals – Bella Blooms Floral / Gown Designer – Martina Liana / Dress Boutique – Town and Country Bridal / Beauty – Glam On Location / Cinema and Video – Tone Productions