Tying the Knot
Our Wedding & New Orleans Escape
PREPPING
Rain dances, unexpected expenses and last minute craziness led up to two wonderful final events at The Valentine and Sabot at Stony Point with our closest loved ones and friends. It truly was a weekend to remember forever, and we’re happy for everyone who was able to share it with us.
THE BIG EVENT
The rain stopped on cue at 5:30 and made way for a wonderful evening and beautiful ceremony. The full set was captured wonderfully by Betty Clicker, but these captured by Rob and myself, tell the story for me.
THE BIG EASY GETAWAY
While we still plan to explore Japan and Thailand in The New Year, we knew we needed some time to ourselves to decompress, explore, eat and celebrate our new journey. I managed to keep the destination secret from Molly until we were alone after the wedding, and only lined up our lodging, the brand-new and amazing ACE Hotel, and the renowned Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 tiki bar, tended that night by old Richmond cohort, Andrew Rhea.
We didn’t understand the meaning of the phrase Southern Hospitality until we got to New Orleans. Literally everyone we encountered welcomed us and asked where we were from. People made recommendations, suggestions and wished us well. The ACE greeted us with wine and chocolates, and despite being months old, was filled with the well-worn charm and centuries of magic that permeated the city and followed us throughout the town.
Bourbon Street wasn’t so bad with guides leading us through the chaos to Erin Rose for Frozen Irish Coffee, Lafitte‘s Blacksmith Shop for Purple Daiquiris and ended the night on the street outside Verti Marte, my bride with a Muffuletta and me with cheese fries.
NEW ORLEEEEEATS
The next morning started late, but started with a sugar overload at Cafe Du Monde. A worthy experience, but perhaps save your visit for mid-afternoon rather than wasting your morning with sweet (and stale) donuts and sweeter iced coffee. Much more worthy was the streetcar ride up to Parkway Bakery for Po’ Boys. The Sweet Potato veggie was a far cry from Molly’s Surf & Turf and Gumbo, but the magic was felt. An uber to Hivolt introduced me to one of the best things I’ve ever drunk, the Cola Cocktail; a mexi-Coke with a double shot and Vanilla.
GARDENING
Exploring the Garden District made for a fulfilling afternoon. The shops of Magazine Street and Mansions of the Garden District (Molly’s favorite being the house from the witch show) provided a great afternoon. Our only regret is missing Commander’s Palace.
FROM DUSK TILL DAWN
The magic of New Orleans does feel a little spookier at night; I might not believe in ghosts, but it’s hard to say it’s not eerie walking the desolate streets. A drink at the classic Arnaud’s French 75, visit to the museum, and then dinner at 2016’s James Beard Best New Restaurant, Shaya, home of unlimited wood-fired pita and a mess of meze made our night special.
The night was already memorable, and then Emi and Andrew met back up with us and took us to an industry bar where the best bartenders happened to be having a Ramos Gin Fizz competition (Cane & Table won) to make it truly unforgettable.
GHOSTING
One of the best things we did was take a Voodoo Tour, which included a rich history of the French Quarter, Armstrong Park, and most importantly, the only way to see St Louis Cemetery #1, the home of Marie Laveau and future home of Nicolas Cage (see the Omnia Ab Uno pyramid).
