A chic New Orleans wedding with a beautiful love story.

I was so delighted this spring to do wedding flowers for my good friends Ann and Robert. Doing flowers for a friend or loved one is really an honor, and it was such a pleasure to be a part of their day. Usually I drop the flowers and race off to other work, but Ann’s day was special, so I brought the flowers, and stayed for a while. As expected, Ann was calm and gracious and happy.

Ann and I have the same eyes when we smile.

Ann and Robert are a wonderful couple— smart and funny. Robert is a great cook, and Ann is a warm and enthusiastic hostess. There is something really magic when a couple finds love later in life, maybe an extra dose of appreciation? There is a real joy to their relationship, it is a pleasure to spend time with them.

Ann is a classic beauty. I love the elegance of this dress - the fur stole is vintage from Century Girl.

Ann wanted classic flowers - nothing that she would look back on and feel like it was dated.

Classic wedding white— and petite, because Ann is petite. A little deco (I can’t resist a calla lily if someone says art deco to me) to go with this fab dress. We added a touch of french lavender to all the flowers, her father grew lavender in the garden, and it was our way of including a memory of her parents.

These little angels stole the show at Immaculate Conception! They have personality for days, and I think are the perfect age for flower girls - they really enjoyed their moment in the spotlight!

I loved being in this church. I often deliver there, but I don’t know that I had ever been to Mass. It was lovely to sit and see all the beautiful details. Father McGinn is a friend of Ann and Robert’s and that really made the ceremony special— but brief and to the point— as is his signature!

At my suggestion (unsolicited advice is a big part of wedding consultations here at Fat Cat) Ann and Robert came down the aisle together. It was perfect. You could feel the happiness!

I love this footed compote - it makes the flowers a little fancy, and keeps them from blocking the view across the table.

A little bit of bling, a little smaller, so there is lots of room on the table for guests to put their glass, plates and purses.

The reception was on the third floor of Brennen’s Palace Cafe, and it was exceptional. The space is beautiful, which is a great jumping off point for flowers, and of course the food was divine. For me, one of the things that sets this venue (and all of the Brennen’s restaurants) is the staff. They are beyond helpful! Professional and poised, they make sure your experience is perfect.

I would like to institue a cupcake tax. Could the bakery leave the florist a cupcake? Please?

In my business there is a lot of cake decorating, but very little cake eating. It was a special treat to be able to indulge in this classic wedding cake from Bittersweet Confections. I love that Ann wanted to go a little wild with the cake. I knew there was a a wild streak in there somewhere!

Thank you to Sam Gregory for the photos - he knows how to capture every special moment.