How To Have A Magic AF Wedding In New Orleans

NOLA sign pool and candles in New Orleans backyard

We are all unique, and that is what makes it so fun. Classic weddings work for some but for Brooke and Matt, a white dress and stiff black tux wasn't going to do it. This fabulous couple took their big day and truly turned it into pure magic with the help of Alchemy Events NOLA!

Love a tarot reading? Or maybe you enjoy some dramatic lighting or the fanfare of a Mardi Gras parade. Well then, keep scrolling because this NOLA wedding event had all of that and more! You can see every last bit of this magical wedding in our full gallery thanks to the photography talents of Dark Roux.

Elegant wedding invitation suite with gold foil details

Rustic flower bouquet with feathers on wicker chair Elegant floral wreaths with feathers on rustic wood door

Group in magical af cloaks against a building wall Woman drinks from a glass globe with dark lipstick

The Inspiration

Longtime visitors of New Orleans, Brooke and Matt knew it was the perfect location for their destination wedding. Brooke builds custom furniture in Atlanta so her attention to detail was not lost on her own wedding. She was as meticulous about the vendors she selected to help her bring her vision to life as she was about the furniture she built for her and Matt's wedding.

Brooke and Matt used the quote, "Take a lover who looks at you like maybe you are magic" as the inspiration for their New Orleans wedding and magical it was!

The Near Disaster

The day of the wedding saw torrential rain, with the two inches of standing water in their outdoor courtyard causing a delay even with tents. Brooke's bridal party, dubbed the "Morse Krewe", rallied around her lifting her spirits and just as the time for guests to start arriving, the rain began to let up.

The Wedding Welcome

Guests were treated to musicians from Atlanta playing busker style as they began the most unforgettable night of their lives. They were greeted by a shot bar masterfully put together by mixologists that featured a custom liquid shot as well as a blackberry topped jello shot. Guests began to mingle and eat hors d'oeuvres including shrimp "corn dogs", and nods to each of their fathers via mini lobster rolls and tostones con ropa vieja.

Brooke and Matt wedding welcome sign with floral decor

Outdoor wedding reception with tables and string lights Rustic wooden table decorated with candles and flowers for an event

Bohemian floral wreath and geometric art on a rustic brick wall

Take A Lover Who Looks At You Like Maybe You Are Magic Elegant centerpiece with candles and floral arrangement on a velvet table

A wooden bar with #MORSEKREWE text on it outdoors at an event

Rustic wooden table centerpiece with floral arrangement and decor Cozy rustic decor with patterned pillow and wooden table close up

Delicious blackberry desserts with mint leaves arranged on a tray

Cozy fireplace with burning candles creating a warm and inviting ambiance Delicious mini appetizers with meat and toppings on a wooden tray

The Ceremony

Suddenly, the lights went down, purple spotlights lit the balconies overhead and guests heard the infamous words of Prince coming over the speakers, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..." and the bridal party started to file out onto each side of the balconies. As the music kicked into gear, purple smoke bombs went off and the groom, the bride, and her son, Cannon, met out on the bridge overhead for their first look. They tossed custom made Mardi Gras beads with their monogram symbol down to their guests and partied until they began to make their way downstairs for the ceremony.

A drumline heralded each bridal party member down the mud cloth aisle runner. The officiant began the ceremony with a telltale line, "if you've ever asked Brooke about how Matt takes care of her, you've seen the sparkle in her eyes when she utters his name. That is the magic of love." As the ceremony ended, guests were led by the drumline to a candle altar in another area of the venue where a blessing was prayed over them to the Virgin Mary.

Night scene with candles, balconies and people enjoying the event

People celebrate at a party with festive lights and music

A drummer playing a large drum in a formal event setting, smiling Man in sunglasses plays cymbals with a drumstick in a celebratory setting

Two brides joyfully celebrate their entrance at a wedding reception

Woman with bouquet smiles as guest takes her photo Bridesmaids holding floral hoops in a dark, elegant wedding ceremony

Gothic wedding ceremony with bride, groom, and guests in an old venue Couple kisses during alternative wedding ceremony in brick building

The Reception

Guests then partied the night away with a Boomerang green screen photo booth, props for a karaoke hour with the live band and tarot and palm reading! Brooke & Matt served nods to New Orleans such as gumbo alongside favorite foods of theirs, some reminiscent of their travels, including a poutine station and grilled cheese station which featured a collard green and muenster cheese option.

In addition to a full bar, shot bar and specialty cocktail bar, guests also had the option of making a selection in the apothecary bar where small vials of "potions" were available to drink or mix for a color changing effect.

Guests were then treated to dessert which consisted of a table of completely edible magical elements to complement their cake such as rune macaroons, tarot brownies, edible smudge sticks, herbal sage tarts, and mousse.

Romantic candlelit dinner setting with wooden tables and soft lighting Romantic table setting with flowers and lit candles for a special event

Rustic altar with candles, skulls, and bohemian decorative elements Decorated cow skull with flower tattoo on rustic wooden surface

Dark moody bar interior with antique mirror and drink menu Hands exchanging a miniature bottle of dark red liquid in dim light

Fortune teller shuffling tarot cards in dim candlelit room Tarot cards laid out on a patterned table during a reading session

Halloween party decoration with skull cauldron and fancy bandit sign

NOLA illuminated sign with mist and candles at night ambiance

Elegant wedding cake and desserts display in front of a brick wall Mystical macarons with runes, candles, and a touch of magic Tarot card brownies with pecan tarts and fresh rosemary on a tray

Four-tiered wedding cake with tribal details against brick wall backdrop

Canvas bags with skull design for hangover relief, perfect gift

The Second Wind

As the reception came to a close, guests were given personalized wristbands for the after party and hangover kits, which everyone surely appreciated the next day! A second line band surprised the guests and led them onto waiting streetcars to take them to Frenchmen Street, which is considered by many to be the "Bourbon Street for locals" and just had two Mardi Gras parades pass down it. The second line and drumline led guests off the street cars and through the packed streets for an unforgettable second line complete with Grand Marshall and Mardi Gras Indians.

By the time guests got to the after party being held in an upstairs private balcony overlooking a live band below at one of the most popular spots on Frenchmen Street, they had a following of non-wedding guests who had joined in the second line in typical New Orleans fashion.

A brass band playing in front of a red trolley at night Jazz musician playing trumpet inside a vintage trolley, entertained guests

Couple embraces at night with city lights reflecting in the water Woman dances joyfully with umbrella during night parade near a red trolley Blue round tokens with golden symbols and hashtags in a basket

Couple dancing intimately at a dimly lit event, holding hands

Mardi Gras parade with a drummer in a flamboyant outfit A Kinfolk Brass Band leader at a night street event, Grand Marshall sash Night parade with music, dancing couple and vibrant costume