Marissa & Alana // Swoop-Duggins House New Orleans Destination Wedding
Alana and Marissa found each other through a dating app and fell in love across state lines. Marissa being a pilot made the distance a little easier to work with and the couple decided to have a big destination wedding in New Orleans last fall. These two were very intentional when it came to hiring POC and queer vendors for their big day which brought them to my email. It turns out we had one degree of separation from having met despite never living in the same state — a fun reminder that it’s a small world!
The brides got ready at separate locations crossing their fingers the whole morning as a storm passed through. We met at the Swoop Duggins House, their wedding venue, as a last minute change to avoid rain interfering with their first look. It worked out perfectly, the rain stopped, and the couple had their intimate first look on the beautiful historic building’s balcony.
After the first look, we explored the venue together and were able to get a few moody images in Swoop’s unique interior before the family and friends started arriving.
Check out this gorgeous bouquet created by Marissa’s mother! *Swoon!
The brides decided to get their family photos out of the way before the ceremony so after they would be free to start partying!
A family photo in front of the venue with all of the siblings and their partners.
I love when there’s someone close to the couple that can officiate and Marissa’s brother did just that for them. The ceremony was standing room only — some guests even got a Birds Eye view!
Directly after the ceremony, the Big Fun Brass Band started serenading the wedding guests with their horns as everyone joined in for a second-line parade.
A second-line parade is one of my favorite parts of a wedding, it’s also where I get my biggest workout! After dancing through the streets we ended back at Swoop’s where the couple had a selfie “hour" - inviting guests to pop in for a quick selfie before heading inside for a cocktail.
Do you spy the showstopper?
As guests entered Swoop Duggin’s House, they were welcomed with the enticing aroma of Creole cuisine, tantalizing their taste buds. The air was thick with the spirit of celebration as jazz musicians cascaded the space upstairs with lively melodies, encouraging everyone to sway and dance to the infectious rhythms. From the spirited second-line parade to the heartfelt toasts, every moment echoed the uniqueness and grandeur of the city, making it a wedding reception that would forever be etched in the memories of all who attended.
Their first dance as wifeys!
Dressed in their finest attire, people from different walks of life came together, united by their shared love for the couple. Laughter echoed through the venue as familiar faces reconnected, and new connections were forged. The air was abuzz with animated conversations, as guests swapped stories, shared experiences, and got to know one another.From the dance floor to the cocktail hour, the energy of the event was infectious, making it easy to strike up conversations and form lasting bonds. Amidst the celebration, wedding guests seamlessly bridged gaps and created a sense of community, making the occasion even more memorable.
Pennywell Events – Alicia Wedding Planner
Swoop-Duggins House - Ceremony Site, Reception, & Catering
Hanna Mignano - Violin Ceremony Music
Bywater Bakery - Wedding Cake
NOLA Dukes Band - Live Band for Reception
NOLA Darlings Photography - Photographer
Big Fun Brass Band - Second Line Brass Band
Bike Taxi Unlimited Pedicabs - Second Line
