Katie and Brian: Can You Feel The Love Tonight?

Written by: Natalie Pompilio
Photography by: Lauren Carroll Photography

Katie Breaux and Brian Lauziere both love movies and Broadway shows, so it’s not surprising that they met on the set of one and got engaged after enjoying the other.

First, the meeting. Brian moved to New Orleans from Indiana in 2011 to work in the local film industry, or “Hollywood South” as many call the region. In 2013, he was working on the comedy “Walk of Fame.” Katie was on set as an extra.

It was hard for her to miss Brian, the handsome assistant director who called “Cut” in between takes and juggled oranges when things were slow. At the end of the day, she asked him for his name.

“We’ve been together ever since,” Katie says.

Their first date? A production of “Les Miserables.” Over the next four years, they enjoyed movies at local theaters and touring Broadway productions that stopped at the Saenger Theatre.

Now, the proposal: Katie, a fan of all things Disney, was thrilled when Brian got tickets for “The Lion King” when it came to town. After the show – “It was fantastic!” Katie says – , the couple ran into a group of their friends outside the theater. They handed Katie a stuffed lion toy while Brian took a knee. The lion had a tag dangling from around its neck, “Will you marry me?”

To paraphrase “The Lion King’s” biggest song, yes, they could feel the love that night.

“I was in disbelief. I always knew one day it would happen for us, but I really thought I would’ve known when,” Katie says. “It was such a magical night.”

On Feb. 17, as 220 friends and family members watched, and an a cappella compilation of Disney love songs played, Katie joined Brian on the front steps of Southern Oaks Plantation to take their wedding vows. As guests moved to the reception that followed, they were greeted with songs from Broadway shows including “Phantom of the Opera,” “Rent,” “Hamilton” and “Grease.”

Picking just the right song for their first dance as a married couple was a challenge, Katie says – until they heard “Only Us” from the musical “Dear Evan Hansen.”

“We both fell in love with the song. It just felt right and created room for us to do a beautiful waltz, which we took classes to learn,” Katie says. “It was definitely a unique ‘That’s a Katie and Brian thing to do.’”

Vendor Credits:

Bakery: Gambino’s | Ceremony, Reception Location and Caterer, Music, Candle Decor: Southern Oaks Plantation | Officiant: David Diamond | Rehearsal Dinner Location: Coquette | Bridal Gown: Hayley Paige | Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Photographer: Lauren Carroll Photography | Hair and Makeup: Salon Dimensions | Jeweler: Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers | Invitations: Artifact Uprising | Dance Lessons:  The Dance Forward