REAL WEDDING:: Vanna Carawan + Brandon Cassimere {NEW YEAR’S EVE NUPTIALS}

::AS SEEN IN THE MAY/JUNE 2022 ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Written by: Jessica Burke | Photos: Michael Caswell Photography

vanna + brandon’s story

“We met at Black Walnut Café in the middle of the week at Happy Hour, just a friendly interaction at the bar,” shares Vanna. Their first date was a week and a half later at the Four Seasons Hotel.

“We knew we wanted to get married early on into our relationship, and we discussed the proposal together and picked out an engagement ring together,” says Vanna.

“Brandon completely surprised me,” she says. “He proposed in his apartment on a Tuesday afternoon. I had just come over after work and was actually fussing because of a frustration that afternoon at work. Brandon kept trying to ask me questions and I kept cutting him off, even to say ‘Hold on, let me just send this last email!’ and I had no idea he was trying to propose! We still laugh about it today!”

wedding and engagement rings

the engagement ring

Vanna and Brandon went ring shopping together and she picked out 3 designs for him to choose from. “Grey is my absolute favorite color, and I found a jeweler, Kristin Coffin, who specializes in different colored stones as well as conflict free!” says Vanna. “It was the perfect choice because she was able to capture my antique/vintage style with a beautiful grey stone, set in a warm rose gold setting!”

the bride's bouquet of ivory flowers

a new year’s eve wedding in new orleans

“While this technically was a destination wedding, this was home for us!” says Vanna. Brandon hails from Plaisance, Louisiana and attended Southern University, and Vanna attended LSU and Southern University.

“We are rooted and share a love for Louisiana.” she shares. “We chose New Year’s Eve to have a fun and party filled evening, but also will enjoy celebrating this date each year as our anniversary will be a worldwide celebration ringing in the New Year.”

“Our experience was so fun and easy. This wedding was a dream come true and we look forward to celebrating a lifetime in New Orleans as we return each year, knowing every time we visit we’ll reminisce on great memories and add new ones with our families.”

Vanna's father walks her down the aisle

wedding ceremony

the bride and groom celebrate as they walk down the aisle

the wedding reception

Vanna and Brandon celebrated with their guests in the famed Blue Room at The Roosevelt Hotel.

first dance in the blue room at the roosevelt

“We chose Eric Benet and Tamia’s ‘Spend My Life With You'” says Vanna. “I’ve always felt this song is cliché, but this song completely embodies Black Love and this is why we chose it; very timeless and the lyrics are perfect for a first dance.”

the wedding cake