REAL WEDDING:: Elizabeth Morgan + Dr. Jay Orr {A FAMILY AFFAIR}

::AS SEEN IN THE JANUARY 2021 ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Written By: Jessica Burke | Photos: Matthew Foster Photography

“Jay had been working for months to design the perfect custom ring with Jeweler Andrew Rowdon,” shares Elizabeth. “Little did I know that a few days before we proposed he had the ring in his pocket when we recreated our first date and went to our favorite bakery, Baked and Wired. He didn’t think that it was a special enough moment. We were living in DC and a few days later we went to the Kennedy Center for a play and he proposed on the terrace. It was such a special and out-of-a-movie moment.“

Jay hold the wedding rings.

Elizabeth and Jay intended to invite over 200 guests to their October nuptials, however, COVID changed their plans. “We decided to get married with our immediate family present,” shares Elizabeth. “I’m originally from New Orleans, so I really wanted to have a New Orleans wedding.” The final guest list totaled 20 people.

Elizabeth’s cousin Melanie live-streamed her ceremony earlier in 2020 and Elizabeth says, “I saw how special that could be. I knew that we could have a really special wedding and our cherished friends and dear family could safely view from home. It was really important that we keep everyone safe and healthy the best we could during our wedding.” (Click here to see Elizabeth’s cousin Melanie’s wedding)

“Because our wedding was so small, everyone had a part,” says Elizabeth. “From doing a reading, to bringing up the gifts, to serving in the bridal party, to even playing the music it was truly a family event.”

St. Patrick's Church in New Orleans

The couple incorporated several special details. Elizabeth carried the same rosary from her First Communion and they displayed photos of all the married couples present. Another special touch was including a poem written especially for the wedding day by Jay’s Grand-Mom, Barbara Wood, prior to her passing.

Elizabeth carried the rosary from her First Communion on her wedding day.

After the ceremony, the wedding party Second Lined from St. Patrick’s Church to Lafayette Park. “When we walked out of the church we had a Second Line band waiting and we had a blast Second Lining,” says Elizabeth. “When we got to the park, it was a moment of pure joy. I looked around at everyone’s faces, it was such a special moment. The entire group was dancing and having a blast!”

Elizabeth and Jay lead their wedding Second Line.

Elizabeth and Jay embrace

The bride and groom ride in a pedicab to their reception

After the Second Line, Elizabeth and Jay took a pedicab, complete with a “Just Married” sign, to Le Pavillon Hotel for their reception. “We had the best time, from a beautiful first dance to the violinist, to toasts, to a four-course meal. It was truly a special day.”

The bride and groom pose in the lobby of Le Pavillon Hotel