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Real Wedding: Sara + Matthew {City Park Romance}

Their love story starts on the soccer field. Matthew, 9, and Sarah Michelle, 8, were team mates, and while Sarah had a crush on Matthew, it seemed their story would end at the end of the season.

Yet, Love was not done with the pair. As they grew older, Matthew and Sarah would cross paths a few times until Cupid’s arrow finally stuck while they were at a friend’s birthday party in college.

After nearly three years of dating, Matthew proposed to Sarah while they were on a family trip to Italy while on a gondola ride. With Sarah’s family on another gondola within earshot, Matthew asked for Sarah’s hand on the Rio de San Zulan on San Marco. Of course, she said yes!

The wedding was a stroll down memory lane for the couple. Each choice and venue had some connection to the couple.

The church, Our Lady of the Rosary on Esplanade Avenue, was where both their younger brothers shared classrooms and both their mothers were room moms, and the church was also a nod to Matthew’s proposal in Italy because the church was founded and built by the Italian community of the neighborhood in the early 1900’s.

Kneeling at the altar during our wedding ceremony was the absolute high point. The presence of so many friends and family and getting married, it was truly a spiritual experience and a happier moment than I’ve ever experienced. – Sarah

The deacon who presided over the ceremony went to grammar school with Sarah’s mom and aunt and high school with her dad.

They chose the New Orleans Museum of Art for their reception and Ralph’s on the Park to host their rehearsal dinner because New Orleans City Park is where they met as children and have many happy memories to this day.

Dee from Bella Blooms blew us away with her presentation. The entry to the museum was lined with lanterns of all sizes and flowers, and in the Great Hall on the staircase were two trees made from branches and orchids. It was unbelievable.  – Sarah

New Orleans City Park and the surrounding areas are local treasures, and we wanted our guests to feel the same mood that we do when we spend time there,” Sarah says.

“While planning the wedding I decided that I would consider it a success if I could fill the Great Hall with people dancing … and I got my wish,” Sarah says.

N.O.W. Vendors: PHOTOGRAPHER: Eau Claire Photographics| FLORALS, CANDLES, ACCENT LIGHTING: Bella Blooms Floral | GROOMSMENS’ ATTIRE: John’s Tuxedos

Additional Vendors: CEREMONY: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church | RECEPTION: New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans City Park | VIDEOGRAPHER: Patrick Randon Videography (via Sonny Randon Photography) | OFFICIANT: Deacon Ronald Drez, Jr. | BRIDE’S GOWN: Yvonne LaFleur | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Jenny Yoo, Bhld.com | GROOM: Brooks Brothers | CEREMONY MUSIC: Fine Arts Ensemble | ENTERTAINMENT: Adam Bock, Mojeaux, and DJ Mannie Fresh | HAIR + MAKEUP: Sarah Walsh, Katie Malone Studio; Bride – Rachele Cooper, Salon Diviersions | BAKERY: Bittersweet Confections | UPLIGHTING + EFFECTS: Abstract Productions | TRANSPORTATION: A Regal Limousine | PLANNER: Designed by Bride, Planning + Vendor Coordination: Carolyn Arthurs, All About Events | DECOR RENTALS: Yur Event Rentals |INVITATIONS: Scriptura | JEWELER: Boudreaux’s | CATERER: Ralph Brennan’s Catering, Lucky Dogs

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