There are so many reasons to love Megan and Dan’s classic New Orleans wedding. First, the city is Megan’s hometown, and she went all in with open reception seating, dancing that started right away and didn’t quit, a cake pull, and a second line parade (get the deets on everything here). Also, their first dance was an acoustic version of “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim. Then there was the sheer dreamy romance of it all—loads of florals, beautiful spaces, and candlelight.
But, friends, the icing on the proverbial cake is that Megan made her second dress based on a vintage 1950s pattern using fabric from Mood Fabrics. That’s right, our thoughtful, creative bride, who found her customized Sofia wedding gown right in New Orleans at Wedding Belles. Then she cut and sewed the cute little number she wore in her second line march that wound through the hotel and out to a waiting pedicab.
Read all about Megan and Dan’s day—including why the rain went from potential disaster to a favorite moment—from our delightful bride below!
How did the two of you meet?
“Dan and I met in graduate school at Texas A&M. We were in the same lab studying evolutionary biology. We were friends for two years and never dated while we were both living in Texas. In 2018, I graduated and moved back to New Orleans. We kept in touch, and after a friendly reunion, we started dating long distance.”
wedding gown: customized Lea-Ann Belter Sofia via Wedding Belles | photographer: Catherine Guidry | scroll down for full vendor list
How did you two get engaged?
“We currently live outside of San Francisco. In July of 2021, my family came to visit, and we all rented a house in the Napa Valley. Our first night at the house, Dan suggested the two of us get dinner to celebrate our upcoming anniversary. I was immediately suspicious a proposal might be coming. Since my family was visiting, it seemed odd to go a dinner without them. Of course, I told him that was a great idea. The following day and after visiting two beautiful vineyards, we went to dinner at Press in St. Helena. After a delicious meal and just before dessert, Dan pulled out a stunning ring and proposed. I immediately texted to our families and friends. When we got back to the house, we were surprised with champagne and decorations on the back patio. It was a perfect evening, and I was so happy that Dan proposed while my family was in town so we could celebrate together.”
Tell us about your outfits! How did you choose your gown?
“Wedding Belles in New Orleans was my second stop while dress shopping. I knew I wanted an A-line gown with some sort of texture or interesting fabric/embellishments. As soon as I saw the Sofia on the racks, I was in love with the skirt. When I tried it on, the neckline wasn’t my style, so I moved on to try another dress. Later in the appointment, I put the Sofia back on. My amazing stylist let me know that I could customize the top of the dress to a neckline that was more me. I found another dress in the store that had the neckline I was looking for and put it on with the Sofia to get an idea of what the final product would look like. I fell in love with the new combo and that was it!
Dan wore a charcoal two-piece suit by Pursuit (based out of Dan’s hometown, Columbus, OH). I made my second dress loosely based on a vintage pattern from the 1950s using fabric from Mood Fabrics.”
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
“Dan and I always wanted to get married outside. As we visited different venues, we loved all the outdoor spaces, but also saw a lot of traditional hotel ballrooms. They were all very pretty but didn’t feel like “us.” When we toured the NOPSI, we fell in love with the more industrial feel of their space. It had exposed brick walls, huge arched windows, and crystal chandeliers. The hotel is the site of the old New Orleans Public Service, Inc. which provided the city with electricity, gas, and transportation. The ballroom still has the old crane used to lift equipment. Apart from the event space, the hotel itself is beautiful and would be a great place for our out-of-town guests to stay. “
What was the funniest moment of your day?
“Apart from friends and family, one of the things we miss the most while living in Northern California is rain/thunderstorms. So, it was only appropriate that it started to rain during our outdoor ceremony! Despite a previously clear radar, we started hearing thunder shortly before our scheduled start time. A pop-up shower was coming our way, so we had no time to waste. My planner sprang into action, got everyone into their seats, and started the ceremony a few minutes early. About halfway through, raindrops started coming down and the thunder became more frequent. Thankfully we finished our vows, exchanged rings, and processed inside before the real rain began. What could have been a disaster turned into one of our favorite moments. (And major props to my hair and makeup team! Everyone’s look held up in the wind and rain.)”
Tell us about your day!
“Our wedding took place in my hometown of New Orleans, LA at the NOPSI Hotel. We had our closest friends and family by our sides throughout the day, making each moment even more meaningful. Since we don’t live near either of our families, it was extra special to have a whole weekend where everyone could come together and enjoy each other’s company. The ceremony took place in the NOPSI courtyard which we filled with flowers and candles. It ended up raining during the ceremony which thankfully make the heat a little more bearable. After a slightly shortened ceremony where we recited our own vows, guests moved inside for the remainder of the event.
Being a New Orleans native, I wanted to keep with the local wedding traditions. Instead of a seated dinner, New Orleans receptions consist of open stations, with an emphasis on a lot of food and beverage options and a highly dynamic, social atmosphere. Dancing starts immediately and continues throughout the evening. Seating is open so guests can grab a seat while they eat, and then get back to the dance floor. Our band was incredible and kept the crowd going the whole night. Dan and I agree that they were one of our favorite parts of the wedding (other than marrying each other, of course).
When it was time to cut the cake, my bridesmaids gathered around to each select a “cake pull.” Traditionally, New Orleans bakeries hide small good luck charms in the wedding cake with ribbons hanging out. Before we cut the cake, I invited each bridesmaid to each choose a ribbon and reveal their fortune. At the end of the night, we passed a late night snack of truffle fries and mini bourbon milkshakes before we began the second line. What started as a jazz funeral tradition, is now common at many weddings throughout the city. Along with a brass band, Dan and I lead the handkerchief-waving crowd to celebrate our new life together as newlyweds. The second line went around the ballroom, through the hotel lobby, and ended on the front steps where a “just married” pedi-cab was waiting. Overall, the day flew by and was so magical. Everything was absolutely beautiful, and I wish we could relive it again and again!”
What was your something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?
“Old: Dan’s mother passed away in 2018. Dan’s brother gave me one of her bracelets to serve as my something old and to remember her during the day. New: my dress! Borrowed: My mom’s necklace that she wore during her wedding. Blue: My bridesmaids all wore blue Dessy dresses and I had a few blue flowers in my bouquet.”
