NOLA Wedding at Ursuline and Capulet | Casey + Ryan

The Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans is kind of a big deal for Casey and Ryan. These two met casually in college, but it wasn’t until years later that Casey ran into Ryan while he was working at the Pontchartrain’s bar, Hot Tin. Sparks flew right away, and they were a duo from that day on. Fast forward a few years and Casey and Ryan were back at the Pontchartrain Hotel—this time, it was where they both got wedding-day ready and had their first night as Mr. and Mrs.!

The Pontchartrain wasn’t the only New Orleans institution that played a central role in their NOLA wedding. Their ceremony was at Casey’s alma mater, Ursuline Academy (the oldest Catholic all-girls school in the United States), and they celebrated at Capulet, an 1800s warehouse converted into a restaurant and event space. Plus, Casey found her Lea-Ann Belter Sofia wedding gown at Wedding Belles!

Get more details about Casey and Ryan’s day from our fun-loving bride, whose first dance was to Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend” and who jetted off post wedding with her groom to a South African honeymoon!

 

How did you and Ryan meet?

 

“We met in college through my roommate, who happened to be one of Ryan’s best friends! We were both doing our own thing and then YEARS later, we ran into each other while he was working at a cool hotel bar in New Orleans (Hot Tin at the Pontchartrain Hotel), and we hit it off! Been together ever since. The Pontchartrain also happens to be the hotel we got ready at and stayed at the night of the wedding!”

wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Sofia via Wedding Belles New Orleans | photographer: Love is Rad | planner: Southern Approach  | full vendor list below

How did you know Ryan was “the one”?

 

“I think I’d have to say that once we traveled together to go see LSU football play in Dallas, we both knew we were the one for each other. Traveling with significant others can be hard and it just felt so easy!”

 

How did the two of you get engaged?

 

“Ryan took me on a trip to Magnolia Springs, Alabama and we stayed in the CUTEST bed and breakfast (Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast). The streets are covered in gorgeous oak trees, and one evening we decided to walk to dinner down the block and he popped the question under the oak trees! It was absolutely breathtaking and beautiful!”

 

Tell us about your outfits!

 

“Ryan is wearing a custom suit from Indochino that we picked out together! I went to two bridal boutiques and ended up at Wedding Belles New Orleans (BEST EVER). My best friend Matt handed me the dress to try on in the dressing room and when I put it on, I immediately knew it was the one. I FaceTimed my best friend Molly to show her and we all agreed it could not be beat!”

 

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

 

“We decided to get married at Ursuline because I attended school there from Kindergarten to Senior year. It is the oldest Catholic all-girls school in the United States and holds such a special place in my heart. For the reception, we looked at a few venues but when we walked into Capulet Bywater, we looked at each other and nodded. We knew it was the place. From the exposed beams to the friendly service and owners, it was totally our vibe.”

 

Tell us about your day!

 

“Though we never had to reschedule, Covid was always in our brains. Since we got married in New Orleans, our guests had to provide proof of vaccine or a negative test to even enter the reception, so we felt safe hosting a large group!

Otherwise, the wedding day was an absolute dream. The entire bridal party got ready at the Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans. We laughed, drank, and had an absolute blast getting ready with the dream team of Sarah Walsh Beauty and Jessica Jackson Hair, two girls who are great friends of mine! We took photos in our cute PJs and headed downstairs to take photos in Jack Rose Restaurant, by the infamous Lil Wayne Painting by Ashley Longshore. We headed to the church and honestly I cannot say enough about how magical the ceremony was. My friend’s husband played cello, my aunt sang the Ave Maria, and all in all, being in the church that I called home for so many years was beyond special. Then we headed to Capulet, which, let me tell you, was a DREAM COME TRUE. We danced, we drank, we partied and we ate some of the best New Orleans food in the world.”

 

One detail you couldn’t live without?

 

“Besides the dress? Absolutely the flowers by Antigua floral studio. Amazing.”

 

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

 

“That I got to marry Ryan at the school I attended my entire life. It was such a special feeling to walk through those doors again.”

 

What was the funniest moment of your day?

 

“Definitely doing the Bernie on the dance floor, but we also ended the night with an awesome and hilarious bubble gun exit!”

 

What was your something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?

 

“My mom joked that she was my “something old,” but I had blue shoe liners as my something new, a beautiful handkerchief from Ryan’s mom as my something old and a necklace from my aunt as my something borrowed.”

 

Three words that best describe Ryan:

“He’s hilarious, loyal, and loving.”

 

Any tips for couples getting married?

“Stay in the moment. Don’t stress over small details. No one notices except you. Talk about things other than the wedding!!! AND continue to love each other every single day. It’s just the best feeling in the world.”

Casey + Ryan’s NoLa Wedding Vendors

wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Sofia via Wedding Belles New Orleans | photographer: Love is Rad | planner: Southern Approach | getting ready venue: Pontchartrain Hotel  | ceremony venue: Ursuline Academy | reception venue: Capulet | makeup: Sarah Walsh Beauty | hair: Jessica Jackson Hair |  florals: Antigua Floral | lighting/decor: Luminous Events |  food: My House Events | cake: Bittersweet Confections | band: D’Play 

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email [email protected].