Natalie & Ryan’s Timeless Tea Room Wedding (With a Shot of Fun)

Amanda Lott
14 hours ago
4 min read

All photos courtesy of The Crawfords Photography.

Meet-Cute & Marriage Material

Natalie and Ryan are the kind of couple you instantly adore—fun, stylish, and full of personality. Between their love for laughter (and pickle vodka) and their shared life with their adorable English Cream golden retriever, Jacie, it’s clear they were meant to be. Their wedding was as thoughtful and spirited as they are, full of personalized touches and unforgettable moments.

The Calm Before the Ceremony

Natalie and Ryan spent the morning getting ready at the beautiful Melrose Mansion, a historic New Orleans home full of charm and character. With spacious rooms and elegant details, it offered the perfect setting for both the bridal party and groomsmen to relax and prepare for the day. Because they wanted their first look to be during the ceremony, we kept Natalie and Ryan in separate areas of the house. While Natalie and her bridesmaids got ready with hair, makeup, and a little champagne, Ryan and his groomsmen shared a few laughs (and a few pickle vodka shots). The excitement quietly built throughout the morning, setting the tone for a meaningful aisle moment neither of them will forget.

The Men Who Knew Her First

Before walking down the aisle, Natalie shared a tender first look with her father and brother—two of the most important men in her life. They exchanged personalized gifts, tears, and hugs in a quiet moment that felt suspended in time.

Afterward, Natalie and her father took a private ride to the venue in their own stretch limousine from Limo Livery. It was calm, heartfelt, and the perfect final moment together before he walked her down the aisle.

Rain, Rain, Go Away (And It Did!)

The day started with a few raindrops, but just like in the best rom-coms, the skies cleared right on cue. The spring air was warm and fresh as guests gathered under the oaks at the Audubon Tea Room for Natalie and Ryan’s heartfelt outdoor ceremony. The weather couldn't have been more perfect for a New Orleans wedding. The ceremony was overflowing with love—literally. So many guests came to celebrate that extra chairs had to be added last minute to the courtyard. The Electric Yat Quartet set the tone with string covers of the couple’s favorite songs. A single white rose rested on a reserved chair in memory of the bride’s grandmother, who was there in spirit. As the music swelled, Natalie walked down the aisle to “Beautiful Crazy” by Luke Combs—the same song she and Ryan later chose for their private last dance.

From “I Do” to Let’s Dance

With both the ceremony and reception at the Audubon Tea Room, the couple leaned into a venue that offered timeless Southern charm. The palette? Ivory and soft blue—brought to life with white roses, baby’s breath, and pops of blue delphinium from Crystal Vase Flowers. The decor stayed understated but stunning: bud vases, flickering candles in hurricane glasses, and golden lanterns added just the right amount of romance and glow.

Socks, Style & Second Looks

Let’s talk fashion: Natalie was radiant in her strapless Anne Barge gown from I Do Bridal Couture in Covington. Later in the night, she changed into a flirty, short version of her dress—because yes, a second look is always a good idea. Ryan went classic in a black tux from John’s Tuxedos and surprised guests with a white jacket swap for the party portion. Bonus points to the groomsmen for rocking novelty socks under their suits—a fun peek into their personalities.

Puppy Love & Personal Touches

This wedding was full of playful nods to the couple’s favorite things. Ryan's whiskey barrel-shaped groom’s cake from Cake Been Baked was a huge hit. Their elegant, 3-tiered wedding cake was cut with a gorgeous set of custom silver cake knives engraved with their new monogram. Cutouts of Jacie, their beloved pup, popped up in the photo booth from Shots BaYou and on the dance floor—proving she was the real star of the night.

Heartfelt Surprises & High Notes

As their planner, I had the joy of helping Ryan pull off a surprise gift for Natalie—a live wedding painting by Papillon Artistry. It captured their ceremony in real time and became a timeless keepsake of their best day ever. One of the most unforgettable moments? Natalie and Ryan jumping onstage to sing their hearts out with The Mixed Nuts, surrounded by friends and family cheering them on.

Bubbles, Hot Dogs & a Rolls-Royce Farewell

Before the night officially ended, guests were treated to a classic New Orleans touch: late-night hot dogs from Lucky Dogs, the perfect snack to cap off a night of dancing and celebration. As the night came to a close, Natalie and Ryan made their grand exit through a sea of bubbles—a soft, romantic sendoff that felt straight out of a movie. Waiting outside? A vintage white Rolls-Royce from LimoLivery to whisk them away in style.