This Couple Used the New Orleans Mantra "Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler" as a Guide When Planning Their Los Angeles Wedding

Tell-Tale Suites

The letterpressed gold foil invitation suite, designed by Tracy Chegwin of Lazaro Press, was printed on cream paper. A subtle trombone motif nodded to the New Orleans-themed event to come, while the moss-green envelope and magnolia liner hinted at the color palette.

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The Pins Have It

Ryan actually flagged her strapless, floral appliquéd Berta wedding dress on Pinterest in 2017, just before she moved in with her now-husband—but she didn't realize this until she slipped it on in Lovella Bridal in Pasadena, California. One of her shopping companion's reactions, however, sealed the deal. "My Aunt Don Don, one of my mom's best friends who was with us that day, literally hit her knees bawling crying when I walked out of the dressing room," recalls the bride.

She gleaned plenty of insight on her gown search—insight valuable to any bride currently on the hunt. "Dress shopping is one of the first things you'll do as a bride that really makes it feel real that you're getting married. Enjoy the process. Go to a few different bridal salons, bring some Champagne and include whoever you want! It's your time," she says. "Also, keep an open mind about what will look good on you, but don't be afraid to also speak your mind if you feel like you're not having the experience that you've dreamed of."

Personal Treasures

Ryan polished off her big-day ensemble with a veil, also by Lovella Bridal, her mother's diamond earrings and bangles, a diamond necklace gifted to her by her husband (the bauble was created by Regal Studio, the jeweler behind her engagement ring), and Jimmy Choo shoes.

She carried one more important accessory during the ceremony: "The night before our wedding festivities kicked off, my mother-in-law gave me the handkerchief that her mother-in-law gave her on her wedding day. I carried that with me as well as I walked down the aisle."

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Organic Florals

The bride's organic, round bouquet was filled with garden roses, ranunculus, magnolia blooms and foliage, maiden hair fern, and honeysuckle.

Champagne and Hoops

Ryan's bridesmaids—dressed in a mix of champagne-inspired ensembles (the bride's little sister wore a custom blush suit!)—carried gold hoops, embellished with Southern smilax and garden roses, instead of traditional clutches.

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A Moment with Dad

Ahead of the festivities, the bride paused for portraits with her father, comedian and actor DL Hughley.

All the Guys

Shep donned a custom navy suit—made from bamboo fabric—from Suit Supply and accessories with formal Oxford shoes, engraved Tiffany & Co. cuff links (a gift from Ryan), and socks emblazoned with the logo of his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania.

The groomsmen wore classic ensembles from The Black Tux; they wore navy socks and ties to coordinate with the groom.

Under the Arch

Both Ryan and Shep say that they felt calm in the moments before their first look, which took place under the archway of Hotel Figueroa. "It's one of the only moments of our entire wedding that is crystal clear to me," says Ryan. "I wanted to take my time tapping his shoulder because I knew I'd never have the moment again."

Shep was blown away by his bride's beauty: "I knew Ryan would look resplendent and she did not disappoint. I was stunned by her dress and loved how it tastefully showed off my favorite curves. After I saw her, I knew it was go time! I was excited to share our celebration with our family and friends."

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Meet Me on the Staircase

The ceremony was held at Hudson Loft, where, at the foot of a scenic staircase poised under a ceiling-high arch, the couple became husband and wife. The aisle was lined with antique rug runners and Souther smilax; the greenery was added to a railing at the top of the stairs for a cohesive touch.

Magnolias Everywhere

Crawling magnolia and garden rose arrangements anchored both sides of the staircase and defined the altar area.

Settled in Her Heart

"I didn't expect to be so overcome with emotion walking down the aisle because I'd already seen my groom before the ceremony," reflects Ryan. "But right before the doors opened, my father turned to me and said, 'Hey, if you're not sure about this, we can leave right now.' But I had never been more sure of anything in my life. My dad started crying when I told him I was settled in my heart about marrying Shep."

Personal Vows

During their non-religious service, officiated by Nikita Hamilton (who actually introduced the pair!), the couple exchanged personal, hand-written vows, during which Ryan thanked Shep for being a man she couldn't wait to give daughters to: "You are a man in every sense of the word. One who doesn't require me to shrink myself for his own ego. A man who believes that he shines brighter by lifting me up. A man who knows that I am not something to be conquered, controlled, or tamed. You love me wild and free."

At the end of the ceremony, Ryan and Shep jumped over a broom—"a nod to our African-American lineage," notes the bride.

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Brass Band

Another nod to New Orleans, the Mudbug Brass Band filled the ceremony space with joyous music—specifically, "Bustin' Loose," since "after almost a whole year of wedding planning, that's exactly what we felt like doing!" says the bride—after Ryan and Shep were proclaimed husband and wife.

Cocktails, Four Ways

Come the cocktail hour, the newlyweds served four cocktails: an old fashioned, sazerac, mint julep, and "The Eddonna," a mocktail in honor of their mothers (they created this sip together while the duo developed the menu).

L.A. or New Orleans?

New Orleans-style charbroiled oysters and coconut ceviche also made the rounds.

Up on the Roof

Though the couple attended the majority of their cocktail hour, they snuck up to Hudson Loft's rooftop—surrounded by colorful buildings—for a few sunset portraits as the party carried on below.

Chalkboard Seating Chart

Back inside, a chalkboard seating chart, grounded by more magnolia-centric floral arrangements, guided guests to their seats.

Head Table

The reception space was awash with moody color, thanks to textured, moss-colored linens from La Tavola. Above the head table—which was set with dramatic black candelabras and compote centerpieces via Toast Santa Barbara—a neon sign from Found Rentals spelled out "Laissez les bon temps rouler," the couple's wedding mantra.

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Rounds and Rectangles

Guests sat at a mix of round and rectangular tables; some were covered in the event's signature green linens, while others were left bare. Ornate chairs with comfortable black velvet cushions surrounded each station.

The Florals

Centerpieces were comprised of a mix of garden roses, magnolia foliage, maidenhair fern, ranunculus, South American roses, dahlias, foxglove, and chocolate cosmos; the pink-centric arrangements contrasted the verdant linens below.

Larger-Than-Life Menu

A life-size chalkboard displayed the dinner menu, which was focused around Creole food. "We had gumbo, shrimp etouffee, jambalaya, and for dessert, warm beignets," says Ryan.

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Modern Lounge

Lounge vignettes, comprised of contemporary furniture that spoke to the party's overarching color palette, gave celebrants a place to retreat from the festivities.

You're Suspended

Other rest areas were marked by floating rattan chairs, made cozy with faux fur pillows.

A Grammy-Worthy Performance

Grammy-nominated artist MAJOR. gave a performance during dinner; for the rest of the evening, the couple and their guests danced to DJ Brutha Gimel Hooper's set list.

A Predestined First Dance Song

The newlyweds shared their first dance to "As" by Stevie Wonder. "When we first started dating we were chatting on the phone—and when the subject of our favorite Stevie Wonder song came up, we both blurted out 'As' and said that was the one song we'd each pictured dancing to at our respective weddings, well before we knew we'd be marrying each other," explains Ryan.

Dance with Dad

Ryan and her father, both emotional, swayed to "Your Joy" by Chrisette Michele during the father-daughter dance.

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Spiced Rum

The couple's cake was designed by one of Ryan's good friends from culinary school, Shelby Arr. The simple white buttercream confection featured a sugar magnolia bud (Louisiana's state flower!). "We chose a spiced rum cake flavored with rum from Puerto Rico and Barbados as a nod to my husband's family," says the bride.

Sources

Photography, Sally Pinera

Venues, Hudson Loft (ceremony and reception), Hotel Figueroa (after-party)

Wedding Planning, Event Design, and Flowers, Toast Santa Barbara

Videography, The Raconteur Collective

Catering and Beignet Favors, Deborah Fewell

Invitations, Tracy Chegwin of Lazaro Press

Officiant, Nikita Hamilton

Bride's gown, Berta via Lovella Bridal

Bride's accessories, Lovella Bridal (veil), Regal Studio (pendant necklace, engagement ring, wedding band), Jimmy Choo (shoes)

Hair, Deidra Chattams

Makeup, Merc Arceneaux

Groom's attire, Suit Supply

Groomsmen's attire, The Black Tux

Music, Mudbug Brass Band (ceremony), Joi Campbell (ceremony), DJ Brutha Gimel Hooper (reception), MAJOR Johnson (reception)

Cake, Shelby Arr

Rentals, Bright Event Rentals, Theoni Collection, Found Rentals, La Tavola Linens, Hostess Haven

Transportation, Classy Chassis

Lighting, Bella Vista Designs