Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. This Couple Won a Professionally Planned Micro Wedding in New Orleans
Martha Stewart Weddings

This Couple Won a Professionally Planned Micro Wedding in New Orleans

By Marilyn Oliveira December 18, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
bride and groom holding hands outside
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

The outdoor soirée featured pops of burgundy and neutral tones—and was a complete surprise to the bride and groom.

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
bride and groom holding hands outside
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

Maite Rodriguez and Torrey Pierce's originally-planned New Orleans wedding was intended to host 200 guests—a mix of both local and international loved ones—in a large ballroom, with plenty of good food and endless dancing. However, when the pandemic derailed their elaborate plans, the pair cut the guest list and scaled everything down to what fit inside the guidelines set by the city. "Postponing was simply not an option for us," says Maite, noting that their re-plan, however, was also threatened by COVID-19. Amid their changing strategies, Maite came across a wedding giveaway on Instagram, and—with no real thought of winning—decided to enter it. "Seven short days later, I received a direct message that I was the winner," she says. "Insert total shock and awe."

The prize was an intimate event led by an amazing team of luxury wedding professionals. "Admittedly, I chose nothing," says Maite. "The creative team selected everything—our color palette, our attire, and even my lipstick color! Seriously, I had no say, and I must admit, it was the best feeling ever. We put our entire trust in the creative team, which put us at ease. We knew it was going to be fabulous, no matter what." Michelle Norwood of Michelle Norwood Designs held the key to the vision for the intimate event. "We had the best planner and creative partners in the world," says the bride. "From the time I entered the contest to the wedding day—which was about three weeks—the surprises were endless."

The storybook grounds of the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum served as the site for the couple's nuptials. Brick pathways contrasted beautifully with the surrounding trees and greenery, and ambient lighting gave the space a romantic glow. Throughout the décor, neutral shades of sand and toffee were accented with hints of burgundy and gold, pulling in some of the colors from the couple's original design plan. "Stepping into our day was a feeling unlike any other," says Maite. "It was surreal taking it all in as I walked down the aisle. It was like the vendors all knew us and knew exactly what we wanted. It was magical and perfect, a day we will forever cherish."

The couple celebrated their union with a Champagne toast and wedding cake. Dancing—as originally intended—was also a huge part of their soirée. "Honestly, we enjoyed our intimate wedding so much, it makes the larger wedding a bit up in the air at this point," says the bride. "We may have a big celebration for our anniversary or much later down the road for our vow renewal." Their experience was so memorable, that they encourage other couples not to lament having to change their plans. "It will all work out and be the most special day by virtue that you are marrying the love of your life," explains Maite.

1 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ultra Glam

bride staring out window wearing wedding dress
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

The creative team channeled an Old-Hollywood vibe for Maite's big-day look, an aesthetic that was achieved in part by her one-shouldered, draped-bodice wedding dress by Amsale. Bold makeup and glam waves completed the look.

  • 21 Brides Who Said "Yes" to a Bold Lip

2 of 18

3 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Team Effort

bride standing in garden holding bouquet wearing wedding dress
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

Her fluid satin dress was perfection. "Our photographer, Mo Davis, chose my gown before I ever saw it," she shares. "When I put it on, it fit like a glove. I stepped out of the dressing room to a chorus of 'oohs' and 'ahhhs,' and knew it was the one."

3 of 18

Advertisement

4 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Garden-Style Beauty

bride and groom with large floral wedding bouquet
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

Maite's bouquet—arranged by Leaf and Petal New Orleans—included roses, peonies, dahlias, and ranunculus in shades of sand, toffee, and burgundy amid loose greenery. "The shape was natural and organic, as if the flowers were picked straight from a garden in France," says the bride.

4 of 18

5 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Thoroughly Modern

groom wearing black tuxedo smiling outside
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

Torrey wore a contemporary tuxedo from John's Tuxedos; the ensemble featured a side-vented, single-breasted coat with a modern fit. He embellished the look with a very special accessory: "It was a must that I wear my burgundy socks," he says. "Maite gifted them to me on our wedding day!"

5 of 18

6 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

First Sight

bride and groom standing in garden area during first look
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

The pair met at Beauregard-Keyes Garden for their first look. "I was unexpectedly nervous," says Torrey. "When Mo put me in place, my heart began to race, and when I saw Maite for the first time, she looked angelic. The world went silent and all I saw was how beautiful my wife-to-be looked."

"It was a really sweet moment," agrees Maite. "The light in his eyes and his cheek-to-cheek smile just warmed my heart. Everything was perfect."

  • Pro Tips for Capturing That First Look Magic

6 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Musical Memory

groom spinning smiling bride on street
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

Dancing in the middle of street after their first look was one of their big-day highlights: "We danced to the beat of our own drum and felt as if we had the city to ourselves," says Maite.

7 of 18

8 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Refined Elegance

large greenery and floral wedding arch
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

Back at New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, a ceremony altar was created under a gated floral arch, filled with lush greenery sprinkled with roses, peonies, dahlias, and ranunculus. "It was framed with candles at the base and on the fountain behind it," adds Maite.

  • Wedding Arch Inspiration We Love for Your Ceremony

8 of 18

9 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Spiritual Service

bride looking at groom during wedding ceremony
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

During the couple's Christian ceremony, the pair traded vows that were written by their spiritual parents, their pastors. "God was most certainly the center of our ceremony," says Maite of the exchange.

9 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Husband and Wife

bride and groom sharing a kiss under wedding arch
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

Maite and Torrey shared a kiss beneath the arbor after they were pronounced husband and wife.

10 of 18

11 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A New Orleans Tradition

bride and groom dancing
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

With the help of Knockaz Brass Band, Maite and Torrey started a second line and began dancing with all of their guests in true celebratory fashion.

11 of 18

12 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Brass Band

man playing trombone at wedding
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

"We were led by the best brass band in the city," says the bride. "It was a moment that was perfect for our intimate wedding."

12 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tiny Dancer

grooms son holding umbrella inside
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

The couple's son took a turn on the dance floor, as well, second line umbrella in hand.

  • How to Include Your Children in Your Wedding

13 of 18

14 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Champagne Reception

champagne in brass holder
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

Bottles of rosé awaited the couple and their guests after the conclusion of the second line dance party.

14 of 18

15 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Classic Coupes

bride and groom pouring champagne on glass tower
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

The newly-minted husband and wife poured Champagne into a tower of coupes, kicking off the latter half of the event.

  • 21 Champagne Towers to Copy for Your Own Wedding Reception

15 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Buttercream Beauty

two tier orange frosted wedding cake on white tray
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

Chasing Wang designed a double-tiered, almond-flavored wedding cake iced in rough-edged buttercream with hand-painted and edible dried florals. "The cake was not only aesthetically beautiful, it was delicious!" praises Maite. The confection was placed atop a lovely vintage platter.

16 of 18

17 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Cut Above

bride and groom during cake cutting
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

The cake cutting ceremony was a special ritual to the couple, as was feeding each other the first slice. "It's such a traditional moment," says the bride. "With COVID-19 and not knowing what our wedding would be like, it was nice to have a little bit of tradition as part of our day."

17 of 18

18 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

bride and groom smiling under sparkler arch
Credit: Mo Davis Photography

Photography, Mo Davis Photography
Venue,
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
First-Look Venue,
Beauregard Keyes Garden
Wedding Planning and Event Design,
Michelle Norwood
Flowers,
Leaf and Petal New Orleans
Invitations, Eglantine Rose Letterpress
Celebrant,
Latoya Herr
Bride's Gown, Amsale via Wedding Belles Nola
Jewelry and Hair Accessories,
Faces of Virtue Bridal Collection
Hair and Makeup, Faces of Virtue
Groom's Attire,
John's Tuxedos
Music,
Knockaz Brass Band
Cake,
Chasing Wang
Rentals,
Lovegood Rentals
Lighting,
House of Modern Vintage Nola

18 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Marilyn Oliveira

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    • How to Tell Your Loved Ones—Especially Your Parents—That You're Engaged to Someone They Haven't Met
    • Dinner and a Show: This 3-Day Wedding in France Ended With an Epic String Concert
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 18
    2 of 18 Ultra Glam
    3 of 18 A Team Effort
    4 of 18 Garden-Style Beauty
    5 of 18 Thoroughly Modern
    6 of 18 First Sight
    7 of 18 Musical Memory
    8 of 18 Refined Elegance
    9 of 18 A Spiritual Service
    10 of 18 Husband and Wife
    11 of 18 A New Orleans Tradition
    12 of 18 Brass Band
    13 of 18 Tiny Dancer
    14 of 18 A Champagne Reception
    15 of 18 Classic Coupes
    16 of 18 A Buttercream Beauty
    17 of 18 A Cut Above
    18 of 18 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    This Couple Won a Professionally Planned Micro Wedding in New Orleans
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.