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

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!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Subscribe
Save Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. Read More Next
    • The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. Read More Next
    • The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. Read More Next
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD

    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. All can be made in 45 minutes or less.
    • 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

    17 St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Decorations

    Looking for a golden idea? You're in luck. Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with our shamrock garlands, rainbow balloons, leprechaun traps, and more.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING

    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME

    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING

    How to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in the Winter

    Help them thrive even when the temperature drops.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS

    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    • 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

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Start by carving out a designated work area in your space.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE

    How to Start a Virtual Book Club

    From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice.
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
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!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • 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

This Couple Won a Professionally Planned Micro Wedding in New Orleans

By Marilyn Oliveira
December 18, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ultra Glam

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Team Effort

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Garden-Style Beauty

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Thoroughly Modern

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

First Sight

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Musical Memory

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Refined Elegance

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Spiritual Service

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Husband and Wife

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A New Orleans Tradition

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Brass Band

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Tiny Dancer

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Champagne Reception

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Classic Coupes

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Buttercream Beauty

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Cut Above

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

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sources

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
`
View All
  • Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson Are "Concerned" About Their Mystery Wedding Gift from Michael Che
  • Is It Necessary for Both Partners to Interview Each Prospective Wedding Vendor?
  • Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith Have Welcomed Their Son
  • Ellie Goulding Is Pregnant! See the First Pictures of Her Growing Baby Bump
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 options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Martha Stewart

Magazines & More

Learn More

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

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 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 . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

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.