A Casual Spring Wedding at Pitot House in New Orleans, Louisiana

Catherine Jones (36 and a physician) and Tom Andes (37 and a writer and teacher) met in college before separating for 12 years and reuniting in New Orleans. They got engaged four months later and spent the next four months planning a casual wedding. When looking for venues, the couple only had to search within their neighborhood. Magnolia Bridge, one of New Orleans' oldest footbridges and the site of local gatherings, became their ceremony spot. “Because the wedding was held outdoors in New Orleans in springtime, we wanted the people we loved and the natural beauty surrounding us to be the focal point,” says Catherine. Simple shades of white, gray and pink were chosen as the color palette. Catherine and Tom were wed at the center of the bridge along a white aisle runner. Their 150 guests surrounded them in white folding chairs and watched from the sidelines at the end of the bridge. After the couple said “I do,” all walked across the street to the couple’s reception. Family and friends were met with local flair as they entered the Pitot House. T'Monde, a cajun band, played in the background as guests were served one of the couple’s three signature cocktails and various dishes from local food trucks. After cutting into Catherine and Tom’s four-tier ivory wedding cake, the celebration continued with a traditional Second Line parade led by the Young Pinstripe Brass Band. The procession ended at a local club where Catherine and Tom spent the night dancing with their guests. “If anyone's on the fence about a short engagement, you can absolutely do it if you're focused and clear as a couple about your priorities and willing to let some of the less important things go,” says Catherine.