A Monochrome and Edgy Wedding Honoring Southern Traditions at NOPSI Hotel in New Orleans
Bryn and Frankie, both actors based out of New York City, said it was love at first sight when they met on the steps outside their freshmen dorm room during their first day of college. In 2021, the couple backpacked across Europe for six weeks, but what made the trip even better was Frankie proposing on the Amalfi Coast during sunset. “We had a wonderful dinner afterward and celebrated just the two of us. It was perfect in every way,” Bryn says.
Though the two hail from New York, they opted for a wedding further south: in New Orleans. But these two bustling cities have a lot in common, according to the bride. “I also wanted to bring out that edgy/city feel that New Orleans and New York both have in common,” Bryn says. She and Frankie wanted something timeless, so they chose a black-and-white color scheme and blended a mix of old and new traditions that resonated with them.
The two knew New Orleans landmarks had to be at the forefront, having their first look on the NOPSI Hotel’s rooftop before getting married at Lafayette Square, surrounded by the urban landscape with its mix of natural greenery and their asymmetrical, white floral arch as they said their vows. Flowers were their main design focus, which accented the decor for a “simple and intentional” feel, while the all-white color scheme gave a whimsical and modern vibe to their monochrome palette. Bryn notes how they even got creative with repurposing the floral arrangements, saying, “We had four large arrangements at the ceremony that we reused as large table centerpieces at the reception. We also reused the bridal party bouquets as small centerpieces on the high-top tables sprinkled around the dance floor.”
Though they were set on a black-and-white theme early on, Bryn and Frankie didn't decide on their wedding attire until later in the planning process. Initially, Frankie intended to wear a classic black suit, but a few months before the day, he saw pictures of an off-white suit jacket and loved the contrast with black pants. Bryn had “zero clue” of what style dress she wanted until she and her mom happened upon a dress shop in New Orleans where a Delana Muse gown with a tiered tulle skirt was on display. “[It] felt undeniably [like] me in dress form, so we ran in to check it out. That was the first and only dress I tried on,” Bryn says. The couple noted that they looked like a modern twist on the classic cake toppers come to life.
The ceremony, performed by someone “near and dear” to them, soon concluded and led to a classic New Orleans tradition, a second line, to celebrate their newlywed status. They led the brass band through the streets of downtown while holding parasols and handkerchiefs (made by Bryn’s mom) in hand. The procession brought them back to the NOPSI Hotel, where their wedding planner and Bryn worked to create an elegant but inviting space. “We used florals and a ton of candles to create a moody vibe in the reception room. In the entryway to the reception, we had a few large framed black and white engagement photos––along with more candles,” the bride says.
The couple was beyond excited to get married, but the reception was what they’d been looking forward to even before they got engaged. “We both knew we wanted our wedding to be the best party ever. Obviously, we wanted it to be beautiful and aesthetically pleasing…but we couldn't wait to get on the dance floor and party with all of our closest friends and family––and it didn't disappoint,” Bryn adds. The party didn’t even end with the dancing, friends joining the wedding band to sing or Bryn changing into a shorter party dress. Jan from RuPaul’s Drag Race made a surprise appearance and performed, while LED foam sticks were handed out to guests to make the reception unforgettable.
Frankie and Bryn cut into their wedding cake, which was wrapped with a bow––much like the bride’s two dresses for the day––and ended the night with their own mini Mardi Gras-style parade in the streets. The newlyweds passed out black and white beads to their guests from the comfort of a vintage black convertible, bringing even more New Orleans flair to this day. With so many memories to look back on, the happy couple emphasizes the importance of soaking up every moment. Bryn says, “It [was] truly the best day ever, and it goes by so fast. Be present...You're going to want to relive it every day!”