Nicole and Jamie’s shared love for New Orleans made the decision to have their destination wedding there any easy one. Both have strong ties to the Big Easy; Nicole went to Tulane for grad school while Jamie finds any excuse to visit family and friends there. “This city that we love is where we may one day land for good,” says the couple.

Family and friends were supportive of the couple’s decision to host a New Orleans wedding. “It was our “happy medium” and a more central location for our wedding guests to rendezvous to celebrate,” says the couple.

The couple decided to use vendors that personally knew or worked with each other before making the planning process fairly easy. “There were absolutely times when we wondered whether planning a wedding from halfway across the country was a good idea, but it all turned out beautifully in the end,” says Nicole. “Looking back, we wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

The couple also decided to hire a “month of” wedding planner that helped them sort through and organize last minute details making it easier for the couple to enjoy the process and more importantly, enjoy their big day.

The couple included a few DIY projects that they used before and during their wedding. Together the couple designed and created their wedding signs, announcements and invitations and Jamie designed their save-the-dates himself.

Although Nicole and Jamie say they spent less on their destination wedding, they decided to treat themselves and their guests to accommodations. “Because the weekend was a holiday, prices were quite steep. We also decided to plan a New Year’s Eve party the night following our wedding, which added to the bill, but it was a perfect ending to the marathon weekend and allowed us to spend more time with our guests,” says the couple. “It’s honestly hard to imagine having our wedding anywhere else! We were very satisfied with our decision to have a destination wedding and will get to relive those memories every time we visit NOLA.”

Nicole’s advice to other couples looking to plan a destination wedding is to remember to take a moment to look around at all the people who came to celebrate with you. “Also, get on the dance floor.”

Vendors: Photographer: Kir Tuben, Wedding Planner: Unique Weddings and Events, Ceremony/Reception Site: Pavilion of the Two Sisters, Florist: Fat Cat Flowers, Stationery: Scriptura, Cake: Haydel’s Bakery, Hair & Makeup: Just Face It Beauty, Gown Designer: Hayley Paige, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Calvin Klein, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Azazie, Band: NOLA Dukes Band