Photography by Jacqueline Dalimore + Event Planning & Design: Sapphire Events

It was only appropriate that coffee aficionados, Irene and Ricardo, chose to build their glamorous wedding around New Orleans' historic The Chicory. This couple's unique ability to blend their own Ecuadorian traditions with those belonging to their fun-loving destination was evident right from the beginning of their celebrations: following a traditional candlelit Catholic ceremony, the newlyweds and their 150 guests formed a second line, one of New Orleans most well-known (and fabulous!) wedding traditions. This sense of fun set the tone perfectly for the party to come, which included a signature Equadorian cocktail, Miso Happy, featuring 'fire water' liquor.

We love Irene's taste for elegant pops of sparkle, from her emerald earrings, to her embellished Hayley Paige gown, to her spectacular Rene Caovilla stilettos.

What was the best advice you received as a bride? Enjoy the process! It is easy to get caught up in the details, which are important, but it is also the happiest day of your life so enjoy it!

The Ceremony

Why did you choose this location for your ceremony? We chose the Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church because it took our breath away when we saw it for the first time. It is an intimate church where all of our guests could be a part of our marriage and then form the second line to the reception!

What was your ceremony music? We had a cantor, organist, and gospel choir. My favorite part of the music was the recessional down the aisle to "Oh Happy Day" performed by the gospel choir.

What were your ceremony readings? 1 Corinthians.

The Reception

Why did you choose this location for your reception? We were looking for a venue with an 'industrial chic' vibe. We loved The Chicory's Cyprus beams and exposed brick, and really wanted to play up its natural beauty.

Are there any DIY details you'd like to tell us about? I am a graphic designer so I created a special butterfly design that was placed on the rim of the water cups as a special touch!

How would you describe your reception? The reception was everything we could have dreamed of. The evening started with refreshing cocktails on the rooftop overlooking downtown New Orleans followed by an elegant dinner at long tables under stunning hanging flowers and Edison light bulbs that illuminated the mix metal motif we were dying to have at our event. Immediately following dinner we danced the night away under a glowing love sign.

The stunning four tier naked cake by Melissa's Fine Pastries was topped with fresh flowers.

What was your favorite moment or part of the reception? Our first dance was my favorite part! We danced to "Let's Stay Together", which was the perfect mix of upbeat and slow, and was such a perfect moment!

If you had it to do over again, is there anything you would do differently? Absolutely not! It was the happiest day of my life!