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For the record, I loooove New Orleans.   I started visiting New Orleans Bi-Yearly starting around 2004 and fell head over heels for the mystical city.  The city I know is  not the one filled of drunken people looking to shuck beads at willing flashers while downing every alcoholic beverage known to man.  I know a city that is filled with old American history, influenced by both the Brits & the French complete with a deep cultural mix of samplings from around the world.  The food is outstanding: I genuinely suggest you don’t eat for days before hand, no joke!  The joie de vivre & old world society run deeps & you find yourself in an other worldly place that is captivating no matter how many times you return.

When I received Lily Paez & Erik Gano New Orleans wedding submission, naturally I bonded with their wedding the moment I saw it.  Not feeling the need for an over the top affair with tons of guests, Lily & Erik rounded up those close to their hearts, asking them to join them in a city that they  have  deep family ties to.  Together they were able to create a stunning lil New Orleans wedding filled with peacock inspired jewel tones, statement jewelry, lovely mix matched men’s linen suits, along with stealing away for a intimate pedicab ride.  Their wedding is clearly one that was filled with radiant smiles, laughter from the belly, & the natural color and beauty that is New Orleans shining right through.  For anyone thinking you need the masses to make your wedding, think again!

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Our Story:  On November 2, 2008, Erik & Lily met at Erik’s home.  Lily was out with Lori when she met a nice young man named Ashton.   That night the three became friends and decided to go to dinner.  While on the way to dinner Ashton told Lily “My friend lives near the restaurant.  We should pick him up”.  Not knowing what to expect, Lily went up to the front door to get the friend, and when the door opened, it was Erik.  Lily & Erik have been together ever since.  With the exception of one hurdle Erik & Lily have proven that true love reveals all, prevails all and accepts all.

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

“Our wedding was intimate with a “tiny detail” theme.  We focused on the small things that we would all remember.  All the ladies wore peacock hair pins, the maid of honor wore a green Swarovski pin and the other two ladies wore clear crystal pins.  I (bride) wore a peacock pin on my dress.  Green with hints of purple were our colors.  I wanted the ladies to make statements with their jewelry, so naturally we had pretty cool jewels.”

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

“All the men wore linen suits with bow ties.  They also had matching flasks with mustaches and their names hidden in their jacket pockets.  The wedding was filled with love, laughter and fun!”

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Us:  We don’t really know what to say because we are sure you hear the same thing all the time.  We love the outdoors, great food, great music, our wonderful friends and all fun things involving the latter.  We suppose what we feel is most important is our love for each other and the happiness it has brought to our lives.  Erik and I are grateful for each other and our life together.  We are so very much in love, and we cherish every moment we have together.  Our journey together has been amazing as we have experienced the pain of losing each other briefly and gained the knowledge of knowing what a special gift love truly is.  We look forward to our future, a child and growing old together.  We are also grateful for our families and friends as they continue to support and walk with us on our journey.

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

“Erik and I first traveled to New Orleans when we were first dating.  We fell in love with each other there, and he has always had family ties to the city.  Erik’s grandparents still live in LaPlace, LA and his pseudo aunt and uncle live in the city.  Both of Erik’s parents studied in N.O. as well.  It was just the RIGHT place for us.”

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

“All of our friends made the gesture of a lifetime by flying to New Orleans and spending a weekend with us.  Lisa Sins (Erik’s pseudo aunt) helped out with Jazz Quarters (she is the owner) and also assisted with Arnaud’s.  Lisa went above and beyond for us on our special day.  We’ll never forget a single moment.”

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Lily Paez Erik Gano Wedding Joie du Jour Photography

Bride’s Favorite Moment:

“Marrying my one true love… AND the amazing people who were there to see it!”

 

Vendor Love

Ceremony Venue: Jazz Quarters Bed & Breakfast, New Orleans
Reception Venue: Arnaud’s Restaurant
Wedding Dress: Forever Yours
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Miss Me MM Coutoure
Shoe Designer: Glint
Hair Stylist: Flawless Bride
Makeup Artist: Flawless Bride
Groom’s Suit Designer: J. Crew
Florist: Convention Plant Designs, Inc.
CatererArnaud’s Restaurant
BakerArnaud’s Restaurant
Wedding/Event Planner: Lisa Sins
Photographer: Joie De Jour Photography