Venue?

Scott and I decided that we would be getting married in New Orleans, Louisiana despite the fact that we live in North Mississippi. Why? you might ask. Scott is from New Orleans and it has played a special part in our relationship and has truly brought us closer together.

Now, planning a NOLA wedding while living in North Mississippi is difficult but not impossible. The internet becomes your very best friend! While researching venues I had a few requirements. The ceremony and the reception had to be at the same place. The main reason, money. Having the ceremony and the reception in the same place means that people don't have to travel as far, your florist doesn't have to deliver to two different places, and your photographer isn't going between the church and the banquet hall.

We decided on Taravella Manor in Marrerro, LA. If you've ever been to New Orleans with a local the locations tend to blend together so despite the fact that it isn't "New Orleans" it's still "New Orleans." (taravellamanor.com)

The ceremony will be in the outside garden at 1:30 and the reception follows inside! We're having about 100 guests and as the wedding falls on a sunday and during the day we're saving about $1, 500.

For the price of $5,200 we get the ceremony, the bride's cake, the groom's cake, the D.J., an open bar, chair covers, ect. See how that takes care of almost everything?

Taravella Manor handles all of the above. We simply have to meet with the D.J. to provide our music choices for the ceremony, first dance, ect. and we have to meet with Haydel's bakery for the cake tasting!

It took me about two weeks to find the venue and sign the contract. Wedding planning doesn't have to be stressful. Simply remember your budget and don't go over it. It's all about compromise.

Becca