Amanda & Tyrell's Bayou Fairytale Wedding in New Orleans -Munaluchi Bride

On what seemed to be just another Saturday evening, Amanda headed out with her cousin to enjoy a few drinks – completely unaware that she was about to meet the love of her life. While sitting at the bar, a “belligerent patron” was creating an uncomfortable situation for Amanda and her cousin when Tyrell, witnessing the event unfold from across the bar, decided to intervene. Placing himself between them, he suggested it was time for the man to move on, which he quickly did. After accepting Tyrell’s offer of a drink, he and Amanda were soon lost in a conversation that continued from one venue to another, laughing and dancing the night away – remaining inseparable ever since.

Read all about Amanda & Tyrell’s love story, romantic proposal, and experiences in their “bayou fairytale” wedding New Orleans.

Bride & Groom: Amanda & Tyrell
Occupations: Event Producer & Trucking Business Owner. (Co-owners of Cora & Marie’s Catering Company.)
Wedding date: 11.10.18
Wedding location: Ceremony- Lawless Chapel at Dillard University. Reception- Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

How did you meet? On a random Saturday night, Amanda and her cousin Lana decided to go to their favorite bar, Balcony Bar, to catch up on some much needed R&R. As they sat at the counter, a bar patron became a bit belligerent for several minutes… Tyrell sitting across from the bar, watched until he decided he should intervene for complete strangers. He stepped between the ladies and the man and let him know he should move on. Without hesitation the man left, but Tyrell hung around a little longer to ensure he had indeed moved on. Amanda returned to talking to two other patrons…Unbeknownst to her, Tyrell was still standing guard as she chattered away. After a few minutes, Tyrell asked her to join him for a drink downstairs, to which she replied “no” and returned to her conversation.
After speaking with her cousin and on the edge of retreat, Lana said these simple words to Tyrell,”be patient, she’s worth it.” He then asked a second time, “will you have a drink with me, I would order it up here but my card is downstairs.” As Amanda slightly rolled her eyes at his persistence, she begrudgingly said “yes, fine.”
As they chatted and laughed for a while downstairs, Amanda felt like only at that moment had she really looked at him…and he was cute and charming. Numbers were exchanged and only moments later Tyrell said “lets hit the next spot” and the night was young…so they did. They went from place to place, leaving laughs and memories at every spot…and Amanda couldn’t remember the last time she had so much fun with a guy who wasn’t really pursuing her so strongly as a interest but just having fun like long lost friends…well, so she thought until Tyrell leaned over and kissed her…
After her shock wore off, they continued to dance the night away and then on to the next stop – food, because that’s the way to a girl’s heart of course. After they were full, when there was just no where else to go and nothing else to do at 5am, they went their separate ways for the moment but have never been apart since that day.

Tell us about the proposal. On the day before Amanda’s birthday, Tyrell put together what seemed a surprise party for Amanda’s birthday celebration. She was blindfolded and driven to a boat house where her family and friends awaited her. When her blind fold came off she was greeted with a huge “surprise” in which she thought it was for her birthday but when she felt a tap on her shoulder there was Tyrell on one knee with huge letters “will you marry me” in gold balloons behind her.

Describe your wedding attire. The wedding was centered around deep reds and lush greens. A bayou fairy tale is what Amanda likes to call it. A very vintage and romantic themed wedding. The dress was heavily beaded and detailed with a egg shell white finish and Tyrell’s tux was the weddings main color of Pomegranate.

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? The wedding experience was shockingly easy for Amanda as she had been eyeing a particular designer “Crystal Design Couture”- liking almost every dress that was set to release for 2018. When an early release became available in Dallas, Amanda went to Dallas where her mother met her with only a few days notice. There at Blushing Bride Boutique after only trying on four dresses she picked the winner.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? From the venues to the performances the wedding was done in true New Orleans fashion. The ceremony was held at the historic Lawless Chapel at Dillard University a HBCU where Tyrell attended college and the reception at the Patrick F. Taylor library at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art – one of the oldest libraries in New Orleans and also the United States. Both the bride and the groom are New Orleans natives so a lot of big local talents preformed such as Denisia, DJ RQ Away, and Roca B the singer, and the legendary Sporty Brass Band & Zulu tramps came to end it all out.

Wedding party gifts: Bridesmaids received earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Groomsmen received distinctive hats.
Ceremony entrance song: “My Song” by H.E.R, Performed by Denisia
First dance song: “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, Performed by Roca B the Singer

What is your best memory from your wedding? Amanda’s favorite part of the wedding was walking into the reception room where the sweetheart table was set up. The floral alter literally made her knees weak and she cried immediately after making it through the entire day without shedding a tear. It was so breathtaking…it literally took her breath away and it felt like the whole day had finally settled in for her. Surround and supported by her husband & the amazing team at Thibodeaux’s Floral Studio – who also shared a few tears, they then laughed and wiped their tears and everything was perfect.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Don’t sweat it, it will all work out. Just enjoy the moment!