Courtney and Lonnie initially met at a festival in Louisiana but it wouldn’t be until life brought them back together twelve years later that their love would flourish. As Courtney puts it, by then “we both knew our wants and desires in life and what it took to achieve them.” It was certainly a “second chance at love…”
Read all about Courtney & Lonnie’s love story, surprise family vacation proposal, and experiences in their New Year’s Eve wedding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana – beautifully photographed by MunaLuchi Coterie member Mosaic by MG, and with videography by MunaLuchi Coterie member B. Bryant Productions.
https://vimeo.com/205320339
Bride & Groom: Courtney & Lonnie
Occupations: HR Compliance Administrator & Crane A&D Superintendent
Wedding date: 12/31/2016
Wedding location: Renaissance Hotel Baton Rouge, LA
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. Lonnie and I first met in 2001 at Crawfish Festival in Breaux Bridge, LA. I was a student at the University of New Orleans and Lonnie was working and traveling with his career. With distance between one another, our friendship didn’t have the ability to grow. But when given a second chance at love in 2013, we certainly made it count. We both knew our wants and desires in life and what it took to achieve them. Thankfully today our friendship has grown and manifested into a strong, healthy relationship.
Proposal: May 2016 – A family vacation to Turks & Caicos turned into a memory of a lifetime when Lonnie secretly booked a private sunset dinner on the beach and got down on one knee. Lonnie made arrangements with our photographer from our family portrait session days prior to capture the special moment. The most special part was knowing he had already asked my children for my hand in marriage.
What was wedding shopping like for you? Planning a wedding in 6 months – time was certainly of the essence, I had no room for second guessing. I knew I wanted something simple, chic, and elegant. And that was exactly what I found in my Victor Harper Gown. It was love at first sight.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Groomsmen received Pocket Watches and Bridesmaids received Robes & Accessories
Favorite item on the menu: Cake!
First dance song: “So High” by John Legend
What is your best memory from your wedding? Midnight – Bringing in the New Year with the man I love and surrounded by our closest family and friends. This moment wasn’t just the beginning of a new year but also the beginning of a lifetime together as one.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Hire a planner to help with the details. Most importantly, remember that the day is about the love you share with one another.
Vendors:
Dress Designer – Victor Harper Couture
Bridal Boutique – Bridal Boutique Baton Rouge, LA
Hair – Corren Coleman Owner / Stylist Bliss Beautique Salon
Make-Up – Courtney Foulds
Groom Tux – Fellow Suits, New Orleans
Décor – Simply Bougee’ Affairs / Dannakia Bougere
Ceremony Florist – Simply Bougee’ Affairs
Reception Florist – Designs by Milissa
Stationary – Papered Wonders
Photography – Shagari Jackson & Jeremy Tauriac of Mosiac by MG
Videography – B. Bryant Productions
Wedding Cake – Royal Cakery New Orleans, LA
Photo Booth – Geaux Selfie
Music – D J Thriller
