WEDDING IDEAS

Christie and Jason exchanged traditional Catholic vows at her family church in Cut Off. "It means so much to me to have been married at the church I grew up attending," the bride says. Dramatic four-foot candle stands adorned with ivory bows lined the center aisle and ivory organza and tulle bows were placed on the ends of each pew.

Christie wore a two-piece satin a-line gown and a custom elbow-length blusher veil crowned by a crystal headpiece. Also wearing two-piece satin ensembles, the bridesmaids sported cornflower blue, while the flower girl wore an ivory dupioni silk and organza dress.

In keeping with tradition, the couple made a grand exit to the last dance song of the night, the "Second Line," performed by a brass quintet. "The Second Line is a great New Orleans tradition that originally sprang from social aid and pleasure clubs whose goal was to send off their departed members in style," says Christie. Christie carried a white battenburg lace umbrella, Jason held a black umbrella, and every guest waved a white handkerchief emblazoned with the fleur-de-lis as the band led the procession through the courtyard. At the end of the march, Christie and Jason ran though a sparkler-lit send-off to a carriage that whisked them off on a tour of the French Quarter.

Continuing with the local flair, the wedding cake baker added traditional Southern pull-charms attached to ivory ribbons.

Christie & Jason in New Orleans, LA

Cajun culture and New Orleans flavor could be tasted throughout Christie and Jason's southern Louisiana affair.

Photos By: Chris A. Williams/Zoeica Images New Orleans

Location: The Maison Dupuy Hotel, New Orleans

Christie Sonnier returned to her home state of Lousiana for her and Jason Johnson's stylish southern wedding filled with local flair.

THE BRIDE Christie Sonnier, 29, operations trainer
THE GROOM Jason Johnson, 27, CAD technician
THE DATE April 24

On their two year anniversary, after first meeting while visiting their respective sisters in North Carolina, Christie thought something was suspicious when Jason did not give her monogrammed jewelry (a tradition with them on big occasions). A week later, Jason complied and gave her a package with a monogrammed bracelet -- only this time the initials were a little different. As Christie opened the package, Jason walked around the side of the car and got down on one knee.

The bride's home state of Louisiana was a natural selection for the wedding, and the couple chose to incorporate many of the local traditions. Pastels -- blue and ivory -- set the color scheme for the spring day and light-blue hydrangeas (the bride's favorite flower) and ivory roses brought it to life in the bridal bouquet. Fleur-de-lis, the blue and white French heraldic symbol, was also a cornerstone in the decorations and wedding favors -- CDs stamped with the artistic iris, which accompanied fans, praline boxes, and silver-foil wrapped chocolate doubloons.