Whenever we get a New Orleans styled wedding, we are having a good day at #Black Southern Belle. Today is one of those days. This beautiful New Orleans wedding has all the traditional things we love about a NOLA wedding. As a true southern bride, she went all out in DIY projects and the hard work paid off. Take a moment Jason and Ra Shandra’s beautiful New Orleans wedding today!
Bride Name:
Ra Shandra Caldwell
Groom Name:
Jason Clark
Wedding Location:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Wedding Date:
June 7, 2015
Alma Mater of Bride:
Baylor University; Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Alma Mater of Groom:
Howard University
Current City where you live:
Washington, DC
Hometown:
Austin, TX (Bride) East Brunswick, NJ (Groom)
How did you meet?
At a day party during the Delta Sigma Theta Centennial Weekend
How long did you date?
We dated for almost a year before we were engaged.
How did he propose?
Surprised me at one of the waterfalls at the FDR Memorial when i thought i was going out for a friends birthday
When did you know he was the one?
When I realized I didn’t want to be without him.
What is the cutest thing he has done for you without you asking?
He likes to take me on surprise trips. He won’t tell me where we’re going. I always have the best time with him. Anywhere from a day at the vineyard to a Lego convention, he keeps me intrigued.
What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life?
How he loves me unconditionally. I can feel how much he loves me everytime he looks at me, even when I’m being difficult.
What part of wedding planning made you crazy?
Guest List and RSVPs
What part of wedding planning could you not live without?
Friends and Family help.
What was your first thought the day after your engagement?
“Is this for real?”
What was your favorite part about the ceremony?
My dad walking me down the aisle and seeing Jason smiling at me, while the song my younger brother wrote especially for my wedding was playing.
What was your favorite part about the wedding?
Our family and friends having fun together. Over 200 of them came to celebrate with us.
What did you love about have a New Orleans wedding?
The romance, charm and hospitality of the city. It was a great place for our family and friends to visit, great food, music and fun.
What were some of your favorite foods on the menu?
Praline Chicken and Jambalaya
What southern songs did you have to play at your wedding reception?
Cash Money circa 99-2000
What did you love about being a southern bride?
The elegance, luxury and class of being from the South
Did you do any DIY?
I did everything DIY. I created all the bride, bridesmaids bouquets; boutonnieres; corsages; flip flops for the bridal party at the reception; bridal party shirts and bags; jumping broom; programs; guest bags; bridal party dress hangers; flowergirl pom; Mother in law created the flower girl dress and bridal card holder.
What were your wedding colors?
Red, Black and Gold
What was your wedding theme?
Brooches
What is your favorite part about being married to each other?
He really is my person. I feel like I can’t breath without him. I love being around him.
What did you learn about each other through the wedding planning process?
He has a creative eye.
VENDORS
Invites: Magnet Street http://www.magnetstreet.com/
Flowers: No flowers, used brooches
Catering: Southern Oaks Plantation www.southernoaksplantation.com
DJ/Entertainment: Southern Oaks Plantation www.southernoaksplantation.com
Dress: Allure Bridal Gown (Katherine’s Bridal Boutique Alexandria, VA) http://katherinesbridalboutique.com/
Groom Attire: K&G Stores https://www.kgstores.com/
Wedding Planner: Ra Shandra Caldwell
Photographer: Rhea Whitney Photography http://www.rheawhitney.com/
Videographer: Jeremy Burkett
Transportation: Enterprise Car Rental
Cake: Melissa’s Fine Pastries http://www.melissasfinepastries.com/
FULL GALLERY
Comments
Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
I love the ‘flavor’ of their New Orleans Nuptials.