Yelena Trepetin & Justin Williams
A Lavish New Orleans Affair
Married
Oct 23, 2021
New Orleans ,
Louisiana
Photo Credit
Mon Soleil
Style Guide
Color Palette
Style
Destination, Formal
Season
Fall
The Proposal
In the late summer of 2020, Justin planned a surprise proposal for Yelena. The couple, who have a food and travel blog, are often asked to promote brands and photographers on Instagram. Justin told Yelena that their next assignment was in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore, and the photographer requested that they dress nicely. When they arrived, the photographer explained what she wanted for the promotion while taking photos. And then, to Yelena’s surprise, Justin dropped down to one knee and proposed! A romantic dinner followed at the Bygone restaurant in the Four Seasons overlooking Baltimore. The evening ended with a surprise celebration with local friends at a neighborhood bar.
In Preparation
Justin and Yelena wanted a destination wedding and decided on New Orleans, where Yelena attended law school and the location of their first trip together. Next, they met their event planner Belinda Belk through a local New Orleans friend. Justin and Yelena wanted venues where their guests could experience the richness of New Orleans and what made them fall in love with the city. They chose the Peristyle in City Park and the Orpheum Theater. Justin and Yelena made several trips to New Orleans for their engagement shoot, food tastings, and design meetings. They determined their dream ceremony would entail a soft color scheme, while the reception would be a grand, color-filled affair. And most importantly, the reception would include fantastic food, an abundance of spirits, and dancing all night long.
The Big Day
Despite the pandemic and the hurricane that hit New Orleans, Justin and Yelena had the wedding of their dreams. They kicked off the celebration with a rehearsal dinner at Muriel’s overlooking Jackson Square, followed by a welcome party for all the guests at the Beauregard-Keyes House. The bridal party got ready at the Roosevelt Hotel and Yelena had her first look with her father in the bridal suite. The bride and groom’s first look was captured on the rooftop. Trolleys transported the wedding party to the Peristyle that was beautifully decorated with an abundance of white and blush flowers and featured a beautiful chuppah. A reception followed at the Orpheum, where violinists greeted guests for cocktails, caviar, oyster shuckers, and a gumbo bar. Other highlights included the couple making a grand entrance in a Rolls Royce, a choreographed three-song medley, Russian songs, and a vodka cart paying tribute to Yelena’s heritage. The couple cut their six-tiered wedding cake on the balcony and thanked everyone for being part of the best day of their lives. At 11:30 pm, the Kinfolk Brass Band entered the theater and led guests in a second line onto Canal Street and then to an after-party at a speakeasy where a DJ played until the early morning hours.
The Retreat
Yelena and Justin honeymooned in Turks and Caicos at the luxurious Wymara Resort & Villas. They loved the resort because of its peaceful beaches, accommodations, and superb and friendly staff. The newlyweds enjoyed wakeboarding, water-skiing, kayaking, parasailing, and other water and land activities. The honeymoon was a delightful mix of activities, eating amazing and fresh food, and relaxing.
Contributing Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
Mon Soleil
EVENT PLANNER
Blue Gardenia Events
FLORIST
Kim Starr Wise Floral Events
CEREMONY VENUE
The Peristyle at City Park
RECEPTION VENUE
The Orpheum Theater
CATERER
Joel Catering & Special Events
CAKE
Chasing Wang
GROOM’S CAKE
Bittersweet Confections
INVITATIONS
Dogwood Blossom Stationery
GOWN
Tony Ward from Kleinfeld Bridal
VEIL
Christie Lauren from Kleinfeld Bridal
BRIDAL SHOES
Bella Belle
GROOM’S TUX
John’s Tuxedos
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Watters
RECEPTION DRESS
Bronx and Banco from Revolve
ENGAGEMENT RING & WEDDING BANDS
Blue Nile
HAIR & MAKEUP
Signature Beauty Group
RENTALS & DECOR
Firefly Ambiance
ENTERTAINMENT
Élan Artists
SECOND LINE
Kinfolk Brass Band
TRANSPORTATION
Audubon Limousine
HONEYMOON ACCOMODATIONS
Wymara Resort and Villas
