FAQ
WHAT DAYS SHOULD I FLY IN AND OUT OF NEW ORLEANS?
Many of our guests are coming into town a few days early / staying a few days late to enjoy the city! As for me and Mat, we will be getting in Wednesday night lol. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND you take advantage of the long weekend (MLK day!) and fly home on Monday to stretch that Sunday recuperating day!
WHERE ARE THE CEREMONY AND RECEPTION TAKING PLACE?
Both ceremony and reception will take place at Hotel Peter and Paul’s historic church building, while cocktail hour will take place in the property’s piazza courtyard. Please see the building labeled “The Church” on the map below. The address to the property is 2317 Burgundy Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.
WHERE CAN I RSVP?
You can RSVP to the wedding using the link here! Alternatively, you can let the bride, groom, or immediate family know directly, and we can RSVP for you.
CAN I BRING A GUEST? ARE KIDS INVITED?
When you submit your RSVP on our website, it will automatically let you know if you have the option to bring a guest. If your invitation includes a guest, you should be prompted to provide their name during the RSVP process.
While we love your little ones, we will only be able to invite children from our immediate family to allow all guests, including parents, an evening of relaxation. We appreciate your understanding and hope you can enjoy a night off to celebrate with us!
WHEN SHOULD I RSVP BY?
Please RSVP no later than December 18th.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I CAN NO LONGER ATTEND?
By reentering your name on the RSVP page, you should be able to pull up and edit your RSVP information. We will be notified of the change on the back end.
WHAT WEATHER SHOULD I EXPECT? WILL THE WEDDING BE INDOORS OR OUTDOORS?
The ceremony and reception will be held indoors, but the cocktail hour will take place outside in the courtyard piazza. In the event of rain, we will have a tent set up in the courtyard to keep everyone dry. Since Louisiana's January weather can be unpredictable, we recommend checking the forecast and bringing a wrap, jacket, or coat to stay comfortable. Of course, if the weather gets cold enough, we will also have heaters available!
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
For our wedding, we kindly request that guests dress in formal attire with a modern, elegant flair. Men can opt for tailored suits in classic hues like navy or black, or feel free to embrace softer shades such as pastels or muted greens. For women, we suggest sleek, sophisticated dresses in satin or floral patterns, with colors ranging from deep tones like burgundy and navy to rich earth shades. We encourage you to express your style while keeping the overall look polished and chic.
WILL THERE BE A COAT CHECK?
Yes.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Guests will be welcomed into the space beginning at 4:00PM. Please arrive no later than 4:20PM, as the ceremony will begin promptly at 4:30PM.
IS PARKING AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE?
Yes, complimentary parking will be available at Doerr Furniture, located just down the street from the venue (a three minute walk). Please keep in mind, the lot closes 30 minutes after the reception concludes, so please relocate your car promptly by 10:30PM or risk being towed. Please refrain from parking in the hotel lot, which is reserved for hotel guests, or on the street, which is used by the residents of the Marigny neighborhood.
WILL THERE BE A SHUTTLE SERVICE AVAILABLE TO GUESTS?
Unfortunately, there will not be a shuttle service available. Many of our room block hotels are a short drive or Uber away from the venue, and as mentioned above, parking will also be available at Doerr Furniture.
CAN I TAKE PHOTOS OR VIDEOS DURING THE CEREMONY?
We've hired a talented wedding photographer and videographer to capture every special moment, so we kindly ask that you refrain from taking photos during the ceremony. At the very beginning of the ceremony, there will be one specific moment where you're welcome to take a picture with your phone. After that, we ask that you remain seated and let the professionals work their magic-people stepping into the aisle to take photos can unintentionally disrupt the shots. Thank you for helping us keep the moment intimate and well-documented!
WHAT KIND OF FOOD WILL BE SERVED?
Cocktail hour will feature a selection of passed appetizers, as well as a full cocktail bar.
Smoked Gouda Jambalaya Arancini
Bacon-wrapped dates, stuffed with Chorizo, Bravas Sauce (GF, DF)
Spanakopita, Greek Puff Pastry, Spinach, Feta (V)
Dinner stations will open around 6:30PM in the reception space, offering the following options:
Paprika Smoked Beef Short Ribs, Red Wine Braise (DF, GF)
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad, Baby Arugula, Citrus Vinaigrette, Toasted Pecans on the side (V, VE, GF)
Smothered Greens, Rosé, Trinity (V, VE, GF)
Potatoes au Gratin, Crunchy Onion Garlic Topping (V, GF)
A mixture of spiced cake with cream cheese icing, and white cake, will be served around 8:30PM.
ARE THERE OPTIONS FOR GUESTS WITH DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
Yes, we are able to accommodate any and all dietary restrictions, so long as they have been included with your RSVP information. If you have specific concerns, please reach out to the bride.
WHAT TIME WILL THE EVENT END?
The event will end at 10:00 PM, followed by an informal “after party” at Pat O’Brien’s bar in the French Quarter.
WHAT SAFETY TIPS SHOULD I KEEP IN MIND WHILE IN THE CITY?
A friend from the New Orleans Police Department shared that 20% of tourists experience some form of crime, so we wanted to pass along a few precautions.
Stick to busy streets in groups during the day.
Uber at night-avoid walking after dark.
Don't put your phone in your back pocket.
Lock valuables in the trunk of your rental car.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry.
If you become a victim of crime, don't confront anyone.
Locals can spot tourists, and criminals target isolated or intoxicated people, so stay safe and make wise choices!
WHAT AREAS ARE SAFE FOR HOTELS, AIRBNBS, ETC?
Most hotels are safe as long as you avoid walking alone or after dark. If you're looking at Airbnbs, aim for areas near St. Charles Avenue. The section between Napoleon and Carrollton is great but farther from tourist spots. The Lakeview area is safe but not very convenient for sightseeing. Options in the Marigny, French Quarter, or Bywater need extra research. Check reviews carefully.
ARE THERE ANY HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS OR A ROOM BLOCK?
Yes, you can find links to all of our room blocks here, including a few remaining rooms at the venue hotel, Hotel Peter and Paul.
WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU RECOMMEND IN THE CITY?
New Orleans has so much to offer, and we hope you get to explore some of its unique charm while you're here! A must-visit is Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter, where you can enjoy their famous beignets and café au lait. It's a New Orleans classic and a great spot to start your day or take a break from sightseeing. While you're in the area, don't miss Jackson Square, home to the famous St. Louis Cathedral, the beautiful church you've likely seen in many photos of the city.
For lunch or dinner, consider trying Commander's Palace for an upscale experience featuring local Creole cuisine, or Coop's Place for a more casual spot known for its jambalaya and fried chicken. For seafood lovers, Acme Oyster House is a local favorite, serving up fresh oysters and poboys. And of course, you can always visit Bacchanal Wine, a cute wine-&-cheese store featuring globally accented small plates & live music on a lush back patio.
For live music, we recommend skipping the hustle of Bourbon Street and heading over to Frenchmen Street. It's a local favorite and offers a more authentic music scene with jazz clubs, live bands, and a lively yet laid-back vibe.
Mardi Gras World is a vibrant destination just a short drive from the French Quarter, offering guided tours that showcase the artistry behind the elaborate floats and costumes of New Orleans' famous carnival. Experience the history of Mardi Gras, see stunning float designs, and even try on festive costumes to capture the joy of this iconic celebration!
If you're up for an adventure, consider booking a swamp tour! You'll get a close look at Louisiana's beautiful bayous and wildlife. Many tours require a short drive out of the city, but some companies offer pick-ups from New Orleans hotels, making it convenient.
For shopping, Magazine Street is the place to be. It's full of cute boutiques, local shops, and cozy cafes, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. While you're exploring, take some time to admire the stunning architecture along St. Charles Avenue, which passes through the charming Garden District. This neighborhood is known for its historic mansions, lush gardens, and picturesque streets.
Don't forget to check out one of New Orleans' famous cemeteries, like Lafayette Cemetery No. I or St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, with their iconic above-ground tombs. Many ghost tours are also available if you're interested in hearing about the city's haunted history while exploring these unique spots!
IS THERE A WEDDING REGISTRY?
Yes, you can find our wedding registry here.
CAN I SEND A GIFT IF I CAN'T ATTEND THE WEDDING?
Yes, you can absolutely send us a gift if you can't attend our wedding but it is by no means necessary - we truly appreciate receiving gifts from those who can't be there in person. Feel free to check our wedding registry for gift ideas, or choose something meaningful that reflects your relationship with us. Thank you for your love and support!
IS KELSEY CHANGING HER LAST NAME?
Yes (: