Il Mercato New Orleans Destination Wedding
Carats & Cake recently featured this colorful cajun-inspired New Orleans destination wedding, and it was an absolute honor to tell their story through portraiture. Jen and Jon are fellow New Yorkers, and New Orleans is one of their favorite cities. So, why not take all their family, friends, and fun to NOLA with a wedding at Il Mercato?! That way, new and frequent visitors alike could get a flavorful taste of the beloved Crescent City that’s so near and dear to their hearts.
I had the pleasure of photographing these two together on multiple occasions, starting with their proposal in Jefferson Market Garden in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Jen and Jon are the perfect example of how you can do your wedding your way. You aren’t limited by options, destinations, or even wedding type. For instance, they always imagined a swoon-worthy courthouse wedding. And even though their New Orleans destination wedding plans were in place, we spent a few hours at the Manhattan Courthouse to officially seal the deal in New York City, their home. They were able to do everything they envisioned and then some!
An Unforgettable NOLA Wedding Weekend
Jen and Jon set their New Orleans destination wedding at Il Mercato for the following month, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The weekend festivities began on Thursday for their welcome dinner at the Napolean House, a staple New Orleans French Quarter cocktail bar built in 1797 known for its Pimm’s cups and Sazerac.
Their anticipated wedding day began the following day at the Ace Hotel in downtown New Orleans, neighboring the French Quarter. Having photographed Jen and John on several prior occasions, I knew I was in for a great time making portraits with them. I looked forward to meeting their friends, who are also hilarious and fun to hang with.
From a photography standpoint, the main challenge was incorporating the abundant variety of backdrops that New Orleans has to offer while making it to the ceremony on time. There’s just so much beauty to capture in this historic, mossy oak city. I primarily approach wedding photography as a medium for storytelling. So, for Jen and Jon’s wedding, it was important to incorporate the look and feel of the city as much as possible. Since this was my first visit to New Orleans, I spent a few days scouting backdrops in the city while keeping in mind that all the locations had to fit into a tight wedding day schedule. Plus, we needed to fit in multiple groups of people for portraits along the way. The scouting came along brilliantly (one cocktail at a time) and we were precisely on time the day of!
View their wedding gallery and learn more about the Il Mercato New Orleans wedding venue below!
New Orleans: Culture, History, & Wedding Day Magic
The Ace Hotel offered a gorgeous setting for all the getting-ready moments with its mix of sunlit rooms and dramatic indoor compositions. There was plenty to work with for creative detail shots and contextual storytelling. Then, for Jen and John’s portraits, we planned their first look deep in the French Quarter, not far from the infamous Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, to incorporate Creole-style architecture showcasing the iconic porches and verandas. From there, we met up with the wedding party near the Ace Hotel at Lafayette Square, a fantastic backdrop filled with giant sycamores and Southern magnolia trees. After the wedding party portraits, we traveled to the wedding venue, Il Mercato, located in New Orlean’s Lower Garden District, for family portraits and the wedding celebration.
I enjoyed planning this portrait journey for them through the heart of one of their favorite cities, and I think their pictures tell a vibrant story of their wedding day that we couldn’t have conveyed if we just stayed at the venue or hotel.
The couple hosted their wedding ceremony outdoors in front of a gorgeous white-brick fireplace and ivy-covered arches. Antigua Floral did a phenomenal job of elevating the built-in ambiance with whimsical sprays and trailing greenery. Just after their newlywed kiss, the Kinfolk Brass Band kicked off the second line with horns blasting. The rest of the evening was filled with an alfresco dinner outdoors followed by a raucous party—one for the books!
Get the Deets on Il Mercato Weddings & More
If you’re considering a lively wedding weekend in history-steeped New Orleans, I can’t sing higher praises for this vendor team. Michelle Norwood Events considered every detail in partnership with Il Mercato and Antigua Floral.
For couples planning a dreamy New Orleans destination wedding, this breathtaking venue combines history, elegance, and charm. Il Mercato is steeped in rich history. Originally built in the 1930s as a neighborhood market, it has been transformed into an elegant wedding venue that pays homage to its French roots. The venue showcases the architectural splendor of New Orleans’ past while offering the necessary modern wedding amenities.
Venue Spaces & Design Aesthetic at Il Mercato
With over 8,500 square feet of elegant event space, Il Mercato offers several versatile spaces. From intimate indoor ceremonies to garden party receptions, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning design aesthetic of Il Mercato. Exposed brick walls, high ceilings, romantic arches, and sparkling chandeliers create an elegant, timeless, and nostalgic ambiance. Add your personal touch with customizable lighting, curated floral arrangements, and professional design to make your wedding day uniquely yours.
Why Choose Il Mercato New Orleans for Your Destination Wedding?
Unparalleled Beauty
The blend of old-world charm and modern elegance provides a dreamy backdrop for your wedding photos and sets the scene for unforgettable moments.
Prime Location
Nestled in the Lower Garden District, Il Mercato is surrounded by the vibrant culture, music, and cuisine New Orleans is famous for. Your guests will have plenty of opportunities to explore and indulge in NOLA magic.
Professional Team
The dedicated team at Il Mercato will guide you through every step of the planning process, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience, even for destination weddings.
New Orleans Destination Wedding Vendor Team
Venue: Il Mercato
Photography: Edward Winter at READYLUCK
Wedding Planner + Designer: Michelle Norwood Events
Florist: Antigua Floral + Styling
Invitation Suite: Walking Man Studios
Band: Kinfolk Brass Band
Dress: Mark Ingram Atelier
Hair & makeup: Robin Malone
DJ: Dart Collective
Catering: Nola Mia Food Truck
Jon’s tux: Isaia