From the bride: We chose a gorgeous Catholic Church called Immaculate Conception for our ceremony which I've always thought was one of the prettiest cathedrals in the city. Our reception followed at a venue called il Mercato in the heart of the Lower Garden District...one of my favorite areas of the city. Built in 1931, il Mercato is a Spanish colonial style building designed by prominent local architect Sam Stone and originally constructed as a neighborhood market. The 2014 renovation by local restaurateur Joel Dondis added herringbone wood floors, Italianate chandeliers, and a furnished library with banquet seating. The property also features a large private courtyard and that I fell in love with the second I stepped foot through the wrought iron gate. It epitomizes old New Orleans and is out of the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter and Bourbon St...what most people unfortunately think of when they hear New Orleans. I wanted people to feel like they were a local for the weekend and getting a taste of the hidden and off the beaten path gems of the city. I wanted my ceremony and reception to welcome people with open arms, in the same way I feel the city does when people come to visit.