Real Weddings: Hailey & Kevin

Black African American bride Hailey groom Kevin marriage married wedding ceremony reception color palette green gold New Orleans Louisiana southern ornate traditional

We showed you Hailey and Kevin’s sultry, casual engagement photo shoot in New Orleans. The couple met first through Tinder and continued the conversation on Snapchat, and you can read how Kevin popped the question here. Then, in the sweet stillness of winter, Kevin made true on his promise to wed Hailey in holy matrimony. The couple exchanged vows in December of 2021 in a traditional Catholic religious ceremony. Hailey, a marketing consultant and senior communications specialist at Tulane University, was escorted down the aisle by her father. Kevin, who works for New Orleans Public Belt and attended Northwestern State University, surprised Hailey with handwritten vows. Then they partied late into the night amongst their 250 guests at their reception that featured a Second Line Band send-off and a cake pull.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: New Orleans, LA

TIME OF YEAR: Winter

WEDDING STYLE: traditional, inviting, ornate

CEREMONY: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

RECEPTION: Balcony Ballroom

MENU: Executive chef-chosen fare such as seared scallop tossed in a Sriracha glaze and served over braised collard greens, or duck confit with caramelized shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach; topped with chevre & smoky orange marmalade for appetizers; for the entrée, stations such as the whipped potato martini bar or custom pasta action station.

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Speechless” by Dan & Shay

SPECIAL FEATURES: Second Line Band send-off; cake pull; customized tree ornaments for each guest as favors; godchildren were part of the ceremony and one godchild pulled the other in a DIY wooden wagon; sparkler send-off

HONEYMOON: Dominican Republic

COLORS: