Ahmad & Ryan
Intimate Backyard Wedding with Gold, Purple and White Accents
Mandeville, LA
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ABOUT US
Elena & Daniel: husband and wife team behind Love and Lavender. Read Our Story
Ahmad & Ryan
Mandeville, LA
I love a beautiful and intimate backyard wedding. When done right, I think they are the way to go for a wedding reception. I stumbled upon the lovely wedding below and knew right away that I had to feature it!
The Bride and Groom’s story in the words of the Groom:
“We knew each other for years before we ever dated. Both being musicians, I moved around a bit chasing stardom while Ahmad developed a hugely successful local band in Maryland. In the years before we dated, we had a mutual admiration for each others talent. When I made trips home to visit family, Ryan always made sure to stop by the bar where I held my karaoke show to sing a song or two. There was always chemistry between us. In fact, an ex-boyfriend of Ryan’s almost broke up with her after she brought him along to a my karaoke show. Accusing her of flirting, he cut the night short. Oops! Eventually, Ryan decided she was ready for a more stable lifestyle and moved back to Maryland to develop a business as a make-up artist.
“Over the course of the next couple of years, we often ran into each other. I brought my DJ talent and passion to the wedding industry, where Ryan was also frequently working as a make-up artist. The two unknowingly worked on several couple’s weddings together before realizing that maybe these coincidences were no accident.
“But it wasn’t until a post break-up girls’ night brought her back to my karaoke show, that I took the big leap. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching and Ryan’s newly single status, Although, thinking she was out of my league, bravely asked if she would be his Valentine. Both secretly ecstatic but trying to play it cool, we made a lunch date and have been inseparable ever since. Music was our foundation and with similar careers paths, we fell in love instantly. It was only 17 months later that I took another big leap.
“After work one night, I serenaded Ryan with a song I had written. I barely had time to get down on one knee to pop the question before Ryan had tackled me to the ground clumsily taking out the guitar, a piece of furniture and almost crushing their 4 lb. Chihuahua. Between kisses she enthusiastically said ‘Are you serious?! YES!’
“To quote the ever eloquent Frank Sinatra, ‘The best is yet to come.'”
Photographer: Erika Parker
Venue: Private Residence
Hair Stylist: Stardust Salon
Florist: Poppy & Mint Floral Company
Elena & Daniel: husband and wife team behind Love and Lavender. Read Our Story
What a wonderful wedding. Great example that one doesn’t have to spend a small fortune to have a happy and fulfilling wedding. Like a wedding photographer in San Francisco Bay Area I have seen it all. Elaborate weddings at exquisite locations and venues but shallow and pretentious.
Love the backyard and romantic feeling of the wedding you featured. So intimate and genuine. The photographer did a good job on capturing the moments and emotions. No single details is missed. I found an inspiration for my next backyard wedding in June. Thank you for sharing this couple’s happy story with us.
Ahhh! Thank you so much for featuring our wedding! It was truly magical. So great reliving it through this post.
Great to hear Ryan. It’s always fun to look back at photos and reminisce. Thank you for sharing.
The house has an amazing yard. The large gold plates on the table add the perfect blend of masculine and glam.
Lovely venue!