Starting as friends, Nikki and Cory’s love blossomed after being each other's rocks through some big life changes. Three magical years later and these two lovebirds decided to elope in the most gorgeous natural setting at Fontainebleau State Park in Louisiana - with just the sounds of the water, wind, and trees as their wedding day soundtrack.
With just three “guests” in tow - the officiant, the photographer, and her husband, Nikki, and Cory said “I Do” on a beautiful beach - which really helped to inform that soft neutral, seaside palette of the day - in hues of champagne, blush, and navy.
Read on for more of these two southern sweethearts wedding day tales and some MAJOR elopement inspo!
Congratulations, Nikki and Cory. Here’s to many more years of love and laughter together!
Love & Light.
Where are each of you from? How did you meet?
I’m from North Carolina & Cory is from Tennessee, but raised in Louisiana! I moved to Louisiana in 2010. We met at work...I worked there part time while going to beauty school. We were both going through big life changes when we met and became really good friends. We helped each other get past those things.
How long were you in a relationship before you got engaged and married?
3 years
Where did your wedding take place?
Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, LA
Why did you choose your venue?
During our friendship and early relationship, we used to drive around and find new places to explore! We originally wanted to elope in the mountains of North Carolina, but with the uncertainty of COVID, we stuck to a location closer to home. We stumbled upon Fontainebleau, which has cabins on Lake Pontchartrain...it’s so beautiful. We fell in love with all that it had to offer like the “beach” on the lake, all of the wildlife, beautiful oak trees covered in Spanish Moss and hiking trails. It felt so right!
Who designed your invitations and what was the inspiration behind it?
We eloped, so these weren’t necessary for us so here’s another photo of the venue instead!
How many guests attended your wedding?
Just three! The officiant, the photographer and her husband, who was our second witness.
What was your wedding color palette?
Champagne/gold and navy blue.
What dress did you wear ?
The gorgeous champagne tulle and lace dress!
What was your makeup style? And who made you up
Natural. Stephanie from About Face Salon in Mandeville, LA.
.What was your hair style? And who took care of your hair
A texturized up do! Taylor from About Face Salon in Mandeville, LA.
What jewelry and accessories did you have? Is there a special story about it?
Just my engagement ring.
.Where did you purchase the wedding rings and why did you choose this style
My band came from Ferkos Fine Jewelry, I chose it because it’s so delicate and petite. I didn’t want anything too flashy. Cory’s band came from a small local company. We loved that both were from small businesses!
What shoes did you wear ?
I had beautiful gold flats to wear, but it rained really bad the day before our elopement and it was an outdoor ceremony, so my garden boots came in handy!
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What did your partner wear?
A navy suit with suspenders and a champagne bow tie with navy polka dots to match my dress! He looked very handsome.
What flowers were in your bouquet?
Eucalyptus and other dried flowers.
What kind of music was playing?
No music, just nature!
.How did you choose your wedding cake? Who made it?
We had cupcakes and macarons.
.What is your favorite memory from that day?
Jumping into the lake with our attire on. It was very surreal and it was the best feeling to finally be married and all of the planning played out perfectly. It was like a dream! AND my dress is still in great condition after getting into the lake.
What is one thing you wish you would have known when planning your wedding?
To not stress so much, that no matter how the day goes, it will be perfect because I’m marrying the love of my life!
What is your number one tip for building a happy relationship?
Communication!
Photographer
@melanie.jhnsn
Make-Up artist
@seh_artistry
Hairdresser
@aboutfacemandeville
Floral Boutique
@bridalwish