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If you've never experienced a NOLA celebration, well, then let me tell you something - they do weddings right in New Orleans. Weddings are already unique amongst parties in that they are always a cheerful celebration of the joining of two circles of families, friends, and communities, and then adding the tradition of a second line just amps up the celebration level. What is a second line? A basic description would say that it is an informal parade of wedding guests lead by a live brass band through the streets of New Orleans. But those words don't do it justice, because what a second line does is something bigger.

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Imagine, for a minute, that it's the end of a wedding reception. You've spent the day being pampered with close friends and family, sipping mimosas, getting ready in leisure, taking portraits with everyone from your closest college friends to your great-great aunt, making sincere wedding vows, enjoying cocktails and home-style cajun cooking, and dancing the night away to live jazz, and now it's time to leave. But just because it's time to leave the wedding doesn't mean it's going to be over so soon. As you gather your things to leave, the sounds of a trumpet, tuba, and trombone are wafting through the halls to the ballroom. Suddenly, a whistle guides you to handkerchiefs, and you're dancing down the street following this band, waving your handkerchief to the beat of the music. As you dance through the french quarter streets with your wedding party, other NOLA residents wave and join in to dance with you for a few minutes. Some of them will join your parade for the entire time! Half an hour later, you can't wipe the smile off of your face from the fun that you've had. Everyone you pass by cheers along with you, because everyone knows: this is special, and worth celebrating.

Here are some scenes from second lines we've filmed in the past:

Bridal Prep & Groom Prep: The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans

123 Baronne St New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 648-1200

Ceremony: Christ Church Cathedral

Reception: Maison Montegut

Event Planner: Elyse Skansi, Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination

Photographer: Mark Eric

Catering: Joel's

Florist: Iris Floral and Event Design Studio

Cocktail Hour Music: John Royen Band

2nd Line Band: The Jaywalkers

Reception Entertainment: Crystal Clear Band

Photographer Paul Morse. You can view his official images of the wedding here.

Event Design by Linda Matzkin & Alexandra Kappel of Hopple Popple Events.

Ceremony and Reception at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans

Reception Band: Jimmy Church Band

Makeup: Tisa from Tisa’s Beauty Bar

Florist: Urban Earth

Second Line Band: The Storyville Stompers

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Meet Emily & Kearney, our latest Mason Jar couple. Their wedding was dripping with high-style design and the whole event was lovingly narrated through speeches by their dearest friends and family. Jones traveled to their destination wedding in New Orleans to not only film their wedding day, but also their rehearsal dinner. Filming at the rehearsal dinner allows us to capture all of those stories and toasts that your family can cherish for years to come.

Emily grew up in New Orleans, but she moved to Boston during her teenage years. NOLA has always remained dear to her family, and so, with joy, their new extended family travelled to New Orleans to enjoy both its charm and the celebration of love. This short sneak peek of their wedding video features a snippet of a speech by Emily's brother, who had everyone rolling with laughter.

Their wedding celebration was exquisite--a true homecoming for all involved. Emily joined organizational forces with Kearney's mother and they designed an elaborate feast for the rehearsal dinner. We must say that the toasts were equally well-crafted by all the family members, friends, and siblings involved. The Elms Mansion (where the rehearsal dinner was held) is a luxurious and regal location in New Orleans full of southern charm. A jazz band played both indoors during cocktails and outdoors during dinner.

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The father of the groom welcomes his guests to the rehearsal dinner.

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Comic timing and tender stories are definitely this family's specialty. While they are the first to mention that they all speak their mind, and speak it loudly, we have to be the first to say that we enjoyed their speeches and as always, we are so thankful to be a witness to the love this family shares.

Here are some screen grabs from the wedding video we are working on for them:

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Kearney, the ever-eloquent groom, sent his loving Emily some gifts to open before the wedding. Among a parade of lovely notes and cards, he gave her a necklace he had made from one of his grandmother's rings, saying that although his grandmother had never met Emily, they would have been great friends if she were still alive.