7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Upscale or Smart Casual: Sundresses, maxi dresses, skirts, dressy pants and rompers, or even nice shorts and a cute blouse are great options for those who want to dress femininely. Khaki or linen shorts, linen shirts, Hawaiian shirts, golf polos, or other long or short sleeve button down shirts are all great options for beating the heat!
Please come join us for a welcome party at The Mazant! We will have drinks and refreshments to kick off the celebrations and welcome everyone to the Big Easy! The Mazant is a mansion built in the elegant and now-distinctive New Orleans Greek Revival architectural style. Located in the historic arts and cultural neighborhood, the Bywater, the mansion dates back to the industrial post-Reconstruction era, estimated to have been built in 1883. While many New Orleans neighborhoods boast popular tourist destinations, the Bywater has remained a bit of a "local's secret". Whether you're looking for coffee shops with art, a neighborhood dance studio, a brewery that hosts yoga, a playground that makes music, or quirky architecture and decor, the Bywater is a fun spot to explore. We can't wait to welcome you, and kick off the celebrations!
6:30 pm
Cocktail Attire Preferred
Join us for an interfaith celebration of marriage underneath the ancient oak grove at Audubon Park uptown in the Garden District. The land Audubon sits on was once a Union Army hospital during the American Civil War. It was designated as a recreational site in the 1870s and named after the wildlife painter, John James Audubon. We will have golf carts available for anyone who needs mobility assistance. We will have personal fans, water and misters available to help keep everyone comfortable during the outdoor ceremony, and we hope you'll enjoy the unique beauty of the Louisiana oak trees as you celebrate with us!
6:30 pm
Please wear shoes you can comfortably walk in during our second line parade!
Kick off our celebrations with a traditional New Orleans "Second Line" parade immediately following the ceremony! The second line tradition originated as a West African practice of honoring the deceased with music and dancing. The practice evolved in the 19th century in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans and became known as a "Jazz Funeral", where the "First line" was a procession made up of the immediate family, and the "second line" was a parade of dancing, music and celebration of life. Over the 20th century, Second Lines transcended Jazz Funerals and became a fixture of all kinds of celebrations of major life milestones, including graduations, birthdays, and of course, weddings. The tradition has become commonplace across all communities within NOLA (and beyond!). Wedding second lines symbolize new life together and consist of a walking parade where all wedding guests follow the bride and groom in a celebratory procession, accompanied by a brass band!
7:00 pm
Join us for a classic New Orleans Style Reception at the Clubhouse
It's time to eat, drink, and be married! Our reception will be a NOLA reception where the cocktail hour will blend into a buffet-style food service. This reception style is designed to encourage guests to mingle and enjoy each other's company. (Check out the photo booth!) While you won't sit in one designated spot for a formal plated dinner, we'll make sure no one goes hungry. Brennan's Restaurant has been a favorite of the McDermott family for decades, and Colleen and her parents even went there to celebrate a successful completion of the dreaded "Step 1" of the US Medical Licensing Exam, in 2018. Dickie Brennans and Co will be catering the wedding, so we hope you'll enjoy some of our favorite NOLA cuisine with a French Quarter flair. We will have thoughtful vegetarian and pescatarian options available, but please communicate any dietary needs! After you've enjoyed the food- dance the night away with us (until Doug's bedtime) in our air-conditioned dance floor in the clubhouse!
11:30 pm
Feel free to change into comfortable footwear and clothing before we head to Frenchmen Street to keep the celebrations going.
Named after the latitude and longitude of the City of New Orleans, 30 90 has always been a favorite spot of Colleen and her medical school friends. Guests of all ages* can enjoy this venue, as it has something for everyone. The first floor hosts a live jazz musician, with tables and chairs available to take in the show. The outdoor courtyard offers a quieter place to relax and enjoy a beverage. Finally, the upstairs is home to a bar, large dance floor, and DJ, with a balcony outside. They usually do not have a cover, but many other venues on Frenchmen Street will, so bring some cash if you want to explore the other music venues. The Spotted Cat is a favorite of Colleen's Dad and her Late Uncle Mike. If you're hungry, Dat Dog is a great spot for some late-night food and it's just down the street. (* all ages being 21+. Please bring ID)
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Swimwear and flip flops are encouraged. In general, casual attire is fine- come as you are!
For those who are still in town, please come back to the Mazant to relax by the saltwater pool and enjoy refreshments. We'll have mimosas, bloody mary's, coffee, and continental breakfast options for all to enjoy. Doug will have his matching Hawaiian shirt and swim trunks ready to go for the occasion.