In October 2021, we went on a spontaneous group trip to New Orleans over Halloween weekend. Fate stepped in with a little help from our friends. The magic of New Orleans had us falling in love, and it became the place where our forever began. Years later, as we began planning our wedding, it felt only fitting to return to the city where it all started. While wandering through the French Quarter, we met Matthew, the poet pictured below. We shared our story with him, and within minutes, he handed us this poem capturing the serendipity of our meeting, the spirit of New Orleans, and the love that brought us back. It only felt right that this would be the place where we say I do, surrounded by the people we love. This city is like no other, overflowing with history, magic, and a soul you can feel in every street corner. We feel incredibly grateful and humbled to share this moment with our closest family and friends in the place that means so much to us. We hope you feel the magic too and carry a little piece of New Orleans home in your heart, just as we have. With love, Jake & Rachel ____________________________ It was a group trip the friends all went father south to that other music city not Austin, New Orleans ############## you were set up tricked into something great your friends knew what you wanted they put it right in your face on the floor at the spotted cat a few years later they were still right and you both know you are ready to say I do you'll be back to the swamp when the leaves are falling in tennessee and snow is falling in the rookies once again you will be back to the swap when the leaves are falling in tennessee and snow is falling in the rookies once again you will be with friends and family swearing you will never leave committed to trying a lifetime of love N.O.L.A. 2025