I know in the Midwest it is common to have a gap/break between the ceremony and the reception, but that is not how it's done in the South! :) We will Second Line right over to the reception venue immediately following mass for cocktails and food.
Following our ceremony, we are bringing a beloved Louisiana tradition to our wedding! A Second Line is a joyful, brass band-led street parade from the church to the reception. We (the newlyweds) and the band make up the "first line," and all of you are the "second line," dancing along with handkerchiefs to celebrate! It is a 5 minute walk from St. Francis to Mardi Gras Hall, but with us parading altogether it may take a bit longer (10 minutes or so). In terms of parking, you don't need to move your cars for the reception (see the FAQ about parking if needed).
At St. Francis, you can park in the courtyard right in front the church, or there is parking on the street. We will Second Line from St. Francis to Mardi Gras Hall, so you don't need to move your cars for the reception (see FAQ about the second line if needed). There will be a Bayou Arts Fest going on in downtown Houma that afternoon. That being said, there will be some parking spots unavailable due to the festival.
While there is not a mandatory dress code, we ask that you wear semi-formal or cocktail attire to the wedding. Please also keep modesty in mind and dress appropriately our of respect for the mass and the beautiful Sacrament of Marriage that guests are gathering together to witness!
The reception at Mardi Gras Hall will be completely indoors.
We would highly recommend renting a car or carpooling with other guests both from the airport and around Houma, as there are not many Ubers or Lyfts available.
TBD
Due to capacity limitations, we are only able to accommodate the guests listed on your invitation.
Please note any allergies in your RSVP, and we will do our best to accommodate.
St. Bernadette was my home parish growing up, and they have a nice little adoration chapel if you would like to go spend some time with Jesus. If you need the chapel code, please reach out to me (Emily) at 985-791-6761. St. Francis de Sales in Houma (where the wedding ceremony is) also has a small adoration chapel. Enter through the front doors and to your left is the chapel.