Queer Wedding at The Columns in New Orleans

Okay, so Argerie and Taylor’s love story? It kicks off at a wedding (very on brand) and ends with a Basque cheesecake the size of a suitcase. These two met in Miami at their friends’ wedding, flirted over dinner and dancing, and from that night on, something just clicked. Long distance? No problem. These two turned FaceTime into full-time romance, then made it official in the most joyful, flower-filled queer wedding at The Columns in New Orleans.

The wedding ended in a friendly kiss on the cheek, then what happened?

After that night, the one when we first met, we started a long-distance relationship. Taylor was living in Providence and I was in New Orleans. We spent hours on the phone and on FaceTime. Eventually, we met in the middle for a weekend in Nashville and had our first real kiss at the Ryman Theater. From there, it was trips to see each other’s families, a quick romantic getaway to Paris, and then… proposals! Taylor proposed first in Rhode Island, and I proposed back (with my son Escher) at Audubon Park.

What made you choose The Columns in New Orleans as your wedding venue?

We actually went there on a date during our early days and both fell in love with it. The venue is just so lush and beautiful, it felt like a dream from the start. Once we got engaged, there was no question. The Columns had our hearts.

Tell us a bit about your wedding planning experience, any standout strategies or chaos moments?

We had a couple of planning hiccups, for sure! We even came up with a “safe word” to say when one of us needed to tap out of wedding planning talk. Taylor is super organised, she kept a doc with all our contracts, receipts, and a giant spreadsheet with way too many tabs. We also made some very intentional choices to cut out anything that felt excessive, no party favors, no glowsticks, no over-the-top signs. Instead of a traditional cake, we went for a massive Basque cheesecake.

We made really conscious choices to avoid spending money on things that didn’t feel necessary. My mum helped out by making a couple of my bridal event dresses and even made the flower girl’s dress!

What was the vibe or inspiration behind the wedding day?

We wanted it to feel warm, joyful, and full of community. I knew I wanted to feel relaxed and just have fun getting ready with my girls, and we totally nailed that. We did hair and makeup at The Columns and even finished getting ready on time, which honestly felt like a miracle.

Any vendors that completely nailed it?

So many. Our photographers, Caitlin and Thad from September Company, are our close friends, they were juggling what felt like 20 cameras and the film photos they captured are unreal.

My maid of honor also did the flowers and brought in a team to help execute everything. The DJ flew in from LA and is still getting compliments. A friend played the violin for our processional. Another sang for our first dance. It was a team effort and everyone showed up.

What personal or non-traditional touches did you include?

We really wanted the day to feel like us. Taylor had both her parents walk her down the aisle. I walked with my son since my dad passed away when I was 19. We skipped parent dances and made sure our planner and vendors knew that Taylor doesn’t identify with the word “bride.” And the venue? They sent an email to staff before the day to make sure no one accidentally used “groom.” That small gesture meant a lot.

Photography by September Company

DJ DJ Chinua
Dress Designer Rachel Gilbert