Historic New Orleans Wedding Meets Organic Elegance at Il Mercato

Il Mercato wedding venue dripping with vines and lush white florals

New Orleans is overflowing with history and stunning wedding venues like Il Mercato that set the stage for any elegant affair. Whitney & Brandon, along with their planner, Brooke Casey Weddings planned the party of the century dripping in vines, lush white roses and luxe lounge furniture. After perusing the gorgeous photos by Catherine Guidry, we’re wondering how we can score an invite to such an epic New Orleans wedding!

From the planner, Brooke Casey Weddings: During our initial meeting, it was clear that Whitney was a woman who knew what she wanted! A historic venue with deep New Orleans roots was a top priority. Felicity Church and Il Mercato couldn’t have been a better fit! Just a short second line away from il Mercato, Felicity Church is a 125-year-old property that was restored after Hurricane Katrina when it’s congregation was scattered all over the country. Similarly, il Mercato was once a local market built in the 30’s that was dilapidated until recently. Chef Joel Dondis renovated the space and turned it into one of New Orleans’ premier wedding venues.

all white floral bouquet with a touch of greenery

white and greenery wreaths at the church entrance

Whitney’s vision for design was, “Bloom heavy and dripping in vines. Organic shapes, not structured.” I’d say we nailed it! Bella Blooms went above and beyond draping the chandeliers with smilax vines and carrying that vision throughout the tables. Distressed Rentals reupholstered a new collection of neutral soft-seating for Whitney’s courtyard and created a cozy lounge as the focal point of the reception space.

lush white floral details on the floral arch

After “the kiss,” Whitney and Brandon danced their way out the church doors and kicked off the celebration with a traditional New Orleans second line! A mobile bar elevated the fun where guests enjoyed Veuve to-go.

couple getting ready for their second line walk to the reception venue

bride and groom dance down the street in New Orleans with their second line

white florals and greenery installation on the fireplace in Il Mercato

gold lantern with floral accents as the centerpiece

tall white wedding cake surrounded by lush floral installations

Whitney and Brandon chose not to have a traditional bridal party. Instead, Melissa Vaccaro closed her makeup studio so that Whitney and her mom could have a private experience drinking champagne and being pampered before the festivities began. It was the perfect mom/daughter morning to kickstart what would be one of the best days of their lives!

tall white and green floral centerpieces at Il Mercato wedding reception

tall candle decor paired with white and green floral installations at Il Mercato

If you can’t get enough of this gorgeous New Orleans wedding then checkout their wedding video by Bower Productions here:

Colorful Ceremony Backdrops for Summer Weddings

We instantly turned into the heart eye emoji thanks to this gorgeous New Orleans wedding at Il Mercato. We absolutely love NOLA weddings so we’ve done several Styled Socials in New Orleans that you can check out here and here.

Wedding Vendors:
Planner: Brooke Casey Weddings
Photographer: Catherine Guidry
Venue (Ceremony): Felicity Church
Venue (Reception): Il Mercato
Florals: Bella Blooms
Bakery: Bittersweet Confections
Band (Ceremony + Second Line + Cocktails): Kinfolk Brass Band
Band (Reception): The Phunky Monkeys
Hair: Hayley Olivier
Invitations: Scriptura
Lighting: Luminous Events
Makeup: Melissa Vaccaro
Rentals (Ceremony PA): Yur Event Rental
Rentals (Lounges + Bars): Distressed Rentals & Revival
Transportation: Alert Transportation
Video: Bower Productions