What could possibly be more romantic then getting married surrounded by unique wildlife, all in a dreamy candle light ceremony just after sunset! Kara Alcazar & Orlando Alcazar opted to revisit the scene of one of their first dates for their New Orleans nuptials. Introducing a flavor of modern lux with touches of New Orleans flair, the couple exposed their guests to southern treats all while in a gorgeous black tie setting. New Orleans wedding photographer Arte de Vie was on hand to capture the special moments from playful times at the Audubon's carousel to jam time with a New Orleans musical favorite, Bag of!

We had been dating almost 5 years when we tied the knot. We were on a whirwind the past several years due to Orlando's job. We relocated to the East coast, unexpectedly. While we were living there we got engaged in DC. It was very romantic, we were at the Lincoln Memorial right before New Years. We have since moved back to our favorite city, New Orleans.

We wanted to focus on a few different themes. We both thought that Audubon would be special because that is were we went for one of our first dates together. We incourporated animals being that we were at the Audubon Zoo for the ceremony and reception. Our cake toppers were two sea lions, we had animal crackers for a favor, as well as, zoo themed animal pens to sign our guest book. Also, because many of our family memebers are not from New Orleans, we wanted to include some Southern and New Orleanian tradions. We served served some local dishes, like seafood gumbo, and finished our reception with a second-line to our limo. We wanted the focus of the night to be on our ceremony. We wrote our entire ceremony with Kara's Aunt, our officiant. It was very personal and special to us, as well as to our guests.

Favorite Moments ~ We cherish the few minutes in our ceremony where we enchanged personal vows to eachother. We both wrote them down to read during the ceremony and still pull them out to relive that special moment together.

Photographer: Arte de Vie| Ceremony: Audubon Sea Lion Exhibit | Reception: Audubon Tea Room | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang Luxe | Bridesmaid Dresses: JLM Couture Alvina Valenta Maids | Shoes: L.K.Bennett | Hair: H2O Salon and Spa, North Shore | Makeup: The Makeup Lab, Distinctive Artistry | Groom's Attire: John's Tuxedos | Invitations: Delphine Letterpress | Transportation: Audubon Limousine | Music: Bag of Donuts | Lighting + Rentals: Party Rentals Delivered, Chaps Party Rentals | Florist: Glenda Ivy | Caterer: Audubon Institute | Baker: Pure Cake