april 20, 2019
Location: Grand Bayou Noir, Houma, LA
Date: April 20, 2019
Guest Count: 120
Client Type: Bride + Groom based in Louisiana and both active in the Coast Guard, seeking a soulful, natural celebration rooted in love and local culture.
Vision + Goals
Victor and Melissa, both proudly serving in the Coast Guard, dreamed of a wedding that felt warm, grounded, and reflective of their shared journey. Their vision was a rustic-chic celebration with subtle coastal influences — blending natural elements like driftwood, sea moss, and shells with soft, romantic textures. They wanted to create a day filled with meaning, surrounded by their closest family and friends, where their love story could truly shine. The result was an intimate and joy-filled celebration that was a perfect reflection of their love and commitment.
My Role
• Full-Service Wedding Planning + Design
• Vendor Coordination & Management
• Styling & Decor Sourcing
• Timeline Creation
• Day-Of Coordination
Key Responsibilities
• Planning & Logistics
• Created a full planning timeline across 14 months
• Managed all vendor relationships including catering, rentals, photography, DJ, and florals
• Coordinated layout for both ceremony and reception across multiple outdoor zones on the property
Design & Styling
• Curated a “shabby chic meets bayou” aesthetic using wood textures, glass terrariums, sea moss, driftwood, and natural shells
• Styled lounge and photo areas using vintage pieces and mixed textures for an inviting, bohemian vibe
• Developed the signage suite and coordinated with the couple to integrate heirloom accents and meaningful décor elements
• Designed a candy display featuring a variety of sweets, adding a playful yet elegant touch to the reception
Day-of Execution
• Oversaw vendor setup and venue preparation starting early morning
• Ran a full-day timeline from guest arrival to final send off
• Served as the point of contact for all vendors, guests, and the couple to ensure smooth flow
Highlight Moments
• Gorgeous golden hour portraits captured on the bayou
• Reception design featuring layered textures and earthy details like terrariums, driftwood, and soft candlelight
• A lively dance floor under the stars surrounded by glowing string lights and family joy
• Coordinated a romantic sparkler send-off featuring a vintage red convertible, highlighting the couple’s vibrant, coastal-inspired love story.
Victor & Melissa
ariana v. watson
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