High school sweethearts Van and Cindy knew they wanted their New Orleans wedding to incorporate everything they care about most. That meant good food, their cultures, and, of course, their friends. Their Felicity Church wedding blended artistry and tradition for a deeply meaningful and joyful wedding day.
Felicity Church: A New Orleans Wedding Venue
Felicity Church is a one-of-a-kind New Orleans wedding venue. The building originally served as a Methodist church in the nineteenth century. Its stained glass windows and towering ceilings are stunning. The current owners put a lot of time and effort into restoring it as a flexible, welcoming venue. You get to enjoy the best parts of the original building without actually being overwhelmed by a “church” feeling.
Because the sanctuary can be configured in so many ways, this venue has a large capacity. You can have up to 300 guests. If you’re hoping for a more intimate experience on your wedding day, you can definitely hold a smaller wedding that feels just as magical. For peak season (September through June), Felicity Church’s ceremony fee starts at $3,000, and the reception site fee starts at $6,000.
As a New Orleans wedding photographer, I’ve seen a lot of venues, and I can say Felicity Church is truly unique. The owners also own Derbes Mansion, and every event I work with them is excellent. There are endless ways to be creative in this venue. I can’t wait to photograph here again!
One personalized touch that Van and Cindy included was their lounge. They set it up on the upper loft. They wanted notes of Halloween and spookiness in their day without it being a themed wedding. I think they succeeded. Plus the lounge gave people a place to connect when they needed a breather from the dance floor. Guests loved discovering it and exploring.
Like many wedding venues, you can use the on-site catering partner at Felicity Church, Black Pearl Catering Co. You’re not required to use them, but they really do deliver an incredible experience. They were the perfect fit for Van and Cindy’s celebration.
A Celebration of All Things Louisiana
Van and Cindy wanted their wedding to be a celebration of their shared cultures. They incorporated their Viet culture and love for all things Louisiana into their wedding. Van was the point person throughout the planning process. It was a fun change of pace for me to be in contact with the groom! He had such an artistic vision for this day, and It was so fun seeing it come to life.
This wedding day started in Baton Rouge with traditional Viet prayer ceremonies. From there, we headed to Immaculate Conception Church for the ceremony. I’ve driven past this church many times, but this was the first time I got to notice just how beautiful it is on the outside as well as inside. The textures of the building are so unique.
From the church, the Knockaz led Van and Cindy’s guests on one of the liveliest second lines I’ve ever seen. Van and Cindy had really been looking forward to the second line. It didn’t disappoint! It was so cool to be able to do a parade route on some of New Orleans’ famous streets like Canal.
An Intentional and Unforgettable Wedding Day
This Felicity Church wedding is a perfect example of the difference a great coordinator can make. Van and Cindy worked with Uncommon Camellia. This coordination team, and especially the lead coordinator Maria, did an amazing job. Because of the amount of traditions and events in the day, there were so many moving parts over a long timeline. Maria and the Uncommon Camellia team made everything feel so effortless.
Would you like me to photograph your New Orleans wedding? I’m a wedding photographer who creates emotive images for couples who want an experience, not an event. Inquire with me here!
Thank you to the vendors who helped make this wedding amazing:
Reception: Venue: Felicity Church
Photography: Olivia Yuen Photography
Hair: Trinh Doan at Mai Beauty Bar
Catering: Black Pearl Catering Co.
Florals: Something Borrowed Blooms
Ceremony Venue: Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church
Rental Provider: Lovegood Rentals
Suits: Generation Tux
Wedding Dress: Blush Bridal Salon
Cake: 10 Cent Baking
Music: DJ Kerem
Second Line: Knockaz Brass Band
Video: Ken White
