Unveiled Real Weddings with AP Pros: Kim & John's Rehearsal Dinner

Kim & John NYE wedding
March 21, 2022

On the night of NYE, lace parasols and glimmering lights hung above, velvet couches and rich jewel tones illuminated by candlelight and antique gas lamps, the smell of jambalaya was in the air, and jazz notes filled every corner—Kim and John’s Escondido estate was transformed into New Orleans. The couple rang in the new year in style with a night in “The Big Easy” rehearsal dinner. From the glamorous details, and lavish florals, to the anticipation for the wedding day and the new year, everything about this night was electric. Read more about this unforgettable rehearsal dinner and fall in love with this night of endless possibility.



New Orleans Roots

New Orleans is known as the “The Big Easy” with its long-lasting musical heritage. It’s a haven for jazz music, Creole & Cajun cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Type A Soireé and all of the incredible vendors brought the lively spirit of New Orleans and recreated it for Kim and John. Justice Photography beautifully captured every detail and every moment of love. 

New Orleans tablescapes
Photo courtesy of Justice Photography


Glam Musical Details 

The artfully created escort wall by Sunkissed Native was a live-size music sheet with notes and a sign that read “Follow the beat to your seat.” At the tables, each place card was a gold instrument with guests’ names written in delicate cursive, accompanied by a menu shaped like a record! 

Music sheet escort wall and instrument place cards
Photos courtesy of Justice Photography


New Orleans Inspired Tablescape + Florals

Nothing evokes the feelings of a new chapter like statement florals. The arrangements by Gaslamp Floral had a traditional New Orleans essence with big roses in purple, deep fuchsia, and white, and hanging greenery peeked out of the sides. Florals bloomed and had their spotlight moment decorating the fountain where Kim and John would say “I do” the following day.

Amazing purple and pink florals on a table and on a fountain
Photos courtesy of Justice Photography


Elegant black tablecloths were paired with taper, votive, and pillar candles that matched the colors of the florals. While gold chairs with emerald cushions provided that perfect contrast!

Tabelscape
Photo courtesy of Justice Photography


Velvet couches were arranged in vignettes around the dance floor to make guests feel like they were sitting in a sultry dim lounge at a jazz club. 

Lounge couches
Photo courtesy of Justice Photography


Personalized Entertainment

Kim and John were most looking forward to dancing the night away with their loved ones and they did just that with the astounding ten-piece jazz band from Republic of Music. The jazz band captivated the audience by playing the most joyful and energetic dance songs, along with romantic soft melodies.

Jazz band. Man playing sax
Photo courtesy of Justice Photography


Payne Mason Cigar rolled custom Cuban cigars in front of guests that they could then enjoy at the cigar lounge located in front of the grand fireplace in the casita.

Cigar rolling
Photos courtesy of Justice Photography


Bites & Bevs

24 Carrots Catering & Events provided custom appetizers, a mac and cheese bar, and a duel entree of jambalaya and shrimp with grits that were absolute perfection.

Shrimp poh boys on a platter
Photo courtesy of Justice Photography


Bubbly was pouring all night long with the amazing bartenders from This Girl Walks Into a Bar.

Bar set up
Photo courtesy of Justice Photography


Bananas Foster flambé was not only a yummy treat but an experience!

Bananas Foster
Photo courtesy of Justice Photography


The fresh beignets topped with sugared strawberries, dark chocolate, and powdered sugar were to die for!  

Beignets
Photo courtesy of Justice Photography


When the countdown to the new year began, energy and sparklers were high! Most importantly, Kim and John had the night of their lives. New Orlean’s motto Laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) set the tone for a NYE that will be remembered forever.

NYE countdown celebration
Photo courtesy of Justice Photography

Want to see more? 

You can find the full video highlights of the night on our social media stories at @aisleplanner and @theaisleguide.




Hero photo courtesy of Justice Photography

Share

About the Author

Karina Trejo Melendez wearing a white sweater and smiling
Karina Trejo Melendez
Aisle Planner, Sr. Content Manager
Karina is a Mexican writer and English professor. She is passionate about celebrating love, culture, diversity, and community and takes pride in bringing those values into her work as the Sr. Content Manager for Aisle Planner's Editorial Team. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and worked in various roles in copywriting and editorial publishing before she came into her current role.