On May 21, 2022, The Big Easy played host to the magnificent union of Ridley Wills and Grayson Mann. Church bells and whispered prayers for no rain floated up to the spring skies over New Orleans as 300 guests filled the pews of Christ Church Cathedral. And as they left, a choir of Gospel singers lined the cathedral steps, keeping the matrimonial spirit alive.
Before we experience their “big day,” let’s rewind the story that led the Willses to the altar.
Ridley and Grayson were pals throughout their four years at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Come senior year, however, a strong friendship turned into an exciting romance. Their years of friendship “definitely had a positive impact on our relationship,” Grayson says.
An elegant gold motif set the tone from the moment envelopes arrived.
On a trip to Venice, Italy, in 2021, Ridley planned a thoughtful — and epic — surprise for Grayson. “He asked a seemingly random stranger to take our picture,” Grayson recalls. “While the photographer asked if we could snap some photos in exchange, Ridley got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I’ve never been so shocked in my life!”
A nine-month engagement was perfect for the couple. “We had to move quickly, but we were not too rushed,” Grayson says. “We also didn’t have much time to continue thinking about decisions. I liked to knock out the details piece by piece.” Leslie Campbell led the charge as wedding planner extraordinaire, and Grayson was more than grateful. “There’s no way I could have done it myself,” she laughs.
The historic New Orleans Board of Trade on Magazine Street is a storied, expansive building that proved the perfect canvas for Grayson’s hometown wedding vision.
As she was touring venues in New Orleans with her parents, Grayson was looking for an indoor-outdoor space that they could transform into the wedding wonderland of their dreams. The Board of Trade ticked all the boxes. Its marble columns, high arched ceilings, and pretty outdoor courtyards were perfect for this large, multifaceted affair. They also planned a fabulous rehearsal dinner at the French Quarter fine dining staple, Arnaud’s, so guests could see — and taste — New Orleans in the best way.
They even tented the courtyard so guests could mingle alfresco despite the rain.
When dreaming up the visuals, Grayson wanted one thing: vibrant color. “I love bright pinks, oranges, and fun colors, so picking the florals was easy for me!” she says. “It was probably one of my favorite parts and came together better than I could have imagined!” They landed on a “garden party” vibe that brought in blue and green hues and incorporated latticework into the bar build-outs and food stations.
Few spots remained unadorned with florals — inside and out!
Colorful florals popped against dusty blue bridesmaid gowns.
Grayson searched for something very traditional in her gown. “I only tried on five dresses, and I knew I had found the one when my dad locked his arm in mine as if we were going to walk down the aisle,” she says of a tender moment. Because her dress was traditional and very heavy due to the volume and long train, Grayson opted for an outfit change so that she could comfortably dance the night away. “The second I saw the dress online, I knew it was perfect!” she adds.
The glowing bride wasn’t showing any nerves in these fun getting-ready shots. Check out the detail in her dress!
Grayson and her father enter the church through a drizzle — no one could rain on their parade!
It was a treat for everyone in attendance to watch Ridley lay eyes on Grayson in her dress for the first time. “I really wanted us to see each other for the first time walking down the aisle,” Grayson explains. After a heartfelt exchange of traditional vows, the bride and groom were brimming with joy and were all smiles as they ascended the aisle facing their loved ones.
Grayson’s adorned train and veil are show-stoppers as she walks the hardwood aisle arm-in-arm with her father.
Have you ever seen a happier couple?!
The intricacies of the Christ Church Cathedral‘s chandeliers, architecture, woodwork, and stained glass set a romantic scene.
Grayson’s white bouquet was a beautiful contrast to the colors in the rest of her florals.
The party continued outside of the stately New Orleans Board of Trade to the tunes of the Paulin Brothers Brass Band. During cocktail hour, several hors d’oeuvres were passed, and an ice bar offered guests cocktail shrimp, raw oysters, and crabmeat. There was also a chargrilled oyster station, which guests loved. “It felt very authentic to New Orleans,” Grayson adds.
Music was a cornerstone of the whole day. Jamalar Agency Gospel Choir welcomed guests outside the church and onto buses that would shuttle them to the reception.
Looks like Grayson has a dutiful new husband!
This seafood bar is unlike any we’ve seen. The 100% ice structure features a monogram and florals frozen INSIDE the columns.
Once guests were primed and ready to dance, Atlanta Party Band brought the house down from the entrance to the last note. After Ridley and Grayson first danced to “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke, it was time to feast! The buffet-style meal was a classic wedding menu with Louisiana flare … beef tenderloin, salmon and orzo, cheese and charcuterie, and a fried green tomato station! “Guests could opt for the crabmeat ravigote or crawfish remoulade topping,” says Grayson.
The bar was adorned with candles and asymmetrical floral arrangements.
With many chef-driven buffet stations to choose from, guests could eat and mingle however they liked.
While the wedding cake was a classic white cake with lemon curd filling, they opted for something more adventurous for the groom’s cake. The banana-flavored cake had dulce de leche cream cheese icing — the bride and groom’s nod to a classic New Orleans dessert, Bananas Foster.
When the cake flowers match the venue florals …. *chef’s kiss!*
The clever groom’s cake was an impressively realistic suitcase adorned with stickers from teams and places near to their hearts.
Grayson’s fabulous outfit change ushered in props, sequined cowboy hats, and flip-flops for guests. The dance floor was HOT for hours, and Grayson and Ridley barely left it.
Check out the embellished heart detailing on Grayson’s mini reception dress!
A precious moment captured by photographer Jeannie Frey Rhodes.
When the band played its last note, it was time for the only true New Orleans wedding exit: a line dance through the streets. Grayson, Ridley, and the brass band led a parade of friends and family to the Polo Lounge at the Windsor Court Hotel, where they capped off the night with more drinks.
It was pure joy as the bride and groom led the way from the reception to the after-party!
What a night!
After a Southern-sweet honeymoon in Sea Island, GA, Grayson and Ridley settled back into life together in Austin, TX — this time with a few extra rings.
Thanks, Grayson and Ridley, for walking us through your fabulous engagement and wedding day. And thanks to Jeannie Frey Rhodes for the stunning photos.
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RESOURCES
Ceremony: Christ Church Cathedral
Reception: New Orleans Board of Trade
Planner: Leslie Campbell
Photography: Jeannie Frey Rhodes
Videography: My Bella Film
Flowers: Bella Blooms Floral
Stationery: Paper ‘N’ Things and Glenda Swan Fine Calligraphy
Hair and makeup: Flawless Bride
Bride’s gown: Custom Martina Liana Luxe from Town & Country Bridal
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Alfred Sung from Bella Bridesmaids
Groom’s tuxedo: Custom J. Fredric’s Clothiers
Catering: Pigeon Caterers
Cakes: Chasing Wang
Entertainment: The Jamalar Agency, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, and Atlanta Party Band
Rentals: See-Hear Productions and Distressed Rentals
Casual cups/napkins: Paper ‘N’ Things
Transportation: Limousine Livery
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