Unique Wedding Entertainment for a Unique Louisiana Wedding

A Unique wedding entertainment idea - Caricatures!

Matt and Morgan were a FUN couple from Louisiana that had a  Unique wedding entertainment idea. They contacted me because they really wanted Caricatures at their wedding, and that's my specialty.

Morgan told me on the discovery call that the reason they wanted a Caricaturist at their wedding reception is because when they got engaged in Las Vegas, they got a couple's caricature.

"Where in Las Vegas?" I asked. " Because wait - don’t tell me - was it on Fremont Street?"

Morgan said, "Oh my goodness, yes how did you know?"

I said, "Because I lived in Vegas for 10 years and I know there’s only one caricature stand there and that’s on Fremont Street Experienc,e and I used to Own & Manage it! I sold it to move here to the Gulf Coast in 2016."

They were so amazed by this that they hired me right there on the spot!

But it turns out we had a lot more in common besides just that.

I really love the venue that they chose, which was called Cedar Post Barn in Amit,e Louisiana. It was right on a lake, very rustic & extremely beautiful. That might not be for everyone (it’s definitely rustic but on purpose and in a cute way), but I loved it.

The cedar post barn interior

When I got there, a groomsman appeared to help me carry my stuff to and from the car, which I did not ask for; he was just such a nice guy that he saw me struggling with this big suitcase full of stuff, and he offered to help me.

Another groomsman appeared and took over carrying my case, and the first groomsman said “This is Andrew, my right-hand man, he’ll help you from here.” He scuttled off, and I had a realization.

I whispered to Andrew, “Was that the groom?!?” He nodded. I blushed. Whoops!

But my estimation of the groom immediately went way up. His mama raised him right. I was glad Morgan was marrying such a good guy.

I often don’t meet the bride and groom in person til their wedding day, so I have no idea what they’ll look like, so that’s how that happened. But it was such a laid-back and informal wedding, it wasn’t a big deal at all.

I went in and set up. Then I walked around and took pictures.

I noticed a Bible verse by my setup, and then I noticed Bible verses in the bathroom too. Matt and Morgan were having a Christian wedding at a Christian venue!

As a minister‘s wife, I specialize in doing Fun, CLEAN caricatures for Christian couples. Seeing these verses made me feel like I was in the right place. I even texted a pic to my hubby at home. He’s always worrying about me when I’m on long trips. This helped put his mind at ease.

This couple really showed their personality in their wedding - they had a couple of interesting things that I don’t usually see at weddings.

The first nice touch I noticed was a small table full of pictures from loved ones who had passed on, which I thought was really sweet. I’m enclosing a picture - if you’re reading,

you may want to swipe this wedding idea.

In loving memory table for a wedding

Another interesting difference was the bridal party and the bride and groom were walking around their venue along with their wedding party the entire time before the wedding.  Usually I see the bride and groom cloistered in separate areas. This was really refreshing. The bride and groom were down to earth people and this made me love them even more.

This is what happens when you have a first look, which is a new tradition that many wedding planners recommend and now I understand why. A lot of the pressure is off after the bride and groom see each other for the first time and after that they can just enjoy being with their family and friends.

They were also getting pictures taken during that time. So they didn’t have to get them taken later - again refreshing.

Because I was there good and early (I am always early!)

I got to watch the ceremony, which made me cry, of course.

One of the aunties had told me before the ceremony that they were worried about people not showing up. Only 10 RSVP’d!  But as the time came for the bridal party to walk down the aisle (all 35 of them!) the house was completely packed! People were sitting on the adjoining porch including me.

The ceremony was held right in front of the lake in a chapel that was built just for that purpose. It reminded me of my days at youth camp only prettier. They even had a chandelier overtop of the altar!

I was just in love with this gorgeous venue!

One fun surprise during the ceremony was a shot of tequila for the bride and groom! Everyone got a good laugh at that. This is Louisiana after all. They have drive through margarine stands here . I kid you not.

Right after the ceremony I slipped inside ahead of the  guests so I could be there when they came in and start drawing caricatures of everyone.

Which happened pretty quickly since I was set up right next to the bar. That was a great placement because everyone in line for the bar saw me and then came over after getting their drinks. That was good planning by the venue owner.

The owner, Penny was so on the ball that she actually came and asked me if I could still see if they dimmed the lights, which was a yes, I have lights that I bring with me, so that saved the day. 26 years in business you figure a few things out and fully charged LED piano lights from Amazon are IT, let me tell you.

However I have to say that  I have never in the 26 years but I have been drawing caricatures for weddings or corporate events has anyone ever ask me if it’s OK to dim the lights. Not even when I lived in Vegas. ESPECIALLY when I lived in Vegas!

Usually, They just do it and I have to deal with it. Which was how I learned to have lights. Thankfully I cut my teeth at corporate events in Vegas so I know all of the things like this and I’m prepared.

But That I thought was customer service! Thanks penny! I loved your venue!

As I was drawing, Everyone was telling me that they had been looking forward to getting their caricature. The bride and groom spread it around beforehand. I wonder if that had anything to do with the huge turnout?

The reception had a few high notes (besides caricatures and a Photo Booth).

Another funny thing that they did - I’m not sure if this was the Bide, Groom or the Djs idea - when they announced the brides dance with her dad, they started to play AC/DC. The entire room howled with laughter

It was a fake out! after that they played a sentimental daddy daughter songs. But I guarantee you second wil remember the AC/DC song 😂

Matt and Morgan also have two daughters, one from each of them, Brady hunch style,  and they had a special dance for the new family.

Morgan danced with her new daughter and Matt danced with his new daughter. That was so touching it brought me to tears. I wish I’d gotten a picture but I was drawing caricatures and just got a little glimpse.

I did got a picture or two of when the girls came and got their caricatures done separate from mom and dad so they can all hang their caricatures up on the wall.

I did as many as I possibly could and the time allotted before everyone had to leave. I even stayed a little bit late to finish off a few important guests just as a wedding gift to Matt and Morgan.

I told Matt I wasn’t going to charge him for 15 extra minutes but he generously tipped me anyway.

They also had the most freakishly delicious cake I have ever had at a wedding. EVER!

Usually wedding cakes LOOK nice but seldom do they TASTE good.

I am a cake connoisseur and let me tell you was like eating a cloud. There  were layers of mascarpone cheese and whipped cream and I don’t know what else, but it was like a cannoli cake. It was freaking awesome. I need the name of that baker!!!

Morgan and Matt, I wish you all the happiness in the world.

I’m so glad I got to be a part of your special day and help make it more special 💖

Salud!