NOW real wedding: Amanda Waguespack & Tyler Messina

JUNE 19, 2021 | NEW ORLEANS, LA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EAU CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHICS

AMANDA + TYLER’S STORY

“We both went to LSU and must have been at the same house parties and bars 100 times,” says Amanda. “Officially, though, we met June 1, 2013 at a LSU baseball tailgate.”

The couple met some friends to watch the game and Tyler spent the evening buying everyone Patron Tequila shots and telling his “famous tequila joke” to get Amanda’s attention. “The rest was history from there,” she says.

The proposal, on June 8, 2019 was a family filled event.

“Ty’s family is really involved with the American Cancer Society,” explains Amanda. “He told me that there was a fundraiser we were going to and we would meet at his dad’s place before. We walked through the back gate into the backyard and on our way, he got down on his knee and attempted to say his little speech and ask me to marry him. He started it, then I was like “Ooo ok” figuring out what was actually happening and then we both just nodded our heads - I don’t think any actual words came out after that. Then we turned the corner where the backyard was fully decorated and friends and family began pouring out of the house to congratulate us.”

Amanda and Tyler originally planned to marry in June of 2020, but due to postponements, finally said “I do” in June of 2021.

From Amanda's Perspective: Getting ready the day of your wedding is kind of crazy," says Amanda. "I was surrounded by what felt like a ton of people all day, but not allowed to see my favorite person. And then finally, I step out the doors and its just us. Walking toward him hoping that he is still just as nervous excited as I am, hoping he thinks I look beautiful, (slightly hoping I am doing this right haha) and also wanting to rush and give him a big hug. Then he turned and it was everything I could have imagined. This rush of excitement and joy, this special little moment between just us. "

From Ty's Perspective: "You spend all this time planning and preparing for the big day," says Ty, "and then, there I was just waiting, staring down Baronne St. with my back towards the hotel door. Then, I get a tap on my shoulder. And I hesitated for a moment, wondering if it might be the photographer or someone else saying “it’ll just be a few more minutes.” But as I realized that was not the case and finally turned, there she was. And it was then that I first got to see my stunning wife to be. I nearly lost it. The first look was so special. So magical. There could've been a million people standing around us or no one. But at that moment, my entire field of vision was her. The rest of the day was a blissful blur. I could not stop myself from smiling."

Amanda’s Granny had a tradition of purchasing her granddaughter’s dresses for all the big special events in their lives and had planned to do the same for their weddings. Sadly, Granny passed away before Amanda got married. Although Granny wasn’t able to be at the wedding, Amanda’s Papa Bill used the money that Granny had set aside to pay for Amanda’s wedding dress and Amanda’s aunt presented her with a rosary made from the flowers at her Granny’s funeral to carry on the wedding day.

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ADDITIONAL VENDOR CREDITS: GETTING READY LOCATION: Le Pavillon Hotel | CEREMONY LOCATION: Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church | OFFICIANT: Father Stephen Kramer | RECEPTION LOCATION: Civic Theater | BRIDE’S GOWN: Martina Liana, Town & Country Bridal | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Bill Levkoff, Bella Mera Bridal | HAIR + MAKEUP: Whitney + Suzette, Up’Sa Daisy Salon | JEWELER: Ramsey’s | PHOTOGRAPHY: Eau Claire Photographics | VIDEO: Shotgun Films | FLORIST, CANDLE DECOR + LIGHTING: Crystal Vase | CEREMONY MUSIC: Provided by the church, featuring Tyler’s step-mother Jennifer | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Rewind Band | WEDDING PLANNER: Elizabeth Burkhardt | CATERER: Jacquesimo’s | TRANSPORTATION: Trinity Trolleys and Royal Coach | KOOZIES: 24 Hour Wristbands (designed by bride’s friend Ellie) | INVITATIONS: Minted