Planning: Natalie Atkinson of Uncommon Camelia
Hair and makeup: Flawless Bride
Caroline + Chimezie | 5.21.22
Caroline Roe and Chimezie Ubozoh met during their first year of law school, but didn’t become close until the summer leading into their final year. They settled down in New York after graduating and became engaged in late 2020. The couple knew they wanted to marry in New Orleans, a city they both loved and an electrifying backdrop to the wedding weekend. "It’s such an exciting city," Caroline said. "The food is incredible, there’s music everywhere, and people are really friendly. It’s just so easy to have fun, and we thought having a wedding in New Orleans would be a good way to bring all of our family and friends together."
Chimezie wore an Indochino suit with an OTAA tie and tie bar.
With visions of a lively party, the duo began to search for a venue. After touring many options (one of their favorite parts of the planning process), they chose Hotel Peter and Paul, a converted church, school, rectory, and convent in the Marigny. "The hotel itself is so pretty and the church feels so grand. It also seemed very well organized when it came to events, which was true." It also determined the direction of the florals – Blooms Botanica crafted natural and bright arrangements and bouquets – and what the bridesmaids wore. "I gave the bridesmaids a color palette of pink and blue and told them to buy the outfit of their choice in those colors. They all did a great job matching and I was so happy with how they all looked with the flowers and the church."
Caroline, Chimezie, and their families. The couple’s wedding party included just their siblings.
The wedding weekend started with a bachelorette party for Caroline on Frenchmen Street, followed by the rehearsal dinner at Barrilleaux's where the bride and groom wore traditional Nigerian dress clothes. What started as a muggy spring day, complete with a thunderstorm, turned into a gorgeous evening. The ceremony began with Caroline’s sister’s partner playing Meditación de Thaïs on the violin as a duet with the pianist. Caroline walked down the aisle in a gorgeous Rebecca Schoneveld ballgown featuring a floral Spanish jacquard pattern. "I wanted something simple, elegant, and comfortable. Plus, it was easy to dance in and had pockets." Earrings from Fleur d’Orleans, a strand of pearls from Caroline’s high school graduation, and a bracelet borrowed from her mother completed the sophisticated and effortless look.
Sophia Breitag dueted with pianist Hristo Birbochukov during the ceremony.
The couple individually wrote their vows and were married by Vera Lester. They were surrounded by bright flower arrangements by Blooms Botanica.
Statement buds were added to the almond and buttercream wedding cake by Bywater Bakery.
Memorable moments included Caroline and Chimezie’s heartfelt vows and being surrounded by guests during the Money Dance, a tradition at Nigerian gatherings to celebrate the newlyweds with dollar bills. The evening was complete with two Bywater Bakery cakes and a sundae bar — a sweet start to marriage, indeed!
Chimezie’s mother’s dress was handsewn in Nigeria.
The couple envisioned a fun dance party with great food for their reception.
This article appeared in the March 2023 issue of Adore