When music is your life, like it is for Christine and Roger, then there’s no more perfect place to hold your wedding than The Marigny Opera House, which calls itself a “neighborhood church of the arts.” Originally established in 1847 as the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and well-known for its beautiful music, the congregation was relocated, and the building deconsecrated in 1997. In 2011, the property was purchased by Scott King and David Hurlbert, and then refurbished and renamed The Marigny Opera House, where it serves the community as a meeting place, hosts musical meditations, supports local performing artists, and hosts the occasional wedding.
The Ceremony: The Marigny Opera House Wedding
Christine and Roger met through music in 2007 when they were both part of the University of Houston orchestra – he working on his MM in Orchestral Conducting and she getting her BA in Music Education and Spanish. They got engaged on a trip to Catalina Island in 2016. They both love hiking, so at sunset at the top of their hike, Roger proposed with a spectacular view as his backdrop. Who could say no to a performance like that? While Christine calls Indiana home while she finishes her doctorate, she spends most of her time in California where Roger lives. They chose New Orleans as the site for their wedding because Christine was born here from parents who met and resided here, and the city holds a great many traditions and other family ties for her. They both also love the idea that the city is culturally and musically diverse. Although the bride and groom have different views about the beach, they agree whole-heartedly on their loves of music, hiking, food, and travel. Oh, and they both adore their little dog, Burney, a beautiful little Coton de Tulear. Their March wedding consisted of three bridesmaids and three groomsmen, and was planned by the bride and coordinated by Edith Dugas, a professional event planner and the couple’s close friend. The bridal parties prepared for the wedding at the Westin, and Burney joined the bride for some bridal portraits. The bride wore a stunning gown from Weddings by Debbie with a heart-shaped bodice adorned with lace. She also wore a long, flowing veil and carried a cascade bouquet of pink and white flowers from Nola Flora. The bridesmaid wore black formal dresses, which matched the groom’s tuxedo from Victor Talbots and groomsmen’s black tuxedos from Foresto Tuxedo. Firefly Ambiance did an wonderful job making the Marigny House look amazing! After the Marigny Opera House ceremony and some formal photographs the bridal party and guests moved to the Riverview Room on Decatur Street for the reception.
The Reception: The Riverview Room
The first dance for this music-loving husband and wife was a dance song titled Je te veux (I want you), which was a special arrangement for the couple done by the Panorama Jazz band (led by Ben Schenk) that will be released commercially on April 1. Music for the ceremony consisted of a string quartet and the couple friend, soprano Katherine Polit, and also included a piece arranged by their friend, conductor Nicholas Hersh. The couple’s three-tiered wedding cake, adorned with pink roses and some serious bling, was created by Swiss Confectionery, the cake company that also created wedding cakes for Christine’s parents’ and maternal grandparents’ weddings. Christine surprised Roger with a two-tiered groom’s cake (also by Swiss Confectionery), which was chocolate squares adorned with musical notes and a topper from Trina’s Clay Creations with replicas of the bride, the groom, Burney, and some of the groom’s favorite things. After a night of rollicking good fun, the guests were pralines and handkerchiefs to take home. But before anyone could leave, the entire group formed a second line parade and took the party to the streets, with Christine, a musicologist, and Roger, an orchestral conductor, leading the way. This couple is all set for the performance of a lifetime . . . together. 
