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Home • Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist

Paying homage to family ties in NOLA, this couple had a reception party like no other.
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
By Jasmine Grant · Updated December 6, 2020
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Leslie never expected that her college sweetheart would propose to her 30,000 feet in the air, but that’s exactly what happened when Gerard asked her to be his wife on a flight to a vacation. “Somehow he got permission to ask for my hand in marriage over the loudspeaker,” she says. “The flight attendant escorted me to the front and Gerard said the sweetest words and then got down on one knee. It was priceless.”

What was also priceless was the venue the couple picked for their big day: The Parador in Houston. This architectural gem boasts tons of history, with both indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces to accommodate any weather changes. Houston winters can bring about unpredictable weather. Luckily, the skies were clear as Leslie and Gerard said “I do” in the garden in front of their closest family and friends.

Scroll through the gallery to see the best moments from Leslie and Gerard’s winter wedding.

Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Send your story and a link to your wedding photos to [email protected] for consideration.

Article continues after video.
01
Meet The Turners
Bride: Leslie Turner, account executive, 31 Groom: Gerard Turner, supervisor, 31 Venue: The Parador, Houston, Texas Theme: winter wedding with a Mardi Gras surprise Make-up: Cami’flage Makeup Artistry Hair: Larry Valentine Hair Men’s Stylist: Nick Arrington Bridal Shop: Brickhouse Bridal Tuxedo: J.Crew Florist: Petals By Design Cake: Wedding Cakes by Tammy Allen Caterer: Cafe Natalie Photographer: 905 East Studios DJ and Photobooth: LG Entertainment Photobooth backdrop: Big Ass Balloons Choir: Richard Brown Music Linens: Lavish Linen Rental Boutique Rentals: The Events Company Videography: Two Hearts Photography & Films Second Line: Hustlers Brass Band
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
02
Change Clothes And Go!
The bride started her day overcome with joy.
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
03
The Big Day
“I first knew Leslie was The One when I saw how she interacted and loved her family,” says Gerard. “I knew she was an amazing person and would be an awesome mother.”
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
04
Just The Girls
Because what’s wedding prep without some cocktails first?
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
05
Lovely Day
Leslie flashes a smile in her Martina Liana wedding gown, which fit her perfectly.
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
06
Ready To Go
“My bridesmaids and vendors kept telling me everything was so chill,” says Leslie. “I thought I was stressed but perhaps I did a good job of just staying positive. The only thing that was on my mind was making sure we had a clear sky for the outdoor ceremony.”
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
07
Here Comes The Bride
“My father walked me down the aisle to a choir singing “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King. It was PERFECT, and they could SING.”
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
08
Voices Of Angels
The couple’s choir created a heavenly ceremony.
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
09
Just Me And You
There were 174 guests that watched them exchange vows, but in this moment, they saw no one but each other.
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
10
Give Thanks
“We just wanted the ceremony to be short and sweet,” the bride told ESSENCE. “The focus was primarily on Gerard and I exchanging vowels, giving thanks to the Lord with prayer and celebration.”
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
11
Dream Love
“It felt incredible to be marrying the woman of my dreams,” says Gerard
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
12
Timeless Elegance
From the beginning, Leslie envisioned their bridal party in all black. “I wanted the girls to have a dress that they could wear at another black-tie event. Their floor-length dresses fit them all like a glove.”
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
13
The Reason For It All
“Having our son there with us was special,” says Leslie. “He was almost 1 at the time, but bringing him in after our first dance was pretty amazing. The guest started chanting his name. He loved it!”
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
14
Meant To Be
Gerard says he wasn’t expecting to fall in love when he did, but affirms that, “the best things happen when you aren’t searching.”
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
15
Gather Round
Keeping up with their garden theme from the ceremony, Leslie and Gerard’s reception tables featured white, burgundy and blush centerpieces with floating candles.
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
16
Closer Than Close
Before the start of their day, Gerard and Leslie also did a first look. “I’m glad we had that special moment together without a crowd,” Leslie said.
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
17
All-Black Everything
“I wanted to stay away from the traditional wedding cake,” says Leslie, “so I asked my baker to make an all-black cake. It was beautiful and different!”
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
18
Always And Forever
Nothing like those “just married” butterflies.
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
19
Second Look
Leslie changed into a sequin cocktail dress that evoked the Mardi Gras theme.
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
20
Blessings On Blessings
About 75 percent of the guests were from out of town, and the couple was most grateful for their attendance. “Our wedding took place during the beginning of the TSA strike, so I was nervous about people being able to fly to Houston,” says the bride. “But God made a way. There is really nothing more I can say other than we are so blessed.”
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
21
Skee-Wee!
Leslie and her sorors came to represent!
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
22
The First Slice
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
23
Fat Tuesday Vibes
“During the reception we passed out Mari Gras beads and masks,” the couple says. “The men even changed into all black for the reception with purple handkerchiefs.”
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
24
Leslie’s Advice To Brides
“Stay positive. The wedding is a celebration of your union. Do not let anything or anyone steal your joy.”
Bridal Bliss: Leslie And Gerard's Winter Wedding Had A Mardi Gras Twist
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