How We Met: Through mutual friends at LSU. Kristen didn’t care much for Paul when she first met him. She is an extreme extrovert, and he’s an introvert. One day she was planning a spring break trip with a mutual friend, and they were trying to cut people off the list. She voted to nix him but didn’t win the vote. Paul came, “and it was that very trip where I found myself getting to know him and never wanting to leave his side,” she says.
The Proposal: Paul proposed in Costa Rica. It took him over six years to propose—Mr. Rushing was not rushing!—and Kristen over two years to plan the wedding.
Paul and Kristen were married on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Rip Van Winkle Gardens in New Iberia. Their 275 guests enjoyed a “Cajun chic” theme with food from Lagneaux’s, king cake from Gambino’s and Cajun cake pulls in the shape of everything from alligators to magnolias and crawfish.
Personal Touches: The vows. Paul was not initially up for it, but Kristen asked him to try to write his feelings on paper. He crushed it and she, on the other hand, was very nervous.
Most Creative Idea: Their puppy, Munchkin, walked down the aisle in her very own wedding gown and floral leash.
Funniest Moment: Kristen made a life-sized cutout of Paul for his “LSU/fishing” surprise groom’s table. The cutout was of him frying fish in an LSU apron, and it ended up being the hit of the night.
Money-Saving Tip: Use the bridesmaids’ bouquets as centerpieces at the reception.
Biggest Splurge: Food! This couple really went all out on a Cajun menu. They had 16 pass-arounds before the actual meal, a cochon de lait and ended the night with “late-night bites” of boudin and beignets.
Favorite Detail: Dad’s fried fish. Their caterer allowed them to supply their own bass fish, so they fried up some of what was called “father-of-the-bride fried fish.”
Most Memorable Moment: The flower girl screaming at the groom with excitement, “Uncle Paul, Uncle Paul, look at your bride. She’s a princess!” “Surrounded by all my friends and family and the love of my life, I truly felt like a Disney princess,” says Kristen. “So much love it was magical.”
Vendors
Wedding planner: Cassie Thibeaux of Southern Fête
Photographer: Erin & Geoffrey Photography
Videographer: Apercu Films
Bridal dress: A-Net’s Bridal Boutique
Veil/headpiece: Root Floral
Bridesmaids dresses: Bella Bridesmaid
Groom & groomsmen attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair & makeup: Bleu Hair & Makeup Studio
Venue: Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Caterer: Stacy Landry Catering (Lagneaux’s)
Baker: Gambino’s (wedding cake & groom’s king cake)
Flowers: Root Floral
Invitations: Invitations by Dawn
Transportation: Hotard
Décor rentals: Party Central
Band: Nik-L-Beer
Ceremony musicians: Blake Breaux & Anthony Rushing
DJ: Greg Pearson with Complete
