Brides Magazine, "Brooks Nader is officially a married woman! On Saturday, December 14, 2019, the Sports Illustrated model wed William "Billy" Haire, her boyfriend of three-and-a-half years, in true New Orleans style.
The bride, a Louisiana native, says she always dreamed of an outdoor tented wedding close to home. So, after Billy proposed last October, the couple took that vision and ran, ultimately hosting a wedding in New Orleans that celebrated the city in every detail from the location (the French Quarter, naturally) to the entertainment (a local second line band) and the cuisine (fresh gulf oysters and seafood staples from Brennan's). There was even an "after-after-party" on Bourbon Street, and Garth Brooks's "Callin' Baton Rouge," a favorite song amongst LSU football fans, made for one of the night's most memorable moments.
But New York City, the place where the couple first met and fell in love, also played a part in their wedding inspiration. Keep reading to see how Brooks and Billy brought a dose of Manhattan to their romantic winter wedding in New Orleans, as planned by Leslie Campbell Weddings & Events and photographed by Jenn Ocken Photography."
Lovegood Collection : Sophia Settee, Sophie Chairs, Victoria Settee, Beau Bistro Highboys,
3 Tiered Side Tables, and Tufted Ottomans
" The couple worked with Ceci New York to create a unique yet classicinvitation suite. The resulting design set the mood for the December wedding with an elegant script font, silver accents, and a unique laser-cut liner." - BRIDES
"For the ceremony, Brooks wore the "Oberon" gown from Pronovias, which features a strapless neckline, fitted silhouette, and statement back of fabric-covered buttons. She accessorized with wedding shoes from family friend Dee Keller and jewels from Ring Concierge, Angara Jewelry, and Jade Trau. Her final accessory? A ring from Billy's mother that she tied to her bridal bouquet.
Brooks first said "yes" to her dress while shopping with her mother, sister, and future mother-in-law. However, the dress got one additional seal of approval before she walked down the aisle. "My dad came to the dress fitting, which was so special to have him there for that process," she says. "The girls were making jokes about who was going to shed the first tear. When I came out in the dress, my dad 'fainted' when he saw me. I knew it was the right dress!" - BRIDES
"On the day of the wedding, the groom had a similar reaction. "When we did ourfirst look, Billy was uncontrollably crying, which, of course, made everyone else cry," Brooks says. "It was so special!" - BRIDES
"The couple officially wed at St. Mary's Church, a cathedral that dates back to 1727. "We saw a lot of venues in New Orleans, and when we walked in, we immediately knew the church was a perfect fit for us," she explains. "It is a beautiful Catholic church connected to a historic convent." There, Father Tony Rigoli led aceremonythat included traditional vows and a reading by Raine Michaels, Bret Michaels's daughter. And, funny story: The couple'sringsalmost didn't make it to the church! The groom thought the bride had them and she thought he had them until about 10 minutes before the ceremony when they realized what had happened.Brooks adds, "One of our guests happened to be running late from the hotel and was able to grab them from the safe and literally ran them up to the priest as the bridesmaids were proceeding down the aisle!" - BRIDES
"To complement the venue's muted facade, décor was done in shades of cream and gray with blush accents. Our favorite touch? A Hermesthrow blanketemblazoned with an "H" for the newlyweds' last name." - BRIDES
WEDDING TEAM
CEREMONY VENUE: St. Mary's Church RECEPTION VENUE: Old Ursuline Convent WEDDING PLANNER: Leslie Campbell Weddings & Events OFFICIANT: Father Tony Rigoli BRIDE'S CEREMONY DRESS: Pronovias BRIDE'S RECEPTION DRESS: Viero Bridal BRIDE'S VEIL: Daphne Newman Design BRIDE'S JEWELRY: Ring Concierge; Angara Jewelry BRIDE'S SHOES: Dee Keller HAIR: Beth Washington BRIDESMAIDS' HAIR: SoHo Boutique Salon BRIDE'S MAKEUP: Bruce Lindstrom, using Charlotte Tilbury BRIDESMAIDS' MAKEUP: Amy Thornton GROOM'S ATTIRE: Tom Ford ENGAGEMENT RING: Jade Trau WEDDING BANDS: Hamra Diamonds FLORAL DESIGN: Billy Heroman's INVITATIONS: Ceci New York CEREMONY MUSIC: Dreux Montegut COCKTAIL HOUR MUSIC & SECOND LINE: Paulin Brothers Brass Band RECEPTION MUSIC: The Time of Your Life Band CATERING: Ralph Brennan Catering WEDDING CAKE: Chasing Wang RENTALS: Perrier Party Rentals; LoveGood Rentals TRANSPORTATION: American Luxury ACCOMMODATIONS: The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans VIDEOGRAPHY: Nathan Willis PHOTOGRAPHY: Jenn Ocken Photography GUEST PHOTOGRAPHY: Boogie Booth ICE SCULPTURE: Ice Dragon AFTER-PARTY VENUE: Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar