Café NOMA by Ralph Brennan

ng under 10k it's not going to be easy to find the right venue. Our first step was deciding on a smaller guest list of 60. I had searched and searched but found most venues and approaches to our NOLA wedding were either highly expensive, restrictive, or unresponsive. I happened upon cafe NOMA and started pinching myself at the find. Anita (the event manager for the Ralph Brennan brand) got back to me quickly. Apparently getting a great weekend at the cafe can be tough as it needs to be booked at a time when NOMA isn't using the space for a larger wedding, event, etc. So if you are lucky enough to find a weekend to book, GO WITH IT. You get the city park experience, a huge courtyard with bistro lights, delicious food and drink, an indoor space with floor to ceiling windows that housed our group amazingly, and an incredibly attentive and kind service. Anita replied to email after email, and helped make even all of my requests possible. She even met with us twice (once for a venue visit and again to collect our reception decor) and totally coordinated the set up and take down. They were incredibly flexible, warm, and excited to make our reception come to life. When we arrived it was like seeing my vision become not only real but better. The amount of light and warmth that radiates from the cafe is so inviting. I wish I would have sneaked away with a whole tray of crab cakes. The wait staff and bartender were incredibly warm and attentive. I can't believe how quickly our group was fed and happy given that we didn't opt for a traditional sit-down meal. People were up and dancing in no time. They didn't nickel and dime us. In fact, they asked for a blanket cost and worked with us on the menu to make sure we had enough food and drink without going over budget. I am a wedding photographer and as someone in the industry I can tell you that you WILL NOT get this kind of love and attention elsewhere. Anita will take such such good care of you and the staff made the experience a breeze. My only regret is not booking more time, although my feet thanked me the next day because we definitely danced for like 3 hours straight :] Here's our wedding! Reception photos at the end! BOOK THEM! http://monicamunozi.com/documentary-photography-wedding-c-g-new-orleans-love/