If you're looking to wow your guests on every level, look no further than The Jaxson! This is of one of the best wedding venues anywhere; not just NOLA.
Layout: First, let me say the venue itself is beautiful! Soft color palate (think airy, m...odern sophistication; pale grays, taupes, etc.), which will easily blend well with most any décor or theme. There are 3 main rooms/spaces, and the flow from one into the next, makes for a unique reception experience. No cookie-cutter ballroom or restaurant feel here. It's chic and upscale, without being the least bit stuffy.
There is a fantastic room of windows which leads to the expansive terrace. I'm sure many brides will find the terrace to be perfect for their ceremony but we went in a different direction... outdoor bar, seating and photo lounge! We held our intimate ceremony indoors in the lovely Decatur Room, with its striking arched windows. It was the perfect blank slate to support our vision for the space.
Now I don't know about you, but the thought of having family and friends dressed to the nines, only to have to, how shall I say it? "Navigate" less than pristine restrooms, would have been a deal breaker for us. Here's another area where The Jaxson excels; cleanliness. The entire venue is beyond well-maintained and super clean! Impressively so!
Location: Situated in the coolest spot; right the heart of the French Quarter on an upper floor in the former Jax Brewery Bldg. Half overlooking the FQ, half overlooking the Mississippi River. Bonus: perfect location for second lining!
Food: If you are a foodie, you've found utopia! The menu is where they leave most of their "competition" in the dust. HUGE selection of everything you could want in a city known for it's amazing food! We went crazy with our menu choices; from the grits bar with various toppings including Crawfish Etouffee and Shrimp Napoleon (yep, on top of grits), to passed hors d' oeuvres like Marinated Petit Rib Eyes and Miniature Muffulettas, to a Bananas Foster Station! Even a seemingly simple hors d' oeuvre such as Asparagus with Champagne Vinaigrette Shooters, had guests who don't even care for asparagus, going back for seconds!Every dish was expertly prepared and gorgeously presented. The feedback from our family and friends was off-the-charts! Off. The. Charts!
Staff: This is a venue that knows hospitality. The owner Terry's perfectionistic presence is felt, whether he's in the building or not. He even personally helped set up our food stations! How many OWNERS are that hands-on? Maegan and Anthony were not only easy to work with (responsive to calls, emails and requests), but by the end of the process, felt just like family. Our bridal attendant Amber was exceptional. Ever-present without hovering. Did I mention that her father is their phenomenal chef?! Lots of family vibes, and we loved that!
Listen, I realize this glowing review to some, may seem too good to be true. Trust me, it's not. As someone with a seriously Type A personality and an event planning background, the expectations for my wedding were exceedingly high. My fiancé and I had a very detailed wedding vision with LOTS of moving parts. After months of intense destination wedding homework, we entrusted The Jaxson with one of the most important days of our lives, and we'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was pure MAGIC! Weeks later, ALL of us (guests included) are still on a high! If it gets any better than this, we have no idea how. Beyond 5 stars!