When we were choosing a wedding location, New Orleans was a no-brainer. Jessica was born there and went to college at the University of New Orleans. It was Andrew's favorite city, even before they met. We couldn't think of a better way to spend our wedding weekend than having a big bash in New Orleans with our close friends and family. And, of course, Sally will be making an appearance or two!

Our wedding is the weekend before Thanksgiving. So if you've had a little too much fun in the Big Easy, it's a short work week when you get home — or you can take off the entire week.

You will not need to rent a car. The hotel is in a great, walkable location and it's expensive to park overnight in New Orleans. You should take an Uber or taxi from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to the hotel when you arrive. If you want to explore outside the French Quarter area, you're still better off with an Uber, cab or street car than renting a car for the weekend.

We're very psyched and can't wait!

For guests arriving to New Orleans early we are having a dinner Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Cafe Minh. This French Vietnamese fusion restaurant is special to Jessica — in her New Orleans days, she worked for Chef Cynthia at Cafe Minh's pre-Katrina downtown location.

The restaurant is located in Mid City at 4139 Canal Street. You can take an Uber or streetcar from the French Quarter.

There is no group dinner on Friday but you're in New Orleans which means there's great food everywhere. It's impossible to list all the best restaurants but here are a few of our favorites. You should make a reservation in advance — the sooner the better.

Broussard's (French Quarter): Upscale restaurant with classic creole cuisine. Just two blocks from the hotel. http://www.broussards.com/

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro (French Quarter): More casual than Broussard's. Tasty Louisiana cuisine and lots of wine. 1/2 mile from hotel. http://www.orleansgrapevine.com/

GW Fins (French Quarter): Seafood-heavy restaurant with menu that is consistently updated. 1/2 mile from hotel. http://gwfins.com/

Cochon (Warehouse District): Outstanding cajun and southern food in a renovated warehouse. 1 mile from hotel. https://cochonrestaurant.com/

Jacques-Imos (Uptown): A great New Orleans eating experience. Fantastic creole soul food and a famous alligator cheesecake. 5 miles from hotel. http://jacques-imos.com/

Clancy's (Uptown): Upscale creole restaurant in an old Uptown house. 6 miles from hotel. https://www.clancysneworleans.com/

**Note: While Muriel's Jackson Square is one of the best restaurants in the French Quarter, don't eat there Friday. That's where we're all going for the Saturday night dinner party!**

Join us after dinner Friday night and after the wedding Saturday night on Frenchmen Street. New Orleans' best nightlife spot (sorry Bourbon Street) is full of live music venues. We don't know yet where the night will take us, but keep in touch!

Join us Sunday morning at Brennan's, a classic brunch spot just a short walk from the hotel. Enjoy a great meal to cap off the weekend.

There is plenty do in New Orleans. Here are some of our favorite activities and recommended stops.

St. Louis Cathedral: The oldest cathedral in North America. It's right at Jackson Square in walking distance to the hotel and it's very beautiful inside. http://www.stlouiscathedral.org/

The French Market: Six blocks of shopping and flea markets at the edge of the French Quarter. https://www.frenchmarket.org/

Cafe Du Monde: Most New Orleans first-timers make a stop here for coffee and beignets. There's typically a long line but it usually moves quickly. http://www.cafedumonde.com/

Cemetery Tour: Explore New Orleans' famous cemeteries in the Garden District. Google "New Orleans cemetery tour." There are numerous options.

National WWII Museum: The name speaks for itself. It's loaded with excellent artifacts and history. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/

For more tips visit the Best of New Orleans Gambit website https://www.bestofneworleans.com