New Orleans Athletic Club

Traditional Nigerian Engagement Party

Southern Oaks

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Reception

Our Wedding

The wonders of technology authored the first chapter in our story, as our relationship began with match on the dating app "Bumble" towards the end of 2018.We eventually met for an unforgettable first date at Suba, a tapas bar in downtown Harrisburg. We had our own cozy little nook at the end of the bar and ended up talking for hours, absorbing each other, and just basking in the moment. That first evening turned into a cascade of amazing dates and shared adventures. And just like that, we were falling in love and planning to spend the rest of our lives together.We are grateful for each other and always talk about how lucky we are to have met each other. We can't wait to celebrate our love and happiness with you all, in a City that resonates with the same joie de vivre that defines our relationship and commitment to each other.

Oh so lucky!!

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Consider making your travel arrangements as soon as possible as New Orleans gets busy in March

For your convenience, a block of rooms has been reserved at each of the following hotels.&nbsp;Our recommended hotels are conveniently located within walking distance of the venue for the traditional Nigerian engagement ceremony and the pick-up location for coach transportation to the wedding venue.﻿To make a reservation, please use the links below.&nbsp;If you prefer to call the hotel, please request to book under the Bakare/Allen wedding room block.&nbsp;Please book your hotels as soon as possible to receive the discounted rates and guarantee your preferred reservation.

Courtyard by Marriott New Orleans Downtown Near the French Quarter

Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown (French Quarter Area)

Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Avenue

JW Marriott New Orleans

Magnolia Hotel New Orleans

Hotels

We are very excited to see you on our big day.In order to keep everyone safe, the City of New Orleans has established some guidelines and requirements for gatherings.Our venues and us are kindly requesting that all guests comply with the health and safety rules in order to safely attend our wedding: The current requirements are the following:Masks are required for indoor events.Anyone 12 years of age or older must provide proof of at least one dose of an approved COVID vaccine (approved by the FDA or WHO) or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event. Also note that many New Orleans restaurants require proof of vaccination for indoor dining. For guests requiring a COVID test for travel, the City maintains a registry of testing resources at <a href="https://ready.nola.gov/incident/coronavirus/testing/?utm_source=NOLAReady&amp;utm_medium=banner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Testing - NOLA Ready</a> One resource with plentiful capacity for appointments is the Community Clinic at the Priscilla R. Edwards Head Start Center. Appointments can be made at: <a href="https://book.curative.com/sites/33930" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Curative COVID-19 Testing | Priscilla R. Edwards Head Start Center | Curative</a>. The Center is a short Uber or Lyft ride from the wedding hotels. Please continue to check the website for updates as the city's guidelines and requirements may change.

COVID-19 Updates

New Orleans is a special City that we have traveled to many times.&nbsp; Ade’s roots in the Crescent City go back to his law school days at Tulane and Valerie first felt the City’s enchantment when she went for a medical conference during her residency.&nbsp; Together, we have spent many long weekends and vacations in New Orleans and are excited to share the City with our guests. The below list is by no means a comprehensive account of the best of New Orleans.&nbsp; And unfortunately, some of our favorites that should be here, like Mimi’s in the Marigny and Central Grocery, are closed due to damage from Hurricane Ida.&nbsp; While we hope those places recover and rebuild, we are very excited to share the rest of our list of New Orleans restaurants, bars, activities, and music venues with our guests!&nbsp;&nbsp; In addition to trying our recommendations, New Orleans is also a City for wanderers. We are always interested in trying new places, so be sure to email us at AdeandValwedding@gmail.com with any other special destinations you discover during your stay.&nbsp; If you are able to try some of the recommendations below, we also invite you to send us pictures of your visits to these venues.&nbsp;&nbsp; If you are interested in a particular restaurant or ticketed activity (especially JAMNOLA or Preservation Hall), consider making reservations early as New Orleans is a busy destination in March. Thank you again for joining us on this special weekend.

Restaurants and Bars

Compere Lapin535 Tchoupitoulas St.<a href="http://comperelapin.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://comperelapin.com/</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=compere+lapin&amp;rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS866US866&amp;oq=compere+lapin&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j46i175i199i433i512j0i512l3j46i175i199i512j0i512l4.2857j0j9&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(504) 599-2119</a>This trendy restaurant is the flagship of “Top Chef” Season 11 runner-up Nina Compton.&nbsp; Here, Chef Compton serves up creative fusions of Creole and European classics.&nbsp; It’s also one of the better cocktail bars.&nbsp; Bonus - the restaurant is housed in the Old No. 77 hotel, which features an art gallery on the lobby floor.&nbsp; Take a moment to explore before or after dinner. Bayona430 Dauphine St.<a href="https://www.bayona.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bayona.com/</a>(504) 525-4455Come to Bayona for high-end classic New Orleans cuisine with mediterranean influences.&nbsp; A longtime favorite of Ade’s and the site of our first dinner night in New Orleans. Coop’s Place1109 Decatur St.<a href="https://www.coopsplace.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.coopsplace.net/</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=coop%27s+place&amp;rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS866US866&amp;oq=coop%27s+place&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0i457i512j0i512l3j46i175i199i512j69i60l2.2068j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(504) 525-9053</a>Coop’s is a traditional and unassuming hole-in-the-wall for New Orleans creole food.&nbsp; Food is flavorful and hearty, but service is very… relaxed.&nbsp; Reservations are not accepted. Commander’s Palace1403 Washington Ave.<a href="https://www.commanderspalace.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.commanderspalace.com/</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=commander%27s+palace&amp;rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS866US866&amp;oq=commander%27s+palace&amp;aqs=chrome.0.0i271j46i175i199i433i512j0i457i512j0i512l7.3010j0j9&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(504) 899-8221</a>The most iconic restaurant in New Orleans still lives up to its reputation.&nbsp; An experience any time of day, but uniquely decadent at lunchtime, where martinis are 25 cents.&nbsp; Fortunately (or unfortunately?), the restaurant enforces a maximum 3 per-person rule for the martini special.&nbsp; Aside from the excellent food, service here is a true reflection of southern hospitality.&nbsp;&nbsp; La Boca870 Tchoupitoulas St.<a href="https://labocasteakhouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://labocasteakhouse.com/</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=la+boca+new+orleans&amp;rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS866US866&amp;sxsrf=AOaemvLI4PTciv-EXhOWrxflxT_2Z3bN-g%3A1635388883316&amp;ei=0w16YZrPEtCKggfV0ZPwBA&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjahNariuzzAhVQheAKHdXoBE4Q4dUDCA4&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=la+boca+new+orleans&amp;gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyDgguEIAEEMcBEK8BEJMCMgUIABCABDIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjoHCAAQRxCwAzoHCC4QsAMQQzoKCC4QyAMQsAMQQzoECCMQJzoKCAAQgAQQhwIQFDoFCC4QgAQ6CwguEIAEEMcBEK8BOgsILhDHARCvARCRAjoICAAQyQMQkQI6BQgAEJECOg4ILhDHARCvARCRAhCTAjoICAAQFhAKEB5KBQg8EgExSgQIQRgAULh0WPuUAWDelgFoAXACeACAAZwBiAGFEZIBBDMuMTeYAQCgAQHIAQvAAQE&amp;sclient=gws-wiz#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(504) 525-8205</a>New Orleans is not just for Creole food. &nbsp; The Argentinian steaks at La Boca are so good, we booked a vacation to Argentina over dinner here.&nbsp; We eventually had to cancel the Argentina trip because of COVID, so we instead went back to New Orleans to get steaks at La Boca again.&nbsp;&nbsp; Columns Hotel Bar3811 St Charles Ave.<a href="https://thecolumns.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thecolumns.com/</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=columns+hotel+new+orleans&amp;rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS866US866&amp;oq=columns+hotel&amp;aqs=chrome.0.0i20i263i355i512j46i20i175i199i263i512j69i57j0i512l4.3259j0j9&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(504) 899-9308</a>Perfect place to enjoy an afternoon cocktail in the scenic tree-lined Garden District.&nbsp; Named after the stately Roman columns dominating the front facade, this bar is best enjoyed on a sunny afternoon after a walk along St. Charles St.&nbsp;&nbsp; Seaworthy630 Carondelet St.<a href="http://www.seaworthynola.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.seaworthynola.com/</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=seaworthy+new+orleans&amp;rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS866US866&amp;oq=seaworthy+new+orleans&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j46i175i199i512j0i512l2j0i22i30.4740j1j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(504) 930-3071</a>Although known for its extensive selection of oysters and innovative cocktail menu, Seaworthy is also home to Ade’s favorite New Orleans burger.&nbsp; Best for small groups, as the dining space is limited. Bar Marilou544 Carondelet St.<a href="https://www.barmarilou.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.barmarilou.com/</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=bar+marilou&amp;rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS866US866&amp;oq=bar+marilou&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j46i131i175i199i433i512j0i512l5.2729j0j9&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(504) 814-7711</a>Bar Marilou is an fanciful evocation of Great Gatsby and Alice in Wonderland.&nbsp; They serve high end cocktails, wines, and bubbly in a grand and intensely colorful space.&nbsp; For the young and the young at heart. Pat O’Briens718 St Peter St.<a href="https://patobriens.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://patobriens.com</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=pat+o+briens+new+orleans&amp;rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS866US866&amp;sxsrf=AOaemvJgOqr9P6X5ZWrcR4WEFJQ_Ud-KHQ%3A1635390473312&amp;ei=CRR6YZK5EsuJlwTWsoTIDQ&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjS4euhkOzzAhXLxIUKHVYZAdkQ4dUDCA4&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=pat+o+briens+new+orleans&amp;gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyDgguEIAEEMcBEK8BEJMCMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeOgcIABBHELADOhMILhCABBCHAhDHARCvARAUEJMCOgUIABCRAjoLCC4QgAQQxwEQrwE6CggAEIAEEIcCEBQ6CAgAEBYQChAeOg4ILhDHARCvARCRAhCTAkoFCDwSATFKBAhBGABQuXFYioEBYOSCAWgBcAJ4AIABkQGIAf8IkgEDOS4zmAEAoAEByAEIwAEB&amp;sclient=gws-wiz#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(504) 525-4823</a>Home of the classic New Orleans Hurricane.&nbsp; This is one of those places that’s a favorite of both tourists and locals.&nbsp; The courtyard is great for people watching and the Hurricanes are always flowing.&nbsp; We won’t tell you what’s in a Hurricane, but definitely don’t drive after having one. Willie Mae’s Scotch House2401 St Ann St.<a href="https://williemaesnola.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://williemaesnola.com/</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=willie+may%27s+scotch+house&amp;rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS866US866&amp;oq=willie+may%27s+scotch+house&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j46i10i175i199j0i10l6j46i10i175i199.4325j0j9&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(504) 822-9503</a>An old soul food standby in the historic Treme neighborhood.&nbsp; The settings may be humble, but the late Chef Willie Mae Seaton was honored with a James Beard award for her classic fried chicken. Lil’ Dizzy’s Cafe1500 Esplanade Ave.<a href="https://lildizzyscafe.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://lildizzyscafe.net/</a>(504) 766-8687New Orleans is a haven for fine dining.&nbsp; Not here though.&nbsp; Lil Dizzy’s is as laid back as it gets, but all you’ll see are smiles because the homestyle Creole food is that good.&nbsp; They serve some of the best po-boys (New Orleans sandwiches) in town.&nbsp; Same with the the red beans and rice. Dicke Brennan’s Steakhouse716 Iberville St.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com/</a>504.522.2467While there are lots of new and trendy restaurants in New Orleans, we also like the classics.&nbsp; Dickie Brennan’s is a traditional steakhouse run by the Brennan family, which has operated an empire of New Orleans restaurants since 1946, including the aforementioned Commander’s Palace. Café du Monde1039 Decatur St.<a href="https://shop.cafedumonde.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://shop.cafedumonde.com/</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=cafe+du+monde&amp;rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS866US866&amp;oq=cafe+du+monde&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j0i20i263i433i512j0i433i512j0i512j0i20i263i512j0i512l2j46i175i199i512j0i512l2.1939j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(800) 772-2927</a>Valerie doesn’t like the lines, but she still can’t come to New Orleans without stopping here.&nbsp; This 24-hour cafe only serves beignets and coffee, but it’s extremely popular and worth a stop.&nbsp; Tip - if the line for sit-down service is too long, they have a take-out window towards the back and that line is always shorter. The Chloe4125 St Charles Ave.<a href="http://www.thechloenola.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.thechloenola.com</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+chloe+new+orleans&amp;rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS866US866&amp;oq=the+chloe&amp;aqs=chrome.0.0i20i263i355i512j46i20i175i199i263i512j69i57j46i512j0i512j46i175i199i512j0i512l2j46i512j0i512.2184j0j9&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(504) 541-5500</a>This place was our respite from a hectic weekend of venue shopping.&nbsp; Just like we did, come here to relax and take in the garden courtyard and the striking colors of the boutique hotel housing the restaurant.&nbsp; Definitely make a reservation to get in here. Brennan’s417 Royal St.<a href="http://www.brennansneworleans.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.brennansneworleans.com/</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=brennan%27s+new+orleans&amp;rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS866US866&amp;oq=brennan%27s+new+orleans&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j46i131i175i199i433i512j0i67j0i512l2j0i67j0i512l2j46i512j0i512.6534j0j9&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(504) 525-9711</a>The third installment from the Brennan family on our list, the family’s namesake restaurant is famous for being the birthplace of one of Valerie’s favorite desserts,&nbsp; bananas foster.&nbsp; While the tableside preparation of this dessert is a can’t miss show, the classic creole cuisine and luxurious brunch are also worth a trip.

Daytime

French QuarterThe French Quarter is known for its nightlife, but the best way to enjoy the quarter is a daytime walk through the cobblestone streets.&nbsp; Get off Bourbon Street and enjoy the people-watching, art galleries, architecture, and small shops along Royal, Conti, St Peters, and all the other charming neighborhood streets.&nbsp; Also stop by Jackson Square and take in the iconic facade of the St. Louis Cathedral.&nbsp;&nbsp; To orient yourself, the Quarter is bordered by Canal Street to the west, Esplanade Avenue to the east, Rampart Street to the north and the MIssissippi River to the south.&nbsp; City Park1 Palm Drive<a href="http://www.neworleanscitypark.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.neworleanscitypark.com</a>Fun Fact, New Orleans’ City Park is 50% larger than New York’s Central Park.&nbsp; If you want to see what locals do on a sunny afternoon, head to the park and take in its multiple attractions including a botanical garden, a sculpture garden, a butterfly garden, mini golf, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Baldwin &amp; Co.1030 Elysian Fields Ave.<a href="https://www.baldwinandcobooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.baldwinandcobooks.com/</a>(504) 354-1741We first stumbled upon this amazing book shop while strolling through the Marigny neighborhood.&nbsp; Baldwin is a proudly independent black-owned bookstore and coffeeshop teeming with color and creative energy.&nbsp; Come for the excellent coffee, the curated book selection, and the airy outdoor courtyard.&nbsp; For those with media interests, the shop has a beautiful podcast studio available for rent.&nbsp;&nbsp; JAMNOLA2832 Royal St,<a href="http://www.jamnola.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.jamnola.com</a>One of our absolute favorite experiences in New Orleans, JAMNOLA is a fully immersive art exhibit.&nbsp; Getting in is a hassle because you have to register in advance and sign up for specific timeslots.&nbsp; Winding your way through the fantastically colorful and energetic environments will bring out your inner child in the best possible way. New Orleans African American Museum<a href="http://www.noaam.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.noaam.org</a>New Orleans is a focal point of African American history and culture in America. The New Orleans African American Museum is an elegant celebration of that history.&nbsp; Drop in and enjoy the museum as well as the surrounding Treme neighborhood, which is the oldest surviving African American neighborhood in the country. Gallery Row (Julia Street Art Galleries)Neither of us can paint to save our lives, but we both enjoy exploring art.&nbsp; On one of our first trips together to New Orleans, we spent hours exploring the dozens of art galleries located on and around Julia Street in the city’s warehouse district.

Music Venues

House of Blues225 Decatur St.<a href="https://www.houseofblues.com/neworleans" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.houseofblues.com/neworleans</a>Probably the best House of Blues in the country.&nbsp; Any musician performing here gives 100% because the crowd demands it.&nbsp; Check the website for updates on performers.&nbsp; The House of Blues caters to local, national, and international acts. Jazz Playhouse300 Bourbon St. (inside Royal Sonesta hotel)<a href="https://www.sonesta.com/us/louisiana/new-orleans/royal-sonesta-new-orleans/jazz-playhouse" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.sonesta.com/us/louisiana/new-orleans/royal-sonesta-new-orleans/jazz-playhouse</a>A classic jazz house in the thick of the French Quarter.&nbsp;&nbsp; Preservation Hall726 St. Peter St.<a href="https://www.preservationhall.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.preservationhall.com/</a>The name says it all - Preservation Hall was founded to preserve the sounds and culture of traditional New Orleans Jazz.&nbsp; Nighty ticketed shows start at 5:00, 6:15, and 7:30. Frenchman Street(Two blocks east of Esplanade Avenue)Bourbon Street gets the headlines, but for a taste of real New Orleans Jazz, head a little further east to the Frenchman Street corridor.&nbsp; Here you can enjoy jazz inside one of the many clubs along the strip or just hang out on the curb and enjoy the street performers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Valerie & Ade

Valerie & Ade

Photos