What a wild second weekend for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival!!! We had six weddings in all, three of which took place on the Fairgrounds. Those three couples had no idea of what they were in for;o)
The first one was a young, eloping couple from the Isle of Guernsey, U.K. that wanted to get married in the Gospel Tent. My old friend and gospel singer Jo Cool just happened to be working that stage, and at the end of the first act I led them onstage. Although a bit nervous, Dean and Samantha were married to the roaring approval of the crowd, and had an experience that they will never forget. They weren't the only ones.
The second wedding was a couple who had been referred to me by a fellow Thread Head, Saint Louis Barb. They wanted to get married at the WWOZ Jazz Tent. I had never done a wedding there, but the stage manager was amicable, and agreed to work it out. We also picked up a camreaman from WVUE Fox 8 News who covered the whole event. So, Estelle and Rob got married onstage at the Jazz Tent, children at their side, and it made the late newscast that evening. More good press for NOLA!
Then it was back to the Gospel Tent For wedding #3. When John and Kathy found out that they were actually going to get married ON THE STAGE, they couldn't believe it, and they had the experience of a lifetime that few couples can boast of. Again, the crowd, and stage crew were great, and another happy couple were on their way with a story, I'm sure, they'll never tire of telling.
So, we were finally "off" for the day, in time to enjoy seeing Art Neville and Stevie Wonder wind up the second Friday of Jazz Fest. Festival weddings, while not for everyone, can be a wonderful experience. As long as you don't mind having a few thousand people there, how many other people can boast of having that kind of entertainment at their wedding?
Rev. Donald Bohn
www.RomanceinNewOrleans.com
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
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