Wedding at the Pharmacy Museum and Bourbon Vieux
Katie and Andrew
Katie and Andrew had an amazing wedding day, expertly coordinated by Elegance by Ace. The ceremony took place at the Pharmacy Museum on Chartres Street, and the reception was held at Bourbon Vieux.
We did the couple’s emotional first look in Exchange Place alley, along with some portraits of the two of them. After getting all the formal group shots done early, I’m not sure how it came to pass, but someone got the idea for all the groomsmen to toss the groom into the air, and (hopefully) catch him. The expression on his face was priceless. I don’t necessarily encourage this kind thing (as there’s a distinct potential that the stunt could go disastrously wrong). But I’ll certainly try to capture a great photograph of it if it does happen!
We then headed over to the Pharmacy Museum for the beautiful courtyard wedding ceremony, where we had gorgeous light to work with on this pleasant Spring afternoon. After the ceremony, the fabulous Kinfolk Brass Band led the group on a lively second line parade through the streets of the French Quarter to Bourbon Vieux for the reception.
Firefly Ambiance handled the gorgeous candlelit decor, while Lenora’s took care of the beautiful flowers. Omega Sound & Entertainment was on hand for the ceremony and reception music, and did a great job.
The venue features a large balcony that overlooks the famous street, a great place for guests to mingle. Towards the end of the night, things did get a little crazy out there, with the groom and groomsmen all stripping off their jackets and shirts on the balcony as onlookers down on the street cheered on!
About the Pharmacy Museum
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is a great example of the multitude of quaint and charming courtyards available for weddings in the French Quarter. This building was the location of the pharmacy of Louis J. Dufilho, Jr. in the early 1800s, who has the distinction of being the very first legitimately licensed pharmacist in the entire country. The museum features an impressive array of fascinating (and sometimes frightening!) exhibits.
Conveniently located in the heart of the Vieux Carré near numerous popular reception venues, it’s a great choice for couples a guest count of around 50-125 who are planning an indoor reception elsewhere in the French Quarter but want an outdoor courtyard ceremony.
This New York bride and groom had a second line parade through the French Quarter after their ceremony, leading all the guests to Bourbon Vieux where the reception was to take place. The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum can also host wedding receptions in the courtyard. For these weddings, staff quickly convert the space after the ceremony while formal group photos are being taken. A second line parade is another option for this time. With its brick paving, peaceful fountain, lush greenery, and old weathered walls with tons of character, it is truly a beautiful and unique location for a wedding.
A plaque on the exterior wall of the museum reads:
In his shop on this site, Louis J. Dufilho practiced pharmacy. As one of the first of his profession to have been licensed in the United States (no later than 1816). Pharmacist Dufhilo symbolizes the beginning of a system of certifying the professional competence of pharmacists, and the recognition of the vital significance of that competence for the public health.
A French Quarter Wedding Venue on Bourbon Street
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Bourbon Vieux is right in the middle of the action. It’s a fairly large reception space that can accommodate as many as 250 guests. It features a large corner balcony which, as the venue’s name implies, overlooks world-famous Bourbon Street.
New Orleans has so many awesome event venues to choose from. It’s nearly impossible to not be able to find something that suits your personality and your logistical needs.
