Edra & Michal

November 23, 2019

By Caroline Edmondson

Screen Shot 2020-03-22 at 11.51.02 AM.png

Married in New Orleans on November 23, 2019, Edra Finley Harris and Michal Harris, Esq., first met during the Essence Festival in New Orleans. Initially contending for the same bartender’s attention, each found themselves quickly distracted by the other, and swiftly struck up a conversation. “We went on our first date in September of 2016, and the rest is history,” Edra jokes.

Edra says the proposal came as a surprise during a dinner at Southern National while celebrating her birthday. “Michal told me that he was going to be unable to make it in town due to having a work commitment the next day,” she recalls. “To my surprise, he made it to dinner, and I was so excited that he made it in time to celebrate my birthday. He had several drinks throughout the course of the night and made several trips to the restroom. Come to find out he was very nervous and anxious,” Edra laughs. When it was time to sing “Happy Birthday,” the waiters brought out a cake with a Tiffany blue box. “He got down on one knee and I said “YES!” of course” she exclaims.

Screen Shot 2020-03-22 at 11.51.10 AM.png

The newly engaged couple settled on New Orleans for their wedding day backdrop, as it was the city they had lived and met in. “We looked at several venues all around the city and decided on St. George’s Episcopal Church on St. Charles Avenue,” Edra says. “It was a very beautiful historic Episcopal church, which was very important to me. Our reception venue had a very classic and timeless space that would accommodate our 300-plus guest list.”

Edra’s favorite part of planning their wedding was the creative process of choosing details such as the menu, the flowers, and the band. The menu featured Creole classics like gumbo and red beans and rice. The bride’s four-tier round cake featured flavors of yellow cake, red velvet, and wedding cake, and was decorated in live flowers provided by LUSH Home•Garden•Event. As for the groom’s cake, Michal loves Pollman’s Bake Shop so much that he entrusted them with his chocolate doberge cake in the shape of his home state: Texas. One special touch (and perhaps Edra’s favorite aspect of the day) was the live artist there to capture their first dance in a beautiful painting the couple knows they’ll treasure forever. Michal’s most memorable part of the day was the first time he saw Edra walking down the aisle to take his hand.

Edra’s closest friends Toya Dartis, Antoinette Fobbs, Leslie Fayton, Rosemary Butler, and Secily Dumas made up her bridal party, with her sister, Erica Abrams, serving as her Matron of Honor. Edra’s favorite memory from her wedding? “Having my dad walk me down the aisle to give me away to the love of my life was a life-long dream come true,” she says.

After a honeymoon spent at The Grand Solmar in Cabo San Lucas, Edra says, “I look forward most to spending the rest of my life with my loving husband.”

Caterer:

Toulouse Gourmet Catering provided by The Cannery

Photographer:

XO Quinntographer

Videographer:

B Bryant Productions

Band/DJ:

Good Vibes Band

DJ - DJ Bruce

Brass/Second Line Band - Knockaz Brass Band

Wedding Planner:

Noble Events