Inshaallah & Matt’s Romantic New Orleans Elopement

General, Real Elopements,

4 min read Jun 29, 2024

Nothing says southern charm quite like New Orleans, and Inshaalah and Matt’s elopement proves it! These lovebirds had a bright and sunny day as they recited their vows on Mar 18, 2020 in the beautiful New Orleans City Park and it couldn’t have been more lovely. No matter where you plan your New Orleans elopement, you just know that your backdrop is going to be breathtaking, and Inshaallah and Matt’s ceremony is no different! Check out their love story – and their experience with Simply Eloped – in their own words below!

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

We met at work when she was transferred from another restaurant. I was the chef and she was the head floor manager. I absolutely hated her the first day, but that changed. She started hanging out around me more at work even though she didn’t have to and that’s when the lightbulb went off in my head. I like liked her.

When did you first fall in love? How did you know?

After our first date we became inseparable – there was just something that just made sense in every way possible, and it didn’t take very long for us to know that we were soul mates.

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

We were watching Toy Story 3, and out of nowhere he got up and grabbed a piece of string that was hanging around and tied it around my finger. He said he just couldn’t wait any longer to ask me to be his wife. We had only been dating about 6 or 7 months but he just knew. We went and looked for rings later that year.

What do you love about your partner?

I love that we bring the best out in each other. We can simply be ourselves around each other. And he’s the funniest person I know.

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

We just support each other 100%, we’ve always just wanted to be there for the other person no matter what either of us is going through.

Why did you decide to elope?

We originally wanted to plan a somewhat big wedding for all our family and friends, but the more we planned the more we realized that just wasn’t our vibe. We were still committed to New Orleans being our destination because it’s always been our favorite vacation.

How did you find Simply Eloped?

Pinterest!

How did you know Simply Eloped was the right fit for you?

It’s so easy to use and everyone was so nice and helpful. The communication was perfect.

What attracted you to the venue you eloped at?

We’re from Dallas but we come to New Orleans a few times a year. We just knew it was the perfect spot for us to get married. When we went through the gallery on the Simply Eloped website, we loved all the pictures and wanted to copy all of that.

What activities did you do before the wedding? How did you prepare? How did you feel leading up to the moments of your elopement?

We were really excited of course to be getting married. We had a whole week in NOLA planned out: my birthday was the Monday we arrived, we were to elope on Wednesday and leave Friday, but because of COVID-19, everything shut down Monday evening, so we got a solid day before being in quarantine in our Airbnb and only coming out to elope and order takeout.

Tell us about your experience with Simply Eloped leading up to and on your big day!

From the beginning the team was hands on, and making sure we had the best experience possible. Everyone was always really good about responding to emails throughout the entire planning. Even the day-of, with pandemic and impending rain, Simply Eloped made sure we were good. We wouldn’t change a thing considering the situation, and we’re happy we were still able to get married the way we wanted to.

How did you celebrate after?

NOLA was shutting down so we decided to find a Trader Joe’s to grab snacks and maybe something to cook, But we arrived a few minutes after they closed. We drove back to our Airbnb and ordered food, made a pillow fort in the living room and watched movies. It was not our original plan, but we where together and that all that really mattered.

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Go for it! You won’t regret it – every part of planning was so much more fun and less complicated than planning a full wedding.

Coordinated by: Simply Eloped
Officiant: Michele Zeller
Photographer: Ashley Kristen Photography

General Real Elopements

Written by Karen Norian

Karen Norian is an elopement photographer and has photographed over a hundred elopements. Karen has also worked as an elopement planner for Simply Eloped. She's been quoted in the New York Times, Brides, Hello Giggles, Bustle, Yahoo, and more.