Anna Claire Lusco had her wedding to Spencer Glass set for April 4. The ceremony and reception venues, two non-negotiables for her, were set, and she was preparing for a sunny, spring wedding day. But then plans changed.

“Spencer had a friend getting married on the same day,” Anna Claire recalls. “So we decided to pivot.”

With Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl taking place in New Orleans, there were few available dates. However, when February 15 was offered as an open date for both Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church and the Old Ursuline Convent, it felt like fate.

“My parents’ 30th anniversary was that same week, February 10, and they got married in the same church,” Anna Claire says. “The only hangup was that it had to be a day wedding.”

Initially unsure of a 2:30 p.m. ceremony time, Anna Claire says she decided to embrace it. An abundance of daylight allowed her to transform the gardens of the Old Ursuline Convent into a true garden party.

Pink is her favorite color, and with the wedding taking place on Valentine’s weekend, Anna Claire decided to fully commit to a monochromatic color palette. Wedding planner Brooke Casey brought to life the fuchsia-toned dream with lush florals by Root Floral Design featuring roses and hydrangeas, in addition to an abundance of candles, throw pillows and more. Anna Claire’s 20 bridesmaids also helped bring in the color, with each of their dresses in a different pink shade.

“I had each of them pick their own dresses, and I really wanted them to have fun with it,” Anna Claire says. “I love how it turned out.”

For Anna Claire’s own dress, she chose a Monique Lhuillier creation that she found with her mother in New York City.

“I had been living in Washington, D.C, and I was sad to be moving,” Anna Claire says. “My mom suggested that we make it a happy weekend and go and try on every dress in New York City. We had a blast! I tried on maybe 75 dresses, and the one I chose was the last one I tried.”

To complete her bridal look, Anna Claire enlisted the help of family. Her maternal grandmother owns Reid’s Jewelry in north Louisiana. Spencer had worked with her to design Anna Claire’s engagement ring and wedding band. Now, an emerald and diamond ring and earrings were borrowed from her for Anna Claire to don on her wedding day.

“What’s the saying? Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” Anna Claire says. “That was my something borrowed, and it was so special.”

As the wedding party second-lined to the after-party at The Gold Mine Saloon, following that afternoon’s first parade of the Mardi Gras season, Anna Claire says she felt an overwhelming sense of joy. Joy that her daytime wedding had turned out better than she could have imagined. And joy at the start of her new chapter with Spencer.

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Hear from Him & Her

What is your favorite thing about one another?

Spencer: Her ability to make me and others feel special and loved. She’s never met a stranger and will always go out of her way to make others feel appreciated, welcomed and comfortable in any situation. When you first meet Anna Claire, you feel like you’ve known her your entire life.

Anna Claire: My favorite thing about Spencer is his integrity. He always does the right thing even when no one is watching. He is genuine and selfless. Spencer gives 100% into everything he does.

How did you know he/she was the one?

S: After college, we were in a long-distance relationship. Anna Claire moved to Washington, DC, for a job. I was in graduate school, then moved back to Memphis. During that time, we continued to commit to each other. The quality time we would spend with one another during that time actually brought us closer. Long distance is not easy, but I am very thankful for how it allowed us to grow.

AC: We have the same morals, values and goals. Spencer is, without a doubt, the most selfless, kind, hardworking, loyal and faithful person in the world. He is my best friend, and marrying him was the best decision of my life.

What is one detail that stands out when you think back on your wedding day?

S: On the wedding day, I remember the happiness and excitement of seeing each other for the first time. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.

AC: The moment that stands out the most is when the church doors opened, and I saw Spencer all the way down at the altar. We did not do a first look, so seeing him for the first time as I was being walked down the aisle will forever be my favorite memory.

If you had one piece of advice for engaged couples, what would it be?

S: The wedding planning can be a stressful time. I would encourage men to lead by faith and be encouraging to their future spouse. The meaning of the wedding itself is more significant than the process. Remember the true meaning of the wedding and don’t get caught up in the little things.

AC: Wedding planning can be stressful at times. Take a step back and remember the meaning of marriage. I would also recommend reading the book The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller. It’s incredible!

What surprised you the most about your wedding?

S: I was most surprised by how smooth and seamless everything went on our wedding day. After all the planning and excitement, it was nice to enjoy every minute of the day at the reception surrounded by friends and family.

AC: How much fun a 2:30 afternoon wedding was! We would do a day wedding a million times over again.

CEREMONY Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church / RECEPTION Old Ursuline Convent / COORDINATOR Brooke Casey / CATERER Morrissette & Company, Mobile, Alabama / CAKE Sugar Me Sweets Cakes / FLORIST Root Floral Design / BRIDAL GOWN Monique Lhuillier / RINGS Reid’s Jewelry/HAIR Beth Washington / MAKEUP Melanie Daigle / VIDEOGRAPHER Nathan Willis Wedding Films / BAND Blue Rhythm / OTHER VENDORS Lyles Coffee Co./Frenchmen Street Productions/Kinfolk Brass Band/Grand Bevy