New Orleans-Style Wedding

Karlyn (Hudson) and Mike Puhl married in New Orleans at the same church where Karlyn's parents married years ago. (Photo: Studio Tran) 

Especially with Mardi Gras celebrations around the corner, the Hudson and Puhl families are already nostalgic over memories of the wedding of Karlyn Hudson and Mike Puhl, which took place in New Orleans this past fall. Karlyn, a Bellaire High School graduate, met Mike, an Ohio native, at Washington Ave. bar Liberty Station while playing Jenga.

The bridal party included some of Karlyn's friends from Trafton Academy and Bellaire High School, friends from Ole Miss and family. (From left) Kelsey Johnson Engdorf, Melissa Grady Hudson, Kelley Klemm Hermon, Clarissa Aldape, Emily Crowder, the bride, Lindsey Buonagura Himel, Sarah Ponze, Anne Puhl Lubinski, Lynden Robb and Allison DeHart Smolik. (Photo: Studio Tran) 

They married in New Orleans, which was special because it’s Karlyn’s mother, Stuart’s, hometown and the ceremony took place at the same church that Stuart and Chris married in 33 years ago.

The Raymond family were among guests that traveled to New Orleans for their special weekend, as Karlyn nannies for their children, Allie, Lizzie, Jack and Charlie, three of whom participated in the ceremony. Leigh Anne, Allie and Lizzie hosted a bridal brunch for all the girls as well as the bride and groom’s mothers and aunts the day before the wedding.  

New Orleans-style food and celebrations set the stage for the weekend, with brunch at Brennan’s of New Orleans, rehearsal dinner at Calcasieu, the ceremony at Rayne Memorial Methodist Church and the reception at Audubon Clubhouse, which is on the golf course under large oak trees.

Karlyn and Mike Puhl met while playing Jenga. During the reception, giant Jenga games and corn-hole were available for guests to play. (Photo: Studio Tran) 

After the ceremony, guests danced to the sounds of The Benchwarmers band and enjoyed playing games on the lawn such as corn-hole, made by the bride’s brother, Dr. Tillman Hudson, and two giant Jenga games made by the bride’s father, Chris. 

The buffet included classic New Orleans dishes, such as blackened catfish, southern shrimp and tasso served over cheese grits, chicken and andouille gumbo, fried oysters, and more, plus a beautiful wedding cake from Gambino’s Bakery – the same bakery that made Karlyn’s parents’ wedding cake years ago. Individually wrapped pralines from Southern Candymakers made for a perfect party favor to end this New Orleans-style wedding weekend.

The newlyweds honeymooned at Secrets Maroma Beach in Playa del Carmen in Mexico and can’t wait to visit New Orleans again in the future.  

Vendor List:

Venue: Rayne Memorial Methodist Church (ceremony); Audubon Clubhouse (reception); Rehearsal Dinner: Calcasieu; Wedding Gown: Mia Bridal Couture; Bridesmaid Dresses: Pearl’s Place in New Orleans; Tuxedos: TheBlackTux.com; Florist: Bella Blooms Floral;  Band: The Benchwarmers; Cake: Gambino’s Bakery; Caterer: Audubon Club House; Hotel for Guests: The International House, The Hampton Inn Garden District; Photographer: Corine Tran, Studio Tran; Registries: Bering’s, Mackenzie-Child’s, Crate & Barrel; Hair and Makeup: Bleu; Buses: Alert Transportation; Party Favors: Southern Candymakers; Printing: Save-the-dates from Scriptura; invitations from Houston Invitation Service