Raise your glass and say “I do.”
The world’s first liquor store with a wedding chapel opened in New Orleans last Saturday, November 16th.
Chuck’s on the Avenue, located at 205 St. Charles Ave., hosted a wedding ceremony for a Donaldsonville, Louisiana couple, who exchanged vows next to the beer cooler, the store announced in a press release.
Owner Charles Loescher walked the bride down the aisle for the ceremony, which was officiated by Saints superfan and ordained minister Randy “Elvis” Bonnaval. The couple’s first dance was to an Elvis Presley song.
There was also a performance by the New Orleans brass band, a flower girl tossing black and gold beads and a second line dancing through the bourbon section and tequila line.
Chuck shared photos and videos from the wedding on Instagram.
“We just love to drink and we thought it was perfect when this came out. “We said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it,'” said the groom.
“Not an ordinary wedding,” added the bride.
Chuck’s wedding packages start at $500 and offer options such as a beer truck driver as a witness, local musicians as entertainment and high-end bourbon tastings for your reception. Themed weddings including Elvis, Mardi Gras, Rock and Roll and Voodoo.
The chapel offers legal weddings, non-compulsory weddings, vow renewals and partner ceremonies. The store’s luxurious tasting room can hold 15-20 people for a reception.
“We’re excited about this place because there’s no city in the world as unique as New Orleans, and what better way to capitalize on that uniqueness than to put a wedding chapel in a liquor store,” said Lt. Gov. Louisiana, Billy Nungesser. “Smaller, more whimsical wedding chapels have long been a staple of Las Vegas, and places like this allow us to compete for that piece of the economic pie.”
The chapel at Chuck’s was built by local company AJK Renovations. It is home to architectural treasures revived from nearby churches, such as the Central Congregational Church, the Basilica of St. Stephen’s Church, and a Presbyterian church in Luling, Louisiana.
Loescher said in a statement, “When we built the church, it was important to keep the architectural integrity of the structure in mind. We want to make sure visitors have a unique New Orleans experience even if they’re in the middle of a liquor store!”
The store owner also noted that Chuck’s is trying to capitalize on the boom in Las Vegas wedding visitors.
“What we offer isn’t for everyone,” Loescher said, “but we all know a couple who’s perfect for getting married between the beer and champagne coolers.”
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Image Source : nypost.com