Contessa Ann Taunton and Paul Joseph Lestingi were married at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, at Saint Louis Cathedral Basilica in New Orleans with Deacon Ronald Guidry performing the nuptial mass ceremony.

The bride was given in marriage by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Taunton of Ferriday and was escorted by her father. She wore a designer mermaid gown of alencon lace with silk organza detailing at the bottom and on the chapel-length train. It featured a sweetheart neckline and a Swarovski crystal beaded belt. The two-tier cathedral-length veil was accented with Chantilly lace.

The bride’s bridal bouquet of champagne and blush roses and white lisianthis on a bed of white hydrangea was adorned with her late great-great grandmother’s handkerchief.

Erika Borman of Stamford, Conn., was matron of honor and Crystal Gallegos of Manhattan, N.Y., was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Nicole Borel-Saladin of Tampa, Fla., Brittany Kagan of New Albany, Ohio, Celeste Generes of Baton Rouge, Tiffany Taunton of Lakeland, Fla., and Megan Taunton of Monterey.

Bridesmaids wore navy knee-length satin gowns and carried matching bouquets of roses, hydrangeas and lisianthis.

Flower girls were Anna Grace and Olivia Generes of Baton Rouge and Aiden Taunton of Monterey.

Anthony Paolercio of New York City served as best man. Groomsmen were Paul White, John Marino, Warren Robinson, Adam Tessitore, Brian Cea all of New York City and Brad Borman of Stamford, Conn.

Ring bearer was Bennett Taunton of Lakeland, Fla.

After the ceremony the couple departed the Cathedral by a traditional second line carrying decorated umbrellas and personalized handkerchiefs. Kinfolk Brass Band led everyone through the French Quarter to the Bourbon Orleans Hotel where the bride’s parents hosted the reception in the ballroom where guests dined on local cuisine and danced to Easy Eddie and the Party Rockers. The bride’s multi-tiered cake featured layers of white chocolate mousse and amoretto flavors covered with a lace design and topped with fresh flowers. Charm pulls were provided for the bridesmaids. The groom’s cake was designed to represent the New York Jets; the groom’s favorite football team. It featured red velvet and lemon flavors.

Following the reception celebration, the couple departed through a sparkler display that the guests provided.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner in honor of the bride and groom at the Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter.

On the morning after the wedding, the bride’s parents hosted a brunch in honor of the newlyweds and to wish everyone safe travels.

The couple is at home in New York City.