Southeastern’s campus is the perfect place to say “I Do!” The Student Union Grand Ballroom is the ideal place for wedding receptions on campus and includes on-site catering, customized set-up and a host of other benefits to the bride and groom. Talk to us about your vision, and we’ll show you how we can bring your “big day” to life!
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For more information, contact our Event and Conference Services team at [email protected].
Lacie Tramonte and Blake Matherne
Married 2.9.18
Southeastern Student Union Ballroom
Lacie Tramonte and Blake Matherne were first introduced to each other by a dear friend on Southeastern’s campus in Cayman Cafe`. This was not a “love at first sight” kind of meeting. In fact, it took quite some time for the two to realize they were meant to be. On November 21, 2011, they made their relationship official, and 7 years down the road, became Mr. and Mrs. Matherne on February 9, 2018.
Sidenote: Blake is currently in medical school and could not be present for the interview. Thus, their love story is told through Lacie’s perspective…
How old were you when you first met?
I was 19 and Blake was 18 years old.
Describe your first date.
Our first date was at Kirin Sushi. I think we were both kind of nervous, as we were good friends prior to dating – and no one wants to attempt to date a friend and risk ruining a friendship if the dating each other doesn’t work out. But, we both played everything off really cool and used that date to continue to get to know each other better.
When and where did you first kiss?
We first kissed at my apartment one evening after Blake came over for a “casual” dinner. I believe this was probably before our first real date to Kirin.
What was it about your spouse that made you realize that they were “the one”?
I never truly dated around because I was so picky. I always made sure I dated someone that I truly thought could be my forever. Blake had something about him that made me just always want to be around him, and he made me a better person and was always supportive of me. That’s how I believe “the one” should make you feel.
Tell us your engagement story.
Blake and many close friends helped plan a perfect set-up on a beautiful night in Friendship Circle – the heart of Southeastern’s campus – to ask me to be his wife. He had 2 short days to plan the quickest and best engagement ever! He really thought about every detail and had to ask our mutual friends for some help and advice. Seeing that we met on Southeastern’s campus, he decided it would be the perfect spot to propose – however, randomly getting me there took quite a few lies!
How long did you date before becoming engaged?
We became engaged after dating for just over 5 years. And, we were engaged for 10 months before the wedding.
How did your family react when you told them you were getting married?
My mom literally screamed with excitement! Everyone in the family was also beyond excited to hear the news.
What was the easiest part of wedding planning? Or, your favorite part?
I think the easiest part of the wedding planning has been nailing down all the vendors. I had many ideas in mind of who and where, and all the vendors we wanted were actually available on the date we decided to get married, surprisingly!
Our favorite part has probably been the food and cake tastings…duh!
What was the most difficult part of wedding planning?
The little things… picking out exactly what your “Save the Dates” would look like, the actual wedding invitation, etc.!
Why did you choose Southeastern for your ceremony/reception location?
We chose Southeastern because not only did we meet here, but Blake proposed here, and so why not get married here?! I also worked in event planning at Southeastern and knew just how beautiful a wedding could be in the Grand Ballroom, along with the best food!
Where was your ceremony held?
Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond
How many guests did you invite to the wedding?
Our guest list unexpectedly grew to about 350. Honestly, our giant friend group combined was more than each of our families’ invites on each side. Over a third of those invited were close friends of ours.
What song did you choose for your first dance?
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
What food was served at the reception?
Southeastern Catering served jalapeno bacon wrapped shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, shrimp fettuccine, pulled pork sliders, crabmeat au gratin in a puff pastry, gumbo, prime rib carving station, shrimp and grits, and jerk chicken skewers. Everything was absolutely delicious!
Which bakery did you choose for the wedding/grooms’ cake?
Cocoa Bean
What flavor of cake did you have at your wedding? How many tiers did the cake have?
We had a 4-tier cake. The main flavor was white almond cake with buttercream icing, and each tier was a different flavor filling: strawberry cheesecake, chocolate buttercream, and regular almond buttercream filling. The Cocoa Bean did a great job!
After a sparkler send-off, the new Mr. and Mrs. celebrated with a honeymoon in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. They now reside in Jackson, Mississippi for Blake’s residency training in Ophthalmology.
Best wishes to this lovely couple for a happy and healthy life together!
Aja Gibson and Onochie Ochie
Married 3.31.18
Southeastern’s Student Union Ballroom and Breezeway. Aja Gibson and Onochie Ochie‘s courtship began almost literally on the basketball court at Southeastern University Center in 2016. Both earned scholarships to play for the Lions, but it wasn’t until the end of their athletic careers that a new relationship began.
Onochie admired Aja’s “game” as a basketball player and Aja was impressed with his athleticism. She recalls watching Onochie “sky through the air and dunk with ease.”
Here’s the story of how the two came to be Mr. and Mrs. Ochie on March 31, 2018.
How old were each of you when you first met?
Onochie: I was 18 years old, fresh out of high school.
Aja: I was 19 years old, beginning my redshirt-freshman year.
Where was your first date?
Aja: Our first “official” date was September 2, 2016. We went to El Agave, a popular Mexican
restaurant in Hammond.
Describe your spouse on your first date:
Onochie: Aja was quiet and seemed shy. We did not have too much eye to eye contact on that date. I think Aja was thinking “This is definitely my husband.”
Aja: Onochie was very polite and a gentleman. He made sure I had a great time. I think Onochie was thinking whether to kiss me or not, and I believe he was wondering if I enjoyed myself…….and I did.
When and where did you first kiss?
Onochie: Our first kiss was outside in front of Aja’s apartment in July of 2016. Aja kissed me on the cheek after we left the movies. My head was spinning!
What was it about your spouse that made you realize that they were “the one”?
Onochie: I knew Aja was “the one” when I realized that I felt like the luckiest man on the planet when I was next to her.
Aja: I knew Onochie was “the one” when I realized that I could not stop thinking about him and when the feeling of wanting to tell him that “I love him” would not go away.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Onochie: It is impossible to name only one thing that I love about Aja, but one of my favorite things is her love and desire to serve others.
Aja: I have too many to pick from, but one would be his desire to put others first.
Tell us your engagement story.
Aja: We went home to Memphis, Tennessee to visit my parents. Onochie told my dad that he bought the ring and wanted to propose. The following night my dad set up a family dinner and Onochie proposed to me in front of my entire family. Sad to say I saw it coming because my family gave it away (lol).
How long did you date before becoming engaged and how long was your engagement?
We dated for 7 months, and were engaged for 11 months.
What was the most difficult part of wedding planning?
The most difficult part of wedding planning for both of us was finalizing the guest list.
Where was your ceremony held?
Aja: We wanted an outdoor wedding, and the Breezeway of Southeastern’s Student Union offered a place for the groomsmen and bridesmaids to line up away from our guests, and we were able to have them walk down the staircases as part of the ceremony. It worked out great!
Why did you choose Southeastern for your ceremony/reception location?
Onochie: Since we both had basketball scholarships to Southeastern, and we met there, it only made sense for us to take a look at what Southeastern had to offer for our wedding. We chose the Student Union Grand Ballroom after visiting several venues. We felt that the Union had the most to offer. Aja personally knew Cally Berner (Director of Event and Conference Services at Southeastern) and Cris Cochran (Director of Catering at Southeastern) from the work they have done with Women’s Basketball, so we knew it would be a smooth and stress-free process.
How many guests did you invite to the wedding?
280
Did you have a unique theme for your wedding day that you’d like to tell us about?
Aja: Our wedding ceremony was a traditional wedding. But, the reception turned into a Nigerian reception because Onochie’s family is from Nigeria. We both changed clothes into a Nigerian outfit made and shipped from Nigeria.
What was the funniest thing that happened on your wedding day or a favorite moment you’d like to share?
Aja: I would say one of the funniest moments would be when our families danced in to the reception. They had a planned routine to enter the ballroom. They really kicked off the party!
What song did you choose for your first dance?
Perfect Duet by Ed Sheeran featuring Beyonce
What did you serve at the reception for guests?
Chicken alfredo pasta, grilled vegetables, grilled chicken, salad, plantains
Which bakery did you choose for the wedding/grooms’ cake?
Mandi Ricobonni made our cakes. The wedding cake was 4 tiers of Strawberry cake with cream cheese icing. They were both delicious!
Best wishes for a happy and healthy life together!
Aja and Onochie honeymooned in San Diego, California. They currently reside in Tickfaw and hope to add to their new family in the near future. Aja is employed at Southeastern as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach for the Lady Lions Basketball team and Ochie is the Athletic Director and Physical Education teacher at the SLU Lab School. In their spare time, they like to go to movies, bowl, travel, attend church, and, of course, hang out together at home.
Megan and Hayes Walker
Married 12.17.16
Southeastern Student Union Ballroom
Slidell residents and Southeastern Alumni Megan Bonck and Hayes Walker first met as undergraduates in Dr. Laver’s military history class in Spring 2013 in Fayard Hall on Southeastern’s campus. According to Megan, Hayes was constantly discussing different tactics with Dr. Laver, and everyone in class knew who he was. They were formally introduced by a mutual friend/fraternity brother and the rest is a happily-ever-after cinderella story.
What was your first impression of one another?
Megan: My first impression of Hayes was kind of a know-it-all because of his interactions with Dr. Laver in class. But at the same time, I thought he was very sweet. He obviously knew what he was talking about, and it was always interesting to hear their debates.
Hayes: The first time I laid eyes on Megan, I thought, “yes, she is it!” From that point on, I did what ever I could to get close to her – talk about class, greek life, anything, etc.!
How old were each of you when you first met?
Megan: I was 23 when I first met Hayes. He was 24.
Tell us about your first date.
Megan: Our first “official” date was at The Steakhouse in downtown Hammond. Hayes was such a gentleman. He picked me up from my on-campus apartment and wouldn’t tell me where we were going until we arrived. We talked about everything that night. What we liked, experiences we’d had, travel, future goals, etc. He was so easy-going and very charming.
Hayes: Megan was beautiful! She was fun, easy to talk to and get along with, and it just felt right to be around her. That night, we talked for hours, and I never wanted it to stop!
What did your spouse think about you after your first date?
Megan: I’m sure Hayes thought I talked too much! I was kind of nervous and very cautious about entering into a new relationship so close to my student teaching. I kept him at arm’s length for a long time before eventually giving him a chance.
Hayes: I was worried that Megan wasn’t going to give me a chance, but I was determined to keep her in my life, even if only as a friend.
When and where did you first kiss?
Megan: It was at my apartment during Fall 2013. My friends had just called me out for liking Hayes. They practically forced me to admit it out loud! I will forever be grateful for that night.
Hayes: Kissing Megan was worth the wait! It had been what I wanted for so long and made life make sense.
What was it about your spouse that made you realize that they were “the one”?
Megan: I had never met a man like Hayes Walker. He treated (and still treats me) like I’m part of him. He is definitely a “yes-man” and I wasn’t used to that. After a Halloween party that fall semester, we were talking, and I was explaining how I always wanted that “fairy tale love.” Before I could even finish my thought, he told me that he’s always wanted that “movie time love.” I’m a big movie-buff and that’s always how I saw myself falling in love. It was like he was speaking to my soul, which he tends to do.
Hayes: I knew Megan was special the first time I saw her! She kept me in the “friend zone” for so long, though, that I think it made me appreciate her even more. So, the night of our first kiss, I knew she was the one for me.
What is your favorite thing about your significant other?
Megan: Hayes is so easy-going and willing to help anyone with anything. He goes out of his way to support others and always puts others’ needs before his. He can talk to anyone and become their best friend. He became my best friend and never lets me forget it.
Hayes: I love that Megan loves to talk and that she accepts me for who I am.
Megan: Hayes proposed at the SLU Homecoming Tailgate on October 17, 2015. He had all of our family there. We were surrounded by our sorority sisters and fraternity brothers who were all in on it as well. He had ordered an engraved brick from the Alumni Association. Hayes wanted to show me the brick, and it read, “Megan M. Bonck/ Will You Marry Me?/ Your Marine” I turned around to find him on his knee with a ring in a Cinderella carriage jewelry box. I immediately started crying and accepted. To top off the day, he had arranged to have my sorority little sister, who was doing the Disney Internship that semester, there to surprise me. She’d always said she had to be there when we got engaged so it meant even more having her there with us.
How long were you engaged?
Megan: We were engaged for a year and 2 months, exactly. We were engaged October 17, 2015 and married December 17, 2016.
How did your family react when you told them you were getting married?
Megan: Our entire families were present at the engagement. All the moms were in tears, dads were beaming with pride. They were all so excited! My parents love Hayes. At one point, my family told me they would leave me for him! When we were “just friends” my dad constantly told me how much he liked him and I needed to give him a chance. Family always knows best I guess
Hayes: My mom had already said if I screw this up, they were choosing Megan over me!
What was the easiest part of wedding planning? Or, your favorite part?
Megan:The theme! I always knew I wanted a Cinderella-themed wedding. It was fun to add Cinderella touches here and there. Having worked at David’s Bridal throughout college, I already knew the dress I wanted and the tuxes were just as simple. My favorite part was getting to take pictures with our photographer.
Hayes: Family and friends are very important to me, so my favorite part was having everyone I care about in one place on the big day!
What was the most difficult part of wedding planning?
Megan: One of the most difficult parts was organizing timing of everything. Even though a lot of it comes from the vendors, it was stressful knowing what they were bringing and what we were bringing. We had smaller decorations for the reception like picture frames, the aisle runner, and gift bags, but then had a pergola made for the ceremony. Knowing how to get everything where it needed to go and for different times was hard; especially with me not being able to be anywhere the morning of the wedding while getting ready.
Why did you choose Southeastern for your ceremony/reception location?
Megan: It was Hayes’ idea. Before we were engaged, we went to a wedding expo held in the Student Union Ballroom, and I saw how nice it was with all the decorations and lighting, and I was pleasantly surprised! For the price, space, and food, SLU was the best option – especially once our story began to unfold with the proposal.
Where was your ceremony held?
Megan: Our ceremony was held outside of Fayard Hall by the Katrina/Rita Memorial Fountain on campus. It seemed only fitting since we met in Fayard. Hayes built a pergola which we transported and added a few candles and flowers.
How many guests did you invite to the wedding?
250
Did you have a unique theme for your wedding day that you’d like to tell us about?
Megan: Obviously Cinderella! From the carriage silhouette on the aisle runner and koozies, to the actual carriage I arrived to the ceremony in. It was the perfect day! People still laugh at me for having an actual horse and carriage that day but that definitely was the icing on the cake! Hayes was my prince charming!
What song did you choose for your first dance?
Megan: Then by Brad Paisley. We began with a choreographed dance to “So This is Love” (from Cinderella, of course) which led into “Then” and we finished with a mix of songs, and our bridal party joined us on the dance floor.
What did guests eat at the reception?
Megan: We had your typical reception foods; spinach dip, pasta dish, hors d’oeuvres. Cris, the Catering Director, recommended the strawberry pepper jelly and cream cheese hors d’oeuvres. We also had a pork loin stuffed with andouille sausage. At the last minute, we ordered a kids station with burgers and fries and everyone loved it!! Even the adults were raving about it!
What flavor of cake did you have at your wedding?
Megan: Our wedding cake was almond with almond icing and raspberry filling. Four tiers. Our groom’s cake was chocolate with strawberry filling and chocolate covered strawberries. It was completely gone within about 20 minutes!
What was the best part of your big day?
Megan: I got to marry my prince charming! And, the weather held out when it was supposed to rain all weekend.
Hayes: Other than marrying my “wonder woman”, it was the group dance to N’Sync’s “Bye Bye Bye.”
Is there a moment that you’ll never forget from your reception?
Megan: A funny moment was when we were taking a picture by the groom’s cake, Hayes knocked down my champagne glass and champagne went down the front of my dress. Thankfully the champagne was clear and you couldn’t even tell.
Who caught the bridal bouquet?
Megan: My bouquet was designed to break into three pieces. My two stepsisters, and a sorority sister caught them.
Who caught the garter at your wedding?
Hayes: The best man.
Megan and Hayes honeymooned in Disney World and stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. They currently reside in Slidell with their three-year-old puppy, Malibu, and are expecting a baby boy on January 4, 2019.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy life together!
Caroline Edwards and Lucas Burge
Married 12.13.14
Southeastern Student Union Ballroom
Hammond residents and Southeastern alumni Caroline Edwards and Lucas Burge met as students in 2008 through a mutual friend at an Alpha Omicron Pi and Theta XI social. Caroline was busy in Nursing school and Lucas was a Criminal Justice major. But, it was Lucas’s outgoing personality and his ability to be the ‘life of the party’ that caught Caroline’s eye. Their love story begins with a first date at Tope` La Restaurant in Hammond, where Lucas’ manners won Caroline’s affection.
Describe your spouse on your first date?
Lucas: I thought she was very cordial and laughed at my goofy jokes. We had a great time and set up another date.
Caroline: Lucas was a real gentleman. He was so proud of the very nice evening he had planned for us.
When did you know that he/she was “the one?”
Caroline: When he became the only person I wanted to talk to at the end of the day. He always knew how to make my bad days better and how to make me smile.
Lucas: When I knew I could tell her anything. She always was compassionate and listened to whatever was going on in my life.
What is your favorite thing about one another?
Caroline: My favorite thing about Lucas is how easy going and laid back he is. Now that we are parents, I love watching him as a dad and the ways he cares for me and our boys.
Lucas: How caring Caroline is for me and our two boys.
Tell us your engagement story:
Lucas: After four years of dating, we had dinner at Boucherie in New Orleans then went to Jackson Square. I proposed on the stairs overlooking the cathedral. There was a homeless fella asleep on the bench, he was our witness.
What was the best part of the wedding planning?
Caroline: My favorite part of the planning was trying on wedding dresses with my family. We spent 2 days together and all agreed on which dress to choose.
Lucas: Cake tasting, of course!
Where was your ceremony held?
Caroline: We said “I do” at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence. It was a special place to me because my parents were also married there during a candlelight ceremony in 1980.
Why did you chose Southeastern’s Student Union as your reception location?
Caroline: The Student Union was new and beautiful, and it was a central location for our family and friends. Also, since Lucas and I met at and both graduated from Southeastern, it had a special meaning to us!
What was the best part of your wedding day?
Caroline: We had so many family and friends that were able to attend and help us celebrate our special day. Some even traveled from out-of-state and even out of the country. One special friend came in from Australia where my family lived for a short time when I was a young girl.
What was the funniest thing that happened on your wedding day or a favorite moment you’d like to share?
Lucas: I have a tradition of singing “Living on a Prayer” at all my friends’ weddings. I was not planning on doing it at my wedding. But Caroline got a hold of a microphone and got the band to throw the song on at the end of the ceremony. I put on one heck of a show.
Caroline: I will always remember smashing cake in each other’s faces at the reception!
What song did you choose for your first dance?
“You Save Me” by Kenny Chesney
Who caught the bridal bouquet?
Ashlie Dana, girlfriend (now wife) to groomsman Brad Comeaux
Who caught the garter at your wedding?
Lucas’ best friend and groomsman, Trey Drude
What kind of cake did you choose for the reception?
Caroline:
We had the best cakes! Our wedding cake was a 4-tier carrot cake. For the groom’s cake we chose a “naked” chocolate cake with buttercream icing.
The couple was sent off and honeymooned for 7 days at the Sandals Grande Resort in St. Lucia.
Today, Caroline is employed at Our Lady of the Lake Livingston Emergency Department as a Nurse Educator. Lucas recently completed training to serve as a Louisiana State Trooper and graduated first in his Trooper class.
On April 28, 2017, the two welcomed twins, the “Burge Boys”, Brady Richard and Brennan Frank.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy life together!