Johnson / Miles

FEBRUARY 27, 2021 ~ BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI ~ PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAC PHOTO COMPANY

Caitlin Paige Johnson of Natchez, Mississippi, and Jacob Arlen Miles of O’Neil, Nebraska, were married on February 27, 2021, at six o’clock in the evening in Biloxi, Mississippi, at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Father Dennis Carver and Deacon Tomasz Powroznik presiding. The bride is the daughter of Ms. Dzifa Takyi Johnson of Austin, Texas, and Dr. and Mrs. Alton Johnson of Stuttgart, Arkansas. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Miles of O’Neil, Nebraska.

At the beginning of the ceremony, “Ave Maria” was sung for the procession of the mothers into the cathedral. The wedding party processed to “Jesu, Joy of a Man’s Desiring,” and the bride’s procession was to “Trumpet Voluntary.” A unity candle ceremony was performed to the song “One Hand, One Heart,” and the wedding recessional at the end of the ceremony was to the infamous “Wedding March.” Ceremony music was provided by Mr. Terry Maddox of Biloxi, Mississippi.

Giving the readings were the groom’s sisters, Marisa and Caleigh Miles of O’Neil, Nebraska, and the bride’s aunt Dr. Dolores Cottrell of Albany, New York. Bringing the gifts to the altar were the bride’s godparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Jones of West Point, Mississippi, and Dr. and Mrs. Bob Howland of Columbus, Mississippi.

The bride’s wedding gown was a Martina Liana creation with a honey undertone, a plunging neckline, off-the-shoulder sleeves, a sheer bodice, and Chantilly appliquéd lace. Her cathedral length veil was of the same Chantilly appliquéd lace. She accented her ensemble with custom jewelry and a hair clip by designer Lovebird. To complete her ensemble, she carried a bouquet of white anemones, playa blanca roses, lisianthus, and genestra, accented with pampas grass, salal, and Italian ruscus adorned with a rosary blessed by the Pope, a locket holding a picture of her late maternal grandparents, and an Africa pendent from her late maternal grandmother.

Attending the bride were her matron of honor Emily Moon of Vidalia, Louisiana. Bridesmaids were Jessica Andry of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Christi Manshack of Natchez, Mississippi; Brittany Taylor of Madison, Mississippi; Nikki Dolan of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Whitney Butter of Pineville, Louisiana; Sarah Whiteside and Lauren Whiteside, both of Biloxi, Mississippi; Dori Murphy of Thibodaux, Louisiana; and Madison Farmer of Natchez, Mississippi. Serving as junior bridesmaid was Kylee Miles, daughter of the groom; and the flower girl was Kate Whiteside, daughter of Cameron and Sarah Whiteside of Biloxi, Mississippi. The bridal party wore black, floorlength chiffon gowns by designer Hayley Paige from Bridal and Formal Boutique in Gulfport, Mississippi. The bridal party and mothers of the bride and groom carried bouquets similar to the bride’s bouquet. Attending as best men were John Neatherlin of Gulfport, Mississippi, and Shalen Philips of Houston, Texas. Groomsmen were Marcus Lupkin of San Diego, California; Griffin Bossingham of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Ed Roseman of Long Beach, Mississippi; Caleb Johnson of Monroe, Louisiana; and Alex Miles of O’Neil, Nebraska. Serving as junior groomsman and ring bearer, respectively, were Emmett Miles and Jenson Miles, both sons of Alex and Jennifer Miles of O’Neil, Nebraska. The groom wore a classic modern-fit tuxedo while the best men and groomsmen wore black-on- black modern-fit tuxedos, all from House of Tux in Gulfport, Mississippi. Boutonnières were of the same florals and foliage as the bouquets. Following the ceremony, a cocktail hour and reception were held at Nativity Sacred Heart Center on the church grounds. Here, guests enjoyed an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres by Southern Flavor Catering of Gulfport, Mississippi. Prior to

the first dances, the bride’s uncle, Dr. Frank Takyi of Okemos, Michigan, performed a “pouring of libations” ceremony with gin to call on the bride and groom’s ancestors to watch over them throughout their marriage. them throughout their marriage.

Music for the reception was provided by P&I Productions of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. In the reception hall, the ceiling was hung with strands of bistro lights, foyer draped with ivory linens, and tables adorned with black linens accented with arrangements of lush greenery and white flowers. The bride’s cake was a four-tier, semi-naked almond cake by Cakes by Tina of Biloxi, Mississippi, with alternating layers of strawberry and Bavarian creme filling. The cake was iced with buttercream frosting and adorned with flowers that matched the bridal bouquet. The groom opted out of a traditional groom’s cake and settled on a s’mores/coffee/hot chocolate bar.

At the end of the evening the bride and groom shared a last dance to “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz. Thereafter, the couple were given a sparkler farewell by family and friends and then were whisked away in a 1960s Jaguar adorned with bells and ribbons.

Other vendors for the wedding were as follows: (ceremony coordinators) Paul and Karen Arguelles, (planners) Magnolia Bride, (photography) MAC Photo Co, (videography) John Reyes Networks, (florals) Shindig Floral Design, (drapery/lighting/ rentals) Southern Event Productions, and (selfie station) Photo2-Go Photo Booth.

On the eve of the wedding, the bride and her attendants enjoyed a Bridesmaids Brunch at Chimneys in Gulfport, Mississippi. That evening, the wedding party enjoyed a rehearsal dinner at The Dock Venue on Gulfport Lake in Gulfport, Mississippi. The bridesmaids were gifted with robes, earrings, shawls, champagne flutes, and personalized ballet flats. The groomsmen received gifts that included personalized flasks, cigars, and whiskey shooters.

The morning of the wedding, the bride and bridal party were treated to a brunch while getting ready at The White House Hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi. Hair designs were furnished by Jessica Jones Salon of Biloxi, Mississippi; and makeup was by Mallory Fitzgerald of Bettendorf, Iowa. Before the ceremony, the bride and groom exchanged gifts and letters to each other. Caitlin gifted Jacob with a bottle of whiskey that was aged at sea, paying homage to his naval background. Jacob gifted Caitlin with a heartshaped diamond necklace that resembled the necklace he gave her after their first deployment as a couple.

Soon after the wedding, the bride and groom honeymooned in the 30A area of Florida and now reside in their home in Biloxi, Mississippi.