VOL. 5 ISSUE 3
GET INSPIRED Real weddings Tips from pros All the trends
NEWLY ENGAGED? WHAT TO DO NEXT HAPPILY EVER AFTER BEGINS HERE...
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Gulf Coast
WEDDINGS PUBLISHER & EDITOR
so you just got By Jennifer Gentile
engaged...
here’s what to do next
Perhaps it happened during a quiet moment between just the two of you. Maybe he tipped off your friends and family, so your nearest and dearest got to witness your happy tears. However the proposal happened, congratulations on your engagement! The wedding journey is just beginning, and as any bride can attest, the todo list can get overwhelming in a hurry. Brides in recent months have had an added layer of complication with COVID-19. As you begin the process, consider the impact the pandemic may have on your plans, such as safety precautions, the size of your celebration and vendor availability. Our advice: Go step by step, and make the most important decisions first. Now that you have the ring, here’s what to do next: S HARE THE NEWS
Tell your VIPs, either by phone or in person, before posting the news to social media.
SET BOUNDARIES
Be prepared for a deluge of opinions about when, where and how you should get married, and accept that you can’t please everyone. Avoid committing or agreeing to anything for the first few weeks while you and your fiancé hone your vision. In the meantime, receive suggestions gratefully, but don’t feel obligated to say “yes.”
SET A DATE
SET A BUDGET
Like your date, you need a budget before you can do much else. Be clear on who is contributing what, and communicate early and often, to prevent misunderstandings later. Head count greatly affects the bottom line (not to mention the size venue you’ll need), so tailor your guest list to what you can reasonably afford.
Dorothy P. Wilson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Crystal Scretching Farrah Underwood CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Jennifer Gentile CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Anna Cirlot Photography & Design Bluewaters Photography James Edward Bates Photography Kayce Stork Photography Tilley Photography
© 2020. Gulf Coast Weddings is published three times annually by Gulf Coast Woman, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part in any manner without written permission of the publisher.
START RESEARCHING VENUES
This step may well determine your wedding date, as it may depend on when your preferred venue is available. When choosing where to hold your wedding, make sure the venue aligns with your vision, fits your budget and can accommodate your guest list comfortably.
You can’t make many other decisions until you know when the big day will be, so first things first. You may immediately have a season in mind, or even dates that are meaningful to you and your significant other, so you can MOST IMPORTANTLY start there. Take care to avoid any — SAVOR THE MOMENT scheduling conflicts for your VIP Coordinating a wedding can get guests, and make sure you give stressful quickly. This is a onceyourself plenty of time to plan in-a-lifetime occasion, so pause — bearing in mind that many to enjoy it before launching into popular vendors are booked a year planning mode. in advance. 2or moreGULFCOASTWEDDINGSMAGAZINE.COM
We're social! FO L LOW U S
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Photo by Bluewaters Photography
FOR THE BRIDE’S TROUSSEAU
Heritage House Gifts GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
738 East Pass Rd. | Gulfport, MS 39507
228.897.7644 HAPPILY EVER AFTER BEGINS HERE...
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Looking for a venue with breathtaking views for your special event?
Your event deserves to be everything you dream of. The Dock has the largest seating capacity on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, breathtaking views, comfortable atmosphere and an elegant setting. From an important corporate function, to a beautiful sunset wedding, The Dock can provide an exceptional experience. We are here to help you plan your event. Tucked away on Gulfport Lake, located just minutes from I-10 and the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, ensuring your guests will make it to your event on time. Host your wedding ceremony or reception against the beautiful backdrop of Gulfport Lake.
Weddings
Wedding ceremonies, rehearsals, and receptions at The Dock are classic and unforgettable, with customizable options that are sure to fit your style and personality.
13247 Seaway Rd. 4
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From fundraisers to anniversaries, birthdays, or reunions, The Dock provides a perfectly spacious venue, with the largest seating capacity on the Gulf Coast.
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 697-0150
GULFCOASTWEDDINGSMAGAZINE.COM
Corporate and Special Events
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Amenities Bridal Suite Indoor/Outdoor Reception Space Ceremony Locations
Email: manager@thedockgulfport.com (228) 276-1500 • thedockgulfport.com •
Waterfront Views of Gulfport Lake
Paige Luckett and her 2 business partners created a successful business and one of the most sought-out catering companies on the Gulf Coast, continuing their venture until 2014. Paige Luckett had the opportunity to buy the business in its entirety and with a little persuasion talked her husband Duane Luckett into coming on board and pursuing his dream of being a Chef and co-owner. Paige and Duane on their new venture as owners decided to change the name to Southern Flavor Catering & Events and have been on this journey together for over 6 years. It’s our passion, at Southern Flavor Catering, to understand and exceed our client’s ideas and dreams. We work together to create menus and services that fit your needs. Our team of professional event staff and chefs know that each event is significant and important. From corporate functions to a beautiful sunset wedding, Southern Flavor provides an exceptional experience unlike any other.
Weddings | Corporate Events | Office Delivery Offsite Catering | Bar/Alcohol Service Full Staffing | Venue Referrals Food Fusion | Custom Menus
We are the ONSITE CATERER for THE DOCK VENUE on Gulfport Lake.
Contact Paige Luckett
at paige.lucketttsfc@gmail.com
Southern Flavor Catering or call 228.697.0150 HAPPILY EVER AFTER BEGINS HERE...
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COVER WEDDING
Traditional Romance
St ua r t & C a i t ly n S imp s o n D o d d s Wedding date: November 9, 2019
VENDORS Photographer: James Edward Bates Wedding planner: Kristi Cuevas Herron Ceremony venue: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Gulfport Reception venue: Historic Grass Lawn, Gulfport Florist: Flowers Forever and Gifts, Gulfport Caterer & Liquor: Catering Creations Makeup: Ann Marie Walley
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at Antonian Salon Hair: Jordan Hughes at Antonian Salon Videographer: Take Two Video Pro Jewelry & Shoes: Bridal and Formal Boutique & House of Tux Wedding gown & Tux: Bridal and Formal Boutique & House of Tux Bridesmaid dresses: Lulu’s Bridal Shop Musician/Entertainment:
Unfazed Show & Band Clergy/Officiant: The Rev. Stephen Kidd Rentals & Lighting: ABC Rental Cake: Melissa’s Bakery, Gulfport Transportation: King Limo Biloxi Invitations: Etsy and Magnolia Printing, Gulfport Rehearsal Dinner: Great Southern Club, Gulfport
BRIDE’S FAVORITE ELEMENT OF THE WEDDING “Before we entered the reception, our wedding planner arranged a private dinner for us to enjoy our first meal together as husband and wife. Those precious, valuable moments allowed us some uninterrupted time to slow down and experience the joy of being newlyweds.”
HER ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES “It is never too early to start planning. If your budget allows, a wedding planner can make your life so much easier. They will coordinate vendors and handle any unforeseen complications on the big day so you can focus on soaking up every minute. It will go by in a flash!”
HAPPILY EVER AFTER BEGINS HERE...
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Trend Watch When you set your wedding date for 2020, you certainly weren’t planning on a pandemic. But like brides everywhere, you’re pushing through and adapting.
Photos by Bluewaters Photography
Your wedding may be different than you expected, or it may be postponed, but it can still be everything you ever dreamed of — and you’ll still need some inspiration. Check out some of-the-moment looks for gowns, flowers and accessories at gulfcoastweddingsmagazine.com.
Photos by Bluewaters Photography
Photo by Tilley Photography
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Photo by Kayce Stork Photography
WWW.THEWEDDINGCOLLECTION.COM •• 228-344-3212 228-344-3212 •• BAY BAY ST. ST. LOUIS, LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI MISSISSIPPI WWW.THEWEDDINGCOLLECTION.COM
A FULL SERVICE BRIDAL EXPERIENCE Offering Everything Everything from from the the Planning Planning to to the the Dress Dress Offering
THE PLANNING — THE DRESS — THE DESIGN
WEDDING
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Meet the Pro
Carol Ann Powell Owner and Operator
The Venue at Southern Oaks 15461 Northrup Cuevas Road, Gulfport (228) 218-1906 www.venueatsouthernoaks.com Facebook: The Venue at Southern Oaks Farm
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS:
I found the venue estate through prayer in 2013 for my long-time dream of opening a wedding venue. We took a leap of faith and purchased the 30-acre estate known as Wildwood Farm in 2014. We spent about a year and half transitioning it from an equine farm to a wedding venue. We officially opened The Venue at Southern Oaks in spring of 2016, and we are now climate controlled and can accommodate weddings throughout the year — “a love for all seasons.”
WHAT WEDDING-RELATED SERVICES YOU OFFER?
(We offer) lighting, draped fabric, decorations, tables and chairs, and a ceremony site with a beautiful old oak tree, chandelier and pews. We offer the option of an indoor or outdoor ceremony. (We have a) 5000 square-foot, climatecontrolled barn and 2,500 square feet of patios with a fireplace and swing on a 30-acre estate of rolling hills, old fence lines and the most beautiful old oaks.
WHAT MAKES YOUR VENUE SPECIAL OR UNIQUE?
The history of our venue is one of the most loved aspects, and it offers such charm and character as a beautiful backdrop for your perfect day. There is magic in draping fabric, hanging chandeliers, accent lighting and aged barn wood that creates breathtaking photography and lifelong memories. We also provide a bride and groom suite for getting ready on site. We have outdoor and indoor ceremony options and allow the vendor of your choice.
WHAT SHOULD A BRIDE BE LOOKING FOR OR CONSIDERING WHEN CHOOSING A WEDDING VENUE? Ask the following: • What does venue include with the package?
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Photo by Bluewaters Photography
• Does the venue allow any vendor of your choice, such as planner, caterer, etc.? • Does the venue provide a list of preferred vendors to help with the wedding planning process? • How many guests will the venue accommodate? • Does the venue provide security? • Does the venue allow beer, wine or champagne? • Is the venue large enough and equipped to accommodate plan B in case of inclement weather? • Does the venue allow rescheduling of your wedding in an unforeseen or emergency situation?
IF A BRIDE WANTS TO BOOK YOUR VENUE FOR HER WEDDING, HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD SHE BE CONTACTING YOU? WHAT WILL YOU COVER DURING A CONSULTATION?
Many brides book a year or two in advance. We also have brides who choose dates in six months or less. Everyone has different desires and visions. We will give a bridal tour of our venue, answering questions and discussing such things as the history of our barn, crowd size, food placement to spark creativity and ideas for your wedding and ceremony.
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN MISSION AND GOAL WHEN IT COMES TO WEDDINGS?
My hope and desire are to provide the space and atmosphere for your family and friends to join together and create moments and capture memories to last a lifetime. It’s a blessing to be part of the most important day in our couples’ lives.
A Love for All Seasons 15461 Northrup Cuevas Rd., Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 218-1906 • www.venueatsouthernoaks.com HAPPILY EVER AFTER BEGINS HERE...
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planning
Plan it! ONLINE gulfcoastweddingsmagazine.com
There is nothing more critical when planning a large event than having a good plan. Just like shopping for Christmas, having a list of things in hand at all times will ensure you don’t spend more money than you have to and helps you stay focused so you aren’t busting your budget on things you ultimately won’t use.
WEDDING PLANNING CHECKLIST WHO PAYS FOR WHAT? CASH CONTROL BUDGET PLANNER VENUE DIRECTORY VENDOR DIRECTORY REGISTRY CHECKLIST TOP GIFTS LIST GROOM GUIDE FIND A WEDDING PRO Photo by Tilley Photography
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MARRIAGE LICENSE INFO
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