Mud & Magnolias February 2020

Mud&Magnolias October. November February 2020 2013

Bridal Edition

Newlywed Getaway Bouquet Do’s & Don’ts Wedding Announcments Huntsville Bachelorette Trip

CONTENTS

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RECIPES

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DESTINATION: HUNTSVILLE

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CHIC & WHIMSICAL

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BRIDE IN BLACK

This issue, we focused on the lighter side of things. These recipes are perfect for the morning of a wedding, and have anti-inflammatory properties, so no worries about bloating for the big day.

Looking for a place to spend your wedding night? Check out Airbnbs – some just may surprise you.

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STYLED BRIDAL SHOOT

Our annual styled bridal shoot is finally here! This year, we went back to the basics.

With elegant colors like green, gold and white, we stuck with the classic and clean look to inspire your big day.

ALSO:

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Rocket City, a.k.a. Huntsville, Alabama, is the ideal location for your Bachelorette weekend. Check out our insider’s guide on how to take on this city.

To many, black is a color that signals sadness and mourning – but to Abby Husband, it’s so much more. That’s why she wore a black wedding gown for her big day.

February 2020 ON THE COVER

Korie Elizabeth Leach and Andrew Kyle West Kent on their wedding day, May 4, 2019. Photo by Masa Kathryn Photography.

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR BOUQUETS

We chatted with a florist to get the inside scoop on all the do’s and don’ts of flower preservation, so you’ll know exactly what to do with your bouquet when your big day arrives.

Check out this month’s video with Airbnb host, Morgan Pennington at mudandmag.com.

SIGNATURE DRINKS

DIY: BRIDESMAID PROPOSAL

SHOWER FASHION

WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENTS

WEDDING GUEST ETIQUEETE

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his year will mark nine years since my husband, Jeb, got down on one knee under the Fourth of July fireworks display at Oxford-University Stadium. He truly knocked the proposal out of the park. You can see the pure joy on my face right after I said, ‘Yes.’ A day or so after he proposed, I got into weddingplanning mode. I really enjoyed making lists of what needed to be done and figuring out exactly how we wanted to celebrate our nuptials. I guess that is my TypeA personality showing, but I thought it was fun. I really tried to take in each detail and be intentional about the process.

Whatever you are doing to plan for your big day, I hope Mud & Magnolias can offer some inspiration.

There are some stunning, on-trend brial looks in our styled bridal shoot on page 47 and our shower fashion, beginning on page 76. The do’s and don’ts of preserving your bouquet (page 80) will help you plan for making your memories last. If you want to do something really unique on your big day, read about Abby Husband, who wore a black gown for her wedding day on page 68. This year’s wedding announcements begin on page 85, and they each provide details complete with local vendor information.

I wish you the best of luck with your wedding planning. I hope each of you are able slow down and enjoy it!

1242 S Green St. Tupelo, MS 38804 662.842.2611

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sarah Brooke Bishop

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Lindsay Daffron Kristina Domitrovich Robyn Jackson

FEATURED SALES CONSULTANTS Leigh Knox June Phillips Nick Boone Angie Quarles Jessica Hunter Teresa McDonald Krystal Anderson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlie Googe

subscriptions@mudandmag.com advertising@mudandmag.com info@mudandmag.com mudandmag.com This magazine is a monthly publication of Journal, Inc.

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RECIPES

Clean Eating It’s important to eat the day of a wedding, but the wedding party sometimes forgoes this to avoid bloating or feeling sluggish. But when such a big day is on the line, it’s not the best idea to skip a meal. These recipes focus on anti-inflammatory properties, so the important players can eat the morning of the wedding with ease.

Power-packed and light feeling, these foods will hold over the party throughout the day. Make each recipe a few days ahead to have a worry-free night before the wedding.

Self-Serve Parfait Bar recipe on pg. 22

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RECIPES

Turkey & Sweet Potato Casserole recipe on pg. 22

RECIPES

Coffee Canteen recipe on pg. 22

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Zucchini Muffins recipe on pg. 22

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RECIPES

COFFEE CANTEEN Ingredients: 5 cups coffee 1 cup almond milk Vanilla simple syrup (optional) Optional simple syrup: 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Directions: For the simple syrup: In a small pot and on medium heat, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and continue simmering for about 8 minutes. Remove from heat, and whisk in the vanilla extract; cool to room temperature. For the coffee: Brew 5 cups of coffee, and cool to room temperature. Add in almond milk and simple syrup, and chill until ready to serve.

ZUCCHINI MUFFINS Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups AP flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 cup maple syrup 1 large egg 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 large zucchini, finely grated Directions: Preheat oven to 350, and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with grease or cupcake liners. Wash zucchini and cut off ends and blemishes. Cut in half, lengthwise, and use a spoon to remove large seeds. Finely grate the zucchini, and squeeze out all excess liquid using a cheesecloth; set aside for later. Use a mixer to combine all wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add the dry to the wet ingredients, and stir until just combined. Use a rubber spatula to stir in the zucchini until just combined. Evenly disperse the batter in the muffin tin. Bake for 18-20 minutes,

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or until a toothpick comes out clean. To freeze: Cool completely to prevent condensation, and wrap individually in saran wrap and place in a freezer bag, then put in the freezer for up to two weeks ahead of time. Thaw the night before, or pop in the microwave for 15-second intervals until warm.

TURKEY & SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground turkey 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 20-ounce bag of shredded sweet potato 12 large eggs 1 cup spinach Directions: Preheat oven to 375. Place a skillet on medium-high heat, and add the turkey and all spices. Break the meat apart until cooked thoroughly. Line an oven-safe skillet or 9x9 baking pan with the bag of sweet potato hash, followed by evenly spread turkey. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, add more salt and pepper if desired, and pour over the turkey layer. Bake for 30 minutes, remove to add the spinach, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the casserole no longer jiggles.

SELF-SERVE PARFAIT BAR Ingredients: 2 32-ounce tubs of Greek yogurt 1 pound assorted fresh berries, sliced 1 cup walnuts 1/2 cup honey 1/3 cup chia seeds Directions: On a counter or table top, place the ingredients with spoons right before consumption. Provide serveware and dishes, and let the group members create a parfait based on their individual preference. M

RECIPES

Signature Drinks Renaming drinks at the reception or rehearsal dinner is a fun, easy way to incorporate and share the couple’s personalities with their guests.

The Sicilian recipe on page 32

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RECIPES

The Hudson recipe on page 32

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The High School Daze recipe on page 32

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RECIPES

The Mississippi River recipe on page 32

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RECIPES

Tell guests the honeymoon destination over a drink at the bar. A limoncello sangria? Sounds like Italy in a glass to us!

Ingredients: 1 bottle red wine 4 ounces limoncello 1 orange, juiced 1 orange sliced into small pieces + slices for garnishing 2 ounces triple sec 2 cups ice Directions: In a pitcher, muddle orange pieces. Add limoncello and triple sec, muddling once more.

Combine all other ingredients and ice, and stir until chilled. Serve over more ice if desired, and garnish with an orange slice.

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Gone are the days of ring-bearer-orbust for finding ways to involve those beloved four-legged pals. Give a classic drink a new namesake for the day by renaming it after man’s best friend.

This good boy, Hudson, is golden and sweet like honey, so a Tequila Honey Bee will do the trick.

Ingredients: 2 ounces silver tequila 1 ounce honey syrup 3/4 ounces lemon juice 2 dashes bitters Ice Directions: In a shaker with ice, combine tequila, syrup and lemon juice, and shake until chilled. Pour in a glass, and top with two dashes of bitters. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Tip your hat to how the happy couple first met. Amaretto sours get a lot of flack, probably because they’re deemed a beginner’s drink, but they’re still delicious. Sweet and a little sour, it can throw it back to earlier days, like when the couple first met.

Ingredients: 2 ounces amaretto liqueur 3/4 ounces fresh lemon juice 1 ounce simple syrup Ice

Rename a drink with a landmark or a destination of significance for the couple. This can be the couple’s favorite spot or a nod to the first state in which they will live. A boozy whiskey-bourbon punch is an only-slightly-zhuzhed-up version of The Mississippi, right?

Ingredients: 2 ounces cognac 1 ounce bourbon 1 ounce dark rum 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice 1/2 ounce simple syrup Ice

Directions: In a shaker, combine amaretto, lemon and syrup, and shake. Pour over ice, and garnish with an orange slice and maraschino Directions: In a shaker, combine all ingredients and ice. Shake until cherry. chilled. Pour in a glass, and garnish with an orange slice and in-season berries. M

Chic &

Whimsical

by CHARLIE GOOGE photos by LINDSAY PACE DAFFRON

This page: Shades of pink greet visitors at the door.

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Morgan Pennington used her creative outlook on life to design a chic mid-century modern Airbnb in the heart of Oxford. With some help from her mom and inspiration from her grandparents, it has become the perfect spot for newlyweds’ first night together or just a whimsical getaway.

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Previous page, from left: A plant decorates a bookshelf; Pennington’s clock, inherited from her grandfather, hangs in the bedroom. This spread, top to bottom: Pops of color enliven the dining area; Floral hangings inspired the color scheme of the bedroom; Calm colors dominate the bathroom; A painting in the hallway displays more floral designs.

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organ Pennington left home on Mississippi’s coast in 2004 to attend the University of Mississippi. She graduated in 2009 with degrees in English and history. She then returned to the coast to teach, and later decided it was time to come back to Oxford in January 2010. She got a job at a local coffee shop and moved into a rental complex.

When she heard her neighbor was moving out, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to rent the unit and begin a new project in August 2019.

“I originally wanted it to be my own space to have to get away and write music. And if my friends needed a place to stay, they could come here. My family was a big part of it as well, so they would be able to come visit more often,” Pennington said. “This just turned into a project for me, I love designing things and being creative in that way.”

After a chat with the landlord, she was given free rein – she could renovate as she saw fit, and rent it out at the end.

She decided it would make the perfect Airbnb house, and

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“

I love designing things and being creative in that way.”

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This page: Pennington encourages guests to enjoy tea and coffee during their stay.

started with her plan: A bathroom overhaul, cater the kitchen to what her guests would need for their quick visits and new paint on everything. It only took her about a month, but after that came the fun part – designing the space.

A CHIC SPOT This pink mid-century modern space is considered to be in the heart of Oxford and a “chic” spot.

The living room’s walls are a light pink; a bold statement for an entire room.

“The color is actually ‘retro rose.’

My friend, who is an artist, went with me to pick out paint colors.

For some reason, I was leaning towards pink,” she said. “My friend picked out ‘retro rose,’ and I fell in love with the color and the name of it.”

Pennington said she came home and immediately got to work. She painted a couple strokes, then stepped back and was unsure of her decision. She continued to paint and ended up painting the whole wall in one night. After the wall was painted, she was obsessed with the color.

The bedroom was designed with soft pinks, yellows and blues to be a relaxing place to sleep at the end of a long day. While this onebedroom, one-bath house includes a lot of pinks, the bathroom is starkly different from the rest of the space. Plain white walls paired with the black-and-white tiled floor, every aspect looks simple and sleek.

“I just wanted it to be a clean space to feel clean. With all the white and light colors, it helps create the illusion that it’s a bigger

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“I have always loved flowers. I think it represents a big part of my personality.” space than it actually is,” she said. “I love the cleanliness of it.”

She said her mom was a big help with the home’s renovations, and that she is very gifted in design as well.

Pennington gets a lot of her design inspiration from her mom and grandparents. Pennington has a wall clock from her grandfather, and she couldn’t think of a better place to put it than in the bedroom.

“My grandfather’s clock fits perfectly in the bedroom. It makes a ticking noise that sounds so calming when you are very quiet. I also have cute milk glasses in the kitchen. I love things that I can find to relate back to my grandparents.”

From the milk glasses, to her grandfather’s clock and all the floral touches throughout the house, Pennington always seems to find a way to make her grandparents a part of the house. There is a touch of floral in each room of the Airbnb because her mom and grandmother love flowers.

“But I have always loved flowers. I think it represents a big part of my personality,” she said.

WHIMSICAL & FUN This page, clockwise: A shelf in the breakfast nook holds trinkets; Kitchen cabinet doors are fitted with lavender knobs; An elephant bookend adds a touch of gold to the living room.

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Now an Airbnb host, Pennington goes above and beyond to make her renters feel welcomed. She always supplies her guests with Uptown Coffee, her childhood favorite cereals,

board games, comic books and a Super Nintendo. Pennington just wants her guests to be happy and comfortable, but respects the nature of a vacation: getting away.

“I try to be as hands-off as possible when I have guests staying at the house, but I will always be the first to give them restaurant recommendations or other fun activities to do around Oxford,” she said. “I always tell them while they are in town to stop by the coffee shop, and I will buy them a cup of coffee. It’s just a good way to meet and get to know people a little bit. And I make sure to tell them if they ever need anything to just let me know.”

These are just some of the touches she adds to make her guests feel at home.

“Honestly, whenever I was putting this place together, I just wanted it to be a fun space, but not a space that you are going to live in for an extended period of time,” she said.

“It’s kind of a lot to take in, but I wanted it to be a whimsical and fun environment. Each room is different in its own way.”

Pennington said she’s not here for the profit, she just enjoys the process and meeting her guests. After she finished the project in the latter part of 2019, she couldn’t help but wonder what she was going to do next. Pennington always says, “If I want to have a fun project, then I have to make it happen myself.” M This page, from top: Pennington smiles on her couch; A sculpture decorates the living room coffee table.

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DIY : Bridesmaid Proposal Box

Add a personalized note or a save the date for her to mark her calendar.

A stemless champagne flute to toast the happy news.

Fun and fizzy bath bombs to treat your girl to an athome spa day.

by CHARLIE GOOGE photos by LINDSAY PACE DAFFRON

Fill a fun canister with her favorite candy.

A glass of happy to get the celebration started.

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Include a pretty lip gloss to wear on your big day.

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GREEN

& GOLD photos by Lindsay Pace Daffron

Hues of green and gold shade weddings in soft elegance. Our bride modeled a sleek, simple dress, which allowed natural elements to shine through. We gave life to our vision by keeping this theme in our floral arrangements, cake and attire.

Publish your engagement or wedding announcement in The Daily Journal Submityourengagementorweddingannouncement online at djournal.com. Click on “all sections�.

Then, click the drop down arrow on announcements.Finally,clicksubmitbridalannouncements.

Submissions include a photograph.

Multiple sizes available with prices starting at $110.

For questions or more details, email jessica.hunter@journalinc.com M &M

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VENUE • Castle Hill in Oxford CAKE • Creative Cakes in Tupelo FLORAL ARRANGMENTS • Corinth Flowers LLC WEDDING GOWN • The Bride & Groom in Columbus MODELS • Charlie Googe, Hardy Smith and Charles Miller TUX & BRIDESMAID DRESS • Kay’s Kreations in Tupelo PLACE SETTINGS AND CAKE STAND• Prestige Event Rentals in Columbus

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grew up in Madison, Alabama, just a hop-skip-and-10-minutejump-on-the-interstate away from Huntsville. When we first moved in, I was 4, and I remember when cattle pastures, cotton and cornfields surrounded my neighborhood. In fact, there was a cow field right behind my house. My sister and I spent a summer perfecting our cow calls, and we could get the cows to run to the fence line in order to look at them up close and quite literally hand-feed them the figuratively greener grass on our side of the fence. Over the years, I’ve watched as various patches of land were tilled over for the last time before leveling out and building something new. For years now it’s been clear: Huntsville and the surrounding area is on its way to making the “big leagues” of Southern towns. My Dad totes around a census prediction matterof-factly: “In the next five years, Huntsville will be the most populated city in Alabama” (yes, beating out both Birmingham and Montgomery). Dubbed the engineering hub of America, people move in to land jobs in the Rocket City, between all the independent contracting businesses, Redstone Arsenal, Boeing, Toyota and NASA, just to name a few.

My last visit home, I met up with some friends in downtown Huntsville. I hadn’t spent that much time in Huntsville since I was in high school, and things have certainly changed. It wasn’t always all that and a box of cornflakes; I remember spending the majority of high school complaining about how there was never anything to do in our town. Well, someone must have heard my classmates’ and I’s complaints, because pretty soon, the city’s planning upped its game. So much so that since that weekend, I have heard so much chatter surrounding the town’s up-and-comingness. Call it more active listening or call it weird timing, either way, it’s got me convinced: Huntsville really is becoming a fun city, and in this case, the ideal destination for a bachelorette trip – and I’ll tell you why.

Explore the New Bachelorette Destination: Rocket City

by KRISTINA DOMITROVICH photos by LINDSAY PACE DAFFRON

Huntsville, Alabama (hunts • ville; not hun’s • vul)

Clockwise starting at the top: Huntsville’s iconic rocket at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center; The ‘Welcome to Huntsville’ mural is adjacent to Big Spring Park; Many murals are space-themed in the Rocket City, such as this one located in Campus No. 805 featuring two astronauts; There are over 20 murals scattered about downtown Huntsville.

by KRISTINA DOMITROVICH photos by LINDSAY PACE DAFFRON

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How to plan it Get the bridesmaids to go in on an Airbnb house somewhere downtown. There, you can set up a photo booth, have snacks and drinks for everyone, plus host a lingerie party one night with other bachelorette-themed games. Do a rough sketch of the weekend’s schedule, with options the bride-to-be can choose throughout the day (i.e. this activity or that one? This restaurant or a food truck?). Try to group your activities – food and whatever else you decide to throw on the agenda – in the same area.

Huntsville may require a little bit of driving, so zone all of your agenda options to certain sides of town.

Things to do If you play your cards right, you can hit up the city after April 2020, and the Trash Pandas’ home field will be up and running. First of all, let’s get this out of the way: Trash Pandas. Yes, that’s the team mascot; no it’s not a panda in a trashcan (I wish), it’s a raccoon; and yes, I voted for that option on the Twitter poll. How could I vote for an space-themed mascot when an option as nonsensical as a Trash Panda was on the table? They set themselves up for that one.

Anyways, catch a baseball game if your party is into that sort of thing. If not, there are so many new

TO Sip

Big-Kid Options

+ The Martin + Furniture Factory Bar & Grill + Jefferson Street Pub Looking for an old-school casual night of fun? Check out Pints & Pixels, where they have over 35 arcade games, plenty of tap options and a full bar.

For the Caffeine Cravers

+ Alchemy At the Camp + Olde Towne Coffee + Rooseter’s Crow Coffee Roastery

districts and hangouts popping up.

Lowe Mill is always a big hit, home of Piper & Leaf teas and Pizzelle’s Confections (think: delicious and fun chocolates), not to mention all the artists’ booths. We all know about The Rocket (Rocket City, duh), so the Space and Rocket Center is always a semi-kitschy option on the table – don’t knock it ‘til you try it. MidCity is a new hangout to appeal to 20-somethings, along with Stovehouse and Campus No. 805. Any of those options will have food, drinks and fun things to do. If your group is more into hiking and the outdoors, a drip to Monte Sano State Park is a must. There are even lookouts to peek at Huntsville from a new angle.

Top: An above view of a small portion of downtown Huntsville shows its old-timey nature; Right: Lockers remain in Campus No. 805 to incorporate the building’s roots, as it was a working public school from 1951 - 2009. The name, Campus No. 805, also incorporates the building’s past: Campus, for its time as a school, and 805 as a nod to the last three digits in the West Huntsville neighborhood’s zip code; Far right: Big Spring International Park (Big Spring Park) hosts several water displays and is home to many water fowl. Above: One building on the 13-acre plot of Campus No. 805.

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Pics or it didn’t happen What’s a bachelorette trip without a photo-op? Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville is a gorgeous place to walk (just watch out for the duck/goose poo), and makes for great photos.

For the art admirers, there are so, so many murals scattered about downtown. Bonus: A quick stroll downtown on the hunt to find a few will give way to a fun adventure of popping in shops and alleyways. For a more urban feel, coffee shops are always a win. Check out the cozy aesthetic at Alchemy Coffee in MidCity, and you won’t be disappointed. Ever feel like there should be a neon sign above your head that reads, “Feed me tacos and tell me I’m pretty”?

Well, Huntsville’s got you covered. Go check out Hops N Guac. M

TO munch Brunch

+ Cyn Shea’s Café + Grille 29 + Cotton Row Restaurant

Lunch

+ Rosie’s Mexican Cantina + Shaggy’s Burgers and Tacos + Poke Aloha + Viet Huong Be sure to check out Huntsville’s food truck scene!

Dinner

+ 1892 East Restaurant & Tavern + Commerce Kitchen + The Bottle

Clockwise starting at the top: Piper & Leaf, founded in Huntsville, is known across the South for its teas in little mason jars; The entrance to Old Mill is just a snippet of the art found inside; A coffee sign outside of Alchemy At the Camp; Flowers on Alchemy At the Camp’s patio; Old Mill hosts a slew of events and entertainment, so be sure to check their website for upcoming events.

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BRIDE IN BLACK

Previous Page; Husband poses with a sign she customized for her wedding; This page: Her wedding dress is decorated with intricate beading. Next page: One of Husband’s Christmas gifts was a custom-made frame for her wedding dress. Once it is installed in the master closet of couple’s new home, it will feature spotlights.

by KRISTINA DOMITROVICH photos by KATHYRN ENLOW and LINDSAY PACE DAFFRON It doesn’t have to be about mourning and funerals, and it doesn’t have to be gothic; black can be a happy color – and to Abby Husband, that’s exactly what it is.

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hen you think about the color black, to me, I think of mystery and depth, sophistication, sexuality, power – lots of things come to mind,” Abby Husband said. “It’s also a bold style statement that just displays a sense of moody romance, and that’s really what I was going for.”

Black is her favorite color. She said she wears it every day; all her clothes are black, and her nails are always painted black, too. Even though everyone knew her love affair with the color, the guests were still shocked when she walked down the aisle in a black wedding dress.

Going into it, there were three people who knew: her mom, thenfuture mother-in-law, and little sister. The secret was on total lockdown.

“It was so hard to keep from telling everybody – it was so hard!” Husband said. “I just couldn’t take a chance of it getting out, you know? I really wanted it to be a surprise for him – and everybody – but especially him.”

At first, she was concerned her groom-to-be, Dr. Leland Husband, would catch on. She’s known she would wear a black gown for three or four years, and she even told him in passing. At the beginning of their relationship, they were watching a movie when she told him.

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“‘I think I’m going to wear a black wedding dress one day, if I ever get married,’” she remembered. “He was like, ‘You’ll never do it.’ And I was like, ‘Okay,’ and then we never talked about it again for years. So he wasn’t expecting it at all.”

Though they hadn’t talked about it, she was scared he would pick up on small details and figure it out. The day before the wedding, she had her nails done – black.

“It was hard seeing him the night before because my nails were black.

‘He’s going to totally ask me, ‘Are you wearing black nails tomorrow?’’” she feared. “Because I had just been to the nail salon, so I was worried that he was going to notice it, but I think he’s so accustomed to (my nails being painted black) that I don’t think he even thought about it.”

Luckily, the black cat stayed in the bag, because the next day during their first look, he was completely surprised.

“He loved it, he totally embraced it, as he does everything, but he loved it,” Husband said. “(He) really, really liked it. It was great, a great reaction.”

But the path to black wasn’t an easy one. The Husbands were married

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Next page, clockwise from top: Tablecloths add black accents to the reception; She leans against a black truck; Her invitations combine black and gold; A floral arrangment continues Husband’s dark, elegant theme.

on Nov. 8, 2019, and the search for the perfect dress started earlier that year in March. To ease others’ concerns, she tried on a slew of white dresses, but deep down she knew none of them were right: She needed a black dress.

She knew what she didn’t want: White, floral patterns or lace. Finding a black dress that curbs those elements proved to be trickier than she expected. At first, she settled for a nice black bridesmaid’s dress. But as the big day approached, she grew weary.

“In October, I was lying in bed one night, a month before the wedding, and I was like, ‘This is not the dress. It’s the right color, but it’s not the dress,’” Husband said. “You know, you know when you have the dress, or people have said you always know when you have the dress.”

That night, she Googled ‘black wedding dresses’ – which she had searched months ago with no avail – and found it: a black Vera Wang.

Knowing she was fighting the clock, the hunt began.

David’s Bridal carries Vera Wang, but “of course they don’t carry it in black, they stock it in white.” But she knew if she could just find a location that stocks the dress, no matter the color, she could order the size she

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needed and go from there. Luckily, they stocked the dress in Memphis.

The next day, she got off work at 5:30 and drove “like a crazy mad lady,” to go try it on. She loved it. Right then and there, she ordered it, in black.

THEIR INSTITUTION OF UNTRADITIONAL Her dress was delivered one week later, two weeks before the wedding – just in time to do the needed alterations. At their Friday-evening wedding, at 6:30, they married in a “moody and romantic” courtyard. Husband, who lost her father in June of 2018, was escorted by her step-father, who passed her on to her baby brother, who then passed her on to the groom. When asked who gives this bride away, he responded with, “I do, in memory of our father.” With “hundreds, if not thousands” of candles lit, standing between two antique chandeliers, the two said “I do.” With them, stood her baby sister and his baby brother. They chose not to have a wedding party, in order to keep it as intimate as possible. Honorary bridesmaids celebrated with her throughout the day, and wore champagne-colored, sparkly dresses. The venue was adorned with black, champagne and

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“I totally embrace different and really e m b ra c e j u s t b e i n g y o u r s e l f a n d b e i n g t r u e .”

Above: Abby and Leland Husband pose for a portrait on their wedding day. “goldish” sparkles. She carried a bouquet with white roses and anemones.

Her hair was a low up-do, she wore pearl earrings and red lipstick.The cake alternated between tiers of champagne blush and wedding cake.

The couple has been together for four years.

They met in Tupelo, and their first date was

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six hours away in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is completing his medical residency. Their whole relationship has been long-distance, but the two are very excited that he has accepted a contract with a Tupelo radiology group that will start in July.

“It’s been very untraditional, our whole – us.

The black was just fitting,” Husband said. M

WEDDING SHOWER ATTIRE

THE GROOM

MLM Clothiers in Tupelo Samuelsohn sport coat; Jack Victor pants; David Donahue dress shirt; Martin Dingman belt; Robert Jensen pocket square; prices available upon request.

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edding showers are lovely occasions: loved ones celebrate the bride and groom, break bread and share joy. But showers also beckon us to dress our finest. Whether your shower is casual or formal, we share our favorite seasonal picks.

THE BRIDE

L.A. Green in Tupelo Show Me Your Mumu Crystal Tunic dress in white eyelet; prices available upon request.

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MOTHERS

Reed’s in Tupelo Joseph Ribkoff jumpsuit; Edleman shoes; Yochi necklace; Yochi bracelet. Prices available upon request.

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MAID OF HONOR

Anna Elizabeth in Tupelo Jumper Moon River jumpsuit; Sarelli jewelry; Xexe strapped heel; prices available upon request.

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1| DO

have a game plan going into the big day.

DON’T just pass your bouquet to someone as you and your new spouse are leaving for the evening.

Have someone designated to take the bouquet after the wedding, and take care of it over the honeymoon. + Night-of care: Trim 1/4-1/2 an inch off the stems, and place the bouquet in water for 24-48 hours.

2| DO

set realistic expectations for the final product.

Emmons said the darker flowers will hold colors better once dried (reds, burgundies); whereas white flowers will cream as they dry, and lose their stark-white appeal.

DON’T dismiss saving your flowers because they just die.

“Well, of course they die. But your hair grows out and you get it redyed or cut; it’s an effect. However, those flowers last forever in your photos,” Emmons added. And if preserved properly, she said they can last practically forever, and can be given to future grandchildren.

Drying Flowers: The Do’s and Don’ts

by KRISTINA DOMITROVICH photos by LINDSAY PACE DAFFRON

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e chatted with Whitney Emmons from Corinth Flowers LLC to get the inside scoop on what to do with your bouquet and flowers after the wedding.

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DO donate extra flowers and centerpieces to nursing homes or hospitals to cheer up residents and patients.

DON’T forget the boutineers! “A lot of guys don’t want the boutonnières, and the (older) men at nursing homes love them, they love that special effect,” Emmons said.

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For a bouquet:

Separate each flower from the bouquet. Because some flowers take longer to dry than others, if each flower is dried separately, it will drastically decrease the likelihood of molding.

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For a pressed frame:

Be sure to line with parchment paper or coffee filters, then arrange flowers before sandwiching in a heavy book. Check back in three to four weeks. M

Unexpected tips from the pros:

+ Flowers with a wooden stem, like magnolias, can be placed in a container of antifreeze, “Like the stuff you put in your car,” Emmons said. + Hairspray can help with dried flowers’ fragility.

“What’s that stuff our mothers used to use? Aqua Net? Yeah,” Emmons suggested. Spray drying flowers throughout the process to prevent easy breakage later down the road. + Another preservation option is silica gel or heat pressing using an iron or microwave. + Keep an eye out for artists. Emmons said she has come across a few who will take bouquets, properly treat them, and turn them into unexpected art pieces. Between jewelry making, resin molds and other options, the possibilities are pretty much endless.

Wedding Announcements Abigail Taylor Williford & James Bradley Aldridge | 96 Dorothy Hannah Whitlock & Jewwe William Austin III | 86 Aerial Journey McAlister & Nolan Michael Bennett | 100 Kristen Taylor Barefoot & Casey Grant Bishop | 88 Anna Kathryn Feather & Andrew Austin Bond | 99 Megan Amber Pickle & Tanner Henderson Bond | 87 Haley Alexandria Stephens & John Wesley Bost | 92 Molly Sue Swords & Joseph Murry Brock |94 Abby Alexis Wade & Jonathan Blake Davis | 91 Kelsey Lauren Adams & Steven Alan Goudeau | 102 Meredith Lee Brown & Christopher Daniel Grisham | 98 Korie Elizabeth Leach & Andrew Kyle West Kent | 104 Elisabeth Hart Pepper & Samuel Clayton Martin | 103 Anna Catherine Kent & Michael Cole McBride | 95 China Leigh Odom & Matthew Van Minga | 90

Photo by Lindsay Pace Daffron

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Dorothy Hannah Whitlock Jesse William Austin III

Dorothy Hannah Whitlock and Jesse William Austin III were united in marriage at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 10, 2019, at The Jefferson Oxford in Oxford, Mississippi. The double-ring ceremony was performed by Reverend Dale Whitlock of Nettleton, Mississippi.

The bride is daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rod Whitlock of Pontotoc, Mississippi. She is the granddaughter of Bingham and Lorene Moncrief of Forest, Mississippi, and Sandra Whitlock and the late Don Whitlock of Okolona, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Jesse “Ace” William Austin Jr. of Montgomery, Alabama. He is the grandson of the late Charles and Jennie Pittman of Indian Springs, Alabama, and Opal Austin and the late Jesse “Bill” Austin Sr. of Forest, Mississippi.

Escorted by her father, the bride was attired in a delicate, ivory mermaid gown with pearl beaded lace featuring a semichapel-length train. Complementing the bride’s ensemble was a bouquet of hydrangeas, snapdragons, eucalyptus, quicksand and white garden roses by Breezy Blossom. The bride entered to a ceremony of tall-beamed ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a floral chandelier resembling the bride’s bouquet. During the ceremony, the bride’s grandmother, Sandra Whitlock, read Psalm 100 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Bill Morgan and Chuck and Darla Robinson of Pontotoc, Mississippi, sang the bride’s favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art,” accompanied by pianist Jenea Weeks and violinists Alana and Garrett Weeks of Pontotoc, Mississippi.

Following the ceremony, hor d’oeuvres and an acoustic ensemble

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could be found on the brick patio. As guests entered the reception, an inordinate boxwood wall displayed the couple’s emblem and a guest seating chart. A seated three-course meal with the guests’ preference of oven-grilled salmon, hand-cut ribeye steak or creole chicken with crawfish sauce was served by Taylor Grocery. The wedding cake was a seven-tier design by Creative Cakes that contained flavors of traditional wedding cake, red velvet, strawberry and champagne blush. The cake was adorned with a winding gold-foil myrtle branch and Chantilly lace fondant pieces.

The newlyweds and guests danced the night away to entertainment by 2Hipnotic band, under the backdrop of a floral-lined stage and chandeliers aglow. The couple shared their first dance to Etta James “At Last.” Hannah and her father shared a dance to “I Loved Her First,”

by Heartland, and Jesse and his mother danced to “What a Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong.

The couple’s love of Mississippi State University was shown through the groom’s MSU-adorned chocolate and strawberry cake with a handpainted cowbell featuring the two. As the night closed, a final song of “Don’t Stop Believing” finished with a rousing MSU fight song by guests.

The couple exited to a lake backdrop and a company of sparklers. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents honored the couple with a rehearsal dinner at The Chancellor’s House. After a honeymoon trip to Bali, Indonesia, the couple resides in Jackson, Mississippi, where Hannah and Jesse are finishing medical and dental school.

Photos by Kelly Ginn Photography

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Megan Amber Pickle Tanner Henderson Bond The Antler in Tupelo, Mississippi, was the setting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019 for the marriage of Megan Amber Pickle and Tanner Henderson Bond. Brother Terry Edwards of Center Hill Baptist Church Hamilton officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Tracy and Grace Pickle of Hamilton, Mississippi, and granddaughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Grafton Pickle, also of Hamilton, Mississippi, and Hope Jennings of West Point, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Dr. Kevin and Lisa Bond of Columbus, Mississippi. His grandparents are Darrell and Bryanell Brown of Millry, Alabama, and Janice and the late Col. Charles Bond, also of Columbus, Mississippi.

Serving as matron of honor was Jackie Baggett, and maid of honor was Cara Sanders, both of Hamilton, Mississippi. Bridesmaids were Bailey Wood of Saltillo, Mississippi, Taylor Bunch of Aberdeen, Mississippi, Lauren Clayton of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Nikki Bond of Tupelo, Mississippi, Anna Mckell of Starkville, Mississippi, Madison McCollum of Amory, Mississippi, Chelsea Keeton of Maryville, Tennessee, and Locke Baggett of Hamilton, Mississippi.

Best men were Taylor Bond of Tupelo, Mississippi, and John Murray Estess of Gainesville, Florida. Groomsmen were James Riley Hunter of Nashville, Tennessee, Mikey Armour of Shrevport, Louisiana, Hunt Mercier of Texarkana, Texas, Josh Brown of Millry, Alabama, Ryan Pickle of Hamilton, Mississippi, Connor Corby of Tupelo, Mississippi, Cade Baggett of Hamilton, Mississippi, and Lex Baggett of Hamilton, Mississippi.

After the ceremony, a reception was held inside The Grand Hall at The Antler.

The bride graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s of accountancy, and is employed as a Financial Accounting Analyst at Byrne Zizzi CPA, PLLC in Tupelo, Mississippi.

The groom graduated from Mississippi State University, where he was a part of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, with a bachelor’s of science in environmental geosciences. He is working on a second degree in computer technology/cyber security while employed at West Point Consolidated School District, in West Point, Mississippi, as a Technology Specialist.

After a honeymoon in Exuma, Bahamas, the couple resided in Starkville, Mississippi.

Photos by Anna Fly Photography

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Kristen Taylor Barefoot Casey Grant Bishop

Kristen Taylor Barefoot of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Casey Grant Bishop of Mooreville, Mississippi, were united in marriage on Nov. 2, 2019, in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends at Kingfisher Lodge in Tupelo, Mississippi. Dr. Paul Young of Parkway Baptist Church in Tupelo performed the ceremony. The soloist during the ceremony was Karly Clayton.

The bride is the daughter of Trice and Laurie Webb of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Alan Barefoot of Birmingham, Alabama. She is the granddaughter of Tom and Linda Henderson of Tupelo, Mississippi, Carlene Barefoot of Birmingham, Alabama, and Jerry and Bonnie Webb of Tupelo, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Chad and Lori Bishop of Mooreville, Mississippi.

He is the grandson of James and Diane Roberts of Tupelo, Mississippi, and late Lyle Bishop of Mooreville, Mississippi.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a formal gown feathering a fitted waistline, sweetheart neckline, and beaded straps. The bodice was embellished with crystals and seed pearls. Lace appliques cascaded from the softly gathered champagne, tulle skirt which flowed into a chapel train. She wore a cathedral veil of silk illusion, and carried a bouquet filled with white and blush roses, surrounded by eucalyptus.

The matron of honor was her sister, Katelynn Lewis of Tupelo, Mississippi. The maid of honor was Lauren Hicks of Mooreville, Mississippi.

Bridesmaids were Allyson Bishop of Mooreville, Mississippi, Noelle Phillips of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Toni Huddleston of Saltillo, Mississippi, and Mia Grace Moore of Fulton, Mississippi. They wore sleeveless gowns of dew drop

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chiffon featuring deep V necklines and knotted straps. Pleated floor-length skirts fell from fitted waistbands. Pockets were the favorite feature of the full skirt. The bridesmaid’s bouquets were also filled with white and blush roses, surrounded by eucalyptus. The flower girls were Kara Blanchard and Mila Quigley.

Chris Lewis of Mooreville, Mississippi was the best man. Groomsmen were Ben Franks of Mooreville, Mississippi, Travis Barre of Mooreville, Mississippi, Chris Barnett of Tupelo, Mississippi, Carter Barefoot of Mooreville, Mississippi, and Cody Cryder of Mooreville, Mississippi. The ring bearer was Chaston Barnett.

A reception followed at Kingfisher Lodge in Tupelo, Mississippi, where guests enjoyed smoked brisket, grilled and fried chicken tenders, loaded mashed potatoes, bacon-wrapped green beans, chicken and spinach dip, sausage and cheese, and various fruits. The wedding cake was four tiers of white cake with buttercream icing, gorgeously decorated with fresh, white and blush roses, and sat on a custom-made wooden stand. The couple also had other desserts, including mini-pecan pies and a s’mores bar by the fire pit. After dancing, the couple’s night ended with a send-off filled with sparklers and confetti, then they departed in a turquoise 1966 Chevrolet c10 truck.

After their honeymoon to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the newlyweds reside in Mantachie, Mississippi, where the bride works for North Mississippi Medical Center as a labor and delivery nurse, and the groom works for East Main Tire in Tupelo, Mississippi, as an automotive technician.

Photos by Marty Pettit Photography

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China Leigh Odom Matthew Van Minga China Leigh Odom of Amory, Mississippi, and Matthew Van Minga of Greenwood Springs, Mississippi, were joined together in marriage on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at 6:30 in the evening, at the beautifully renovated Old Armory in Amory, Mississippi. The union took place under a handcrafted cedar arbor and was officiated by Brother Bobby Cleveland.

The bride looked very radiant and stunning in her ivory gown from Ballew Bridal in Collierville, Tennesee. The dress was paired with a pearl bracelet from her mother, and pearl earrings. She was crowned with a veil hand-sewn from the veil her mother wore when united with the bride’s father in 1994. The bride made her entrance through sliding barn-style doors to the song “I Get to Love You,” and was escorted by her father. The bouquet she carried was filled with pale pink roses, peonies and eucalyptus.

The bouquet and the groom’s boutonnière were designed by the bride, her future sister-in-law and bridesmaid Mari Caitlyne Minga.

The bride is the daughter of Mike and Ramona Odom of Amory, Mississippi. The groom is the son of Russell Minga of Greenwood Springs and Patricia Umfress Minga of Amory, Mississippi.

The best man was Zach Evans. The groomsmen were the groom’s father Russell Minga, his brothers Mitch and Josh Minga, and the bride’s brother Hayden Odom. The maid of honor was Anna Tyson. The bridesmaids were

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Bethany Presley, Mari Caitlyne Minga, Faith Miley (Bradford) and Monica Yonker. The flower girls were Kaylee Minga and Ada Minga. The ring bearer was Braxton Knight.

Capturing the special day for all to remember was Balducci Photography of Memphis, Tennessee. The day was coordinated by family friend Angel Justice. Makeup artist was friend of the bride Abby James, and hair stylist was Carlie Stanford of Altered State Salon in Amory, Mississippi.

Grandparents of both the bride and groom sat in the front row on wooden Church pews that were handcrafted by the bride’s late great grandfather. There was a host of family and friends who attended, and a dinner reception followed that included BBQ with sides, an ice cream bar, and a four-tiered cake baked by Tasha Browning. The bride and groom’s first dance was to “I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You,” sung by the bride’s grandfather. The guests then danced the night away to music by DJ Coley Cole.

The night ended with sparklers and confetti, and the bride and groom departed in a 1937 Chevrolet Street Rod. After a honeymoon in Florida, they now reside in Greenwood Springs, Mississippi. The groom is a Mississippi State Trooper, and the bride is an licensed physical therapist assistant at North Mississippi Medical Center.

Photos by Balducci Photography

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Abby Alexis Wade Jonathan Blake Davis Abby Alexis Wade of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Jonathan Blake Davis of Pontotoc, Mississippi, were united in marriage on Oct. 12, 2019, in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at First Baptist Church in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Dr. Ken Hester of Pontotoc, Mississippi, performed the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Jeff and Remona Wade of Tupelo, Mississippi. She is the granddaughter of the late Harrell and Helen Anderson of Blue Springs, Mississippi, and the late Dexter and Vama Wade of Tupelo, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Darlene Davis and the late Ted Davis of Pontotoc, Mississippi. He is the grandson of Lavelle Gates and the late J.D. Gates of Pontotoc, Mississippi, and Bobby and Wanda Davis of Pontotoc, Mississippi.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a fit-and-flare of lace and tulle

by Stella York from The Bride and Groom. She carried a bouquet of colorful roses and eucalyptus from Susan’s Flowers.

The matron of honor was Madison Reaves of Guntown, Mississippi.

Bridesmaids were Allie Peavey of Oxford, Mississippi, Carly Mahon

of Blue Springs, Mississippi, Catherine Plunk of Saltillo, Mississippi, Korie Beth Kent of Nettleton, Mississippi, Madison Peavey of Oxford, Mississippi, Mallory Mahon of Blue Springs, Mississippi, and Rachel Edwards of Paris, Tennessee. They wore mauve dresses from Kay’s Kreations, and carried bouquets of roses. Flower girls were Dezi Basden, Graelynn Gates, Ollie Grace Gates and Ramey Roberson.

Gage Davis of Pontotoc, Mississippi, was the best man. Groomsmen were Austin Reaves of Guntown, Mississippi, Brady Jenkins of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Casey Gates of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Clay Kidd of Ingomar, Mississippi, Conner Wade of Tupelo, Mississippi, Javous Peavey of Oxford, Mississippi, and Zach Peavey of Oxford, Mississippi. Escorts were John David Gates of Pontotoc, Mississippi, and Mitch McCoy of Madison, Mississippi. They wore navy tuxes, also from Kay’s Kreations.

A reception followed at Montgomery’s in Pontotoc, Mississippi, where guests enjoyed a variety of delicious food and music by the Bon Fire Boys.

The couple resides in Ecru, Mississippi, where the bride works for Kroger Pharmacy and the groom works for Sanders Inc. Photos by Marty Pettit Photography

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Haley Alexandria Stephens John Wesley Bost Haley Alexandria Stephens of Belmont, Mississippi, and John Wesley Bost of Amory, Mississippi, were united in marriage on Nov. 2, 2019, in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at Page Place at Dodson Farms in Starkville, Mississippi. Dr. Barry Raper of Ashland City, Tennessee, performed the ceremony. Gewosky Samuel, DJ G, of Nettleton, Mississippi, provided music, and Mandy Morrow of Red Bay, Alabama was the soloist.

The bride is the daughter of Brent and Penny Raper, and Randy Stephens of Belmont, Mississippi. She is the granddaughter of Clyde and Patricia Moore of Belmont, Mississippi, the late Rebecca Raper Orrick and Philip Orrick of Red Bay, Alabama, the late Jimmy Raper of Red Bay, Alabama, and the late Jerry Stephens and Jenny Stephens, both of Belmont, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Jimmy and Lisa Bost of Amory, Mississippi.

He is the grandson of the late Wendell and Laverne Hooker of Thaxton, Mississippi, and the late Honorable Judge James E. and Fannye G. Bost of Amory, Mississippi.

Escorted by her father and step father, the bride wore an Allure mermaid-style wedding dress with lace and sparkle details. She carried a cascading bouquet of maroon, white and blush roses, ranunculus and hydrangeas.

The matron of honor was Devin Crane Fancher of Belmont, Mississippi.

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The maid of honor was Alyson Raper of Belmont, Mississippi. Bridesmaids were Hayley Welch of Belmont, Mississippi, Jada Harris of Maben, Mississippi, and Bridget Shook of Booneville, Mississippi. They wore maroon Christina Wu dresses with sequined tops and tulle bottoms, and the maid and matron of honor wore rose gold sequin Primavera dresses, and carried bouquets of maroon and white roses and kalalilies mixed with greenery.

Jimmy Bost of Amory, Mississippi, was best man. Groomsmen were Ty Bost of Jackson, Mississippi, Tyler Tate of Amory, Mississippi, Adam Trautman of Austin, Texas, and Chase Stephens of Birmingham, Alabama.

A reception followed at the venue, where guests enjoyed finger foods, such as chicken fingers, mashed potatoes, salad, Mississippi State University’s assorted cheeses, macarons, and Mississippi State-themed cookies by Daphne McKibben with The Cookie Cottage. Cakes by Rita provided the wedding cake and groom’s cake. Guests enjoyed music selected by the bride and groom, played by DJ G. Photography was by the talented Blake McColllum, and the videographer was Landon McAfee with Rocky Top Films.

The couple resides in Amory, Mississippi, where the bride works for Hodges Orthodontics and Reed’s Department Store, both in Tupelo, Mississippi, and the groom works for Community Bank of Amory, Mississippi.

Photos by Blake McCollum Photography

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Molly Sue Swords Joseph Murry Brock Molly Sue Swords of New Albany, Mississippi, and Joseph Murry Brock of Ripley, Mississippi, were united in marriage on April 20, 2019, in an afternoon ceremony surrounded by friends and family at My Girl’s Events in New Albany, Mississippi. The ceremony was performed in front of a beautiful lake setting and was officiated by Jeff Taylor. The day was designed and coordinated by Regina Hall.

The bride is the daughter of Doug Swords of New Albany, Mississippi, and Tammy Swords of Ecru, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Lonnie and Dawn Brock of Ripley, Mississippi.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a strapless Essense of Australia gown with a sweetheart neckline, a scalloped lace hemline and crystal beading throughout. The ivory lace and tulle dress was paired with a crystal and beaded embellished belt. She carried a bouquet of blush pink, white and cream garden roses, accented with white hydrangeas. The lace-wrapped bouquet was incorporated with a heart-shaped charm with a portrait of the bride’s late grandmother.

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The maid of honor was Dana Bramlitt. Bridesmaids were Ale Swords and the bride’s sister, Jessica Thomas. Bridesmaids wore long, flowing blush pink dresses, and carried bouquets of white and cream garden roses.

Best man was son of the groom, Maverick Brock. Groomsmen were Tony Nguyen, Dusty Talley and Eli Thomas. Groomsmen wore navy blue suits accented with blush pink ties.

A reception was held at a beautiful cabin overlooking the lake where guests enjoyed finger foods and a chocolate fountain, catered by Ruth Manor Catering. The bride’s three-tiered champagne blush cake decorated with roses was designed and prepared by Creative Cakes. The groom’s table featured assorted cupcakes and donuts.

Flowers for the wedding were arranged by Teacups & Tulips Flowers and Gifts. Capturing the special day was JoAnn’s Photography and videographer Eric Ewing.

After enjoying their honeymoon in Antigua, the couple resides in Ripley, Mississippi.

Photos by JoAnn’s Photography

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Anna Catherine Kent Michael Cole McBride

Anna Catherine Kent of Nettleton, Mississippi, and Michael Cole McBride of Kosciusko, Mississippi, were united in marriage On Nov. 2, 2019, in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at The Antler in Tupelo, Mississippi.

The bride is the daughter of Bobby Kent and Tammy Kent of Nettleton, Mississippi; and the granddaughter of T.L. and Opal Herring of Wren, Mississippi, and the late Travis and Marie Kent of Nettleton, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Michael McBride and Carol McBride of Kosciusko, Mississippi. He is the grandson of Carol and Florence Sutton of West, Mississippi, and Clarence and Betty McBride of Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a Stella York fitted sheath dress with lace details. She carried a bouquet of eucalyptus, lamb’s ear, white hydrangea, Mother of Pearl roses and blue thistle.

The matron of honor was Michele Hester Myrick of Tupelo, Mississippi. Bridesmaids were Holly Heavner of Nashville, Tennessee, Kaleigh Tackett of Plantersville, Mississippi, Makenzie Sullivan of Nettleton, Mississippi, Marlee McBride of Kosciusko, Mississippi, and Chelsea Harthcock of Kosciusko, Mississippi. They wore flowing, forest green, off-the-shoulder dresses, and carried bouquets of mixed greenery and Mother of Pearl roses.

Michael McBride, the groom’s father, was the best man. Groomsmen were Chance Praytor of Mobile, Alabama, Jason Hursey of Slidell, Louisiana, Drew Trehern of Kosciusko, Mississippi, Connor Hill of Kosciusko, Mississippi, and Taylor Burrell of Kosciusko, Mississippi.

A reception followed at The Antler, where guests enjoyed handmade pizza, wings and a popcorn bar.

The couple resides in Eupora, Mississippi, where the bride teaches English and the groom is the head baseball coach.

Photos by JoAnn’s Photography

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Abigail Taylor Williford James Bradley Aldridge

Abigail Taylor Williford of Booneville, Mississippi, and James Bradley Aldridge of New Albany, Mississippi were united in marriage on June 8, 2019, in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at the historic Fillmore Street Chapel in Corinth, Mississippi. Carter Smith of Booneville, Mississippi, served as the officiant. Reverend Charles Steele of New Albany, Mississippi provided the scripture reading. Amanda Mattox of Booneville, Mississippi, coordinated the music and served as the ceremony’s pianist. Musicians included violinists Jennifer and Salvatore Guerra of Memphis, Tennessee, vocalist/guitarist John Milstead of Nashville, Tennessee, and vocalist Angelica Copeland of Booneville, Mississippi. Flowers were by Elizabeth Spencer Designs of Corinth, Mississippi. Ceremony directors were Sarah Rhodes and Joye Steen of Booneville, Mississippi.

The bride is the daughter of Joey and interior designer Stephanie Williford, who also served as wedding planner, of Booneville, Mississippi.

She is the granddaughter of David and Rebecca West of Booneville, Mississippi, and Jimmy and Doris Williford of Ripley, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Joey and Tracey Aldridge of New Albany, Mississippi. He is the grandson of David and Sheryl Aldridge of New Albany, Mississippi, and Jerry and the late Gara Foster of Jackson, Mississippi.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a Martina Liana Frenchinspired couture lace gown with delicate linear paneling and a gorgeous laser-cut cage train. Donning a cathedral veil of Italian silk tulle, she carried an English garden-inspired bouquet adorned with her late greatgrandmother’s broach. The majestic bouquet of white peonies, various roses, eucalyptus, white scabiosa and honeysuckle vine was tied with handdyed French silk ribbon.

The maid of honor was sister of the bride, Isabel Williford of Booneville, Mississippi. The matron of honor was Elizabeth West Upchurch, aunt

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of the bride, of Booneville, Mississippi. Bridesmaids were Kelley Nesler, Caroline Goodwin, and Danielle Hawkins Norris, all of Booneville, Mississippi, and Grace Aldridge of New Albany, Mississippi. Honorary bridesmaids were Erin Wall Goff, Savannah Hollis and Paige Aldridge, all of New Albany, Mississippi; Jordan Berry of Mantee, Mississippi, Katelyn Williford Emerson of Rienzi, Mississippi, and Kaylee Davis of Iuka, Mississippi. The bridesmaids wore a floor-length chiffon gown featuring a flowing skirt and blousing top in the most beautiful shade of pale bluegrey. They carried a mixture of garden flowers in pale, yet complimentary, shades of white, blush, and terracotta that were tied with light grey handdyed ribbon. The honorary bridesmaids wore a pale grey chiffon dress featuring a crossed-sweetheart bodice and delicate spaghetti straps with a tulip hem. They wore gold cuffs with complimentary flowers attached.

Father of the groom, Joey Aldridge of New Albany, Mississippi, served as best man. Groomsmen were Joseph Broom, Sam Cobb, Adam Wise, Will Cherry and Matt Hale, all of New Albany, Mississippi; and Joseph Williford of Booneville, Mississippi. Honorary groomsmen were Kaleb Barnes, Connor Goodwin and Alex McCutchen, all of Booneville, Mississippi.

Ushers were Ryne Stanford, Chance Maxey and Josh Thompson, all of New Albany, Mississippi.

Wearing heirloom Swiss-batiste dresses and carrying hoops with vines, roses and hand-dyed silk ribbon, the flower girls were Hatti Butler of Kossuth, Mississippi, and Maggie Ray Yarber and Emily Kate Yarber of Booneville, Mississippi. The ring bearer was Wyatt Cherry of New Albany, Mississippi.

A garden soiree reception followed at the home of the bride in Booneville, Mississippi, where guests enjoyed dinner and dancing accompanied with the music of John Milstead and Band of Nashville, Tennessee. Newlyweds Brad and Abby Aldridge departed for their honeymoon destination in the Dominican in a vintage 1947 Cadillac.

Photos by Jessica Riley Photography

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Meredith Lee Brown Christopher Daniel Grisham

Meredith Lee Brown of Saltillo, Mississippi, and Christopher Daniel Grisham of Pontotoc, Mississippi, were united in marriage on May 11, 2019, in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at Blue August in Baldwyn, Mississippi. Reverend Steve Nichols (grandfather of the bride) of Guntown, Mississippi, performed the ceremony. “Come Thou Fount” was played as the processional, honoring the grandmother of the bride.

The couple also performed communion together during the ceremony to symbolize Christ of hope and grace in their marriage.

The bride is the daughter of Jason Brown and Amy Brown. She is the granddaughter of Steve and the late Cheryl Nichols of Guntown, Mississippi, and Kay Brown of Saltillo, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Kenneth and Rhenee Grisham of Pontotoc, Mississippi. He is the grandson of the late W.C. and the late Stella Long of Pontotoc, Mississippi, and the late James and the late Jean Grisham of Pontotoc, Mississippi.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a floor-length ivory gown with an embellished lace top and a deep open back. The bottom of the dress was jersey knit material with a trail of quarter-length buttons and a lace train. The dress was bought from The Bride and Groom of Columbus, Mississippi. She carried a bouquet of light pink and white peonies and roses, seeded and non-seeded eucalyptus, and white snaps. The flowers were done by DB’s Floral Designs N’ More in Saltillo, Mississippi.

The matron of honor was Madison Boyd Allred of Amory, Mississippi.

Bridesmaids were Kim Grisham of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Elizabeth

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Nichols of Endville, Mississippi, Emma Harris of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Hannah Harwood of Saltillo, Mississippi, Beth Ezell of Saltillo, Mississippi, and Laiken Herring of Saltillo, Mississippi. They wore taupe dresses that were different styles, all of which were from Show Me Your Mumu, and carried bouquets of light pink and white roses, eucalyptus, and dusty miller, also from DB’s Floral Designs N’ More.

Mack Warren of Pontotoc, Mississippi, was the best man. Groomsmen were Cooper Brown of Saltillo, Mississippi, Caleb Grisham of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Bo Adams of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Will Dauler of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Zach Alexander of Pontotoc, Mississippi, and Brandon Alexander of Pontotoc, Mississippi.

A reception followed at Blue August in Baldwyn, Mississippi, where guests enjoyed pork tenderloin sliders, a potato bar, mac and cheese, and an assortment of dips. The bride’s cake was a vanilla naked-style threetier cake, and the groom’s cake was chocolate made to look like a guitar pick. The food and cakes were catered by Hope’s Cakes Confections Catering of Baldwyn, Mississippi. Music was provided by the DJ Drew Johnson. Photography was done by Deanna Knight of Saltillo, Mississippi.

The couple resides in Pontotoc, Mississippi, where the bride is attending school to be a registered nurse, and the groom works for Certech Truck and Trailer Service.

The bride and groom want to thank all the venders and those involved in the wedding for making their big day so special.

Photos by Deanna Knight

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Anna Kathryn Feather Andrew Austin Bond

Anna Kathryn Feather of Saltillo, Mississippi, and Andrew Austin Bond of Saltillo, Mississippi, were united in marriage on Nov. 9, 2019, in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at First Baptist Church in Saltillo, Missississippi. The ceremony was officiated by Dr. Ronnie Hatfield and Dr. Jason Williams. Music was provided by Jan Helms, and Tyler Smith was the soloist.

The bride is the daughter of James and Beverly Feather of Saltillo, Mississippi. She is the granddaughter of Dean Glazier Anaston of Milton, Florida, the late Bobby Glazier of Greenwood, Mississippi, and the late Robert and Frenchie Feather of Saltillo, Mississippi, formerly of Clarksdale, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Andy and Connie Bond of Saltillo, Mississippi.

He is the grandson of Wayne and Pat Coleman of Coffeeville, Mississippi, Charles and Betty Bond of Louisville, Mississippi, and Sarah Bond of Kosciusko, Mississippi. He is the great grandson of Maudie Smith of Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Escorted by her father, and given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore an elegant, ivory satin ball gown featuring a V-neckline. Her chapel-length veil was bordered with crystal embellishment that graced gently over her train. She carried a hand-tied bouquet of ivory peonies and blush roses, adorned in an ivory satin ribbon with a special charm of remembrance for her paternal grandmother.

The bride’s sister, Haley Feather, served as maid of honor. The matron of honor was Morgan Plaxico. Bridesmaids were Allyson Flowers, Bailey Hall, Cambre Paes, Abbie Katherine Smith, Caley Speck, Lexie Wildmon and

Adolyn Wyatt. The bridesmaids wore various styles of floor-length, slate blue chiffon gowns designed by Madeline Gardner, and carried bouquets of white hydrangeas and roses. Khloe Phillips and Sallie Evans Black served as flower girls. Honorary bridesmaids were Hillary Black, Bethany Clark, Lauren Ellis, Rachel Hilliard, Laura Nerren and Laura Smith.

The groom’s father, Andy Bond, served as best man. Groomsmen were Ben Bond, Will Black, Frank Brinkley, Kevin Coleman, Jack Inman, Bryson Kimbrough, Drew Mitchell and Lee Plaxico. The wedding guests were ushered by Ben Smith and the groomsmen.

Following the beautiful, God-centered ceremony, the reception was held in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church in Saltillo, Mississippi, where guests enjoyed the bride and groom’s favorite hors d’oeuvres. The bride’s table featured a simplistic, four-tiered cake designed by Hope Jones of Baldwyn, Mississippi. The groom’s table had a hunting theme, and featured strawberry and caramel cakes designed by Carrie Hitt of Mooreville, Mississippi.

Wedding memories were beautifully captured by Mary Kate Steele Photography of Memphis, Tennessee. The church, the reception and all floral arrangements were designed by florist, Danny Brown, of DB’s Floral Designs N’ More in Saltillo, Mississippi. The amazing reception food was prepared and beautifully presented by Janice Bishop of Bishop Catering of Nettleton, Mississippi.

Following their honeymoon in Cozumel, the couple resides in Saltillo, Mississippi, where the bride is a counselor at Mooreville High School, and the groom works for Lee County School District as an HVAC technician.

Photos by Mary Kate Steele Photography

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Aerial Journey McCalister Nolan Michael Bennett

Aerial Journey McCalister of Corinth, Mississippi, and Nolan Michael Bennett of Ripley, Mississippi, were united in marriage on Nov. 23, 2019, at 4:00 p.m., in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at Fillmore Street Chapel in Corinth, Mississippi. Dr. Matt Brown of Booneville, Mississippi, performed the ceremony. Cindy Mathis of Corinth, Mississippi, played the harp, and a trio of Marty Hurt, Dustin Bridges, and Thomas Rackstraw sang a capella “It is Well with my Soul” and “Be Thy my Vision.”

The bride is the daughter of Cinnamon and Benjamin Martin and Michael and Michelle McCalister. She is the granddaughter of Martha Albright and Francis McCalister all of Corinth, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Jill Bennett of Ripley, Mississippi, and the late Michael Bennett. He is the grandson of Lynda and Dennis Grisham of Dumas, Mississippi, and Gloria and Mike Bennett of New Albany, Mississippi.

Arriving to the church in a horse-drawn carriage, the bride was escorted down the aisle by her father. The bride wore a white Jesus Peiro gown with a V-neck in the front and square plunging backline, embellished with whimsical double bows on the shoulders. The skirt was full and pleated with pockets. She completed her ensemble with Christian Louboutin white heals, laced with satin ribbons up the leg.

The bride’s cathedral-length veil was simple, yet exquisite, as she entered the church with the blusher covering her face. Her beautiful bouquet was roses, garden roses and spray roses, ranunculus, astilbe, Lisiantus, all in white, with touches of blue and pink in thistle, tulips, seeded eucalyptus and Italian ruscus. It was wrapped with dark green velvet ribbon streamers designed by Elizabeth Spencer Designs.

The maid of honor was Lexie Gamble of Booneville, Mississippi.

Bridesmaids were Sophie Bennett of Ripley, Mississippi, Anna McCollum Evans of Corinth, Mississippi, Ruth Sawyer Albright of Corinth, Mississippi, and Jenny Lynn Coker of Dennis, Mississippi.

They wore forrest green dresses, all of different fabrics and styles chosen by the bride specially for them. They carried bouquets similar to the bride’s wrapped with white double-faced satin streamers. The sweet flower girls, Camryn and Makenzie Porter, cousins of the bride, wore baby pink dresses with full skirts made of tulle, velvet bodices with finenetted long sleeves, and their hair was adorned with an ivy halo. They, as well as the bridesmaids and the bride, topped their lovely gowns with fur stoles.

The groom’s brother Judd Bennett served as best man. Groomsmen were Mason Clemmer of Ripley, Mississippi, Stearman McCalister of Corinth, Mississippi, Will Livingston of Houston, Mississippi, and Britt Bass of Corinth, Mississippi.

A reception followed at Franklin Courtyard in Corinth, Mississippi.

While waiting on the bride and groom to arrive, all had the fun of a photo booth, a coffee bar from SoCo Grind, ice cream by Noms that were individual flavors created by the couple – a bride flavor (Fruity

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Pebbles milk) and a groom flavor (vanilla ice cream with brownies and cookie dough).

Because of her love for candy, the guests had the choice of an assortment of different candies on the candy bar, including M&Ms with the bride and groom’s picture, and homemade candy apples and caramel apples. Donuts, macarons and personalized cookies were also a part of the festive food galore. Finally, cotton candy was being made for all to enjoy. In honor of Corinth and its Coca-Cola legacy, everyone enjoyed small bottled Cokes and Diet Cokes.

After the bride and groom’s first dance, the guests enjoyed a dinner with boiled shrimp, a beautiful display of fruit and veggies, pork sliders, spinach and artichoke dip, chicken tenders and a mashed potato bar.

The food buffet had an amazing arrangement of flowers suspended above, with all the lovely flowers that adorned the church. Brass candlesticks with tiered candles covered the tabletops, and pictures of the happy couple were there for everyone to enjoy. The mantle near the bride’s cake was cascaded with flowers, bringing into focus the lovely black and white portrait of the bride on the stairs of the Corinth Coliseum to complete the Corinth Theme.

All danced and enjoyed music of Stone Road, a band of local artists, prior to being able to enjoy the cutting of the cakes. Lauren’s Cake Shop worked her magic with a four-tiered white bride’s cake. It had a square base tier with three graduating round tiers. A sweater design was used as formal exterior, but when it was cut, to the surprise of all, the cake was bright with the colors of the rainbow. This is significant of the bride’s whimsical nature and personality. An artist was there painting a portrait of the happy couple during the cutting of the bride’s cake.

The groom’s cake was a two-tiered square delight with chocolate cake and chocolate icing, decorated with beautiful cascades of sugared fruit.

Karen’s Cake Shoppe designed it. Draped with a cowhide, his table was all things Nolan, with a woodsy and manly motif. There were cigar boxes filled with goodies that Nolan loves, and rustic flowers and wood branches completed the masculine feel.

After a time of dancing, socializing and mingling, the bride changed into a fabulous getaway dress that was white tiers of tulle, complemented with a high neckline and low back. They made their escape through a tunnel of friends and family with sparklers flaming. A bold, yet sophisticated 1949 white Cadillac awaited their arrival to whisk them away to a week in paradise.

The newlyweds reside in Corinth, Mississippi. Journey is a seventhgrade English teacher at Ripley Middle School; she is a student in the Master’s Program at Mississippi State University, and will graduate in May 2020. She also is the owner of Theatre Journey, where she teaches acting and voice lessons. Nolan is the Children’s Minister at Gaston Baptist Church, and he is a full-time student at Blue Mountain College. He will graduate in May of 2020 with a degree in Social Studies Education.

Photos by Love, Jules Photography

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Kelsey Lauren Adams Steven Alan Goudeau

Kelsey Lauren Adams of Tupelo, Mississippi and Steven Alan Goudeau of Midland, Texas, were united in marriage on February 16, 2019, in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends, at First United Methodist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi. Bishop Bill McAlilly of Nashville, Tennessee, performed the ceremony. The guests in the sanctuary were greeted by music provided

by The String Quartet of the South of Germantown, Tennessee. A wedding choir, consisting of friends of the family, along with members of the First United Methodist Church Choir, under the direction of Beverly McAlilly, provided a selection of hymns of worship that created an atmosphere of celebration.

The bride is the daughter of Keith and Brenda Adams of Tupelo, Mississippi. She is the granddaughter of Dorothy Stephens and the late Hollis Stephens of Fulton, Mississippi, and Myra Adams and the late Bobby Adams of Fulton, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Tim and Marion Goudeau of Midland, Texas. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Lindley of Fort Worth, Texas, and the late Mary Anne Lindley of Midland, Texas, and Mr. W.A.”Pappy” Goudeau and the late Marguerite Goudeau of Midland, Texas.

Escorted by her father, the bride was absolutely stunning in her classically, elegant Martina Liana gown. The gown featured hand-embroidered lace with extensive beading throughout the bodice. Modern, linear beading highlighted the tulle straps and back of her gown, which continued throughout the full tulle skirt and cathedral train. She carried a bouquet that was an open-form loose-style nosegay. Flowers were dissected from stems and hand wired. Textural gray dusty Miller with winter greens and berries enhanced garden roses with anemone and hyacinth. The handle was detailed with lace from her mom’s wedding dress.

The matron of honor was Miriam Taylor Goldberg of Houston, Texas.

The maid of honor was Kirksey Taylor of Dallas, Texas. Bridesmaids were Jordan Anderson of Nashville, Tennessee, Valeria Caso of Fort Worth, Texas, Paige Cooper of Nashville, Tennessee, Chelsea Dumas of Houston, Texas, Allison McCharen of Nashville, Tennessee, Rebecca Wilder of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Betsy Ware of New Orleans, Louisiana. They wore silk,

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chiffon in “Ice” from Amsale and carried bouquets of open-style nosegays comprised of garden roses, anemone, antique green hydrangea and petite garden mums with black centers. Textural winter green and berries added interest and a seasonal look.

Will Goudeau of Fort Worth, Texas, was the best man. Groomsmen were Stephen Adams of Tupelo, Mississippi, Michael Blonkvist of Midland, Texas, Blake Bonner of Dallas, Texas, Trey Burke of Midland, Texas, Wright Drummond of Midland, Texas, James Gripp of Midland, Texas, Harrison Reese of Midland, Texas, Noble Starnes of Midland, Texas and Austin Wallace of Midland, Texas.

A rehearsal dinner was hosted the night before the wedding by the groom’s parents at The Antler, Pontotoc, Mississippi. The guests enjoyed wonderful cocktails and appetizers, followed by an amazing sit-down dinner created by Park Heights of Tupelo, Mississippi. Those in attendance shared many laughs and enjoyed a night of Elvis-themed music by Jack Curtis of Tupelo, Mississippi.

A reception followed the wedding at the Tupelo Cotton Mill in Tupelo, Mississippi, which was transformed into a classic, chic urban space by Design by Tracy Proctor of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Southern Event Lighting of Caledonia, Mississippi, in concert with Erin Stubbs of Busylad, who served as the wedding planner. Guests enjoyed a wonderful buffet by Tallahatchie Gourmet of New Albany, Mississippi. Park Heights provided full bar service, along with a “Texas Gentleman” and “Southern Belle” as their signature cocktails. Guests were also treated to two spectacular wedding cakes created Creative Cakes of Tupelo, Mississippi. A memorable time was had by all, as everyone danced the night away to music provided by Memphis Soul Revue and watched as artist Kit Stafford created a live-event painting that captured the couple’s first dance. Taylor Square Photography of Oxford, Mississippi, and Joe and Callie videographers of Macon, Mississippi, beautifully captured all of the weekend wedding memories.

After a honeymoon to the French Polynesia islands of Bora Bora and Tetiaroa, the couple resides in Midland, Texas, with their sweet dog Coco and ever-faithful cat Tristan.

Photos by Taylor Square Photography

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Elisabeth Hart Pepper Samuel Clayton Martin Elisabeth Hart Pepper and Samuel Clayton Martin were married on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the First Baptist Church of Flora in Flora, Mississippi.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Pepper of Canton, Mississippi, and the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. G. Patrick Pepper of Pickens, Mississippi, and the late Dr. and Mrs. Charlie R. Sinclair of Lexington, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Martin of Madison, Mississippi, and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William R. Martin of Ridgeland, Mississippi, and Mr. and Mrs. John C. White of Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Mrs. Katie Pepper Schmidt from Flora, Mississippi, served her sister as the matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Caitlyn Connell of San Antonio, Texas, Selby Entrekin of Oxford, Mississippi, Hayley James of Biloxi, Mississippi, Samantha Johnson of Madison, Mississippi, Lauren Peace of Dothan, Alabama, Maggie Pitts of Canton, Mississippi, Sarah Beth Ratcliff of Ridgeland, Mississippi, Laura Terry of Madison, Mississippi, Whitney Thompson of Oxford, Mississippi, Caroline Warren of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Rachel Weeks of Canton, Mississippi.

David Martin of Madison, Mississippi served his son as the best man.

Groomsmen were Taylor Bishop of Sallis, Mississippi, Jake Crews of Oxford, Mississippi, Josh Daniels of Madison, Mississippi, Phillips King of Madison, Mississippi, Robert Kirby of Charleston, South Carolina, Will Martin of Madison, Mississippi, Ian Pinholster of Atlanta, Georgia, Josh Schmidt of Flora, Mississippi, Nathan Simpson of Oxford, Mississippi, Weston Tidwell of Madison, Mississippi, and Hugh Warren of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The ceremony’s music was performed by pianist Jennifer Warren and violinist Temperance Babcock-Steiskal. The solo “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris was sung by Katherine Farese. After the seating of the family, Ms. Farese sang “The Prayer” by David Foster.

The bride entered on her father’s arm to “Water Music – Air Suite No. 1” by Handel. The flowers were designed by William Box, and the bride’s bouquet included a lace handkerchief selected years earlier by her maternal grandparents while on a trip in Ireland. The ceremony was performed by Reverend Stan Cheatham, followed by the scripture reading by Cameron Burgess Martin.

The couple exchanged vows, then exited to the recessional song, “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” by Hugo Peretti.

The reception was held at Reunion Golf and Country Club in Madison, Mississippi. The evening’s musical entertainment was provided by FunkyTown from Memphis, Tennessee. The couple shared their first dance and spent the night dancing with friends and family. Miriam Shufelt was commissioned by the groom to paint the couple’s first dance as a gift for his bride.

Special moments throughout the evening were captured by David Irby Photography.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Bridalwood of Madison in Madison, Mississippi. After dancing, the party was seated, and the father of the groom blessed the delicious meal prepared by Four Tops Catering. Following dinner, Mr. Martin led the first toast of the evening to the happy couple. This was followed by family and friends reminiscing on their friendships with the happy couple, and giving their blessings and best wishes to Hart and Sam. On the morning of the wedding, the bridal party was treated to a breakfast at the studio of artist Mark Millett. Mr. Millett later surprised the Martins with a video montage of the wedding day.

Following their honeymoon in Ireland, the couple is at home in New Albany, Mississippi, where the groom is an attorney with Rutledge and Davis, P.L.L.C. The bride is in school at the University of Mississippi School of Law, and is employed at Frye Reeves P.L.L.C. in Oxford, Mississippi.

Photos by David Irby Photography

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Korie Elizabeth Leach Andrew Kyle West Kent

Korie Elizabeth Leach and Andrew Kyle West Kent were united in marriage on May 4, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at the Pecan Orchard in Nettleton, Mississippi. The ceremony was officiated by Brother Chuck Moffett of Hatley, Mississippi.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Leach of Nettleton, Mississippi. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Baulch, Mrs. Laverne Nicholson, and the late Mr. Frank Nicholson of Nettleton, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Kent of Hatley, Mississippi.

He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. James West of Hatley, Mississippi, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Willy Kent of Delta City, Mississippi.

Martina Liana designed the bride’s gown, which was a sheer white, A-line gown with a beaded, lace bodice from Willow Bride in Tupelo, Mississippi.

The bride’s simple bouquet consisted of white Akito roses, white ranunculus, eucalyptus and a touch of lamb’s ear.

Attending the bride as her matron of honor was her sister, Katie Boland of Nettleton, Mississippi. Her maid of honor was her sister, Kylie Leach, of Nettleton, Mississippi. Bridesmaids were Jessica Koon of Saltillo, Mississippi; sister of the groom, Lauren Schoolar of Hatley, Mississippi; Molly Bramlett, Chelsea Williams, Molly Anna Baulch of Nettleton, Mississippi; Abby Davis of Saltillo, Mississippi; Lara Evans of Amory, Mississippi; and Catherine Carver of Hernando, Mississippi. The miniature bride was Elle Harper Eads, along with flower girls, Emma Jaymes Eads and Bella Kate Vinson. Nolie Hayze Baulch-Shadburn participated as a balloon girl. The balloon represented loved ones that the families had lost and were unable to be there on this special day.

Mr. Gerald Kent, father of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen included Luke Pannell, Jami Boland, and Grant Franklin of Nettleton, Mississippi; Cole Kent, Brandon Schoolar, Jake Sloan, and Phillip Faulkner of Hatley, Mississippi; Bud Cox of Smithville, Mississippi; Drew Swan of Hamilton, Mississippi; Jonathan Cheney of Saltillo, Mississippi; and Kyle Taylor of New Albany, Mississippi. Ushers included Hayden Williams of Smithville, Mississippi, and Tanner Poole of Amory, Mississippi. The miniature groom was Owen Schoolar, along with ring bearers, Pace Schoolar and Briggs Boland.

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The venue holds a special place in the bride’s heart because it is where she and her father have spent many summers raising their garden. The pecan orchard is owned by Marty Langley of Nettleton, Mississippi. The bride’s father surprised the bride with a horse and carriage ride before walking his daughter down the aisle. Even though a rainy day wasn’t part of the plan for this beautiful garden wedding, everyone made it work. The sky cleared, the rained ceased and the sun came out just as the bride walked down the aisle. Following the ceremony, everyone enjoyed an arrangement of diverse-themed food stations, which consisted of a Dairy Kream station, Tex-Mex station, Tisdale’s BBQ station, and a Farm-to-Table station.

The couple’s food selection was based off of some of their favorite foods and restaurants, which was prepared by Janice Bishop Catering & Floral and Thedrick Tisdale. Rita Hendrix with Cakes by Rita in Nettleton, Mississippi, crafted the bride’s beautiful four-tier vanilla cake, along with the groom’s two-tier chocolate cake. Janice Bishop Catering & Floral also created fresh floral arrangements, garland swags and decorations. The rain didn’t stop everyone from dancing the night away to music by The Spunk Monkees and DJ Ronnie Rainney. The guests lit sparklers to send off the new couple before the rain ruined endless pairs of shoes in the name of having a truly amazing night. The day was incredibly magical and one of a kind, filled with moments and memories that will never be forgotten.

Masa Kathryn Photography of Columbus, Mississippi, captured the wedding and reception. The ceremony was directed by Brandi Dabbs of Guntown, Mississippi. Pianist and vocalist was Jesse Gillentine of Nettleton, Mississippi. Bridal portraits were captured by Brandi Dabbs with Hidden Light Photography of Guntown, Mississippi; engagement photos by Blake McCollum Photography of Tupelo, Mississippi; hair by Shear Envy of Tupelo, Mississippi; makeup by Katie Boland, of Nettleton, Mississippi, and Hannah Carr of Saltillo, Mississippi. Katelee Laird of Natchez, Mississippi, surprised the couple with a live painting of the beautiful ceremony.

The couple honeymooned in St. Lucia. They now reside in Nettleton, Mississippi. The groom is employed as an engineer for BNSF Railway. The bride has just graduated with her doctorate in physical therapy, with plans to start her career soon.

Photos by Masa Kathryn Photography

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WeddingGuestEtiquette

by KRISTINA DOMITROVICH

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Don’t assume you can bring a plus one If your invitation did not specify “and guest,” by no means are you to bring a date. There’s so much time, money, effort and energy that goes into planning a wedding – and the headcount plays a huge role in every step of the process.

RSVP, and RSVP the way the couple has requested If the invite gives you a website link to RSVP, use the link. If there’s an RSVP card, return it in the mail.

Do not text the bride your RSVP, and do not tell her in person. First off, it’s rude; but it’s also too much to keep track of, especially on top of everything else going on.

RSVP however they request (yes, even if you’re a family member), and do so within the time frame they have specified.

Send your gifts ahead of time Most of the time, once the bride and groom leave, the family and wedding party stay behind to clean up. After a very momentous day in their lives, too, the last thing these people want to do is pack up your gifts. Wedding registries allow you to ship the gifts to an address the couple has specified – ship your gifts directly to them, and bring a card to the wedding if you’re hung up on being empty handed.

Speaking of gifts, buy off the registry Here’s the thing: Sure, cousin Ed crafts beautifully made mailboxes, but unless it’s on the registry, odds are the couple isn’t as pumped to receive it as you are to give it. If you hate everything on the registry – or if you waited too long and all your price-range options are already taken – cash/gift cards are totally fine.

Be on time Know that there’s a difference between being on time and being too early. Don’t show up 30 minutes early; don’t show up 5 minutes late. Weddings start on the dot, so be a stickler about the clock.

Sign the guest book There’s so much going on for the happy couple on their big day. Looking back, they would love to reminisce about who was there to share their big day with them – even if they won’t remember immediately.

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Let the photographers do their job First off, don’t use your phone’s flash, especially during the ceremony. During the ceremony, you should just put it away entirely. Don’t poke your arm into the aisle or above your seat to snap a quick pic – you never know what shot the photographer is trying to get, and your hand and phone might just ruin it entirely. While you’re minding your p’s and q’s don’t tell the photographer what you think they should take a photo of (“You have to get them in front of that window”), and don’t photobomb. If you want a photo with the happy couple, feel free to simply ask the photographer to take it – that’s what they’re paid for, after all.

Don’t track down the bride before the ceremony This one goes beyond just letting her enjoy her day in peace – don’t try to sneak a peek to gawk at the bride before the ceremony. Walking down the aisle serves as a big reveal, one the bride has likely been looking forward to for months, and trying to see her in her dress beforehand can be a bit of a bummer.

If the invite says “Adults only,” find a sitter Odds are, the couple went back and forth on specifying this to begin with, so if it made it to on to the invite, be respectful of their wishes. If you bring little Susie anyways, then cousin Cynthia is going to wonder what’s so horrible about her little Johnny that he wasn’t allowed to attend.

Before you know it, you accidentally stirred up a whole family issue of picking favorites in a game of “whose kid is worse” that could have been completely avoided. It’s nothing personal, so save everyone’s feelings and leave the little tots behind.

The Obvious Ones: + Don’t wear white + Turn your phone off or put it on do not disturb + Don’t get wasted & take bottles from the bar Bonus: If you attend the shower, don’t give lingerie unless it’s a lingerie shower. Everyone loves lingerie showers, and they are very fun; but there’s nothing more embarrassing for an unexpecting bride than having to show off bedroom attire in front of her flower girls, future mother-in-law, grandmother or, perhaps worst of all, her longtime church friends. Buy off the registry – bring the platter or towels. M