Meredith and Jack Cooper

How did you two meet? I don’t remember meeting Jack! Our parents have been friends since before we were born, and I’ve just always known who he was because New Albany is a small town. We started dating in 2015!

Tell us about the proposal: The summer after my junior year in college, I traveled to Greece for a study abroad program. My family and Jack flew out at the end to join me for vacation. My brother kept joking that buying me ice cream, coffee, or a purse would be cheaper than marrying me. Little did he (or I) know yet that Jack had plans to propose in Santorini. For months, my mom had been talking about taking family pictures in Santorini, so I thought nothing of it when she told us to be up and dressed early for pictures. After an hour in the sunshine taking family photos, during which I told Jack to empty his pants pockets, he and I went to take pictures on top of a secluded church. That’s where he proposed!

Describe your Wedding Dress: My wedding dress was a silk fit and flare with a deep sweetheart neckline. The elegant Rivini gown from Maggie Louise Bridal was accented in the back with a single loop, draped bow and buttons to the waist. My silk trim, cathedral length veil extended delicately past the train of my dress. Complete with “Cooper Hoop” diamond earrings and a graduated diamond tennis necklace from Van Atkins Jewelers, I felt like a bride in every way!

Favorite Moment from your Big Day: Jack and I had a private last dance to “I Don’t Dance” by Lee Brice as our guests exited the venue for our sparkler goodbye. The DMP Band was so sweet to sing one of our favorite songs and simply allow us to soak in the last few moments of our wedding day together.

Favorite Wedding Details: Some of my favorite wedding details were those unseen by most guests. Two fabric hearts were sewn into the hem of my dress. One was from the gingham dress my late grandmother wore when she and my grandfather eloped. The other heart was from a button down shirt of my late honorary grandfather. The hearts were embroidered with the wedding dates that represented over sixty years of marriage. It was very special to honor such special people and strong examples of love in this way. I also wore my late grandmother’s wedding band, so she was celebrating with us the entire day.

What you’re doing now: Jack, our dog Marley, and I moved to Gluckstadt, MS in July. I am in my first year of medical school at The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine. Jack has been hired as a pilot for NetJets and recently completed his training for the Phenom 300.

Ceremony date: June 10, 2023

Venue: The Jefferson Oxford

Wedding planner: Ellen Thomas Event Designs –

Photography: Taylor Square Photography

Florist: Oxford Floral

Caterer: Tallahatchie Gourmet; bride and groom’s cake, Creative Cakes Tupelo

Invitation: I designed the invitations and programs myself! Barber Printing in Tupelo printed them, and my mom and I assembled them.

Wedding dress: Designer: Rivini (brand); purchased at Maggie Louise Bridal

Bridesmaids dresses: Dessy

Hair/makeup: Illume Salon/Amanda Kent with Mississippi Wedding Stylists

Groom and Groomsmen attire: Thomas Brothers Formalwear Oxford

Music: The DMP Band