Wedding Date: 7/6/24
Venue: The Jefferson
Photographer: Madeline Rose
Entertainment: Jacova Jenkins (DJ), Robert Riggs (string trio), Mike Carter (acoustic guitar) – Robert and Mike played at the ceremony
Caterer: Tallahatchie Gourmet
Floral Designer: Farmstead Floral
Hair/Makeup: Amanda Kent, Mississippi Wedding Stylists
Planner: The Calico Mushroom
Cake: Just Cake It!
How would you describe your wedding day’s overall theme or vibe and why?
Our wedding theme blended traditional elegance with a modern twist. We used chinoiserie vases for all of our floral arrangements, which gave a classic, refined feel. At the same time, we incorporated contemporary touches — like having a string trio for the ceremony that played modern songs. One of my favorite personal touches was walking down the aisle to One Last Breath by Creed. It felt like the perfect way to honor tradition while making the day uniquely ours. The combination of timeless details and modern elements made our celebration feel both sophisticated and personal.
What inspired your choice of flowers?
Interestingly, I didn’t specifically choose the flowers we ended up having. Just two months before the wedding, my original florist canceled, and I quickly got in touch with Farmstead Florals. I gave them a simple color palette that complemented our overall theme of blue and white and trusted them to create something beautiful. They completely exceeded my expectations! Everything they did was absolutely stunning, and the arrangements perfectly captured the romantic and elegant vibe we were going for.
Did you have a first dance? If so, what song did you choose and why?
Yes, we did! We chose “Real Love Baby” by Father John Misty. It’s a little unconventional, upbeat, and sincere, which I believe reflects our personalities and our relationship.
What was on the menu, and why did you choose those dishes?
We decided on a buffet-style meal catered by Tallahatchie Gourmet to give our guests a variety of options and a more relaxed, enjoyable dining experience. We wanted to have a little bit of everything so everyone could find something they loved. The menu featured beef tenderloin, chicken kabobs, lobster rolls, stuffed mushrooms, charcuterie, and spinach and artichoke dip. The buffet style allowed everyone to mingle and enjoy a bit of everything, making the meal feel as celebratory and inviting as the rest of the day.
Were there any funny or unexpected moments that made the day memorable?
Absolutely! After the ceremony, while Conner and I were taking portraits, we were suddenly rushed inside to cut our wedding cake because it had started leaning and looked like it might fall over any second. It was completely off-schedule, and instead of the song I had planned, we ended up cutting the cake to “Dixieland Delight” playing in the background. It was unexpected and hilarious — a perfect example of embracing the moment!
Did you have any unique flair/touch/elements that you added to your wedding?
Yes! My mother owns the Calico Mushroom in New Albany, so a lot of the beautiful blue and white elements came from her gift shop. Everyone especially loved the chinoiserie lanterns that hung in the central room — they added such a unique and elegant touch. Another special element was the groom’s cake: My husband didn’t want a traditional cake — he specifically requested banana pudding. My mom went above and beyond to make his vision come true, creating an incredible four-tier banana pudding. Lastly, my bouquet held a deeply personal touch. I included pictures of my father and my oldest brother, who both passed away earlier this year. It was my way of having them with me on the wedding day, so they could still be part of such a meaningful moment.
Besides saying ‘I do,’ what was your favorite part of your wedding and celebration?
Aside from exchanging vows, my favorite part was having all our loved ones together in one place. We had family from all over and friends who traveled from across the country, so it meant the world to us that everyone came to celebrate. Seeing them all laughing, dancing, and sharing in our joy was an incredibly heartwarming experience. It was a beautiful reminder of how special our community is and how much love surrounds us.
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding day?
Don’t sweat the small stuff! Things won’t always go exactly according to plan, but those unexpected moments often turn into the best memories. Focus on what truly matters — the love you’re celebrating and the people who are there to share it with you. And most importantly, take time to soak it all in; the day goes by so quickly!
