Wedding Date: 12/2/2023
Ceremony Venue: St John the Evangelist Catholic Church
Reception Venue: The Jefferson
Photographer: Danielle J. Norton (Raleigh, NC)
Entertainment: Azz Izz (Atlanta, GA)
Caterer: A & N Catering
Floral Designer: Oxford Floral
Hair/Makeup: Mary Shields Hunter
Planner: Ellen Thomas
Cake: Lisa Whitehead
How would you describe your wedding day’s overall theme or vibe and why?
We got married in December and I was adamant about intertwining elements of a traditional Christmas without being over the top and all red and green. To achieve this, we incorporated dried citrus, persimmons, oranges with cloves, pomegranates, and apples in silver dishes and onto massive topiaries, along with using my favorite colors, orange and green, instead of your typical white, red, and gold.
What inspired your choice of flowers?
The flowers were the most important element for me and I was very particular about the design. David and his team at Oxford Floral did an amazing job. I love bright colors and did not want to shy away from using oranges, purples and hot pinks to achieve a holiday look. The chandelier over the cake and the flower tent over the dance floor really elevated The Jefferson and made a big space feel more intimate. I think everyone’s jaw dropped at their work, including mine!
What was on the menu, and why did you choose those dishes?
I married a Jersey boy, so I was very excited about the idea of welcoming Henry’s family and friends from New Jersey and New York to Mississippi. Of course, we wanted to show them southern cuisine and hospitality. Angie and her team really leaned into that vision with fried green tomato BLT sandwiches, tamales on a deep-fried saltine cracker, crawfish dip, and an amazing winter grazing board flanked by the citrus topiaries. Of course, there was gas station chicken on a stick to end the night! Mississippi has the best gas station food in America!
Besides saying ‘I do,’ what was your favorite part of your wedding and celebration?
Looking around the room and knowing every single person in it? I don’t think that is ever the case, except on your wedding day. It was a tad overwhelming, but we are grateful to have so many loved ones who traveled near and far to celebrate with Henry and me!
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding day?
Do what you want and stick with your vision. You want people to be able to look at your wedding and know it was yours and special to you and your husband.
