A Spring Wedding at The Ivy in Flowood, Mississippi | Brianna + Jeffrey

Brianna and Jeffrey were married at The Ivy located in the heart of Flowood, Mississippi (a short drive from Jackson). They chose a beautiful day in March that hit nearly 80 degrees. Jeffrey is one of nine children and the fourth wedding in a year for his family. I should also mention he is my second cousin, so this wedding was extra special to me. The pair met after attending the annual Dixie National Rodeo a few years ago. I had the pleasure of photographing their engagement session in Starkville last fall (you can view it here).

They started their day with a casual rehearsal early in the morning. The groomsmen went their separate ways to relax while the ladies stayed at the Ivy to get ready. It was a joy to get to know Brianna’s bridesmaids and mother. The group enjoyed lunch from a local eatery, Newk’s, brought by the groom’s Aunt and Uncle. Soon after lunch, Brianna was dressed and ready for her first look with her father. Those are always such special moments to photograph. Shortly after Brianna and Jeffery had their first look. Both had the biggest smiles as they took each other in.

We were able to shoot a few portraits before we had to step inside due to some crazy wind (we embraced it like our own Beyonce wind machine for as long as we could). After a quick break, we moved on to wedding party portraits and then family portraits, then we had the bride and groom hide before guests started to arrive. While waiting for the ceremony to start, Brianna and her bridesmaids had an impromptu dance party in their getting ready room to shake the nerves.

Their day ended with a sparkler exit before they left for their honeymoon.

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The ceremony began promptly at 5:30 with a cello and violin. The ceremony included one of my favorite traditions, a unity candle. Jeffrey’s mother lit one of the three candles and another was lit by Brianna’s mother. After exchanging vows and rings, the couple lit the unity candle with the two candles their mothers had lit. It is so symbolic of the two families joining to make one new family with Brianna and Jeffrey’s marriage.

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I am always so thankful when couples who do a first look are willing to step out from their reception to do a few ‘just married’ photos at sunset like Brianna and Jeffrey did. There’s always a different emotion to that part of the portraits. I do try to make those quick so that they’re not leaving their guests unattended. We got some great shots as the sun was setting in the pretty golden light. After that, they were announced into the reception where they went into their first dance, father-daughter dance and mother-son dance. Guests enjoyed a buffet style dinner by local restaurant Georgia Blue and music by DJ Scott Steele. They finished the evening with a grand exit of fireworks.

I’m so thrilled and happy for these two. I can’t wait to see their love grow throughout the years. I pray for many years of laughs, hugs and kisses!