Kate & Tommy's Biloxi Visitors Center Wedding

I'm so excited to share Kate & Tommy's wedding with you today! These two traveled all the way from Washington state for their Mississippi destination wedding! Tommy is from Biloxi, and Kate has visited with him many times, so these two feel at home here on the Gulf Coast. I'm so glad they chose to get married here and that I got to be the one to document the lovely occasion! I've been looking forward to it ever since Alex and I had lunch with Tommy and his sweet mom at McElroy's last spring, and the big day did not disappoint!

The wedding party got ready at the Beau Rivage, where I enjoyed capturing all the pretty details. I loved Kate's classy shoes and the David's Bridal bridesmaid dresses. Each was unique, yet they coordinated perfectly.

Cream, Gray, Champagne wedding details (shoes, rings, bracelet, bridesmaid dresses)

Makeup artist Everett Brannon of Preaux Face did a beautiful job helping the ladies look their very best. 

bride getting ready before wedding (hair stylist, makeup artist)

The rose and baby's breath bouquets by Village Florist were so pretty.

white wedding bouquets (bride and bridesmaids) with roses and baby's breath

Each bridesmaid bouquet had a Fleur De Lis charm, and Kate's had a locket with pictures of her grandmothers inside. So special!

grandmothers in lock on bride's bouquet, fleur de lis charm on bridesmaid bouquets

The florist also did a great job with the flower crown for this adorable flower girl, who happens to be the daughter of the cutest pregnant bridesmaid EVER. I couldn't have imagined pulling off form-fitting sequins so close to my due date, but Kate's sister Kelly ROCKED it.

mother and daughter, matron of honor and flower girl

While I was with the ladies, Alex was a few floors down hanging out with the guys, who were outfitted by House of Tux

groom and groomsmen getting ready for wedding (bowtie, shot glasses, cufflinks)

They headed outside for some portraits by the fountain...

groom and groomsmen with fountain at Beau Rivage

...while the bride was finishing up her preparations. It was a team effort to get her gorgeous dress on!

bridesmaids helping bride put on wedding dress in hotel room

Finally it was time for this sweet couple to have their first look at the fountain as the sun went down. I loved this joyful moment! 

bride and groom first look at Beau Rivage fountain (Biloxi wedding photography)

Don't these two look fabulous?!

bride and groom walking down steps outside Beau Rivage (Biloxi wedding photo)

The beautiful Biloxi Visitors Center was the venue for the wedding.

Biloxi Visitors Center and lighthouse (wedding venue)

The front porch was the perfect spot for these nighttime portraits.

bridesmaids on porch at Biloxi Visitors Center
wedding party photos on porch at Biloxi Visitors Center

But the staircase and stained glass windows were equally irresistible. Such a gorgeous place!

bride and groom portraits with staircase and stained glass at Biloxi Visitors Center wedding venue

There were just a few last-minute preparations going on, like making sure this cute ring-bearer was ready for his important job.

cute ring bearer with "here comes the bride" sign

The ceremony was short but meaningful. The officiant and reader, both friends of the couple, included thoughtful and personal details.

wedding ceremony at Biloxi Visitors Center

I must admit that my favorite ceremony detail was this sign, encouraging the guests not to have their phones/cameras out during this time. This is such a good idea for so many reasons. It definitely made my job easier and more fun!

sign for wedding guests to put away phones and cameras during ceremony

This is the first wedding I've photographed (or attended!) that included a champagne toast at the end of the ceremony. It was so festive!

wedding kiss with guest champagne toast

Look at these happy newlyweds!!

just married couple (Biloxi Visitors Center wedding ceremony)

I am so glad I caught this sweet moment with the father of the bride. :)

bride and father of the bride high five at end of wedding ceremony

Reception time! The tables upstairs looked beautiful.

wedding reception table decor with white hydrangeas, mason jars

After signing the mat on this James Mann watercolor print, guests found their seats.

wedding gifts, guestbook, seating chart

After the lovely first dances...

first dances at wedding

...it was dinner time! This bride and groom put a lot of thought into their menu. Local favorites Cane's and The Shed added some Gulf Coast culture to the event, while the hot dog bar incorporated Kate's Chicago roots. 

wedding reception food: The Shed, Cane's, Chicago hot dogs

Kate & Tommy really kept it in the family with the amazing desserts; the gorgeous cake was made by Tommy's aunt Linda, and Kate's uncle Steve made all the other sweet treats! Impressive!

strawberry chocolate ganache wedding cake and sweet treats

Another first for me: selfie-sticks! (I am so unhip that I had never even seen one of these in real life. Ha!)

selfie sticks at wedding reception

DJ White & Spicy (Tommy's cousin!) played music that kept the dance floor full all night!

wedding guests dancing at reception
wedding guests dancing

Check out all these fabulous dance moves!

fun wedding reception
wedding guests on dance floor

Such a fun crowd! 

cute kids and adults having fun at wedding reception
Biloxi Visitors Center at night (wedding venue)

This party was exuberant and long-lasting, and I know that's how Kate & Tommy's marriage will be, too. Congrats, you two! :)