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.
Makeup artist Everett Brannon of Preaux Face did a beautiful job helping the ladies look their very best.
The rose and baby's breath bouquets by Village Florist were so pretty.
Each bridesmaid bouquet had a Fleur De Lis charm, and Kate's had a locket with pictures of her grandmothers inside. So special!
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.
While I was with the ladies, Alex was a few floors down hanging out with the guys, who were outfitted by House of Tux.
They headed outside for some portraits by the fountain...
...while the bride was finishing up her preparations. It was a team effort to get her gorgeous dress on!
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!
Don't these two look fabulous?!
The beautiful Biloxi Visitors Center was the venue for the wedding.
The front porch was the perfect spot for these nighttime portraits.
But the staircase and stained glass windows were equally irresistible. Such a gorgeous place!
There were just a few last-minute preparations going on, like making sure this cute ring-bearer was ready for his important job.
The ceremony was short but meaningful. The officiant and reader, both friends of the couple, included thoughtful and personal details.
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!
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!
Look at these happy newlyweds!!
I am so glad I caught this sweet moment with the father of the bride. :)
Reception time! The tables upstairs looked beautiful.
After signing the mat on this James Mann watercolor print, guests found their seats.
After the lovely first dances...
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!
Another first for me: selfie-sticks! (I am so unhip that I had never even seen one of these in real life. Ha!)
DJ White & Spicy (Tommy's cousin!) played music that kept the dance floor full all night!
Check out all these fabulous dance moves!
Such a fun crowd!
This party was exuberant and long-lasting, and I know that's how Kate & Tommy's marriage will be, too. Congrats, you two! :)