I had been looking forward to Katie & Keith's wedding ever since I captured their perfect smiles at their engagement session last summer. Thanks to an amazing team organized by Susie at A Plan to Remember, their big day came together just as beautifully as I had hoped. The day started at the Beau Rivage. When I arrived to the ladies' suite, I jumped right in to these detail shots of the bride's gorgeous jewelry and accessories.
Brandi Bosarge of Salon Rouge and Kathy Stringer of Salon Bella were hard at work on hair and makeup, which looked so pretty.
I got really excited when the flowers by Rachel at Pine Hills arrived. The succulents and roses in the bouquets were such a fabulous combination!
There was a lot of hustle and bustle going on as everyone got ready, but this group of bridesmaids had a lot of fun all the while--thanks in part to mimosas, of course. Cheers!
Katie's mom was thrilled to help her get into this glamorous gown, just in time for a tearful first look with dad.
Meanwhile, the guys were getting suited up just down the road at the South Beach Hotel.
Katie and Keith's first look is my favorite one yet. Katie had told me a few days earlier that she could not wait to see Keith's reaction to seeing her in her dress for the first time. She was so excited to see him get choked up! I've seen some epic photos to this effect on Pinterest, so I got a little nervous. I tried to help manage expectations by making sure she didn't have unrealistic ideas about an emotional groom reaction. Those don't usually happen, and I did not want her to feel let down. I don't admit this too often, but... I WAS WRONG. This moment was everything she wanted it to be, and it was a joy to photograph. Do you see that I-told-you-so look she's giving me?! It's well-deserved!
These two are so in love and could not have looked more beautiful.
Their families were looking good, too!
Not to mention this stunning wedding party!
Did I mention that I'm kind of obsessed with these bouquets?
We headed to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, where Katie has been going since childhood, and where Keith was recently confirmed! I loved the way the sunlight was reflecting the colorful stained glass onto the floor. So pretty!
In addition to the sacrament of Holy Communion...
...this ceremony included some symbols unique to Katie's Mexican heritage. They exchanged arras (coins) to symbolize financial responsibility, and they participated in a lazo (lasso) ceremony to symbolize their new unity. What made it extra special was that the lasso was a Gomez family heirloom!
The music by Kathy Mangin was the perfect accompaniment.
Father Mike shared all kinds of heartfelt anecdotes about his conversations with the bride and groom before finally pronouncing them husband and wife!
Party time! When the wedding party arrived to the Biloxi Visitors Center, they shared a celebratory drink downstairs.
Katie and Keith let me grab some quick portraits before heading upstairs to the reception.
Their guests wrote their well-wishes in the guest book on their way in to the reception hall. I loved that this adorable caricature was on display!
The decor was so beautiful. There were bold and colorful details everywhere, from centerpieces and candles to cookies and candies.
The first dances were really lovely.
I love to see all the emotion between fathers and daughters and mothers and sons during parent dances. Sometimes it brings tears to my eyes, and this was one of those times.
Keith's mom told me a little later that during their dance, she was commenting on how funny it is that someone you see all the time can still take your breath away. His response: "Katie has been taking my breath away all day!" I'd say this guy is a keeper!
At last, dinner time! The food by Simply Seafood was absolutely delicious.
After dinner, Katie and Keith's dads both toasted to the newlyweds.
Then the bride and groom cut the beautiful (and yummy) cakes, which were created by Shelly Farabee.
Nightshift Sounds provided the music, which was eclectic but always energetic.
There was a LOT of joy on this dance floor!
The DJ took requests and played plenty of Spanish language songs for the family members who traveled from Mexico! Those songs were my favorites even though I couldn't understand the words.
As the party neared its end, guests each grabbed a handmade ribbon wand to wave. The bride and groom chose their alma mater's colors, so all the alums couldn't resist breaking into the fight song!
Guests then lined the staircase for this happy couple's big exit! It was so festive!
It was such an honor to document this momentous event for this wonderful couple. I know it is just the beginning of a long and beautiful love story. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Mainous!