Nativity BVM wedding

Sarah & Brandon's Biloxi Wedding

It's time for another destination wedding! Sarah and Brandon traveled from St. Augustine to the bride's parents' old stomping grounds for their big day. I met up with the bride (along with her lovely mom and bridesmaids) while they were getting ready at the Doubletree. There were so many beautiful details for me to capture, from the delicate lace on Sarah's dress and veil to the stunning bling on her ring and garter!

lace wedding dress and veil, navy blue bridesmaids dresses, rings, garter, and invitation details
wedding rings on peep-toe bridal shoes

The traditional rose and baby's breath bouquets (by Maria Volmuth) were so lovely, and Sarah's was adorned with a piece of costume jewelry from her grandmother. What a perfect "something blue!"

bridal wedding bouquet with white roses, lace, "something blue"

Aimee Osorio did a beautiful job with the ladies' makeup.

makeup artist with bride, mom, and bridesmaid

You know it's going to be a fun wedding when the partying starts before the dresses are put on! ;)

wedding preparation details (champagne bottle ,glass, and straws)

It is never too early for a bridal mimosa! (And how about that perfectly preppy monogrammed shirt, complete with the wedding date on the cuff!) 

bride with mimosa in Mrs. glass with straw, monogrammed shirt

Cheers!

bride and bridesmaids in monogrammed shirts with mimosas

After a few final preparations...

bride getting hair done

...this bride was ready to get this show on the road!

bride getting dressed with belt, bracelet, mom zipping dress

Alex caught a few shots of the groom's preparations down the hall. He had some help getting ready, too! 

groom getting dressed for wedding

The ceremony took place at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in downtown Biloxi. This was my first time inside this beautiful church. It is stunning!

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Biloxi

This is a special place for Sarah's family--her parents and grandparents got married here, too!

three generations of married women (wedding rings on hands)

Sarah and Brandon  were surrounded by their own families before the ceremony and did not see each other beforehand. 

traditional family wedding photos at Nativity BVM Biloxi

I love the excited anticipation in the moments right before a wedding starts! 

wedding anticipation

The wedding mass, officiated by Reverend James Smith, was truly worshipful.

Nativity BVM Biloxi wedding
Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Biloxi wedding)

There was beautiful music...

Catholic wedding

...and responsive readings to accompany the sacrament of holy communion.

McFall blog collage 16.jpg

And of course, a first kiss as husband and wife!!

bride and groom first kiss
bride and groom portraits at Nativity BVM Biloxi

The wedding party hopped in a limo to head to the reception at the Biloxi Visitors Center.

wedding party in limo

Is this a beautiful group of people or what?!

outdoor wedding party group photo with live oak tree

The newlyweds and I walked across the street to Lighthouse Park for these pretty portraits.

outdoor wedding portraits in Biloxi
wedding couple portraits Biloxi

The guests were greeted by this cute sign, and they autographed this photo mat on their way in to the reception hall.

wedding reception welcome sign and mat guest book

The room was decorated beautifully, with candles, flowers, and photos of Sarah and Brandon and their families. Sarah's dad gave an official welcome.

wedding reception decor details at Biloxi Visitors Center

The bride's cousins performed live music for the first dance!

wedding first dance with live music

The sweet parent dances followed...

parent dances at wedding (Biloxi Visitors Center)

...then it was time to eat. The food (by Sonja Jackson at Reliable Catering) was delicious! 

wedding buffet food

The gorgeous cakes (also by Sonja Jackson) were tasty, too!

wedding cake and US Navy groom's cake

That's right--this groom is in the Navy! 

bride and groom cutting wedding cake and drinking champagne

Michael Halat and the Music Machine kept the tunes coming, and the dance floor was full!

wedding reception music and dancing

After dark, Sarah slipped into something a little more comfortable--isn't her flapper dress adorable?

wedding reception fun with flapper dress and Biloxi Lighthouse

This celebration went off without a hitch. (Props to Sonja Covacevich for her flawless planning!)

wedding reception group dancing

This couple gave a nod to NOLA with a second line, including umbrellas and handkerchiefs! I've seen these parading through the street of New Orleans a few times but had never been a part of one before. It was so much fun!

New Orleans style umbrella dance at wedding

These revelers were not ready for the party to end! Some of them were brave enough to end the night by taking over the mic for some fabulous karaoke!  

karaoke at wedding reception

February 13 was a day filled with love and joy, and I am so glad I got to be a part of it. I always feel privileged to serve my clients, but it is a special honor to work with those who serve in the military. These two are PCS-ing to Seattle, and I wish them nothing but the best as they continue to serve our Lord, our country, and each other. Congratulations, Sarah and Brandon!