St. Alphonsus Catholic Church wedding

Katie & Keith's Mississippi Gulf Coast Wedding

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.

classy wedding jewelry and accessories (pearls, diamonds, high heels, garters) by Uninvented Colors Photography (Biloxi wedding photographer)

Brandi Bosarge of Salon Rouge and Kathy Stringer of Salon Bella were hard at work on hair and makeup, which looked so pretty.

hair and makeup artists with bride and bridesmaid on wedding day at Beau Rivage Biloxi

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!

wedding bouquets with succulents and roses (mint and coral wedding colors, Pine Hills Florist Uninvented Colors Photography)

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!

bride and bridesmaids in hot pink robes with mimosas in hotel room (Uninvented Colors Photography wedding preparation photo)

Katie's mom was thrilled to help her get into this glamorous gown, just in time for a tearful first look with dad. 

bride with mom putting on veil, first look with father of bride

Meanwhile, the guys were getting suited up just down the road at the South Beach Hotel.

groom, groomsmen, ring bearer putting on tuxedos (black and white wedding photos by Uninvented Colors Photography)

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!

bride and groom first with tearful groom (Biloxi wedding photography)

These two are so in love and could not have looked more beautiful.

wedding portraits at Beau Rivage Biloxi (Uninvented Colors Photography)
wedding detail photo (fashion and florals)
lovely outdoor wedding portraits with bride and groom in gardens at Beau Rivage (Uninvented Colors photograph)

Their families were looking good, too!

family wedding photo

Not to mention this stunning wedding party!

wedding party photo with mint bridesmaid dresses
groom and groomsmen in black tuxedos

Did I mention that I'm kind of obsessed with these bouquets? 

bridesmaids photo (mint green bridesmaid dresses, coral rose and succulent bouquets, magnolia trees (Biloxi wedding photographer Uninvented Colors Photography)

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!

St. Alphonsus Catholic Church Ocean Springs (stained glass window light and pew with wedding decor)

In addition to the sacrament of Holy Communion...

Holy Communion at Catholic wedding

...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!

wedding at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church Ocean Springs

The music by Kathy Mangin was the perfect accompaniment.

wedding music, bouquet, program, ring-bearer

Father Mike shared all kinds of heartfelt anecdotes about his conversations with the bride and groom before finally pronouncing them husband and wife!

St. Alphonsus wedding photos (Ocean Springs wedding photographer, Uninvented Colors Photography)

Party time! When the wedding party arrived to the Biloxi Visitors Center, they shared a celebratory drink downstairs.

wedding party toast with personalized beer coozies

Katie and Keith let me grab some quick portraits before heading upstairs to the reception.

Biloxi Visitors Center wedding portrait (Uninvented Colors Photography)
Biloxi wedding photographer (Uninvented Colors portraits at Biloxi Visitors Center)

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!

caricature and wedding guest book

The decor was so beautiful. There were bold and colorful details everywhere, from centerpieces and candles to cookies and candies.

wedding reception decorations (floral centerpieces, candy favors, candles, cookies)

The first dances were really lovely.

wedding first dance at Biloxi Visitors Center
black and white first dance photo (Uninvented Colors Photography)

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. 

father daughter dance

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!

mother son dance

At last, dinner time! The food by Simply Seafood was absolutely delicious. 

wedding reception buffet food (crab cakes, shrimp and grits)

After dinner, Katie and Keith's dads both toasted to the newlyweds.

wedding reception champagne toasts (Biloxi wedding photographer, Uninvented Colors Photography)

Then the bride and groom cut the beautiful (and yummy) cakes, which were created by Shelly Farabee.

bride and groom cutting wedding cake at Biloxi Visitors Center

Nightshift Sounds provided the music, which was eclectic but always energetic.

DJ at wedding reception

There was a LOT of joy on this dance floor!

wedding reception dancing

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. 

wedding reception dancing

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! 

ribbon wand wedding send-off

Guests then lined the staircase for this happy couple's big exit! It was so festive!

bride and groom leaving reception with wedding wands

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!