Wedding Blog

Even though we’re married, we have yet to exchange rings and say “I do”. We’re saving that for the oh so charmingly Southern celebration we’re planning for family and friends next May. Since we’re asking most of our guests to travel to be with us on our special day, our location had to meet certain criteria. It had to be an amazing destination, but a place they might not go without some sort of excuse. It had to be a place where some of the things they’d want to see could be included in our venues. It had to have things to do outside of our wedding, but not so many things that they would feel overwhelmed. The location had to reflect our love of Southern hospitality and tradition in an intimate and romantic setting. And it had to have good BBQ, per The Boy’s request.

{Natchez, Mississippi}

Natchez is a very special place for me. Both of my parents are from Natchez and we still have family there, so it’s always been kind of home. As children, my sister and I spent wonderful summers with our grandparents there. It’s my favorite place in the whole world and I love sharing it with other people. It’s a small town that manages charm and grace, a little bit of sass, a lot of romance, tons of history, all wrapped up in one picture perfect package.

{St Mary Basilica exterior & interior via Sher Hogue Photography}

The location for the ceremony was an easy decision. St Mary Basilica is a gorgeous historic church in Natchez that has seen the baptisms, weddings, and funerals of generations of my mom’s family. My grandparents and parents were both married here, so this church is very very special to me. I can’t even tell you how excited I am that we will be saying our vows here.

{1) New Orleans Courtyard. The tables will be moved and this will be our dance floor.
2) Julep’s Restaurant}

The great thing about Natchez is that there is no shortage of beautiful places to have a reception. For me, though, there was only one real choice. The Natchez Eola Hotel is truly adorable. I’ve loved it ever since I laid eyes on the adorable little fire fountain in its New Orleans Courtyard. It has a big ballroom (read a typical large empty space) that’s OK, but it really can’t compete with the intimate charm of The N.O. Courtyard and Julep’s, the in-house restaurant. Julep’s actually looks out onto the New Orleans Courtyard so inside or out, everyone will be part of the action!