The first time I met my husband’s family, well, it was a little bit like going to the circus- entertaining to say the least, and I never knew what to expect next. It was a family reunion at his aunt’s house in Northern Michigan. His deceased mother was the oldest of nine children- and he hadn’t seen most of his family, while he’d been away at college, since the funeral. Many of them, including his grandmother met us on the front lawn. There were tears… long hugs… and a lot of laughs… all within the first 5 minutes. Owen and I had recently gotten engaged, so to make us feel welcome fit right in stand out like a sore thumb, they had hats prepared for us to wear with “Groom-To-Be” and “Bride-To-Be”, respectively. As the night went on, there were more many more tears, hugs and laughs; enough food to feed an army; and never a dull moment on any square inch of any of that acreage. And that really is the family in a nutshell. They are passionate, hardworking, and FUN-loving people… and it took about 2 seconds to see where my husband got his personality.

One of the little family members I met that day was my husband’s cousin Chris, a sweet and lighthearted boy with a great head of curly hair and contagious laugh. Somehow he has managed to stay just the same… only a little older.

It’s hard to believe that Chris was about my oldest son’s age when he attended my wedding (insert sigh and moment to reminisce)… but, now he is all grown up. And as good fortune would have it, he has made his perfect match… Which brought us to the deep south for a Mississippi Wedding!

Then venue for the big day was at Plein Air Chapel and Mill in Taylor, Mississippi just outside of Oxford. It was picturesque; quaint, intimate, and rustically elegant.

(Naturally, never being in Mississippi before, I had a blast playing up the southern gentlemen and southern belle.)

I mean, really… there wasn’t one bad angle on the whole grounds.

Mother of the Groom, Aunt Barb- beautiful inside and out, waiting in the on-site restaurant for the ceremony to begin:

Father of the Groom, Uncle Al, doing the same… and partaking in a little A/C (since it was something like 92° in the shade):

Aunt Rochelle, looking lovely while braving the elements and not even breaking a sweat:

I wish I would have gotten more pictures outside of the chapel to show you. It really is idyllic. However, I did manage to snap a few inside during the ceremony…

Mother and Father of the Groom walking down the aisle to light the Unity Candle:

The Mother-of-the-Bride was stunning. And before I knew who she was, I saw her sitting on the front porch of the chapel looking all the part of a calm, cool and collected Southern Lady while the Father-of-the-Bride was waiting with his daughter. I really wish I had asked to take her picture (the grumblings of a non-related, not-hired-to-be-the-photograper, introvert). Anyway, this picture does not do her justice, but you get an idea:

The wedding party was gorgeous and the bouquets were so pretty! Here’s a glimpse:

And look at these sweet little showstoppers!:

And the moment we’ve all been waiting for…

Can’t you just see that sparkle in her eye? You should have seen how cute she was on the dance floor! (And can you say wedding veil? Love it. )

The ceremony was just precious, so heartfelt… (I’m such a sucker for vows of devotion.)

Caught the mom moment:

And the new Mr. & Mrs!

Time to go celebrate:

And what would a reception (or Sadie’s Nest) be without the food? Time for a little Southern Comfort… 😉 The menu included fun finger foods like BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, White BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Fried Green Tomato BLT’s (Yassss! If you didn’t know, now you know.), Shrimp, Stuffed Mushrooms, Grilled Asparagus, etc., Caesar Salad, and delicious dips, such as Cheesy Artichoke, Salsa, and Buffalo Chicken Dip with mounds of Tortilla and Pita Chips…

For the kids, young and old, who like to start with dessert first…

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? (I found him.)

Can you blame him?

Of course when it comes to dessert at a wedding, you have to have the main event… I love how simply beautiful this is:

The centerpieces were gorgeous too.

I think it’s safe to say, the relaxed atmosphere (in no small part due to Sydney and Chris) was enjoyed by all.

And the kids had a blast running around outside. Isn’t there just something so sweetly nostalgic about that?

Barefoot and all…

Although I have to say, hands down, my favorite thing about going to a wedding is the priceless moments spent with friends and family.

Welcome to the family Sydney!

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