A Southern Wedding

Whoever said that there is nothing like a June wedding, hasn't ever been to one in October, especially when it's an outdoor wedding in the south! Wherever the location, the Southern wedding reception also has a flavor all its own. Last Saturday I attended the wedding  and reception of Jean Marie, daughter of my friend "BBJ". The setting was perfect: 4PM, not a cloud in the sky and 75 degree's, under enormous oak tree's in a serene garden, three connecting gardens in fact!

The location was The Lincoln House and the Amzi Love Home, neighboring homes located in the Columbus, Mississippi historic district.

Both homes are among the oldest in Mississippi dating back to 1833, pre-civil war. The Lincoln Home is currently a bed and breakfast, with the innkeepers residing in the Ami Love Home. Both homes have been featured on Turner South's Three Day weekend. But this weekend was all about Jean and Dusti!

After an intimate outdoor ceremony, Jean Marie and her groom, Dusti greeted guest, noshed on delectable munchies and danced the night away to a wonderful band who played some of my favorite 60's and 70's genre tunes. Chef and my friend, Ann Hutchinson and her husband catered the event and served up some delicious southern fare. In the South, you can hardly have a thing without cheese straws or salted nuts. There's no self-respecting Southerner who doesn't have a cheese straw at every important moment of her life. You just have to have them. You're not married if you don't have a cheese straw. It’s almost as if the wedding isn’t consummated without a cheesestraw. There were also sandwiches of many varieties, fruit,  chex mix and Ann's infamous "BLT" ball.

My favorite though, was the non traditional Bean Soup.













It made a statement, served in handled shot glasses filled with bean soup, topped off with shredded cheese and one big cornbread crouton! Yum!
Guest followed red brick pathways that led from one garden to the next, where white paper lanterns hung from the tree's, and small fountains reflecting both the setting sun and floating candles in the water. To say the evening was beautiful would be an understatement. It was such a special night.

Jean Marie and Dusti gave their guest party favors that held a special meaning, Tyler candles and monogrammed match books with the occasion date. Tyler candles, in fact, had a hand in igniting that flame of love, both figuratively and literally. You can read the sweet love story from Jean herself, by clicking on the photo to enlarge.

Another nice touch, was a children's table, to keep smaller guest occupied. Spread about the table were stacks of coloring and puzzle books with pails of colors to entice creative minds.

It was the bride though, who stole the show, in a gorgeous wedding dress and bridal veil. Jeam Marie looked like a 40's era movie star/pin up girl and was absolutley stunning!

As the night began to wind down, and the newlyweds were talking up their Jammican honeymoon plans, the trees began to glow with twinking lights and the full moon shown through the branches from above, I couldn't help but agree with myself, there really isn't anything like an October wedding! And this one was one that I will be reliving for a long time. Magical! Best Wishes to Jean and Dusti. May you live happily ever after!

Be sure to click over to Plates and Places for a wonderful cheesestraw recipe.