MARIA + JAKE | THAD COCHRAN CENTER WEDDING

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Maria and Jake are the perfect team. Her slightly reserved, elegant demeanor is the perfect accompaniment to his outgoing, mischievous personality. He never misses an opportunity to make her laugh and she positively glows when she is around him.

Their wedding perfectly embodied their unique romance. The ceremony was elegant, simple and meaningful and their reception was the perfect contrast. There was never a dull moment on the dance floor as Jake twirled Maria time after time, showed off his "Thriller" skills with his little sister, and was thoroughly embarrassed by his equally hilarious father's take on contemporary music. The fun continued as Maria pulled an umbrella from the Photobooth props and took Jake on a New Orleans-style twirl around the dance floor. The night ended as all of the guests were asked to leave the reception hall so that Jake and Maria could enjoy their "last dance" together.

Thank you, Jake and Maria, for allowing me to witness all of the things that make each of you, and the connection between you, completely unique and absolutely inspiring.

Questions for the Bride & Groom!

What was your favorite moment of the day?

Maria: The big reveal! Finally getting to see Jake!
Jake: My favorite moment was the bride's entrance. The music was perfect.

What is your funniest memory?

Maria: The "that's what she said" joke on the altar while taking pictures before the ceremony.
Jake: Ultimately stealing the vests and ties from the Tux vendor due to their incompetence.

What was your favorite detail?

Maria: When we left the reception, the limousine was decorated with streamers and balloons with country music playing.
Jake: Excellent wedding made even more dramatic with an epic thunderstorm.

If you did a "First Look" and saw each other before the ceremony, why did you do this and would you do it again?

Maria: We wanted it to be more personal when we saw each other for the first time-- and we also wanted to save time and go directly to the reception after the ceremony. I'd definitely do it again.
Jake: We wanted to save time after the ceremony in order to keep guests from waiting at the reception. We'd do it again.

If you could change one thing about your day, what would it be?

Maria: I wish we could have had a longer reception to spend time with old friends and dance.
Jake: I specifically asked the dj not to play any songs with instructions (e.g. the cha-cha slide).

What was your favorite wedding purchase?

Maria: My Dress!

Jake: The ring!

Maria + Jake recommend these Vendors & Venues

Ceremony Venue: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church | 601-264-5192

Reception Venue: Thad Cochran Center | 601-264-5192

Hair: Hair Solutions by Chris Gaston | 601-268-2889

Makeup: Merle Norman | 601-268-3334

Florist: Gingerbread House | 601-579-8979

Dresses: David's Bridal |

DJ/Band: DJ Trazy | 601-297-1755

Cake(s): Janice Mattern | 601-297-4467

Caterer: USM Catering | 601-266-5552