Background:

I’d like to call this the “Jackson Pearl Wedding.” When Anna inquired about wedding photography, and told me she was getting married at a new venue in Mississippi, I was immediately intrigued. I instantly began searching the internet for anything I could find on The House of the Jackson Pearl, and was not disappointed!

Here’s a little background about my dog loving, enthusiastic couple: One chilly evening in November, Rick and Anna were visiting with family, celebrating Thanksgiving. While taking some group family pictures, Rick asked Anna’s mom if she would take a picture of the two of them. Mid shot, Rick gets down on one knee, in front of the entire family, and asks her to be his wife! She said “Yes,” and their wedding story begins…

Preparation venue: The Roost, Ocean Springs, MS

We began this warm summer day at The Roost in Ocean Springs, MS, in the Monarch Bridal suite. With a smaller bridal party, Anna was able to relax and enjoy some one on one time with her best friend, her bridesmaid, and her mom. The level of chill that afternoon was immeasurable. This is always a plus for any wedding vendor, myself included! 

With champagne in hand, the girls finished getting ready, and we called the Mother of the Bride in to help Anna put on her wedding gown. This is always a special moment to me, as a mother. I imagine the day when I will help Emma put on her dress, knowing that that is what she will wear as she promises her future to her best friend. Getting teary eyed now… moving right along! 

Our Groom, Rick, was waiting patiently just outside on the porch at The Roost. I strategically placed him facing away from the Monarch suite, and gave him a small pep talk. Rick’s body language exuded a thrill that I cannot describe in words. See the look on his face for yourself. After being together for seven years, Rick was ready to finally see his beautiful Bride. (Trust me, I asked him to make sure!) 

Once they had their moment of shock/excitement/is-this-really-happening, we shot several portraits of the two of them, just enjoying each other’s company. They stood on the porch in the shade, with the breeze blowing over them, smiling at each other, and giggling about who-knows-what. My photographer soul was in HEAVEN. We grabbed some shots of just Rick, and then just Anna. The surrounding greenery, the white of her dress in contrast with her gorgeous lip color, and an overall warmth of the background made for absolutely breathtaking images. 

Following portraits, we made our way down the street to The House of the Jackson Pearl to hide Anna away in the Bridal suite. 

Ceremony and Reception venue: House of the Jackson Pearl

Chari, owner of The Jackson Pearl, has two venues: one in Ocean Springs, MS, and another in Temecula, CA. I knew the ceremony venue would have something different to offer than many other Mississippi venues. There is a touch of southern California in this quaint little venue, and I was extremely excited to shoot here for Rick and Anna! This Jackson Pearl wedding was eclectic meets southern charm; I am pretty sure I analyzed and documented every little detail, in the hopes that I could take you there with these images.

Rick and Anna are a wonderful mixture of kindness, fun, and adventure seeking, which I think matched the personality of The Jackson Pearl quite nicely. Their navy and mustard wedding colors complimented the deep, rich cyan of the Jackson Pearl. It created a romantic, moody vibe that I loved!

Anna’s anticipation grew as she peeked out of the window at guests arriving! I snagged some detail shots of the cake, décor, and overall charm of The Jackson Pearl wedding, while she enjoyed her last few moments before the ceremony.

The House of the Jackson Pearl is extremely charming… Check it out.

Can I just add a side note really quick? Chari, owner and creative director, was AS excited as we were! She was running around with her cell phone, documenting the festivities, and smiling literally from one ear to the other. Her enthusiasm was a sure sign of a fantastic wedding host. 

Anna came down the aisle with her daddy, all smiles, ready to vow her future to a wonderful man. Rick, waiting on his sweet Bride, stood confidently at the altar, prepared to love and serve Anna, till death do they part.   

If you could measure how much a couple is loved by counting how many guests packed inside The Jackson Pearl, it would be infinite. The impact that Rick and Anna had on all of these sweet humans was evident, and they proved that by being a part of such a precious occasion for our Bride and Groom. It just about ended up being standing room only.

They had a handful of guests participate in giving speeches and prayers during the ceremony, which made this wedding that much more meaningful. They said their “I do’s”, kissed, and just about skipped back down the aisle, ready to take on the world together!

Following the ceremony, we ran outside to grab some shots in the last moments of golden hour. This antique Chevy Caprice was a plus 😉

Rick said, “Somebody told me this car was my wedding gift!” I wish he wasn’t kidding.. That thing was fine, and he looked good in it! Amirite, Anna!?

I quickly grabbed a delicious bowl of chicken alfredo from Scranton’s Catering, while the chairs were rearranged, and the dancing commenced! 

Let me stop right here and say this: Rick and Anna’s live band was PHENOMINAL! Oh, my goodness gracious. Lamont Landers, from America’s Got Talent, with Lamont Landers Band rocked that house, from top to bottom. There were several times I wanted to put my gear down and get on a mic with him. They were grooving, and everybody was feeling it, including me! I know they needed breaks here and there, but I selfishly anticipated their break being over so they could get back to our unforgettable entertainment… 

When I say their wedding guests had no problem getting dowwwwn on the dance floor, I mean it!

Our couple, along with their guests, danced the night away at this Jackson Pearl Wedding. As the evening came to a close, we gathered outside to send them off in the Caprice. They enthusiastically waved goodbye, as Mr. and Mrs. Allen! 

That’s not the end though. Literally, 20 minutes later, they sent me a personalized video! They thanked me for my hard work in making their day special, and that they loved me. I cried. These are the couples that I live for. Whether it’s a personalized video, a handwritten thank you note in the mail, or a 5-star review, these things are proof that I am doing what I was made for. It is an incredible honor for me to love on my couples and document one of the biggest, most important days of their lives. I will never take it for granted! 

Congratulations, Rick and Anna, on the very first wedding at the House of the Jackson Pearl!

Jackson Pearl Wedding Vendors:

Preparation Venue: https://www.roostoceansprings.com/
Ceremony/Reception Venue: https://www.facebook.com/houseofthejacksonpearl/
Photographer: Jessie Newton Photography http://www.jessienewtonphotography.com/galleries
Caterer: http://www.scrantons.com/
Live Band: https://www.facebook.com/LamontLandersOfficial/
Wedding Dress: James and B Bridal House
Groom’s Attire: ASOS
Invitations: Carlson Craft, Inc. and Action Printing Center
Wedding Planner/Decorator/Florist: Kim Arnold
Hair: Paige Burlison
Make up: Kaelah Carew Makeup Artist
Wedding Cake: The Cake Designer LLC
Rentals: ACE Party Rentals

To view another romantic, moody wedding, check out Ben and Paige here: https://jessienewtonphotography.com/2020/01/seafood-industry-museum-wedding/