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Some wedding days just flow. From the very first moment of the morning all the way through the last spark flying into the night sky, everything about MacKenzie and Chase’s day in Hattiesburg felt easy, celebratory, and completely them. This is one of those galleries I keep coming back to!

Getting Ready at The Camellia House

The morning started at The Camellia House – a beautiful getting-ready space that set the tone for the entire day. MacKenzie’s girls surrounded her with so much love and support from the very beginning, and that energy carried through every single moment that followed.

MacKenzie’s gown was stunning – a strapless silhouette with a dramatic cape that gave the whole look this incredible editorial elegance. Cala lilies throughout her florals added a clean, sophisticated touch that photographed beautifully against the warmth of that May sunshine.

We did portraits at The Camellia House before heading to The Bottling Company, and the light that morning was absolutely gorgeous! Warm, golden, and completely cooperative – exactly what you hope for on a wedding day in Mississippi in May.

Chase’s Reaction Said Everything

There’s something about watching a groom see his bride for the first time that never gets old. Chase was completely stunned. The way he looked at MacKenzie – that combination of awe and absolute adoration – said everything words couldn’t. He was so present, so doting, so completely focused on her all day long!

That’s the kind of love that photographs itself, and results in portraits that FEEL like you, the ones that honestly reflect your unique relationship.

The Bottling Company | Downtown Hattiesburg

The Bottling Company in downtown Hattiesburg is such a special venue! There’s a character and history to this space that you just can’t manufacture – exposed brick, architectural details, and a warmth that makes every corner of the room feel intentional and beautiful.

The wedding party looked incredible in their formal black dresses and suits with black bow ties against the backdrop of The Bottling Company, creating a timeless, elegant aesthetic that let MacKenzie’s cape gown truly shine. The cala lily florals by Unique Designs by Leigh Anne were perfectly placed throughout the space, clean and sophisticated and exactly right.

The Moment That Stopped Everyone

If there was one moment that defined the emotional depth of MacKenzie and Chase’s reception, it was her dance with her brother. MacKenzie’s girls – already the most supportive, loving group of women – completely lost it. Tears everywhere!! The kind of moment that ripples through an entire room and reminds everyone why they’re there.

It was one of those unrehearsed, completely genuine moments that you can’t plan for but that end up being the ones they will always remember.

Dancing the Night Away

After the tears came the dancing – and this group did not hold back. DJ Don King kept the energy going all night long and MacKenzie and Chase’s guests were on the floor from start to finish. The joy in that room was palpable and infectious!

Monkey Kisses delivered a gorgeous cake that was as beautiful as it was delicious, and every detail of the reception came together seamlessly thanks to the coordination work of Anna Katherine Henley of Weddings by AK.

The Exit That Dreams Are Made Of

And then came the grand finale. Cold sparks lighting up the night sky, guests lining the exit with sparklers and tambourines, and MacKenzie and Chase making their getaway in a stunning red Corvette.

It was the perfect ending to a perfect day – festive, joyful, and completely unforgettable. The kind of exit that has everyone talking.

The Vendors Who Made It Happen

MacKenzie and Chase’s day came together beautifully because of an incredible team of vendors who each brought their best:

Coordinator: Anna Katherine Henley | @weddingsbyak.llc Florals: Unique Designs by Leigh Anne | @uniquedesignsbyla Photographer: Emily Green Creative | @emilygreencreative Hair & Makeup: Sarah Evans | @sarahevans16_ DJ: DJ Don King Cake: Monkey Kisses | @monkey.kisses Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Bottling Company | @thebottlingcompany Getting Ready Venue: The Camellia House Content Creator: Jaycie Gibbons | @sociallyjc_ Cold Sparks: @swankrentalco Rehearsal Catering: Crescent City Grill | @crescentcitygrill Rehearsal Rentals: Taylor Rental of Hattiesburg | @taylorrentalofhattiesburg

Why Hattiesburg Weddings Are Worth Celebrating

MacKenzie and Chase’s wedding is a beautiful reminder of what makes Mississippi weddings so special. The warmth, the hospitality, the genuine community of people who show up fully for the ones they love. Downtown Hattiesburg’s The Bottling Company provided the perfect backdrop for a celebration that was equal parts elegant and deeply personal.

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Congratulations MacKenzie and Chase – your day was an absolute joy to document and I am so grateful I got to be there. Wishing you a lifetime of the same joy and love that filled every corner of your wedding day. 🤍

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Planning your Hattiesburg wedding? Let’s chat about capturing your day beautifully and authentically.

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