I met Kelly and Jacob several months ago at their engagement session, and I have looked forward to having those two in front of my camera again ever since. They have the looks to easily create pretty photos, but their chemistry is what really makes our time together so special and unique. These two are the most comfortable and happy versions of themselves when they are in the presence of the other, and it is such a beautiful thing to witness. Late July in Mississippi isn’t for the weak, but their day could not have been more perfect. I am so excited to share their love story with you.

Mackenzie

“I grew up dancing and have always had a love of dressing up and playing with makeup so I could only imagine the excitement on my wedding day. Every summer my sister and I would visit my grandmother who still has her wedding shoes. I remember running around in her high heels and trying on her fun costume jewelry! She told me during my wedding weekend that when I was younger, I told her I would get married by 25 and that came true as I am 25!” – Kelly

“Our Junior year at Ole Miss, Jacob was needing a date for the spring fraternity formal in New Orleans. A mutual friend suggested he ask me so of course I said yes.

After the spring formal Junior year, we continued to hang out and see one another. Summer came around and he asked me and some of our friends to come visit him in his hometown to spend July 4th on the lake. This is when Jacob officially asked me to be his girlfriend!” – Kelly

“Jacob is the best at planning surprises so I always knew I would really never know when it would happen. Both of our families took a trip together to 30A in Florida last summer and planned to get some professional photos done the first night we were there. I seriously didn’t think anything of it until we were starting to get ready and I was a little suspicious but brushed it off. We all headed to the beach around sunset and started taking individual family photos, pictures with our parents, and siblings then as it seemed like we were wrapping up I asked if Jacob and I could get a quick one together and after the first snap he got down on one knee! Being surrounded by our families was truly the best part of it all. We ended the night celebrating together and I am so thankful for those memories. I’ve now learned there was a few times he tried to propose but things kept getting in the way but I’m so glad it happened the way it did because it could not have been more perfect.” – Kelly

“I could not have imagined our wedding without our planner Katie Lipscomb. She was so knowledgeable of all our vendors, answered all my silly questions and reminded me of things I would have never even thought of when it comes to planning a wedding! I knew it was meant to be when she told me she was also getting married at The Jefferson! David Naron with Oxford Floral absolutely blew it out of the water with our florals. We were in awe of the vision he had and seeing it brought to life was incredible.” – Kelly

“I knew I wanted a classic, timeless wedding that I would look back in 20 years and want to do the same again. I have a love for beautiful flowers so I immediately knew that had to be a big piece of the day. Many of our extended friends and family had never been to Oxford so I wanted to be sure to tie in special details that make this town so important to us. The incredible vendors made planning so easy. I trusted each ones eye for design and knew they would take my vision and run!” – Kelly

“After the crazy past year, it was so special to have dear friends and family join us in our favorite town. Not only was it a reunion for our college friends, but also an amazing time to see family we hadn’t been able to see in over a year. Also, our sweet dog Colonel (named after Ole Miss of course) walked down the aisle with Jacob!” – Kelly 

“Jacob’s wedding band closely resembles his late Grandfather band and he also wore a white tux which his father wore in his wedding. We wanted to start our own tradition that we would be able to pass down to our future children and family by having a lasso ceremony. It is a traditional Mexican Catholic where important people in your life place either a lasso which can be in the form of rope, flower garland, or rosary, that is placed on your hands. Our parents placed a beautiful pearl rosary in a figure 8 around our hands to  as a symbol of unity. We will hold on to this for the rest of our lives and pray we can pass it down throughout our family.” – Kelly

“My mom and I surprised everyone at the reception with an appearance from Colonel Reb! It was such a fun way to get the guests on the dance floor and show some school spirit.” – Kelly

“The best advice I have for future brides would be to hire a wedding coordinator! My best friend who is recently married told me to remember it’s our special day and not to let anything come in the way of that. It’s a time we will remember for the rest of our lives so be sure to enjoy it and not worry about the little things. Easier said than done but I kept it in the back of my mind all weekend and made an effort to relax! – Kelly

Lead Photographer: Mackenzie Rue | Second Shooter: Lindsay Pace | Dress: Blue Bridal Boutique | Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie | Tux: The Black Tux | Cakes: The Cakery | Venue: The Jefferson | Coordinator: Katie Lipscomb Events | Flowers: Oxford Floral | Invitations: Halo Designs Shop | Rentals: Details Rentals | Band: Emerald Empire Band | Rehearsal Venue: Boure | Caterer: Taylor Grocery Catering | Hair: La Rousse Salon | Makeup: Mary Shields Hunter | Preparation Accommodations: The Jefferson