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PLANNING TIPS


3 planning tips for a stress-free wedding day
By Tenesha D. Batiste It’s your big day, and you want everything to go to plan — just as you’ve always dreamed. Your wedding absolutely can fulfill all your wishes without stressing you out. If you follow these tips, I can guarantee a relaxing, memorable and well-executed wedding day. 1. HIRE AN EXPERIENCED WEDDING PLANNER. Your investment in an experienced wedding planner is priceless and necessary. It’s the wedding planner’s role to make your vision and dream a reality. He


How to pick the perfect venue for your big day
Successful wedding planning always starts with the basics: who, what, when, where and how much. The “who,” of course, is your spouse-to-be and the loved ones with whom you want to share your big day. “What” is the type and size of celebration you wish to have. “When” would be the date you choose, and “how much,” of course, refers to your wedding budget. So that leaves the “where,” which is among the most important decisions a couple will make in the run-up to their nuptials.


Mississippi Gulf Coast Venue Guide
Welcome to our comprehensive weddings and event venue guide for the captivating Mississippi Gulf Coast! Discover the most enchanting and diverse locations that will elevate your special occasions to unforgettable heights. Whether you seek beachside charm, historic allure, or modern sophistication, our guide is your key to finding the perfect setting for your next event. 301 East Scenic (228) 265-1162 www.301eastscenic.com Capacity: 80Deposit required: YesOnsite catering: YesO


Event planning 101: What is your WHY?
By Ginger Felder Cook You find yourself in charge of planning a large-scale event, but you don’t know where to start or what the first steps are. The first and most important question to ask is a simple one: Why? Whether the event is a wedding, corporate event, fundraiser, gala, social party, business launch, festival, business meeting, store opening or brand launch, knowing what is most important to the host(s) always should be paramount. Start by asking yourself why you are


Venue Spotlight: Dreams come true at The Club at Diamondhead
With an event lawn overlooking the 18th green of the Pine golf course, The Club at Diamondhead provides a dramatic backdrop for all sorts of celebrations. “For weddings, we have hosted small family gatherings to large receptions/dinners with 200-plus guests,” says Mikayla Capps, banquet manager for the venue. “Our clients include corporate groups, Mardi Gras balls, golf tournaments and other social events.” Capps explains that the club is part of the Diamondhead Property Owne


Capturing the moment
Follow these tips to get incredible photos of your big day By Lisa Tilley Photography is one of the most important investments you can make in your wedding. After the last piece of cake has been consumed and the DJ has played his last song, you will have your memories of your big day, which are captured and immortalized in your wedding photos. Here’s how to ensure you have amazing snaps that last a lifetime: 1. Make sure your style matches your wedding photographer’s. If you
Planning Resources
TOOLS, TIPS & EXPERT ADVICE
Planning goes beyond booking vendors. We're here to help you plan smarter, faster, and with confidence—from start to celebration.
Planning Checklists
Step-by-step guides to keep you organized from engagement to celebration.
Budget Tools
Insider tips from seasoned professionals who know what works.
Venue Spotlights
Discover hidden gems and favorite vendors across the Gulf Coast.
ALL BLOGS


Real Weddings: Emily & Thomas Crowley
Rustic Dream Emily Jade Crowley (Smith) and Thomas Blake Crowley Wedding date: April 9, 2022 Ceremony and reception held at The Stables in Vancleave BRIDE’S FAVORITE ELEMENT OF HER WEDDING: “My favorite part of our wedding day was having a ‘last dance.’ All of our family and friends cleared out of the venue and began preparing for our sparkler-tunneled send off. The two of us danced to ‘Last Shot’ by Kip Moore. It was such a special moment between the two of us and a moment I


Love story: Maycee & Josh
A fairytale wedding worthy of royalty Maycee Scardino Eargle had dreamed of her wedding day her whole life, and when she said “I do” on Dec. 2, 2022, the real thing exceeded her every wish. Riding to the church with her dad in a horse-drawn carriage made the bride feel like royalty. She wore a breathtaking white ballgown fit for a princess. And standing by her side at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church was the man she’d long hoped for. “He’s everything I’ve wanted and more,


William Lee and Bailey Mae Garriga
From middle-school sweethearts to happily ever after Like many middle-school romances, Bailey Mae Anderson and William Lee Garriga’s relationship started with a simple text message: “Will you be my girlfriend?” Given their youth — Will was 13, and Baily was 12 when they met at East Central Middle School in Hurley, Mississippi — not many would expect the pairing to last beyond a few weeks. But the couple defied the odds through years of baseball games and beauty pageants, not


Untraditional meets old Hollywood glam
Photography by Tilley Photography Was it love at first sight when Dixie Newman met her future husband, Richard Hawthorne? Well, the bride says, yes and no. Richard is a professional power lifter and the owner of Core Strong Living, which opened last January just a few doors down from Dixie’s Biloxi business, Jacked Up Coffee. Dixie’s mom started working out with Richard, and for about a year, he regularly hung out at the coffee shop on his downtime. “Of course, I thought he w


From heartbreak to happily ever after
William and Ciji Rayburn’s second chance at love Photography by Rudy Melancon Photography Despite growing up in the same Gautier neighborhood, William and Ciji Rayburn didn’t find each other until decades later — after both had sustained unfathomable losses. The pair’s brothers were best friends, and they attended the same schools, both graduating from Pascagoula High School. Afterward, they went their separate ways — attending college, starting families and pursuing careers.
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