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 was attractive, smart and such a kind gentleman, but we are total opposites,” says Dixie, who is also a Biloxi city councilman. “I did start to feel something for him but kept fighting it because of those differences. I’m so glad I let that ridiculous wall down or I would have missed out on the best thing God was trying to bring me.”

On their wedding day, the bride admired her groom’s “beautiful and nervous smile” as she walked down the aisle and her tears flowed.

“That moment truly was the best feeling, and I’d dreamed of how it would feel for so long,” Dixie says. “The butterflies were everything.”

Later, the couple enjoyed letting loose and getting down with their loved ones on the dance floor. Above all, Dixie advises other brides-to-be to focus on what really matters: coming together as one under God.

“Let all the rest go; it doesn’t need to be perfect,” she says. “It doesn’t need to be expensive or huge or what everyone else wants. It also does not need to be traditional. Marry the love of your life, and celebrate with your loved ones … . Enjoy the moment, and take it all in.”

Vendors:

Photographer: Tilley photography

Photo Booth: Snaparazzi Photo

Wedding planner: A Plan to Remember

Ceremony and reception venue: The White House Hotel, Biloxi

Florist: After the Proposal

Caterer: White House Hotel, Biloxi

Hair and makeup: Cody

Shaefer/Polished Salon

Jewelry: Untamed Petals; rings, Pav & Broome Fine Jewelry

Shoes: Blue Manolo Blahnik, Bloomingdale’s

Wedding gown: Town & Country Bridal, New Orleans

Bridesmaids’ dresses: New York Dresses

Musician/Entertainment: DJ Chevy Boy Moss

Clergy/Officiant: The groom’s father, Gary Hawthorne

Rentals: Southern Event Productions

Cake: Sweet Enchantments

Invitations: The Knot

Rehearsal dinner: Jacked Up Coffee Bar

Lighting: Southern Event Productions