January 2, 2020
Jessica + Justin
Jessica and Justin’s wedding day was one for the books! A romantic St. Ann Church and Shrine ceremony and a retro inspired reception with simple details at Messina’s at the Terminal in Metairie, Louisiana!
I walked into Jessica’s getting ready suite and I immediately noticed how at ease and relaxed Jess was! The natural pressures of a wedding day absolutely did not get to her! She was enjoying her day to the absolute fullest! If there is one piece of advice I could give to any bride on her wedding day it would be to follow Jess’s example! Every wedding is stressful, BUT it is so important to EMBRACE all of it! We had a long and multiple location day ahead of us and it flowed so beautifully!
Jessica and Justin were surrounded with their closest family and friends who traveled from all over the country to share in their special day. From Texas, to Missouri, to New York, to Mississippi….wow!! It turns out that they all met in college at The University of Mississippi. They laughed, they cried, they danced, and toasted to the bride and groom. As I watched the night unfold, it was so evident how much all of these people love Jessica and Justin. I mean, not just one person, but SEVERAL, flew in from somewhere else to be with them!
The night ended with a huge semi-circle group hug between Jess and Justin and their friends swaying and singing at the top of their lungs to “Take Me Home Country Roads” by John Denver. Certain moments give me goosebumps and this one did. It seems sort of random but I guess I was thinking in my mind at that moment that Jessica and Justin’s family and friends, as well as themselves, were all about to go their separate ways with every day life. Some going back to Mississippi, back to Texas…New York…Missouri….and the way they all came together and hugged each other and sang a song titled “Take Me Home”…..was just… AMAZING. Although they live miles apart from one another, the love and support they all have for EACH OTHER is beautiful!
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Ragland! I wish these two all the love and happiness this world has the offer!
