Natchez is a city in Mississippi that is set on the Mississippi River.  Bob and Burl had their Natchez wedding at St. Mary’s Chapel with close friends and family present. They began their day at Burl’s family home just outside Natchez, where we did a short portrait session.  We then headed to the chapel, which is hidden deep within forest on Laurel Hill Plantation.


The small chapel was built in 1836 right next to a giant southern Oak tree complete with Spanish moss that is probably older than the building itself.   Coming up long the dirt road and seeing the building for the first time, I knew St. Mary’s was special.  I’m sure all of Bob and Burl’s guests were thinking the same thing.


Unfortunately, the weather did become an issue.  During the ceremony, a large storm came and went, causing that long dirt road I described earlier to turn into a slippery mess of mud.  Two cars made a wrong turn and got stuck driving back down that dirt road.


Now, in my humble opinion, dealing with the task of pulling cars out of the mud in the middle of a rainstorm is something NO groom should have to address, but Burl insisted on driving back to help their guests out of the mud.  Assuming they would be no more than an hour, we agreed that my time would be better spent photographing guests as they arrived to the reception at the Elms Bed and Breakfast.


Hours passed and no word from either groom.  Finally, Bob arrived and said Burl and the two cars were still stuck waiting for a special type of mud truck to arrive.  In the end, Burl missed the reception, which is unfortunate given how much effort he put into every detail.  


I regret not seeing Burl before leaving Natchez, but the fact he missed his own wedding reception to help his friends is a testament to his kindness and good nature.  Simply put, Burl is just as he describes his husband Bob: “a good man.”


Planning a wedding in Natchez?  Contact me for all the details!


Please note:  I apologize but I do not have information about how to book an event at St. Mary’s Chapel.  I believe they booked their venue through a private contact.

Historic white plantation house with wraparound porch and dirt path leading to entrance under Spanish moss draped trees.
White horse grazing near a tranquil pond surrounded by tall trees in a rustic pastoral landscape.
A rustic white wooden fence borders a dirt path under Spanish moss draped trees in a southern woodland setting.
Two bald men in white dress shirts share a joyous laugh together in a warmly lit room.
Two people in formal white dress shirts and black bow ties share a joyful candid moment at an indoor gathering.
Someone helps tie a bow tie on a man wearing a white tuxedo shirt during formal event preparations.
An evening social gathering shows people in formal attire including a tuxedo and brocade jacket conversing in an interior space.
Two men in formal attire chat in a bright room with large windows and vintage furniture.
Two people sharing a joyful moment together outdoors with white fencing and trees in the background.
Two elegantly dressed people share a joyful moment at an outdoor wedding, with one wearing a patterned copper tuxedo jacket.
A couple embraces on a dirt path in front of a Southern plantation-style home with white railing and Spanish moss.
Two people stand face to face on brick steps of a white house with a columned porch entrance.
A romantic couple embraces under Spanish moss hanging from trees in a serene outdoor setting.
Small gothic stone chapel sits beneath moss-draped oak trees in a rustic Southern landscape.
A group of people share warm embraces outdoors on a sunny day with green trees in the background.
Two elderly women in sweaters sharing a joyful moment of laughter together outdoors.
Black and white silhouette of tree branches against a cloudy sky creates dramatic contrast in nature.
Historic white chapel stands beneath moss-draped oak trees on a rustic church grounds with visitors outside.
Silhouetted figures gather in an elegant hallway with ornate chandeliers and vaulted ceilings during an evening event.
A performer wearing a brown brocade jacket and bow tie sits smiling on ornate wooden stairs in an elegant setting.
A person in a black tuxedo smiles while seated near a white marble statue in an elegant indoor setting.
A group dances together on a misty stone patio surrounded by foggy trees on an autumn morning.
A wedding party stands framed within a gothic stone archway during a ceremony, captured in warm lighting.
A lively group gathers in a chapel interior with stone walls and a stained glass window during a formal event.
Two people in formal attire share a friendly moment during a ceremony while a third person stands between them.
Three people exchange papers or documents during a wedding ceremony in warm indoor lighting.
Two figures in a church exchanging words during a traditional ceremony with stained glass windows visible in background.
A close-up side view of people during a church ceremony with gothic-style windows in the background.
Two men greet each other with a handshake in a black and white photograph beneath a decorative ceiling medallion.
Two people embrace in emotional hug during formal church ceremony as clergy member looks on in background.
Wedding reception inside historic church venue with ornate stone archways and decorative altar railing during toasts.
Illuminated church altar viewed through a gothic stone archway in warm lighting.
Two elegantly dressed people embrace warmly at a formal event with soft lighting and textured wall background.
A black and white photo showing people standing in a Gothic arched church doorway entrance.
Black and white photo of three men in tuxedos walking through an elegant gothic archway.
Three people in formal attire gather around a table at what appears to be a special event signing ceremony.
Elegant outdoor dinner table setting on a porch with white linens, candles and twinkling Christmas lights in background.
Colorful floral centerpiece with roses and mixed blooms alongside glowing candles on an elegant table setting.
An elegant floral centerpiece with peach, yellow and pink roses surrounded by candlelight on a dining table.
Elegant outdoor reception dinner setup with white tablecloths, candles, and twinkling lights creating a romantic ambiance.
Elegant white dining room with buffet table adorned with wine bottles and a decorative lantern chandelier overhead.
Elegant wedding reception table settings with crystal candelabras and vibrant autumn floral centerpiece against a pink wall.
An elegant place setting at a formal dinner with menu card, crystal glasses, and candlelight on white tablecloth.
Elegant floral centerpiece with coral roses, blue hydrangeas and greenery at a candlelit wedding reception.
A group of people smile while toasting with drinks at an elegant indoor gathering.
Two chefs work together at a dimly lit counter reviewing documents in a restaurant kitchen.
Two people in elegant evening wear engaged in animated conversation at an upscale indoor event.
Professional chef prepares food at an elegant candlelit banquet table with floral centerpieces and formal place settings.
Person stands in front of decorated doorway with glowing lamp and illuminated floral window panels at night.
A buffet table with flowers and candles is visited by several guests during an indoor evening gathering.
A dim-lit dinner party scene around a formal white tablecloth with guests gather while being served by wait staff.

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