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.