REAL WEDDING:: Minerva Alonso + Cooper Compretta {Side by Side}

Bride and groom pose with their wedding party on the front porch, with the bride holding a vibrant bouquet of pink and peach blooms.

::FEATURED IN THE 2026 SUMMER DIGITAL EDITION OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Photography by Jessie Newton Photography

minerva + cooper’s story

Minerva and Cooper’s love story began during a season of change. Shortly after moving from Mexico and starting a new chapter of her life, Minerva met Cooper in high school. What began as a friendship soon turned into something more when he invited her to Homecoming. From that moment on, the two grew up side by side, becoming high school sweethearts, college sweethearts, and eventually life partners.

Flat lay of wedding details featuring custom invitations, vow booklet, rings, rosary, lace veil, and a disco ball-inspired monogram design.

Bride in a high-neck lace wedding gown holds a bouquet of coral, blush, and pink flowers during a studio bridal portrait against a black backdrop.

Groom in a classic black tuxedo with a blush orchid boutonniere smiling outdoors before the ceremony.

A draped white reception entrance lined with hanging disco balls leads into the ballroom, featuring the couple's custom monogram on the floor and backdrop.

Bride and groom exchange rings during a Catholic wedding ceremony as the officiant looks on inside the church.

Years later, during a trip to Florence, Italy, Cooper surprised Minerva with a proposal shortly after they arrived, turning an unforgettable vacation into the start of their next chapter.

Newlyweds pose at the altar inside Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church with the bride's long lace train spread across the wooden floor.

White lounge seating with black accent pillows sits beneath a large projection of the couple's monogram on a draped backdrop.

Three-tier white wedding cake with vintage-style ruffled buttercream and bright red cherries displayed among colorful floral arrangements.

Close-up of the groom's blush orchid boutonniere accented with pink astilbe on a classic black tuxedo.

As a designer, Minerva brought her creativity into many aspects of the wedding, creating personalized details including the invitations and custom tote bag favors. “It was incredibly rewarding to channel that creativity into such a personal project,” she shares.

One of the most meaningful moments of the day came when family and friends from every stage of their lives gathered together to celebrate the journey that brought them to forever.

Bride and groom smile at one another during their first dance surrounded by guests and colorful floral arrangements

Two-tier chocolate wedding cake decorated with coffee beans and topped with a monogrammed coffee mug.

Silver disco balls hang among cascading white blossoms and colorful flowers as part of the reception décor.

Flat lay of vibrant bridal bouquet with orchids, roses, and ranunculus beside blue Manolo Blahnik heels adorned with crystal embellishments.

The newlyweds run through a ribbon streamer exit at the end of their reception, smiling as guests celebrate around them.

::AS SEEN IN THE 2026 SUMMER DIGITAL EDITION OF

NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

VENDORS:

GETTING READY LOCATION: The Harbor House by The Wedding Collection

| CEREMONY LOCATION: Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church

| OFFICIANT: Fr Mike Austin

| RECEPTION LOCATION: Bay St. Louis Community Hall

| REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: 200 North Beach Restaurant and Bar

| REHEARSAL DINNER STYLING + FLORALS + WEDDING FLORALS + WEDDING PLANNING + DESIGN + STYLING/RENTALS + DRAPING + LIGHTING + VINYL: The Wedding Collection

| BRIDAL GOWN: Atelier, I Do Bridal Couture Covington

| BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Mac Duggal

| GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Anthony’s Men’s Wear

| PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessie Newton Photography

| CONTENT CREATOR: Day of Bestie

| BAKERY: Whipped, LLC

| CEREMONY MUSIC: Provided by Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church

| RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Gearbox Entertainment

| HAIR + MAKEUP: Hair, Alexandra Bailey and Makeup, Patricia Arroyo

| HONEYMOON: The South of France

| CATERER: Taste! Catering

| FAVORS: Tote Bags designed by Minerva Alonso