REAL WEDDING:: Alyssa St. Amant + Avery Beavers {love is love}

::AS SEEN IN THE JUNE 2021 ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Written by: Jessica Burke |  Photos: Sarah Alleman Photography

PICAYUNE, MISSISSIPPI

their story in their words

“Avery and Allie met online, but then fun doesn’t end there! Alyssa proposed to Avery on a romantic, but traditional gondola ride. She popped the question as soon as the gondola floated under the Langles Bridge in [New Orleans] City Park. Avery was completely speechless, taking (at least in Alyssa’s mind) 5 minutes to answer. After Avery was able to catch her breath, Alyssa heard the one word that she had been waiting for– YES! As the gondola went under the bridge, all of their family and closest friends were there to celebrate their special moment with them. Avery was in tears as she looked down at her rose gold, halo diamond ring and heard the cheering of her family. She soaked everything in at that moment, realizing they have the most incredible family to love and support their love with one another. Alyssa never expected a ring, but it did come at quite a “fast pace”. Avery had secretly planned a weekend on the lakefront with a wonderful stay at The Camilla House Bed & Breakfast in downtown Covington. I say it came at a fast pace because Avery was late for the dinner party, thus getting a speeding ticket on the way to the surprise engagement dinner with family and friends. Even though they did not get away without a ticket, they did get away with having another perfect night and engagement celebration. Alyssa was overwhelmed with the dinner at Rips on the Lake in Mandeville. Avery popped the big question in front of their loved ones and Alyssa immediately said a big YES, while accepting a beautiful, diamond ring in marquise cut.”

the first look

Even though the brides say the whole day was perfect, they first look has a special place in their hearts. “We spent the day apart and we finally got to see each other in the cool, crisp fields in the Barn at Sarah Bella. [Our photographer] Sarah then ushered us to turn around and we were blown away by how beautiful we looked. We did not want that moment to end because it was the moment we have waited for. To have the love that we share be celebrated with our loved ones. It was especially significant for us because as soon as we saw each other for the first time, a rainbow appeared in the sky.”

the wedding ceremony

The brides walked down an aisle lined with signs sharing statements about love from I Corinthians 13 and  a reminder that “love is love”. They shared vows and exchanged rings under an arch dripping with flowers.

the wedding colors

Alyssa and Avery chose a rainbow of “Fall, Pride” colors (Wine, Juniper, Quartz, Sienna and Canary) for their bridesmaids’ gowns.

the first dance

“Our first dance was to a song that means a lot to us. It was “You are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne. We always tell one another “you are the best thing in my life” and believe it captures our love for one another perfectly. Halfway through our first dance, we had our DJ switch our song to the “Get Up”- by Blanco Brown, where we broke out in a surprise group dance with our bridal party! It was so fun!”

the wedding reception

The reception included fun treats like a popcorn bar and s’mores station. “We wanted to include a unique experience for our friends because they are from Hoosier City (Indiana) and were in for a sweet treat when they got to pull a charm from our cake! Each cake pull consisted of a famous setting in New Orleans and it was perfect for our wedding party because they had a charm to remember our special moment together.

the shoe game

Alyssa and Avery played the shoe game where the DJ asked them questions back-to-back, such as ‘Who is the best driver?’” Both brides claimed that title!

::CLICK HERE TO READ THE JUNE 2021 ISSUE

FEATURING AVERY + ALYSSA’S WEDDING::

NOW FEATURED VENDOR:

PHOTOGRAPHY: Sarah Alleman Photography

ADDITIONAL CREDITS: WEDDING VENUE: The Barn at Sarah Bella (Picayune, MS) | OFFICIANT: Olga Wilhelmine | BRIDES’ + BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: David’s Bridal | FLORIST: Florists of Covington | BAKERY: Shelley Ramos | CEREMONY MUSIC + RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Jerry Drain, DJ JD | HAIR: Redoux You by Cierra | MAKEUP: Jackie Woodrow Makeup | CATERER: Rita Ramos | JEWELER: Jared The Galleria of Jewelry | INVITATIONS: Minted

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