In Real Weddings

Late Spring Wedding Outdoors at The Cedars

The south’s brutal summers do not care about your well-laid plans for a beautiful outdoor wedding. Fortunately, Ben and Lindsey were able to eek out the last beautiful bits of a temperate Mississippi spring for their June 10 nuptials at The Cedars in Jackson. Their photos by Hannah Stewart Photography show the love and care the couple invested in each detail, from the florals by Little Bluestem Farm to the little bow ties worn by the youngest groomsmen to the thrifted mugs they gave as wedding favors. Their late spring wedding was one to remember.

From the Bride

“My wedding day was the dreamiest of days thanks to all of the hardworking people who made it happen!

“Ben and I wanted a sweet and intimate ceremony, and certainly didn’t want to break the parents’ bank. We definitely accomplished a memorable day on a dime! I enjoyed curating the little details that weren’t at the forefront of the mind when we started planning–the custom-made labels on all the floral pieces done by Little Bluestem Farm, the thrifted mugs we gave as favors, Ben’s floral tie. Each part of the ceremony and reception was a reflection of who we are as a couple.

“We wanted the day to be worshipful, peaceful, full of love and encouragement. I’ll have to say, my favorite part of the day was the building anticipation as I awaited the moment I’d walk down the aisle to my groom…I still get chills thinking about it! Since there’s a huge front yard and limited options to be hidden until you can reach the aisle, I actually had to emerge from a magnolia tree on the side of the house for my entrance. It ended up being really sweet and unique!

“I always hear about how stressful wedding days can be, but this was one of the most peaceful days of my life. I owe a lot of that to my sweet bridesmaids, my photographer, and our families. We had a sweet time of prayer in the room where we got ready with all the women–my bridesmaids, mom and sister, grandmothers, and Ben’s mother, grandmothers, and sisters all together thanking God for the union he had orchestrated! There’s nothing more beautiful than being surrounded by the people who love you most deeply supporting you in marrying the love of your life with such assurance! I wish I could relive this day a thousand times over.” – Lindsey Ford, bride

Photographer and Friend

“Having known Lindsey for many years, I knew going into this wedding day how important meaningful moments were for her. As soon as I arrived at The Cedars in Jackson, MS, Lindsey and her girls were already giddy and scurrying around with excitement as curling irons and hairspray filled the dressing room. I honestly think that Blake, Lindsey’s dad, was the most cheerfully spirited one that day! He could hardly contain his emotion and in one conversation could go from laughing to tears of joy!

“As the day went on and the vendors added their finishing touches, the excitement and reality of “I do” became more real. Lindsey, with the help of her mom and sister, stepped into her wedding dress and it was a moment that catapulted the whole day! Mom was instantly in tears, Lindsey and her sister couldn’t stop giggling, it was so precious to capture!

“While Ben and his guys got ready, there was certainly not a shortage of snacks, laughs, and playlist jams. As with all groomsmen, there were jokes and funny faces throughout the day…they might have even climbed a few trees! Ben’s nephews stole the show in my opinion, in their black trousers and suspenders, such dapper little dudes!

Ben and Lindsey’s special day was a celebration of friends, family, and their faithful relationship with the Lord. Times of prayer, worship, and communion set the tone for a powerful service and salvation invitation. I love when couples bring elements into their wedding that have shaped their relationship and brought them closer to one another. For Ben and Lindsey, time in the Word, and leading worship together in the company of friends and family felt like a natural and meaningful moment. It was authentic, it was tender, it was them.” – Hannah Stewart, photographer

The Cedars (circa 1840) is the oldest surviving residential structure in Jackson, Mississippi.

Lindsey’s bouquet, Ben’s boutonniere and other wedding florals were designed by Little Bluestem Farm.

“Lindsey, with the help of her mom and sister, stepped into her wedding dress and it was a moment that catapulted the whole day! Mom was instantly in tears, Lindsey and her sister couldn’t stop giggling, it was so precious to capture!” – Hannah

“I honestly think that Blake, Lindsey’s dad, was the most cheerfully spirited one that day! He could hardly contain his emotion and in one conversation could go from laughing to tears of joy!” – Hannah

Little Bluestem Farm crafted custom-made labels for all the floral pieces, including the groom and groomsmen’s boutonnieres.

The groom and groomsmen looking handsome in their tuxes from The Rogue

It is hard to resist a tower of Krispy Kreme donuts!

“Ben’s nephews stole the show in my opinion, in their black trousers and suspenders, such dapper little dudes!” – Hannah

“We had a sweet time of prayer in the room where we got ready with all the women – my bridesmaids, mom and sister, grandmothers, and Ben’s mother, grandmothers, and sisters all together thanking God for the union he had orchestrated!” – Lindsey

“I’ll have to say, my favorite part of the day was the building anticipation as I awaited the moment I’d walk down the aisle to my groom…I still get chills thinking about it!” – Lindsey