Modern Metropolitan is the design inspiration of this gorgeous styled shoot hosted at the first state sponsored Civil Rights Museum in the nation. Sure to become one of Mississippi’s most sought-after wedding venues, the museum is cutting edge, and its brand-new state of the art facility provides limitless options for the modern chic bride. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum’s events and Marketing Manager, Nell Knox, explained, “Couples choosing this venue are definitely making a statement. They’re putting their values first.” The museum isn’t just a beautiful space; it’s a meaningful space. It provides an additional layer to a couple’s wedding day allowing them to showcase culture, creativity, history, and current events. (Read more about this incredible venue below photos.)
The design team chose the Nancy and Ray Neilsen Hall of History for the Ceremony space. With its soaring ceiling and walls of windows that cast a soft light along the stone floors, the long and narrow hall created a natural aisle. By dropping the shade behind the boho style curved arc that served as the altar, the afternoon sun was diffused to a soft glow back lighting the ceremony. The arc was created by The Prickly Hippie with dried grasses and florals to accent the autumn event. Flowers in reds, deep wine, and bold yellow were incorporated for a modern take on the traditional fall palette. Bridesmaids sported floral wrist and shoulder pieces in place of the traditional bouquet.
The bride’s Robert Bullock gown was sleek and sophisticated with architectural styling and stunning back cutouts. She was paired with a groom in a modern cut tuxedo with a white dinner jacket for the ceremony which was exchanged for a fun, patterned black jacket for the reception. Groomsmen wore different color tuxes with matching accessories while the bridesmaids were outfitted with short cocktail dresses in tones of bright red and yellow and ankle strap metallic shoes.
The museum’s Trustmark Common’s area was the perfect spot for formal portraits.
The Prickly Hippie created these stunning, wearable bridesmaid floral pieces.
These gorgeous handcrafted wedding rings were created by Brian Beckham of Beckham Custom Jewelry Company.
The cutouts on this Robert Bullock gown are breathtaking. This dress is a showstopper – coming and going.
Just off the gorgeous hallway is the museum’s Entergy Plaza, a beautiful covered porch area that spills out onto a beautifully manicured lawn. The design team at Eventful transformed the porch area into a cocktail hour space. The iridescent fall-toned linen topped with a gold lantern was the perfect complement to the sparkling metallic linens on the other tables.
This contemporary cake design mimics the clean, modern lines and architecture of the venue.
This patterned jacket from Tuxedo Junction is for the groom who has a definite sense of style and confidence. It’s the perfect pairing with a simple black tux pant. Not conservative enough for your ceremony? Just trade your formal black jacket for something more fun for your reception. Why should the bride be the only one turning heads?
Gold columns topped with a raw edge wood bar added the perfect seasonal touch for the reception area. Moving the ceremony arc to the reception added dramatic height to the space.
AJC and the Envelope Pushers entertained our wedding party as they danced into the evening.
PHOTOGRAPHY| Sharon Coker Photography VENUE | Two Mississippi Museums, The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum STYLING, LINENS, & RENTALS | Erik Kegler, Eventful FLORAL, CEREMONY ARCH, & CAKE FLORAL | The Prickly Hippie CAKE | Campbell’s Bakery WEDDING GOWN | Lace Bridal Experience, Robert Bullock GROOM & GROOMSMEN ATTIRE | Tuxedo Junction BRIDESMAID DRESSES | The Bride & Groom JEWELRY | Beckham Custom Jewelry Co BAND | AJC and the Envelope Pushers HAIR | Gellisa Fevrier for The Tracy Branch Agency MAKEUP | Jess King for the Tracy Branch Agency MODELS | Lucid Models DESIGN | Premier Wedding Magazine
THE MISSISSIPPI CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM
Corrinn McCauley
The innovative nature of the museum is reflected in the freedom of the customized options it provides. Rather than being locked into a predetermined event package, couples are free to select any vendors they desire. Events and Marketing Manager, Nell Knox said, “We want you to put your unique spin on your wedding. We’re excited for you to bring your creativity to the table.” Due to the versatility of the space, a bride could walk down the aisle in sneakers one day and Louboutin the next. One thing is for certain, no two weddings are alike at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.”
For their ceremony, brides and grooms can select from several unique spaces within the museum. If they’re choosing to host their reception at the museum as well, they can hold each portion in separate areas or have them seamlessly flow together. Once again, the layout is entirely up to each couple’s preferences. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and The Museum of Mississippi History are housed in the same building. Any of the shared common spaces between the two museums are available for brides and grooms to make their own.
Couples have the exciting option of keeping the museum open during a cocktail hour. Instead of anxiously waiting for the bride and groom to finish their wedding photos, guests are offered a cultural experience. It’s the ultimate wedding favor at just six dollars a person to keep one museum open and ten dollars to provide access to both. The cocktail bar can be set up in any of the common spaces and tables stationed outside the galleries where the guest’s food and drinks will be waiting just beyond the exhibit doors. Couples who aren’t interested in a cocktail hour, but still want to share the museum galleries with their guests have the unique opportunity to offer return tickets as an experiential wedding favor.
More specialized wedding options are on the horizon. The Mississippi Museum Store is developing a wedding registry. Much like the venue itself, it is an individualistic and nontraditional way of registering. The store carefully curates Mississippi craftsmen’s wares and goods. The museum store will work with brides and grooms to create personalized gift baskets tailored to each couple’s price range and preferences. The store prioritizes authenticity and individuality.
Knox is proud of the couples the museum is attracting; couples who tackle the emotional decision of selecting a wedding venue from a place of cultural and civic responsibility. Significant thought goes into any major purchase, but couples who choose The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum know the proceeds are going to an institution of value. They are helping the museum remain open and available. Knox said, “We’re not just thanking couples for using our space; it goes so far beyond that. We’re thanking them for supporting this project and being a part of these museums.”
Brides and grooms who host their wedding at The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum provide their guests with an amazing new cultural opportunity showcasing what it means to be from Mississippi—a place that is leading the national conversation about racial inequality and injustice and facilitating reconciliation. It is an empowering space and a shining light. Each wedding adds a chapter to the greater unified narrative of hope and progress.
