Meredith & Micah McCullough

Today, our lead planner and Stella & Co owner Stellabrate's her first wedding anniversary! I am delighted to write this article in Meredith's absence as they are off celebrating!

Meredith and Micah met in the Fall of 2007 through their roommates, but did not officially become a couple for several more months after some convincing on Meredith's end! After both graduating from Ole Miss they spent several years building their careers here in Jackson before tying the knot. The couple celebrated their eighth dating anniversary the weekend before they were married. This was a wedding we had all anticipated for a long time and loved celebrating a year ago. We can't believe how quickly this year has flown by.

In the midst of one of the busiest wedding season's Stella & Co Events has ever had, Micah proposed and Meredith somehow pulled off a six month engagement with a wedding FULL of fun detail. Meredith often describes the couple's design preference as "an eclectic mix of traditional and modern." The couple kept to their roots and held a traditional ceremony in Brandon on a perfect January day. "I knew when I pulled out my wedding album in thirty years that I didn't want to laugh at my choices and have the thought 'What was I thinking?'," says Meredith. The reception was was held at the Railroad District which has a traditional feel when you first enter, but then opens up to a very modern room. The flowers also followed the traditional yet modern design plan with traditional all white and greenery arrangements boasting traditional roses, but incorporating some modern style flowers such as calla lilies and anemones as well. All of the floral arrangements were created in modern vases that Meredith and Wendy of Fresh Cut Catering & Floral sourced at various stores throughout her planning. Fresh Cut Catering & Floral was responsible for the luscious arrangements, modern white soft seating, clear acrylic chairs and clean lined velvet linens that Meredith requested. Fresh Cut was also responsible for the delectable menu that served with lots of personalization to the couples travels together during dating and favorite family traditions. Such as: The Mallorca, a favorite breakfast treat from their Puerto Rico engagement trip, a mini BBQ Pizza in reference to the type of pizza shared on their first date to Old Venice, a breakfast station which was a dinner time staple at the Akers house growing up and the most looked forward to meal when visiting the lake house, fried ravioli from their trip to Italy, and Yahoo's, a nod to Meredith's childhood and family Fourth of July reunions, just to name a few.

Samantha Woo of Woo Couture created Meredith's wedding gown and the bridesmaid dresses. "I knew I had two expecting Bridesmaids and a custom tailored dress was going to be the best option. Not to mention, my bridesmaids all loved the fact that they didn't have to have alterations once their dresses arrived. Custom bridesmaid dresses from Samantha was one of the best decisions I made.," states Meredith. To complete the bridesmaid attire {and in hopes of a cold winter wedding,} Meredith, her mom, sister, and aunt searched antique stores while on a trip in the Ozark Mountains for vintage fur stoles to gift each bridesmaid. They were also each given a different statement necklace to complete their look. Tuxedo Junction provided the men's classic black and white tuxes.

Hair for the bride, Mother of the Bride, and Maid of Honor by Syd Curry of Smoak Salon. Make Up for the Bride, Mother of the Bride, and Maid of Honor by Anna Hester Make Up. Hair and Make Up for the bridesmaids and Mother of the Groom by Chelsey Williamson of Gloss Salon and Sabrina Sheffield.

The Cake Diva created both of the wedding cakes in favorite flavors of the couple. Chocolate with Reese's and dark chocolate filling for the Groom and Champagne and traditional almond for the bride. She was given inspiration photos for the bride's cake, but surprised Meredith with a cake that was a replica of the lace of Meredith's gown. A favorite band of Meredith's from past weddings she has planned, the MoSol Band, kept guests on the dancing. Tambourines and maracas awaited dancing guests to the side of the dance floor.

A caricature artist from Baton Rouge live drew a caricature of the couple's first dance as well as personal caricatures for guests to take home. The grooms section of the reception boasted Arnold Palmers, his favorite beverage. Two putting greens were also set up in this room to honor his favorite hobby of golf when he finds the time. Iron Horse Grill also served favorite beers of the groom in this room as well as took care of the bartending services in all areas of the reception. Apollo Event Lighting worked with the couple to create custom lighting and frame out the dance floor area. As guests entered and left the reception, snow was falling from the roofline of the building. The couple exited the reception to a snow toss and was whisked away to their honeymoon suite in a vintage Rolls Royce by Way Back In Time.

All paper products and personalized items were produced by the Stella & Company Events design team. Bailey Poole Art created all of the custom watercolors used on the hotel accomodations card, reply card, and ceremony program.

Arender Films also captured the day perfectly! See the video here: