A true internet dating success! After knowing “of” one another in college, since Ole Miss can sometimes be a small pond, Russell and Anna Katherine shared a brief dance on the dance floor at the 2013 version of Hal and Mal’s infamous annual Christmas party. Russell mistakenly never asked for her number, so the two lived life to the fullest a mere distance apart in Jackson, but as friends on Facebook and Instagram apps. It wasn’t until the year of 2018 for them to cross paths again, and Russell had since moved from Jackson to Destin, FL. They “met” again because of a different app, a dating app called Bumble. But that was only due to Russell’s persistence, after Anna Katherine caught his eye two different times on trips to Oxford. On the first trip to God’s Country in early 2018 for Ole Miss Baseball, Russell of course swiped right, but nothing occurred besides an Ole Miss series win against #5 Arkansas.
After that first failed attempt due to Anna Katherine’s basic tech skills, Russell was eagerly waiting for his order at Backyard Burger on the way to Double Decker Weekend, when he decided to pass the time with a scroll back on the Bumble app. Lo and behold, he saw Anna Katherine’s picture AGAIN right before his eyes and knew this meant she didn’t swipe left on his profile. THIS was his chance, and he had to be bold. So, he screenshotted her Bumble profile picture, added the question “May I buy you a drink in Oxford this weekend?”, and sent it to her through a DM (direct message) on Instagram. Much to his surprise, she sent not one but FOUR laughing emojis, but she was in NOLA that weekend. He knew she was worth the drive from Destin if he could get her to agree to a date and arrived on her doorstep on a Friday. They picked up a family size order of chili-cheese tots to share on a surprise picnic overlooking the Reservoir. It was love.
For Thanksgiving in 2019, the Adams Family met on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and so many magical memories were made, like Russell’s broken pinky finger during a game of turkey football with his brother Stuart, AK’s birthday dinner at Trapani’s, and board/card games with family members. A big day was planned for the last day of the trip, with a morning of shopping for the women, and AK’s visit to the Disney Store with her sister in law, Kasey. There, Kasey convinced AK to make an impulse purchase of a beautiful green peacoat from J.Crew to cover her sloppy athleisure outfit choice for the day. All the guests headed for the midday event of a pirate themed escape room, when AK had an unusual craving for a Coke. So, she went through the Taco Bell drive-through, but they only served Pepsi to her disappointment. Around the same time, Russell picked up a Pepsi at a gas station on the drive over, and called Anna Katherine’s mother to ask for her blessing on the engagement and marriage.
When he arrived and saw the Pepsi in AK’s hand, he knew Uncle Rick was with him. Backstory here, Russell’s favorite uncle, Uncle Rick, LOVED Pepsi and everyone who knew him knew that. The ring that Russell had in his pocket, was a custom ring created by Brooks Collection that incorporated the diamond that Rick gave Aunt Barbara. Barbara had lovingly bestowed the diamond on Russell for use in the engagement ring, held onto by her since Rick unfortunately passed away in 2007. They left the escape room and headed back toward the Airbnb, where everyone was excitedly getting ready to head toward the opening night of Christmas lights at Bellingrath Gardens: a place where Russell had a surprise date with AK in the year prior. As AK saw everyone putting on nice clothes, she peeped down at her chipped dark nails, hat, running shoes, and sweatshirt: thankfully, Russell gracefully stated that she would look better without the hat and Kasey reminded her about her new beautiful green coat!
The family arrived at Bellingrath and it was a perfect night! So many beautiful lights illuminating the path and laughter from children and family at every turn. AK’s deep love for Christmas festivities made her smile shine in the night, and she was giddy when she rounded the corner into the enchanted rose garden. Christmas and Disney merged into one! Hallelujah! The Adams Family made their way past the fountain at the center of the garden and as Anna Katherine headed into the Conservatory, Russell gently pulled her back towards the fountain. He said he had to bring her back to look at something. That something was a perfectly placed enchanted rose, lit up by some magical lights. As AK viewed the rose, Russell got down on one knee and asked, “Anna Katherine Stuart, will you become Anna Katherine Adams? Will you marry me?” She said, “You’re kidding!!!” Then she said, “Yes!!”
As wedding planning began, AK and Russell soon learned that planning their own wedding would be a lot for two people who already wear too many hats (if you’re reading this, then you’re probably nodding your head). What they didn’t know, is that even wedding planners haven’t dealt with a year like 2020 before. Thankfully, before the world went crazy, AK had already picked Kerri with The Wedding Collection to work her magic. After a few meetings with Kerri and our vendors, 7.11.2020, was happening! Approximately two days before the world shut down, they had their engagement photo session with the amazingly talented photographer, Jessica with Grace Photography. All the vendors had been secured and an 11 piece brass band would headline the event. They were giddy and thanking Heaven for 7-Eleven!
Kerri drew up countless floor plans, and contracts with vendors had to be renegotiated. They decided to have a small ceremony with immediate family members present and then have a larger wedding celebration in 2021 with friends and extended family It seemed like the CDC guidelines were changing weekly, and many people believed a regular wedding could still occur in late summer or fall, but AK and Russell decided that they wanted to ensure the health and safety of their loved ones, so a 10 person wedding was still the plan for 7Eleven...
It started to become more apparent with each passing week that the April 2021 celebration with all the guests wouldn’t be possible either. So, after a lot of thought about health and safety (maybe some tears shed sitting on the Bay St. Louis beach), they decided to make this small intimate wedding on 7.11.2020 the best event it could be! The thought of planning another event during this crazy time was too much to bear and they could now have 40 total persons at the wedding. Two weeks before the much-anticipated date, a tropical storm even came, and Hancock County closed all the beaches. Time for another pivot, because the revised wedding had an outdoor wedding reception that was going to be held at the beach pavilion. They changed the reception venue again, and a week before the big day weather forecasts started predicting a 90 percent chance of rain on the wedding day. Time to secure a tent at the eleventh hour!
The day arrived. 7.11.2020. The best day ever! Not a drop of rain and an absolutely gorgeous day in Bay St. Louis, though it was the hottest day of the year! The bride enjoyed mimosas at the Harbor House and a bridal brunch at The Mockingbird Café, while Russell and the guys played golf at The Bridges. It was a magical morning of sunshine and laughs.
The dress from The Wedding Collection was perfectly hung on shared family “Mrs. Adams” hanger. Kerri made Anna Katherine’s dreams come true by including the antique covered buttons and adding a beautiful bow. She wore a tulle cathedral length veil, and blue glitter Kate Spade heels that featured the designer’s signature bow. Banjo joined in on the fun and shared the spotlight during the photo session, while Jeb goofed off on the piano during the Daddy/Daughter first-look. Calene and Robin worked their magic with hair and makeup, while Grace Photography captured the cherished memories for forever. The French Potager made AK’s jaw drop with the MOST BEAUTIFUL bouquet she had ever seen. In the bouquet she featured a vintage Beauty and the Beast charm, and AK’s late Grandfather’s (Papaw Harry) handkerchief with an embroidery of his famous quote, “Oh Boy!”. One of AK’s students, a very talented 5th grader named Kas Smith, embroidered it! Martha even grew the enchanted rose in her garden.
Russell sported his very special cufflinks in memory of Larry Tiller, gifted to him from the family’s very dear friend, Teresa Tiller. He arrived early at Christ Episcopal Church on the beach to ensure that a proper temperature scan and masks with the letter “A” monogrammed on them were provided to each guest. Special thanks to Annie on the violin and the organist from Christ Episcopal for all of the beautiful hymns, Disney ballads, and Nutcracker music. You could see the smile of the guests through the masks when the music changed to another familiar favorite!
In Father Seth Wally’s words, “Come hell or high water, Anna Katherine and Russell were getting married.” Indeed, they did. After all the "hell and/or high water" during planning, it was a beautiful ceremony with some of their absolute closest friends and family in attendance, as the church’s capacity was 40. (A new policy of 10 persons was enacted the following Monday. Thank you, God!) They exited the beautiful venue as the happiest two people in the world, while rainbow confetti fell from the air. No one could have asked for anything better. They strolled to a downtown Bay Saint Louis detour for a quick photo session in Jessica’s studio. Martha had magically arranged a bright, whimsical flower wall above a velvet emerald couch, while additional greenery cascaded over a window that let in the beautiful rays of Golden Hour. The married couple had a blast jumping on Jessica’s couch, while guests of the wedding began to gather at the reception location and indulge in cocktail hour.
The couple arrived at the Bay Saint Louis Community Hall where Kerri and her precious husband, Kevin, made their courtyard reception dreams come true. Bistro lights lit up the wooden dance floor, while the guests enjoyed Corona (the beer!) kept cold in a cajun pirogue painted white. The baker, Julie with Whipped, made Anna Katherine’s cake dreams come true by decorating the cake with a perfect match of the “A” monogram, some hints of sparkle, dried flowers from The French Potager, and everyone’s favorite part, Banjo peering out of the bottom. The groom’s cake was Russell’s favorite, a blueberry cream cheese filled king cake with some Ole Miss flair: Hotty Toddy! Roux Chow stole the show as the sweetest chef couple duo making out of this world delicious food in a food truck. Those boudin egg rolls! Wow! The farmhouse tables were set perfectly (over 10 feet apart 😉) with blue willow vases that featured fresh florals and chairs with striped bows, while lavish flower wreaths hung above.
The couple enjoyed their first dance “How Sweet it is to be Loved by You” sung by the best one man band and college friend, John Causey. Jeb got to test his dance moves out with the father/daughter dance to “My Girl”, and John outdid himself by playing “Bear Necessities” for the mother/groom dance. It was precious. Right before it was about time to cut the cake, the girls hopped in for a “tea cup toast”. It was a magical night of dancing and fun.
The party still wasn’t over! When AK and Russell first met with Kerri, they each wanted one thing. AK wanted baby Belles as flower girls. Russell wanted a second line band. Well, as a surprise, AK made an eleventh hour call to secure a second line band. When they arrived, the look on Russell’s face was priceless. The party was hopping! As they danced the night away, the festivities were drawing to an end. Anna Katherine and Russell headed out to “The Beast” (a 1987 white Jeep Grand Wagoneer) through a sea of sparklers with Banjo waiting in the back. Blake, Russell’s new brother from his wife’s mother, drove the getaway Beast down Beach Blvd, with Banjo, Banjo’s new dad, and his mom grinning from ear to ear. The fairytale wedding had ended but the adventurous ride of the new Adams Family had just begun!