A Southern Mississippi Wedding with a French twist…
When Mary Louise Clawson and Ben Lapagne got engaged, they knew they wanted to wed in Oxford, Mississippi where they met and fell in love. The bride also knew she wanted a French inspired celebration to share her families love of London.
The early summer wedding ceremony took place on the University of Mississippi’s campus at Paris Yates Chapel. Both Mary Louise and Ben were finishing their Junior year in the College of Engineering just prior to the wedding.
As 300 guests witnessed the heart felt vows during the ceremony buses awaited outside to transport them to The Mill at Plein Air, in Taylor, Mississippi, just outside of Oxford. Upon arrival guests were met with hordvoures and cocktails where they found their escort cards perched on an iron Eiffel Tower adorned with flowers and twinkling lights. Hand painted umbrellas hung over cocktail tables on the lawn in front of the large white tent which would soon be revealed for dinner.

After cocktails, the tent walls were removed and the candlelit atmosphere was revealed as guests took their seats for dinner. The sounds of strings filled the air and the stunning florals by Tanarah Luxe Floral enhanced the fabric draped-open air tent.


The menu was carefully chosen by the Mother of the Bride to give their guests a true taste of the families French favorites. Beginning with an Amuse Bouche of Croque Monsieure followed by a spinach fruit salad and Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Vegetables , Parsnip Gratin with Parmesean Crust and Rolls served with Strawberry and Herbed Butter.



The stunning wedding cake displayed in the center of the tent was custom designed by Cory Lewis to replicate some of the brides gown, alternating layers of Chocolate cake with Chocolate ganache and milk chocolate buttercream with sea salt chocolate crunchies on top and Vanilla cake infused with Organic Rose Syrup and preserves with vanilla buttercream were a sweet ending to dinner.


As the Sun went down and dinner concluded, guests made their way into the Mill for dancing and celebrating. Hand crafted white paper flowers framed the stage where Papa Sol entertained and kept guests dancing all evening. Linen lounge furniture and a photo booth were included in the environment as well as a cigar bar upstairs on the balcony. Late night food was passed to keep guests energized until the very end! Chicken on a stick and fresh fried beneits- went like hot cakes along with a chocolate fondue station. As the clock struck midnight it was time to depart. The papparazzi lined exit was lit up by sparklers while guests showered the couple with dried lavender, as the fairytale wedding came to a end.

The French inspired experience was sure to leave guests longing for a day in Paris and that is exactly what was intended. A la votre! ( Cheers!)

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