What happens when an Ole Miss gal marries a Mississippi State guy? A whole lot of fun, laughter, and a few tears. It's Lizzy and Joel's fantastic wedding!

Strolling in Fishbone AlleyLizzy & Joel laugh as they stroll hand in hand down Fishbone Alley in Gulfport, just after they tied the knot! Photo: James Edward Bates Lizzy and Joel strolled into married life with big smiles on a day filled with laughter and tears.  A beautiful wedding ceremony at First United Methodist in Gulfport left many reaching for their hankies, the first look had all teary, and there may not have been a dry eye in the house during the first dances at their gorgeous Café Climb reception. This is a couple whose deep love for each other is abundantly evident and unquestionable. 

A kissLizzy & Joel sneak a kiss in Fishbone Alley, Gulfport, just after tying the knot. Photo: James Edward Bates

First lookFirst look between Lizzy and Joel Verndon. First United Methodist Church, Gulfport. Photo: James Edward Bates First look.Lizzy and Joel Verndon embrace at the first look. Photo: James Edward Bates

Lizzy & Joel's wedding.First United Methodist, Gulfport. Photos by: James Edward Bates

But as any Mississippian knows, there is a special spot found in the valley between tears and laughter reserved for couples who come together across the divide of the Mississippi State/Ole Miss rivalry.  Lizzy & Joel showed off a touch of that rivalry in the cakes by Nita Lee.  The groom's cake was a salute to the Bulldog's, but even the gorgeous wedding cake stacked four tiers high and decorated with fresh flowers featured a surprise Ole Miss homage- Colonel Reb!  Hotty Toddy!

A surprise in the cake - Hotty Toddy!The Verndon wedding cake by Nita Lee featured four beautiful flower decorated tiers and one surprise- Colonel Reb!

Joel's MS State Groom's cakeLizzy couldn't wait to cut into the MS State themed Groom's cake. Photo: James Edward Bates

Not all that surprising, there were a whole lot of Rebels and Bulldogs on hand to celebrate the couple, and with a few school pennants as props, many of them showed off their colors in the PhotoBooth.  

2018-04-29_0002Joel and Elizabeth Cottrell Verdon wedding reception at Cafe Climb in Gulfport, Mississippi, Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by Jamie Campfield Bates.

Who's to say which school is tops?  Everyone has their own opinions, but it was noted that after Joel & Lizzy exited and all the guests made their way home, there was still one man standing, well, sort of...

The Exit.Joel & Lizzy exit their wedding, cheered on my Ole Miss and Mississippi State pom poms. Photo: James Edward Bates

Colonel Reb, the party's over.Joel and Elizabeth Cottrell Verdon wedding reception at Cafe Climb in Gulfport, Mississippi, Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by Jamie Campfield Bates. Colonel Reb, the party's over.  But a new life is just beginning for Lizzy & Joel, and we wish them all the best!  Here's to many years of Rebels and Bulldogs, fun and laughter!

Checkout their slideshow: CLICK HERE and links to vendors below!

Photography & PhotoBooth: James Edward Bates Photography

Getty ready spot (gals): Parents' home

Getting ready spot (guys): The Almanette Hotel & Bistro

Wedding: First United Methodist, Gulfport

Officiant: Rev. Claire Dobbs

Wedding planner: Margaret Murdock

Reception venue: Café Climb, Gulfport

Catering: Ms Audrey's Kitchen

Flowers: Forever Flowers, Gulfport

Wedding rings: WP Shelton

Bridals: Kay's Kreations, Tupelo

Menswear: Bridal & Formal Boutique & House of Tux

Hair: Chuck Kelly Salon

Makeup: Mallory Fitzgerald 

Rentals: ABC Rental Center

Cakes: Nita Lee, Pass Christian

Band: Meet the Press

Transportation: Golden Gulf Limo and Busted Wrench Garage