First Ridgeland Baptist Church

CEREMONY

Reunion Golf and Country Club

Reception

Our Wedding

The first time I met Carter was when we were both attending Mississippi College. I always had my eye him, but this was not where our story began. Fast forward several years to August 2024. Like most ordinary Sunday mornings, I headed to First Ridgeland. However, on this particular Sunday when I walked into church Carter was there in the foyer (see picture above, HA!). He was standing there chatting with my sister Courtney, and her husband Jack. I recognized him immediately. I thought to myself, WOW he’s still soooooo cuuuute!!! I couldn’t help but wonder what he was doing back in the Jackson area. We began talking and one of the first things I took note of was just how easy it was to talk to him and how comfortable I felt around him. Conversation flowed effortlessly and we quickly caught up on what we had been doing for the past few years, where we had been, and what we were doing now. That Sunday was far from ordinary, I left church that day very giddy and excited for the next time I would see him and the thought of what if! Unfortunately, Carter didn’t come back to church the next week, or for that matter the next couple of months. I thought he definitely wasn’t feeling it - HA! Finally, that day came, he returned to church and began attending the young adult life group I am in. Come to find out, it was work that had kept him away. He had been doing a rotation that required him to work weekends. Yes, I admit there was a little sigh of relief, I mean I really wasn’t too worried!!! Throughout the next month or so I got to know Carter better, his beliefs, and what he valued. Soon after Christmas Carter asked me if I wanted to come over so I could try his famous guacamole recipe and a taco salad to go along with it.&nbsp;What girl could turn down an invitation like that?! (Plus he had worked at Babalu so I KNEW it was going to be good). About a week later we went out on our first official date for dinner at Manship. Soon after this he asked me to be his girlfriend! About a month later we traveled to Memphis to meet his family. It was so nice to meet the people that mean the most to him and have played a part in shaping who he is. This was the final piece, and I just knew. Aaaaaaaand the rest is history! No more what ifs, Carter is my one, and this is just the beginning of our forever story.-Casey :) I first met Casey while we were attending Mississippi College. We mostly saw each other in passing and were friendly. I thought she was pretty, but did not think anything more of it. I was caught up in my own world and had many facets of my life where I needed to grow first. Fast forward to the summer of 2024, I had just graduated medical school and recently moved back to Jackson and began the process of looking for a church. My first Sunday back I visited First Ridgeland. Upon entering the church I met Courtney and Jack who were working the welcome table. While we were making small talk, Casey walked up and we really hit it off. Casey has this incredible ability to make anyone she meets feel like they’ve known her forever and I was no different. We had a great time catching up then said our goodbyes. I had just started residency and had several commitments that took away many Sundays. On top of that when I did have Sundays off, I took some time and visited several different churches in the area. Eventually though, I felt like God was leading me back to First Ridgeland. Casey and I would continue to see each other at church, but it was always very casual. I never knew she had any sort of crush on me. Then we were at a Young Adult event when she asked me to go look at some Christmas lights with a group. Following that we had some other group hang outs, where we drew closer and our friendship deepened. From those get togethers I realized I enjoyed spending time with her and shortly after asked her to hang out. The rest is history. Casey has truly been an answered prayer in my life and getting to know her has been my greatest privilege. I tell her all the time while it would’ve been nice to have those extra years, God in his infinite mercy brought us together at the perfect time.&nbsp;-Carter

Carter + Casey

Our Story

Photos

Groomsmen

Victor Santos

Harrison Exley

Zachary Perry

Hunter Bonham

Andrew Randle

Jack Taylor

Kice Brown

Bridesmaids

Courtney Taylor

Brooke Bonham

Caroline Hinkle

Mary Todd Knight

Taylor McGowan

Kendra Santos

Caroline Duke

Steviana Thomas

Claire Hardin

Other Important People

Justin Graves

Nora Bonham

Bride's Parents

Keith Purvis

Dana Purvis

Groom's Parents

Carolyn Santos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Embassy Suites by Hilton Jackson North Ridgeland

AC Hotel Jackson Ridgeland

Hyatt Place Jackson/Ridgeland

Travel

Activities

Fun activity for all ages. Also has a mini golf course!

Topgolf Ridgeland

Spot for indoor pickleball!

The Pickle Jar

This is a large, recently renovated park for this kiddos - good for all ages. Nora approved!

Liberty Park

Great spot to visit for our non-MS residents!!

Museum of Mississippi History

A great way to get a taste of MS history!

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Perfect, fun spot for the kids!

Mississippi Children's Museum

Shopping

One of Casey and sisters favorite	local shops. Set in an old house in Madison, it has locally made paintings, clothes, accessories, dips/recipes, cookware, gifts for guys and girls - it has a little bit of everything!

Madison Market Place

Area to shop and walk around-Casey's favorites are Sephora, Aerie, Altr'd State, and Barnes and Noble!

Renaissance at Colony Park

Another great place to shop! Our go to's here are LuluLemon, Kendra Scott, and Buff City Soap!

Highland Village Shopping Center

Restaurants

One of Carter and Casey's go to restaurants. Some of their favorites are the Pita Mozzarella, the Trio dipper, and the gyros!

Aplós Ridgeland

Best pizza in town! Carter's favorite is the thin crust sausage &amp; Casey's is the Detroit style Poppyroni! Great outdoor area outside of it as well for kids.

Poppy Pies

A great spot for a sit down dinner - this is where Carter and Casey had their first date night!

The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen

Casey's favorite steakhouse in the area - best fries in town!

Shapley's Restaurant

For all our tea lovers! Her favorite is the Watermelon cucumber or the Lemon lagoon :)

Colony Crossing Nutrition

Perfect spot to have some southern-style comfort food!

Q + A

Q + A coming soon!