Georgia Blue

Rehearsal Dinner

Parkway Hills United Methodist

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Bridlewood of Madison

Reception

Our Wedding

After running into each other several times throughout our time at Belmont, Ryan and I finally landed a class together our senior year of college - our senior year ensemble, Southbound. Over the course of that year we became buddies, and Ryan even played drums for my senior recital in March of 2020. Later that month, right before I went home to hunker down with my parents in Mississippi for the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we started chatting more and eventually ended up talking on the phone every night before bed. When I came back to Nashville, the girls and I hosted a socially distanced Cinco De Mayo gathering (at which Ryan was the only guy in attendance), and Ryan (like, impressively quickly) won the hearts of some of my most treasured friends, subsequently and irrevocably winning mine. It was then that I knew, even before we ~defined the relationship~ that we were in it for the long haul!!! :DThe rest of our history has been a blur in many ways - it's hard to remember a time when we weren't together! In the almost six years we've been together, we've navigated a pandemic, traveled to more idyllic places than we could've dreamed of in such a short time, braved a record snow storm to bring home our cherished Tulip, managed Tulip's cancer diagnosis and celebrated her victory, curated our first home together, managed Ryan's broken leg and healing, and - our most favorite - made music together at home, in the studio, and on the stage. We are so grateful for every moment we've shared and are so excited to keep embarking on our shared horizon, hand in hand. AND we are thrilled beyond measure to get to celebrate all that's been and all that's to come with our treasured family and friends on our wedding day!!!!

Our Story

Photos

Bridal Party

Chloe Kasten

Elisabeth Wiede

Anne Carrie Kelly

Brittain Lawrence

Caitlyn Swartwood

Cassie Tipton Jackson

Emma Taylor Behm

Leah Creathorn

Madison Stuart Ford

Sara Kathryn Diffey

Sela White

Taylor Bickett

Groomsmen

Eric Swartwood

Atticus Ziegler

Chris Fitzgerald

Dan White

Jake McCullough

Job White

Luke West

Matthew Majerle

Peder Dritzmith

Wedding Party

Last day to book: April 23, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Jackson Madison

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Jackson Ridgeland/The Township at Colony Park

Travel

We get it!

Mississippi’s one of those places that you might not carve out time to see unless you have a reason to! If you’re not sure where to start with building your weekend itinerary, we’ve got you covered - below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of things to do during your stay in the hospitality state. We hope you’ll take some extra time to explore the rich cultural, culinary, musical, and historical hallmarks this amazing place has to offer.

“To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.” - William Faulkner

Madison

Colony Crossing at Madison

If you want to stay closer to home base, there’s plenty to do in Marlee’s old stomping grounds! Colony Crossing is located diagonally across the street from the Courtyard Hotel and is home to many of Marlee and Ryan's favorite restaurants in town such as Sal and Mookie's, Nagoya, and, of course, Papitos.

Historic Madison

Historic Madison is one of the most picturesque places in town to take a walk, do some local shopping, or grab a bite to eat. Some of our favorite spots in this neighborhood are The Foxtail of Madison, Kristo's, Mama Hamil's, and Strawberry Patch Park.

Mississippi Petrified Forest

Looking at you arborists! Or anyone else looking for a refreshing hike in nature... just 15 miles from the Courtyard Hotel (and technically in the town of Flora), you'll find the ONLY petrified forest in the southeast region of the United States!

Ridgeland

Renaissance at Colony Park

You'll find some of the best shopping in the state at the Renaissance and some of the best eats too! Shop til you drop then grab some hummus and pita and a frosé at Aplós or some garlic knots and an aperol spritz at Taste.

The Township at Colony Park

Staying at the TownePlace Suites or just looking for a casual spot to grab a bite to eat? Look no further than the Township at Colony Park, home to town favorite eats like Newk's and Soulshine Pizza.

Natchez Trace Parkway

If you're hoping to maximize your time in nature, plan to spend some time along the Natchez Trace Parkway. You can walk, run, or bike the Trace, and in some places, you can even disc golf! Be sure to check out the Old Trace Park for a round or two.

Jackson

Two Mississippi Museums

The Mississippi Museum of History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum are a must see when visiting the state's capitol. Both work in tandem, painting an extensive, honest picture of Mississippi's history and emphasizing its role as the epicenter of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.

Mayflower Cafe

The Mayflower Cafe was listed as one of the New York Times' Best 50 Restaurants in America in 2025! Grab a bite to eat here after your visit at Two Mississippi Museums.

Fertile Ground Brewing Co

Calling all beer girls!!!! Be sure to check out one of the few original craft breweries Mississippi has to offer (and our personal favorite!) conveniently located right here in our backyard in the historic Belhaven neighborhood!

The Mississippi Delta

Mississippi Blues Trail

Looking for a day trip or something to see on your drive down to Madison? Consider taking a leisurely detour down the Mississippi Blues Trail and experience the history of the birthplace of America's music like never before.

BB King Museum

Pay tribute to the king of the blues with a visit to the museum honoring his life and legacy.

Grammy Museum Mississippi

Music history buffs simply have to visit the Grammy Museum in Cleveland, MS - it features interactive exhibits, extensive history of various contemporary genres, costume pieces worn by the world's most famous artists, and more!

Laurel

Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Laurel Mercantile, Scotsman General Store, the Scent Library

Got time for a day trip? Head down to Laurel, MS, home to the hit HGTV show Hometown! Grab a bite to eat at Café La Fleur and explore their historic downtown area. Make sure to take a peek inside Marlee's favorite store in MS - the Scent Library!

Vicksburg

Vicksburg National Military Park

Another charming destination for a day trip - Vicksburg, MS. Home to Vicksburg National Military Park and sweeping views of the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is a perfect spot for good southern cooking, sweeping scenery, and national history.

Tupelo

Birthplace of Elvis Presley

Another spot along the Mississippi Blues Trail, but located in the northeastern region of the state, is the birthplace of Elvis Presley, tucked away in Tupelo, MS.

Things to Do

Registry

What is the wedding dress code?

Dress to impress in your best cocktail attire! If you need help, please check out the following article for cocktail attire tips!https://www.brides.com/cocktail-attire-wedding-4844364

Can I bring a guest/date?

Due to limited space, we are only able to accommodate those who are formally invited on your wedding invitation.

Are kids allowed?

We love children, but due to limited space, we are only able to include a small number of them on our wedding day. The invitations will be specific and include the names of the invited children. If your children are not included on your invitation, we encourage you to use this weekend as a date night or “getaway” for yourselves!

Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?

The wedding ceremony will be entirely inside, and the reception will be predominantly indoors with space outside to mingle, weather permitting.

Marlee & Ryan

Marlee & Ryan

M&R

Wedding Day

Reception