The southeast region of Mississippi, also known as the Pine Belt, is made up of several neighboring communities – Collins, Columbia, Ellisville, Laurel, and, of course, Hattiesburg. While the “Hub City” is the fourth largest municipality in the state and prides itself on economic development, education, and the arts, nearby cities are celebrated in their own right. Each boasts entertainment, shopping, and recreation for planning and hosting weddings.
Brides getting married in Columbia, Collins, or Ellisville will find businesses that are accustomed to planning rehearsal dinners, weddings, and receptions, regardless of whether the bride and groom prefer a grand wedding that rivals a Hollywood production or an intimate affair for close friends and family. These cities feature longtime merchants that offer decorative accents, attendants’ gifts, unique floral designs, and the best in southern cuisine (eclectic or traditional). Guests will fully appreciate the small town atmosphere as they enjoy a casual lunch at a local café followed by an afternoon of antiquing. Perhaps guests with children will frolic at the Grand Paradise Water Park in Collins or canoe the Okatoma Creek. Others may find an event of interest at the Columbia Exposition Center or at Jones County Community College.
In nearby Laurel, couples can choose from several antebellum homes along the oak-lined streets of the city’s Central Historic District to host their ceremony and/or reception. Visitors can immerse themselves in southern hospitality by staying at a cottage or bed and breakfast. In this lovely town, the entire wedding party will find exquisite attire; additionally, the couple can begin a bridal registry and find lovely gifts for their attendants. In their spare time, guests can share a picnic in the park, browse the shops at Sawmill Square Mall, see the latest collection at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, or take advantage of local recreation while fishing at Lake Bogue Homa, camping at Big Creek Water Park, or golfing at Bear Creek Club.
Finally, Hattiesburg, home to the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey College, is conveniently located less than 100 miles from Jackson, the Gulf Coast, Mobile, and New Orleans. The “Hub City” allows a couple to shop for invitations, register for gifts, or rent anything under the sun from decorative accents for the ceremony to tents for an outdoor reception. Hattiesburg has its share of leisurely activities and culture, with musical and theatrical productions at the Saenger Theatre and the Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera, symphonic concerts at USM, and fine dining with dishes prepared by some of the South’s most prominent chefs. Guests interested in a little adventure, will enjoy running, biking, hiking, and horseback riding at the 41 mile Long Leaf Trace.
Regardless of which Pine Belt city couples choose for planning or hosting their nuptial events, each is unique in that everything is at one’s fingertips and the services provided are personal, creating an affair to remember. In addition, southeast Mississippi gives guests the opportunity to indulge in all that these communities have to offer: shopping at an arts and crafts festival, enjoying a relaxing lunch prepared by a culinary artist, visiting a museum, or taking in a round of golf.
As seen in Premier Bride of Mississippi. For the top wedding professionals in The Pine Belt, visit www.premierbridems.com