Page 104 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2019

Ruby and Justin Strayham on their wedding day.
ride
MODEL
ROMANCE & WEDDING love story B COVER
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Ruby Strayham
A
D’Iberville, the two didn’t meet until they were introduced by a friend at a Southern Miss homecoming game.
“It was good because we both
like to have fun and hang out with friends,” Ruby recalls. “That was nine years ago, and we took our time getting to know each other.”
Ruby was not expecting the marriage proposal that took place
at a New Year’s Eve party at the Slavonian Lodge in Biloxi. “He waited until the countdown to ask me and had our friends gathered around,” Ruby says. “I was shocked and didn’t say anything at first. So Justin likes to say that he proposed in 2016 and I said yes in 2017.”
She also points out that the groom forgot to ask her dad before popping the question. “Then he called my dad, didn’t get him and left a message. My dad called back and left Justin a message,” she said.
Ruby had always thought she would plan her wedding with
her mother and sister. “My mom passed away five years ago and my
lthough Ruby Strayham grew up in Gulfport and Justin Strayham is from
sister took on both roles, helping me tremendously,” she said. “I don’t know if I would’ve gotten through
it without her. Our wedding was a dream come true and more.”
Her advice to anyone getting married is to enjoy every moment of planning your special day. “There will be lots of laughter and maybe some tears leading up to your wedding day, but it will all be worth it when you finally get to marry your best friend.”
The couple’s traditional wedding
at Nativity BVM Cathedral went
well with the wedding party of eight bridesmaids and groomsmen. The colors were burgundy, navy and gold with some blush accents. There was only a slight mishap. “As my dad was walking me into the church, I heard a rip,” she said. “I must have stepped on my dress. It was the tulle and didn’t show so I didn’t let it bother me.”
Because both the Strayhams
are Catholic, they had marriage counseling and were mentored by
an older married couple before the ceremony. “It was refreshing and encouraging,” Ruby says. “We opened up and acknowledged things to get both sides. My advice to engaged couples is to do that; if not counseling, then some way of talking things out.”
The Strayhams are now at home in D’Iberville along with their Boxer, Charlie. A graduate of USM, Justin, 32, is self employed and Ruby, 30, who’s currently finishing her degree, works as office manager for a construction company.
104 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • February 2019
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