Page 112 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2024

WEDDING & ROMANCE
A BREATHTAKING
As one of the Gulf Coast’s most beloved historic cities, Pass Christian not only has sites and spaces of centuries past that appeal to tourists but also a magical centennial venue to hold the wedding of your dreams.
Over the last half-century, several historic buildings in the city have reinvented themselves, including Oak Crest Mansion, a charming bed and breakfast venue that ushers its guests to the regal days of the roaring
'20s while encompassing all the modern-day comforts. The mansion and venue sit on 12 picturesque acres that offer guests old South charm, hospitality, and tranquility with its quaint chapel, charming gazebo, luscious gardens, and vibrant pergola.
“There are so many wonderful locations
on the property for photos, receptions,
and anything a bride can imagine,” said
Lisa Hulin, owner of Clear View Artisan, LLC and business operator of Oak Crest Mansion. “There’s a beautiful bridge, we have magnificent oak trees, and we also have a wonderful contingency plan. We can quickly move things inside the mansion in case of rain. We clear out the furniture, bring in the garden chairs, and couples can get married on the staircase. We just have so many options.”
The venue hosts everything from destination
story by Cherie Ward
weddings to local celebrations. The mansion doubles as a bed and breakfast and beams in luxurious history with rich color palettes and extravagant antique furnishings in multi-room suites with renowned, distinguished names such as Faulkner, McGavock, and LeMoyne.
“Whatever the bride wants, we make
sure she gets it,” Hulin said, adding the king-size L’Adnier suite is perfect for guests with mobility challenges.
And of course, with more than 100 years of history, there are secrets to reveal. Originally built in 1920, Oak Crest now reflects an old-world luxury while boasting a colorful centennial history that includes lots of mobsters, moonshine and gun smugglers, and even visits from Elvis Presley.
“He stayed here to get away from the crowds in Biloxi that followed him around,” Hulin said. “There’s so much history here. It's not widely known, but our pool was the first in-ground pool in the state of Mississippi, which was dug out by mules for 10 cents an hour.”
Oak Crest Mansion also hosts a myriad
of other events including Mardi Gras balls, military functions, and high school proms. It’s become a repurposed piece of history that has stood the test of time.
photos by
Annie Elise Photography
112 | February 2024
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