Page 100 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2026

100 | February 2026
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
story and photos by Pav & Broome Fine Jewelry
When Vanessa Edwards, custom design specialist at Pav & Broome Fine Jewelry, and Kirk Wasson decided to tie the knot, they knew they wanted their wedding to reflect the joy, energy, and spirit that defined both their relationship and their lifestyle. What better way to celebrate their forever than by embracing the unmistakable joie de vivre of Mardi Gras?
Romance and Mardi Gras share the same spirit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast: vibrant, joyful, and unforgettable. When Kirk and Vanessa chose March 1, 2014, for their wedding at St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church in Gulfport, they weren’t just planning a ceremony—they were creating an experience. March offers beautiful coastal weather, and that year it fell right in the heart of Carnival season, when the Coast comes alive from Twelfth Night to Fat Tuesday.
Many of their guests traveled from Ohio, making Mardi Gras the perfect opportunity to introduce them to this beloved tradition. The day began with a morning ceremony followed by brunch, allowing everyone to head straight to the Gemini Day Parade. Thanks to an invitation from longtime friend
JR Moses, the newlyweds joined the festivities at the viewing stand, posing for photos with anyone who asked—including
a Dalmatian—capturing the fun and spontaneity of the moment.
Still in their wedding attire, the celebration continued at Murky Waters, proving that during Mardi Gras, anything goes! The following day, guests enjoyed the Pass Christian parade, extending the wedding into a full weekend of celebration.
Each year, their anniversary is tied to Carnival season, bringing well wishes and memories that sparkle just as
brightly. As Vanessa says, “You and your guests can be a little untraditional, and it’s an easy theme to roll with. Mardi Gras is joyful, cost-effective, and unforgettable.”
A wedding inspired by Mardi Gras is bold and radiant. Your bridal jewelry should be the same. From timeless diamonds to custom designs that shine long after the last bead is thrown, trust Pav & Broome Fine Jewelry to celebrate your love story in true Coast tradition.