February 21, 2026 // Ceremony at St. James Episcopal Church, Reception at Apiary
Michael and Elise were joined by all of their friends and family from around the world for their wedding day, which was a multicultural celebration. The bride, who is originally from Fairhope, has lived in Melbourne, Australia for a decade. She met her husband, Michael, who has dual citizenship and actually grew up in Washington, DC, and together they planned their wedding from over 10,000 miles away.
Before the ceremony, the bride and groom shared a first look, near her family home, at the Magnolia Beach Park bluff overlooking Mobile Bay, beneath the iconic oak trees and Spanish moss. The bride always dreamed of getting married at St. James Episcopal Church, the church she attended throughout her childhood, and seeing the church packed with friends from across the globe was a highlight of the celebration. The bride processed down the aisle wearing a gown by Australian designer, KYHA, and a cathedral-length, Brussels lace veil that has a rich, cultural New Orleans history and has been worn by many New Orleanian extended family members, as well as most of her paternal aunts and cousins.
After the ceremony, all made their way to Apiary, where the couple entered to “Where Is My Husband” by RAYE, kicking off the joyful energy of the evening’s reception. After the first dance, guests enjoyed food, such as numerous Southern seafood dishes, including a shrimp and grits bar that was a new concept to their Australian guests. In addition, there were drinks, signature cocktails and custom items such as Australian-like bucket hats that said, “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie-Y’all, Y’all, Y’all” as a play on the Australian phrase, “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!” that showcased a combination of the newlyweds’ two cultures, as did many other features of the day.
Late in the evening, guests were treated to truffle fries and beignets, which are enjoyed by the couple whenever they are in America. As the reception drew to a close, guests lined up waving Australian and American flags as the bride and groom departed on a floral, decorated golf cart.
Family
Parents Of The Bride John William Pace IV (Jay) and Laura Seibt Pace
Grandparents of the Bride The late John William Pace III (Sonnie) and Betty Mixon Pace;
The late Alfred Konrad Seibt and Ann Burden Seibt
Parents Of The Groom William Northrup Center Jr. (Will) and Simona Balletti;
Sandra Jane Cornell (Sam) and Paul Mickum
Grandparents of the Groom Michael Cornell and Susan Cornell;
William Center Sr. and Barbara Center
Vendors
Photographer Jennie Tewell Photography
Wedding Dress KYHA Studios in Melbourne, Australia
Hair Chaney Wedgeworth-Smith, Brushed + Blushed
Makeup Maddie G
Florist Riley Moore, Belle Bouquet
Caterer Georgia Roussos
Bakery Vickie Bishop, Cakes by Vickie
Band Accent!
Invitations Soiree Signatures
Custom Hats Adventure Specialties
Jewelry Janai Jewellery in Melbourne, Australia
Wedding planner/coordinator Sherry Pierce and team, Studio08 Events
Transportation H&M Golf Cart Sales
Rentals Gulf Coast Events and Rentals
