May 2, 2026
Ceremony at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Reception at Richards-DAR House
Nina and Joey’s May wedding day celebrated history and family. The couple met six years earlier and were engaged in Auburn, a nod to the couple’s alma mater. After getting ready, the couple shared a first look and a private vow exchange. During the touching time together before the ceremony, the bride surprised the groom with his ring engraved with their wedding date.
The St. Paul’s Episcopal Church afternoon ceremony was full of nods to the special people and places present throughout the couple’s relationship. The church was the same in which the groom’s parents and sister had also said their vows and where the bride had recently become a member. The bride, wearing a full dress with an off-the-shoulder wrap, walked down the aisle accompanied by her father and uncle. The bride and groom were married by Lydia Johnson and Jodie Burnett, both important figures to the couple.
After the ceremony, guests were invited to a beautiful garden reception at the Richards DAR House. A mix of historic charm and greenery was present across the courtyard as guests enjoyed the cocktail hour. The new Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson made their entrance with their bridal party in a second line led by Blow House Brass Band. The raw oyster bar was a special touch, decorated by the newlyweds and the mother and sister of the bride. The night ended with a private last dance followed by an exit through Auburn shakers.
Family
Parents Of The Bride Mr. and Mrs. James Gary Stewart
Parents Of The Groom Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gantt Ferguson Jr.
Vendors
Photographer Celeste McKinley Creative
Wedding Dress Bella’s Bridal & Formal (Hoover, Ala.)
Bridal Party Earrings Southern Oyster Company
Engagement Ring Gold Art
Hair Caroline McDonald
Makeup NatalieRae MUA
Florist Sarah Beth’s Florist
Caterer Sheepshead Eats
Raw Oyster Bar Isle Dauphine Oyster Company
Bakery Homemade by Hadley
Band Blow House Brass Band; Lucky Town Band
Wedding Planner/Coordinator TL Events
Invitations/Custom Products Presley Prints
Rentals Port City Rentals
Bar Bottles Up
Transportation Pensacola Party Bus; Mob City Rides
Lighting Liam Smith
