Like many middle-school romances, Bailey Mae Anderson and William Lee Garriga’s relationship started with a simple text message: “Will you be my girlfriend?”
Given their youth — Will was 13, and Baily was 12 when they met at East Central Middle School in Hurley, Mississippi — not many would expect the pairing to last beyond a few weeks. But the couple defied the odds through years of baseball games and beauty pageants, not to mention dating long distance in college, and they became man and wife on Oct. 21, 2023.
“What I love most about Will is that he is not only my husband, but also my best friend,” his bride says. “We have endured so many different stages in this life together but always find ways to have fun and laugh — even on the bad days.”
THE WEDDING
The day they wed was an exceptionally good day — beautiful and breezy without a cloud in the sky. Bailey, a former reigning Miss Mississippi and Miss USA contestant, wanted “royal wedding vibes” for her celebration at Biloxi’s White House Hotel.
“Our wedding could be described as very timeless and classic …,” she says, citing Catherine, Princess of Wales, as her inspiration. “I chose an all-black-and-white color scheme with very minimal acrylic, gold and silver details.”
The elegance extended to the bridal party, composed of 17 bridesmaids and an equal number of groomsmen, with whom the bride and groom spent the morning.
“My matron of honor did my hair and makeup for the day, which was super special to me, as she also styled me the night I won Miss Mississippi USA,” Bailey says. “It was a very full-circle moment for us.”
Opting not to do a “first look” before the ceremony, Will and Bailey didn’t see each other until she walked down the aisle — a very emotional moment for them both. Their high school math teacher officiated the wedding and even wrote a poem about their love, which was read during the ceremony and is already a treasured keepsake.
Before entering the party afterward, the couple shared a private first dinner together.
“It was so nice to have that time to debrief and just talk alone before going into the reception space,” she says.
THE RECEPTION
More than 500 people attended the couple’s nuptials, including Lee Greenwood and his wife. The acclaimed singer-songwriter was Bailey’s director when she was Miss Mississippi, and he electrified the wedding audience by performing his best-known hit: “God Bless the USA.”
Those in attendance also enjoyed the couple’s signature cocktails: the Mr. Mississippi for him (an old fashioned) and Mrs. Mississippi for her (strawberry lemon drop martini). The festivities were filled with sentimental moments, paying homage to their 12-year love story, but also were just a plain and simple good time.
“We did not leave the dance floor during our reception and had the absolute best night of our lives,” Bailey says. “I feel that the love we have for one another and for all those who took the time to attend truly radiated in the smiles that were glued to our faces for the entire day.”
A NEW CHAPTER
Following a honeymoon at Sandals Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia, Will and Bailey have settled into married life in Hurley — the place where they fell in love so many years ago. Some of their plans are to build a house, start a family and raise God-fearing children in the Catholic Church.
If she knew then what knows now, the bride says she wouldn’t have been as worried about the small things. What matters most, she adds, is that two are coming together as one.
“The little details are so insignificant when you look at the big picture and are reminded of being surrounded by all of the people that mean the most to you,” Bailey says. “Your wedding day is only the first day of your marriage — a beautiful beginning to a new chapter.”
VENDORS
Ceremony Venue: The White House Hotel
Reception Venue: The White House Hotel
Venue Coordinator: Angie Dearman
Officiant: Brian Knight
Wedding Day-of Coordinators: Stephanie Crump, Penny
Dearman and Stormy Lambert
Wedding Gown: Linen Jolie Bridal
Reception Outfit: Custom Sherri
Hill by Lasting Impressions Formal Wear
Tux/Groom’s clothing: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaids’ Attire: Show Me Your Mum
Groomsmens’ Attire: Men’s Wearhorse
Photographer: Brittany Bell Photography
Second Shooter: Roxana Duke
Videographer: Katelyn Lee Visuals
Content Creator: Hashtag Engaged
Caterer: White House Hotel
Cake: The Cake Designer LLC
Florist: The Empty Vase
Invitations: Wild Rabbit Press
Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Mathis Makeup
Bridesmaids’ Hair & Makeup: Becky Minger, Danielle Doyle (The Perfect Face), Dane Udas and Delaney Henry
Event rentals: ABC Rentals, Southern Event Productions, The Festive Co, & Gearbox Entertainment
Reception Entertainment/DJ: DJ Redzone
Live Painting: Jason Pittman Art