Southern Weddings

Inspired by stories of memories, gatherings, experiences, and cherished beginnings, The Gin at Rasberry Greene was created to bring back the familiar feelings of walking into mama’s house for a warm meal, a quiet moment in grandma’s garden, or the excitement of starting a new adventure – a place of peace, quiet, excitement, and of new stories beginning beneath the trees.

Full Name: Lauren Zumwalt
Where you call home: Soso, Mississippi
Things you’d write home to your Momma about: I wish I could tell her and Daddy thank you for providing and preserving this little spot of land we call Rasberry Greene. I think they would be so proud of the way we are honoring family stories and our beloved little town of Soso. My momma’s greatest enjoyment would be the people who not only pass through Rasberry Greene, but make it part of their stories. She would have a grand time visiting with the mommas and grandmommas on wedding day! I pray that Rasberry Greene honors God and that the families who entrust their grandest day with us feel His presence.
Location/Coverage: Central to South Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama
How I got into weddings: I have always been somewhat involved in the wedding industry as a pianist. Six years ago, my younger son married the love of his life and they formed a grassroots husband and wife duo wedding photography business. Watching both their successes and frustrations, our interest in the industry grew. We tossed around many ideas of what to do with our family land to continue personal growth after retirement. But one stuck out more than any of the others: a wedding venue with the heart and soul of each member of our family and community. Not just a place to get married, but a home for the beginning of each newlywed couple’s story. What started as a simple spark grew and grew into what we now call home, Rasberry Greene.
Favorite thing about weddings in the South? There are very few events in the South that are more celebrated than a wedding — a grand event that celebrates two families joining together, love on its brightest day, and a couple’s very first moments of forever. In the South there is a sensitivity that creates a sense of open-armed welcome. Whether from the mind of our couples or their planners, Rasberry Greene honors the delicate composition of every idea.
Favorite part of a wedding day? The hustle and bustle of getting ready; the smiles and excited eyes; the hugs and greetings of family and friends; watching the venue come to life with flowers, ferns, banners, and adornment; the laughter, the antics, and, let’s be real, the tears of the children involved in the ceremony; the prayers of the minister and the crowd of witnesses for the new couple; the “I do’s” and the kiss; and the grand celebration with fabulous food and drink. It’s all fun, exhilarating, exhausting, and special on wedding day!
Best piece of advice you can give to brides and grooms? Be best friends! Be the safe place for each other. Talk, talk, talk, and talk some more! Dream, plan, laugh, say I’m sorry, say I love you every single day. Pray together and for each other! Be the champion and the supporter in every situation. Write love notes and keep journals. Life goes by so quickly – make the most of every day!
Dream travel destination? Italy, France, and Germany
Favorite Southern city? New Orleans, hands down! It’s our adopted home town :)
Early bird or night owl? Early bird
Pie bar or red velvet cake? Pie bar!
Pottery Barn or Anthropologie? Hmm, tough one, I love them both!
Succulents or peonies? Succulents!