Vicksburg Living Wedding Edition: An Austin affair

Published 11:02 pm Sunday, January 21, 2024

By Terri Cowart Frazier

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Raven and Hare Photography

When William Burnett and Meagan Smith were trying to decide where to hold their wedding, they considered several chic venues in Austin, Texas. They also visited Chapel Dulcinea — an open-air chapel located just 20 minutes from downtown Austin.

Built on an ancient Native American trail, Chapel Dulcinea was constructed for the sole purpose of offering a free place where lovers could come and solidify their commitment to one another and on Oct. 8, 2023, Will and Meagan became husband and wife.

Will, who is a Vicksburg native, first reached out to Meagan after connecting through a dating site. The couple talked for several weeks on the phone and then on Nov. 17, 2019, they had their first date at Lady Bird Lake in Austin.

Will brought his dog, George, to meet Meagan, too, and the trio did a 10-mile walk around the iconic lake. The couple continued to date for the next two years and on New Year’s Eve 2021, Will proposed.

“It was at sunset,” on the back porch of their under-construction home, Meagan said.

Neither were dressed up for the occasion, it was just “low-key and personal and perfect,” Meagan said.

GETTING READY FOR THE BIG DAY

Once a wedding date was set, Meagan began the search for a dress. She found a chapel-length all-lace mermaid-style gown — a style she knew Will would like. The gown had an illusion V-neckline and plunging back.

She also wore a simple tulle cathedral length veil during the wedding ceremony.

Will and Meagan decided to stay with tradition when it came to the first look and saved it for when she walked down the aisle.

“Will was in tears when he saw me and I couldn’t stop smiling,” she said.

As for wedding decorations at the chap el, Meagan said they wanted “simple” since not much was needed with the backdrop of the rolling cedar hills.

They also chose to have an intimate wedding ceremony.

“We just wanted it small and personal,” Meagan said.

The wedding party consisted of Will’s father and stepfather as the men of honor and Will’s youngest sister and one of Meagan’s sorority sisters as bridesmaids.

Maisie, Meagan’s dog, served as the flower girl/dog.

Will’s oldest sister, Anna Tillotson, served as the officiant during the ceremony, with the couple reciting their own vows.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Bar Peached, a restaurant Meagan described as “quirky.”

For her color scheme, she used deep jewel toned florals and brass candles for a moody and romantic atmosphere, which she said contrasted with the restaurant’s bright pops of mustard yellow and tiffany blue, “which is very Austin.”

To top off an already amazing day, Meagan and Will said it was made perfect by all the family and friends who came to help them celebrate.

For a honeymoon, the couple traveled to Charleston, S.C.

They are at home in Austin, where Will is the senior account manager at Data Center Warehouse as a technology broker and Meagan is a financial operations and compliance specialist.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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