Jackson Free Press

Weddings are most often associated with the spring when flowers are blooming and the weather is (ideally) just starting to turn blissfully warm. Of course, with the unpredictability of Mississippi weather, even early May can see 90-degree temperatures and sweltering humidity. The fall months can often be a more temperate and pleasant alternative. Plus, the turning leaves provide a striking color scheme different from the pinks and pastels of spring.

Wedding and event planner Kendall Poole shared some of her ideas for embracing autumn in your nuptials.

• Plan an engagement photo shoot at the state fair, where you can get lots of fun photos among the food and games as well as the ultimate romantic shot atop the ferris wheel with all of Jackson below you.

• Lots of people offer candy bars at the reception, with a variety of sweets to choose from. Why not try a make-your-own s'mores bar or candy apple bar instead?

• Give your bridesmaids colored cardigans for a sweet—and warm—photo op.

• For decor, stash a few glittered pumpkins among your fall florals for a bit of seasonal sparkle.

• Serve individual-sized boiled peanuts at the reception in little buckets.

• Instead of the wedding party changing into flat sandals to dance the night away at the reception, put on cowboy boots under your dresses.

• Look to the tastes of fall when planning a signature drink and incorporate fresh apple cider or Cathead pumpkin spice vodka.

• Have a hayride at the reception to keep kids (and more than a few adults) happy and entertained.

Visit kendallpooleeventplanning.com or find Kendall Poole Event Planning on Facebook and social media to see more of Poole's events and weddings.