Page 74 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2017

ROMANCE & WEDDING wama wedding
alter Anderson’s love of nature, his surroundings, his family and his community are reflected each time you walk into the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in downtown Ocean
Springs. It’s that reflection of love the museum staff believes makes it a unique — and especially special — place for a wedding.
“It’s the perfect place if you want to have a local cultural experience as part of your wedding,” says Rosemary Roosa, executive director of the museum. “If you are from the Coast or just want to have a coastal destination wedding, our museum is right for you.”
Roosa and her team work with couples to stage weddings of different sizes, and the accommodations depend on the number of tables and chairs used. The museum also has the ability to be flexible in the timing of the wedding since the museum is staffed daily.
There are several areas in the museum that lend themselves to a wedding ceremony. Couples have found that the area just under Walter Anderson’s hoisted boat, is a unique spot, as well as the Jo Love Little Gallery, a special area next to the museum’s main lobby. The adjacent galleries provide ample and beautiful space for food stations as well as a bar.
“There is a feeling here that you don’t get anywhere else,” Roosa said.
Along with weddings, the museum is also available for receptions and rehearsal dinners. With walls of gorgeous, original artwork there is very little decorating to be done. However, the museum does love to see the work of local florists when adding the touch of fresh flowers to a wedding or event.
The museum maintains a list of approved caterers and also refers brides to rental companies for their table and chair needs.
“The museum is a beautiful coastal space and represents our
area well,” adds Roosa.
510 Washington Avenue Ocean Springs
Julie Franc, rental coordinator 228.872.3164
Museum rental rates
$500 for two hours for 75-149 people and
$800 for 150-and above. For four hours the rate is $700 for 75-149 people and $900 for 150-and above.
Walter Anderson Museum of Art provides a Coastal wedding experience
story by Alexis Williams photo by Teddy Lewis
74 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • February 2017
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