When Emily Bodin and Jacob Stringer met on a dating app in 2022, they weren’t just looking to swipe right.
“It was about finding someone whose values, humor and aspirations resonated with our own,” says Emily, an oceanographer at Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, based at Stennis Space Center. “What started as a digital introduction blossomed quickly into a beautiful love story.”
She joined Jacob, a U.S. Navy veteran and network cyber support rep at Huntington Ingalls, for dinner at Italian Garden in Ocean Springs — which led to a second date the next weekend at the Gulfport Harbor Lights Festival. From there, the pair formed a relationship rooted in mutual respect, deep friendship and a shared love of the outdoors.
“We met during a season when we had each been focused on building our lives — pursuing career goals, growing as individuals and trusting that everything would come together in God’s perfect timing,” Emily says. “Neither of us was rushing to find love, but when we met, it felt instantly right — like we had been guided to each other.”
“Neither of us was rushing to find love, but when we met, it felt instantly right — like we had been guided to each other.” — Emily Stringer
FROM PERFECT PROPOSAL TO SEAMLESS CELEBRATION
In July of 2024, that divine guidance brought Emily and Jacob to one of the iconic stone bridges at City Park in New Orleans. At the top of the steps, surrounded by centuries-old live oaks, Jacob dropped to one knee and asked Emily to be his bride.
“Unbeknownst to me, a photographer was tucked away nearby, ready to capture the moment,” she says. “He also surprised me by arranging for both of our families to be hidden just out of sight from the bridge so they could join in on the excitement after I said yes.”
Even with the help of family and friends, wedding planning quickly became overwhelming. Juggling everything while working full-time started to feel like a second job, so the couple entrusted their planning to a professional. On their wedding day, they were able to relax and enjoy the moment, knowing that the hard work already had been done.
“The best advice I can give to other brides is to build that solid relationship with your planner and communicate your vision thoroughly,” Emily says. “When you do, you won’t have to lift a finger on the day of your wedding — everything will be seamlessly handled.”
DESTINATION GETAWAY — WITHOUT LEAVING TOWN
The couple wed over Memorial Day weekend, inviting 125 of their closest family and friends to celebrate with them at Centennial Plaza Resort. According to the bride, the festivities felt like a destination getaway — without having to leave town.
“We wanted to create an atmosphere that was a blend of timeless elegance, classic charm and just the right touch of vintage flair,” Emily says. “The overall vibe was fun and celebratory, but also filled with intentional, personal details that made it feel truly special.”
One of those meaningful touches was a wooden cross, made by Emily’s father, that served as the focal point of the ceremony stage. Another of her favorite features was the guest book: a retro-style rotary phone, where guests left the couple heartfelt “voicemails.”
“Listening back to those sweet and funny messages is something we’ll treasure forever, which added a deeply personal and spiritual element to our day,” she says. “For our sendoff, my family surprised us by decorating a golf cart with streamers, florals and the classic clinking cans — simple and nostalgic.”
TRUSTING GOD’S TIMING
Having returned from their eight-day honeymoon in St. Lucia, the Gulfport-based couple are hunting for a property that provides water access. They look forward to starting a family and raising their children surrounded by the Coast’s natural beauty.
“Sharing our love for the outdoors and coastal lifestyle is something we both value and plan to carry into the next chapter of our lives together,” Emily says.
Reflecting on her wedding, Emily urges other brides to say “yes” to the details that speak to them, to trust their vendors and — above all — to enjoy themselves along the way. Her own big day, she adds, was everything she and Jacob had hoped for and more— a fitting start to a union filled with love, faith and fun.
“When love arrives in God’s timing, it doesn’t rush or force — it just fits,” Emily says. “And when it’s built on joy, trust and a shared vision for the future, it becomes something truly lasting and meaningful.”
VENDORS
- Wedding planner: Rene Allen
- Wedding gown: SINCLAIR by Enzoani from the Wedding Collection
- Tux/Groom’s clothing: Ike Behar Ivory Charles Tuxedo from House of Tux
- Bridesmaids’ attire: Taupe bridesmaids dresses from Revelry
- Groomsmens’ attire: Traditional black tuxedos with taupe satin pocket squares to match the bridesmaids
- Photographer: Lisa Tilley – Tilley Photography
- Videographer: Alexa Cutrer
- Caterer: Centennial Plaza
- Cake/Desserts: Cheeky Monkey Cake Company
- Florist: Pine Hills Nursery
- Invitations: Opulences Wedding Invitations by Vera Wang
- Hair: Peggy Anderson – Behind the Scenes Team
- Makeup: Patricia Arroyo – Makeup by Patricia
- Lashes: Bride won a free set of eyelashes from the Amazing Lash Studio during a raffle at The Bridal Experience
- Jewelry/Accessories: Statement freshwater pearl and crystal bridal earrings, handmade by BridalStar and purchased via Etsy
- Reception Entertainment: Gearbox Entertainment