Mary-Margaret Rayburn and Robert Hamilton Brierre Chaffe knew who each other but were never formally introduced until June of 2007, when Robert, who’s a freelance musician, was performing in a band with Mary-Margaret’s brother, Tyler. Mary-Margaret walked in and happened to sit in the vacant stool next to Robert, who was having sushi at the bar before the band began to perform. Robert and Mary-Margaret carried on their conversation right until the band started playing.
Robert proposed on December 30, 2010, just before a New Year’s trip to New Orleans. After hiding Mary-Margaret’s engagement ring in the dog food bin, Robert proceeded to go to his office in Oxford, Miss. On his way back to pick her up just before leaving town, Robert called Mary-Margaret, asking her to feed the dog as they were “in a rush” to get on the road. When Robert arrived, he found his soon-to-be fiancé jumping up and down in the house. He immediately got down on one knee and asked her for her hand in marriage. Mary-Margaret agreed and Robert proceeded to put the diamond ring on her finger – it was only fitting that it was on the wrong hand.
After the wedding, which took place November 5, 2011 at the Elms Mansion in New Orleans, Mary-Margaret and Robert flew to Cannel Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands for a week-long honeymoon. The couple now resides in Oxford, Miss. Mary-Margaret participates in research and clerical work for Preusser Research Group, Inc., where Robert is a Research Associate.
Bride: Mary-Margaret Rayburn
Groom: Robert Hamilton Brierre Chaffe
Bride’s Parents: Mary McEwen Rayburn Baker of Jackson, Miss., and Harry Newton Rayburn Jr. of Water Valley, Miss.
Groom’s Parents: Stepson and son of Mr. and Mrs. John Aaron Stewart Jr. and the son of the late Mr. John Francis Coleman Chaffe Sr.
Date of Wedding: November 5, 2011
Ceremony and Reception Location: The Elms Mansion
Coordinator: Judy Fern, Elms Mansion
Wedding Gown: Strapless traditional gown with chapel-length train and sheer cathedral-length veil.
Celebrant: The Reverend Dr. Michael Kuhn
Ceremony music: Albinas Prizgintas, piano and Harry Hardin, violin
Maid of Honor: Tacy Marie Rayburn
Bridesmaids: Mary-Anne Darsey, Gemma Alunni, Jennifer Hurlbut, Courtney Gregory and Cassidy Simpson
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Each bridesmaid expressed her individuality in a black tea-length dress of her own choosing. Tacy Marie Rayburn wore a one-of-a-kind dress made by their mother, Mary McEwen Rayburn Baker.
Groom’s Attire: Morning suit, Jos. A. Bank
Best Man: Wallace Harden Smith III
Groomsmen: John Francis Coleman Chaffe Jr., Charles Bryan Brierre Chaffe, John Mark Church III, Charles D. Marshall III and Frederick S. Schornhorst.
Ushers included: Dr. Hamilton E. Farris, Thomas M. McEachin and Mark G. Solomon.
Groomsmen and Ushers attire: Morning suit, Jos. A. Bank
Flower Girl: Emily Angele Chaffe
Ring Bearers: Master John Mark Church IV and Master Cartan Gibbons Church
Rings: Robert Normann Diamond Jewelers
Florist: Harkin’s Florist
Caterer: Elms Mansion
Wedding Cake and Groom’s Cake: Swiss Confectionery
Photographer: Blair McElroy of Oxford, Miss.
Hair: Salon Studio E
Make-up: Kelly Snesrud, Salon Studio E
Music: The Last Straws, a band once led by Robert’s father.
