Mississippi family tradition

A groom’s family home is the setting for a fun and festive engagement celebration.

- EMMALYNE KWASNY BECK

Anne Morgan Banquer and Alex Hood both grew up in Mississippi and attended the University of Mississippi, but they did not meet until two weeks before Anne Morgan moved to New Orleans. They met in Jackson, where Anne Morgan attended nursing school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Despite the long distance, Anne Morgan and Alex’s relationship strengthened until Alex proposed during New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Because they decided to have their wedding in New Orleans, an engagement party in Jackson was the perfect place for families and friends to intersect. “We met in Jackson, and Alex grew up in Jackson, and all of his brothers and family live in Jackson, so Jackson holds a special place in our hearts.” Anne Morgan says.

It is the Hoods’ family tradition to host the engagement party for their sons, according to Paula Hood, the mother of the groom. Alex is the youngest of four boys, and each of the other three has had their engagement party in their family home.

“We have hosted many engagement parties here,” Paula says. “It has been such a joy and pleasure to host them for the friends of our sons and then to host them for our sons.”