The Venue
Mississippi ’ s
Indigo Pines
By Glenda Sanders • Contributing Writer Photos by Trenton Steele
The dream of getting married in an open-air chapel in front of family and friends and surrounded by rolling pastures and a setting sun is making Mississippi ’ s Indigo Pines a popular wedding venue for local brides .
Secluded on a large tract of family-owned land dating back for generations , the venue is located on Loop Road just off the Lake exit along Interstate 20 .
Mississippi ’ s Indigo Pines offers around 5,000 square feet of indoor event space and an outdoor chapel that covers 2,000 square feet and features vintage wooden pews .
“ You are not going to hear a train here and you are not going to have people coming and going from businesses or apartment buildings right across from you ,” said Laura Cieglo , who co-owns the venue with her husband Tommy . “ You pretty much are going to look around and see beautiful , rolling pastureland and fields while you are getting married , and it is peaceful and quiet ,” she said . “ Our brides just love that .”
The venue ’ s main indoor gallery was originally a large industrial farm warehouse used to house equipment . Later , it was converted into the old Back Forty Seafood Restaurant .
After the restaurant owners decided to move closer to the interstate , the family re-took possession of the building and the family decided to turn it into a wedding venue .
“ We wanted to take this beautiful building and make it into something our community could use for weddings , events , birthday parties , reunions and proms ,” she said . “ Our community uses it quite a bit and it has been a good option for our brides in the Lake and Meridian areas .”
The Cieglos are very familiar with the bridal business . They own Lace Bridal Experience , a bridal gown and tuxedo boutique in Brandon . Opening Mississippi ’ s Indigo Pines is just an addition of services they already offer to their clients . continued on page 40 38 • MERIDIAN HOME & STYLE