Bluffs & Bayous Jan/Feb 2023

a look

features

22 31 66

A Hidden Gem: Jackson Street Gallery at Mulberry Vicksburg

Eclectic gallery located in a restored downtown hotel features Mississippi artists.

Weddings & Engagements

Read special stories from our 2022 newlyweds and engaged couples.

Weddings: 32 — Adams-Brown 34 — Callaway-Riley 36 — Cooper-Halliburton 40 — Douglas-Keen 42 — McCann-Helus 44 — Pratt-Hoffman 48 — Upton-Foggo 50 — Ward-Smith 52 — Watts-Shirley 56 — Yates-Nix

Engagements: 58 — Chelette-Conn 58 — Sandel-Hardin 59 — Sessions-Strong

The Carnival Season Dressed in Style

The Morris family of Natchez shares festive home-decorating ideas for celebrating Mardi Gras.

social scenes

6 8 11 14 21 26 28 30

Vidalia, LA Miss-Lou Eye Care and Milliken Family Dentistry New Office Grand Opening

Natchez, MS Retired Education Personnel of Mississippi Hosts Meeting

Natchez, MS Krewes of Bon Temps and Panola Halloween Bash

Natchez, MS Natchez Garden Club's Royal Gala Honoring 2022 King & Queen

McCall Creek, MS 50-Year Class Reunion Gathering

Brookhaven, MS Meredith Jacobs and James Murray Engagement Celebration

Brookhaven, MS 2022 Taste of the Trust Gala

Brookhaven, MS Boerner-LeBlanc-Smith Senior Tailgate Luau

favorites

12 16 61 72

From the Stacks

Elisabeth Grant-Gibson reviews the book The Secret History of Home Economics: How Trailblazing Women Harnessed the Power of Home and Changed the Way We Live, by Danielle Dreilinger.

Something Scrumptious

Quick and Easy Pick-Ups for Brunch

Good to Know

Responsibilities of the wedding party and delegating expenses between families

Up & Coming

cover Mallory Grace Pratt and Jon Payton Hoffman marry at The White Magnolia in Kentwood, Louisiana.

PHOTO: Kimberlin Christopher Photography

our team

Bluffs & Bayous is published monthly to promote the greater Southern area of Louisiana and Mississippi in an informative and positive manner. We welcome contributions of articles and photos; however, they will be subject to editing and availability of space and subject matter. Photographs, comments, questions, subscription requests and ad placement inquiries are invited! Return envelopes and postage must accompany all materials submitted if a return is requested. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Bluffs & Bayous are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. Bluffs & Bayous strives to ensure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.

Happy New Year! Happy Mardi Gras! . . . and Welcome to our Wedding Issue! We have blown through 2022 like the north winds and find ourselves in the New Year of 2023, in the festive Carnival Season, and in the cool temps and cozy clothing of January and February.

To pique your reading pleasure, our wedding and engagement stories and delightful images are sure to entertain as will our feature “Carnival Season Dressed in Style”—a display of the Morris Family’s Mardi Gras décor that celebrates this festive season through its conclusion on Fat Tuesday, February 21. Also for your enrichment is our feature “Art Gallery on Mulberry Street” with its glimpse into Vicksburg, Mississippi’s Mulberry Hotel and Paula Jackson’s Jackson Street Gallery at the Mulberry. The galleried art on display there is the work of Mississippi artists and is available for purchase as well.

Also in this issue to intrigue your interest, are our Something Scrumptious recipes, “Quick & Easy Breakfast Foods,” dedicated to the exciting and busy times of entertaining Carnival guests or wedding-weekend family and friends. Be sure to earmark these delicious recipes to keep for yourselves and to pass along as favorites for others to enjoy.

As always, we have some fun Social Scenes and our Up & Coming calendar of events to keep you in touch with the many happenings in and around your communities and to assist in your planning some nearby jaunts and not-toodistant road trips during these usually chilly months.

We wish for all of you a happy and healthy beginning to New Year 2023 as we share with you our amazing life along and beyond the Mississippi.

JEAN NOSSER BIGLANE Copy Editor

ERIN NORWOOD Design Director

CHERYL FOGGO RINEHART Publisher/Editor/Sales

BILL PERKINS Photographer

ALMA WOMACK Contributor

KARI L. BLANEY Sales

LISA WHITTINGTON Photographer

SAM GWIN Contributor

ELIZABETH GRANT-GIBSON Contributor

from the PUBLISHER

THE socialSCENE VIDALIA,

LA

Miss-Lou Eye Care and Milliken Family Dentistry New Office Grand Opening

Drs. Bridget and Tom Terry Milliken held the Grand Opening of their new office at 202 Advocate Row, Vidalia, Louisiana, on Thursday, December 1, 2022. The office comprises Miss-Lou Eye Care and Milliken Family Dentistry. The opening with its ribbon cutting was attended by a host of family members, friends, patients, and personnel from local businesses, all of whom enjoyed the occasion’s light hors d'oeuvres, trunk show, and door prizes.

Photography by Michael Chapman

Drs. Bridget and Tom Terry Milliken with Evan, Ada, and Anders Milliken

Dental Staff: Mandy Hedrick, Stacy Hawley, Renata Walker, Dr. Tom Terry Milliken, Patti Roberts, and Drew Thompson (not pictured Ashton Bruce and Connie Morace)

Eye Care Staff: Amy Barlow, Ashley Bonsall, Laura Chauvin, Nancy Anders, Ani Daigle, Dr. Bridget Milliken, Melissa Loomis, and Tracy Killen

Missy Weeks, Senator Glen Womack, Drs. Bridget and Tom Terry Milliken, Clerk of Court Andy Anders, and Congressional Assistant Ramona Martin with Anders, Evan, and Ada Milliken

Amy Barlow and Hector Arana Dr. Bridget Milliken and Anne Maxwell demonstrating new eye equipment Ada and Evan Milliken drawing for door prizes

Jonathan Willard, Chamber of Commerce Vice President Laura Chauvin and Janet Tyler Dr. Tom Terry Milliken demonstrating a dental exam

Jonathan Willard; Nancy and Andy Anders; Drs. Bridget and Tom Terry Milliken; Tom and Jeannie Milliken; Summer and Drew Thompson; Anders, Evan, and Ada Milliken; and Stratton and John Henry Thompson

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Retired Education Personnel of Mississippi Hosts Meeting

The Retired Education Personnel of Mississippi, District Six, held its annual meeting on Monday, October 17, 2022, on the campus of Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Natchez, Mississippi. The Retired Education Personnel of Mississippi serves the interests of retired educators in the state by promoting the economic, social, and professional welfare of retirees.

Bonita Reed and Lillian Edney

Natchez Alderman Benjamin Davis and Reginald Winston

Vounzell Murphy

Lizzie Anderson, Yvonne Robinson, Beverly Terrell, and Rachel Simmons Kaitlyn Tidwell and Barbara Winston Betty Bowser

Thelma Newsom

Linda Gooden

Mildred McGhee

Jacqulyn Williams

Betty Sago

Evelyn Haley

Tommye Walker

Minnie Vaughn

Rosie Wilson

Christine Montgomery

Bobbie Lewis

June Vaughn

Rickie Vaughn, Barbara Winston, and Tommye Walker

Elnora Washington and Reginald Winston

Natchez Alderwoman Valencia Hall Gwendolyn Vanderson

Leroy White

Tamara Scales

Charlestine Waterman

Rickie Vaughn

THE socialSCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Krewes of Bon Temps and Panola Halloween Bash

The Krewes of Bon Temps and Panola joined forces to host a Halloween Bash October 28, 2022, at Smoot’s Grocery in downtown Natchez, Mississippi. The costumed event that included a costume contest was a benefit for The Brightest Stars Ball that will take place February 23, 2023. Throughout the evening, music was provided by 31GR8. Photos by J. Philip Larson Photography

Abby Marks and Sela Gaudé

Brannon and Kristy Arthur with Heather and Brad Burget

Wesley Anderson, Selah Havard, and Elizabeth Smith

Sonni Rasco and Emily Rasco

Adam Dollar, Colin Dollar, and Justin Dollar

Whitney Dollar, Kassie Dollar and Magen Dollar

Leighann and Jamie Holloway with Brittany Delaney

Eric and Kristen Anders

Abby Laird and Katherine Callon Whitney Dollar and Brittany Laird Shelby Riley and Jenna Barlow

Emily and Stephen Dawkins Tres and Emily Atkins

Lacy and Duncan Guedon Drs. Bridget and Tom Milliken

Emily and Jonathan Willard

Doug and Katie Smith with Ashley and Patrick Smith

Shelby Riley and Mallory Lancaster Kaci and Pete Guedon

Taylor Ashley, Savanna Spear, and Carly Delaney Wells and Lacey Middleton Larry and Mattie Brown

A Book Review

By Elisabeth Grant-Gibson

Elisabeth Grant-Gibson is a writer, humanitarian, globetrotter, and bon vivant. She is a Certified Health Coach and a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader and serves on the Advisory Board of the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration.

Anticipating the 34th Annual Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, February 23-24, 2023, Bluffs & Bayous offers this in its series of reviews for books integral to the conference’s presentations and discussions.

Danielle Dreilinger’s book, The Secret History of Home Economics, begins with a preface called “Everything You Know about Home Economics is Wrong.” I believe she may be right about that.

Most of us know only what we or our friends experienced in high school “home ec” classes. If your memory includes baking brownies and sewing an apron or a pillow, then you are like most people who grew up in the 1950s through the 1970s. Yet there is an entire history of the amazing women scientists (and a few good men) who created and developed a field that integrated home life with science, economics, efficiency, technology, and innovation. Though many of these women did cook and sew, they also examined fibers under microscopes to learn how to work with different fabrics and studied microbiology to learn more about the microbes in food. These women stepped through whatever doors were open to them in order to eventually get what they truly wanted—a chance to work in excellent labs and do meaningful research and experimentation in order to make women’s lives, and everyone’s lives, better, safer, simpler, healthier, and more fulfilling.

Home economists made tremendous contributions to the war efforts for both World War I and World War II. They designed uniforms; they developed nutrition programs to improve the generally poor fitness of many American soldiers; and they taught Americans how to cook without wheat, meat, and other precious commodities that were being sent abroad even before the United States joined those wars.

Dreilinger’s book interweaves many different societal threads, among them the struggle of women for education and for a fair place in the world, the problems faced by Native Americans and AfricanAmericans of endemic racism and separate-but-unequal treatment under the law, and the developing changes in home life that accelerated throughout the 20th century.

The United State’s space-program victories might not have been as successful and might certainly have taken much longer to achieve without the work of many behind-the-scenes home economists. Back in the early 1960s, no one really knew how zero gravity would affect the human body. Would astronauts be able to swallow? Would the digestive system work without gravity? Could food be made light enough to include in the limited size and space of the first capsules, with enough nutrition to support the bodies of the astronauts for several days, and flavorful enough to entice those on the space flights to continue eating throughout the journey? Could that food be crumb free since even the smallest crumbs could block an important filter or piece of equipment? After months of study and experimentation and lots of taste-testing by the astronauts themselves in “Bea’s Cafe,” “space food” was born.

This “secret history” spends significant time talking about Ellen Swallow Richards, who was accepted into MIT just a few years after its doors opened and who graduated from there in 1872, and Margaret Murray Washington, a Mississippi native who became the third and final wife of Booker T. Washington and who was a powerful figure in her own right as Dean of Students at the Tuskegee Institute and a mover and shaker in many different realms. But these are only two of dozens of women highlighted in Dreilinger’s research. All of these figures are fascinating, and learning about them now offers a deeper understanding of just how limited and tunnel-visioned much of the history we have been taught in the past century has been.

This book offers a welcome addendum to “What We Never Knew.” The Secret History of Home Economics is bursting with information and data, yet it is also fascinating reading. I came away from the book with my mind blown by the amount of history that I was completely ignorant of.

Those in our area will have a chance to meet Danielle Dreilinger when she comes to join us for the 34th Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration on February 23-24, 2023. The theme for the 34th NLCC is “The Better Half? Fact, Fiction, or Fable.” Dreilinger’s book is available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook.

Dr. Rebecca Hall

Dr. Jonathan White

Dr. Joan DeJean

Julie Hines Mabus

Dr. Elizabeth Bronwyn Boyd

Dr. Jodi Skipper

Amy Argetsinger

Kristen Green

Danielle Dreilinger

Dr. Thavolia Glymph

Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell

Shelby Harriel

Dr. Rebecca Sharpless Diane C. McPhail

Dr. Sarah Adlakha

Dr. Leni Sorensen

Lynda Lee Mead Shea, Miss America 1960

Cheryl Prewitt Salem, Miss America 1980

Kimberly Morgan Myles, Miss Mississippi 2007

Emmie Perkins, Miss Mississippi 2022

Valerie Martin

Christine Wiltz

Nicole A. Taylor

Angie Thomas

Dr. Gail Myers

Timothy Givens

Natchez Garden

Club's

Royal Gala Honoring 2022 King & Queen

A Royal Gala was held Saturday, November 26, 2022, honoring the outgoing 2022 Natchez Garden Club King and Queen.

King Donald Conerly Branton and Queen Maggie Caroline Ulmer were celebrated with a cocktail party at Magnolia Hall in Natchez, Mississippi. Guests enjoyed a buffet inside the historic house and danced under illuminated décor inside tents set up on the grounds of Magnolia Hall. Ulmer and Branton were crowned during the 2022 Magnolia Festival Ball and concluded their reign December 10, 2022, with the crowning of the Magnolia Festival 2023 King and Queen.

Conner Branton and Maggie Ulmer

Finley Hootsell, Lynette Tanner, Conner Branton, and Susie Ater

Angie and Keith Huff with Leah Ulmer

Kathy and Melton King with Donna Sessions

Rhonda Kaiser, Maggie Ulmer, and Bubba Kaiser

McKenzie Bertran, Ben Foster, Conner Branton, and Jackson Moody Hagen Speed, Claire Ulmer, and Samuel Walford

Emily Stewart, Mia Gamberi, Liza Mayo, Taylor Maples, Mallory Hinson, and Christin Smith

Conner Murray and Shea Rutland Alana Moonshower and Hampton Roane Kennedy McCoy and Cara Waggoner Genny Harrison and Conner Branton Luke Cockerhan, Maggie Ulmer, and Genny Harrison

Ben Foster, Jake Meriwether, Tyler Buckles, and Jackson Moody Lindsey Novack, Finley Hootsell, and Casey Novack

Bubba Kaiser with Jennifer and Bobby Smith Grace Mims, Katlyn Garner, and Olivia Hardwick

Tommy Smith and Hydie Murphy

Bella Girard, Rosemary White, and Emma McNabb

Billy Ulmer and Maggie Ulmer

Emily Hootsell and Griffen Hootsell

THE socialSCENE NATCHEZ, MS

continued

Susan Graning, Taylor Maples, and Peyton Turner

Josh Wilkerson and Olivia Dixon

Jenny and Woody Townsend, Blair Townsend, Connor Branton, Don Branton, and Abby Branton

Anna Katherine McDonough and Kirsten Sanguinetti

Kennedy McCoy, Kara Waggoner, Bella Girard, Emma McNabb, Keely Hall, Maggie Ulmer, Rosemary White, Mattie Paige Pyntar, Aubry Hollingsworth, Carlie Graham, Teagan Mcktrick, Jewel King, and Olivia Rychlak

Maggie and Leah Ulmer

Front: Keely Hall, Olivia Rychlak, Kennedy McCoy, Back: Aubry Hollingsworth, Carlie Graham, Keely Hall, Kara Waggoner, Rosemary White, Teagan Mcktrick, and Jewel King

scrumptious

Quick and Easy Pick-Ups for Brunch

Whether you are planning a Mardi Gras Brunch, celebrating Mardi Gras Royalty, preparing a Bridesmaids Brunch, or hosting wedding guests or a weekend family gathering, these easy pick-up options can be combined with traditional egg-and-sausage casserole, shrimp and grits, or grillades and grits. Add a bowl or cups of fresh fruit to round out the spread.

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins food.com

1 1/3 cups flour

1/2 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups mashed sweet potatoes

2/3 cup mashed banana

1/4 cup melted butter 2 eggs, lightly beaten 3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans

Well grease two 12-cup muffin tins. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, all spice, and salt. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, banana, melted butter, eggs, and milk; blend well. Add to flour mixture and stir; add pecans and stir until blended. Fill cups 2/3 full and bake at 400˚ for 20 minutes.

Baked Hash Brown Cups

everydaymadefresh.com

Non-stick cooking spray

16 ounces shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed

3/4 cup parmesan cheese

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Dash of paprika

Optional toppings: cheese, bacon, green onions, or ketchup

Preheat oven to 350.˚ Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Gently stir until everything is combined. Fill muffin cups, pressing down as you fill each one. Bake for 40 minutes or until tops are golden brown. (Time may vary depending on the oven and preferences for doneness.) Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing from pan. For additional flavor, add optional toppings.

Canadian Bacon Egg Muffins with Tomatoes & Green Onions

fedandnourished.com

Non-stick cooking spray or oil for greasing

6 whole eggs

1/2 cup chopped Canadian bacon

1/4 cup unsweetened milk

3 green onions, thinly sliced, white and light green parts only 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, deseeded and chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Pre-heat oven to 350˚and prepare muffin pan by using liners or by liberally greasing with your favorite oil (avocado, coconut, canola).

In a large bowl, add all prepared ingredients; whisk until eggs are smooth and ingredients are well blended. Divide egg mixture evenly among 8 muffin cups, filling 3/4 of the way full. Bake at 350˚ for 19-20 minutes. The centers should be just set and not wiggle but not be overcooked.

Banana Pancake Bites thecomfortofcooking.com

Non-stick cooking spray

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons brown sugar

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/4 cups milk

1 1/4 cup canola oil

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3 firm bananas, sliced 1/2-inch thick

Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in milk, oil, egg, and vanilla until well combined. Let batter rest for 10 minutes. Grease a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Set to medium-low heat. Dip banana slices in pancake batter. Using a fork, lift out one slice at a time. Gently shake excess batter off each slice. Place directly onto the hot skillet. Continue with remaining slices, careful not to overcrowd. Cook bananas for 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer to an oven-safe plate. Keep warm in a 250˚oven until ready to serve. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, or add optional toppings.

social

50-Year Class Reunion Gathering

On October 22, 2022, a 50-year class reunion was held at Trinity Place Event Venue in McCall Creek, Mississippi, for a group who began school together at Jefferson Elementary School in Fayette, Mississippi, in 1960. This group continued together for the next 10 years. However, many eventually attended several different neighboring schools. This special “reuniting” of the graduates of 1972 was enjoyed by a group of more than 50. Many had not seen each other in 50-plus years!

Photography by Bill Perkins

Marcia Varnado and Scott Smith

Clarisse Thompson McDonald and Marcia Varnado Smith

Mark O’Quinn and Robin Burris Thomas Elaine and Mike Dent

Anne Geoghegan Middleton

Ruthie O’Quinn Baker, Rose Patterson Thompson, Dr. Terrell Williams, and Carol Royals

Wayne Smith, Dr. Terrell Williams, Charles Case, Lynda Smith Purser, Ruthie O’Quinn Baker, and Clarisse Thompson McDonald Rose Patterson Thompson, Ronnie Brown, and Marcie Williamson Brown Rose Patterson Thompson and Ruthie O’Quinn Baker

Front—Clarisse Thompson McDonald, Mark O’Quinn, Marcia Varnado Smith, and Dutch Landrum / Back—Ruthie O’Quinn Baker, Gerald Smith, Harry Brown, Joyce Maher Cockrell, and Nita McGarry Jordan

Front—Marcia Varnado Smith, Dutch Landrum, Sherry Bobo Strittman, Rose Patterson Thompson, Marcie Williamson Brown, and Bobby Meteer / Back—Joyce Maher Cockrell, Nita McGarry Jordan, Ronnie Brown, Julie Brasfield Gilchrist, Mike Dent, and Ronnie Burt

Dutch Landrum

Mike Dent

Front—Dutch Landrum, Sherry Bobo Strittman, Rose Patterson Thompson, Marcia Williamson Brown, Bobby Meteer, and Vicki Martin Bowers / Back—Joyce Maher Cockrell, Nita McGarry Jordan, Ronnie Brown, Julie Brasfield Gilchrist, Mike Dent, Ronnie Burt, and Curtis Pickens

Front—Lynda Smith Purser, Clarisse Thompson McDonald, Carol Royals, Mark O’Quinn, Marcia Varnado Smith, Dutch Landrum, Sherry Bobo Strittman, Rose Patterson Thompson, Marcie Williamson Brown, Bobby Meteer, and Vicki Martin Bowers / Back—Wayne Smith, Dr. Terrell Williams, Charles Case, Ruthie O’Quinn Baker, Gerald Smith, Harry Brown, Joyce Maher Cockrell, Nita McGarry Jordan, Ronnie Brown, Julie Brasfield Gilchrist, Mike Dent, Ronnie Burt, and Curtis Pickens

GEM The Jackson Street Gallery

Located at Mulberry in Vicksburg

Are you on the hunt for an upscale hotel offering residential studios and lofts with Air B&B options, entertainment sites, views of the Mississippi River, and an art gallery filled with selections from Vicksburg artists and artists from throughout Mississippi? Such a venue is Vicksburg, Mississippi’s Jackson Street Gallery at Mulberry.

TOP | Lenore Barkley, Paula Jackson, and Vantashi Smith BOTTOM | Left: Paula Jackson greets guests at the information desk.

Right: Lenore Barkley stands next to her painted eggshell pieces, inspired by Japanese pottery art.

This uniquely restored residential and hotel locale with its eclectic art gallery are the result of an ingenuous partnership between Mulberry owner Sunny Sethi and curator Paula Jackson, who with her husband Sandy owns Jackson Street Gallery in Ridgeland, Mississippi, a gallery of only Mississippi artists’ paintings.

Paula Jackson and Sunny Sethi met when he was completing the restoration of the 1929 Walthall Hotel in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. He asked Jackson, a twenty-years-plus veteran of the art gallery business, to create a “pop-up” art show for the hotel’s grand opening, a successful event that strengthened their mutual respect and initiated their long-term friendship.

Soon after his restoration of Mulberry in Vicksburg, Sethi invited Jackson to come see the building. Standing in the foyer just beyond the entrance steps, he asked her, “What do you think of this space?”

To his inquiry, she exclaimed, “I like it!”

desk is a small Parisian-styled, café-seating area with a glass wall and entrance that offer a relaxing view of the pool area. On trend with the modern, sophisticated mood of the décor, an enticing bar beckons visitors to visit the café; or guests may opt to stroll through double doors into the Jackson Street Gallery at the end of the lobby. Seating throughout the gallery provides opportunities for viewers to study the works of a variety of Mississippi and local Vicksburg artists. Deftly placed lighting illuminates the area, accenting the paintings; and in the center of the gallery a rotunda enables natural light to enter, creating a circular space for viewing art from the top of the walls to their base at the floor.

Such a chic atmosphere at Mulberry lends itself to hosting intimate cocktail parties as well as seated dinners in a setting enhanced by Mississippi gems. General Manager, Vantashi Smith, sometimes known as “Miss Mulberry,” runs this riverfront residential and Air B&B hotel with its forty-one, well-appointed

Residential & Hotel Locale

He followed with another question: “What do you think about staging an art gallery in this area?”

Again, she replied, “I like it!” That was all it took, and her creative juices began flowing. She called her artist-friend Lenore Barkley, retired from her twentyeight years with the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, and began talking with her about this project. Before the end of the conversation, Barkley was sold on collaborating with Jackson, explaining, “There is no project that I would want to go back to work for, other than this project.”

Jackson then began reaching out to the artists showing in her gallery; and Barkley contacted some Vicksburg artists, piquing their interest to showcase and sell their work in the new Jackson Street Gallery at Mulberry. In a few short months, the stars and the mutual efforts of Jackson and Barkley aligned; and all was ready in August 2022 as the Grand Opening of Mulberry and the Jackson Street Gallery welcomed over 500 attendees.

Unlike their experience at traditional hotels, guests arriving at this riverfront hotel enter a foyer that leads them down a stairway with gold-gilded banisters to the venue’s front desk and lobby. Across from this

rooms boasting spectacular views of the river and downtown Vicksburg on the second and third floors. Fourth through seventh floors are designated for residential living with fifty-two apartments and studio apartments. The rooms designated for Air B&B are fully furnished for weekend getaways in a luxurious setting in the midst of downtown with its many activities.

Smith, Jackson, and Barkley work together to assure that all visitors’ needs are met when they drop by the gallery or are guests of the hotel. The three speak highly of Sunny Sethi as the behind-the-scenes magician who has trusted these smart, talented, savvy businesswomen to continue the vision that Mulberry has established. As the three discussed this vision of excellence, they referred to Mulberry as a “hidden gem.” With its many-faceted options for living, visiting, relaxing, and enrichment, it certainly is a hidden gem, one well worthy of continuous discovery by a discerning public.

STORY & PHOTOS Cheryl Rinehart

A uniquely restored with an eclectic art gallery

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BROOKHAVEN, MS

Meredith Jacobs and James Murray Engagement Celebration

Dr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Moak, Jr., and friends of Brookhaven, Mississippi, honored Miss Meredith Alexander Jacobs of Charleston, South Carolina, formerly of Brookhaven, and Mr. James Dylan Murray also of Charleston, formerly of Darnestown, Maryland, with a lovely engagement celebration on Saturday evening, November 19, 2022. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. William Orton Jacobs of Brookhaven and Mr. and Mrs. Steven Randall Murray of Darnestown. The home and gardens welcomed guests to a beautiful array of unique low country greenery with white floral arrangements. Delectable hors d’oeuvres were passed as guests arrived while piano music was provided by the consummate Steve Russell. Following a lively toast to the young couple by the bride’s father, a delicious dinner was served for the many guests and well-wishers. A highlight of the evening was the presentation by the hosts of an impressionist rendering of a photograph taken of the couple in Charleston shortly after their engagement. Photography by Bill Perkins

Holly and Tim Slay

Betty Ann Perkins with Lyle and Danita Hobbs

Ralph and Martha Ann Peeples

Steve and Pam Murray and Bill Jacobs

Amanda Moak, Meredith Jacobs, and Dylan Murray

Bill Jacobs and Amanda Moak

Anna Moak Sparks, Celeste Carty, and Daniel Sparks

Bill Jacobs, Shelley and Bill Alexander, and Iren and Shreve Guthrie

Rick Taylor and Linda Moak

Don and Theresia Perkins with Steve Russell

Ann Kirk Jacobs Harris and Anna Moak Sparks

Ann Kirk Jacobs Harris and Meredith Jacobs

Neil and Ann Kirk Harris

Meredith Jacobs, Amanda Moak, and Kathryn Gaddy Celeste Carty and Ken Dixon

William O. (Bill) Jacobs, Amy A. Jacobs, Meredith Jacobs, Dylan Murray, Pam C. Murray, and Steven R. (Steve) Murray

THE socialSCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

2022 Taste of the Trust Gala

1

Trust President Emily Lowery Bellipani with People's Choice winner Trey Maddox

The Lincoln Outfit: Clint Gooch, Cody Dunnaway, Bailey Gooch, and Crawford Stevens

Janet M. Smith, Betty Ann Perkins, and Barbara Davis Jeremy Winborne and Pat Lowery Tina Ruffin and Kathy Day Case Sherry Adams, Brenden Adams, and Anna and Mark Giust

Merrie and Bill Boerner, Sloane and Josh Smith, Madison Tynes, and Regan Wease Marybeth and Zachary Smith with Jason Barrett

Shannon Herrington, Judy Ballard, Brian Mitchell, Chef Ken Dixon, Peggy Stell, and Amie Beeson

Brittany Arrington, Carla Snider, Jennifer Neal Edwards, and Melinda Said John and Rebecca Burns

Tristen Peavy, Penn Wilson, and Michael Haynes Hutson

Dr. Janet C. Smith and Dr. Jane Hulon Sims

Sarah and Joey Norton with Sabrina and Chris Wolff

Colby and Misty McMorris

Brittany Belk, Stacy Lambert, and Ann Houston Craig Tom Jones and Cathy Ditcharo

Aaron King, Roberto Bonilla, Stephanie Smith, Davis Wisner, and James Bellipani Marshall Smith, Brandy Johnson, and Janet M. Smith

Ashton Richardson King, Mercedes Ricks, Madison Tynes, David Osorio, and Janet M. Smith

1 4 7 10 13 16 19 2 5 8 11 14 17 20 3 6 9 12 15 18 21

THE

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SCENE BROOKHAVEN, MS

continued

Hunter and Grace Cloud

Tony and Penny Norton

Patti Moak and Rick Taylor

Angela and Cliff Furr

Stuart Pasley, Kara Whittington, Hailey Hernandez, and Fred Schwartz

Cody Dunnaway and Robin Patterson

Kellye and Doug Sicks with Kia Smith

Leah Oberschmidt and Greg Malta

Dean Snider, Tonya Lofton, and Tiffany

Dawn Ferguson

Kayla Lafhameyer and Trey Maddox

James and Kelly Brock with Robin and Kevin Laird

Kara Whittington and Bill Perkins

John Lofton and Jackie Crawford

Jay and Molly Greer

Bethany and Jay Ballard

Adrienne Ashley, Chef Ken Dixon, and Dakota Brooks

Brianna Moore-Christa, Megan Fonseca, and Cayenne Reed

Chris and Katie Nations

Matt Fitzsimmons, Angela Furr, and Katie Furr Mobley

Sarah Reynolds and Rockie Netherland

Sarah and Asa Reynolds

Michelle and Skipper Tarver

Madison Claire Tynes, Erin Culpepper

King, Ashton Richardson Ballard, and Jillian Ricceri

Janet M. Smith, Barbara Davis, and Jillian and Nic Ricceri

THE socialSCENE BROOKHAVEN,

MS

Boerner-LeBlancSmith Senior Tailgate Luau

On October 22, 2022, childhood friends Kate Boerner, Sara Smith, and Quinn Boerner celebrated reaching their senior year milestone with a Tailgate Luau in the home of Kevin and Glenda Hux of Brookhaven, Mississippi. Hostesses honoring the Boerner, Smith, and LeBlanc families also included Robin Patterson, Betsy Belk, Anne Houston Craig, Rachel Powell, Kathy Waltman, Brittney Belk, Anna Smith, Kathleen Calcote, Liza Smith Hall, Paige Sullivan, Shannon Miller, Staci Anding, and Laurie Sullivan.

Kate LeBlanc, Sara Smith, and Quinn Boerner

Robin Patterson, Betsy Belk, Glenda Hux, Quinn Boerner, Kate LeBlanc, Sara Smith, Anne Houston Craig, Rachel Powell, Kathy Waltman, Brittney Belk, Anna Smith, Kathleen Calcote, Liza Smith Hall, Paige Sullivan, Shannon Miller, and Laurie Sullivan.

Lissa Boerner, Sloane Smith, and Dorothy LeBlanc

Dorothy LeBlanc, Kate LeBlanc, Lissa Boerner, Quinn Boerner, Sloane Smith, and Sara Smith

Kevin Hux, Glenda Hux, Kate LeBlanc, Quinn Boerner, and Sara Smith Mark LeBlanc, Kate LeBlanc, and Dorothy LeBlanc

Brad Boerner, Quinn Boerner, Lissa Boerner, and Tyndale Boerner Robin Patterson, Kate LeBlanc, Sara Smith, Quinn Boerner, and Shannon Patterson Josh Smith, Emmie Smith, Sara Smith, Sloane Smith, and Hamp Smith

Adams & Brown Wedding

On June 25, 2022, Juliana Adams and Timothy Benjamin Brown were happily married at the First Baptist Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi, with the groom’s father, Reverend Timothy Bash Brown, head pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi, officiating.

The bride is the daughter of Warren and Maryjane Adams of Smithdale, Mississippi, where the bride had lived the entirety of her life. She is the granddaughter of Mary Margaret Adams of Smithdale and the late Bobby Adams and of the late O. M. Latham and the late Joan Marie Latham, both formerly of Smithdale.

The groom is the son of Timothy and Le Brown of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and is the grandson of Mrs. Margaret Brown of Natchez, Mississippi, and the late Allen Brown of Natchez and of the late Bobby Robinson and Jan Robinson of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a one-of-akind, custom-made gown from Lace Bridal in Brandon, Mississippi. For her bridal bouquet, she chose an assortment of flowers including peonies, ranunculus, orchids, roses, and hydrangeas.

Attending the bride were Mikaela Smith Brister, matron of honor, of Ruth, Mississippi; Kaitlin Delaney Wallace of Madison, Mississippi; Alissa Marie Adams of Smithdale; Anna Ware Brown of Vicksburg; Caitlin Adams Burnett of Madison; Katie Elisabeth Cunningham of Brookhaven; Mary Elizabeth Cunningham of Brookhaven; Alilynn Alexis Fauver of Brookhaven; Kelsey Alayna Freeman of Smithdale; Jordan Penn Harp of Monticello, Mississippi; Caitlin Brooke Holley of Waynesboro, Mississippi; Reagan Leigh Newton of Tupelo, Mississippi; junior bridesmaids Ann Allyse Adams and Mary Claire Freeman, both of Smithdale; and Lucy Frances Burnett, flower girl, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Delmus Tyler Cunningham of Brookhaven.

Serving as best man was Robinson Bash Brown of Vicksburg; honorary best man was Jeffery Luke Hindman; Groomsmen were Elijah Kirk Acker; Tucker Warren Adams of Smithdale; Nicholas Michael Broeker; Peyton Alexander Cox of Metairie, Louisiana; Delmus Tyler Cunningham and Joshua Adam Cunningham, both of Brookhaven; David Elijah Johnson; Royce Dalton Newman; and Samuel James-Gordon Plash and Tyler Paul Rocconi, both of Mobile, Alabama. Ushers

were Cael Andrew Adams and Dock Seago Adams, both of Smithdale; and the ring bearer was Maddux Del Cunningham, son of Mr. and Mrs. Delmus Tyler Cunningham of Brookhaven, Mississippi.

The florist for the wedding was Michael Guttuso from Fernwood, Mississippi. His arrangements were displayed in gold and clear urns complemented with assorted candles.

Wedding director was Susan Gibbes, a close friend of the bride, from McComb, Mississippi. Once the ceremony ended, an elegant reception honoring the newlyweds and hosted by the bride’s parents was held at Butterfield Mansion in Brookhaven. During the reception, hundreds of guests, family, and friends gathered to dance, eat, and celebrate the occasion.

Ken Dixon, head caterer and owner of Mitchell’s Catering in Brookhaven, Mississippi, provided elaborate, delectable food for all. The bride’s traditional wedding cake with buttercream icing, designed by the Cocoa Bean of Hammond, Louisiana, featured seven tiers with the two middle layers a strawberry-filled cake with homemade whipped icing. The Cocoa Bean also made the groom’s cake, an Ole-Miss-inspired cake in the shape of a football jersey with his number on it and a helmet. Floral arrangements displayed throughout the mansion reflected the bride’s specific designs for the occasion.

Music for the reception was provided by the Topher Brown band who enticed guests to dance the night away. Johnny Smith, owner of Johnny Smith Photography, captured the fun and the memories of the events for the newlyweds. Earlier, he had taken engagement photos of the couple in Oxford, Mississippi, a signature location for them since Ben was a four-year starting football player for the Ole Miss Rebels.

Once the reception ended, the newlyweds left Butterfield Mansion, heading to New Orleans, Louisiana, on the way to their five-day honeymoon at a lovely resort in Antigua. Thereafter, they settled into their new home in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Ben is a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.

On the eve of the wedding, the bride was honored with a luncheon at the home of her aunt, Amy Seago Adams, of Smithdale, Mississippi. Also hosting the luncheon were Pattie Seago and Ann Coney, of McComb, Mississippi. That evening, the couple attended their rehearsal dinner at the Ole Towne Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Callaway & Riley Wedding

Wesley Tilghman Callaway and Newton Hansford Riley were united in holy matrimony at seven o’clock in the evening on November 12, 2022, at Saint Mary Basilica in Natchez, Mississippi. The Very Reverend Aaron Williams performed the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Howard Callaway of Natchez and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Pitré Vegas of Ferriday and the late Mr. and Mrs. Josh Baker Callaway of Natchez.

The groom is the son of Mr. Patrick Newton Riley of Brookhaven, Mississippi, and Mrs. Gina Buntyn Gibbs of Crystal Springs, Mississippi. He is the grandson of Mrs. Julie Burns Riley and Mr. Willie Farris Riley of Natchez and the late Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Buntyn of Union, Mississippi.

Wedding guests entered and were seated to organ music played by Max Tenney, Director of Sacred Music at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and Saint Mary Basilica in Natchez. The mothers and grandmothers were seated to “Ave Maria” sung by Manuel Moa, Assistant Director of Sacred Music and soloist at Notre Dame Seminary and Saint Mary Basilica.

The chiming of the hour announced the arrival of the bride, who was given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father to “Trumpet Voluntary.” The bride wore a white silk gown designed by Marina Liana from Low’s Bridal. The gown featured a plunging neckline and open back with a fitted bodice accented by French lace, hand-beaded crystals, and satin-covered buttons, all accented with a cathedral-length veil. She carried a traditional hand-tied bouquet of roses, hydrangeas, and ranunculus. Pinned to her bouquet were a family handkerchief and lockets filled with pictures of her late grandparents.

Attending the bride as matron of honor was Camille Azar Callaway, her sister-in-law, of New Orleans, Louisiana. Bridesmaids were Emily Holland Batte of Shreveport, Louisiana; Alexius Cherie Coley of Natchez; Julia Leigh Matheney of Natchez; Gabrien Joyce Caramet Panteria of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Edith Janell Riley of Brookhaven; Alyssa Christine Stewart of Natchez; and Kayla Cauthen Thornton of Natchez. Bridesmaids wore full-length, cobalt-blue satin gowns in varying styles and carried traditional bouquets of white hydrangeas and roses in shades of pink and ivory. Serving as flower girl was Adalynn Grace Vegas, daughter of Adam and Kaylin Vegas of Ferriday.

Mr. Patrick Newton Riley, father of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Braxton Rives Batte of Vidalia, Louisiana; Josh Baker Callaway III of New Orleans, Thomas William Garrity of Monroe, Louisiana; Jacob Keith Lloyd of Brookhaven; Gregory Leland Reames of Gulf Breeze, Florida; and Cody Brown Thornhill of Brookhaven. Serving as ring bearer was Kyzer Keith Thornton, son of Allen and Kayla Thornton of Natchez.

Following the ceremony, the parents of the bride hosted a reception at historic Linden in Natchez. The tented garden area set the stage for sumptuous food and a profusion of beautiful flowers. At the center of the dazzling buffet tables was an arrangement of white and blue hydrangeas, roses, and delphinium designed by John Grady Burns. Guests enjoyed fresh marinated shrimp, smoked duck, sliced rib eye, asparagus wrapped in filo, smoked salmon, grilled vegetables, seafood pasta, and various cheeses, all prepared by the creative and talented René Adams.

The bride’s wedding cake displayed inside Linden was a five-tiered almond cake with buttercream frosting. On each of its tiers, the breathtaking five-foot-tall cake showcased delicate hand-piped detailing accented by white roses and hydrangea. The groom’s cake was a delicious two-tiered yellow cake with chocolate icing topped with a life-like turkey, its fanned feathers made of chocolate. Both cakes were made by Rose Atwater.

A black-and-white dance floor with café-style lighting above created a space for guests to dance to the entertainment of Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a reception and rehearsal dinner at Linden. Following a honeymoon to Exuma in the Bahamas, the newlyweds are at home in Natchez where Wesley is a civil engineer with Jordan Kaiser & Sessions and Newt is a CPA with Silas Simmons, LLP.

Cooper & Halliburton Wedding

EEleanor Cooke Cooper and Dr. Charles “Ray” Halliburton, Jr., were married in a small church ceremony at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Sunday, November 6, 2022, with the Very Reverend Tommy Dillon officiating.

The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Molly McDonough Cooper and the late Stanley Edwin Cooper, Jr., of Ferriday, Louisiana, and the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Patrick A. McDonough (Marguerite “Pete” Lowery) of Vidalia, Louisiana, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Stanley E. Cooper (Elizabeth Quessenberry) of Rochester, New York.

The groom is the son of Ms. Martha Daniel Halliburton and the late Charles Ray Halliburton of Baton Rouge and formally of Clinton, Mississippi, and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Troy Edwin Daniel (Velma Littlejohn) of Nashville, Tennessee, and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Halliburton (Winnie Smith) of Lafayette, Tennessee.

The bride was given away by her brother, Stanley Edwin Cooper III, and wore an ivory gown by Sachin and Babi while the groom wore a blue suit. Amy Hart Depta of Ferriday served as maid of honor, James Sandifer of Baton Rouge served as best man, and Lisa O’Beirne Ryan of Baton Rouge served as lector.

Once the ceremony concluded, the bride and groom joined guests in the church hall for a champagne toast and Gentilly Cake. After this celebration toast, the couple welcomed guests at Juban’s for a small intimate dinner. Those attending were Dr. Maya Halliburton, Em Rameriz, Andrée Halliburton, William Halliburton, Monica McDonough, Chuck and Sherry Bearden, Kate Limbird, Mandy Limbird, Tina Marie New, Blake and Sheri McCrary, fellow gym buddies Todd and Jennifer Viatar, Tom and Cara Dean, Father John Carville, Boo Murray, Tim Ryan, and Cammie Nettles.

After a mini-moon to New Orleans, Louisiana, the newlyweds have several trips planned to Mexico, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, and Thailand.

Where your special day is our special day

Linden Historic Bed & Breakfast

1 Connor Circle Natchez, Mississippi 769-355-2127 www.lindenbandb.com

For more information, contact René Adams at radams@lindenbandb.com

Douglas & Keen Wedding

wanting. Simple and sweet.” Complementing this gown was the bride’s bouquet by Fresh Cut Floral.

Attending the bride as maid of honor was Katherine Douglas Spencer, sister of the bride, of La Vergne, Tennessee; and matron of honor was Haley Herrod Martinez of Brandon. Bridesmaids were Kristen Miller of Dallas, Texas; Colby Brumfield Amis of Clinton, Mississippi; and Monica Hughey and Brittany Pigg, both of Vicksburg. These bridal attendants wore gowns by Azazie and carried bouquets by Fresh Cut Floral. Honorary bridesmaid and scripture reader was Elizabeth Keen, cousin of the groom, of Redwood. The flower girl was Madelyn Lofton, cousin of the bride and daughter of Tommy and Angi Lofton of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The bride’s proxy was Kayla Kelly Rushing of Vicksburg; and program attendants were Lydia and Noah Harrington of Petal, Mississippi.

A service of worship celebrating the marriage of Emily Eliza Douglas and Jonathan Karl Keen was held at 5:00 p.m. on May 14, 2022, at Crawford Street United Methodist Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi, with Reverend Kevin Bradley officiating the double-ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Douglas, Jr., of Vicksburg. She is the granddaughter of the late Edward Douglas, Sr., of Vicksburg; the late Eugene and Anita Nelson of Keota, Oklahoma; the late Betty Johnston of Byram, Mississippi; and Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Johnston of Sparta, Tennessee.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Keen of Redwood, Mississippi. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Keen, Sr., of Redwood; Ms. Yvonne Mays of Brandon, Mississippi; and Mr. John Lee of Vicksburg.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a gown from Lace Bridal of Brandon, Mississippi. It was a one-of-a-kind design by Mississippi native Robert Bullock and was selected just as Russia began to invade Ukraine. As described by the bride, it was a “last dress with lace that was hand tied by the sweetest ladies in Ukraine. It was such a heartfelt story during such a tragic time. This dress was everything I had been

The father of the groom served as best man. Other groomsmen included Colby Rushing of Vicksburg; Christopher Cook of Purcell, Oklahoma; Casey Ming of Clinton, Mississippi; Dylan Wooten of Vicksburg; and Jay Keen, brother of the groom, of Redwood. Ushers were Aaron Martinez of Brandon, and Will Keen of Redwood. Ring bearers, both cousins of the bride, were Carter Lofton, son of Tommy and Angi Lofton of Hattiesburg, and Cameron McKissack, son of Christy McKissack of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Presenting piano music for the ceremony was Jane Joseph of Mobile, Alabama; and the event planner for the occasion was Kathy Sibley.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at Southern Cultural Heritage Center in Vicksburg. Fresh Cut Floral and Catering provided the décor and buffet dinner; Once Upon a Cupcake furnished the bride’s cake; Marianna Artz furnished the groom’s cake; and Scott Steele of Ridgeland, Mississippi, orchestrated the musical entertainment. Photographer for both the ceremony and the reception was Lindsey Epperson.

Deeply rooted in their hometown, the newlyweds were blessed to have so many family members and friends join them in their wedding celebration. They especially thank their parents, grandparents, and those who traveled so far to share this special day. Following their honeymoon in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the couple now reside in Vicksburg.

McCann & Helus Wedding

LLauren McCann of Natchez, Mississippi, and Austin Francis Helus of Clinton, Arkansas, were married on March 12, 2022, at Rosalie Mansion in Natchez, Mississippi, with Judge Walt Brown presiding.

The bride is the daughter of Timothy and Stacy McCann of Natchez and the granddaughter of the late Bruce and Janet McCann of Natchez and Gene and Linda Tarver of Vidalia, Louisiana. The groom is the son of Richard and April Helus of Clinton, Arkansas, and the grandson of the late Roger and Cecilia Moisant of Riverside, California.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a Cecile fit-and-flare gown by Justin Alexander featuring a deep V-neck bodice adorned with floral sequined appliques with silver embroidery, a flattering illusion cummerbund, and a clean crepe skirt finished with a stunning teardrop illusion cutout train, paired with a cascading waltz-length veil with crystal beading by Bel Aire Bridal. Providing music for the ceremony were Tyler Gregg and Bryce McGlothin.

Attending the bride were maid of honor, Ashley Sandel, of Natchez and matron of honor, Amy Bounds, of Sumrall, Mississippi. Serving as bridesmaids were Jessie Wallace of Natchez; Katherine Baugh of San Diego, California; Lauren Martin of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Ashley Owens of Biloxi, Mississippi, Ashton Stevens of Buckatuna, Mississippi; Karly Rushing of Natchez; and Savannah Prince of Biloxi. Emma Kate Martin, daughter of Lauren and John Lloyd, of Hattiesburg, and Parker McCann, daughter of Elizabeth and Elliott McCann, of Natchez were flower girls.

The groom’s attendants included his best man, Levi Baugh, of San Diego; his best man, Zach Broadaway of Oxford, Mississippi; and groomsmen Zack Bounds of Sumrall, Mississippi; Nic Webb, Chuck Darbonne, and Wright Graning, all of Natchez; Jeremiah Adams of Biloxi; Jarred Mackey of Phoenix, Arizona; and Hunter Treece of Clinton, Arkansas. Kyle Rushing, Tate Rushing, and Colton Webb, all of Natchez, served as ushers. The ring bearer was Anderson Owens, son of Ashley and Avery Owens, of Biloxi. Presenting wedding programs to the guests was Reilly Wallace, daughter of Jessie and Marc Wallace, of Natchez.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the Rosalie Mansion Courtyard with music provided

by NRythym. Catering this event and providing flowers for the ceremony and reception was Fresh Cut Catering & Floral of Flowood, Mississippi. The bride’s cake and the groom’s cake were designed and prepared by Rose Atwater. For both the ceremony and the reception, event coordinators were Andree Gamberi and Jan Kirkwood; and photography was provided by Refuge Photography.

Pratt & Hoffman Wedding

A service of worship celebrating the marriage of Mallory Grace Pratt and Jon Payton Hoffman was held at 6:00 in the evening on June 18, 2022, at The White Magnolia in Kentwood, Louisiana, with Reverend Kevin Bradley officiating.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thad Christopher Pratt of Vicksburg, Mississippi. She is the granddaughter of Wallace Dewayne Pratt and the late Josephine Griefield Pratt of Vicksburg and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Samuel Ellington of Corinth, Mississippi.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan O’Dolphus Hoffman of Tallulah, Louisiana. He is the grandson of the late Billy O’Dolphus Hoffman and Faye Harvey Maxwell of Tallulah and the late Payton Woodrow Carney and Virginia Dale Carney of Tallulah.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a gown from The Bridal Path of Jackson, Mississippi. It was a one-of-akind dress designed by Allure. Complementing this dress was the bride’s bouquet by Glenda’s Flowers and Gifts of Kentwood.

Attending the bride as her maid of honor was her sister, Sara Elizabeth Pratt, of Vicksburg; her matron of honor was Lee Catherine Pickering of Vicksburg. Bridesmaids were Laura Leigh Dorman of Vicksburg; Savannah Morgan Hearn of Brandon, Mississippi; and Laura Blaine Butler, Rebecca Lauren Pigg, RaeMassey E’Stella Hale, Ann Garrison Thomas, and Brittany Nicole Pigg, all of Vicksburg. The bridal attendants wore an assortment of stormy blue gowns from Azazie and carried bouquets from Glenda’s Flowers and Gifts.

Jarrod Edgar Loranza Avery served as best man. Groomsmen included Nathan Kyle Hoffman of Cornelius, North Carolina; Shannon Harold Shivers, Patrick Wade Cobb, and Seth Michael Shivers, all of Tallulah; and Nathan O’Neal Hearn and Maliq Shun Holmes, both of Vicksburg.

Presenting classical guitar music for the ceremony was John DeChiaro of Florence, Alabama; and the event planner for the evening was Hannah Powers of The White Magnolia. The wedding invitations were designed by Margie Steckler of Natchez, Mississippi. Wedding hair and makeup were provided by Wild Flower Hair and Makeup of Hammond, Louisiana.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at The White Magnolia. Glenda’s Flowers and Gifts and The White Magnolia provided the décor, and The White Magnolia provided the evening’s buffet

dinner. Sweet Melissa’s Confectionary from Saint Amant, Louisiana, prepared the bride and groom’s cake. For both the ceremony and reception, the photography was furnished by Kimberlin Christopher Photography of Eupora, Mississippi.

Following their honeymoon at the Sandals Resort in Antigua, the couple currently resides in Vicksburg.

Upton & Foggo Wedding

Caitlyn Celeste Upton of Natchez, Mississippi, and Walker James Foggo of Brandon, Mississippi, exchanged their wedding vows on June 18, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Vidalia, Louisiana, with the Reverend Scott Lucky of Clinton, Mississippi, officiating the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Jeff and Sonya Upton of Natchez and the granddaughter of the late Carl and Betty Upton of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and of the Reverend Wayne and Cheryl Spencer of Natchez. The groom is the son of John and Shelia Foggo of Brandon, Mississippi, and the grandson of Mary Ann Foggo-Eidt, the late Mr. Francis Joseph Eidt, and the late Mr. Henry James Foggo, Jr., all of Natchez, and the late Oliver Edwin Walker and Altha May Walker of Crystal Springs, Mississippi.

Escorted down the sanctuary aisle by her father, the bride wore an ensemble from Magnolia Mariée Bridal Boutique of Natchez. The Stella York dove-satin bridal gown featured a curved plunging neckline, a wide waistband with glamorous bow, and a softly flowing skirt with button detail added to its full length. The open back was framed with wide-set straps for a unique keyhole effect. Completing her elegant ensemble, the bride wore a cathedral-length blusher veil lined with crystal beading, and she carried a bridal bouquet of mauve and white roses with eucalyptus. The bouquet was accented with a handkerchief made from the bride’s baby bonnet, given by the mother of the bride; with wedding-bell detail taken from the bride’s mother’s wedding dress; and with a handkerchief borrowed from the groom’s paternal grandmother, all pinned together with a gold cross pin worn by several generations of the groom’s paternal family.

Attending the bride were Ellen Upton, matron of honor, of Brookhaven, Mississippi; Abby Massey, maid of honor, of Natchez; and bridesmaids Anna Brook Parvin and Allyson Barry of Brookhaven; Kristina Seyfarth and Olivia McKinley of Jackson, Mississippi; and Anna Leigh Breedlove of Northport, Alabama. All wore mid-length, smokey-quartz satin dresses from Magnolia Mariée Bridal Boutique. Serving as flower girl was Ann Francis Moffett daughter of David Moffett and Mary Catherine Moffett of Birmingham, Alabama.

The groom’s attendants included William Foggo, best man, of Brandon; and groomsmen Bobby Provine of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Nathan Gieb of Oxford, Mississippi; Bobby Tallant of Ridgeland, Mississippi; Gene McDonald of Gainesville, Georgia; Caleb Upton of Brookhaven; and Griffin Kennington of Canton, Mississippi. The groom and his attendants wore Calvin Klein navy-blue suits with champagne ties, all from Men’s Wearhouse of Jackson. In addition, the groom wore a personalized tie clip and special wedding cuff links, a gift

from the bride. Serving as ring bearer was Mason Hof, son of David Hof and Lindsay Hof of Florence, Mississippi.

During the ceremony, harpist for the prelude, processional, and wedding march was Merisha Gore of Natchez, who also accompanied vocalists Anna Kate Rimmer and Sarah Grace Zetterholm of Clinton, Mississippi, as they sang “Wonderful, Merciful, Savior” during the lighting of the unity candle.

Floral Designer for the wedding was Sharman Hart of The Flower Station in Natchez; church ceremony director was Mitzi Slatten of Vidalia; and wedding coordinator was Debbie Bairnsfather of Monterey, Louisiana.

Following the ceremony, the wedding party, family, and guests enjoyed a reception overlooking the Mississippi River at Weymouth Hall in Natchez. A dear friend of the bride’s family, Donnie McIlwain along with his band, “Mack Daddy,” provided music throughout the evening, highlighted by the bride and her father dancing to their favorite song, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” with moves they had choreographed for the occasion.

The evening’s food was catered by Queen Wilson of Southern Style. The bride’s four-tier cake was decorated with mauve and white flowers and topped with a gold F (Foggo) initial. Its layers reflected a combination of the bride’s and groom’s favorites: The top and bottom tiers were white chocolate raspberry cake, one middle tier was lemon with strawberry jam, and the other middle tier was almond cake with Chantilly filling. The groom’s cake was a two-tier strawberry cake with cream cheese icing. Its first tier was New Orleans Saints themed to reflect his favorite NFL team, its second tier was Mississippi State themed to reflect his favorite college team, and the top featured a Mississippi State cowbell. The celebratory cake knife was the one used by the groom’s parents at their wedding. Both cakes were created by Haley Williams Weaver.

Ceremony and reception decorations were provided by family and friends of the bride. For both venues, Stacy Landers of Stacy Landers Photography in Natchez furnished the photography. Emily Claire Felder of emilycfphotoandfilm in Brookhaven furnished the videography. Assisting the bride and her attendants were hair stylist Meghan Wood and make-up artist MaCee Crouch from C’est Jolie Salon in Natchez.

After their honeymoon in Scotland and Ireland, the couple is at home in Clinton, Mississippi.

Pre-wedding events included a bridal luncheon in the Queen’s Room at historic Stanton Hall hosted by Gwen Massey and Sherry Gill the day before the wedding. That evening, the groom’s family hosted a rehearsal dinner in The Castle Restaurant at Dunleith Historic Inn where the bride and groom were surprised with a slideshow and an array of videos from close friends and family, all organized by Ellen Upton, the bride’s sister-in-law and matron of honor.

Ward & Smith Wedding

FFebruary 26, 2022, was the perfect day for the exchange of vows between Laney Kaye Ward of Smackover, Arkansas, and Mason Landon Smith of Brookhaven, Mississippi. Surrounded by their family and friends, Laney and Mason celebrated their marriage at The Hideaway at Reeds Estate in Brookhaven. Officiating the ceremony was Pastor Noah Hill from Oasis Church in Camden, Arkansas.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joey Ward of Smackover, and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Ward of Smackover and Mr. and Mrs. Darwin May of Camden.

The groom is the son of Mrs. Renae Smith and the late Michael Lee Smith of Brookhaven. His grandparents are the late Mr. and Mrs. James “Ed’ Crosby and the late Mr. Winfred Pete Smith and Mrs. Glyndale Thrasher Smith of Brookhaven.

The bride and her bridal party got ready together in The Hideaway House located on the Reeds Estate property. The bride’s aunts served a delicious brunch for the ladies as they had their hair and makeup done by Mill Town Salon & Day Spa.

In her dream wedding dress, the bride was escorted down the aisle by her father. Her chosen gown had a smoky lavender underlay covered with white chiffon and delicate embroidered flowers flowing down from the bodice. Her veil, cathedral length with rhinestones, was her “something borrowed” and completed the look.

The bridesmaids wore gowns of assorted shades of sage green and varying designs. The matron of honor was the bride’s sister, Allie Freeman of Niceville, Florida. Allie’s daughters, Heidi (4 years) and Lilly (9 months), were the flower girls. The rest of the bridal party was made up of dear friends and family of the bride: Kaitlin Lamb of Bentonville, Arkansas; Skylar Wood of Smackover; Kayla Day of Colmesneil, Texas; Taylor Colyer of Florence, Mississippi; and Kelsey DeVazier, Hannah Bates, and Carly Dickerson, all of Brandon, Mississippi.

Attending the groom as his best man was his brother, Judson Smith of College Station, Texas; and his groomsman was his dear friend Jason Snider of Brookhaven. They all wore dapper brown wool suits with sage green ties. The ring bearers were the groom’s cousins, Pearle and Daisy Gillen, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Dain Gillen of Liberty, Mississippi.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the Cypress Barn. Family and friends were entertained by Cody Dunaway during a cocktail hour while the wedding party and family had pictures. Once the new Mr. and Mrs. Mason Smith made their big entrance at the reception, the Bridge Band played the first-dance song, “I’ll Still Be Loving You,” and the father-daughter dance song, “Butterfly Kisses.” Guests were entertained with upbeat music the rest of the night.

Ken and his talented team from Mitchell’s Catering served delectable heavy hors d’oeuvres. The bride’s cake was decorated by Paula McGowen with fresh florals. The groom’s cake, not only a delicious creation but also a piece of art, was a cheesecake designed and cooked by Maddox Cheesecakes. It was a miniature model of one of the groom’s favorite places—Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University.

The newlyweds departed hand-in-hand toward their waiting Bronco as guests tossed lavender over them. After the couple spent a week in the Tennessee mountains to celebrate their marriage, the groom surprised his bride by ending the honeymoon with a few days at The Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina. Laney and Mason have since made their home in Brookhaven.

Laney and Mason were blessed with countless friends, family, and vendors who made their wedding day perfect. The day-of wedding coordinator was Carla Snider, and photography was by Tabby Wyant Photography. Elaina Smith Anders, owner of Elaina Anders Designs Flowers & Gifts, designed the flowers for the occasion and created elegant table centerpieces. Laney’s wedding dress was purchased locally at Vows Bridal in Brookhaven. The rehearsal dinner was hosted at Mitchell’s Catering in Brookhaven.

Watts & Shirley Wedding

MMackenzie Amelia Watts of Natchez, Mississippi, and Christopher Pate Shirley of Vidalia, Louisiana, were married at 5:30 in the evening on March 5, 2022, at Stanton Hall in Natchez with Whest Shirley, the groom’s father, officiating.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Watts of Natchez and the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Kirby Dillingham and the late Ms. Emma Dillard and the late Mr. Mack Watts. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Rabb and Mr. and Mrs. Whest Shirley, all of Vidalia. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Arnold of Meadville, Mississippi; of Ms. Linda Shirley of Vidalia and the late Mr. Robert Shirley; and of Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Probst of Vidalia.

The bride wore an allover ivory embroidery lace gown by Eddy K Dreams Collection. The bodice encrusted with sequins, Swarovski crystals, and pearls enhanced the sheath silhouette to highlight every natural curve. From shoulder straps, the sheer bodice dipped into a flattering V-neckline with perfect symmetrical lace before opening into a low and open back detail and then softly draping into a sheer, sweeping train.

Attending the bride were Caroline Smith as the maid of honor, McKenzie Milligan, Madison Gibson, Morgan Collins, Morgan Taylor, Keeley McDonald, Ann Ward, Whestley Harrison, Wesley Anderson, Madison New, and Lansing Brakenridge. Junior bridesmaids were Molly Shirley and Meredith Shirley. Serving as flower girl was Gemma Kole Junkin of Natchez, a niece of the groom. Groomsmen were Reed White as best man, Steven Arnold, Andrew Beesley, Gabe Smith, Colter Cauthen, Jacob Jenkins, Jesse Dinnat, Blake Painter, Kole Junkin, Austin Harrison, and Weston Watts. The junior groomsman was Jackson Shirley; and ring bearers were Cannon Grant Watts and Waylon Joseph Watts, the bride’s nephews, from Atoka, Tennessee.

Music for the ceremony was provided by Mrs. Laura Arnaldo and Mr. Ronnie Calhoun; flowers were designed by Jeffrey’s Flower Shop; Ms. Lauren Powell was the photographer; and Ms. Kaelin Daye was the videographer.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Natchez Civic Center. Later in the evening, the couple left to prepare for their honeymoon at an all-inclusive

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in the Bahamas. They now reside in Vidalia where the bride is a speech language pathologist, and the groom is the Engineering Associate for Entergy.

Yates & Nix Wedding

OOn February 12, 2022, Taylor Brooke Yates of Vidalia, Louisiana, and John Parker Nix of Natchez, Mississippi, exchanged their wedding vows in First Baptist Church of Natchez with Brother Doug Broome officiating.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Douglas Yates of Vidalia and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Boles and Mr. and Mrs. David Yates, Sr., all of Vidalia.

The groom is the son of Mr. Jayson Nix and the late Mrs. Karen Nix of Natchez and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Huey Martin and of Mrs. Ruth Nix and the late Mr. John Nix, all of Natchez.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a Pronovias “Hepburn” gown. As the name suggests, this chic Mikado wedding dress emits timeless elegance with its flattering fitted sleeves, exposed back, and deep V-neckline trimmed with delicate, scalloped lace around the edge. She complemented her gown with an elegant veil and accessories from Town & Country Bridal in New Orleans, and she carried a bouquet of Vandella roses, white stock, and white hydrangeas.

During the ceremony, the bride and groom lit a candle in memory of his mother. Prior to the ceremony, during their first look, she had given him a handkerchief made from his mother’s wedding dress. On it was the name “Boywonder,” her nickname for him.

The bride’s attendants included Bailey Yates, maid of honor and sister of the bride, and Kaitlyn Calcote, matron of honor, both of Vidalia. Serving as bridesmaids were Alexis Yates, sister of the bride, of Vidalia; Kate Nix, sister of the groom, of Natchez; Kelsi Peyton of West Monroe, Louisiana; Kailey Kelly of Vidalia; Haley Stockton of Ball, Louisiana; Taylor Brown of Natchez; Michela Stasi of Mandeville, Louisiana; Allison Jackson of Ferriday, Louisiana; and Presley Davis of Natchez. Flower girls were Marian Jude Lewis, daughter of Ms. Madi Moore of Nettleton, Mississippi, and Mr. Benjamin Lewis of Natchez, and Mila Kate Newman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hayden Newman of Natchez.

The bridesmaids wore one-shoulder, satin A-line, long bridesmaid dresses from David’s Bridal. Each of these elegant gowns offered a fresh take on tradition, a sexy sophistication with its luminous shine, modern double spaghetti strap, asymmetrical neckline, and

convenient side pockets. The bridesmaids carried bouquets of Vandella roses, white stock, and white hydrangeas.

Attending the groom were Dylan Sandidge, best man, of Natchez; Benjamin Lewis, brother of the bride, of Natchez; Hunter McDaniel of Ball; Hopkins Peyton of Madison, Mississippi; Matthew Elkins of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi; Casey Calcote of Natchez; Robert Lee of New Hebron, Mississippi; Braxton Batte of Shreveport, Louisiana; Neil Dowty of Madison; and Brent Mitchell of Columbia, Mississippi. Ushers were Ryan Boles and Jordan Farmer, both of Vidalia. Ring bearers were Tucker Boles, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Boles of Vidalia; Emmett Rainwater, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rainwater of Walker, Louisiana; and Wesson Farmer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Farmer of Vidalia. The groom, groomsmen, father of the bride, and ring bearers wore tuxedos from The One by Dara of Vidalia.

Also essential to the ambiance of the event were ceremony coordinator Becky Fortenbery of Natchez, pianist Allison Talley, videographer Kaleb Hill of Kaleb Hill Photo/Cinema, and floral designer Jackie Boles (formerly of Vidalia) of JDesigns in Dallas, Texas.

Following the ceremony, a reception, coordinated by event planner Taylor Moak of Natchez, honored the newlyweds. Enhancing this event were videography by Kaleb Hill Photo/Cinema, music by DJ Heath Whittington of Vidalia, an elegant bride’s cake by Butter Cakery of Natchez and groom’s cake by Misty Lee of Vidalia, and delectable catering by Terrell Fife of Vidalia. Stacy Landers Photography captured the memorable moments of the reception as well as the wedding ceremony.

The couple honeymooned in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and now reside in Vidalia.

Chelette & Conn Engagement

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brandon Juneau of Natchez, Mississippi, announce the engagement of their daughter, Alana Dawn Chelette, to Richard Hiller Conn, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Garry Doyle Conn of Natchez, Mississippi.

A graduate of Adams County Christian School, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, and Louisiana Technical School of Nursing, the bride-tobe is currently employed part-time by Field Memorial Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse while attending the University of Alcorn School of Nursing to obtain an associate degree as a Registered Nurse in May of 2023. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phil Hennington, Jr.

The prospective groom is a graduate of Wilkinson County Christian Academy in Woodville, Mississippi, attended Northwest Mississippi Community College, and currently is employed by Petroleum Service Corporation in Plaquemine, Louisiana. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lavelle Netterville, deceased, and Mr. Doyle Welby Conn and Mrs. Mary Conn Ingle, both deceased.

The couple will exchange vows on November 11, 2023, in Natchez, Mississippi, with a reception to follow.

Sandel & Hardin Engagement

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Adrian Sandel III of Natchez, Mississippi, announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley Dunbar Sandel, to John Calvin Hardin IV, son of Dr. and Mrs. John Calvin Hardin III of Shreveport, Louisiana.

The bride elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Adrian Sandel, Jr., of Dixon, California; Mrs. Katie Adams Watson of Natchez, Mississippi; Dr. and Mrs. Edward Leon Gaudet of Natchez, Mississippi; Mrs. Marie D’Antoni Gross of Metairie, Louisiana; and the late Mr. William Wade Watson of St. Joseph, Louisiana. She graduated from Cathedral School in 2013, and she received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of Mississippi. Ashley currently is earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia from Northwestern State University of Louisiana.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Dr. and Mrs. John Calvin Hardin, Jr., of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hope of Longview, Texas. In 2013, he graduated from Loyola College Prep in Shreveport; and he received a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Mississippi, a Master of Science in Geology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and a Master of Accountancy from Louisiana Tech University. John is currently employed with PricewaterhouseCoopers as a tax associate.

The couple will exchange vows in Natchez, Mississippi, on May 20, 2023.

Stacy Landers Photography

Photography by Kylie Wooten

Sessions & Strong Engagement

Mr. and Mrs. James Timothy Sessions of Natchez, Mississippi, announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Mary Frances Sessions, to Ryan Anthony Strong, the son of Ms. Stacey Denee Copeland of Vidalia, Louisiana, and Mr. David Anthony Strong of Natchez.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Corley and of Mrs. Annie Ruth Millsaps and the late Gene Millsaps of Greenwood, Mississippi. She is a 2017 graduate of Cathedral High School in Natchez and received a Bachelor of Education degree in kinesiology from Mississippi State University where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She will complete her Master of Secondary Education degree from Mississippi State University in May 2023 and currently is employed by the Gulfport School District in Gulfport, Mississippi.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Copeland of Vidalia and of Mrs. Carolyn Strong and the late Mr. Billy Joe Strong of Natchez. He is a 2014 graduate of Adams County Christian School in Natchez and received a Bachelor of History degree from The University of Mississippi in 2019. He will acquire a Master of Secondary Education degree from Mississippi State University in May 2023 and is currently employed by the Gulfport School District in Gulfport, Mississippi.

The couple will exchange vows on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Rosalie Mansion in Natchez with a reception to follow. Formal invitations will be sent.

Stacy Landers Photography

Responsibilities of the Wedding Party

Maid of Honor/Personal Attendant

• Helps bride with shopping, invitations and other details as needed

• Plans and coordinates bachelorette weekend

• Attends all pre-wedding events

• Pays for own wedding attire

• Takes charge of groom’s ring during ceremony

• Witnesses and signs marriage certificate

• Helps bride in arranging veil and dress at ceremony and reception

• Assists with honeymoon car arrangements / places basket of reception food therein

• Assists bride with her luggage

• Returns bride’s gown and accessories to designated place after wedding

Bridesmaids

• Purchase gowns and complete gown fittings

• Perform tasks as assigned by bride

• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

Best Man

• Assists groom with all details of the wedding day

• Plans and coordinates bachelor weekend

• Pays for own attire

• Transports groom to the church

• Supervises the groomsmen

• Takes care of bride’s ring until ceremony

• Presents the clergyperson with fee

• Witnesses and signs marriage certificate

• Offers the first toast to the bride and groom during the rehearsal

• Prepares honeymoon car, packs suitcases in car

• Holds for safe-keeping any tickets, keys, etc., for groom

• Returns groom’s tuxedo and accessories to family or rental shop

Groomsmen

• Pay for their wedding attire

• Perform tasks as assigned by groom

• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

• Serve as ushers for wedding if requested

• Distribute programs

Junior Bridesmaid

• Same duties as bridesmaids

Ring Bearer

• Carries pillow on which a ribbon holding the rings has been sewn

• His family pays for his attire.

Candle Lighters

• Light candles before the honor seating begins

Flower Girl

• Her family pays for her dress and accessories.

• She scatters flower petals as she walks down the aisle.

Program Attendants

• Distribute wedding programs

• Oversee guest book

Delegating Wedding Expenses Between Families

While the following is a traditional division of wedding expenses, this is not necessarily set in stone. Many arrangements occur among the bride, her family, the groom, and his family as to who will assume which expenses. Sometimes if the couple are professionals and have been living on their own, they may split the wedding costs versus the families assuming these responsibilities. These listings are merely a suggested guide of traditional costs for both parties.

Bride and Her Family

• Invitations and announcements

• Bridal attire

• Flowers

• Photography

• Ceremony fees (site rentals and musicians)

• Limousine/departure vehicle

• Reception

• Ring for the groom

• Gifts for the bridal attendants

• Accommodations for out-of-town bridal attendants

Groom and His Family

• Marriage license

• Officiant fee

• Boutonnieres, bride’s bouquet

• Gifts for the groomsmen

• Rehearsal dinner

• Ring for the bride

• Accommodations for out-of-town groomsmen

• Honeymoon

Hannah

James B. Hall, MD

clinic focuses on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and chronic kidney disease prevention. As a hypertension specialty clinic, we also focus on difficult-to-control blood pressure, secondary hypertension, and reno-vascular hypertension. Our full-time and covering physicians are nephrology-fellowship trained and board certified in nephrology. Dr. Hall is also trained and certified as a Hypertension Specialist. Our clinic fosters a compassionate and friendly atmosphere, and our main objective is to delay the progression of kidney disease through community outreach, peer education, kidney screening seminars, and health promotional classes. Remember, “Your health is the most important thin you own, second to your soul.”

OPPOSITE

Casey and Dallas Morris Family perform some Mardi Gras magic on the Christmas tree at their historic Natchez home.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2023 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 67

TODAY, MARDI GRAS CUSTOMS FOCUS ON EMBELLISHED DECORATIONS, KING CAKES, PARADES, PARTIES, AND COLORFUL SHINY BEADS OF GREEN, PURPLE, AND GOLD.

People all over the South from Mobile, Alabama, to New Orleans, Louisiana, and beyond, decorate their homes with shimmering tinsel, cascading beads, and beribboned garlands; consume copious amounts of king cake; and take to the streets in lavishly decorated floats and raucous parades to embrace the carnival season.

One family, Casey and Dallas Morris, have been lucky enough over the years to have Casey’s aunts shop for Mardi Gras décor and then travel each year from south Louisiana to decorate the Morris home for the carnival season. Currently, this couple and their children reside in a historic home in downtown Natchez, Mississippi.

Once the Christmas holiday has passed, the Morris family’s giant Christmas tree remains in place, sans its Christmas décor and eager to be embellished in purple, gold, and green ornaments, beads, and ribbons. The mantels in the home also showcase the Mardi Gras spirit as the carnival flair moves throughout the living areas of the home and spills over into entertainment spaces outdoors.

The front entrance is especially striking with its door framed in a garland of colorful balls and ribbons and accented with a lavishly decorated wreath. Beyond the door at each side of the front-steps entrance, lion statues, daring and dramatic, brandish their purple bows in welcoming revelers to the Morris home.

Both Casey and Dallas Morris have participated in Krewe of Phoenix Mardi Gras celebrations in Natchez by serving as a Duchess and Duke for the krewe, being members of the krewe’s board of directors, and hosting many Mardi Gras parties in their lovely home. Undoubtedly, once Twelfth Night caps the Twelve Days of Christmas and commences the Carnival Season, the Morris family will revel once again, celebrating Mardi Gras 2023 in Natchez, Mississippi, and fully embracing Mardi Gras’ famed mantra, Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! —“Let the good times roll!”

STORY & PHOTOS Cheryl Rinehart

LOUISIANA

louisianatravel.com A great site for everything Louisiana

ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE

alexandriapinevillela.com rapidessymphony.org riveroaksartscenter.com lagniappetheatre.com themuseum.org

January 14

Cenla Pro Rodeo 2023 Rapides Parish Coliseum 7:30 pm / $15

February 17

Alexandria Mardi Gras Association

Classic Cars & College Cheerleaders Parade Downtown 4:30 pm alexmardigras.net

February 18

AMGA Children’s Parade Downtown 10 am alexmardigras.net

February 19

AMGA Krewe Parade Downtown 2 pm alexmardigras.net

February 23-25

King Creole Elvis Festival Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center 352.789.7269 ETAFestivals.com

BATON ROUGE

visitbatonrouge.com lsumoa.org rivercenterarena:baton-rouge. tickets-center.com batonrougeballet.org Red Stick Farmers Market Breada.com brso.org

January 8

Hilton’s Wedding Showcase Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center Noon-5 pm

January 29

Baton Rouge Bridal Show L’Auberge Casino & Hotel 1-4 pm

February 4-18

Mardi Gras 2023 Parades visitbatonrouge.com/events/ mardi-gras/

CLINTON / JACKSON louisianasteamtrain.com

FERRIDAY concordialibrary.org deltamusicmuseum.com

Through January 6

96th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival Front Street 318.357.3822 natchitocheschristmas.com/ schedule _______________________

NEW ORLEANS neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com ogdenmuseum.org nola.org FB: nolajazzmuseum/live newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu nobt.org neworleansfilmsociety.org neworleanscitypark.com neworleanszombierun.com

January 6-February 26

Mardi Gras Parades mardigrasneworleans.com/ parades/

PORT ALLEN westbatonrouge.net

Throughout January & February West Baton Rouge Museum For All Events 225.300.4674 westbatonrouge.net FB: TheWBRM

MONROE / WEST MONROE monroe-westmonroe.org

ST. FRANCISVILLE

audubonstatehistoricsite. wordpress.com explorewestfeliciana.com/ events.html

stfrancisvillefestivals.com FB: St. Francisville Farmers Market

March 4 A Walk in The Park stfrancisvillefestivals.com

VIDALIA cityofvidaliala.com concordialibrary.org

Every Wednesday Farmers Market Old Court House N. Spruce St. 9 am-1 pm

MISSISSIPPI

visitmississippi.org hikinginmississippi.com

BROOKHAVEN

FB: VisitBrookhavenMS visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com llf.lib.ms.us

February 9-22

Little Women Haven Theatre 7:30 pm & 2 pm brookhavenlittletheatre.com

FERNWOOD fernwoodcc.com _______________________

JACKSON dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com jacksonfreepress.com/ calendarmsnla.org craftsmensguildofms.org balletms.com msmetroballet.com operams.org

January 12

Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour Thalia Mara Hall 7 pm downtown-jackson.com

January 15

Mississippi Bridal Show Sheraton Flowood Hotel 11 am-5 pm

January 17

Legally Blonde The Musical Thalia Mara Hall 7:30 pm downtown-jackson.com

January 31

SHEN YUN 2023 Thalia Mara Hall 7:30 pm shenyun.com/jackson MEADVILLE meadvillems.com

MCCOMB pikeinfo.com mccombarts.com mcrrmuseum.com

FB: McComb Farmers Market

NATCHEZ

Live Music Events Calendar visitnatchez.org/full-eventcalendar visitnatchez.org kreweofphoenixnatchez.com natchezpilgrimage.com

FB: Downtown Natchez Farmers Market thetowersofnatchez.com natchezgardenclub.org natchezlittletheatre.com

Through January 7 Christmas Tour of Homes & Evening Events 601.890.2388 info@littleeasytours.com

FB: LittleEasyTours

January 15

Voices of Freedom Natchez Festival of Music Beulah Baptist Church 5-7 pm

January 21

Krewe of Phoenix Call-Out Ball Natchez City Auditorium 8 pm-Midnight $40 non-member kreweofphoenixnatchez.com

FB: kreweofphoenix

February 10

Love Is in the Air

Natchez Festival of Music Carriage House Restaurant 7-10 pm / $75 natchezfestivalofmusic.com

February 11

Valentine’s Tea Magnolia Hall 2:00 pm / $20 Photographs available 601.443.9065 natchezgardenclub.org

February 17

Krewe of Phoenix Mardi Gras Parade Downtown 6 pm kreweofphoenixnatchez.com

FB: kreweofphoenix

February 17

Krewe of Phoenix Royal Grand Ball Natchez Community Center 8 pm / $75 kreweofphoenixnatchez.com

FB: kreweofphoenix

February 23-24

34th Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration

The Better Half: Fact, Fiction, or Fable Co-Lin Natchez 601.442.9111 colin.edu/community/ natchez-literary-and-cinemacelebration

PORT GIBSON

FB: portgibson.chamber msculturalcrossroads.org SUMMIT pikeinfo.com _______________________

VICKSBURG

southernculture.org visitvicksburg.com vicksburgartassociation.org tarawildlife.com vicksburgtheatreguild.com downtownvicksburg.org

Through January 20

Voices & Votes Exhibit Catfish Row Museum info@catfishrowmuseum.org

Every Tuesday

Parish Run Club Parish Specials @ Biscuit Company 6 pm 601.448.2919

February 4

13th Chili for Children Cook-off Washington Street Park Downtown sabrina@radiopeople.com

February 4

Jesters Ball Vicksburg Convention Center 7-11 pm 601.630.2929

March 4

Run Thru History

3990 Washington St. 601.638.1071 raceroster.com _______________________

WESSON

FB: Wesson Chamber

WOODVILLE woodvillems.org

FB Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association woodvillemainstreet.org

Be sure to confirm details of the events should changes have occurred since events were submitted.

Johnny Smith Photography