Natchez has everything you need to plan your tailormade wedding.
From small intimate ceremonies in our spellbinding parks and gardens to large outdoor or indoor events in historic properties, Natchez provides everything needed to make your wedding day memories last a lifetime.
So, what are you waiting for?! Start planning your Southern dream wedding today.
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(601)492-3000
Whether you’re planning a bachelorette trip or a weekend getaway with friends, your perfect escape is just a short drive away. Dine at rooftop restaurants with stunning views, explore unique boutiques with one-of-a-kind finds, take a sunset tiki cruise on the Gulf, or catch a show (and some spa time) at one of our casino resorts. Your journey begins at VisitMississippi.org/GirlsGetaway.
The Coop | Oxford, Mississippi
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from the PUBLISHER
In our welcoming New Year 2025, we continue to celebrate our 25TH year of publishing Bluffs & Bayous magazine. As part of this celebration, we feature in each issue an article or articles from earlier in our first quarter-century of publishing. In this issue’s Something Scrumptious column, we remember Loveta Byrne, who contributed wonderful recipes from her own cookbook and catering experiences as well as from other sources. Alma Womack’s and Rebecca Biglane Black’s articles from our earlier issues also join this commemoration of our 25TH Anniversary.
This issue also showcases our engaged and newly-wedded couples. With each of these wedding recollections, I marvel at the uniqueness, the personally tailored celebratory moments each couple has created. The setting for each wedding reflects the backdrop for their new life together, and we at Bluffs & Bayous feel privileged to share their stories with all of you, our faithful readers.
Our pages continue to highlight a selection of our area’s many exciting gatherings and occasions, including engagement
225 John R. Junkin Drive Natchez, MS 39120 601.442.6847
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.
events, holiday parties, teas, royalty announcement parties, birthdays, and flower shows. Each event captures the spirit of our lives, our celebrations of family and friends as well as professional endeavors and projects. Such has been the focus of our sharing with you stories, recipes, legal matters, gardening tips, area celebrities, musicians, artists, and the list trails on and on. Of course, vital in this focus are our many sponsors who trust us to promote their services in our distribution areas. We take pride in designing and presenting a positive visual angle to market their goods and services.
Our calendar of events offers information about activities taking place during January and February, those scheduled prior to our printing. This bi-monthly period is also the season for Mardi Gras—its Twelfth Night parties, krewe activities, and “Throw me something, Mister” parades. We have listed websites for area parties and parades whose communities celebrate this lively, colorful tradition.
May your New Year 2025 be one of discovery, growth, adventure, and many celebrations as we continue to embrace our life along and beyond the Mississippi. Happy New Year!
JEAN NOSSER BIGLANE Copy Editor
BONNIE DICKERSON Design Director
CHERYL FOGGO RINEHART Publisher/Editor/Sales
LISA WHITTINGTON Photographer
MELANIE SOJOURNER Sales
SAM GWIN Contributor
BILL PERKINS Photographer
ALMA WOMACK Contributor
CECILIA HOPKINS STEVENS Contributor
CAROLINE DEVEREAUX Contributor
Engagement Party for Douglas and Lott
The engagement of Abi Douglas and Caleb Lott was celebrated by friends and family at the home of Paul and Myrtle Cartwright near Brookhaven, Mississippi, on the evening of October 26, 2024. Musician extraordinaire Nick Bridge of the Bridge Band entertained as the guests danced, dined, and relaxed on the patio enjoying a fine autumn night outdoors by the pool.
Photography by Bill Perkins
Abi Douglas and Caleb Lott
Heather Brown, Heather Douglas, Karen Dunnaway, Abi Douglas, and Stephanie Reynauld
Nick Bridge
Caleb and Lauren Watts
Tony and Kim Mullens
Donn Nations and Glenda Applewhite
Faye Douglas, Coney Lea, Calleye Rouse, and Kristen Douglas
Sharyl Donegan, Deana Moak, Anna Katlyn Smith, and Brett Valentine
Lori Coldiron and Anna Smith
Coney Lea and Chris Jinks
Ron & Sharyl Donegan, and Michael Smith
Jerri Wallace and John Douglas
Stephanie Reynauld, Heather Douglas, Paul Cartwright, and Karen Dunnaway
Greg and Lisa Lott
John Douglas, Abi Douglas, and Monti and Meagan Croutwell
John, Abi, and Heather Douglas
Michelle Lombas and Mary Ann Ritchie
Greg and Lisa Lott; John, Heather, and Abi Douglas; Caleb Lott; and Myrtle and Paul Cartwright
McComb Garden Club Flower Show
On November, 2024, the McComb Garden Club of McComb, Mississippi, held its longanticipated flower show themed “Seasons of Celebration Design & Specialty Flower Show” and held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Turner Willis. President of the McComb Garden Club is Stephanie Ott, and show chair for this outstanding event was Brianna Causey.
Paula Howard, Brianna Causey, and Barbara Willis
Loran Gerald with Britt and Tricia Holliday
Beverly Welch and Brianna Causey
Martha Boyd, Darlene Rawls, and Michelle Simmons
Amanda Ballard, Erin McKenzie, and Brandy White
Brandi Kelley, Carla Stringer, Susan Dowdy, Deranne Booth, Sharon Reid, and Dayle Felder
Lisa Gerald and Brianna Causey
Brandy White and Brandi Kelley
Anna Elise Duncan and Carol Ann McMorris
Deranne Boothe, Nancy Smith, Kelley Parker, and Paula Howard
Crystal Newman, Kim Lampton, and Rosemary Ginn
Kim Wall, Jordan Harrington, Christy Leuthauser, Ella Liuzza, and Abigail Liuzza
Stephanie Ott, Dixie Thornton, and Brianna Causey
Sara Hemphill, Gay Austin, and Stephanie Ott
Jamie Ferguson, Allison Viator, Stephanie Pigott, and Tessa Bradford
Sasanqua Camellias for Fall, Winter Blooms
Our Southern fall and winter landscapes come alive with the beautiful flowers of sasanqua camellias as their vibrant blooms add charm from October through December. These versatile shrubs are a timeless choice for seasonal interest, offering dazzling flowers and year-round evergreen foliage. Let’s take a closer look at some standout varieties and how to care for them to ensure their success in your landscape.
Shishi Gashira, one of my favorites, has a mounding habit and profusion of bright pink, semi-double blooms. Each flower features slightly ruffled petals and a warm golden-yellow center. They exude a soft yet lively appeal. This camellia’s abundant flowers, coupled with its glossy, deep green leaves, make it a perfect choice for borders, ground covers or even container plantings.
Yuletide camellia is a beloved classic known for its bright red flowers that have cheerful golden-yellow centers. This color combination makes it a festive highlight in holiday landscapes.
Blooming from late fall to early winter, Yuletide has mediumsized, single-petalled flowers that are typically 2 to 3 inches across. These bright blooms create a striking contrast to the dark green, glossy foliage. Its compact, upright form adds structure and elegance whether used as a specimen plant or in groupings to anchor garden beds.
If you are looking for a romantic touch, I recommend the variety Chansonette. This camellia has rose-pink, semidouble blooms. The layers of ruffled petals lend the flowers a peony-like delicacy, creating a soft, elegant effect. This variety is particularly striking when it is planted in mixed borders or allowed to cascade over low walls. Its deep green, evergreen foliage provides an attractive backdrop year round.
To keep sasanqua camellias healthy and thriving, plant them in locations with partial shade, especially in hotter climates. While they can tolerate more sun than Camellia japonica, excessive direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
Choose well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, for best results. If your soil is alkaline, a soil acidifier can help create the ideal growing conditions.
Water camellias regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging as camellias dislike overly saturated roots.
Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds. I like to use pine straw as a mulch around my camellias. Make sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunks to prevent rot.
I fertilize my camellias in early spring after the blooming season using a balanced, acid-forming fertilizer formulated for camellias. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can harm the plant.
Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches, which will ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms for the next season.
With proper care, sasanqua camellias will reward you with spectacular fall and winter flowers and lush evergreen foliage that enhance your landscape all year long. Their diverse forms, vibrant blooms, and low-maintenance requirements make them a must-have for Southern landscapes.
ARTICLE | Dr. Eddie Smith
Dr. Eddie Smith is a gardening specialist and Pearl River County Agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He is also host of the popular Southern Gardening television program. Locate Southern Gardening products online at www.extension.msstate.edu/shows/southern-gardening.
SHISHI | Sasanqua camellias such as this Shishi Gashira bloom brightly from October through December and provide yearround evergreen foliage.
YULETIDE | This Yuletide camellia has a compact, upright form that adds structure and elegance, whether used as a specimen plant or in groupings to anchor garden beds.
Grand Marshal for Hometown Christmas Parade
Addie Carver, Miss Teen USA, served as her hometown’s Grand Marshal for the annual Christmas parade held December 7, 2024. Gary Jordan escorted her as she led the parade through the downtown area. Addie was featured in the Bluffs & Bayous November/December 2024 issue.
Addie Carver on a convertible leading the Christmas parade Addie Carver with Gary Jordan
THE
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SCENE NATCHEZ, MS
Natchez Garden Club Christmas and Royalty Announcement Party
Members of The Natchez Garden Club celebrated the holidays with their traditional Christmas Party and Royalty Announcement event on December 14, 2024, at Magnolia Hall in downtown Natchez, Mississippi. All gathered in this beautifully decorated venue to honor the 2025 Magnolia Festival Royalty who will reign over the Magnolia Ball to be held April 5, 2025. Members and guests were able to meet the new royalty once they were introduced and descended the grand staircase to then promenade throughout the downstairs rooms, receiving congratulations and wellwishes from all.
Photography by Bill Perkins
Junior Royalty Kinsley Hoggatt, Tyler Orr, and Emma Orr
Junior Royalty Ann Frances Moffett and Harrison Callon
Senior Royalty Bailee Hoggatt and Harper Jones
Queen Sophia Webber and King Tyler Gregg
Margaret Guido and Meghan Guido
Dennis and Klydell Johnsey
Lyda Jordan, Susie Pyron, and Torri Webber
Letta Crocker with Susan and John Hudson
Mary and Jim Lessley
Allie Lambuth and Anita Maria Jordan
Natalie & Samantha Ragans, and Olivia Edgin
Anabella and Addison Laird
Cheryl Rinehart and Millie Moffett
PCG Royalty Christmas Tacky Sweater Party
Celebrating the holiday season, the Pilgrimage Garden Club King Sam Mosby and Queen Caroline Guedon hosted a Christmas Tacky Sweater Party on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the home of Betsy and Sim Mosby. Additional family members who joined as hosts were Fayla and Noble Guedon, Betsy and Sim Mosby, Rebecca and Mike Grantham, Anna and Matt Sandel, Rowan and Jim Milton, Bucky Colebank, and Ellen Mosby. A visit from Santa Clause greeted the younger royal court, and later the older court members took a ride around downtown Natchez on the famous Peddle Cruzer.
Fayla Guedon and Betsy Mosby
Heather, Will, and Nathan James with Henry Carter
Lauren and Mary Noble Guedon
Santa with the PGC Royalty
Santa Sim and Sam Mosby
Grayson Guedon, Chase Kaiser, Caroline Guedon, Sam Mosby, Harris Pyron, Cameron Sandel, and Tyler Gazzier
Rebecca Grantham, Anna Sandel, Rowan Milton, and Catesby Sandel
Anna, Matt, Cameron, and Catesby Sandel Nobel, Fayla, Grayson, and Caroline Guedon
A Royal Tea
A Royal Tea honoring The Natchez Garden Club Queen Sophia Westbrook Webber was held December 7, 2024, at three o’clock in the afternoon at Sunnyside Bed & Breakfast in Natchez, Mississippi. The queen’s dearest friends and family members, hosts for the event, invited guests to attend in their best finery, lovely hat, or fascinator.
Photography by Bill Perkins
Sophie Webber, Cecelia Brown, Kate Bernstein, Julianne Riggs, Lise St. Paul, Tessa Johnson, and Julia Delaney
Torri Webber and Julianne Riggs
Patricia Huffines, Carol Ann Riley, and Sharon Freeman
Elizabeth Toso and Jane Klous
Della Book and Meghan Guido
Front—Sophia Webber, Stephanie Butts, and Joan Herring / Back—Judy Burkley, Angela Wagoner, and Michelle Hale
Carol Ann and Annalyce Riley
Kate Bernstein, Cecelia Brown, Lise St. Paul, Julianne Riggs, and Tessa Johnson
Taylor and Kelly Baroni
Tessa Johnson, Sarah Jane Williams, and Sophia Webber
Torri Webber and Sarah Katherine Webber
Cece Brown, Lise St. Paul, and Kate Berstein
Annalyce Riley, Sarah Katherine Webber, Sophia Webber, and Taylor Baroni
Torri Webber, Judy Burkley, and Sarah Atkins
Uh oh, Five-oh
"Uh oh, five-oh" is what Elise Parker of McComb, Mississippi, recently titled her half-century birthday celebration. The gathering was held at the newly relocated La Mariposa in Summit, Mississippi, and was made up of friends and family, some travelling from Alabama and Louisiana. Elise is a former photographer for Bluffs & Bayous; but in recent years, she and her husband have been away from southwest Mississippi, traveling abroad to exotic locations. When not abroad, the Roaming Parkers can be found living full time in their Airstream, working seasonally near national parks across the United States. Her birthday was a chance to reconnect with her local friends, some of whom she hadn't seen in more than three years. The event’s balloon centerpiece was created by Tyceona Antonia of McComb; and the custom Italian Cream Cake was made by Rose Atwater of Rose Bakes in McCall Creek, Mississippi.
and Patrick Parker
Renee White and Elise Parker
Melanie Carruth and Dedee Johnson
Billie Jo Alexander and Elise Parker
Shelly Hoffstadt, Deb Lea, and Leslie Hoffstadt
Alisa Leggett and Gene Parker
Clifford and Lori Holifield
Kailyn Brewer, Debbie Simmons, Brenda Bertog, and Betsy Harrell
Sarah Holifield and Lola Holifield
Brian and Melissa Ragazzi with Melanie Whittington
Kim and Andy Shepherd
Mercedes Ricks, head chef and owner of La Mariposa
Elise Parker with her children Whit, Quin, Ellen, Cady, and Knox Parker
NSDAR Hosts Christmas Luncheon
Judith Robinson Chapter, NSDAR Regent Lynn McInnis welcomed everyone to the annual Christmas luncheon held on December 12, 2024, at the beautiful home of Melissa Holeman at 1072 Tidwell Road in Summit, Mississippi. The magical spirit of Christmas flowed throughout the home with a traditional Christmas theme. A festive and hearty Christmas lunch of turkey and spiral sliced ham served as the centerpiece of the buffetstyle serving station with a variety of side dishes, salads, desserts, and beverages. The main dining table was set with classic fine China on a green linen cloth topped by a delicate table runner embellished with a Christmas motif and a centerpiece collection of Christmas trees. Regent McInnis gave special recognition to members reaching pivotal DAR anniversaries for 2024. Those receiving NSDAR certificates were Betsy Harrell, Connie Lambuth, Robin Sheppard, Alicia Storey, Mary E. Stringer, and Carol Wood for 10 years; Ashley Gray for 15 years; Carol Richmond for 20 years; Vivis Moore-Smith for 30 years; Hettie Lynn Tynes for 35 years; Lu Becker for 40 years; and Linda Ogletree Childers for 55 years.
Regent McInnis reported that the chapter had exceeded the NSDAR required volunteer hours with 3,114 hours of service. Hostesses were Missy Holeman, Peggy Tidwell, Regent Lynn McInnis, Vice-Regent Kathy Prospere, Jane Lawrence, and Dee Lindley.
Seated Betty Penick and Judy Johnson
Crystal Newman, Connie Lambuth, Jane Lawrence, and Ramona Young
Mary Felder, Janice Brock, Rosemary Rushing, Dale Lindley, and Vice-Regent Kathy Prospere
Ramona Young, Sue Boyd, Regent Lynn McInnis, Carla Stringer, and Linda Young
Peggy Tidwell and Melissa Holeman
Virginia Zeigler, Carolyn Richmond, and Ava Madison
Wedding Shower for Mason and Stringer
On October 27, 2024, a dreamy autumn afternoon, a shower to celebrate the upcoming marriage of Morgan Mason and Taylor Stringer was held at the Tylertown, Mississippi, home of Cindy and Conrad Mord. The shower was decorated to the theme "Fall in Love." The honorees and guests were treated to an overflowing assortment of cakes, ranging in flavors from lemon, salted caramel, Italian cream, and strawberry to chocolate. The couple also enjoyed their favorites—cheesecake for the groom-to-be and bride's cake for the brideto-be. All enjoyed the beautiful afternoon and special occasion with friends and family surrounding the future bride and groom.
Jeff, Sandra, and Morgan Mason with Taylor, Carla, and Tony Stringer
Sandra and Morgan Mason and Carla Stringer
Scott and Kris Morris, Taylor Stringer, Calvin Morris, and Carla Stringer
Polly and Arlen Patten
Dana and Bill Goldman
Charlene Stringer and Lynn Pigott
Morgan Mason and Taylor Stringer
Ann Hobgood and Conrad Mord
Kimberly Patten
Tony and Carla Stringer
Mickey and Ruth Anna McDaniel, Morgan Mason, Taylor Stringer, and Marilyn Watts
Sheila Murray with Max and Kristi Luter
Alisa Leggett and Lori Hawn
Ryan and Katie Boyd, Taylor Stringer, Morgan Mason, Jane Ard, and Janice Brock
Cindy and Conrad Mord
Jennie and Chad Luter
Bob Bracey, Chad Parish, and Susan Bracey
Nathan DeLee and Rob Loper
Cheryl Wood and Ann Hobgood
Ben and Heather Atwood
Morgan Mason and Taylor Stringer with hostesses Cindy Mord, Cheryl Wood, Beverly Harvey, Lori Hawn, Ann Hobgood, Susan Bracey, Paulette Johnson, Marilyn Watts, Melissa Stringer, Connie McGinnis, Vickie Ginn, Jamie Murrell, Sarah DeLee, Lisa Loper, and Lynn Pigott
Justice by the Hardest
As I write this article, Daniel Penny was found innocent by a jury yesterday for the phantom crime of using too much force against a would-be assailant named Jordan Neely. Neely had a criminal record a mile long and was in a New York City subway when he, for no reason and apparently high on illegal drugs, threatened to kill anyone around him with a knife and stated this was what he was about to do and he didn’t care if he went back to jail.
Penny, an ex-Marine, confronted Neely and got him in a headlock until police arrived. Neely died shortly thereafter. The prosecution said it was compression on the neck that was the cause of death while Penny’s pathologist expert testified it was due to drug overdose. There was no dispute that Neely was on drugs at the time.
Most people saw Penny as a Good Samaritan who intervened and perhaps saved innocent people from being seriously hurt or even killed. There is no dispute that Neely was threatening to kill just anyone in the crowd.
As most readers know, the district attorney prosecuting this case was Alvin Bragg, the same D.A. who recently prosecuted President-elect Trump.
One commentator said of this travesty of justice: “Think about it, all the witnesses are there saying he saved our lives. He protected us. Whatever it may be, the guy (Neely) has a rap sheet 50 pages long, and they want to throw a Good Samaritan, a Marine, in jail for life for stepping in and protecting them. What kind of precedent would that set?”
All of this begs the question, when does a citizen have the right to defend himself or others from serious bodily harm or death. The black letter law of Mississippi is that you have the right to meet a deadly force that you are being threatened with by an equal or even a superior force if serious bodily harm or your death is imminent. The same thing is true if you have to defend another person’s life or limb from a serious violent threat. However, I can’t emphasize enough that in order to use deadly force to repel an attacker, the threat against you must be serious and deadly; and deadly force must be the last resort. One of my friends whom I duck hunt with is one of the biggest and strongest men I know; and he once said that, if anybody tries to start a fight with him, he is just going to run. Good advice.
Let’s talk about the obvious when it comes to defending yourself in your home. Both Mississippi and Louisiana have what most folks know as the Castle Law or Castle Doctrine. Basically, these laws allow you to use deadly force inside your home against an intruder. My understanding is that the intruder must be trespassing and posing some physical threat which is a little softer than posing a deadly threat.
Going back to the Penny case, the testimony was clear that the assailant, Neely, was threatening violence against the public and had a knife to show that he meant it. It is unfortunate that he died, but he was the one who caused the
circumstances. Penny acted with great courage and risked his own life in doing so. So why was he prosecuted? I have seen over-zealous prosecutors who want to make a name for themselves in the presence of their constituents. They ignore evidence and facts and really don’t care if they hurt innocent people.
The same thing happened in the Duke LaCrosse case in 2006 when a woman falsely accused 3 Duke LaCrosse athletes of forcible rape, but the evidence was overwhelming that the athletes were innocent, and yet the prosecutor in that case persisted. It took a year for the Attorney General to step in and dismiss their charges and then prosecute the original prosecutor for withholding evidence. The prosecutor was disbarred and was given the title of a rogue prosecutor. Daniel Penny had to endure the gut-wrenching spectacle of a trial but was ultimately exonerated. What now for him, now that he had to take a year and a half out of his life and fight for his survival with the threat of a 15-year prison sentence? Prosecutors are generally immune from retaliatory prosecution or civil liability. That law must change. Rogue prosecutors need to be made accountable just like the rest of society.
Lucien C. “Sam” Gwin III was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1981 and has been practicing many aspects of the law at the firm of Gwin, Punches & Kelley in Natchez, Mississippi, ever since.
ARTICLE | Sam Gwin
Wesson Library Mural Inauguration
The ribbon cutting for the inauguration of the mural in the garden of the Wesson library was celebrated by the staff and directors, the Wesson Garden Club, and the public on October 22, 2024. Walt Grayson was the guest speaker. The mural was painted by well-known singer/songwriter Montana Beeson, who also is an artist!
Photography by Bill Perkins
Cayllie Duplantis, Montana Beeson, Pam Chance, Janet Currie, Kita Jackson, Teri Bath, Abbey Berch, Marilyn Britt, Walt Grayson, Steve Liverman, and Kalana Nhem
Wesson Founders Day Queen Abbey Berch
Marilyn Britt and Walt Grayson
Chase Britt, Caylie Britt, Marilyn Britt, Walt Grayson, and Hillry Britt
Brother James Harris, Chaplain American Legion Post 79 Wesson
Dr. Rachel Tyrone and artist
Montana Beeson
Walker and Jessica Breazeale with Walt Grayson
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Greg Holloway, State Representative
District 76, with April Holloway, Walt Grayson, and Marilyn Britt
Joy Westbrook, Walt Grayson, and Joy Phillips
Abbey Berch and Jessica Breazeale
Walt Grayson
Kita Jackson, Walt Grayson, and Teri Bath
Marilyn Britt and Betty Ann Perkins
In celebration of Bluffs & Bayous’ 25th Anniversary year of life along and beyond the Mississippi, we revisit this article written by Alma M. Womack. As she continues her many years of penning our Southern Sampler columns, her readers remain intrigued by her recollections of small-town and country life, and times on her beloved Smithland Plantation on Black River near Jonesville, Louisiana.
— Southern Sampler —
A Cherished Night of Discomfort
acouple of Sundays ago, I went to Utility Baptist Church for my annual fall visit with the ghosts of my youth. I grew up in that wonderful country church and was privileged to know all of its members from the oldest to the newest baby. I was kin to a goodly percentage of them, too.
On a typical Sunday morning back then, I could speak to my grandmother Ella McClure; my great aunt, also Ella McClure; and the matriarch of the church, Ms. Mosely McClure. They were the oldest members at that time, and all three had grandchildren sitting in the pews. Other grandparents were Ms. Polly Humble, Mr. and Mrs. Rex Tullos, Sr., Rex, Jr., Len and Arzella Chevallier, Nellie McLawchlin, Ms. Bill Freeman, Pa Joe and Avie Sanson, Mrs. Dena Bond, Brantley and Bertha Taylor, Mamie Tullos, Elton and Edna Ryan, Albert and Velma McClure, J. V. McClure, and Charlie and Ruth McClure.
The young parents of that time were my parents, Bonnie and Juan McClure, Elmas and Georgia McClure, Jack and Iris Taunton, Luther and Inez Sanson, EW and Elaine Walker, Davis and Betty Rae McClure, Flora Taylor, Lessie White, Mrs. Prewitt, JD and Ann Chevallier, Ruth Evans, Lucille Bond, Myrtle Lou Ryan, and Dean and Mary Jo Williams. This group were the parents of 40 something children from babies on up to college kids. I won’t name all of them, but they were all part of the church family and were taught and loved by all the adults.
The church grownups made sure that they always had activities for the children to participate in, and often lead— Halloween and Christmas parties and plays, Valentine’s dinner, cleanup days at the church, participation in the Sunday morning choir, and always a special week where the youth led all the services.
When I was probably a senior in high school, youth week signup was announced; and I quickly wrote my name down for Wednesday night service, the first person to commit. I had reasoned it out this way: Wednesday night meant a small service 30 or so, so I wouldn’t have too many people to have to listen to me, and I wouldn’t get too nervous. I prepared my talk from Proverbs, for the lessons from those verses were selfexplanatory, such as “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (I only know the King James version of scripture.)
Wednesday night rolls around; and we youth leaders, who had been in a back room, walked out into the sanctuary. The church was full, more people than a Sunday morning, more than a good night of revival. I mean it was full. Where did all these people come from ran through my mind, while making my way to the pastor’s chair.
Thank goodness there were prayers and hymns to get through first, which gave me time to build up some courage. Once they were done, it was my turn to face the crowd. I spotted what I thought would be friendly faces on the front row: Marshall and L Jr. Sanson; Otis Paul White; Rodney Walker; and my brother, Juan McClure. I’ll just concentrate on them, and I’ll get through this okay was the thought that I clung to.
Big mistake. Because they were all sitting on the front row, and their mamas could not see what they were doing, they were safe to torment me. They made faces at me, made motions of cutting my throat, pretended to be shocked or amused or whatever they could think of. It didn’t take long to have to look away from the varmints, but I could still see them on the periphery. Without batting an eye, or collapsing on the floor, I got through my mini sermon of Proverbs, and it was The End.
Of course, the congregation came up to congratulate me on a good presentation, which is what church people do. Surprisingly to me, there were a number of strangers in the crowd, several different people who had been driving through the parish, saw the small church, and decided to stop for the service. And they were all happy to see the leadership of the young folks on that Wednesday night, and I thanked them for coming, not saying that they had added to my shock of the too big crowd on a Wednesday night.
After all these years, my night of discomfort has become a cherished memory from when we all were children and safe in our families and our church. It also reminds me that God has a good sense of humor, turning my expected small crowd into a church full of people.
ARTICLE | Alma M. Womack
This article, first published in our January 2010 issue, appears again for our readers in celebration of Bluffs & Bayous’ 25th Anniversary year of life along and beyond the Mississippi. In her column, Life after the Baby Carriage, Rebecca Black reflected on the ever changing, ever challenging, and ever cherished moments of young motherhood shared with her husband and two toddlers under the age of three.
— Life After the Baby Carriage —
Storytellers
Corks are on the floor and the champagne bottles are dry. Once again, the holidays buzzed by through a flurry of baking flour, chicken-scratched wish lists, and new this year, many explanations separating church (Jesus) and state (Santa Claus) for my three-year-old. And, predictably, a new year arrived on our doorstep.
I find welcoming a new year to be as overwhelming as it is refreshing. It truly is the end of an entire 12 months of life, mine, my family’s . . . time we’ll never recapture.
If the year were a physical gift, I imagine it would be a book that opens automatically to a different place for each person; and if you are lucky, as you age, you stay closer to the middle than the end. And all of the previous pages are bound and inaccessible, with only blank pages left, just waiting to be filled. So, with the start of the new year, comes a new chapter . . . or new chapters for me as I seem to be living three lives at once—mine and my children’s—and not vicariously through them, but step by step with them as they navigate toddlerdom.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled and quite thankful to be here to greet this new year, blank pages and all, and even more thrilled that it always arrives on time. I just wish I didn’t have to clean up all of the crumpled wrapping paper to get on with it! But now, as the carols have quieted, I’m looking forward to wiping the slate clean for the next chapter of our lives.
The whole idea that life happens in chapters really grabbed my attention at some point during the holiday-buying bonanza when I saw something that I haven’t been able to shake. It was written on a pillow or a guest towel or some sort of “kitschy” piece of gift garb that holds quotes meant to be funny or express a seemingly deep sentimentality. I usually appreciate the funny ones more than the latter, for I don’t often want deep thoughts on my cocktail napkins or in my guest bathroom. But, like I said, this particular “thought” stayed with me: “Home is where your story begins.”
Pretty straight forward, right. Not the usual cliché defining home as where your heart is. You are born and your
story begins, not necessarily in that hospital room, or even in your first house, but almost as if you arrive with a book full of blank pages and someone starts writing for you until you are old enough to take the pen and write for yourself. That someone is the keeper of your home.
When you think about it, being the keepers of our families’ homes and stories puts an amazing amount of pressure on us parents—or those who are the caregivers of children. Clearly, we are not all experienced novelists, short story writers, poets, or even “sometime” journalists; so how can it be that we are given this task?
The thing is, I believe this adage to be true only for about 80 percent of my life to date; and as I grow older, the percentage will probably move closer to the halfway mark. My story began on Live Oak Drive in Natchez, Mississippi. I don’t remember the house at all, but the town definitely holds the beginning of my story; and sometimes I still refer to it as “home.” The writers of my book, my parents, are really where my story began; and when I am with them—no matter where we are—I am always home.
Feeling this way about my parents, I, of course, really want my children to feel the same way about my husband and me. So, I am reserving the other 20% of this ever-resonating quote for the home where my children’s story began. And I can only hope that we create a storied life worthy of filling their pages for many years to come . . . all the way until the precious, hilarious, and even the perfectly average moments of our todays become their “once-upon-a-times.”
I know this time will be here sooner than I will ever be able to imagine, a realization that makes me think of my grandfather. This new year brings to him a new decade as he opens the door this January to his 90th year and more pages to fill in his already very full story. I’d be willing to bet that he had no idea that he and my grandmother would be writing so many stories together on the day that he met her where he was based during World War II in Colorado—on the night that he almost didn’t even go out!
Thank goodness he let his Air Corps friend talk him into a night at the YMCA. After three requests from this buddy, my grandfather finally agreed to go and check out the dances happening, upstairs and downstairs, at the YWCA that evening. They started the night at the upstairs dance with the 26-year-old-and-older women and later headed to the downstairs party for the younger women where he would find my grandmother. He was introduced to her through a mutual friend, and they hit it off immediately. Later, she would tell us that it was his manners that impressed her the most that night. They danced for the remainder of the evening and enjoyed each other’s company so much that he cancelled a date he had with someone the next day to go to the mountains. Obviously, he was impressed with her as well; for after the war when both had gone their separate ways home, he, quite unannounced, showed up on her doorstep out on a farm in Iowa, wanting to marry her.
And so it began.
That night was the beginning of his love story that would one day make him the initial author of eight additional stories. I’m a chapter in the second “story” he started; and there are 17 more like me (not all from the second story though!) . . . and with each new great-grandchild that we decide to write into the mix (Number 6 arrived this past November and number 7 is on the way.), his story continues.
He is our master storyteller, the keeper of our beginnings. And I promise you that all of us over the age of 5 know every detail of the night he met my grandmother. It is a story that we expect to hear at all of our family gatherings. It reminds us that we are not necessarily the beginners of our own stories. And he reminds us that none of us would be here had he not decided to go out that evening. Most importantly, though, this story he tells so proudly reminds us that he is the beginning of all of our stories . . . and a piece of our home!!!
A tribute to you, Papa Noland, for all the memories, and thanks for always telling us your stories!!!
ARTICLE | Rebecca Biglane Black
— Something Scrumptious — From our Table to Yours!
This article, first published in our February 2009 issue, appears again for our readers in celebration of Bluffs & Bayous’ 25th Anniversary year of life along and beyond the Mississippi. In our Something Scrumptious column, Loveta Byrne for many issues offered select seasonal recipes from other sources as well as eagerly anticipated recipes from her own years as a successful, creative caterer.
Garlic Feta Spread
1 (4-ounce) reduced fat cream cheese
⅓ cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon dried basil, crushed
¼ teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
⅛ teaspoon dill weed
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1 (4-ounce) crumbled feta cheese
Jambalaya
2 pounds pork meat, cubed
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 ½ cups rice, uncooked
1 cup onion, chopped
½ cup bell pepper, chopped
½ cup celery, finely chopped
2 pods garlic, finely chopped
Seasoning to taste
4 cups water
½ cup green onion, chopped
½ cup parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
¼ teaspoon sage
Season meat before cooking and refrigerate. In heavy pot using ¼ cup vegetable oil, cook meat until dark brown. Add onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. When vegetables are sautéed, add water and simmer for about 30 minutes. Add rice, green onions, and parsley. Cook on low heat for about 24 to 30 minutes with the cover on as tight as possible. You may stir occasionally.
Wil Seal
Oysters Louisiana
4 ounces butter, melted
1.5 pints oysters, drained
4 green onions, chopped finely
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ pound fresh lump crabmeat
½ cup bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
In a food processor or blender, combine the first seven ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl; stir in feta cheese. Serve with vegetables or crackers.
Annette Whitaker
Melt butter in a skillet. Add oysters and cook until dry. Add onions and garlic and cook slowly for at least 10 minutes. Fold in crabmeat and crumbs. Simmer 5 minutes more. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Acme
Oyster House Restaurant
Compiled by members of a trio of Mississippi churches—Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Woodville, Holy Family Catholic Church in Gloster, and Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Fort Adams—From Our Table to Yours! is a collection of over 400 original “tried-and-true” recipes that the families of these parishes have loved to cook. The delectable dishes derived from these recipes, such as those above, reflect a unique blend of Cajun, Italian, and Southern cooking.
ARTICLE | Loveta Byrne
Easy Wedding-Day Brunch
This quick and easy overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole is perfect for a wedding-day brunch, weekend brunch, or dinner.
Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole
1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
1 pound uncooked Italian sausage, casings removed
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 red bell peppers, seeds removed, diced
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 dozen large eggs
½ cup full-fat milk
⅓ cup ricotta cheese
⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Generously grease a 9x13 casserole dish. Set aside until needed. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sausage to the skillet; and using a spatula, break the sausage into small chunks. Add the Italian seasoning and rosemary, and continue cooking until the sausage is golden brown and no pink remains. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a clean plate and set aside. Discard remaining grease and return the pan to the burner.
Add a little more olive oil to the pan. Then add the onions and peppers and cook until they begin to soften, about 6 minutes. Stir in the spinach, garlic, salt, and pepper and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Add the sausage and stir to combine. Remove pan from heat and set aside until needed. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese. Spread half of the sausage and veggie mixture in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with the egg mixture; then top with the remaining sausage and veggies. Shake the pan lightly back and forth to gently mix the ingredients. Cover the casserole and refrigerate overnight, or place the baking dish in the oven and bake at once.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Bake uncovered for about 55 minutes or until it is set in the middle and golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Yield: 8-10 Servings
Pinterest, Ashley Manilai
Fresh Fruit Bowl
Prepare a bowl with fresh fruit of the season; add crushed mint leaves and lightly mix together.
Cranberry & Blueberry Muffins
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
1 cup demerara or granulated sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt, or milk/buttermilk/soy milk
½ cup light olive oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup blueberries
½ cup chopped dried cranberries
Coarse sugar for sprinkling, optional
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a muffin tray with lining paper or spray with oil. In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients until combined, about 20 seconds.
In another bowl whisk the eggs well, until light and fluffy. Mix in yogurt, oil, and vanilla. The mixture will be pale and yellow.
Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix everything together gently with a spatula. Mix just until all ingredients are combined and avoid over mixing the batter. Add in blueberries and cranberries and mix just until combined.
Pour batter into prepared muffin tins, filling almost all the way to the top. Sprinkle the top with sugar, if you like. Bake at 425F/200C for 5 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375F/180C and continue to bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden on top and centers appear set. Allow to cool for 10 minutes; then remove from the pan and serve. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Yield: 6 bakery-style muffins or 10 regular muffins
Allrecipes, submitted by Andrea Soranidis
3-Ingredient Lemon Scones
Cooking spray
3 cups self-rising flour
1 cup lemon-flavored soda
1 cup heavy cream
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray; lightly dust with flour. Sift self-rising flour into a large bowl. Combine lemon soda and cream and pour over the flour. Mix until dough is just combined. Turn dough out onto the prepared baking sheet. Flour your hands and gently pat dough into a large rectangle. Do not overwork the dough. Cut into triangles or squares. Bake in the preheated oven until golden, 10 to 12 minutes.
Notes: The lemon soda adds a lot of air to the mixture. If you handle the dough too much, that airiness will be lost and the scones won't rise well. To make a lower-calorie version, substitute plain soda water for the lemon-flavored one.
Yield: 12 scones
Allrecipes, submitted by purplepiscean
ARTICLE & PHOTO | Caroline Devereaux
Barlow & Warren Wedding�
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI | JANUARY 27, 2024
Aworship service celebrating the marriage of Amanda Alexandra Barlow and William Carter Warren was held on January 27, 2024, at the Fondren Church in Jackson, Mississippi, at half past six in the evening. The double-ring ceremony was officiated by Dr. Breck Ladd.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm George Barlow, Jr., of Ridgeland. She is the granddaughter of Mr. Leonard Edward McManus and the late Dr. Joyce Whitten McManus of Natchez, and Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm George Barlow, Sr., of Vidalia, Louisiana. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John William Warren of Pascagoula. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dean Beery, Jr., of Pascagoula and Dr. and Mrs. Laurin William Warren of Natchez.
The bride, given in marriage by her parents, donned an ivory satin strapless ballgown by Rita Vinieris from The Bridal Path. The gown featured an empire waist and large detachable bow in the back. She completed her elegant look with a Swarovski crystal tiara and matching earrings, opera-length gloves, and a sapphire ring belonging to her mother; and she carried a traditional hand-tied bouquet of ivory roses and stephanotis. Affixed to the bouquet was the grandmother-of-thebride’s brooch and locket holding a photo in memory of her late grandmother.
Attending the bride were Mary Hunter Vise, matron of honor, and bridesmaids Hope Berry, Lillie Boland, Olivia Bourne, Catherine Burford, Kelsey Habig, Maddie Jackson, and Laura Grace Warren. Each wore a full-length black lux charmeuse dress with a shawl-collar halter neckline, open back, and full A-line skirt, and carried smaller versions of the bride’s bouquet. Hair was styled by Ally Nicole from Heart and Soul by Ally Nicole, and makeup was provided by Hannah Roland. Lizzie Bowman served as the bride’s proxy during the rehearsal.
The groom’s attendants included best man, John Warren, and groomsmen Hayden Cotton, Matt Eddy, Jarrett Green, Patrick Steward, Patrick Watts, Hunter Warren, and Grant Warren. All wore traditional black tuxes provided by Tuxes Too.
Program attendants were Ryan, AJ, and Emelie Duncombe. A string trio provided by Babcock String Studio provided music of classical hymns prior to the ceremony. “Air on G” was played for the seating of the mothers, and “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” accompanied the attendants’ procession. A trumpet fanfare played by Ben Bullock formally announced the bride as she was
escorted down the aisle by her father to “Bridal Chorus.” During the ceremony, organist Carol Durham played as the Reverand and Mrs. Ross Johnson sang “Holy, Holy, Holy.” While Mrs. Johnson sang “The Lord’s Prayer,” the couple participated in communion to symbolize the beginning of their marriage centered around Christ. At the ceremony’s conclusion, the bride and groom recessed as the “Wedding March” filled the sanctuary.
After the ceremony, guests were invited to Old Capitol Inn for a ballroom reception. Stunning all-white arrangements designed by Fresh Cut Catering and Floral filled the room, and floral runners and toppers adorned the tables accented by dramatic candles and uplighting. Symphony music played while waiters circulated with enticing hors d’oeuvres and signature drinks of the bride and groom, hers a Margarita and his an Old Fashioned.
The musical entertainment for the evening was provided by One Nation Party Band of Atlanta, Georgia, who played “Old Fashioned” by Ceelo Green as they announced the entrance of the bride and groom to share their first dance as husband and wife.
Guests enjoyed the bride’s and groom’s cakes designed and prepared by For Heavens Cakes and Catering. The bride’s cake was a traditional five-tier confection with alternating layers of vanilla with Bailey’s filling and strawberry with strawberry filling. The groom’s cake was a two-tier round classic cake filled with chocolate chips, to the chocolate filling and icing, to the garnish of fresh chocolate-covered strawberries. Before cutting the cakes, the couple shared a champagne toast with sparkling Waterford toasting flutes, a gift from the bride’s aunt.
As guests gathered outside for the couple’s farewell, the newlyweds enjoyed a final dance together as the band played their favorite song, “Biblical,” by Callum Scott. They then departed beneath a tunnel of sparklers and were whisked away in a vintage 1970 Cutlass driven by Sonny Kullman of Jackson.
After honeymooning in the Tennessee mountains, the couple resides in the Jackson area.
Gavin Snyder Events served as wedding coordinator and event planner. Eric and Jamie Photo captured the wedding day while Frameblender Films served as the videographer. Davaine Lighting transformed the ballroom with lighting and rentals. VIP Limo provided transportation on the wedding day for the wedding party. Fresh Ink curated invitations and personalized napkins, cups, and koozies for guests to enjoy.
Book & Bennett Wedding�
SIMSBORO, LOUISIANA | OCTOBER 26, 2024
Bailey Lynn Book of Monterey, Louisiana, and Clayton “Jake” Bennett of Columbia, Louisiana, were married on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at six o’clock in the evening at Bella Rouge in Simsboro, Louisiana, with Pastor Jeremy Kent officiating the doublering ceremony. Bailey is the daughter of George and TeLina Book and the granddaughter of the late Walter “Pete” Wheeler and Linda Wheeler and the late Tilton Book and Jeanette Book, all of Monterey. Jake is the son of Clay and Cindy Bennett and grandson of the late Glen Vinson and Kay Vinson, all of Columbia, Louisiana.
As guests arrived at the secluded venue that burst with rolling hills and wide-open spaces, the circular drive was lined with large photos of the bride and groom, each photo in a gold frame accented with a large, ivory satin bow. The venue’s double front doors were adorned with large gold crests of a J & B, the combined initials of each of the couple’s first names; the crests were made by Village Wood Designs. The foyer featured the couple’s guest book, welcoming sign, and memory table for the bride’s grandfather. The aisle was lined with ivory satin bows, and the couple exchanged vows in front of a wall of floor-toceiling windows that overlooked the rolling hills.
Escorted by her father, the bride wore a Soterro and Midgley gown and overskirt with a custom twelvefoot, royal-length veil. Her strapless, ivory bridal gown featured an exquisite illusion neckline with pearls trickling down, corset detailing, and a cathedral-length train. She wore a dramatic, cathedral-length overskirt with heavily beaded pearls, ivory elbow-length leather gloves, and pearl earrings. Her bridal bouquet featured a large assortment of long-stemmed fresh roses and baby’s breath.
Attending the bride as matrons of honor were Charley Robbins and Presley Vanderslice. Bridesmaids were Lauren LaForge, Anna Claire Hemphill, Sydney Banks, Whitney Lambert, Emily Norman, Anna Clae Bennett, and Monica Campbell with the flower girl being McCoy Robbins. Attending the groom as best man was Hayden Lee. Groomsmen were Grant Andries, Collin Neal, Sterling Balzer, Darian Romero, Nick Vinson, Trey Book, Gavin Burch, and Ben Vanderslice with the ring bearer being Brody Russell.
The bridal party wore matching cognac-colored gowns designed by The Dessy Group from Bella Bridesmaids with matching pearl heels and pearl jewelry gifted to them from the bride. The groom, groomsmen, and the bride’s father wore black Vera Wang tuxedos from Men’s Warehouse.
Unveiled Radiance of West Monroe, Louisiana, captured the couple’s engagement photos, bridal portraits, wedding ceremony, and reception. Donnie Hudson of Shreveport, Louisiana captured the entire weekend as the couple’s videographer. MaCee Crouch of Natchez, Mississippi, was the makeup artist for the bride and her mother, as well as the hairstylist for the bride, bride’s mother, and bridal party. Lauren Nowell of Monroe, Louisiana, was makeup artist for bridal party. Music for the ceremony was provided by Jessica and Bryan Lamb of Columbia, Louisiana, and Charles Digiulian of Monroe, Louisiana.
The bride’s grand entrance began with her father going up the venue’s staircase and opening French doors to present her to their guests. During the presentation, the violinist played “Goodness of God.” Both the bride and groom wrote the vows that they recited to each other. Then the bride, groom, and their parents gathered for prayer over the couple.
Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at Bella Rouge. Guests were invited to the lawn for a pre-reception that included hors d’oeuvres and lawn games. Reception activities included a photo booth by Toast & Tango of Monroe, Louisiana, wedding guest favors painted by artist Tina Turnbow of Alexandria, Louisiana, and drinks served by a local coffee truck, Grit+Grind 318 of Oak Grove, Louisiana. Catering the event was Creative Catering of West Monroe, Louisiana. Once dinner was served, the band Fly by Radio from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, provided live music for dancing and entertainment. The event was coordinated by Sarah Reed, and the wedding designer/decorator was Rebecca Wheeler, both of Monterey, Louisiana.
The bride’s table featured a pearl overlay cloth as the setting for a five-layer wedding cake topped with a large gold J&B crest; Debbie Hudson designed and made the cake. Behind the table was a white feather wall with a large gold crest hanging in the center. The groom’s cake was a multi-tiered cookie cake with a deer-hunting theme.
The couple departed the celebration with a bubble send-off for their honeymoon in Turks and Caicos.
Jake graduated from Caldwell Parish High School and Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Economics, and he works at Caldwell Bank & Trust. Bailey graduated from Monterey High School and the University of Louisiana Monroe College of Pharmacy with a doctorate degree in Pharmacy, and she works at Village Pharmacy.
The couple is now at home in Columbia, Louisiana.
Daye & Russell Wedding�
NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI | MARCH 2, 2024
On Saturday, March 2, 2024, in a small, intimate ceremony with family and friends, Kaelin Ann Daye and Sean Austin Russell were married at Oakwood Plantation, the ancestral home of the bride’s family in the Kingston community just outside of Natchez, Mississippi.
The bride is the daughter of Senator Melanie Sojourner of Natchez, Mississippi, and Holly and Derek Daye of Tolar, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Sandra and Jackie M. Sojourner, and Penny and Donald L. Daye. The groom is the son of Teri Nicole “Nikki” Britt and Stuart Shaifer, and Destin and Benjamin “Benjie” Russell, all of Natchez, Mississippi. He is the grandson of Charlotte Britt, Virgil Bolyer, and Cassie and Alva Benjamin Russell.
The ceremony, officiated by Brother Glen Roberts, took place one month shy of the two-hundredth anniversary of the first wedding ever held at Oakwood. That ceremony in 1824 was of the bride's fourth-greatgrandparents, Hardy and Missouri Thomas Sojourner, who were married ten years after Hardy purchased the property in 1814.
The bride was escorted on horseback from the family's home to a water-side ceremony by her grandfather, Jack Sojourner, on horses provided by the Carter family of Double C Ranch. The bride was handed off to her father, who then walked her halfway down the aisle and handed her to Dayne Daye, her brother, who walked her the rest of the way. This progression allowed all the important men in the bride's heart to play a role. The couple’s son, Justin Russell, and the groom's niece, Grace Russell, walked down the aisle ahead of the bride, with Justin carrying a sign that read, “Daddy, it’s time to give mama our last name.” The groom's brother, Joseph “Joey” Russell, stood near the end of the aisle with the rings and then handed them to the couple's son once he was at his father's side. The couple shared tears and hand-written vows in a heartfelt and genuinely emotional exchange.
The bride wore an enchanting wedding dress, an Eddy K. design, that exuded timeless elegance. The gown, sourced by Magnolia Mariee Bridal Boutique of Natchez, featured a delicate sweetheart neckline with off-the-shoulder lace straps and transitioned into a fitted bodice adorned with intricate soft shimmering lace appliqués that trailed down the waist to the full tulle a-line skirt adding a touch of subtle sparkle. She wore
a matching veil and cowboy boots that were a gift from her mother. The bride carried a silver sixpence in her boot, a seventeenth-century tradition.
A diamond horseshoe necklace was the bride’s “something old,” a gift from her paternal grandfather to her grandmother, Penny Daye, when the bride’s father was a contestant in the 1994 National Finals Rodeo. Her “something new” was a pair of earrings from A Gallerie, a boutique owned by the bride in downtown Natchez. Her “something borrowed” was a Scottish pin, an heirloom passed down through many generations of the groom’s family; it was attached in her bouquet provided by O’ So Pretty Flowers of Natchez. Her “something blue,” gifted by dear friends, was a bracelet featuring a blue butterfly that included a photo of the couple’s late son, Wyatt Russell.
The bride was assisted throughout the day by her dearest friend, Sarah Godbold Cangemi; and her hair and makeup were done by local artist Macee Crouch. Stacy Landers Photography beautifully captured the ceremony. Music played during the bride's horseback ride to the ceremony was “Ashokan Farewell” by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, and the bride walked down the aisle to “Salvation” by Gabrielle Aplin.
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to an intimate reception at the bride's family home at Oakwood built in 1836 and beautifully restored by her Uncle Dwight and Aunt Virginia Sojourner Harrigan in 1986. Guests enjoyed a gumbo meal prepared by the groom's stepmother, Destin Russell, and a three-tier semi-naked cake designed by Misty Lee with the top two layers being strawberry and the bottom layer being chocolate. The couple's cake table featured a cake topper from the fiftieth-anniversary cake of the bride’s maternal grandparents, and the cake was served using silver passed down for many generations by the bride's family.
Laughter and joy echoed across the hillside and throughout the home as guests shared the evening with the couple. They watched the couple’s first dance to the song “Then” by Brad Paisley, a selection chosen by the groom. The bride and her father danced to “When She Grows Up” by Craig Campbell. The groom and his mother danced to “Her Little Man” by Jami Grooms, and the groom and his stepmother danced to “Step by Step” by Brandon Davis. The occasion was beautiful and intimate, an experience that everyone will remember! The couple will be living in Natchez, Mississippi.
Urbaniak & Sandel Wedding�
BAY
LAKE, FLORIDA | SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
It was a wedding that would forever be etched in the hearts of everyone who attended, a magical celebration of love, family, and cherished moments. On September 28, 2024, Ashley Nicole Urbaniak and William Lawrence Sandel began their lifelong journey together surrounded by close family and friends at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion in Bay Lake, Florida.
The bride, raised in Freehold, New Jersey, is the daughter of Dennis Gerard Urbaniak and Diane Elizabeth Urbaniak and the granddaughter of Robert Ransom and Ann Ransom. She looked radiant as she walked down the aisle wearing a custom-designed Demetrios gown, her hair braided with flowers, and her veil cascading like a dream behind her. Her bouquet, a beautiful arrangement of white roses, blue delphinium, and blue hydrangeas with delicate pearl accents, reflected the serene elegance of the day. She was preceded by her beautiful bridesmaids, Loeke Sakkers, Kyrstiane Urbaniak, Alyssa Urbaniak, Krista Urbaniak, Shelby Ransom, Mackenzie Clark, Lauren Seyfferth, and Caleigh Newell. Proudly escorting her was her father, who beamed with love as he gave his daughter away.
The groom, William, or Will as his friends and family call him, stood at the altar, his heart full of anticipation. A man with roots in Natchez, Mississippi, he is the son of Henry Adrian Sandel III and Lisa Gaudet Sandel, and the grandson of Henry Adrian Sandel II and Joan Sandel, Ed and Mary Jane Gaude, and Katie Watson. He was attended by his groomsmen—Evan Webber, Joseph Weadock, Roderick Givens, Jr., Wyatt Boothe, Christian Jenkins, Andrew Hyde, and Austin Noland—each one a testament to Will’s strong bonds of friendship and family. The love and admiration in their eyes for Will was unmistakable as they stood by his side on that unforgettable day.
The ceremony, officiated by Stan Buckley, was a blend of tradition and personal touches. One of the most touching moments came when Ashley’s father stood before the guests and delivered a biblical reading. It was a moment of connection and emotion as he honored the couple by reading a passage from 1 Corinthians.
Ashley and Will’s ceremony also included a special unity ritual—one that would forever symbolize their shared history and individual paths. In a sand ceremony, they poured sands from their home states—Wildwood, New Jersey, for Ashley, and the Second Creek in Natchez, Mississippi, for Will—creating a beautiful blend of colors and memories that represented their
union. The sound of the soft Disney organ music filled the air; and the couple exchanged vows, each word echoing the depth of their commitment to one another.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests made their way to Disney’s Grand Floridian Ballroom for the reception. It was a stunning venue with its grand chandeliers and timeless elegance. As the Orlando Dueling Pianos began to play, the energy in the room shifted to one of exuberance and excitement.
The bride and groom’s first dance was one of the most anticipated moments of the night. Ashley had choreographed their routine; and the couple moved effortlessly across the dance floor, their love evident in every step. The reception also featured a stunning threetiered wedding cake, adorned with cascading pearls and topped with a white chocolate Cinderella Castle.
At the end of the night, golden streamers filled the air, creating a spectacular ending to the evening. Guests joined in the festivities, dancing and celebrating the newly-weds’ happiness. It was a celebration that perfectly encapsulated the couple's love story—a love that was just as magical as the setting itself.
Before the wedding day, there were special moments spent with family and friends. On September 27, 2024, a welcome brunch at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort gave the family and wedding party a chance to enjoy one another’s company in true Disney style. That evening, the wedding party gathered at the New York Beer Project in Winter Garden, Florida, for a rehearsal dinner.
After the wedding, the couple embarked on their honeymoon, spending three days at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, before heading to the romantic Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora for eight nights of paradise. It was the perfect way to begin their life together, a blend of adventure, relaxation, and, of course, a little Disney magic.
As they returned home to Kissimmee, Florida, to start their new life together, Ashley and Will reflected on their wedding day—a celebration of not only their love for each other but also the love and support they received from their families and friends. The day had been filled with cherished memories that would last a lifetime, from the vows they exchanged to the golden streamers that marked the night’s end. The magic of Disney, the strength of family, and the joy of a love shared by two souls will carry them through the years ahead.
Scroggins & Wells Engagementm
NUPTIALS OCTOBER 4, 2025 | NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI
Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Scroggins of Natchez, Mississippi, announce the engagement of their daughter, Amber Nicole Scroggins, to Mason Alexander Wells, son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wells of Natchez, Mississippi.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Burl Roberts of Vidalia, Louisiana, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Scroggins of Natchez, Mississippi. Amber is a graduate of Adams County Christian School, Class of 2021, and is currently a senior at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Veterinary Medical Technology.
The prospective groom is the grandson of Reverend and Mrs. Dennis Lewellyn of Natchez, Mississippi; Mr. and Mrs. Glynn Pittman of Walker, Louisiana; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Launey of DeRidder, Louisiana; and the late Mr. Don Wells of DeRidder, Louisiana. Mason is a graduate of Monterey High School, Class of 2021, and is currently a senior at Mississippi State University College of Forest Resources in Forestry.
The couple will exchange vows on October 4, 2025, at Jefferson Street Methodist Church in Natchez, Mississippi.
Lee Smith, CFP™, Stephanie Smith, Emily P. Maxwell, CFP™, John C. Bergeron
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