Delta Magazine March/April 2021 Complimentary Issue

Delta

MARCH/APRIL 2021

m

a

g

a

z

i

n

e

Wedding The

ISSUE

WHEN THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON YOU...

Create memories of a lifetime If you’ve visited GRAMMY Museum ® Mississippi, we don’t have to tell you what a spectacular place it is.

And while its main purpose is celebrating the best of America’s music, it was also thoughtfully designed for events as special as yours.

With its spacious lobby, covered porch, and expansive lawn, the possibilities are endless! Plus, your guests will enjoy the Museum’s exhibits in a one-of-a-kind music-infused setting.

Contact us today to discuss the various event options available catered specifically to your needs.

FOR BOOKING INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 662.441.0100 800 Sunflower Rd., Cleveland, MS www.grammymuseumms.org

INVEST. GROW. BUILD. WITH A BANK THAT KNOWS COMMUNITY.

MEMBER FDIC • EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

4 | march/april 2021

Delta m

a

g

a

z

i

n

e

Publisher: J. Scott coopwood Editor: cindy coopwood Managing Editor: pam parker Contributing Editors: hank Burdine, maude Schuyler clay, Noel Workman, roger Stolle Digital Editor: phil Schank Consultant: Samir husni, ph.D. Graphic Designers: Sandra Goff, maggi mosco, holly ray Contributing Writers: Jim Beaugez, Bill lester, Sherry lucas, Susan marquez, angela rogalski, lucy Shackelford, Katie Tims, anne martin Vetrano Photography: rory Doyle, Kathryn Gaiennie, anne martin Vetrano Account Executives: Joy Bateman, Janice Fullen, cristen hemmins, Kristy Kitchings, Wendy mize, ann Nestler, cadey True Circulation: holly Tharp Accounting Manager: Emma Jean Thompson POSTMASTER: Send all address changes to Delta Magazine, pO Box 117, cleveland, mS 38732

ADVERTISING: For advertising information, please call (662) 843-2700 or email Delta Magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited materials or photos and in general does not return them to sender. photography obtained for editorial usage is owned by Delta Magazine and may not be released for commercial use such as in advertisements and may not be purchased from the magazine for any reason. all editorial and advertising information is taken from sources considered to be authoritative, but the publication cannot guarantee their accuracy. Neither that information nor any opinion expressed on the pages of Delta Magazine in any way constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of securities mentioned. No material in Delta Magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publication. Delta Magazine is published bimonthly by coopwood magazines, inc., 125 South court St., cleveland, mS 38732-2626. periodicals postage paid at cleveland, mS and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Delta Magazine, pO Box 117, cleveland, mS 38732-0117. Delta Magazine (USpS#022-954)

Delta Magazine is published six times a year by Coopwood Magazines, Inc. EDITORIAL & BUSINESS OFFICE ADDRESSES: Mailing Address: pO Box 117, cleveland, mS 38732 Shipping Address: 125 South court Street, cleveland, mS 38732 E-mail: publisher@deltamagazine.com editor@deltamagazine.com

deltamagazine.com Subscriptions: $28 per year ©2021 coopwood magazines, inc.

6 | march/april 2021

Send money in the moment WITH BANKPLUS AND ZELLE®

Send money straight from your smartphone to friends, family or millions of others with access to Zelle. It’s free, fast and secure with your BankPlus Mobile Banking app. Zelle sends money directly from your account to almost anyone with a U.S. bank account. Of course, Zelle also makes it easy for you to receive payments, too. Learn more at bankplus.net.

1. Transactions typically occur in minutes when the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle. 2. Must have a bank account in the U.S. to use Zelle. 3. In order to send payment requests or split payment requests to a U.S. mobile number, the mobile number must already be enrolled with Zelle. 4. Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

© Copyright 2021 BankPlus.

Member FDIC.

from the editor

Best Laid Plans he best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” wrote Scottish poet robert Burns in 1786. Fast forward 235 years and “duh” says 2021 to 2020. i mean, i thought we were through with all the upended plans, cancellations, and general chaos. Yet here i sit, homebound again working at my kitchen table (scrambling would be a more accurate description) to finish the biggest issue of the year—the Wedding issue. Why am i working from my kitchen, you ask? after all, we have been working (safely) from our office for a while, but now, however, we are enduring a massive winter storm that has basically shut down most of the Delta. Enter 2021. perhaps i should expound on my circumstances by the numbers: twelve—The temperature outside; seventy-two—Where we optimistically set our thermostat; two— Number of space heaters also running in kitchen (not counting cranking up the oven and opening the door); fifty-eight—current temp in said kitchen; one hundred nine— age of our house, by way of explanation; and four—Number of cats who slept in our den last night.

Yes, i think it’s fair to say the status quo of 2020 remains; nothing is as it should be. in fact, as i write this letter, i’m looking out at my snow-covered deck and see a stray tabby cat eating the dry, crumbled, leftover pancakes i threw out for the birds—and the birds are flocking around the extra piles of cat food scattered about. What can i say? i try to do my part. But it’s all backward!

Our daughter, home for a quick visit for the first time since returning to school after the holidays, is once again trapped at home, most likely for the week. Shades of quarantine. Don’t you know God gets tickled as he sees us frantically making plans as if we knew what awaited us around the corner? i think he’s trying to teach us something. if anyone learned a lesson or two about making plans and being flexible this past year, it’s the couples trying to plan a wedding. Talk about best laid plans. i heard story after story of nixed plans, edited guest lists, cancelled parties, and squashed expectations. it was a year of nearly empty church pews, outdoor weddings, and backyard receptions. The “i do, redo” was common, with a very small ceremony on the original date, followed by a larger reception months later. But i also heard repeatedly—regardless of the disappointments at the time—that if they had the choice, they wouldn’t change a thing.

This is a resilient bunch, and they all learned a great deal about what really matters in the long run. So it seems Burns was right—plans do often go awry—but sometimes it’s for the best. in closing, here’s one more number for you: forty-three—The number of couples in our 2021 Wedding Showcase! We can’t wait to share their extraordinary stories with you. DM

RORY DOYLE

“T

Cindy Coopwood Editor Running with Scott through a rain of rice as we make our getaway from our December 1989 wedding.

8 | march/april 2021

@cindycoopwood | cindy@deltamagazine.com

contents march/april Volume 18 No. 5

COURTESY OF DELTA COUNCIL

222

SKELTON PHOTOGRAPHIE

departments

82

30 Reviews BOOKS of new releases and 34 ART Harris Fyfe:

what Deltans are reading

56

Clarksdale artist creates contemporary landscapes using muted tones and soft edges

40 MUSIC Bronwynne Brent:

217

features

46 50 72 82

“When It Ain’t Fer Ya” Spring Legion

Confessions of a seasoned turkey hunter

Hunter Farrior’s online forum for avid turkey hunters

Delta Food Trucks

Wedding Showcase Curbside never sounded so good

Gift Guide: 11 Unique wedding gift ideas, page 86 Pretty in Pink: A most unique drive-by shower, page 90 A Real Delta Wedding, page 96 A Look Back: Reader’s favorite wedding photos, page 104 Curated wedding photo showcase, page 112 Formal wedding announcements, page 154

RORY DOYLE

56 HOME Lovely and Livable: WILL JACKS

LEAH GRACE PHOTO

Musician has soul in her step on latest album, recorded at Brooklyn’s historic Daptone Studio

Indianola family respectfully blends old and new in their 1970s home

214 FOOD Host an OOTG Post-Wedding Brunch: Mix and Match recipes for the perfect menu

222 HISTORY William Faulkner:

Literary icon was influenced by time spent in the Mississippi Delta

in every issue 14 Letters 18 On the Road Where we’ve been, where we’re going next

22 Off the Beaten Path Roaming the Real and Rustic Delta

26 Hot Topics 230 Events A listing of events including concerts, festivals, and book signings

232 The Final Word ON THE COVER: Yazoo City bride, Mary Morgan Mohamed, shares a stress-free moment with her bridal party during her wedding day photo session. Photo by Patrick Remington Photography.

10 | march/april 2021

by Katie Tims

F U R N I T U R E

MISKELLY FURNITURE

|

JACKSON , MADISON

MISKELLYS . COM

&

| 601.939.6288

HATTIESBURG

Nature

at Your Doorstep Situated 15 minutes from Oxford, lakeside homesites blend seamlessly into nearly 650 acres of rolling pine forests, lakes, wetlands and trails.

Hike, boat, fish, or just kick back and relax.

Spring Land Day

1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2021 RSVP: info@splintercreekms.com

Visit Us

Contact Us

484 County Road 343 Taylor, MS 38675

+1 601.946.0143 info@splintercreekms.com

splintercreekms.com PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

LETTERS D

MS MCCARTHY PHOTOGRAPHY

HOME

John Weathersby and Franke Keating ascending from her front yard in the “Good Ship Faith”

Saving

GEORGIANNA THE STUNNING RESTORATION OF THIS TREASURED ANTEBELLUM HOME IN THE SOUTH DELTA

“Typically, when someone takes on a building like this, it’s a rehabilitation. You’re preserving it and adapting it. A restoration is different. It means doing your best to put a building back to its original use and form. That’s what Franc did with Georgianna.

And to do that, he brought in the A-team.”

– Lolly Rash, Mississippi Heritage Trust executive director

BY ALAN HUFFMAN

74 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

DELTA MAGAZINE 2021

An absolute answer to a preservationist’s prayers! What a spectacular job has been done by this new owner in his determination to restore not renovate this historic home. and let’s not forget to thank charlie Weissinger whose family held onto this home for over 100 years in hopes of finding the right person to restore it. mission accomplished.

Dannie Compton Weatherly While I own and use several of the beloved cookbooks featured in the January/February issue i was surprised that the legendary Our Delta Dining was overlooked. long out of print, this gem was produced as a fundraiser for the private school in marks.

| 75

i have a friend who i grew up with in marks who is a fabulous cook and hostess, and who swears that if she could only own one cookbook this would be it. i feel the same way. it is never loaned out not even to my dearest friends and is treated as if it were made of the finest porcelain. i love it!

Karen Vincent New Orleans, Louisiana After reading the recent article “Delta aces and Flying Wonders of mississippi” by my old friend hank Burdine, i wrote him and others: “See Delta aces. Good story by hank. i had a “chute” ride on the levee and had to run behind the car before i got lifted and had to have my legs running like a cartoon character before landing to keep from being dragged. missed the balloon ride from Bern and Franke’s yard due to

setting of the sun, a ride that i understand had to be retrieved from lake Washington.” i just had to share that memory!

Joe Weilenman Pago Pago, American Samoa Happy and Healthy New Year! You and your staff do an amazing job with Delta Magazine. i was born and raised in Shaw and have every issue—and can hardly wait for the one to arrive!

Stella Corley Chesterfield, Missouri

Delta

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

m

a

g

a

z

i

n

e

Annual Tourism Issue Public Art in the Delta FAVORITE COOKBOOKS and RECIPES

SEND COMMENTS AND LETTERS TO: editor@deltamagazine.com or Delta Magazine, PO Box 117, Cleveland, MS 38732

We’re “buzzed” about our exclusive linen hand towels, $22 each

For the Home

Find nostalgia in every item of the

Delta Magazine Gift Collection Call or come by our office to shop our gift collection at 125 South Court Street, Cleveland, 662.843.2700.

Like our official Delta Magazine Page Twitter @Delta_Mag

Instagram @deltamagazine

To subscribe, call (662) 843-2700 or visit deltamagazine.com 14 | march/april 2021

Y’all Said SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTS @deltamagazine

We Asked...

Wedding season is upon us. What is the best gift you received? And, what is your favorite gift to give?

The best gift we received was a Cuisinart handheld blender! My go-to wedding gift is a piece of McCartys pottery, of course! – Audrey Saia I love to give something the bride and groom have selected. But my favorite thing to give is a set of steak knives! – Donna Surholt The best wedding gift we received was a set of mixing bowls. Nothing special about them—they were just glass mixing bowls—but the person who gave them to us. He ran the store in our hometown and had known both of us from birth. I walked in one day not long after our wedding, and he said, “I didn’t send a gift, but I know you will use these.” Do you know I still have all three of these bowls—fortyone and a half years later! – Connie Lancaster

READER RESPONSE January-February Issue deltamagazine.com

Delta Aces and Flying Wonders of Mississippi

by Hank Burdine ~ Thank you, Uncle Red (Burdine) for the trip down memory lane. There was never a boring moment.

Great people and good times. FYI, there was actually a movie made about the 1974 Albuquerque Balloon Festival. – John Weathersby Thank you so much for this article. My brother was Wild Bill Munday and he has told me countless stories of the gorilla outfit and of the parties at Jane’s place in Taylor. Bill is in the movie that John talked about. – Ann Munday Priest Saving Georgianna by Alan Huffman ~ Love this and seeing how beautiful this house is! – Agnes Steen What a fabulous undertaking! Thank you for preserving this for Mississippi! – Penny Frazer DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 15

fields of clover

PHOTO BY FRANK MELTON

The landscape of the mississippi Delta will soon begin the process of changing colors, signifying the arrival of spring. Frank melton of cleveland captured this magical moment in a field of clover between carter road and the Yazoo river levee in Yazoo county. in it’s early flowering stage, this common plant is a colorful symbol of the shift in seasons. DM

ON THE ROAD

where we’ve been, where to go next

CANTON

British Invasion

Canton’s lively town square is the scene of the famous Canton Flea Market held annually every fall. This historic town has been the backdrop of several Hollywood movies as well. – JIM HENDRIX

TRUMANN “Yellow Submarine” spotted across the river in Arkansas. – LARRY HENDERSON

All are Welcome

PHOTO OPS & LEFLORE COUNTY

Historic Site

CLARKSDALE

Visitors come in all shapes and sizes to the Tallahatchie Flats located outside of Greenwood. – VISIT GREENWOOD

SHAW

This old shack south of Shaw on Highway 61 is a common gathering spot for locals. – BURT BROWN

18 | march/april 2021

Haven United Methodist Church where Dr. Martin Luther King once visited. – DELTA MAGAZINE

WALLS

Last S top

SUNFLOWER COUNTY

The last town traveling up Highway 61 in the Delta before arriving in Memphis. The historic trail of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto leads through DeSoto County near these tracks. – JIM HENDRIX

CLARKSDALE

Stunning sunsets are a common sight when traveling the backroads in and around the Delta. – MECHELLE GENTRY WILSON

FUNKY STOPS Roaming the real and rustic Delta

MISSISSIPPI RIVER A hallway lined with car tags greets visitors inside the Bad Apple Blues Club. – MS CLARY MOTLEY, PH.D

PURVIS

One of Quapaw Company’s vessels rests on a sandbar on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River.– VISIT CLARKSDALE

Collections and Reflections

Old store in Purvis decorated with vintage signs that are a salute to days gone by. – ED WRIGHT Instagram users, follow @deltamagazine

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 19

ON VIEW THROUGH MAY

23

Myra Green and Lynn Green Root Memorial Exhibition Series The presentation of this exhibition in Jackson, Mississippi is sponsored by:

380 SOUTH LAMAR STREET • JACKSON, MS 39201 MSMUSEUMART.ORG • @MSMUSEUMART Dusti Bongé (American, 1903-1993), The Balcony, 1943. oil on canvas, 20 x 16.

Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson. 1999.015

20 | march/april 2021

OFF THE BEATEN PATH roaming the real and rustic Delta

THE POST GALLERY AND GIFT SHOPPE A Riverside Must-See

BY ANNE MARTIN VETRANO

M

ISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY 1 RUNS SOUTH FROM HIGHWAY 49 NEAR LULA TO HIGHWAY 61, JUST SOUTH OF CARY. This famous road parallels the mississippi river passing through small towns and historic lands along the way.

One of the riverside towns found on highway 1 is rosedale, made famous in a song by blues great robert Johnson. rosedale has also been the backdrop for movies, music videos, and documentaries, which have put the spotlight on this small riverside hamlet in western Bolivar county.

There are many reasons to visit rosedale ranging from the hot tamales at the worldfamous White Front café, to accessing the mississippi river at Great river road State park and Terrene landing, and if you’re on the search for unique art and original pieces made by local craftsmen, rosedale offers this as well.

Tucked away downtown, is The post Gallery and Gift Shoppe, owned by Thad Brewer. Originally from the clarksdale area, Brewer, who has been making beautiful raku pottery since 1969, moved back to the Delta after several years away. he opened The post Gallery and Gift Shoppe to highlight area artists and to provide a great place to browse for unique local art and gifts. Brewer’s pottery, which is inspired by Delta sunsets, is featured at the gallery along with randy New’s hand-turned wooden bowls, art by Katherine pearson, mia chilles, mary Steele lawler, Joshua lindsey, Undra Williams and Johnnie Smith, unique furniture and musical instruments by David moore, pottery by leo mcGee. handmade jewelry, antiques and collectibles and a selection of books by Delta authors can also be found. Some of the locally-made food items offered in the shop are second to none. The selections in the gallery change constantly as new artists and art are featured. The post Gallery and Gift Shoppe is open Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm or by appointment.

314 Court Street, Rosedale 662.379.3270 22 | march/april 2021

The works of several Delta area artists and craftsmen are available at The Post. The Post gets its name from the old post office that used to occupy the building on Court Street in Rosedale.

VICKSBURG’S MCRAVEN HOUSE Fun, History and Maybe a Ghost or Two

BY ANGELA ROGALSKI

I

F YOU’RE LOOKING FOR FUN, history and a

few ghosts to enrich your life, Vicksburg’s mcraven house may be right up your alley. Built in three different time periods, 1797, 1836, and 1849, the house has been featured in National Geographic Magazine, LIFE Magazine, The Travel channel, 48 hours and countless other publications that deal with hauntings. highwayman andrew Glass built the first portion of the house in 1797; Sheriff Stephen howard, Vicksburg’s reigning law officer of the time, built the second portion in 1836, and the third portion of the house was built in the Greek revival style by John h. Bobb in 1849. as you can imagine, the house has quite the history to offer. Today the house is owned

by Dr. Steven and Kendra reed.

Ben Johnson, a tour guide at mcraven said there are several different tours offered: the history Tour, the haunted Tour, and a combination Tour where you can actually experience both in the same day. “mcraven house first opened up tours to the public in 1961. The history Tours are offered during the day and the haunted Tours are on Friday and Saturday nights at 7pm and at 8:30 pm.” according to legend, you may encounter any number of apparitions on your mcraven excursion, from mary Elizabeth howard, who died at a young age in 1836 shortly after childbirth, to John Bobb who built the grand Greek parlor and master Suite of mcraven.

Bobb met a tragic end and supposedly still strolls the balcony at mcraven.

For more information on tour times and tickets visit: mcraventourhome.com 1445 Harrison Street, Vicksburg 601.501.1336

The McRaven House History Tours are offered during the day and the Haunted Tours are on Friday and Saturday nights at 7 pm and at 8:30 pm.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 23

24 | march/april 2021

art wine+wheels april 30-may 2 n 2021 Art, Wine and Wheels brings together three of Ridgeland’s signature events to create one epic weekend of cultural and outdoor experiences.

Visitors can partake in the Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival, Santé South Wine Festival and the Natchez Trace Century Ride, Mississippi’s premier cycling event.

Friday Evening, April 30 - Sunday, May 2 RIDGELAND FINE ARTS FESTIVAL Friday Evening, April 30 KICK OFF PARTY Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster Band RUN NOW WINE LATER 5K Saturday, May 1 NATCHEZ TRACE CENTURY RIDE

RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI renaissance at colony park

Saturday Evening, May 1 SANTÉ SOUTH WINE FESTIVAL < RIDGELAND FINE ARTS FESTIVAL 2021 FEATURED ART

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 25

HOT TOPICS DELTANS KRISTIAN DAMBRINO AND FISH MICHIE Release Third Album, Change of Heart, to Raise Money for Nashville Youth Crisis Shelter mississippi Delta natives Kristian Dambrino and Fish michie are partnering with The Oasis center in Nashville, Tennessee, to release their third album, Change of Heart, as an online fundraiser for the only youth crisis shelter in Nashville. proceeds from the album sales will benefit homeless or displaced youth ages thirteen-seventeen who are faced with significant challenges.

Written, produced and recorded throughout the cOViD-19 pandemic, Change of Heart was engineered by Dylan alldridge at Skinny Elephant Studios in East Nashville and produced by fellow mississippian Neilson hubbard, producer of the Grammy-nominated album by mary Gauthier. michie and Dambrino recorded the entire album live over the course of two and a half days.

Written by michie and Dambrino, the new eleven-song album represents intrapersonal, spiritual and global change, exploring how pain and loss are gifts in teaching each of us more about ourselves and our capacity to empathize. The record’s emotional journey progresses from projection to growth and healing transformation. michie, influenced by James Booker, professor longhair, and mose allison, contributes gospel-piano intensity to the title track. materializing this prayer for change, michie and Dambrino released Change of Heart on march 1, 2021 as an online fundraiser for The Oasis center’s emergency shelter. Founded in 1967, the shelter is a two-week residential program that is designed to keep families together and help youth avoid state custody. During their E RORY DOYL

RORY DOYLE

1

stay, teens are able to participate in individual and family counseling, therapeutic activities and attend school at the Oasis learning center. in a typical year, the shelter serves over 150 youth, reuniting ninety-seven percent of them safely with their families. having volunteered for the organization previously, Dambrino says, “The cOViD-19 pandemic has resulted in cancellation of The Oasis center’s crucial yearly fundraiser in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Our family and friends in mississippi and around the world have shown us what true generosity is. By buying this album, you are giving these teens a chance. You are giving them hope for a future beyond this pandemic. You are making a profound change.”

To donate or buy the album, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-oasis-center.

GLO PALS Mississippi Children’s Toys Lighting the Way to Sesame Street Glo pals are lighting the way to Sesame Street from their hometown of Starkville, miss. Two young alumni of mississippi State University’s entrepreneur center, hagan Walker and anna Barker, created Glo pals using innovative technology that brightens children’s lives through award-winning sensory toys that light up in water. inspired by a mother who discovered the light-up technology helped calm her autistic son during bath time, Glo pals are now welcoming two new friends into the family —Sesame Street’s Julia, a muppet with autism; and Elmo, everyone’s favorite furry red monster.

The new characters will be introduced during National autism awareness month as part of Sesame Street’s “See amazing in all children” autism initiative.

Since launching Glo pals in 2015, Walker and Barker have sold more than three million products worldwide. The company donates a portion of its profits to the Blair E. Batson hospital for children, a part of children’s of mississippi in Jackson.

2

To learn more, visit glopals.com. Facebook: Glo Pals, Instagram: @glopals 26 | march/april 2021

GREENWOOD GRAVEL GRIND Back Roads Biking Challenge Delta gravel roads tell many a story but for bike riders, the tale is one of competition. Each april, the Third annual Greenwood Gravel Grind (G3) combines the gravel roads and carroll county hills for an adventure all its own—but the stories can be told and retold. Sponsored by the Greenwoodleflore county chamber of commerce and presenting sponsor, indian cycle, the event takes place on Saturday april 17.

This year’s starting point will be the Greenwood airport to ensure rider more gravel than pavement than in years past. regular registration is $55 and is $65 after march 19. riders can also register in person from 1-6 pm on Friday april 16 at the chamber office.

There will be no ride Day entries allowed. For more information, contact the chamber via email at info@greenwoodms.com. all riders will receive a custom G3 windbreaker jacket (foldable hood, water repellant, zippered chest pocket), a choice of two new routes (50k or 100k), a well-supported ride with six SaG vehicles, rest stops and a post-ride “hang at the hangar” party with generous foods and beverages to enjoy.

3

as presenting sponsor, indian cycle is underwriting the 2021 G3/BBB Bike raffle.

This is a joint raffle with our sister ride, Bikes Blues & Bayous, so the prize drawing will be held at BBB in Greenwood on august 7, 2021. greenwoodgravelgrind.com, Instagram: @greenwoodgravelgrind

YAZOO YAUPON TEA There’s a New Tea in the Delta The Delta arts District llc, founded by entrepreneur and clarksdale native, Oliver luckett, has recently created a band of tea that will be sold under the Yazoo Yaupon brand.

There are two flavors of tea at the moment: Delta chai and Delta Brew.

The Yaupon holly tree produces naturally caffeinated leaves that have been used for thousands of years by indigenous people in what is now the the Southeastern United States. Yaupon leaves and water were thought to purify the body and mind and produce a natural energy for the drinker, and many indigenous people used it as a daily drink. luckett, who recently moved back to clarksdale from iceland, found out the plant was endemic to the clarksdale area and along with the help of friends, including the Yaupon Brothers company in Edgewater, Florida and other partners, moved on the idea of starting a Yaupon farm. “it’s North america’s only caffeinated plant,” luckett says. “it was basically eradicated by the East india British Tea company, but what we’ve done is work with a tissue culture lab in Florida that has resurrected the plant. We have now built 1,500 clones of the plant and have planted the largest Yaupon Tree farm in four-hundred years.”

The farm is set up as a maze spanning nearly two acres of land generously donated by Bill luckett, Oliver’s father and former mayor of the town, luckett is also is on the board of the Delta arts District, located in clarksdale. The Yazoo Yaupon brand is currently being sold at meraki roasting co. in downtown clarksdale, or can be ordered online from their website: www.merakiroasting.com

4

Facebook: YazooYaupon, Instagram: @yazoo.yaupon DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 27

28 | march/april 2021

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 29

BOOKS

Buzzworthy Comments

In An Enemy’s Country by Jim Fraiser (xxxxxxxx) “in an Enemy’s country is a striking addition to Fraiser’s already impressive mixture of fiction and historical texts. With ematic ties to famous thrillers like e Da Vinci code, this novel stands tall with an intriguing premise, an explosively entertaining protagonist, off-the-cuff historical references...(the dialogue and its compulsive readability. as the courtroom climate heats up, assistant U.S. attorney Ferguson must do all he can to expose a domestic terrorist threat that has long existed in the shadows, and protect both his family and his country from a radicalized revolutionary madman. “But, arguably what really gives this stroy its drive is (the protagonist’s Ferguson’s) love for his son and daughter, a troubled family dynamic made more complex by the early death of the children’s mother and the anxieties that begin to plague (the daughter). By including such a realistic portrayal of a family’s life and daily struggles, Frasier has created a novel that it is at once breathtaking and hauntingly resonant in its truthfulness.” (Special/Dm Staff )

Jim Fraiser

o Kevin Cox, Owner of Radio Cleveland Cleveland, Mississippi

The Years of Lyndon Johnson Series by robert caro. These books detail the america that Johnson grew up in and how that shaped his rise to power in both the Senate and to the White house. They are a very detailed history of early to mid 20th century that spotlight how events then shaped our world today. i am anxiously awaiting the final book in the series.

Before She Disappeared by Lisa Gardner (Penguin Publishing Group) From #1 New York Times bestselling author lisa Gardner, a propulsive thriller featuring an ordinary woman who will stop at nothing to find the missing people that the rest of the world has forgotten. Frankie Elkin is an average middle-aged woman, a recovering alcoholic with more regrets than belongings. But she spends her life doing what no one else will--searching for missing people the world has stopped looking for. When the police have given up, when the public no longer remembers, when the media has never paid attention, Frankie starts looking. Frankie will stop at nothing to discover the truth, even if it means the next person to go missing could be her. (Special/Dm Staff )

o Marilyn Hill, Retired Birmingham, Alabama

Lisa Gardner

Breaking Blockade by Charles D. Ross (University Press) On april 16, 1861, president abraham lincoln issued a blockade of the confederate coastline. The largely agrarian South did not have the industrial base to succeed in a protracted conflict. What it did have—and what England and other foreign countries wanted—was cotton and tobacco. industrious men soon began to connect the dots between confederate and British needs. as the blockade grew, the blockade runners became quite ingenious in finding ways around the barriers. Boats worked their way back and forth from the confederacy to Nassau and England, and everyone from scoundrels to naval officers wanted a piece of the action. Filled with intrigue, drama, and colorful characters, this is an important civil War story that has not yet been told. (Special/Dm Staff )

A Discovery of Witches

by Deborah Harkness

o Brenda Grubb

A Time for Mercy

by John Grisham

o Anita Grossman Horn The Patrick Melrose Series

by Edward St. Aubyn

o Michelle Tarsi

Nick

by Michael Farris Smith 30 | march/april 2021

An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy by robert Dallek. i have always been a history buff and fascinated with Kennedy and the mystery and uncertainty that still surrounds his death. This book takes a look at the strengths, but also the weaknesses of the man who was taken from us all too soon. o Beth Foley Barnes, Business Development Specialist Greenwood, Mississippi

Charles D. Ross

For the Record Books Delta Magazine fans are currently reading

o Roxie Lott Real

We asked Facebook friends and Delta Magazine Fan Page Group members to share with us their favorite book written about a US President

o Kevin James

1984

by George Orwell

o Vernon Shelton

Land

by Simon Winchester

o Margaret Mallette

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

by Kim Michele Richardson

o Mickey D. Reynolds

Empire of the Summer Moon

by S.C. Gwynne

The President is Missing by James patterson and Bill clinton. The fun of this book is the behind the scenes insight into the day to day activities in a president’s life. patterson is a master at keeping the mystery moving along while clinton provides intrigue.

o Leighton Miller Dixie

by Curtis Wilkie

o Becky Smith

Five Presidents

by Clint Hill

o Mary McKenzie Thompson Deacon King Kong

by James McBride

o Robert M. Lowry

What Waits for You

by Joseph Schneider

Where I Come From by Rick Bragg (Knopf) From the best-selling, pulitzer prize-winning author of All Over but the Shoutin’ and The Best Cook in the World, a collection of irresistible columns from Southern Living and Garden & Gun celebrated author and newspaper columnist rick Bragg brings us an ode to the stories and history of the Deep South, filled with “eclectic nuggets about places and people he knows well” (USA Today) and written with honesty, wit, and deep affection. a collection of wide-ranging and endearingly personal columns—from Bragg’s love of Tupperware (his mother preferred margarine tubs and thought Tupperware was “just showing off”) to the decline of country music, from the legacy of harper lee to the metamorphosis of the pickup truck to the best way to kill fire ants—Where I Come From is a book that will be treasured by fans old and new. (Special/Dm Staff) A WIld Winter Swan by Gregory Maguire (Harper Collins) after brilliantly reimagining the worlds of Oz, Wonderland, Dickensian london, and the Nutcracker, the New York Times bestselling author of Wicked turns his unconventional genius to hans christian andersen’s “The Wild Swans,” transforming this classic tale into an italianamerican girl’s poignant coming-of-age story, set amid the magic of christmas in 1960s New York.

Following her brother’s death and her mother’s emotional breakdown, laura now lives on the Upper East Side of manhattan, in a lonely townhouse she shares with her old-world, strict, often querulous grandparents. But the arrangement may be temporary. The quiet, awkward teenager has been getting into trouble at home and has been expelled from her high school for throwing a record album at a popular girl who bullied her. When christmas is over and the new year begins, laura may find herself at boarding school in montreal. (Special/Dm Staff )

W WHER WHERE WHE H YOUR YO Y YOU E EQU EQUIPMEN EQUIPMENT EQUI EQUIP EQUIPME EQUIPM Q IS I AS RELIABLE AS RELIAB RELIA R RE REL RELI RELIABL AS A YO ARE. YOU A AR ARE EQUIPM E NT FI N A N C I N G

C LE VE LA N D

C LA RKS DA LE

MS LA N DBA N K.C O M

Conversations with Dana Gioia edited by John Zheng (University Press) conversations with Dana Gioia is the first collection of interviews with the internationally known poet and public intellectual, covering every stage of his busy, polymathic career. Dana Gioia (b. 1950) has made many contributions to contemporary american literature and culture, including but not limited to crafting a personal poetic style suited to the age; leading the revival of rhyme, meter, and narrative through New Formalism; walloping the “intellectual ghetto” of american poetry through his epochal article “can poetry matter?”; helping american poetry move forward by organizing influential conferences; providing public service and initiating nationwide arts projects such as poetry Out loud through his leadership of the National Endowment for the arts; and editing twenty best-selling literary anthologies widely used in american classrooms. Taken together, the twenty-two collected interviews increase our understanding of Gioia’s poetry and poetics, offer aesthetic pleasure in themselves, and provide a personal encounter with a writer who has made poetry matter. The book presents the actual voice of Dana Gioia, who speaks of his personal and creative life and articulates his unique vision of american culture and poetry. (Special/Dm Staff) DM DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 31

Touching lives.

Powering the future.

At Entergy Mississippi, the communities we serve are the communities we call home. That’s why we stay active and involved – because we know our responsibility reaches beyond the power grid.

So, we invest in education and industry, while developing new solutions to power tomorrow.

As a community, our successes fuel each other.

We’re all on a circuit. And together, we power life. entergybrightfuture.com

A message from Entergy Mississippi, LLC ©2018 Entergy Services, LLC All Rights Reserved.

32 | march/april 2021

YOU WANT A BETTER COMMERCIAL BANKER. REGIONS IS WHERE YOU’LL FIND ONE. EXPECT BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE THAT GOES BEYOND THE BALANCE SHEET. There will come a moment when you realize your Regions Commercial Relationship Manager is someone who will bring you a lot more than just ways to raise capital. You’ll see we’re here to demonstrate our value to you as local, knowledgeable business consultants. You’ll find we ask smart questions, listen to your answers and deliver smart solutions for your business. You’ll know we’re true partners. In that moment, you’ll realize you made the right choice.

LET’S START THE CONVERSATION TODAY. Walt Stephens | Commercial Banking 662.433.6685 | walt.stephens@regions.com

Commercial Banking | Treasury Management | Capital Markets | Wealth Management © 2020 Regions Bank. All loans and lines subject to credit approval, terms and conditions. | Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

ART

HARRIS FYFE

BY SUSAN MARQUEZ

34 | march/april 2021

CHRIS LANDAU

A Rich Life

With muted tones and soft edges, Clarksdale artist Harris Fyfe creates contemporary landscapes with an ethereal style

“I love the flat land of the Delta, where I can step into my own backyard and it looks like a painting to me.”

ARRIS FYFE LEADS A RICH LIFE IN THE PLACE SHE HAS CHOSEN AS HER HOME. YOUNG AND TALENTED, THE WORLD IS HER OYSTER. as a professional artist, she could choose to live anywhere, but her childhood memories and family roots run deep into the rich Delta soil, luring harris to make her home in a place that inspires her the most: rich, mississippi. “it’s about fifteen miles from clarksdale, and it is an important spot in my history,” she says. “Our family home sits on farmland where my dad grew up and where he actually still lives today.” harris grew up in memphis, but in the ninth grade, she moved with him to the clarksdale area. “i never really lived in clarksdale,” she explains. “i fell in love with the atmosphere in this area.” as an adult, harris has chosen to live on moon lake. “it’s surreal for me,” she says. “i love it, because i am close to my dad.” harris attended high school at lee academy in clarksdale, but her love for art dates back to elementary school. She recalls having to dress up as the person she wanted to be when she grew up and she dressed as the French impressionist painter claude monet.

H

“The way a blank canvas could be transformed and influence any mood fascinated me.” Throughout high school, harris entered art contests every year, often taking the top prize. But thinking she needed to focus on a “real career,” she investigated interior design. “it was an ‘accepted’ career path, but one where i could remain in the arts somewhat.” after graduation, harris did what others in her family had done. She went to the University of mississippi. “my family loves Ole miss!” she emphasizes. She began taking art history courses but after her junior year, despite the in-state rivalry, Fyfe transferred to mississippi State University. She switched gears and switched majors entering mSU’s interior design and fine arts program. “The first year they put you in art and drawing classes. it was a wonderful opportunity for me to get back into physical art. During that time, i stumbled across a Suzanne Kasler coffee table book that featured several different artists.” One of the artists was atlanta-based Dusty Griffith, who is known for his encaustic and mixed medium works.“i had an overwhelming sense of peace when i saw his color palette. it consumed me. i wanted to create that kind of emotion.”

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 35

A rare portrait by Fyfe shows variety in her work.

“Portraits are very time consuming, but they are also so rewarding,” says Fyfe.

Harris has recently been building her own frames, explaining, “I want a specific gilded, distressed look which I do on my own.”

36 | march/april 2021

harris lived in a tiny apartment in Starkville. “i am a pretty independent person, and i like having my own space. i worked and worked on trying to do something like Dusty Griffith and i almost burned down that little apartment about five times while trying to figure it out!” The encaustic process involves infusing pigments into heated beeswax before transferring onto a surface, and proved to be quite tricky. apartment intact, harris finished at mississippi State with an interdisciplinary degree with concentrations in fine arts and interior design. She says she uses her interior design knowledge mainly in her own home. around 2015, harris began selling work to her friends. “i also sold some of my encaustic pieces at the Juke Joint Festival in clarksdale,” she says. as her work has progressed, she also learned to paint with oils. “That was necessary for the resin and wax encaustics. i fell in love with the luminosity of it.” although her work is considered contemporary, harris truly is a young artist with an old soul. her style is very ethereal, using a muted color palette and soft edges that give her works the feeling of a misty morning. “Where i live inspires me. it has an ethereal feel. i love the flat land of the Delta, where i can step into my own backyard and it looks like a painting to me. i like the tranquility of a muted color palette, i guess because it is so calm and soothing to me, much like the Delta landscapes.”

While she has done some portrait work, harris says she does not label herself as a portrait artist. “portraits are very time consuming, but they are also so rewarding,” she says, explaining that she enjoys the freedom in working with landscapes. “i can change colors and add details at my whim. i love painting landscapes the best.”

perhaps harris enjoys landscapes so much because she prefers to be outside. “i am outdoors as much as possible. i take photos of things i want to paint.” harris usually has her two dogs in tow. “i have two beautiful golden retrievers, and they are my life! i take them with me everywhere i go. i drive with my windows down in my white Tahoe, and they love it.” much of harris’s work is by commission. “actually, i’ve had no time this past year to really create on my own. if it were up to me, i would do something different every day. But for now, i am enjoying the process. i am learning every day.” harris has also been building a lot of her own frames. “i used a miter saw at first, but i asked for a table saw for christmas. The frames are an important part of the art. it all goes together, and i want a specific gilded, distressed look which i do on my own.” She also has paintings in custom-cut acrylic pieces. “i love that look. and i really love mixing the old with the new.” harris’s studio is in a guest house behind her home. “i am currently in the process of renovating the studio. i want to feel more inspired.” She has painted the door to the studio olive green to match the ivy wall outside. “i have been finding a lot of inspiration in the European aesthetic.” it has been said that to do what you love means you will never work a day in your life. harris Fyfe loves what she does, and feels she is richly blessed to live where she does. “One way or another, it seems we all go back to our roots. i’m sure glad i decided to live here.” and if she could go back and talk to her twelve-yearold self dressed as monet in elementary school, she would tell her, “Wow! i did it! i took a few detours, but that led me to where i am today. God is so good!” DM DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 37

38 | march/april 2021

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 39

ZACK SMITH

MUSIC

40 | march/april 2021

BRONWYNNE BRENT

BREAKS OUT

Brooklyn’s historic Daptone puts soul in her step on latest album, ‘Undercover’

BY JIM BEAUGEZ

reenville, Mississippi native Bronwynne Brent has recorded at the legendary Daptone studio in New York, performed on BBC television and radio, and was named Female Performer of the Year by Americana UK twice. Not bad for an artist who never intended to have a music career in the first place.

G

“i kinda was just doing it for a hobby, because i know it’s such a competitive business,” says Brent from her current home in Bay St. louis, mississippi. a chance meeting with a music promoter from Scotland at the 2014 Folk alliance conference in Kansas city changed all that. She has toured in the U.K. every year since, playing pubs and arts centers supported by a growing fan base. in fact, she played her last prepandemic concert there on march 16, 2020 before flying home after the rest of her tour was canceled.

To say Brent grew up in a musical family is an understatement. her two older sisters—blues singer and pianist Eden Brent and country artist Jessica Brent—both have music careers of their own. music was a big part of the Brent family; the sisters once recorded an album of songs, in three-part harmony, that their mother used to sing to them.

While her sisters went headlong into pursuing musical careers, Bronwynne’s own path to music was less direct. She took some piano and classical guitar lessons in high school but never really practiced.

She only committed to playing her acoustic guitar after she fell under

the spell of singer-songwriters like Neil Young and Joni mitchell.

“Those are probably some of the first songs i learned—James Taylor, Kris Kristofferson, Jackson Browne,” she says. “and i guess as i got older i started listening to even older music, like Fats Waller and Esther phillips. more jazz and soul.” playing coffee shops in hattiesburg while attending the University of Southern mississippi, she honed her set and landed her first regular gig playing at the weekly Farmer’s market in Ocean Springs. a move to Nashville in the early aughts to live with her sister pushed Brent closer to the music business. She picked up some of Jessica’s folk-guitar playing style and started playing gigs and openmic and songwriters’ nights in the city. “i had a lot of songs i’d written, but i think i was still developing

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 41

JOHN ASHTON

For several years now, Mississippi Delta native Bronwynne Brent’s music has reached people far and wide, and she has received much critical praise from the larger media outlets throughout the U.S.

my sound so i didn’t want to make a record,” she says. “Not that i didn’t think i could do it. The timing just wasn’t right. i waited until i felt i was ready.”

She eventually recorded her debut album, Deep Black Water, in austin in 2011, and then moved to the hill country west of the Texas music capital. The album was a solid collection of her strong americana-folk rock material, but still she found it difficult to break through in the city’s music scene.

“That town is so saturated with musicians, it’s hard to get heard,” she says. “Every place has music seven days a week.”

Brent cut her 2014 release, Stardust, in Seattle with John 42 | march/april 2021

convertino of calexico on drums and Johnny Sangster, who has worked with indie-rock royalty such as Neko case, mudhoney and mark lanegan, behind the mixing board. Expanding on the roots rock Brent explored on her debut, Stardust casts a broader tent, veering from Fleetwood mac territory to bewitching Tex-mex and noir melodies driven by her one-of-a-kind voice, at turns soothing and sharp as a razor’s edge.

But when Brent showed up to the Daptone house of Soul in the prospect heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, in July 2018 to record Undercover, another side of her came out—the one that reveres Sister rosetta Tharpe, The ink Spots and Bobby

Brent performing at one of the many outdoor festivals she frequents.

Womack. recording in the same place where Sharon Jones and amy Winehouse both cut historic albums, Brent once again teamed with Sangster, who brought in the rhythm section from memphis garage rockers reigning Sound to give the songs a vintage r&B vibe.

The music wasn’t the only thing hot about the sessions, though. recorded in the dead of summer, they had to turn off the window ac units when they were laying down tracks. “i was like, ‘i can’t believe i came all the way to New York and it’s as hot as the Delta, or maybe even hotter,’” laughs Brent.

The songs were built around Brent and her guitar and recorded live to tape on an old eight-track reel-to-reel machine, instead of using computers like those used to record most modern albums.

“The band was exceptionally tight,” she says, “and most of the songs were cut in one or two takes.” The final result reframed her songs with a sassy, swinging backbeat and classic soul horns and keys. “it was completely Johnny’s idea [to record at Daptone],” says Brent, who nonetheless was growing weary of being cast as a folkie. “it was not my vision to go there, and a lot of people were afraid it might change my sound—and the sound is different, but they’re still my songs.”

The album also includes two cover songs, a take on chuck Willis r&B classic “Whatcha Gonna Do When Your Baby leaves You” and the Jacques Brel ballad “if You Go away.”

Brent traces her love of soul, blues and r&B back to Greenville and the Delta, where much of her family still lives. Going to the mississippi Delta Blues and heritage Festival and seeing hometown artists like B.B. King play for crowds of people from all over made a strong impression on her.

“Being able to hear Son Thomas from leland—there was just a lot of music happening when i was growing up,” she says. “i don’t feel like i took it for granted, but i did think it was always going to

be around. We’ve lost a lot of people; a lot of the musicians have died. So, i guess it’s still a good place to be writing the blues.”

Today, Brent lives a slow-paced life on the mississippi Gulf coast, a mere hour’s drive from New Orleans, another of her favorite music towns. She spends a good deal of time working on her music, waiting for the pandemic to recede so she can get back to touring. “i wouldn’t say that i’ve finished any [songs], but i have started things,” she says. “i was thinking about doing a bossa nova album,” a style she has been learning from a collaborator in Scotland who is originally from Brazil. “But as time goes on,” she adds, “you get interested in other things. i love all different kinds of music—but i did write one bossa nova song.” DM DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 43

44 | march/april 2021

103 Courthouse Square Oxford,Mississippi

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 45

“When It Ain’t Fer Ya” CONFESSIONS OF A SEASONED TURKEY HUNTER

46 | march/april 2021

BY BILL LESTER

HE YEAR WAS 1994, the month was April, the season was turkey.

Homer Luckett, a long-time friend and turkey hunting companion, had invited me down to Valley Park to the hunting camp his grandfather had started with a group of other men in 1947 named Po Luck. it was part of a large

T

block of woods called Delta Wildlife and Forestry, inc. The other camps that were part of the block were parker Gary, Thornton, and Greasy Bayou. The call came mid-afternoon. “We can get there before they go to roost if we hurry.” i was hurried. i gathered up my stuff and looked at my remington auto model 1100. it could stand a cleaning, so i quickly took it apart for a quick wipe-down. That model has two stainless steel rings and a rubber washer that make the gas-operated bolt open and close if they are in the right

The Winchester that shot one foot to the RIGHT and the trumpet Lester used that fateful day.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 47

CLASSIC AMERICAN QUALITY.

Spicy Cornmeal Crusted Simmons Catfish

By Chef Steven Goff at the Delta Supper Club at Hopson Plantation - Clarksdale, MS.

FRESH FROM THE POND TO YOUR PLATE. SIM M ONSCAT F ISH.COM

Spa

AT THE ALLUVIAN

32 5D Howa rd St reet G reenwood, M S 662- 4 51- 670 0 t hea l l uvian.com/t he-a l l uvian-spa

48 | march/april 2021

order. i had come to the time in life where glasses were necessary but had not accepted that time had come, so i did not reassemble the rings and washer in the right order. The bolt would close, but the shotgun would not fire. my awareness of this would come later.

The afternoon light was beginning to give way to the fall of night. Then i saw them. a pair together, stepping on each step without leaving a sound. They came along an old slough that roosevelt could have hunted bears by and stopped. i raised the model 1100 slowly, pressed the safety, and thought, “i’m about to take one of homer’s turkeys. i’ll be ahead of him now.” i squeezed the trigger—nothing. my breath hung in my throat. i tried to

This is the “ain’t Fer Ya” turkey.

W. C. Lester almost killed it on the afternoon of April 9, 1994. The above made this drawing so Homer, Jim, Steve, and Boyd could see what he looked like and would not waste time trying to kill him; because as Johnny Spinosa says, “When it ain’t fer ya, it ain’t fer ya!”

– from Lester’s drawing of the elusive turkey

swallow it but could not. With no breath, i eased my pointing finger over the bolt latch and pulled back as slow as possible.

The turkeys watched and were unafraid.

The shell that i thought had misfired hung out of the receiver. With my second finger, i tried to wiggle the shell loose while still holding the bolt-latch open.

The shell fell to the ground. i released the bolt and the shell went home. The turkeys jumped but did not run off, as if they were aware of my predicament. i squeezed the trigger again—nothing. Still no breath.

Darkness came as i sat motionless. The turkeys went to roost in the slough over my head. i crawled out slowly in the dark.

Back at camp, i told the story. my gun was inspected by all and pronounced broken. at the back of the camp house was a large floor trunk that held mr. luckett’s old model 12 Winchester with a 32-inch barrel. mr. luckett, they said,

was coon hunting one night and riding a small mule that stumbled on a cypress knee and fell. The shotgun was in the scabbard as the mule and mr. luckett met the ground. mr. luckett was okay, but the shotgun barrel was bent, and they said it shot one foot to the right. a full hour before daylight, i was on my knees crawling back to the roosted turkey with the old shotgun as long as i was. as i waited, i was sure the turkeys above me could hear the thumping of my heart. Day came. The turkeys flew down.

The old shotgun had been on my knee the whole hour at the ready. i was consumed by my thumping heart. as i pulled the trigger, i could not remember in the moment if they said it shot one foot to the right or one foot to the left. i fired and pumped. i fired and pumped. i fired and pumped. The turkeys left in a great hurry taking all their feathers with them.

Back at camp, i told the story with animated detail. and when i showed them how the shell fell to the ground, the sound of the shell hitting the camp’s wooden floor brought uncontrollable laughter and some tears that went on for some minutes.

The lucketts’ long-time friend, Johnny Spinosa, was at the camp table reading the newspaper and listening. he put the newspaper down and folded his arms and said, “Sonny boy, when it ain’t fer you, it ain’t fer ya.” much tears and laughter began again. and as the years have passed, some of the hunters are gone, but the ones still here break into laughter whenever they see me. DM DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 49

Farrior after a successful hunt with Austin Sills, who helps with the Spring Legion podcasts.

Spring Legion Enjoy the chase. Embrace the challenge. Respect the bird.

BY KATIE TIMS • PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HUNTER FARRIOR

EighTy-TwO. That’s how many times that old turkey got the best of hunter Farrior. That wizened gobbler ruled his roost and the woods for miles in either direction. Blended camouflage, the perfect call, right place at the right time—hunter pulled out all his tried-and-true hunting tricks. None worked. Days, weeks, seasons.

The pursuit grew personal and the obsession real.

Eventually, failure and frustration morphed into fascination and appreciation. The old turkey gained a grudging respect from his shotgun-toting adversary, and in a way he changed hunter’s life. This was the first inkling of an idea swirling in hunter’s mind. “i knew there were others who are as obsessed as i was, who thought about turkey hunting all year long,” hunter said. “There’s a lot out there for duck hunters and deer hunters, and all-around outdoors. But there wasn’t much for turkey hunters. it’s a concentrated niche, but the people who care about it, really, really care about it.”

50 | march/april 2021

Like father, like son: Bill Farrior, showing a young Hunter one of the many turkeys he harvested back in the day.

Hunter with brother, Chase.

and from that idea, Farrior decided to develop an online forum for turkey hunters.

Thus Spring legion was born, a website that celebrates traditional hunting methods and the turkey—that fiercely intelligent gamebird that is often maligned but seldom underestimated.

Hunter, age 8.

Learning the Art hunter, 28, grew up with his parents in learned, mississippi, a small town located just a little south and west of Jackson. his father, Bill, was a postal worker who loved to hunt turkeys. Each spring, from march to may, Bill and his three sons joined the proverbial spring legion—hunters whose sole mission is to stalk the turkey, get the shot, and enjoy the bounty.

Those morning hunts were all business. “‘hurry up!’ ‘Be quiet!’ ‘put your mask on!’ i got those expressions from my dad,” hunter recalls with a laugh. “he was a little abrupt, quick to make sure i was doing the right thing because he wanted to see a turkey as much as—or more than—he wanted to maximize the father-son bonding experience. ‘We’re here for a reason, son.’ “ The brothers—hunter, chase, and Breck— developed slightly different approaches, but each learned to appreciate the challenges of hunting turkeys.

“The mindset and the obsession behind it … it’s almost uncontrollable at times,” hunter explains. “in a deer stand or a duck blind you’re stationary, you’re in one place and hoping it’s the right place. Turkey hunting is a lot more interactive. You’re actively calling to a turkey and it’s you versus nature.”

Public vs. Private after high school hunter played college football, but six concussions convinced him it was time for a change. he transferred to mississippi State University and studied agricultural economics.

Getting an education was one priority. The nearby Sam D. hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife refuge was the other.

Until then, hunter hunted turkeys mostly on private land. Noxubee, on the other hand, is public and is free-range to just about anybody with a hunting license. instead of controlled and methodical hunts alongside people he knew, hunter was just one of hundreds on opening day. it was chaos. “it’s a lot harder to turkey hunt than to deer hunt,” hunter says. “You can take anyone and put them in a deer stand—they know how to sit in a chair. But with turkey hunting, it’s an engaging pursuit more than a simple hunt. You have to practice and experience the hardships and the failures that come along with it.” it’s one thing to fail yourself. With turkey hunting, however, your failure causes hardship for all the other hunters around you.

“Turkeys are so keen!” hunter underlines, adding that the birds have excellent hearing and eyesight.

“They’re the best teachers in the woods because they’ll let you know where you messed up. They’re pretty blunt about it. When they catch on to you, there are very few second chances.” hunter didn’t get a turkey that first season at Noxubee. But he didn’t give up. “i probably spent six months just scouting around and getting boots on the ground,” hunter says. hunter studied Noxubee’s topography, memorized its trails, and DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 51

The Spring Legion leather strap hat in olive twill.

Notes and research scattered while writing chapter nine of Ballad of a Turkey Hunter—“The main message of the entire book and company,” says Farrior.

Noxubee turkey hunting spot. a month later, the guys graduated, moved on, and took their secrets with them.

Behind the scenes while recording a podcast.

hiked for days on end. he found the right places—usually ones that involved water, mud, and the disconcerting reality of water moccasins, bugs, and fire ants. “it’s more than just finding the turkeys, because there might be up to one hundred other people who are headed to the same place. i had to find the places where the other turkey hunters weren’t willing to go.” hunter had good success at Noxubee—both in the bagging of birds and the building of friendships with contemporaries who shared respect for the traditional methods. Toward the end of college, hunter and his friends got together and each revealed his favorite 52 | march/april 2021

Spring Legion hunter headed south to New Orleans and took a job managing labor at a grain elevator on the mississippi river. The job was fine.

The turkey hunting was not. after concluding that he “had not the slightest of chances for finding a wild turkey anywhere south of lake pontchartrain,” hunter moved back to the Jackson area. he continued to enjoy turkey hunting. But as time passed and social media expanded, hunter grew angry about postings that glorified the killing of turkeys. in his view, sometimes careless hunters tainted the sport and dishonored the bird. instead of complaining, hunter decided to build a website to promote respect for the bird and protect the integrity of traditional turkey hunting. at the time, chase Farrior was living with his brother in a small trailer house.

“Every day when i’d come from work, he’d be at the kitchen table,” chase said in a recent Spring legion podcast. “it was going on and going on, spending time at his computer. i finally asked him one day, ‘man, what do you have going on? What are you up to?” i about had to pull it out of him to get him to talk about it. Even then he didn’t really want to tell me just exactly what his idea was.” “chase was there from day one,” hunter acknowledges.

So was hunter’s good friend austin Sills, who remembers that day in February 2019 when he learned of hunter’s idea for Spring legion. “i sat there and listened, and everything made good sense,” Sills recalls. hunter solidified his ideas, penned a mission statement and started work on the website and apparel line. he tapped into his savings and bought some high-quality hats on which he planned to have embroidered with the Spring legion logo. Easy, right?

“That actually took a month,” hunter says, expanding on the steps required for conceiving, building, and digitizing a workable logo.

With younger brother Breck Farrior.

conveniently, austin’s mother owned an embroidering machine.

But the straightforward notion of stitching a simple logo on a ball cap devolved into a test of frustration management. crooked logos, off-center lettering, imperfect images (one was even upside down)— to say a few profane words were flying during the process would be an understatement.

Eventually the hats were embroidered, and the Spring legion website went live on the opening day of turkey season. hunter kept mum. Other than a few family members and friends, no one else knew that hunter was the driving force behind Spring legion. The hats sold. Then so did the T-shirts and decals. pretty soon, hunter came clean and started writing a blog. Within a year, Spring legion (www.springlegion.com) was up and going with a growing internet presence, social media following, and fans from across the nation. reacting to requests on instagram, hunter started a podcast last November. By the end of January there were nine episodes, with the more recent ones lasting over an hour. The audience grows with each new release. Thanks to weekly analytics reports, hunter is able to see where his listeners live. interestingly, he has the most reach in Washington state, followed by Georgia and then mississippi.

“The message of traditional turkey hunting, it resonates with the old timers from all over who have the old-school way of thinking,” hunter says, “Ultimately, i want to preserve that mindset. i had to find the means to connect with the younger generations. i wanted to make sure i am taking this old-school mindset and presenting it in a new-school way.”

Ballad of a Turkey Hunter The website, blog, apparel line, endorsements, and podcast—all was flying right along until this past December. Then hunter was diagnosed with cOViD, on christmas Eve, to be precise. “i’m not going to lie, it was rough for a few days,” hunter says.

“But on about day three, i thought, ‘all right, i’m going to turn this into something positive!’”

So in those two weeks of quarantine, he wrote a book. it was

The book’s cover inspiration. "This is how my dad used to take pictures with turkeys when I was a kid. So it’s somewhat a tribute to him—and represents the hunter and bird being equal."

Brother Chase Farrior.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 53

Keeping it old school: Farrior likes to “keep things original and authentic” and is a fan of vintage camouflage, shown here, as opposed to the digital camouflage popular today.

Winn Roark, one of the friends Farrior met hunting at Noxubee Refuge while in college.

edited, designed, and released for sale on amazon by the end of January. Just as he did with all the other aspects of Spring legion, hunter took action—he didn’t just talk about intentions. he jumped in, or as he likes to say he “winged it.”

Ballad of a Turkey Hunter is an enjoyable and informative read— even if you’ve never hunted a turkey. hunter tells his stories. he also delves deep into the importance of traditional hunting methods, celebrates the turkey, and explains why conservation and protection of the bird is vital. One chapter is dedicated to woodsmanship, which is interesting for anyone who enjoys nature. (Do you know why a crow is a tattletale and a squirrel is a scout?) informative and interesting, the book even has a good dose of humor (the exgirlfriend and current girlfriend in one house and how that situation related to one morning’s “perfect turkey hunting conditions” was especially funny.)

How it Should Stay What happened to the turkey that got the best of hunter eightytwo times? Well, the answer to that question is in the book and on the website (in a more abbreviated form). Ultimately, that special gobbler came to represent all that hunter holds dear. “anybody can just go out, pull a trigger and kill a turkey,” hunter contends. “But to really hunt a turkey—to go one-on-one and embrace the experience—it’s a man, the will of God and a bird, all on the same plain in the great outdoors. That’s how it should be and that’s how it should stay.”

Spring legion is constantly expanding. in addition to a growing instagram following, it now offers a blog, podcast, apparel store, links to articles, and an online expo featuring small businesses that sell products to turkey hunters. more than anything, hunter insists, Spring legion is a forum for like-minded people to gather and learn. “it represents exactly what i wanted it to,” he says, explaining that his brand attracts people who hunt because they enjoy the chase, embrace the challenge, and respect the bird. “i hope it grows till the day i die. it’s starting to catch fire, and that’s the best thing i could have dreamed would come out of it.” DM

Farrior with a bird from the 2020 turkey season.

54 | march/april 2021

Experience the convenience of the Planters Bank app.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 55

HOME

Lovely Livable and

With respect for their Indianola home’s 1975 design, the Zepponi family has seamlessly blended old and new with carefully curated geometric designs, bold textures, and muted tones

BY SHERRY LUCAS • PHOTOGRAPHY BY RORY DOYLE

56 | march/april 2021

In the foyer, a herringbone hide rug, Chippendale railing and more set the tone for geometric interest throughout the house.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 57

58 | march/april 2021

The dining room’s original hand-painted wallpaper was an inspiration for the soft gray hues that carry throughout the living areas. Custom agate napkin rings by Love Blue Designs make a perfect finishing touch for the place setting of Lenox Eternal china and Joan of Arc silverware.

resh livability meets the best of retro in the home of Corri and Tory Zepponi. There, a ’70s vibe, tamed by contemporary tastes and touches, results in comfortable charm with unique, enduring highlights.

F

Both corri and Tory are mississippi Delta natives, hailing from moorhead and holly ridge, respectively. he farms, and she and her sister, leah macNealy, own the popular downtown boutique lavender lane, which they opened two and a half years ago.

The zepponis’ 1975 house on morningside Drive, theirs for nearly a decade, wasn’t even on the couple’s radar at first. They were checking out a house nearby when the realtor urged them to give this one a look. Vacant for a year, the six-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath house had likely intimidated many others on the front end. But, there was an extra draw for the zepponi’s to look at this The hand-painted wallpaper and distinctive ceiling details in the dining room made Corri Zepponi fall in love with the house.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 59

The wood-bead-and-wagon-wheel chandelier casts a fun light in the breakfast area, which connects the dining room and family room.

60 | march/april 2021

design details

ACHIEVE THE LOOK

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 61

An oyster shell cross is among several artworks and tabletop touches that are a nod to the sea.

Geometrics play a key part in design details in the Zepponi home, and dashes of gold and brass play up the interest.

particular property. The classic ‘70s home was built by the late Dr. Guy and Juliette “Sis” robinson, and once the beloved and busy home to their five children—three daughters and two sons. Serendipitously, their daughter, Katherine, is married to Tory’s uncle, courtney phillips.

But even with the family connection, it seemed overwhelming at first. “No, it’s just too big, too much,” corri said at the start. “Then, we came in, and i loved it.”

The details and layout are what won her over.

“Everything was built so well, construction-wise.” Detailswise, the original hand-painted wallpaper in the dining room—an elegant asian-inspired trail of birds, blossoms, and branches by Duncan Baird—was a true winner. cool touches battling for a close second included the room’s

62 | march/april 2021

ceiling medallion, decorative corners, and chandelier, the breakfast area’s bamboo crown molding, and the chippendale railing to upstairs. practical touches, such as the laundry room and wet bar, were welcome sights, too.

The zepponis updated the kitchen (“very orange and yellow, and it threw me a little bit,” corri recalls) but kept the home’s basic layout intact. Other updates included enlarging a few entryways, revamping wood floors, paint finishes, and—except for the dining room—wall coverings. in all, it took nine months to complete the process before they moved in from across town. “i loved the character of the house. i didn’t want to just completely change everything,” corri says. “So, we just went with it.” and took inspiration from it. She likes the way the original dining room chandelier pops in that space, as a traditional focal point but not one stuck in time. That quality guided other choices. “it was a beautiful home but very dated,” recalls Joy Fratesi of White leopard interior Design in Greenville, who helped at the outset. “She wanted to marry the old with the new more contemporary style, and that’s what we tried to accomplish.” pervasive yellow hues gave way to more muted bluishgray and neutral tones and fabrics. corri took her cue from the hand-painted wallpaper with its subtle, slate-gray shimmer and occasional pops of coral blossoms. “i loved it, and i knew i didn’t want to change it, so we kind of went from there.”

The dining room weds the welcome of a French country

Family is a key theme, and their two children, Lawson and Laura Chappel, are always in view, as in these photographs by Miki Turner McCurdy along the stairway.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 63

The rug’s antelope pattern offers a soft counterpoint to the settee’s distinct Greek key design details. Its nailhead trim is repeated in the tufted ottoman.

feel with the artful elegance of the stunning wallpaper and an Oriental rug underfoot. The dining room table, painted in a powdery gray, allows place settings—lenox Eternal china, Joan of arc silverware, gold leaf-edged agate and acrylic napkin rings from locally owned love Blue Designs, to shine. coral silk drapes frame the front picture window.

The breakfast area embraces its everyday, catch-all function with a fresh, fun feel via the beaded wagon wheel chandelier, a pair of customized abstract paintings, and a rug of muted grays with a bloom of peach— “a kind of modern twist on a traditional Oushak rug” that corri just loved, says designer mary clair cumbaa, who had a role in more recent updates. in the family room, a large, natural linen sectional

64 | march/april 2021

invites hangout comfort for family and friends. The addition of a built-in entertainment center and French doors to the screened-in porch are functional updates, and the palette of dove grays and neutrals is anything but dull.

The window treatments’ geometric design echoes in the ottoman’s octagonal, aged brass base, and a bit of metallic in the abstract rug catches the barest glint of light. Texture shines softly, too, in the ottoman’s shagreen finish and the chairs’ smoky gray velvet. “Very nice and subtle, not over the top,” cumbaa says. “i wanted something neutral that i could keep, even if i changed out things in here,” corri says. “i’m just not a big floral person,” but a fondness for geometrics translates into plenty of visual appeal throughout the house. a close look reveals a nod to the sea, too, in clamshells, oyster shell

The fireplace in the living room makes it as cozy and well-used a space as the family room. Patterns play off each other, offering an abundance of visual interest.

Floral arrangements provided by Petal Pushers.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 65

art, and a pair of coral lamps. an antelope print rug lays down a cozy foundation in the living room. Though more formal, “We use it a ton,” corri says, particularly in the winter when the fireplace is a magnet. The settee’s Greek key and nailhead trim caught her eye, and she had the nailhead detail repeated on a tufted ottoman to go with it. a cylindrical side table of round mirrors adds a mod touch that tips a hat to the ‘70s. “i was looking for something that size to go right there and thought, oh, that’s perfect!”

The dining room wallpaper stayed, but the rest? “corri definitely has an affinity for wall coverings. We both do,” says lorie Baird, owner of love Blue Designs, who, in addition to designing jewelry and home accessories, also helped zepponi with some of the recent interior design.

“We’ve joked that if anything held still long enough, we’d wallpaper it.” a recent foyer redo is evidence enough with Thibaut grasscloth in the richest tones of gray— “just so warm and pretty,” Baird says. it plays well with the herringbone hide rug and signals the warm hues and hospitality found inside. “all that living space is the heart of their home.” in its previous life, the house was much more formal, corri says. But with two growing children—son lawson, 15, and daughter laura chappel, 11— “We wanted to 66 | march/april 2021

A marble-topped coffee table with a base that mimics geometric details found elsewhere in the home, anchors the comfortable sectional sofa in the well-appointed family room.

make it more casual and family friendly because we always have a ton of kids over here,” from both school and the neighborhood. and, as longtime friend Baird notes, “She lets them live in every square inch.”

Even when the kids aren’t physically present, black-andwhite photographs of lawson and laura chappel keep the two always in view. a collection of them by miki Turner mccurdy hangs in the stairway, and another suite of

photos, by Jade lott, graces a hallway. Susan Woodard watercolor portraits on the wall and tabletops capture other family members.

Upstairs is the kids’ domain, with a den on the landing and a playroom-turned-guest-room ready to host pals. her daughter’s bedroom, recently redone for her eleventh birthday, is a sweet retreat for the preteen. cumbaa’s and Baird’s input and laura chappel’s selections result in a fresh take, highlighted by pink geometrics and a green dot print

(ever so slightly fawn-like) by Erika m. powell Textiles.

The big brass pulls on the chest of drawers add a touch of glam, as does the strand of white twinkly lights framing the door to her bath. it was a Jack and Jill bathroom back in the day, but they closed it off for her very own two years ago (teenager lawson has his own off the hallway). a double sink marble countertop and custom shower curtain are set off by the distinctive Thibaut wallpaper of perfume bottles in fresh spring green and hot pink (a DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 67

A redo of Laura Chappel’s bedroom for her 11th birthday is highlighted by the upholstered headboard, pink geometrics and the green dot fabric in pillows and window treatments.

The adjoining bathroom’s Thibaut perfume bottle wallpaper inspired the color scheme for a fresh bedroom update that reads both young and sophisticated.

68 | march/april 2021

The combination of neutrals and soft grays make the master bedroom a restful retreat.

A kids’ den on the upstairs landing is a convenient hangout spot for visiting friends.

favorite of Fratesi’s and a colorful cue for the bedroom update). “i wanted something that would grow with her, that we could keep, but that didn’t look too grown-up when we moved in,” corri says of the pretty design.

Family and connection continue to be part of the story of this house, and the zepponi family of four easily fills the spacious home, with room to spread out and spaces to come together—happily at home in a style that’s both sophisticated and practical, lovely and livable. DM

Geometric designs in the pillows, ottomans and rug perk up the screened porch.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 69

premierprintsinc.com MADE IN THE USA

PREMIER PRINTS PILLOW FORMS CUSTOM SEWING SPECIALTY FABRICS CUSTOM FURNITURE TRIM

FABRICS FOR every HOME JACKSON, MS: 601.899.8850 GERMANTOWN, TN: 901-758-0090

70 | MARCH/APRIL 2021

“We’re a full-service commercial and residential interior design firm and direct importer of European antiques.”

Shop our website or call for an in-person appointment.

anna@annaalleninteriordesign.com | @annaalleninteriordesign | 601.506.5563

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 71

Curbside never sounded SO GOOD 6 Delta food trucks to try right now STORY AND PHOTOS

BY ANNE MARTIN VETRANO

ood trucks have been around in big cities for years—a mobile

F

As she garnishes an order of egg rolls, Phillips says all of her food is seasoned with love and rolled with soul.

72 | march/april 2021

riff on hotdog stands, pizza by the slice, and fresh bagels—and now they are quickly becoming a staple across the Delta, giving area residents a new take on old standards, introducing them to new fare. Food trucks are showing up not only at festivals but are also becoming a regular sight at private parties, wedding receptions, and corporate events. With a built-in business model that’s already COVID restriction friendly, they’ve become even more appealing to customers.

We’ve rounded up some unique food trucks from all around the Delta and just bet they’ll leave you ready to hit the road and give them a try!

With a number of specialty egg rolls to choose from, diners have a wide variety of unique flavors to satisfy any appetite.

NikkiEaRL Snack Shop Truck Seasoned with love and rolled with Soul Everyone is familiar with the traditional chinese egg roll filled with shredded cabbage, chopped pork, a variety of vegetables secured snuggly in an egg roll wrapper and deep fried. But for Nikki phillips, owner of NikkiEarl Snack Shop Truck, egg rolls have become so much more than the tried and true standby.

The idea to give egg rolls a different taste came to her during the Floyd mayweather— manny pacquiao fight in 2015. phillips, who loves to cook for her family, was going to prepare food for the fight that evening—and they wanted something different. “my family loved the style of egg rolls i made then. i was lying in bed before the fight and began thinking of how to make my egg rolls better,” said phillips. “i missed the fight because i was too busy making a new type of egg roll!” her first attempts to reimagine the traditional chinese delicacy came in the form of a taco egg roll and a philly cheesesteak egg roll using her original recipes. “We don’t eat pork but a lot of beef and chicken so i thought let’s give the philly cheesesteak a try.” her family fell in love with her new creations, and it wasn’t long before a vegan, pizza, and chicken and cheese egg roll were added to the menu. But she didn’t stop

there. Specialty egg rolls were also added including shrimp and cheese, steak and shrimp, beef and shrimp, jambalaya and a three-meat egg roll. and what’s a meal without dessert? “i wanted something sweet to top off the meal,” said phillips. So she got busy. her homemade fillings of peach, strawberry, and apple were soon transformed into egg rolls, adding something sweet to the menu. “i went haywire when i created the dessert egg rolls,” phillips laughed. her latest dessert egg roll includes a Snicker candy bar. phillip’s backstory is full of experience working with food over the years as a waitress at local restaurants, and in 2014 Nikki had started NikkiEarl Snack Shop which she ran out of her home. She had noticed other food trucks when she traveled out of town and began to entertain the idea of opening one in her hometown. By February 2019, her food truck—a fire truck in a former life—was ready to take her unique egg rolls on the road to an even bigger audience.

“The response to the food truck has been overwhelming,” said phillips. “it has gone over way better than i ever thought. i’m embracing it all!

Now that NikkiEarl Snack Shop Truck is a full-time gig for phillips, with assistance from her three children, she wants to expand

A hot, hearty meal found in an egg roll include two of NikkiEaRL’s specialty egg rolls of shrimp and beef and jambalaya.

Nikki’s apple pie and strawberry egg rolls are dusted with cinnamon and a cream cheese drizzle.

with multiple trucks in the area. in the meantime, she is still working on creating new flavors for her egg rolls, and is available for private events. Since the egg rolls are prepared to order, phillips suggests calling your order in ahead of time.

NikkiEaRL Snack Shop Truck 309 Highway 82 East, Greenville (across from Carrie Stern School)

662.820.2738 Monday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 6 pm Friday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 8 pm Sundays (depending on weather): 1 pm – 5 pm Facebook: NikkiEarl Snack Shop Truck Instagram: @nikkiearlsnackshop

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 73

BROOKE ATWOOD

Chef Johnny Casaceli is proud to share his Australian roots with the Mississippi Delta, one bite at a time.

With a nod to the Mississippi River, the Muddy is a beef based meat pie full of flavor wrapped in a handmade crust.

Houndog Mule’s Street Diner

Mush, Mash, and Gravy, please—Serving up an Aussie favorite with a blues spin Opening a new food business in the middle of a pandemic, in December, sounds risky. Serve australian meat pies, a dish totally unknown in the mississippi Delta, and the risk seems even higher. But the gamble has paid off big for husband and wife team, Johnny casaceli and Brooke atwood of clarksdale and their houndog mule’s Street Diner.

The pair have been busy promoting this native food from Down Under and the 74 | march/april 2021

response has been tremendous. Originally from Sydney, australia, casaceli wanted to share what he calls the “quintessential dude food” with the mississippi Delta. meat pies are hand-sized pies filled with diced or minced meat and gravy and sometimes onion, mushrooms, or cheese encased in a flaky crust. it may be served with mush, mash, and gravy, which is mashed potatoes, mushy peas, and gravy on top of the pie. at houndog mule’s you can

get the Super chikan, which is filled with chicken, mushrooms, black-eyed peas, onions, rice; the muddy, consisting of tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and red wine jus; the salmon and dill, stuffed with salmon, cream, fresh dill, and russet potatoes; or the butter chicken pie, chicken braised in stock, indian herbs, tomato, butter, and cream. all of the pies may be served with mush, mash, and gravy.

We wanted to stand out, to have

Brooke Atwood and Johnny Casaceli are introducing Clarksdale, and the Delta, to traditional Australian meat pies.

something unique,” Johnny casaceli said.

“We wanted to introduce people to something new.” casaceli grew up eating meat pies in Sidney, australia. he is a trained chef who moved to clarksdale in 2015 where he opened levon’s and later became a part of hooker Grocery, serving as the head chef among other roles. he recently stepped back from some of his duties at hooker but is still in the kitchen on occasion and is the operations manager. it wasn’t long before the idea of a food truck hit him, and he and Brooke began brainstorming about their next food adventure. They both love the blues, and casaceli is a big fan of hound Dog Taylor. he knew he had to have a nod to the blues in the name of the food truck. hound Dog would be part of it, and he said the word “mule” has such imagery; when he

put the two together, it worked. and houndog mule’s Street Diner was born. “i knew i wanted to serve the meat pies; we had the name and got the trailer ready quickly, and we opened the first week of December,” casaceli said. “The response has been great so far.” atwood, a fashion designer originally from Kosciusko, said it has been fun introducing the Delta to this iconic australian food. and this is something she and her husband can do together. “clarksdale is so eclectic,” atwood said. “it is still a bit of a learning curve to introduce folks to this new food.” houndog mule sets up in the parking lot next to hooker Grocery on Yazoo avenue one or two days a week. check their Facebook page or their website to find out exactly when and what time they will be open. You may also order ahead online.

Mush, mash and gravy, a mixture of mushed green peas, mashed potatoes, and gravy, are a traditional topping for meat pies.

Houndog Mule’s Street Diner 316 Yazoo Avenue, Clarksdale (parking lot)

662.351.8442 houndogmules.com Facebook: Houndog Mule’s Street Diner Instagram: @houndogmules

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 75

Doe’s Eat Place is known for their broiled shrimp.

Now it is served up as a po’ boy sandwich on the food trailer.

Charles Signa serves up lunch items only found on the Doe’s Eat Place Catering Trailer.

Doe’s Eat Place Catering Trailer

Chilli cheese fries are a true comfort food the Signa’s offer on the food trailer for the lunch crowd.

The iconic restaurant has taken to the road When you say the name Doe’s Eat place, huge, thick, juicy steaks and hot tamales immediately come to mind. But they can only be found at the restaurant—unless you visit the Doe’s Eat place catering Trailer.

Yes, the Doe’s tradition is on wheels and coming to a town near you.

The storied history of the famous Greenville restaurant began in 1941 with mamie and Big Doe Signa. By 1974, sons charles and little Doe took over the business. Now little charles and Baby Doe, the third generation of Signas, are at the helm. and they have brought a food trailer along for the ride.

“Doe and i started talking about having a food trailer and expanding,” little charles said. “We thought it would be a good idea to give our customers something no one has access to—a Doe’s meal cooked on-site.”

The cousins purchased the trailer in may 2019, and by august it was in service. Quickly, they began to set up around Greenville, cleveland, and indianola and since have catered private events all over the Delta.

With the onset of cOViD-19, the private events slowed down, but they haven’t missed a beat opening the food trailer to the public.

Now, customers can get pretty much everything on the menu at the iconic restaurant on the food trailer, if they are serving dinner. Filets, ribeye and porterhouse 76 | march/april 2021

steaks, the famous Doe’s salad, hot tamales, hot tamale dip, and fries are served in the evening. But lunch offers po’ boy sandwiches (steak, broiled or fried shrimp, or meatball), chili cheese fries, and, on occasion, chili or gumbo.

“This has been a learning experience, but the next one we get will have a better layout so we can do more things for more folks at one time,” Signa said. “like you see lawn crews going around the Delta, you will see Doe’s trailers going around the Delta.”

Signa said they would already have the second trailer by now if not for the pandemic.

When little charles and Baby Doe decided to launch the food trailer, they didn’t imagine it would take off like it did, but wherever they go, folks are flocking to the Doe’s Eat place catering Trailer “We’ve actually sold out a couple of times business has been so good,” Signa said.

One goal of having the food trailer was to continue to get the Doe’s name out to the public and attract customers who have never eaten at the James Beard awardwinning restaurant. and it’s working. Folks who have never set foot in the original Doe’s on Nelson Street have visited the food trailer.

Signa added they also wanted to give customers something else they didn’t get in the restaurant and to be able to cater private events. The trailer also allows the men, who

Specials on the truck sometimes include soft-shell crab po’ boys.

both have young children, an opportunity to work a little extra on the side but work around kid schedules. “having the food trailer is our way of looking to the future, to let the local community know we aren’t going anywhere. We just want to strive to get better and help the community the way they’ve helped us out all these years.”

They are continuing to set up almost weekly in the Greenville, cleveland, and indianola areas. check their social media pages for weekly updates.

Doe’s Eat Place Catering Trailer Greenville 662.334.3315 Facebook: Doe’s Eat Place Catering Trailer Instagram: @doeseatplacegville

Barbequed chicken is served up hot and juicy from the smoker.

The Where You At BBQ food trailer was the dream of Erick Johnson and his late brother Dwayne.

Where You At BBQ

Inspired by a shared dream—this is serious barbecue it’s easy to spot Erick Johnson’s food trailer. Just look for the billowing smoke coming from the big cooker perched on the back of the Where You at BBQ food trailer in Greenville. That smoke indicates some delectable barbeque fare is available. he can be found every weekend parked in front of Ward’s recreation center, across from the Greenville mall, cooking up a variety of barbeque from ribs, pulled pork, and rib tips to sausage, brisket, and chicken. it’s a job Johnson takes very seriously. “i love doing this; it’s hard work, but i really enjoy sharing good food with my customers,” Johnson said. “and i really like doing the ribs.” ribs and rib tips are the most popular items on the menu; Johnson prepares about three hundred pounds of rib tips on the weekend.

Johnson hasn’t always been in the food industry. he spent twenty-eight years in corporate american before trading his coat and tie for a grill. Johnson says the food trailer was an idea he and his late brother, Dwayne Banks, talked about. he said when his brother became ill, they decided to buy a food truck to help motivate Dwayne to get out of bed and start moving around.

Unfortunately, Dwayne passed away before the dream could be realized. “i promised my brother i would do it (start a food trailer), so i’ve been doing it for

five years now,” Johnson said. “i really enjoy it.”

While Johnson is set up on Friday and Saturday at Ward’s, some Sundays you will find him at colby’s package Store on South main Street. if you want barbeque any other time of the week, Johnson says just call him. he is cooking all week. “i have customers from arkansas and louisiana, as well as around the Delta, who drive to Greenville for my barbeque.” all of Johnson’s barbeque is coated with his special secret sauce “Don’t even ask me how i make it; i’m not telling,” Johnson laughed.

Johnson says food trucks are a great place to get a meal, especially right now with cOViD-19 and people leery of going inside restaurants. he says he strives to put out good food fast and is very grateful for all of his customers, especially those who visit him again and again. “people want something that is going to fill them up, and barbeque certainly does that.”

Johnson serves his barbeque with such sides as baked beans, coleslaw, french fries, and potato salad. Where You at BBQ is also available for catering for special events. and Johnson sets up at various festivals around the Delta. and what would Dwayne Johnson think

Erick Johnson says he has enjoyed every day cooking barbeque since leaving his corporate job.

about his brother’s barbeque trailer?

Johnson jokingly says he gets mad at his brother all the time because he is up late at night prepping food and toting tubs of supplies to the trailer.

“But i wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Follow Johnson on Facebook for updates on when he is set and food specials.

Where You At BBQ 1648 S. Martin Luther King Blvd (Highway 1 South) 662.944.0724 Friday and Saturday: 11am – 7 pm Sunday: occasionally Facebook: Where You At BBQ

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 77

TARA HERRIN

Owner, Tara Herrin says some customers claim the catfish from the food trailer is better than the catfish at the restaurant.

Menu sign from a recent catering event.

Catfish Cabin On The Road

Food trailer brings crispy goodness to the region When it comes to Delta delicacies, catfish is right up there. and it shows up on menus in many forms from baked to sautéed, as a pâté, served on a sandwich or with all the traditional sides of slaw and hush puppies. But the preferred way to enjoy catfish in the Delta is fried, golden and crispy. and that is the featured item 78 | march/april 2021

on the menu at catfish cabin in Boyle and the catfish cabin On The road food trailer.

Owner Tara herrin’s family has been serving up fried catfish in the same location off and on since the late 1970s when her parents operated catfish Kitchen. Now, as the owner of catfish

cabin, herrin is continuing the tradition not only in the restaurant but in the food trailer as well. “i toyed with the idea for a while about buying a food trailer; then i just did it,” herrin said. “i’ve had it five or six years now and so glad i purchased it.” catfish with all the fixings is the featured item on the food trailer menu along with chicken tenders, french fries, and hush puppies.

“We keep the menu limited on the food trailer so we can get the food out faster,” herrin said.

The trailer can be found at various festivals throughout the Delta such as the Great Bear affair, levee Beats and Eats, the Great ruleville roast, and crosstie.

But they want to do more.

“We love going to the festivals and other events and taking our catfish to the people,” herrin said. “as soon as it is safe, because of the pandemic, we are looking forward to getting back out there.” and when the food trailer goes out, son

TARA HERRIN

The Catfish Cabin On The Road food trailer is ready to get back out on the road visiting area communities and events.

michael phillis is usually the one manning the trailer’s kitchen. herrin said the food trailer has been used a lot during the pandemic. For a while they were going to rosedale at least once a month and would set up in cleveland once or twice a week at TJ Spirits on highway 8. She said they have backed off a little, taking a slight break, but are ready to get back out there. “running a food truck or food trailer is hard work, especially when you are running a restaurant too.”

When you serve the same item on the food trailer as you do in the restaurant, you want it to taste the same. But that hasn’t always been the case for herrin. as hard as they try, the fish in the restaurant and the food trailer don’t taste exactly the same. “customers tell me the fish on the food trailer tastes better than the restaurant fish,” herrin laughed. “We use the exact same batter; everything is the same. We can’t figure it out.”

Food trucks are being seen more and more at private events, parties, and even weddings around the Delta. The catfish cabin food trailer was recently one of three food trailers serving guests at an outdoor Delta wedding reception.

“The bride wanted her three favorite restaurants at her wedding. So we were there along with Doe’s and lost pizza. We each had a specific menu featuring our individual specialties,” said herrin. “The guests had a wonderful array of food to select from.” herrin said trucks are just so easy and convenient for the customer. and she is ready to get her food trailer back out for catfish lovers to enjoy.

Catfish Cabin On The Road 575 Highway 61 South, Boyle 662.846.0004 catfishcabinboylems.com Facebook: Catfish Cabin Instagram: @catfishcabin

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 79

Brothers Ben (left) and Caleb Cox strive to give customers a different food experience on the food trailer than they have in the By the Bridge Bistro restaurant.

By the Bridge Bistro & Catering

Brothers sharing food and fun in Greenwood and beyond Since 2016 brothers Ben and caleb cox have been dishing up good food daily from their restaurant By the Bridge Bistro & catering in Greenwood. But with the addition of a food trailer, they have discovered they can serve even more people, faster, at the eatery.

The brothers began catering about six years ago, before they ever opened the restaurant. When they found a food trailer for sell, they knew it was the right thing to do. So they bought it. They are no strangers to catering weddings, parties, rehearsal dinners, and attending festivals. “it’s just too easy to pull up to an event and do the cooking in the trailer instead of transporting everything,” said caleb cox.

80 | march/april 2021

“We’ve put that knowledge to good use during the pandemic.”

The restaurant offers one menu, featuring a variety of salads, barbeque brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, quesadillas and tacos, and an array of sandwiches and wraps, including their “best you’ve ever bought” chicken salad sandwich.

But the fare offered on the food trailer is more of the easy pickup and grab-and-go variety. items may include fried handbattered chicken strips, street tacos, philly cheesesteak sandwiches, philly stuffed potatoes, mac and cheese smothered in pulled pork barbeque topped with an onion ring, and buffalo chicken wraps.

“We aim to give folks who purchase from

the food trailer something different than they would get in the restaurant,” said Ben cox. “We don’t offer anything fried in the restaurant, but we do on the trailer.”

Through December the brothers operated the food trailer in front of the restaurant, offering one menu at the trailer while continuing to offer their regular menu inside the eatery. They say this has helped them continue to serve customers who may not want to come inside the restaurant during the pandemic. But there is one little twist. if you order at the food trailer, you can order from that menu as well as from the restaurant menu. But if you order inside, your only selections can be made from the restaurant list. The brothers say it gives the

CALEB COX

CALEB COX

CALEB COX

A quick, easy pick-up for lunch is a Buffalo chicken wrap.

Street tacos have long been a staple of the By the Bridge Bistro food trailer.

Homemade macaroni and cheese topped with pulled pork barbecue and a handbattered onion ring make for a hearty meal.

we can just as easily serve the folks at a festival.

They both agree that food trucks are fun, and they want share some of that fun in Greenwood while sharing their passion about preparing good food. DM

By The Bridge Bistro 209 West Claiborne, Greenwood 662.644.5250 Monday-Friday: 10:30 am – 3 pm Saturday: 11 am – 2 pm Facebook: By the Bridge Bistro Instagram: @bythebridgebistro

CALEB COX

food trailer customers a little something extra. “if someone orders from the food trailer, they will more than likely be served faster than they would if they dined inside,” caleb said. “Our service inside is very good, but at the food trailer, it is even faster. and that is a plus for folks just stopping by for a quick lunch.”

The brothers are taking a bit of a break with the trailer but plan to reopen in the spring. and as they look down the road, they hope to get back out to festivals, events, and private parties.

“This trailer is set up to be a mobile kitchen. We can feed a thousand people a night out of the trailer,” caleb added. “But

A Philly stuffed potato is a hearty, filling reimagining of the traditional Philly cheesesteak.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 81

Delta Magazine’s

WEDDING S H O W C A S E IT WAS THE YEAR OF THE “I DO, REDO,” cancelled parties, social distancing, drive-by showers and backyard receptions. The couples in this year’s showcase may have faced numerous disappointments along the way to their big day but, without fail, insist they wouldn’t change a thing. On the following pages, we bring you our edited selection of photos along with the formal announcements of the weddings from a season like no other!

Hobart-Thomas, Patrick Remington Photography

82 | march/april 2021

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 83

GIFT GUIDE STATIONERY SUITE Long after the thank-you notes have been tackled, personalized stationery for both newlyweds will be greatly appreciated.

Rebekah Caraway Design & Paper Greenville, @rebekahcaraway.designandpaper

COFFEE TABLE BOOKS Everyone loves to flip through coffee table books—and they serve a dual purpose as conversation starter and tabletop accessory.

Found readily at home decor and bookstores.

ESTATE SALE FINDS

WOODEN BOARDS Young couples love easy entertaining and tend to dine more casually. A beautiful wooden board for a charcuterie tray, or an assortment of cheeses will come in handy over and over again.

Check local gift stores and arts listings for custom-made wooden pieces.

Comb estate sales for unique treasures such as vintage barware, brass or sterling candlesticks, and other home accessories. They make a wonderful gift that will surely not be duplicated.

Search local listings for estate sales in your area!

11

UNIQUE WEDDING GIFT IDEAS When looking for that perfect wedding gift—these ideas will inspire you to think outside the box!

YARD GAMES The resurgence of at-home entertaining and yard parties has triggered a renewed interest in yard games of the past. Be ontrend with the gift of a croquet set, Jenga Giant, or cornhole game. They will LOVE it!

Available online at major retailers.

ORIGINAL ART For a truly one-of-a-kind wedding gift, consider giving a piece of art. Much original art is reasonably priced—and works by local artists (from your area or theirs) are particularly thoughtful. It’s a gift they are sure to love as they are setting up their new home. (Painting above by Melissa Abide Griffith) Available at gift stores and galleries throughout the Delta.

86 | march/april 2021

OUTDOOR DINNERWARE Modern acrylic and melamine dinnerware is no longer relegated to the kid’s table. Durable and super-chic, it’s a must for outdoor entertaining—and modern styles are as beautiful as the real thing. They are a perfect wedding gift! Acrylic Lente Tumblers by Mario Luca Giuisti.

The Pantry, Inc, Greenville, @thepantry

LUXURY LINENS “I have absolutely seen a rise in luxury bedding, whether as a gift or for your own home, says Lauren Powell. “I think due to the pandemic people are investing in their homes more and appreciating finer things that we use on a daily basis. Bedding is no exception!” Her luxury linen line, LPD Fine Linens is available at Rosson Co. in Cleveland. “It’s been really exciting to see brides and grooms incorporating bedding and towels into their registries in recent years.” And, a range of monogram styles is available, elevating shams, bed sheets, and bath towels and adding a personal touch for new couples. “My new go-to wedding gift is a pair of white monogrammed shams—they really make a timeless and classic bridal gift and are versatile in almost all bedroom decor.”

PRE-POTTED PLANTERS What could be more thoughtful than a pair of planters already potted with fresh plants and blooms? They will add an instant finishing touch to the couple’s first home together!

Not a green thumb? Most local nurseries and garden shops provide this service.

Rosson Co., Cleveland, @rossonco, @lpdfinelinens

PATIO GRILL For something a little more extravagant, go over and beyond for your special couple with an outdoor grill for their porch or patio.

Available locally at hardware and home-goods stores.

STEAK KNIVES A useful groom-oriented gift that will be used over and over through the years—and his bride will be grateful for an attractive addition to the tabletop as well! We love these beautiful Laguiole knives—available in lots of colors.

The Carriage House, Indianola, 662.887.9911 DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 87

Contemporary style. Historic celebrations.

Make history when you say “I do” at the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Contemporary and breathtaking, the Two Mississippi Museums are the ultimate luxury wedding destination in downtown Jackson.

Plan your wedding tour now.

For more information: museumofmshistory.com mscivilrightsmuseum.com

MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY

pretty in pink An extra dose of creativity and elbow grease took one bride’s drive-by shower to the next level

BY SHERRY LUCAS

ll Tonia Sims needed was a theme to drive the celebration home. There it was, topping the invitation: a cute pink Volkswagen Beetle to signal the drive-by nature of a bridal shower for Emily Crawford (now Bennett).

A

Before and after shots of the transformed Beetle Bug, proving the old adage “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

90 | march/april 2021

“Oh, this is perfect!” shower co-hostess la’Toyia Slay cooley thought when she Googled invitations and spotted the pink bug. The bride-to-be is a labor and delivery nurse at Delta health center, and pandemic precautions were top of mind as they planned logistics for the shower. The car’s blush pink hue matched the wedding colors for the pal she’d had since they were six-year-olds in Greenville Youth Soccer.

cooley, a Facebook friend of Sims and already ordered pretty iced cookies from her TlS celebrations, had been wanting a Sweet Thought bakery in Brandon—a a reason to call on her expertise. Sims’ ring, a wedding dress, a wedding cake, Delta location—with cooley in madison and, yes, a pink Beetle. Sims shared a pic and the shower in Greenville—worked of the pink Bug, and cooley was bowled too. over too. “i was like, oh my goodness. is “i have the perfect thing,” Sims this real life?!” She ran to show her thought when she saw the invitation. husband, J.D., “look what Tonia did!”

“That got my wheels to turning.”

The pink Beetle brought fun and She considered the rusting shell of an function to the party. White balloons old Beetle Bug, parked on property her packed the car, and a fresh arrangement of family had acquired from an old neighbor. cream, blush, and pink roses, ranunculus, “The car had been there for i don’t know With a growing business and a storefront in lisianthus, and italian ruscus perked up how long, just in the backyard.” its downtown Indianola, event planner Tonia Sims’s the top. more blooms peeked out of the possibilities to be used as a prop with mantra is “We just make it work.” Whatever the open trunk in front, where Sims’s gigantic flowers for an upcoming second venue (a occasion, whatever the venue, she puts her Joanna Gaines basket held the treats. former antique mall on the Greenville- creativity to work to produce unique events for That’s also where they parked the gifts. all her clients. leland line) had long teased Sims’s along with cooley, the shower’s other coimagination. hostesses were Dinah and Jana’ Slay, alicia “You just drag your feet on it because it was just kind of all Shoffner, Elaine cascio, meredith morris, Elliot crawford, and dusted over. it wasn’t going anywhere.” The invitation changed Terri Schilling. that. “This is my key to get this car out.”

With the home’s circular drive and an offset for parking, Sims’s other neighbor, David monroe, works on junk cars, so “Everything just fell into place,” Sims says, “like it was meant to he was her go-to about a pink makeover. he pulled the Beetle be.” out, put on a new coat of paint, and aired up the tires.

The bride-to-be, in a crisp white cropped jumpsuit, suited the Sims was flabbergasted at first sight. “i was tickled pink!” She scene to a T with the pink Beetle as her backdrop. Sims made sure couldn’t wait for cooley to see. photographer marcus West of Greenwood captured that, too, as cooley, not great with surprises, wrangled a preview with the well as documenting details. promise she wouldn’t tell the guest of honor. The hostess had “all of this was never planned, never in stone,” Sims says. “it

Blow-up of the invitation that inspired the theme of the shower.

Bride-to-be Emily Crawford at the ready to greet her drive-by guests.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 91

Packed with balloons, mounds of fresh flowers inside and out, and a basket of treats, the Beetle Bug is also where they “parked” the gifts.

Left to right: Co-hostesses Meredith Morris, La’Toyia Slay-Cooley, Honoree Emily Crawford, and Alicia Shoffner

92 | march/april 2021

was just me, doing my normal thing”—learning and building as she goes. Now, she wraps Vip pics into event services.

Dozens of cars ferried guests by for greetings and gift dropoffs with that pink Beetle a charming focal point. “i would definitely say it pretty much made everybody’s day at the shower!” says Bennett, who enjoyed the event so much she wonders, “can we do a drive-by for everything we have, here on out?”

For Sims, it set the tone for drive-by events since, each one unique, she says. The pink Beetle’s star turn wasn’t a one-off, with its first rental in spring for a baby shower. it’s one more pivot that has kept business percolating at a time when social gatherings are scarce or scaled back. rather than request refunds when plans had to cancel in the pandemic, most clients arranged for other services from Sims such as interior decorating or a different type of event.

“We just make it work,” she says, whether it’s a micro wedding in a rustic beer garden or a butterfly-themed, drop-off bridal shower. artsy since her teen and college years, Sims was working as a teacher when she started dabbling in event planning in 2003.

She committed to learning one professional development skill a year—such as floral training—as business grew. Sims left teaching in 2015 and opened a storefront (also now a venue) in a former boutique in downtown indianola.

She says 2020 was “interesting, but i can’t say it was all bad.” her TlS celebrations team improvised. She saw clients find special meaning in smaller, more intimate affairs—a trend she thinks will continue post-pandemic. She finds a silver lining in the cOViD-19 cloud. “it amped up the creativity, for sure,” she says. DM

kristacampbellphotography.com

an

invitation

to your new beginning.

• Premier Lodging • On-site Dining & Catering • Turtle Cove Spa • On-site Event Coordinator

A

• East Cove Conference Center • East Cove Park and Pavilion • Micah’s Point Pavilion • Other Lakeside Venues

F U L L - S E R V I C E D E S T I N A T I O N W E D D I N G V E N U E Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa on Lake Ouachita MountainHarborResort.com • 870-867-2191 • 800-832-2276

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 93

94 | march/april 2021

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 95

A Real

Delta Wedding After months spent making revisions, pairing down guest lists, canceling parties, and rescheduling—well, everything—the plans for this Mer Rouge, Louisiana wedding were finally set.

What else could possibly go wrong?

S

BY LUCY SHACKELFORD • PHOTOS KATHRYN GAIENNIE FINE PHOTOGRAPHY

W

hen i woke up on the morning of October 10, 2020, i knew, before even opening my eyes, that something was wrong. First, there was a cool little snout on my cheek. my ancient fat corgi had somehow managed to heave himself up onto my very high bed and was shivering on my pillow. Second, it was too quiet; it was preternaturally quiet. Third, i began to hear voices of people up and milling about. Today was my eldest daughter’s wedding day, and they’d all just left me asleep in the bed? i met the brideto-be in the hallway, and she hugged me, exclaiming “mama! You’re up! papa told us that NO ONE was to wake you until he got the generator going and the coffee was made.” Well, i am no one’s fool, and this did not sound good to me. perhaps i should start at the beginning.

When my daughter, lucy parks Shackelford, and her beau, adam rose, got engaged in late July 2019, i was pleased that they selected “10/10/2020” as their wedding date. This would give me a little over a year to prepare, and, even as a newbie mOB, i knew that an arduous task lay ahead of me. Within forty-eight hours i’d already engaged the services of amanda cottingham of The pantry; and within the first few weeks, i’d hired a great wedding

band out of New Orleans, nailed down our dear friend and incredibly talented photographer Kathryn Gaiennie from Shreveport, found a videographer out of Baton rouge, contracted a hair and makeup team, engaged a bus company and a sixteen-passenger van for transportation, found the dress and veil and bridesmaids’ dresses, and designed the flower girls’ dresses. i was on it like white on rice. The idea was to have it so well planned and streamlined that we would all be able to actually relax and enjoy the wedding weekend. ah, the best laid plans of mice and men.

Toward the end of the year, we began to hear rumblings about a virus. When the lockdown hit in march, our first thought was that we were so lucky. Surely this thing would be resolved by October. i look back now on our naïveté and feel empathy for our hapless optimism. how could anyone have known just how spectacularly the world would go to hell in a handbasket in 2020? meanwhile, the spring and summer brides, clinging to their own form of desperate hopefulness, got busy rescheduling…and rescheduling…and rescheduling. While the rest of the wedding industry was starving, i can tell you on good authority that the stationery folks were booming. Each week i got engraved missives announcing that

The Shackelfords awakened the morning of the wedding, to the sight of this monster tree, only yards from their home, that had been toppled by Hurricane Delta, taking down several smaller trees with it.

96 | march/april 2021

COURTESY OF SHACKELFORD FAMILY

Newlyweds, Lucy Parks and Adam Rose, dance their way through the line of wellwishers at the end of the evening.

The Shackelford family; Lucy and John, with daughters Lucy Parks, Susan, and Elizabeth.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 97

COURTESY OF SHACKELFORD FAMILY

COURTESY OF SHACKELFORD FAMILY

The young attendants were brought in by shuttle.

this wedding was on hold and that wedding was rescheduled for later in the summer and then the same wedding was rescheduled for early fall and so forth and so on. Now i am a very proper person when it comes to paper; so much so that i was taken aback by my reaction to receiving yet another engraved “rescheduling” upon which someone had taken a pen, marked out the “rescheduled” date, and inked in “check the wedding website for updates. We’re done with this.” i would have found this to be incredibly tacky under normal circumstances; in 2020 it seemed just right. meanwhile, we just watched and waited. Being the mother of the bride is not for sissies; being the mother of the bride in 2020 was double dog down not for sissies. in mid-summer the decision was finally made to indefinitely postpone/cancel the announcement party. in mid-august, i had the hard conversation with my daughter that it was time to make a call. after many tears from the bride, we decided to bring it down to the wedding party, their significant others, and immediate family plus a very few close friends. We planned to socially distance fifty people in our tiny Episcopal church and do a seated dinner for seventy-two people in a smaller tent abutted to our porte cochere and incorporating our side 98 | march/april 2021

COURTESY OF SHACKELFORD FAMILY

The previously “wedding-ready” yard was saturated and heavily strewn with limbs and debris.

Father of the bride, John Shackelford, heads out the door to assemble a crew and assess the damage.

porch. i called the band and told them to keep their down-payment and we would just use them for a party later. We cancelled the formal rehearsal dinner at Bayou Desiard country club in monroe and decided to keep it all local, instead planning a smaller “Wedding Eve” party upstairs at the St. andrews masonic lodge in mer rouge.

With lucy parks having to give up so much, i focused on ways to make this small affair special. We would not stint on flowers; we would still have full photography and videography; we would make the seated dinner and the venue pristine; and we would have glorious music in the church. led by my talented violinist

friend hallie Yarbrough, we would have three violins, a trumpet, and an organ. i enlisted local friends to assemble on the street in front of our house to cheer the newlyweds as they rode from the church to the house in a vintage convertible. i ordered mini champagne bottles and plastic champagne flutes that looked like cut crystal to be distributed amongst them. i paid dearly to have the invites printed in time, but i saved a bundle by not having to reprint or correct. as for “Save the Date” cards, i had determined early on not to fall into that trap. i was starting to feel somewhat optimistic about the whole thing. i must have had vestiges of doubt, though, because i recall someone telling me around this time that we were due for beautiful weather because everything else had been such a bust. “What on earth makes you think the downward trajectory of this year is going to change?” i asked. “i am anticipating either an F5 tornado or a hurricane.” it occurs to me now that my glibness may have jinxed us.

Four weeks before the wedding, lucy parks’s TcU chi O big sister, one of her six attendants, called her, in tears, to tell her that she’d decided she just couldn’t take the cOViD-19 risk of attending since her own wedding was scheduled for the next week. i told lucy parks to send her a check for the dress and ask rachel, her best friend from

Nixing the planned-for convertible, the parents of the bride and newlyweds made their way through town, from the church to their home for the reception—in a Polaris.

Family and friends pitched in and hauled away twelve trailer loads of debris.

law school, to step in as a bridesmaid. We got the dress altered; and, as lucy parks had regretted not including rachel from the getgo, this problem resolved itself nicely.

Three weeks before the wedding, the hair and makeup team i’d contracted with a year earlier piously announced, during lucy parks’s practice run, that they would not be doing makeup because of the virus—no matter that commercial make up was still allowed and EVErY other makeup person in the Southeastern United States was still doing makeup. i know this because i called almost everyone one of them before i finally found a team from Jackson that wasn’t already booked. problem solved.

Two weeks before the wedding, my priest called and said that i would have to

change the music because our organist was not “comfortable” with having a trumpet participate. So out with some of my favorite classical pieces and in with several hours of hallie and i retooling the music to work without the trumpet. We thought that problem was solved.

The week of the wedding, amanda, with her refined gift for understatement, called and said, “We have to talk about the ‘r’ word,” which is Delta lady Speak for rain. i replied, “i think you mean the ‘h’ word, amanda.” a hurricane, aptly and/or ironically named “Delta,” was brewing in the Gulf of mexico and was projected to possibly come our way. in anticipation of this unthinkable outcome, the decision was made to add full flooring and siding to the

Guests wait in the dark to enter the tent, aglow with the help of a generator.

tents to make them as bulletproof as possible given that there was no plan B. hopefully, that problem was solved.

Two days before the wedding—and after, mind you, causing us to change all the music—our organist called and informed me that he just wasn’t “comfortable” playing for the wedding, trumpet or no trumpet. Not to worry, though, because he’d found an available organist. “is he any good?” i asked. Some hesitation. “Well, he has his doctorate in music,” said our organist.

By Friday of the wedding weekend, i was starting to feel better as the majority of the guests had managed to make it to town despite the weather and lucy parks’s godmothers, anne Shackelford and Gigi DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 99

COURTESY OF SHACKELFORD FAMILY

COURTESY OF SHACKELFORD FAMILY

The bride’s sister, SuSu, held the flashlight in the priest’s office when it was time to sign the official papers.

Welsh, had hosted a lovely bridesmaids’ luncheon for her. amanda and her crew had worked their magic on the masonic lodge for the party that night and were working feverishly on making the tent and wedding venue beautiful. By the time we assembled at the church for the rehearsal, i actually felt that it was all going to be okay. and then the music started. i heard a terrible caterwauling from the back of the church. i waited and hoped that perhaps just a bad set of musician nerves would settle down, but this was not to be. instead, it seemed that the more he played the more emboldened this strange organist became. i ran to the back of the church and pulled my violinist friend hallie into the reception hall. “he is awful!” Well, that’s not actually what i said, but you really don’t want to admit to 100 | march/april 2021

COURTESY OF SHACKELFORD FAMILY

COURTESY OF SHACKELFORD FAMILY COURTESY OF SHACKELFORD FAMILY

The seated dinner at the reception went forward as planned, the tables set with custom-made china, beautifully monogrammed linen napkins, and an exquisite box of chocolates at each place setting.

Miraculously, the tent remained intact during the storm—with not even a wine glass overturned!

Thanks to caterer Amanda Cottingham and her team, the reception pulled together without a hitch, with guests partying into the wee hours of the night.

being profane in church. “You are correct,” hallie replied. “he does have his doctorate; but, unfortunately, it is in clarinet.” it was too late to fire him, so i asked hallie to nix the fanfares, “lessen his involvement,” and hoped for the best. i found out later, from my dear friend margaret B., that he’d briefly been the organist for her church and had earned the nickname “mr. mittens” if that tells you anything. after everything lp and adam had had to give up and make do with, i was really counting on beautiful music for them. and now, good lord, we had Dr. clarinet at the wheel of the organ. What could go wrong next, you ask? in the wee hours of the morning, hurricane Delta descended on the Village of mer rouge with a vengeance that belied its being so far inland. my sister said later that it looked like the trees had gone to war with one another and the power lines were the referees. We awoke to no power, an impassable main street, and a monster tree down on the west side of our house that took several smaller ones with it. The yard, which had been so carefully tended in preparation for the event, was a mess with limbs and debris everywhere. The beautiful twinkly lights that amanda’s miracle electrician had spent so much time installing in the trees were a stringy mess of tangled wires and broken glass. cal mccastlain, John’s cousin’s husband who was in town for the wedding, came bounding over from his father-in-law Bill Davenport’s house and

said, “That tent is the damndest thing i’ve ever seen! Billy’s pecan orchard is a wreck and there isn’t even a wine glass turned over in that tent!” at 8:01 my phone rang, and it was amanda, “my mama always taught me never to call anyone before 8:00. But you gotta tell me, is our tent still there or has it blown to the next county?” i was relieved to tell her that we say parish, not county; but, yes, the tent was still there. Shades of Francis Scott Key. The father of the bride and my other daughters’ beaus, in town for the wedding and who should be knighted for their efforts, hit the yard hard the entire day, not even stopping to eat, to clear out enough debris for it to be passable (twelve trailers full), before they jumped into their phone booths and changed forty-five minutes before the wedding. hair and makeup for the ladies of the wedding party were scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. The young makeup woman from Jackson—who’d mercifully been available at the eleventh hour—called to say that she’d braved the wilds of the weather and was trying to make it to mer rouge, winding her way through downed trees and closed roads. my next call almost undid me. it was the salon in monroe—still contracted for hair and only forty-five minutes away— calling to say that they “didn’t think it was safe to send ‘their girls’ out given the conditions” and “you would feel the same way about your daughters.” Well, actually,

COURTESY OF SHACKELFORD FAMILY

Mother of the bride, Lucy, sharing a well-deserved moment of fun with Lucy Parks, after a long but successful day wedding day!

no. i would most decidedly not feel the same way about my daughters as i have raised them to be of sterner stuff than that, and i have also raised them to be mindful of their commitments. i told the woman this along with a few other things, and she sensibly decided that they had best head our direction.

Now the question was how to do hair and makeup in the dark with no power?

The Spires boys, who are our neighbors and cousins, managed to set us up with a generator in the old masonic lodge so that we were, in a very primitive way, good to go. all of which goes to show that it truly does take a village. We had our pretty monogrammed pink gingham robes, though, so we poured mimosas and made the best of it. Unfortunately, it was around this time that we figured out that none of us had had a shower or even washed our faces.

This, i decided, was kind of like the stationary thing. in ordinary times, probably not so cool, but, in 2020, on a Delta hurricane wedding day? So be it.

The next issue was where to take the prewedding photos? The plan had been to do them outside in our yard; this was clearly not a viable plan post-typhoon. We cleared out the furniture in our living room and commenced to business, making do yet again. When my phone rang this time, it was hallie, my violinist friend. “lucy, i hear there is no power anywhere in mer rouge!

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Harrison Rose

What are we going to do about the organist?!” and right then and there it hit me. The silver lining. “hallie, this is a godsend! Tell him that we don’t need him.

Violins and candlelight will be lovely.” and it was. The church was glowing, and our videographer saved the day by installing a couple of small spotlights he had in his van. The violins playing gracefully together, the church bell tolling the hour, and the beautiful simplicity of the whole service were magical. it was elegant restraint at its finest; it was unintentional editing done perfectly. The bride’s sister, Susu, held the flashlight in the priest’s office when it was time to sign the official papers. When it was over, John and the newlyweds and i climbed into a polaris, having nixed the convertible

due to the weather, and followed our chief of police, lights flashing, through town. imagine the exhilaration of approaching our home, lit up from within and out thanks to amanda’s magic electrician from inverness, indeed the only house in town with power and probably visible from the moon, and seeing that our local friends had actually come, some from fifty miles away, just to gather on the side of the road, waving palm fronds and clapping and cheering. We didn’t have a band, but we danced. We didn’t have a huge crowd, but everyone there was beloved. We really didn’t have many of the things we’d thought we needed. But it was perfect. a pox on the virus and on hurricane Delta and the horses they rode in on. The roses are wed. DM DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 101

Proudly serving the Delta and beyond for over 50 years with the largest wine selection in the state of Mississippi

2002 US-82, Greenville, Mississippi 38703 • 662.335.1941

102 | march/april 2021

GIFTS BY KPEP

BELLACHES

2 1

Renaissance Rewrites the Rules of Engagement.

OSWEGO JEWELERS

TRADITIONAL JEWELERS RIVERS SPENCER INTERIORS

LEE MICHAELS FINE JEWELRY

When preparing for your big day, you’ll uncover everything to help create your happily ever after.

Aerie • Allure Plastics • Altar’d State • Alterations by Tailor Kim • American Eagle • Ameritrade • Angie’s • Ann Taylor LOFT • Another Broken Egg Café • Anthony Vince’ Nail Salon • Anthropologie • Apple • Aqua the Day Spa • AT&T BankPlus • Barnes & Noble Booksellers • Barnette’s Salon Basil’s • BellaChes Specialty Gifts • Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano • Brooks Brothers • Buckle • CAET Seafood|Oysterette Charming Charlie • Chico’s • The Commissary • Five Guys Burgers and Fries • Free People • The Fresh Market • Gifts

by KPEP • Gingersnaps • Hallmark • The Headache Center Highland Park • The Hyatt Place Hotel • J. Crew • J. Jill Jolly Orthodontics • Kendall Poole Event Planning • Koestler Prime • L’Occitane En Provence • Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Libby Story • The Little Gym • The Little Village Children’s Boutique • Local 463 Urban Kitchen • lululemon • Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. • Material Girls • Mindful Therapy • Monkee’s The Orvis Co. • Oswego Jewelers • Pandora • Panera Bread Penn Street Investments • Red Square Clothing Co. • Regus Renaissance Cinema Bar & Grill • Results Physiotherapy Ridgeland Visitors Center • Rivers Spencer Interiors • Sand Dollar Lifestyles • Sephora • SleepStore by Miskelly • Smoothie King • Soft Surroundings • Solstice Sunglass Boutique • Soma Intimates • Starbucks Coffee Shop • Talbots • Traditional Jewelers • Vintage Wine Market • Whimsy Cookie Co. • White House|Black Market • Williams-Sonoma • Zea Rotisserie & Bar

FIND US ON FACEBOOK I-55 at Old Agency Road, Ridgeland, Mississippi | 601.519.0900

See all our retail stores and restaurants online at www.RenaissanceAtColonyPark.com

NAMED BEST BRIDAL SHOP IN MS 2017 - 2021

RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI WWW.ELLEJAMESBRIDAL.COM

For leasing information, contact The Mattiace Company at 601.352.1818.

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 103

A LOOK BACK

s o t o h P g n i d d e W e t i r o v a F

from Delta Magazine Readers

From the hairstyles, to the gowns and tuxes, many things have changed about weddings over the years— but one thing remains—the joy and excitement of a new beginning a new life together.

April 20, 2019 The Confidante Hotel Miami Beach, Florida

Stefanía and Dudley Stephens of Miami Beach relax a moment with their wedding party. “You can see rejoicing in the faces of the bridal party after a long day of wedding day shenanigans and that brief respite from family and nervousness for the newlyweds,” said Dudley. Pictured (front, seated, left-right): Stefanía Somoza, Dudley Stephens, (originally from Benoit); (rear, seated, left-right): Itzel Villanueva, Paul Kakkanathu, Josh Hayes, Anastasia Enikeeva, Joe Krueger, and Claudia Almanza.

November 2007 Home of the groom’s parents Tralake, Mississippi

“After a beautiful wedding and reception in Vicksburg, Kara’s expression tells it all and Phillip is ready to go!”

– Pam Powers, mother of the bride

September 17, 1994 Holy Trinity Church Vicksburg, Mississippi

Charline Brown Lancaster and Daryl Lancaster of Leland. Pictured: Charline with father of the groom Dennis Lancaster, delivering her to the wedding ceremony on an antique tractor.

104 | march/april 2021

Kara and Phillip Doiron of Vicksburg making their getaway from the reception at her parent’s home.

Valerie Moss and Hardy Andrews of New Orleans, during their second line celebration at Jackson Square.

“It was one of the hottest days of the year.”

– Mary Schiele Scanlon

July 11, 1992 First United Methodist Church Belzoni, Mississippii

December 16, 2017 Hermann-Grima House Reception at Broussard’s New Orleans, Louisiana

“Valerie grew up in Greenwood and Hardy in Washington, NC. They met at Ole Miss while both were attending law school and today they are both practicing in New Orleans.”

– Jane Moss, mother of the bride

Mary Schiele and Pat Scanlon of Jackson emerge from their wedding ceremony.

Gayle and Dude Klutts of Destin, Florida, on their wedding day.

May 1979 Immanuel Lutheran Church Temple, Texas

Connie and Dennis Lancaster of Leland after their ceremony.

“This is such a treasure—all of our grandparents were living at the time of our wedding,” explains Connie. Pictured: Willie Symm, Wayne Pyburn, Oma Pyburn, Dennis Lancaster, Connie Pyburn Lancaster, Ollie Lancaster, Ola Huffhines, and Frieda Symm.

September 6, 1972 Chapel of the West Las Vegas, Nevada

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 105

“This is my paternal grandmother, Marjorie Davis, who is still living! She married Frank Davis at the Presbyterian church in Leland.”

December 27, 1949 Leland Presbyterian Church Leland, Mississippi

– Mary Catherine Brooks, granddaughter of the bride

June and the late Stevie Sherwood on their wedding day, sharing a toast at their reception.

The Sherwoods shared forty-nine wonderful years of marriage.

January 22, 1971 Cleveland Church of God Cleveland, Mississippi

Marjorie McNamara Davis of Leland on her wedding day.

Suzanne and Tommy Barnette of Madison at their reception.

“We got the band to play ‘Proud Mary’ just for my daddy to get out and dance some more with us!” said Suzanne.

Pictured: Tommy Barnette, Trey Hamby, Suzanne Barnette, Kim Deloach, Roseann Walker, John Smith

August 11, 2001 Colonial Country Club Jackson, Mississippi 106 | march/april 2021

July 30, 1983 Second Baptist Church Greenville, Mississippi

Lorrie and Josh Langdon of Greenville getting ready to cut the cake. “I think we were both thinking, ‘Okay, what do we do now?’ Thirtyeight years later, I think we figured it out!” said Holly.

Kim and B.C. Rogers of Madison at their wedding reception. Says B.C., “When you outkick your coverage as much as I did, this is the face you make!”

February 27, 2010 The White House at Reunion Madison, Mississippi

Maude and Langdon Clay of Sumner on their wedding day.

The ceremony was held on the banks of Cassidy Bayou.

September, 1979 Cassidy Bayou Sumner, Mississippi

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 107

June 28, 2014 Memphis, Tennessee

Audrey and Joe Saia of Merigold. “We got married sort of renegade style, on the banks of the Mississippi River in Memphis at the top of Beale Street Landing. It lasted ten minutes tops, and we almost got kicked out! Then we had our reception with family and friends at Jerry Lee Lewis’s place on Beale.”

May 30, 2015 Sumner, Mississippi

February 3, 2018 Harbor Oaks Golf Club Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Anna Clay and Patrick Weems of Oxford celebrating at their reception on the porch of her parents home in Sumner.

108 | march/april 2021

Kristal and Bobbie Guthrie of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Pictured: Kristal and daughter Fallyn Bullard, who served as her mom’s ring bearer.

110 | march/april 2021

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 111

... due to covid

Pillow-Bozeman, Leah Grace Photo

A Ring Pop Proposal When COVID-19 hit, shutting down production of the custom ring Trey was have made for Mary Dudley, he was determined to move forward with the proposal date he had aimed for all along. The week of the planned proposal, he asked her father Stephen for Mary Dudley’s hand in marriage and explained the situation; her dad remembered an off-hand comment she had made a few weeks before, saying she loved Trey so much “he could propose with a Ring Pop and I would say yes.” That was all the inspiration Trey needed. With the proposal plan unbeknownst to Mary Dudley, the day seemed completely normal. “We were on our usual ranch ride loop on a Sunday afternoon in March when he stopped beside one of the lakes, got out, and the next thing I know he is proposing with a Ring Pop! It was a moment I will never forget and a story I will always love to tell!” – Mary Dudley Pillow Bozeman

Hays-Zachary, Kyle Hancock Photography; socially distanced pews Bradford-Carr, Elena Marchak Photography

Double Duty wedding Cake When COVID-19 restrictions shut down Katherine and Kevin Carr’s plans for a traditional wedding in April, they chose to move forward with a Zoom wedding in their backyard on the original date. Their official “I do, redo” vow renewal and reception was set for late August, so Katherine chose to save her gown for the larger occasion with family and friends. Little did she know another unexpected surprise was awaiting her, just a few weeks after they married—baby Carr was on the way. Well played, COVID, right? “Luckily, I was still able to wear my dress for the reception and our wedding cake pulled double duty as a gender reveal cake! – Katherine Bradford Carr 112 | march/april 2021

Turner-Shirley, Sulley Clemmer Photography

Two Receptions—your Choice “We made accommodations to try and make all our guests feel as safe as possible. We had a drive-by reception at our church following the ceremony, before our in-person reception. At the drive-by reception, we handed each guest a box full of fun wedding happies, and they were also able to sign our guest book! At our in-person reception, we had masks, Germ-X and ‘social distancing’ beads. The red beads signaled, “Hi! I’m keeping my distance,” yellow beads were “Okay with talking, but not touching,” and green beads equaled “Hugs and high fives welcomed.” – Teresa Pongetti Pentecost

Chambers-Cooper, Blake McCollum Photography

Pongetti-Pentecost, LaMastus Photography

Davis-Byrd, April and Paul Photography After the Davis-Byrd wedding, an intimate backyard reception was enjoyed by family and friends.

Coleman-Kost, Love Life Images

Latham-Swatley, NLA Weddings

Nichols-Stubbs, Skelton Photographie DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 113

special memories and traditions

Pongetti-Pentecost, LaMastus Photography

Chambers-Cooper, Blake McCollum Photography

how we Met Twice “Christopher and I met in August 2010, the day we moved into the dorms at Mississippi State,” said Lauren. They became instant friends. “I remember feeling like I’d know him my whole life.” As often happens after graduation, they went in different directions. Both pursued nursing; Christopher ended up in Chattanooga and Lauren in Jackson. But they always kept in touch. When Christopher started coming home more often to visit, they realized they just seemed right together and began dating. Christopher proposed in September 2018. About a month after getting engaged, while visiting his parents, they were talking about their childhoods. Both born in Greenville, they actually lived around the corner from each other. “We joked about how odd it was that our families never crossed paths before we moved.” Not long after that Lauren happened to find a picture from preschool. “And there we were, sitting right beside each other in alphabetical order!” Shortly after this discovery Lauren’s mother found a picture of the two of them from her fourth birthday party. “So we had actually known each other all our lives!” – Lauren Elizabeth Chambers Childress-Stevens, Blake McCollum Photography

grand Finale

Saunders-Dodson, Patrick Remington Photography 114 | march/april 2021

“Leading up to the wedding,Jeb and I took choreographed private dance lessons.After we did our ‘fake leave,’we had everyone go back to the dance floor,where there were fun Christmas light-up necklaces and Santa party hats. While everyone was dancing,I was in the locker-room,having an outfit change.We then surprised EVERYONE with the best performance.We performed such a fun dance to Mariah Carey’s‘All I Want for Christmas’song.Everyone was going CRAZY,they loved it so much.It was a blast.

And,yes,we did have a couple of lifts and splits in the routine!”– Laura Childress Stevens

Coleman-Kost, Love Life Images Haynes-Strider, Stephanie Rhea Photography

Celebration with the Nation “Gus and I had a destination wedding planned for Asheville, North Carolina, scheduled for June 13, 2020 but decided to completely change our plans due to COVID-19. We went on to get married on July 4, 2020, with a very small family only ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton in Arlington, Virginia. The bonus is that after the ceremony we went up to the 18thfloor Club Lounge overlooking the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery to watch the Blue Angels’ flyover for the holiday,” says Lucy. The Kosts cut their cake with a historic family heirloom of the groom’s— a West Point graduation sword of Leon Hull Kost, the groom’s paternal great-grandfather.

“We were also able to see the amazing Washington, DC, fireworks show as we were cutting cake and drinking champagne at our reception. The whole show felt like it was just for us!” – Lucy Coleman Kost

Family Tradition “Our wedding cake topper was originally used by my maternal grandmother in 1953. It is a bride and groom figurine under a wire arch decorated with flowers and silver bells. My mother used the topper on her cake as well. At our reception, we displayed framed pictures from both my parents' grandparents' receptions of both couples with their cakes using the topper. Now my younger sister is engaged and will continue the tradition, being the fourth in our family to use the topper on her cake!” – McCarley Haynes Strider

Latham-Swatley, NLA Weddings

Something Special “One of my bridesmaids, Shelby Monteverde, actually painted our save the date for us! We took a picture in front of the Memphis sign, and she painted it. We have the picture framed—it is so special to us!” – Clare Elizabeth Latham Henson-Stevens, John Keen Photography

Hays-Zachary, Kyle Hancock Photography

DElTa maGaziNE 2021

| 115

vintage

vehicles

Walker-Reed, Be Light Photography

Winn-Robertson, Stephanie Thornton Photography

Fennell-Cook, b. flint photography

Santucci-Williford, Beth Giachelli Photography

Turner-Shirley, Sulley Clemmer Photography Satterfield-Stovall, Jamie Hardin Photography 116 | march/april 2021

PARTIES | RECEPTIONS | WEDDINGS | OUTDOOR EVENTS

CALL OUR GOTTA GO EVENT PLANNERS FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY...

Our luxury restroom systems offer your wedding guests AC, heat, LED lights, AM/FM/CD, textured wall coverings, built-in vessel sinks, and louvered stall doors.

From weddings large to small, Gotta Go has got you covered.

CALL FOR QUOTE

601.879.3969 gottago@tecinfo.com

GOTTAGORENTALS.COM

“Make your potty the life of the party” Different sizes are available to accommodate 150-1,500 people.

118 | march/april 2021

“WE ARE ALL TIME-TRAVELERS,

JOURNEYING TOGETHER INTO THE FUTURE.“

Stephen Hawking

LET’S PLAN YOUR FAMILY’S PERSONAL GOALS.

Where are You in Your Life?

Gainspoletti.com

Gary Gainspoletti

Russell Gainspoletti

Brandyn Skeen

Jennifer Pongetti

CFP®, CPA, Branch Manager gary@gainspolettifinancial.com

CFP®, CPA Investment Advisor Representative russell@gainspolettifinancial.com

Investment Advisor Representative brandyn.skeen@raymondjames.com

Administrative Assistant JPongetti@gainspolettifinancial.com

2042 McIngvale Road Hernando, MS 662-429-4436

805 West Sun ower Road Cleveland, MS 662-843-6090

Securities o ered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are o ered through Raymond James Financial Services, Advisors, Inc. Gainspoletti Financial Services is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Delta magazine 2021

| 119

Turner-Shirley, Sulley Clemmer Photography

Mortimer-Nicholson, Masa Kathryn Photography

a family affair Jacobs-Roberts, followell fotography

Rucker-Seabrook, Patrick Remington Photography

Shackelford-Rose, Kathryn Gaiennie Fine Photography 120 | march/april 2021

Morgan-Desper, Andrew Welch Photo

Davis-Byrd, April and Paul Photography

Jones-Seward, Austin Gros Photography

Winn-Robertson, Stephanie Thornton Photography

Dickerson-Wilson, Laura Flannery Photography McNeer-Perry, Shelby Wood Photography

Daniels-Sykes, Patrick Remington Photography Bailey-Timbs, Patrick Remington Photography

Coleman-Kost, Love Life Images Pillow-Bozeman, Leah Grace Photo Delta magazine 2021

| 121

Wheeler-McCain, b. flint photography

Winn-Robertson, Stephanie Thornton Photography

Winn-Robertson, Stephanie Thornton Photography

Winn-Robertson, Stephanie Thornton Photography Walker-Reed, Be Light Photography 122 | march/april 2021

Wheeler-McCain, b. flint photography Winn-Robertson, Stephanie Thornton Photography

Walker-Reed, Be Light Photography

Winn-Robertson, Stephanie Thornton Photography

Hays-Zachary, Kyle Hancock Photography

Walker-Reed, Be Light Photography Delta magazine 2021

| 123

Rucker-Seabrook, Patrick Remington Photography

Wheeler-McCain, b. flint photography

Turner-Shirley, Sulley Clemmer Photography Nichols-Stubbs, Skelton Photographie

Walker-Reed, Be Light Photography 124 | march/april 2021

Wheeler-McCain, b. flint photography

For more than 70 years, Lynbar Jewelers has continually found ways to impress the Mississippi Delta and its guests.

Lynbar’s offers an always-evolving selection of fine jewelry, including estate pieces and custom designs.

We specialize in creating custom engagement sets, helping make your engagement all that she’s dreamed it would be.

lynbarjewelers.com Downtown Greenwood 307 Howard Street 662.453.2741

126 | march/april 2021

Mortimer-Nicholson, Masa Kathryn Photography

Davis-Blackburn, Anna Satterfield Photography & Art

Tuttle-Kitchings, Delta Love Photography Dodson-Westerfield, Patrick Remington Photography

128 | march/april 2021

Fennell-Cook, b. flint photography

Bailey-Timbs, Patrick Remington Photography Delta magazine 2021

| 129

Magnolia House. 2903 May Boulevard Suite 103 | Southaven, MS 38672 662.469.9825 | nancy@magnoliahouse.com

130 | march/april 2021

Coleman-Kost, Love Life Images

Ola-O'Dell, Caroline Stuckey Photography

McPherson-Yerger, b. flint photography

Dickerson-Wilson, Laura Flannery Photography

Saunders-Dodson, Patrick Remington Photography 132 | march/april 2021

Jones-Seward, Austin Gros Photography

Latham-Swatley, NLA Weddings

Dickerson-Wilson, Laura Flannery Photography

Morgan-Desper, Andrew Welch Photography

McPherson-Yerger, b. flint photography

Kovac-McNeer, Skelton Photographie

McNeer-Perry, Shelby Wood Photography Delta magazine 2021

| 133

Mortimer-Nicholson, Masa Kathryn Photography

Henson-Stevens, John Keen Photography

Ola-O'Dell, Caroline Stuckey Photography

Mortimer-Nicholson, Masa Kathryn Photography 134 | march/april 2021

Rucker-Seabrook Wedding, Patrick Remington Photography

Mortimer-Nicholson, Masa Kathryn Photography

Morgan-Desper, Andrew Welch Photo Mortimer-Nicholson, Masa Kathryn Photography

Daniels-Sykes, Patrick Remington Photography

Mohamed-McCaleb, Patrick Remington Photography Delta magazine 2021

| 135

Taylor-Slayton, Bri Bond Photography

McPherson-Yerger, b. flint photography

Shackelford-Rose, Kathryn Gaiennie Fine Photography

Coleman-Kost, Love Life Images Davis-McNeer, Gunner Sizemore Photography 136 | march/april 2021

McNeer-Perry, Shelby Wood Photography

138 | march/april 2021

Delta magazine 2021

| 139

guys and grooms

Childress-Stevens, Blake McCollum Photography

Dickerson-Wilson, Laura Flannery Photography

Groom’s Day Out “The groomsmen and I went on a redfish and trout fly-fishing expedition off the waters of Delacroix, Louisiana, the day before the wedding. It gave us a great chance to share some camaraderie and fellowship before the big day, as the bride and bridesmaids were having their own functions in New Orleans. It was a great trip, we caught some great fish, and the best man, my brother Robert Wilson, hosted a dinner at Oceana Grill in the French Quarter that night where they prepared our catch. I’m very grateful that we were able to hold this event before COVID and quarantines started to happen in New Orleans—but not by much!” – George Wilson

Coleman-Kost, Love Life Images

Daniels-Sykes, Patrick Remington Photography Davis-McNeer, Gunner Sizemore Photography 140 | march/april 2021

Turner-Shirley, Sulley Clemmer Photography

Bailey-Timbs, Patrick Remington Photography

Mortimer-Nicholson, Masa Kathryn Photography

McNeer-Perry, Shelby Wood Photography

Nichols-Stubbs, Skelton Photographie

Davis-Byrd, April and Paul Photography Delta magazine 2021

| 141

Mohamed-McCaleb, Patrick Remington Photography

Bailey-Timbs, Patrick Remington Photography

Haynes-Strider, Stephanie Rhea Photography

Rucker-Seabrook Wedding, Patrick Remington Photography 142 | march/april 2021

Tuttle-Kitchings, Delta Love Photography Dodson-Westerfield, Patrick Remington Photography

Nichols-Stubbs, Skelton Photographie

Jones-Seward, Austin Gros Photography

Chambers-Cooper, Blake McCollum Photography

Jacobs-Roberts, followell fotography

Mortimer-Nicholson, Masa Kathryn Photography Delta magazine 2021

| 143

144 | march/april 2021

Delta magazine 2021

| 145

McNeer-Perry, Shelby Wood Photography

Walker-Reed, Be Light Photography

Nichols-Stubbs, Skelton Photographie

McPherson-Yerger, b. flint photography

Haynes-Strider, Stephanie Rhea Photography

Tuttle-Kitchings, Delta Love Photography

Daniels-Sykes, Patrick Remington Photography

Morgan-Desper, Andrew Welch Photography 146 | march/april 2021

Hays-Zachary, Kyle Hancock Photography

Saunders-Dodson, Patrick Remington Photography

Crawford-Bennett, Adventure Photos Pongetti-Pentecost, LaMastus Photography

Morgan-Desper, Andrew Welch Photo

Jacobs-Roberts, followell fotography

Coleman-Kost, Love Life Images

Mortimer-Nicholson, Masa Kathryn Photography Latham-Swatley, NLA Weddings

McPherson-Yerger, b. flint photography

Morgan-Desper, Andrew Welch Photo

Davis-Byrd, April and Paul Photography Delta magazine 2021

| 147

Jacobs-Roberts, followell fotography

Dickerson-Wilson, Laura Flannery Photography

Jones-Seward, Austin Gros Photography

Winn-Robertson, Stephanie Thornton Photography

Taylor-Slayton, Ashley Upchurch Photography Shackelford-Rose, Kathryn Gaiennie Fine Photography 148 | march/april 2021

Satterfield-Stovall, Jamie Hardin Photography

EVERY

Bride

NEEDS HER TROUSSEAU

A L L U R I N G AT T I R E S I N C E 1 94 9

408 Perkins Ext | Memphis, TN 38117 | 901-682-7575 | trousseau.com | Monday – Saturday 10 – 5:30 Delta magazine 2021

| 149

Pillow-Bozeman, Leah Grace Photo Holden-Rowland, Kelly Ginn Photography

Holden-Rowland, Kelly Ginn Photography Jones-Seward, Austin Gros Photography

Daniels-Sykes, Patrick Remington Photography

Nichols-Stubbs, Skelton Photographie

Rucker-Seabrook, Patrick Remington Photography

Mohamed-McCaleb, Patrick Remington Photography Daniels-Sykes, Patrick Remington Photography 150 | march/april 2021

Elizabeth Heiskell Catering On its 22nd year, Elizabeth Heiskell Catering offers southern decadence all across the south.

From weddings to dinner parties, Elizabeth serves for any and every occasion. elizabethheiskell.com

On Sale May 4, 2021 "THESE RECIPES REMIND YOU TO CELEBRATE EVERY DAY– THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF WEDNESDAYS IN A YEAR. LET'S CELEBRATE THE ORDINARY!" Elizabeth Heiskell Preorder your copy now!

Stay updated at elizabethheiskell.com

Elizabeth Heiskell Catering @elizabethheiskellofficial

152 | march/april 2021

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BAILEY

First Presbyterian Church

•

Cleveland

Taylor Ann Bailey and Wheeler Timothy Timbs IV were united in marriage at seven o’clock in the evening on July 4, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church in Cleveland. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Father Kent Bowlds.

•

TIMBS

Patrick Remington Photography

Holder Downs of Cleveland, Tyler Benton Brown of Athens, Georgia, Tyler Scott Soignier of Raymond, and Walter Benjamin Hill of Indianola.

Before the ceremony, ushers escorted guests to their seats in the beautiful sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church in Cleveland. Ushers

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben (Bubba) Townes Bailey

were Gregory Alexander Mangialardi of Shelby, Jonathon Robert Van

III of Cleveland. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Townes

Namen of Benoit, Preston Daniel Bowen of Cleveland, William Cass

Bailey, junior, of Cleveland, Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Keith Smith of Florence,

Huddleston of Greenville, and William Parks Watson of Tallulah, Louisiana.

and Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Gwen Otts of Fulton, Kentucky. The groom is

The flower girls were Anna Towns Fiser, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.

the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler Timothy Timbs III of Indianola. He is the

Peyton Fiser of Cleveland, Avonly Bailey Spencer and Evelyn Gray

grandson of Mrs. Agnes Noe Sherman and the late Mr. Joseph Philip

Spencer, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Curt Spencer of Hernando, and

Sherman of Clarksdale and Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler Timothy Timbs, junior,

Caroline Lacy Baker, daughter of Ms. Whitney Lacy of Southaven. The

of Moorehead.

ring bearers were Maddux Beau Bratton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Bratton

Wedding guests entered and were seated to musical selections

of Starkville, and Parker Allen Moore, son of Mr. and Mrs. Trey Moore of

provided by Laura Raymond, cellist, Svetlana Kaltchenko, violinist, and

Indianola. Family members of the bride, Dr. Robert Suares, junior, and

Nan Lawrence, flutist.

Julianne Loper, both of Greenville, and a family member of the groom,

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride

Joseph Sherman, junior, of Birmingham, Alabama, read scripture during

wore an ivory gown from the Bridal Path in Jackson. The gown featured

the ceremony. The bride’s cousins, Landry Brooke Loper of Olive Branch

a low back with an illusion deep V-front and a bodice accented with lace

and Presleigh Cole Loper of Oxford, served as program attendants.

and beading that continued down the dress. The bride wore her great

Following the ceremony, the parents of the bride hosted a reception

grandmother’s guardian angel pin on her veil. The bride’s hair was styled

at 301 Event Center in Cleveland. Upon entering the reception, guests

by Allen Tubbs of ISH in Cleveland, and her makeup was done by Holly

signed an enlarged photograph of the Chapel of Memories on the

Harrell Beauty of West Point. Her bouquet was filled with blush roses,

Mississippi State University campus. The location in the photograph holds

White Queen ranunculus, and a front cascade of silver dollar. For the

special memories for the couple as it is where Wheeler proposed. Fresh

reception, the bride let her hair down and replaced her veil with a beaded

Cut Catering & Floral of Jackson provided incredible floral design as well

comb made from her mother’s veil. The groom and his groomsmen wore

as delicious food selections such as a Mexican station, carving station,

single-button black tuxedos from Abraham’s in Indianola that featured

individual mini charcuterie, and a mashed potato bar with Philly

satin shawl collars and satin black stripes along the outside seams of the

cheesesteak, sour cream, bacon, and cheese toppings. A focal point

trousers.

upon entering the outside seating area was a beautiful wall of individual

Attending the bride as matron of honor was her sister, Lauren Bailey

portions of macaroni and cheese, Greek pasta salad, and watermelon-

Bratton of Starkville, and as maid of honor was Carlee Ann McDonald of

feta-mint salad, all served in martini glasses. The four-tiered bridal cake

Raymond. Bridesmaids were Ana Parker Davis of Merigold, Ann Elizabeth

was vanilla throughout and decorated elegantly with flowers matching the

Vanderloo of Madison, Ava Alexandra Sherman of Biloxi, Breanna Mahaley

bride’s bouquet. The groom’s cake was a three-tiered chocolate ganache

Vickers of Raymond, Caroline Grace Salley of Dallas, Texas, Jensen Taylor

cake with chocolate covered strawberries as decoration. Cole Ellis created

Howard of Lake Providence, Louisiana, Laurel Hayden Bowen of Starkville,

both of the cakes. The bride and groom shared a first dance to the song

Lauren Taylor Hackney of Cleveland, Madison Drew Bruton of Glen Allen,

“I Do” by Mark Wills. Guests joined them for dancing and celebrating with

Mary Madaline Timbs of Jackson, and Peyton Alise Dixon of Cleveland.

music provided by the Phunky Monkeys of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Each bridesmaid wore a full-length, off-the-shoulder navy dress by Dessy.

The groom’s father, Wheeler Timothy Timbs III, served as best man.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner for the wedding party at the Cotton House Hotel.

Groomsmen were Ben Walter Barr of Glen Allen, David Emory Lewis

Ellen Thomas Event Design of Oxford was the wedding consultant.

Skelton of Winterville, Jack Tyler Martin of Rolling Fork, Jacob Henderson

Photographer Patrick Remington and videographer Tommy Kirkpatrick,

Smith of Indianola, Joseph Sherman Timbs of Indianola, Marshall Tyler

both of Jackson, captured memories of the evening. The bride and groom

Bratton of Starkville, Matthew Cade Junkin of Indianola, Nelson Laye

departed in an old red Ford after passing through guests waving sparklers.

Bennett of Lake Village, Arkansas, Preston Lee Graddy of Greenville, Reed

154 | march/april 2021

Delta magazine 2021

| 155

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BRADFORD Bridlewood of Madison

156 | march/april 2021

•

Madison

•

CARR

Elena Marchak Photography

Katherine Elizabeth Bradford Wedding Date Vow Renewal Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Wedding Planner

& Larry Kevin Carr

April 18, 2020 August 28, 2020 Ms. Amy Callahan and Mr. Evan Bradford Ms. Brenda Carr The Bridal Path Bridlewood of Madison Fresh Cut Catering & Floral 4 Top Catering The Prickly Hippie Nightshift Sounds Tracy Branch Agency Kendall Poole Event Planning

Delta magazine 2021

| 157

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHAMBERS Bridlewood of Madison

•

Madison

Lauren Elizabeth Chambers Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design and Caterer Wedding Cake Bride’s Hair and Makeup Entertainment Invitations and Stationery

158 | march/april 2021

•

COOPER

Blake McCollum Photography

& Christopher Tanas Cooper October 31, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Harold Loyd Chambers, junior Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Allen Cooper Eddy K from The Bridal Path Bridlewood of Madison The Pantry Inc. Ashley Frazier Holly Webb Morgan Style Posh Design Shoppe, LLC

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHILDRESS First United Methodist Church

•

West Point

Laura Brantley Childress of Belzoni and Joseph Joshua Stevens IV of West Point were united in marriage at six o’clock in the evening on December 19, 2020, at First United Methodist Church in West Point.

Officiating the ceremony were Reverend Doctor Darian Duckworth and Reverend Randall H. Sellers.

Laura Brantley is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Childress of Belzoni. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stevens III of West Point.

The weekend began with a bridal brunch hosted by the groom’s maternal grandmother, Cheryl Sundbeck, at her home. The groom and his friends enjoyed a lunch and skeet shoot at Prairie Wildlife. That evening, the groom’s parents hosted a dinner at Old Waverly Golf Club.

The wedding day began at the Old Waverly cottages, where the bride and her bridesmaids enjoyed the morning with a brunch and getting ready together. The groom and his attendants began the day with breakfast at the Mossy Oak Nature’s Golf Club cottages.

Traditional and Christmas hymns were played by organist Polly Grimes. “The Lord’s Prayer” was sung by Carolyn Houston, the groom’s paternal grandmother. Scriptures were read by Rachel Lloyd, Charla Turner, Reese Neely, John Willis Stevens, and Joseph Stevens III. The bride wore an A-line gown of ivory duchess satin. The bodice of the gown was adorned with Swarovski crystals, pearls, and lace embroidery. The cathedral-length train featured a horsehair ribbon hemline as well as duchess satin buttons from the waistline to the hem of the train.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Attending the bride as maids

•

STEVENS

Blake McCollum Photography

of honor were Rachel Lloyd and Casey Brozovich. Bridesmaids were Camrien Abernathy, Anna Carollo, Olivia Hart, Stone Jacobs, Julie Mabry, Caroline McDaniel, Peyton Millican, Sara Kyle Millican, Natalie Morgan, Alex Schmitt, Anne Sutherland, and Gracie Turner. Julia Hixson served as the bridal proxy. Betty Anne Sutherland served as flower girl.

Attending the groom as best men were his father, Joseph Stevens III, and his brother, John Willis Stevens. Groomsmen were Louis Adams, Clark Atkins, Joseph Caskey, Curt Huffman, Chase Nash, Cooper Orman, Ben Pearson, Sam Sundbeck, Will Sutherland, Jon Turner, Trey Wesson, Palmer White, John Wallace Turner, Ben Hargrove, and Jon Holden Turner.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Old Waverly Golf Club where guests were welcomed with champagne and served a formal dinner.

The guests danced to the amazing sounds of Five Aces and were treated to a late-night snack of beef and chicken sliders. At the close of the reception, the bride and groom departed the venue under an arch of sparklers.

The weekend came to a beautiful ending with a Sunday brunch hosted by the groom’s maternal grandfather, Mr. Milton Sundbeck, junior, and his wife, Joy. Guests enjoyed a bloody mary and mimosa bar along with a buffet brunch.

After honeymooning in Antigua, the couple is at home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where the bride is completing her doctorate of physical therapy at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Delta magazine 2021

| 159

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COLEMAN

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

•

Lucy Jackson Coleman Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery 160 | march/april 2021

KOST

Arlington, Virginia

•

Love Life Images

& William Augustus Kost

July 4, 2020 Mrs. Edward Lee Crump, junior; Mr. and Mrs. William Jackson Coleman Ms. Semmes Evans Zazzara, Mr. and Mrs. William Hull Kost, junior Martina Liana from White Dresses Nashville The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City Edge Floral Event Designers The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe Andrew Kopca and Rosalind Reischer, violin/cello Makeup by Ana B. Reaves Engraving

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CRAWFORD Secrets Akumal

•

Akumal, Mexico

Emily Grave Crawford

•

BENNETT Adventure Photos

& Joshua Peay Bennett

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer and Wedding Cake Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

October 31, 2020 Mrs. James Martin Crawford, senior Mrs. James Eston Bennett III Martina Liana Low’s Bridal and Formal Market Cafe Secrets Akumal Sanchez and Pistilo Florals Secrets Akumal Resort Secrets Akumal Spa Mary Catherine Brooks and Greenville Print

Delta magazine 2021

| 161

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DANIELS First Baptist Church

•

Indianola

Sara Anna Daniels

SYKES

Patrick Remington Photography

& Donald Alexander Sykes

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design and Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

162 | march/april 2021

•

March 7, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. James Anthony Daniels Mr. and Mrs. Donald Glenn Sykes Essense of Australia from Amelia Grace Bridal Indianola Country Club The Pantry, Inc. The Pantry, Inc. Funkytown Band Legend Salon and Spa The Carriage House

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DAVIS

The Baby Doll Hous

•

BLACKBURN

Benoit

Kathryn Louise Davis

•

Anna Satterfield Photography & Art

& Jerry Dale Blackburn

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Makeup

October 24, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Steve Davis Mr. and Mrs. Dale Blackburn, Mr. and Mrs. Rick Brown Willowby by Watters from She Said Yes Bar Fontaine Bob Wilbanks Cole Ellis, Delta Meat Market Cole Ellis, Delta Meat Market Ali Jones

Delta magazine 2021

| 163

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DAVIS

Bay Street Presbyterian Church

•

Emilie Margaret Davis of Hattiesburg and John Andrew Byrd of Yazoo City were united in marriage at five o’clock in the afternoon on June 6, 2020, at Bay Street Presbyterian Church of Hattiesburg. The double-ring ceremony was officiated by Reverend Charles Wingard.

The bride is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Brian Howard Davis of Hattiesburg. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Eugene Matter of Downington, Pennsylvania, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wesley Davis of Thompson, Pennsylvania.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kelly Byrd of Yazoo City.

He is the grandson of Mrs. Frederick Raymond Clark and the late Mr. Clark of Yazoo City and the late Mr. and Mrs. Otha Kelly Byrd of Greenwood.

As guests arrived, pianist Pamela Fuller performed a prelude of a selection of hymns. Escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore a formfitting ivory Art Deco sheath gown with a wheat and floral lace overlay, spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline, and covered buttons cascading down the chapel-length train. With a satin ribbon edge, her ballet-length veil attached to an exquisite floral headpiece.

The bride carried a French bunch bouquet of loosely arranged roses, ranunculus, Queen Anne’s lace, Southern smilax, eucalyptus, and lisianthus in tones of white, cream, blush, and peach resembling a graceful gathering of wildflowers. The beautiful bouquet was designed by Adrienne Garanich at Blooms Company.

Elise Davis Ethridge, sister of the bride, attended the bride as her

164 | march/april 2021

BYRD

Hattiesburg

•

April and Paul Photography

matron of honor. The groom’s father served as his best man, and Smokey Ethridge, brother-in-law of the bride, served as groomsman.

Following the ceremony, the bride and groom walked hand in hand next door to the garden reception at the bride’s parents’ home. The natural beauty of the exquisite flower garden provided the perfect backdrop to welcome the guests. Under the pergola, beautifully draped with lighting, the bride’s and groom’s cakes were served on the bride’s maternal grandmother’s hope chest overlaid with vintage lace linen and accented with Southern smilax. A glass-domed miniature bride and groom, used at the wedding of the groom’s maternal grandparents, adorned the cake table. The bride’s cake, provided by Cakes by Kerrin, was finished with buttercream and embellished with flowers to mimic the bridal bouquet.

The groom’s cake was truly one of a kind, as the bride surprised him with a chocolate and Kahlua replica of Shakespeare’s First Folio.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the pandemic, the number of guests was restricted, but the wedding and reception were no less spectacular. The originally planned reception will take place at The Venue in Hattiesburg in June.

After a honeymoon at Seagrove Beach, the couple is at home in Jackson. The groom works as a research assistant at Millsaps College while completing his final semester, and the bride teaches art at Gary Road Intermediate School in Byram.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DAVIS

First Baptist Church

Allysa Gail Davis

•

Cleveland

MCNEER •

Gunner Sizemore Photography

& Mitchell Chamberlain McNeer

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

October 10, 2020 Mr. David Davis and Ms. Heather Davis Mr. and Mrs. Ron McNeer Pronovias from Elle James Bridal Cleveland Volunteer Fire Station Delta Party Rental LLC The Pharm Emily Woods Mississippi Moonlight Linzy Abraham Vistaprint

Delta magazine 2021

| 165

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DICKERSON Race & Religious House

•

New Orleans, Louisiana

•

WILSON Laura Flannery Photography

Anne-Conner Dickerson and George Geoffrey Wilson, junior, were

The assembly returned to a reception hosted by the bride’s parents

united in marriage at six o’clock in the evening on March 14, 2020, in an

among the Greek Revival Creole cottages, palm courtyard, and pool of

open-air ceremony at the Race & Religious House in the Lower Garden

the Race & Religious venue. Nuptial music was provided by the cellist, A

District of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Reverend Sarah Chancellor-

Baroque Girl. Reception entertainment was provided by the Mojeaux

Watson of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church in New Orleans

Band. Food was catered by Palette, which gave a New Orleans style

presided over the ceremony.

menu including oysters Rockefeller, shrimp and grits, smoked brisket,

The bride is the daughter of Mr. Phillip Dickerson and Ms. Cindy

crawfish mac, bananas flambe, and beignets. Bouquets and floral

Saucier Dickerson of Houston, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mrs.

arrangements were designed by the Crystal Vase. Kate David Events

Ann Mapp Gibson and the late Mr. Lamar Saucier of Summit, Mississippi,

coordinated the wedding. The four-tier wedding cake created by Shake

and Mrs. Bobbie Jean Dickerson and the late Mr. Jimmy Dickerson of

Sugary was multi-flavored and filled with Chantilly cream and fresh berries.

Jayess, Mississippi.

The videographer was RedSail, and the photographer was Laura Flannery.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Wilson of Glendora,

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal

Mississippi. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Wilson of

dinner in the Balcony Room of Tableau restaurant overlooking Jackson

Midland, Texas, and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Gay Flautt of Glendora,

Square, where the couple had become engaged. The engagement took

Mississippi.

place in June of 2018 beneath the statue of Andrew Jackson, followed

Ms. Sydney Pendleton and Mrs. Jordan Gilbert served as maid and matron of honor.

Bridesmaids were Catherine Bryant, Jessica Webster, Rosanne Dickerson, Bailey Pond, and Keaton Cooke.

Serving as best man was Robert Merrill Wilson of Austin, Texas, brother of the groom.

by a champagne reception hosted by the bride’s parents at the Omni Royal Orleans. An engagement dinner was held that evening in the Bourbon Suites of Arnaud’s Restaurant with a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street. Entertainment was provided by Sugar Bear & the Jazz Cats. An after-party was held at the Carousel Bar of the Monteleone Hotel.

The day before the wedding, the bridal luncheon was hosted by the

Groomsmen were Dane Bowden, Drew Fischer, Hunter Dickerson,

bride’s godmother, Mrs. Nancy Fridge, at Ralph’s on the Park, overlooking

Tyler Dickerson, Chad Flautt, and Kelton Cochran. Serving as ushers were

the oaks of City Park. The groomsmen spent the day on a redfish and

Tripp Rich, Alex Hayhurst, Griffin Williston, and Jay Patterson.

trout fly-fishing expedition off the waters of Delacroix, Louisiana; the catch

The bride’s colors were a soft pastel grey and a cool natural brown.

The primary flowers were white garden roses, white snapdragons, and

was prepared for a groomsmen’s dinner hosted by the best man at Oceana Grill in the French Quarter.

white scabiosa ensconced in amaranthus and eucalyptus. Escorted by

The bride is a teacher at Corinth Middle School in Corinth and coaches

her father, the bride wore a deco-inspired “Naomi” gown designed by

the Warriors girls and boys soccer teams. She has a bachelor of arts in

BHLDN. The intricate beaded ivory gown was a sheath cut with a chapel-

journalism from Ole Miss, and a master’s degree in education from

length train. The bride wore a veil for the ceremony and a flower garland

Belhaven University. She also produces videos for marketing and

matching the bridal bouquet for the reception.

educational purposes.

Following the wedding ceremony, the assembly joined in a second line

The groom has a bachelor of science in biology from Ole Miss, a

parade behind a vivacious brass band through the nearby streets of the

master of science in biomedical sciences from UMMC, and is currently a

Lower Garden District, much to the delight of guests, locals, and passing

fourth-year medical student at William Carey University College of

motorists.

Osteopathic Medicine planning to begin his residency next year.

166 | march/april 2021

Delta magazine 2021

| 167

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DODSON

Greenwood Church of God

Elizabeth Jordan Dodson Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design and Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair Makeup Invitations and Stationery 168 | march/april 2021

•

WESTERFIELD

Greenwood

•

Patrick Remington Photography

& James Monroe Wynne Westerfield

June 13, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Roy Nester, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Eugene Dodson Mrs. Kim Brown Westerfield and the late Mr. Andrew Monroe Wynne Westerfield Stella York from Amelia Grace Bridal Greenwood Church of God Amanda Cottingham, The Pantry, Inc. Cups-N-Cakes Bakery Wyly Bigger Amber Madden Hannah Burt Rebekah Caraway Design & Paper

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FENNELL

North Greenwood Baptist Church

Maegan Kelly Fennell

•

COOK

Greenwood

•

b. flint photography

& Raines Clanton Cook

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design and Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

October 10, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Louis Kelly Fennell Mr. and Mrs. Billy Clanton Cook, junior Marchesa Notte from Elle James Bridal The Historic Elks Lodge Grapevine Cakes, Catering and Floral Grapevine Cakes, Catering and Floral The Party Jammers Kayln Milner, Legend’s Salon ASAP Printing

Delta magazine 2021

| 169

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HAYS

First Baptist Church of Jackson

•

ZACHARY Jackson

•

Kyle Hancock Photography

Anna Catherine Hays and Tyler Jordan Zachary were united in holy

Richmond, Virginia, served as best man. Groomsmen were Phillip Stephen

matrimony at four o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, September 19,

Zachary of Sulphur, Louisiana, brother of the bridegroom, Joel Stanford

2020, at First Baptist Church of Jackson in the chapel. The double-ring

Hays of Raymond, brother of the bride, Gregory Brent Garner, and Daniel

ceremony was officiated by Pastor Bruce Warf.

David Garner, both cousins of the bridegroom of Sulphur, Louisiana.

The bride is the daughter of Pastor and Mrs. Julian Brite “J. B.” Hays,

The mother of the bride, Kathren Rose Goudelock Hays, wore a

junior, of Raymond, formerly of Tutwiler. She is the granddaughter of the

traditional dusty blue chiffon and lace gown with a matching lace jacket.

late Lillian Florence Taylor Hays and Julian Brite Hays, senior, of Bowling

She gave the bride the satin-and-lace-covered Bible that she had carried

Green, Kentucky, and the late Geraldine Stanford Goudelock and Leander

in her own wedding. The mother of the bridegroom, Beverly McDougald

Bayne Goudelock of New Albany.

Zachary, wore a classic navy blue gown lightly detailed with navy sequins.

The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley “Stan” Ray Zachary

They wore corsages of ivory roses and baby’s breath.

of Sulphur, Louisiana. He is the grandson of the late Marie Thonton

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents honored guests with a

Zachary and James Ray Zachary of Randlett, Oklahoma, and the late Faye

reception and seated dinner at Char Restaurant. Gold speckled votives

LaVerne Mixon McDougald and Walter Lester McDougald of Sulphur,

with glowing tea-lights welcomed guests as they found their place cards

Louisiana.

by using a custom gold-framed seating chart designed and framed by the

Simple elegance was the theme of the day, reflected in the chapel

bride. The guest book was open next to the seating chart and a gold vase

wedding decorations. Fresh floral wreaths of ivory and green accented

of yellow roses. Created by Alyson and Garrett Doles were sugar cookies

with white ribbon adorned the chapel doors to welcome incoming guests.

in the shape of the bride’s and bridegroom’s home states of Mississippi

Swags of large white and pink roses and Italian ruscus greenery with

and Louisiana, individually wrapped and tied with blue ribbon.

streaming white ribbons flanked the chapel’s upper aisle.

As guests entered the reception, the bride’s and bridegroom’s cakes

Nuptial music, including Sagar and Foster’s “The Prayer,” was

were displayed at opposite ends of the room with framed photographs of

presented by pianist Eva Hart and instrumentalists of the Mississippi

the couple highlighted by Ecclesiastes 4:12b. The centerpiece of each

Symphony Orchestra: violinist Milena Rusanova and cellist Nancy

table was a floral arrangement surrounded by glowing votives

Bateman, all of Jackson. Scripture readers were Sheila Renee McDougald

complementing the designs used across the celebration. The bride’s

Garner of Sulphur, Louisiana, the bridegroom’s aunt, who read 1

three-tiered Italian cream cheese and white wedding cake decorated with

Corinthians 13:4-8a, and Christina Morris of Jackson, who read

arrangements of blush, ivory, and yellow roses stood next to a framed

Colossians 3:12-17.

verse designed by the bride, Song of Solomon 3:4a. The bridegroom’s

The bride was escorted by her father and given in marriage by her

cake was a two-tiered chocolate ganache topped with the groom’s

parents. She wore a classic, custom-designed white satin trumpet

favorite, Reese’s. The father of the bride gave the blessing on the couple

silhouette gown featuring a Chantilly lace bodice with scalloped off-

and the reception.

shoulder neckline and half sleeves. The back was highlighted with

On the eve of the wedding, the bridegroom’s parents hosted the

satin-covered buttons cascading the length of the gown and sweep train.

wedding party with a rehearsal dinner at Table 100. The day before the

She chose a fingertip-length illusion veil with pencil edge and carried a

wedding a bridesmaids’ luncheon was hosted by Tammy Lane, Anne

round clutch bouquet of ivory Moonstone roses, ivory lisianthus, and blush

Lewis, and Laurie Davidson at the Lane home in Madison. On the day of

ranunculus with Italian ruscus. For “something old” the bride carried her

the wedding, Scarlett and Brent Johnston provided lunch for the wedding

great-great-great grandmother Catherine Bishop Allen Barner’s Swiss-

party. On August 14, a wedding shower was given to honor the bride and

made gold pocket watch and chain from the 1870s in her bouquet.

bridegroom by the leaders of the young adults Sunday school class at

The matron of honor was the bride’s childhood friend, Erin Danielle Morgan Grady of Saltillo. The maid of honor was Haley Marie Winningham

First Baptist Jackson: Tammy and Jack Lane, Anne and John Lewis, and Laurie and Stacy Davidson, also hosted at the Lane home.

of Brandon. Bridesmaids were Rachel Marie Zachary of Sulphur,

The wedding photographer was Kyle Hancock. The reception/portrait

Louisiana, sister of the bridegroom, Hannah Elizabeth Wilson of Pauls

photographer was Bart Lambright. The wedding planner was Michelle

Valley, Oklahoma, cousin of the bride, and Sarah Beth Fouts of Madison.

Moore of Michelle Moore Events. The wedding director was Grace Mercer.

Holly Elise Brassel of Tupelo was the rehearsal’s proxy bride. The bridal

COVID-19 rules limited attendance.

party carried posey bouquets of blush Anna roses and pink lisianthus

The bride is chief operating officer of Omega Group Advertising

accented with Italian ruscus and wrapped with satin ribbon. They wore

Agency of Ridgeland. The bridegroom is an endocrinologist with Imperial

royal blue flowing gowns featuring a sleeveless tank with pleated bodice

Health in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

and a V-neckline as well as a swooping cowl back.

The bridegroom’s childhood friend, Dr. Raphiel Frank Heard of

170 | march/april 2021

Following a honeymoon to Seaside, Florida, the couple resides in Lake Charles.

Delta magazine 2021

| 171

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HAYNES First Baptist Church

•

Marks

•

STRIDER

Stephanie Rhea Photography

McCarley Elizabeth Haynes Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery 172 | march/april 2021

& Joshua C. Strider

November 2, 2019 Mr. and Mrs. Donald Haynes Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Strider Maggie Sottero Clarksdale Country Club Blossoms Florist Sasha Monty Debbie Alderson and Detra Williams The Party Jammers Hannah Brown and Hayley Hood Carlson Craft

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HENSON Linden Plantation

•

•

Glen Allan

Mary Randal Tollison Henson Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

STEVENS John Keen Photography

& Cameron Allen Stevens

October 24, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Randal Henson Mr. and Mrs. Allen Stevens Stella York Linden Plantation Jackie Fratesi Cicero’s Ashley Mahalitc Frazier and Barbara Sellers Bevill Raymond Longoria and Ferd Moyse Heather Dobbins Fresh Ink

Delta magazine 2021

| 173

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HOBART Avon Methodist Church

•

•

Avon

Haley Leanor Hobart

& Colton Kirk Thomas

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design and Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair Makeup Invitations and Stationery 174 | march/april 2021

THOMAS

Patrick Remington Photography

December 12, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Chalmers Edmund Hobart, junior Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Prendergast Thomas, junior Adrianna Papell Belmont Plantation The Pantry, Inc. Carol Hunter Compozitionz MarkAnne Brooks and Ashley Hairston Erin Higgins Artistry Rebekah Caraway Design & Paper

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HOLDEN The Jefferson

•

Oxford

Maggie Elizabeth Holden Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

•

ROWLAND Kelly Ginn Photography

& Gregory Blake Rowland December 5, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Holden Mr. Gregory Rowland and Ms. Lisa Tisdale Anne Barge from Maggie Louise The Jefferson Oxford Floral Elizabeth Heiskell Lisa Whitehead The Whiskey Barrel Band Faith Pool Minted

Delta magazine 2021

| 175

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JONES

Wightman Chapel, Scarritt Bennett Center

176 | march/april 2021

•

SEWARD

Nashville, Tennessee

•

Austin Gros Photography

Scarlet Amber Jones

& Byron Robert Darrington Seward

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

August 24, 2019 Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hendricks Jones, junior Mr. and Mrs. Byron Robert Seward Monique Lhuillier from Maggie Louise Bridal Richland Country Club Big Events Richland Country Club Dulce Desserts and Dessert Designs by Leland The Party Jammers Amanda Gros and Elizabeth Holt J. Graham Design

Delta magazine 2021

| 177

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JACOBS

Madison United Methodist Church

The wedding ceremony celebrating the marriage of Amanda Leigh Jacobs and William Leslie Roberts was held on October 10, 2020, at six o’clock in the evening at Madison United Methodist Church in Madison.

Reverend Frank Haynes officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jacobs, junior, of Madison. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Arthur Dale Minton and the late Mr. Minton of Madison and the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jacobs, senior, of Jackson.

The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Cullie Taylor Roberts, junior, of Cleveland. He is the grandson of Mr. David William Favi and the late Mrs. Favi of Shelby and the late Mr. and Mrs. Cullie Taylor Roberts of Cleveland.

Scripture readings were presented by Mary Katherine Koerber DeWeese. “Surely the Presence” and “How Great Thou Art” were performed by Dr. Donna Banks, organist, and Sarah Pope Cook, soloist.

The bride was escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents. She wore a Morilee gown with a V-neck bodice covered with frosted embroidered floral appliqués that continued cascading down onto her skirt and chapel-length train. The gown featured a plunging back. She carried a bouquet of Ocean Song lavender, Marzipan, and Sweet Eskimo roses accented with hydrangeas and pale lavender stock cascading over wispy greenery and eucalyptus.

The matron of honor was Leslie Sills Tommerup, the bride’s cousin.

178 | march/april 2021

•

ROBERTS Madison

•

followell fotography

Bridesmaids were Elizabeth McRee Barlow, Catherine Carty Bradshaw, Whitney Alford Cole, Casey Dawkins Gauthier, Kathryn Robinson Jacobs, Sara Walters Jones, Lynde Massey McPherson, Nanilee Hughes Nelson, and Molly Moak Roberts. They wore pale sage chiffon gowns and carried a smaller version of the bride’s bouquet.

The groom’s father was the best man. Groomsmen were Logan Taylor Roberts, John Hunter Abide, David Milton Burd, Paschal David Holcomb IV, Glenn Wiggins Holloway III, Jonathan Allen Horne, Joshua Todd Jacobs, Robert Jacobs III, Heath Ellis Shurden, and James Monroe Wynne Westerfield.

Annabelle Quinn Tommerup, the bride’s cousin, was the flower girl.

Griffin Taylor Roberts, the groom’s nephew, was the ring bearer. Program attendants were the bride’s cousins, brothers Boone, Case, and Ryder Sills. The bride’s proxy was Catherine Louise Buchanan.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at Annandale Golf Club. Mo’ Money provided the music. On the eve of the wedding, the bridegroom’s parents hosted a wedding rehearsal dinner at Annandale Golf Club. The day before the wedding a bridesmaids’ luncheon was hosted by the bride’s grandmother, her maternal aunt, and friends at Anjou Restaurant.

Following a wedding trip to Jackson, Wyoming, the couple is at home in Cleveland.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LATHAM First Baptist Memphis

•

SWATLEY

Memphis, Tennessee

Clare Elizabeth Latham Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

•

NLA Weddings

& Jacob Ronald Swatley June 20, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. David Barry Latham Mr. and Mrs. Terry Kendrick Swatley Martina Liana from Maggie Louise Bridal The Central Station Memphis Lynn Doyle Flowers & Events Andrew Michael Kipp Cakes Peabody Rocket Heather Sappenfield RSVP Stationers

Delta magazine 2021

| 179

ANNOUNCEMENTS

KOVAC First Baptist Church

180 | march/april 2021

•

MCNEER

Cleveland

•

Skelton Photographie

Hannah Claire Kovac

& Parker Madison McNeer

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

December 12, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Joe Phillips Mr. and Mrs. Ron McNeer Essense of Australia from Low's Bridal and Formal 301 Event Center Delta Party Rental Delta BBQ & Catering Hilari Tackett The Dantones Linzy Abraham and Julianna Crofford Image Specialists Delta magazine 2021

| 181

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MCNEER

North Greenwood Baptist Church

182 | march/april 2021

•

PERRY

Greenwood

•

Shelby Wood Photography

Carter Elizabeth McNeer Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair Makeup Invitations and Stationery

& James Clayton Perry

July 4, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy D McNeer II Ms. Wanda Perry and Mr. William Perry Engagements Bridal & Formal Wear Greenwood Country Club A Pryor Engagement; Grapevine Cakes, Catering and Floral Greenwood Country Club CAKE, Becky Thompson The DMP Band The Parlor Salon, Stephanie Utroska and Kenneth Moore Jana Travis The Melon Patch; Rebekah Caraway Design & Paper Delta magazine 2021

| 183

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MCPHERSON Fondren Church

•

Jackson

Anne Tatum McPherson and Michael Bennett Yerger were united in marriage on November 7, 2020 at six o’clock in the evening at the Fondren Church. The Reverend Nick Crawford officiated the ceremony.

•

YERGER

b. flint photography

carried beautiful clutch bouquets that complemented the bride’s flowers.

The bridegroom’s father was best man. Groomsmen were John David Bishop of Houston, Texas; Austin Morgan Booth of Chattanooga,

Nuptial music was provided by Mrs. Patsy Simpson, organist; Mrs.

Tennessee; Michael Thomas Boulanger of Cleveland; Jesse Halbrook

Donna Reed, pianist; Ms. Lauren Luckey, soloist; and Nancy Bateman

Donahoo of Madison; Stephen Scott Douglas, junior, of Madison;

Trio, strings.

Jonathan Tyler Klaas of Starkville; James Bradley Peoples of Madison;

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Tatum McPherson of

Alec Kennedy Rawlings of Madison; William Cooper Simmons of Jackson;

Madison. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus Austin

Adam Christian Sims of San Antonio, Texas; Stewart Summers of

Harrell, junior, of Kosciusko, the late Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sanders Peeler of

Madison; Jeremy Royce Vaughn of Water Valley; Joseph Tyler Williamson

Meridian, and the late Dr. and Mrs. Frank Taylor McPherson of Vicksburg.

of Pearl; and Robert Tyler Wilson of Nashville, Tennessee. Nephews of the

The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Graeme Yerger of

bride, Rhett Halbrook Donahoo and Townes Harris Donahoo, and nephew

Madison. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bailey Braswell, senior, of Brandon and Dr. and Mrs. Louis Buford Yerger of Madison.

Given in marriage by her parents, she wore a custom white strapless gown created by Callie Tein, Modern Trousseau designer, which featured a fold-over neckline, a fitted bodice and A-line skirt, and off-the-shoulder sleeves. On the back of the dress, pearl covered buttons extended to the end of the train. She wore a cathedral-length veil with Bennett lace.

Escorted by her father down the aisle, the bride carried a cascadestyle bouquet featuring orchids, white hydrangeas, Dendrobium orchids, Playa Blanca roses, Tibet roses, ranunculus, and freesia.

Matrons of honor and maid of honor were Mary Margaret Donahoo of Madison, Parker Webb Bowling of Madison, and Nicole Suzann Healy of Madison.

Bridesmaids were Laura Jane Cole of Madison; Julialeigh Marguerite Healy of New Orleans, Louisiana; Anna Claire Henderson of Dallas, Texas;

of bridegroom, Jeremy Royce Vaughn, junior, were ring bearers.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at The Railroad District.

After the couple’s first dance to “Stand by Me,” guests were entertained by Az Izz from Atlanta, Georgia.

The traditional five-tiered bride’s cake featured a smooth buttercream frosting. It was displayed on a large acrylic pedestal with white roses and hydrangeas highlighted by an empire crystal chandelier and chinoiserie fabric panels.

The bridegroom’s cake was a two-layered chocolate ganache cake surrounded by succulents.

On the eve of the wedding, the bridegroom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner for the wedding party at Reunion Country Club. The bridal luncheon was hosted at Annandale Golf Club, and lunch honoring the bridegroom and groomsmen was held at Georgia Blue.

June Clare Hukill of Memphis, Tennessee; Kathryn Allen Lee of Nashville,

The newlyweds have postponed their wedding trip to Italy until global

Tennessee; Laura-Read Lee of New Orleans, Louisiana; Mary Margaret

travel restrictions are lifted. Following a week at Watercolor Resort on

Little of Memphis, Tennessee; Sarah Frances Matheson of Nashville,

Santa Rosa Beach in Florida, the couple is at home in Madison.

Tennessee; Susan Taylor Grogan Peoples of Madison; Mary Nelson

Anne Tatum is a senior associate, private company services, with

Robertson of Starkville; Shelby Hedgepeth Usry of Jackson; and Britton

PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Bennett is a hospital patient and services

Yerger Vaughn of Water Valley. They wore taupe silk sleeveless dresses and

manager with Fresenius Kidney Care.

184 | march/april 2021

Delta magazine 2021

| 185

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MOHAMED First Baptist Church

•

Yazoo City

•

MCCALEB

Patrick Remington Photography

On December 28, 2019, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Asim Mohamed II of

Immediately after the ceremony, guests were welcomed to the home

Yazoo City wed their daughter, Mary Morgan Mohamed, to Robert Powell

of Joseph and Donna Mohamed for the reception and dancing. Their

McCaleb, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Louis McCaleb of Vaughan, in a

home was festively decorated for the Christmas season, including a

beautiful ceremony at First Baptist Church of Yazoo City. The double-ring

gorgeous tree and touches of holiday décor throughout. As guests moved

ceremony was presided over by ministers Andrew Mayhan and Clint

to the porch, they were met with the bride’s cake situated under a wood

Ritchie. Mayhan and Ritchie both greatly influenced the spiritual

chandelier in front of a fireplace that was covered in crystal and greenery.

development of the couple’s relationship: Mayhan as the couple’s

The four-layer round wedding cake, accessorized with roses and lilies,

childhood youth minister and Ritchie as their pastor and Sunday school

was crafted by Jan Williams of Yazoo City. The cake knife and server set

teacher. Music was provided by Mississippi Fine Arts String Quartet and

were passed down to the bride as a wedding gift. The groom’s table

was accompanied by Gaye Sikes on the piano and the voice talents of

featured a two-tier strawberry cake covered in tinted buttercream frosting

Robert Mooney.

crafted by the Sweetery Bakery of Cleveland. The cake was surrounded

The pulpit was surrounded by flocked cypress trees and an eight-foottall mossed cross draped in a white lily and hydrangea garland. The bride

by pheasant feathers and deer antlers. The cake knife and server for the groom’s cake were given as a wedding gift from the groom’s aunt.

followed her bridesmaids, who included her childhood friend, Karly Davis,

Stepping off the porch, guests looked over a rolling backyard

as maid of honor, and pharmacy school friend, Rachel Wooten, as matron

surrounded by a wood fence that opened to a pasture filled with white

of honor. Her bridesmaids included Abbye Mohamed, Marion Lee, Katie

tents. The main tent’s walkway was adorned with antique gold and crystal

Cain, Sallie Metcalf, Alexa Bradley, Kirsten Ladner, Neely Morrison, Zoe

chandeliers, inviting guests to come and experience a large cocktail area.

Thornton, Hannah Blanton, and Mary Palmer Tupman. The flower girls

A central evergreen tree was covered in gold and ivory ornaments, and

were Kayla Willingham, Livie Kirk, Mary Beth Beckwith, and Sarah Kate

floral arrangements were found throughout. Music at the cocktail hour was

Beckwith. Mary Morgan’s father escorted her down the aisle to Pachelbel’s

provided by Danny Abraham of Cleveland, a cousin of the bride, as a

“Canon in D.” Mary Morgan was poetic in a fit-and-flair gown of soft and

wedding gift to the couple. He also performed a special rendition of

supple natural crepe with a sweetheart neckline by Paloma Blanca. The

“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” to accompany the father-daughter dance.

gown was accented by a hand-beaded pearl sash at her waist, which

Not only did the guests enjoy the beauty and music of the event, but

offset the cathedral-length veil of scalloped, beaded lace designed by

they also received a multi-sensory experience with the food and libations.

Martina Liana. She wore a pearl bracelet given as a wedding gift from the

The bride and groom wanted guests to enjoy a sampling of their favorite

groom. The bride carried a bouquet of roses and lilies with variegated

foods, including savory brisket and rolls with a bourbon mustard sauce

greenery, clustered to look hand-picked. The bouquet was wrapped in

and Italian sausage ragu over farfalle pasta. Servers from 4Top Catering

ivory ribbon and an heirloom family handkerchief pinned together with a

passed fried catfish bites and artichoke in puff pastry to guests who also

diamond brooch that belonged to the groom’s grandmother. Bobby

enjoyed a hand-mixed guacamole station where they could pick their

McCaleb, the groom’s father, served as the best man. Groomsmen

accompaniments. They also chose from a selection of bourbon and

included Crosby Mohamed, Adam Erickson, Frederick Johnston, Jared

champagne cocktails from the bar. Along with the catered goods, the

Potter, Trevor Runnels, Wesley Savery, Zachary Spell, Josh Tupman,

bride and groom’s family contributed some delicious additions, bringing

Michael Tupman, and Trey Tupman. The bride’s nephew, Reames

Lebanese kibbeh and meat pies to celebrate Mary Morgan’s Lebanese

Mohamed, served as the ring bearer. Family Bibles from both the bride

heritage while Powell’s father brought in a little Cajun flair with the family’s

and groom were carried to the altar by Barrett Tupman and Thomas

jambalaya recipe, all helping to round out a spectacular culinary event.

Tupman, nephews of the groom.

The ceremony was an intimate celebration surrounded by family and friends. The bride and groom were challenged by Colossians 3:12-17, which was read by the groom’s “Aunt Georgia.” They exchanged personalized vows written by Mayhan, followed by the breaking of bread and the drinking of wine in remembrance of the ultimate display of love shown by Jesus on the cross. During the ceremony, the couple hoped to display how Christ has molded and shaped their lives and relationship in their ten years of dating.

186 | march/april 2021

Erik Kegler and designers from Eventful in Jackson helped create the event, transforming the Mohameds’ home into a winter wonderland. They seamlessly connected the house and the wedding reception tents into a beautiful union that involved Southern hospitality and provided a stylish and sophisticated wedding experience for guests. Kegler and his team transformed Mary Morgan’s childhood home into a fantasy of flowers and lighting. Patrick Remington photographed the event with Matthew Moore as videographer. Lesley Morton served as the director for the day. The reception music was performed by Blackberry Breeze.

Delta magazine 2021

| 187

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MORGAN Catfish Point

188 | march/april 2021

•

Benoit

•

DESPER

Andrew Welch Photo

Jane Denton Morgan

& Devon Thomas Desper

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer and Wedding Cake Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

June 27, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Duke Morgan, junior Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Desper Essense of Australia from Elle James Bridal Catfish Point Lodge Lagniappe Fine Gifts Cole Ellis, Delta Meat Market Hayley Hood and Hannah Brown Smock from Lagniappe Fine Gifts

Delta magazine 2021

| 189

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MORTIMER The Historic Mill at MSU

•

Jane Spivey Mortimer

Starkville

•

Masa Kathryn Photography

& Brandon David Nicholson

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design and Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

190 | march/april 2021

NICHOLSON

March 14, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Spivey Mortimer Mr. Donald David Nicholson and Mrs. Wendy Floyd Nicholson Custom Lotus Threads Starkville Country Club Fresh Cut Catering & Floral CAKE, Becky Thompson The DMP Band Holly Harrell Beauty Custom designed by the bride

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NICHOLS

Maxwell Flying Service • Benoit

FaithEllen Pauline Nichols Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair Makeup Invitations and Stationery

•

STUBBS

Skelton Photographie

& Walter Maxwell Stubbs

October 24, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Matt Nichols Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Stubbs Jasmine Collection Maxwell Flying Service 9.15 Floral Designs & Gifts Food trucks from Doe’s Eat Place, Lost Pizza Co., and Catfish Cabin Leslie Mitchell The Band U.S Morgan Lang Charlie McGaugh Lagniappe Fine Gifts Delta magazine 2021

| 191

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OLA

O’DELL

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church • Greenwood

Mary Kathryn Ola and Brantley Hawkins O’Dell of Greenwood were united in marriage at half past six o’clock in the evening on Saturday, September 12, 2020, in Greenwood at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Father Kim officiating the ceremony.

Mary Kathryn is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony James Ola of Greenwood. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. William Sullivan Barry, Ms. Anne Pittman Barry, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Francis Anthony Ola, all of Greenwood.

Brantley is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael William O’Dell of Greenwood. He is the grandson of Mr. Harold O’Dell of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, Mrs. Sharon O’Dell of Greenwood, and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bruce Hawkins of Greenwood.

As guests arrived, Paul Brown, the organist and soloist, performed a prelude of musical selections.

The bride was given in marriage by her parents. Escorted by her father, she entered to “Praise Him with Trumpets.” Her dress, an ivory gown by Lis Simon, featured a flare skirt, a deep V-neckline, and a stunning open back accented with sequins and embroidered lace. A rhinestone belt and cathedral-length lace veil completed her bridal look. She carried a piece of lace from her late grandmother Doris Ola’s wedding dress wrapped around her bouquet of cascading Casablanca lilies, tulips, Mondial and Playa Blanca roses, lisianthus, seeded eucalyptus, and Italian ruscus.

Attending the bride as maid of honor was Mary Hannah Jarman of Greenwood. Bridesmaids were Mary Dudley Pillow Bozeman of Flora, Suzanne Alline Flautt, Neely Elizabeth Young, Mary Margaret Beam, Mary Key Britt, Mary Shelton Bond, and Kaitlyn Lee Box, all of Greenwood, Evelyn Flynn Phillips of Brookhaven, Darby Taylor Nowell of Louisville, Anna 192 | march/april 2021

•

Caroline Stuckey Photography

Elizabeth Arrington of Meridian, and junior bridesmaid Ann Hollis Hawkins of Greenwood.

Michael William O’Dell, the groom’s father, served as best man.

Groomsmen were Michael Peyton O’Dell, brother of the groom, of Greenwood, Francis Anthony Ola, brother of the bride, of Madison. David Anthony Huffman of Jackson, Cooper Lee Dunn, James Troy Smith, Matthew Dillion Ussery, Travis Madison Deloach, Justin Bradley Perkins, Chandler Clayton Cooper, Colby Wade Mitchell, and Steven Jones Pannell, all of Greenwood.

Ushers were Tyler Morgan Chamblee and Jackson McFall Pannell, both of Greenwood.

Flower girls were Mimsie Morrison Hawkins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brad Hawkins of Greenwood, Sophie Brooke Mothershed, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Mothershed of Senatobia, and Charlotte Marie Adams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Will Adams of Greenwood Ring bearers were William Howard Mothershed, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Mothershed, and Jack Michael Adams, son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Adams.

Following the ceremony, the reception was held at the Historic Elks Lodge where guests were greeted with champagne and a table of Lebanese food in honor of the bride’s late grandmother. Karyn Burrus, Grapevine Catering owner and event planner, helped with every detail and served the guests an impeccable menu for the evening. Kim Kellum, Grapevine floral owner, added her perfect touch with beautiful arrangements throughout the Elks Lodge and church.

After a honeymoon to St. Lucia, the couple resides in Greenwood.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PILLOW

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Mary Dudley Pillow

•

BOZEMAN Greenwood

•

Leah Grace Photo

& Dudley Richard (Trey) Bozeman III

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair Makeup Invitations and Stationery

November 7, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Pillow Mr. and Mrs. D.R. Bozeman ALYNE from Maggie Louise Bridal Boutique Four Fifths Plantation (Bride’s home) Lagniappe Fine Gifts Grapevine Cakes, Catering and Floral; Larry’s Catfish Grapevine Cakes, Catering and Floral Compozitionz Amber Blaylock Chelsey Jones Rebekah Caraway Designs & Paper Delta magazine 2021

| 193

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PONGETTI

Morrison Chapel Baptist Church

•

Teresa Elizabeth Pongetti Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery 194 | march/april 2021

PENTECOST

Cleveland

•

LaMastus Photography

& Norman Eric Pentecost

September 12, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Gary Allen Pongetti Mr. and Mrs. Norman Edward Pentecost III The Bridal Path The Warehouse Jennifer Armstrong, Delta Party Rental; Mary Anne Alford Floral Design Eric Kelly, The Warehouse Angela Goodman Style Freida Easley and Brandy Grant Vicki Pentecost; Rebekah Caraway Design & Paper

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RUCKER

The Jefferson • Oxford

Emily Paige Rucker

•

SEABROOK

Patrick Remington Photography

& James Hunter Seabrook IV

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair Makeup Invitations and Stationery

February 28, 2020 Leisa and Joe Rucker Jill and Hunter Seabrook (formerly Jill Sandroni of Shaw) The Bridal Path The Jefferson Oxford Floral Elizabeth Heiskell Catering Alice Chow, Clarksdale The Dantones Cut Ups Salon Anna Brooke Parvin, Grace Weathersby, and Jodi Rochelle The Stovall Collection, Memphis Delta magazine 2021

| 195

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SANTUCCI Belmont Plantation

•

Greenville

Leah Anne Santucci

Beth Giachelli Photography

& Samuel Young Williford

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design and Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

196 | march/april 2021

WILLIFORD

•

August 22, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. John Santucci Mr. and Mrs. Bob Williford Martina Liana from Low’s Bridal and Formal Belmont Plantation The Pantry, Inc. Veronica’s Custom Bakery Spunk Monkees Dina Pickell, Ricca Palasini, Erin Higgins Artistry Greenville Printing Center

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SATTERFIELD First Baptist Church

•

Greenville

•

STOVALL

Jamie Hardin Photography

Sally Elizabeth Satterfield and Jonathon Mark Stovall, junior, were

Hester, Susannah Neel, and Allison Duthu. Carsyn Mitchell was the junior

united in marriage on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at four o’clock in the

bridesmaid. The flower girl was Annalyce Stovall. The ceremony directors

afternoon at First Baptist Church in Greenville. Reverend Matthew

were Terrell Forman and Kelly Tucker. The wedding music was provided

Alexander officiated the ceremony.

by pianist O’Hara Koerber and soloist Madison Womack, the bride’s

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne William Satterfield of Benoit. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred McKnight of Carrolton and the late Mr. Kenneth Campbell and Mr. and Mrs. Travis Satterfield of Benoit.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Mitchell, junior, of Benoit and Mr. and Mrs. Mark Stovall of Oxford. He is the grandson of Mr. Terry Spruill of Schlater and the late Ms. Susan Finley Davis of Indianola, Ms. Peggy Stovall of Clarksdale and the late Mr. Robert Stovall, and Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Mitchell, senior, of Greenville.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a Mori Lee lace gown and Badgley Michka ivory satin shoes embellished with rhinestones. She also

cousin.

Trey Freeland served the groom as best man. Groomsmen included Brandon Mitchell, Brett Forman, Kurt Owen, Simon Turner, Richard Word, McLeod Norwood, and Trey Naron. Michael Tucker, Walker Holcomb, and Bailey Mitchell served as ushers.

Following the ceremony, the bride and groom left for the reception chauffeured by her uncle, Kirk Satterfield, in his 1961 Cadillac DeVille, which once belonged to the bride’s great-great-grandfather. Guests joined the newlyweds at the Baby Doll House in Benoit for a reception hosted by the bride’s parents. The antebellum home was decorated with flowers

wore her mother’s pearl earrings that she wore on her wedding day. The

and candles, and the guests danced under a lighted white tent which

bride carried a bouquet of burgundy, blush, and white roses.

covered the patio. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted

Mary Grace Satterfield and Rachel Parker, sisters of the bride, served as maid of honor and matron of honor. The bridesmaids included Shelby Holcomb, Miranda Johnson, Claire Armishaw, Hannah Malatesta, Kassi

a rehearsal dinner at the Leyser Gallery in downtown Greenville.

After a honeymoon to Montego Bay, Jamaica, the couple is at home in Benoit.

Delta magazine 2021

| 197

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SAUNDERS First Baptist Church • Itta Bena

198 | march/april 2021

•

DODSON

Patrick Remington Photography

Mary George Saunders

& Joseph Caleb Dodson

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

December 14, 2019 Ms. Martha Saunders and Mr. George Saunders Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Nester, Mr. and Mrs. Tim Dodson Amelia Grace Bridal Historic Elks Lodge A Pryor Engagement Lee and Loren Leflore CAKE, Becky Thompson Wyly Bigger Brii Lyon Rebekah Caraway Design & Paper Delta magazine 2021

| 199

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SHACKELFORD

St. Andrews Episcopal Church

•

Mer Rouge, Louisiana

Mr. and Mrs. John Francis Shackelford III of Mer Rouge, Louisiana, are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter Lucy Parks to Mr.

•

ROSE

Kathryn Gaiennie Fine Photography

Nuptial music was provided by violinists Hallie Cleveland Yarbrough and Joe F. Cleveland.

Adam Harrison Rose, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dale Rose of McKinney,

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a seated dinner

Texas. The double-ring ceremony took place at six o’clock in the evening

and reception at Admore, their family home. A tent, artfully abutted to the

on October 10, 2020, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Mer Rouge,

home’s porte cochere, was beautifully decorated with greenery and floral

Louisiana, and was officiated by The Reverend Doctor Geoffrey Schmitt

arrangements in tones of white, peach, and apricot. Heirloom linens,

and The Reverend T. Whitfield Stodghill.

provided by the bride’s uncle, George Shackelford, were used on

The bride is the granddaughter of Mrs. James Hooper Lacey, junior,

the tables.

and the late Mr. Lacey, formerly of Canton and the late Mr. and Mrs. Duke

The bride’s maternal grandfather was a prolific writer, and one of the

Shackelford of Jones, Louisiana. The groom is the grandson of Mrs.

highlights of the evening was a toast, given by the bride’s aunts, compiled

Charles Wayde Estep and the late Mr. Estep of Cleburne, Texas, and Mrs.

of excerpts from proud and amusing observations that he had written

Robert E. Rose and the late Mr. Rose of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.

about Lucy Parks over the years.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a bateau neck Vinieris trumpet-

On the day before the wedding, the bride’s godmothers, Mrs. Louis

style gown of silk satin, featuring cap sleeves, an open back, and full

Craig Shackelford and Mrs. Carl Victor Welsh III, hosted a bridesmaids’

buttons down the train. Her cathedral-length veil was adorned with

luncheon at Bayou DeSiard Country Club in Monroe, Louisiana, where the

Alençon lace and trimmed throughout, perfectly complementing the

bride was gifted lovely monogrammed dinner napkins.

simple elegance of the dress.

On the night before the wedding, the couple’s parents jointly hosted a

Within her bouquet the bride carried a small blue handkerchief made

“Wedding Eve” party upstairs at the St. Andrews Masonic Lodge in

from one of her grandfather Lacey’s childhood Eton suits, and she wore

downtown Mer Rouge. The space had been transformed into a Louisiana

a gold and diamond bracelet given to her that morning by her

Delta wonderland adorned with moss crane topiaries, Audubon prints,

grandmother Lacey.

and soaring flower arrangements of cane, willow, and king protea

Attending the bride as maids of honor were Susan Davenport

blossoms nestled amongst ferns, feathers, moss, and shed antlers.

Shackelford, her sister, and Blair Elizabeth Tyson. Bridesmaids were

Guests were entertained by a Blue Grass Trio and a lively photo booth

Elizabeth Lacey Shackelford, her sister, Leslie McDowell Spires, Anne

as they nibbled on Louisiana delicacies including shrimp macque choux

Caperton Page, and Rachel Elizabeth Moore. Emily Crawford Reuther,

over grits and a Delta tamale bar with venison chili.

cousin of the bride, served as junior bridesmaid.

Alexander Leigh Martin served as the groom’s best man. Groomsmen were Luke Edward Vance, William Trey Smith, Sean Carl Szlachtowski, Christopher Markus Hecke, and Colton James Ginn.

The morning after the wedding, Mrs. Eric Michael Dashner and Mrs. William Somers Reuther, the bride’s aunt and cousin, hosted an informal brunch at the bride’s home for close family and friends.

After honeymooning in St. Lucia, the couple is at home in Dallas,

Flower girls were Margaret Campbell Dashner and Catherine Beal

Texas, where the groom is an assistant district attorney with the Collin

Reuther, cousins of the bride, and Aubree Elizabeth Rose, niece of the

County Prosecutor’s Office and the bride will graduate in May from SMU’s

groom. Wyatt Thomas Hacker, nephew of the groom, served as ring bearer.

Dedman School of Law with an LL.M. in taxation.

200 | march/april 2021

Delta magazine 2021

| 201

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TAYLOR

Saint Mary Basilica

•

Natchez

Pepper Dorothea Taylor and William Wesley Self were united in the sacrament of holy matrimony at three o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at Saint Mary Basilica in Natchez. Officiating the ceremony was Reverend Father Mark Shoffner.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Edward Taylor, junior, of Natchez and the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Noland Edward Biglane of Natchez and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Edward Taylor of Yazoo City.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Patrick Sandlin of Oxford and Mr. and Mrs. Peyton Marion Burford Self III of Oxford and the grandson of Mrs. Curtis Edward Presley, junior, and the late Mr. Presley, junior, of Clarksdale and the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Callicott Self of Marks.

Given by her father, the bride wore an Alyssa Kristin classic silk crepe sheath-style gown featuring a V-neckline and self-covered buttons down the back, all accented by a cathedral-length, French Alençon lace veil designed by Anne Barge. In memoriam, the bride wore her maternal grandmother’s diamond and pearl earrings on this day that would have been her one hundredth birthday, and she carried her paternal grandmother’s diamond cross along with the bouquet of garden roses, butterfly ranunculus, white majolica spray rose, chocolate lisianthus, butterscotch Vanda orchids, pennycress, fern vine, ivy and asparagus fern, and miniature dog hobble.

Attending her sister as matron of honor was Presley Taylor Jennings of Jackson, Wyoming; the maid of honor was her cousin Julia Rachel Kuehnle of Madison. Other bridesmaids included Agnes Robinson Bell of Atlanta, Georgia; Tabitha Wood Bice of Memphis, Tennessee; Mary Dade Ford of Columbus; Rebecca Terry Dumke of Washington, D.C.; Callie Self Mejia of Memphis, Tennessee; Brittany Nicole Murphree of Brandon; Laura Deskin Self of Fernandina Beach, Florida; Jessie Marye Smith of Jackson; Sarah Austin Taylor of Cleveland; and Sarah Bethany Willard of Natchez.

They picked their own shades of long coral dresses and carried bouquets of garden roses, white ranunculus, butterfly ranunculus, Vanda orchids, chocolate Queen Anne’s lace, and pennycress. The bride’s proxy was Maryasa England of Starkville.

Serving the groom as best men were Henry Callicott Self II of Fernandina Beach, Florida, and Peyton Marion Burford Self III of Oxford.

The groomsmen were John Arthur Burkus of Columbus, Georgia; John Thomas Jennings of Jackson, Wyoming; Santiago David Mejia, Daniel Toler Presley, and Daniel William Douglas Tackett, all of Memphis, Tennessee; Benjamin Christopher Tackett of Nashville, Tennessee; John Hunter Taylor of Cleveland, Mississippi; Edward Cooper Terry of Los Angeles, California; and John Filbeck Youngblood of Columbus, Georgia. On their navy suits, they wore boutonnières of garden roses with duck feathers.

Readers were Katherine Dahlander Bennett of Austin, Texas, and Emily Thompson Dahlander and Mary Margaret Dahlander, both of Dallas, Texas, all cousins of the bride. Dr. Franco Gurman provided the nuptial music.

202 | march/april 2021

•

SELF

Taylor Square Photography

In loving memory of the couple’s late grandparents, flowers graced the main altar in long, narrow containers that held garden roses, butterscotch Vanda orchids, chocolate Queen Anne’s lace, baby eucalyptus, chocolate lisianthus, and white majolica spray roses. Smaller versions of these graced each side altar.

Following the ceremony, close family and wedding party members, their numbers limited by coronavirus, adjourned to Saint Joseph Inn at Edgewood Plantation in Natchez for a cocktail hour featuring a celebratory drive-by reception for numerous extended family members and friends to congratulate and toast the newlyweds. Favors for these well-wishers included boxed wedding cupcakes and unopened, unchilled bottles of CORONA beer.

A formal reception on the grounds ensued with a seated supper, festivities, and dancing on the patio. The entrance featured lanterns hanging in the large Live Oak tree, and framing the area were a pair of large urns lush with butterscotch orchid plants, small pepper plants, willow eucalyptus, bronze hanging amaranthus, curly willow, chocolate Queen Anne’s lace, butterfly ranunculus, green ligustrum berries, long green ivy, Carolina jessamine, aspidistra, and pennycress. Dining tables held long, narrow centerpieces consisting of garden roses, butterfly ranunculus, chocolate Queen Anne’s lace, ligustrum berries, butterscotch orchids, abelia, pennycress, and asparagus fern with golden pears and red grapes.

The bride’s cake was a tiered white almond and sour cream creation with raspberry and cream cheese filling; it was covered and decorated with marshmallow fondant and dried florals. For the groom, the cake was a three-layer banana cake with cream cheese frosting sprinkled with chopped pecans and accented with sugar magnolias in memory of Magnolia, a most God-loving woman who helped raise him.

The evening’s entertainment was provided by JoJo Hermann, vocalist and keyboarder for the band Widespread Panic. He played original and cover songs as well as the couple’s favorite blues, rock, and jazz selections.

The bride’s gown and accessories were from Maggie Louise Bridal in Collierville, Tennessee. Hair fashions for the bridal party were by Anruss & Company of Natchez. Floral design for the day was furnished by John Grady Burns of Nest in Natchez. Providing photography and videography throughout the weekend were Taylor Square Photography of Oxford and Frameblender Films of Taylor. Carolyn Eidt was the ceremony coordinator while Becky Fortenberry was the overall wedding coordinator. For the reception, Sharon Rouse of Natchez furnished cocktail-hour piano music; the caterer was Crews Culinary Investments of Cleveland. Rose Bakes of McCall Creek prepared the cakes. Pure Vintage rentals in Lafayette, Louisiana, provided tables, bars, and lounge areas and finalized tabletop details. Ryan Porter bartended. All invitations, designed and created by the bride, were printed by The Natchez Printing Company in Natchez.

Mr. and Mrs. William Wesley Self are at home in Germantown, Tennessee.

Delta magazine 2021

| 203

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TAYLOR •

SLAYTON

Greenville

•

Ashley Upchurch Photography

BRI BOND PHOTOGRAPHY

St. Joseph Catholic Church

Sarah Burgoyne Taylor

& William James Slayton III

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design and Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

204 | march/april 2021

October 10, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Gary Dennis Taylor Mr. and Mrs. William James Slayton II Essense of Australia Cedar Acres The Pantry, Inc. Dolly Skellion E-Train Hair Tenders Rebekah Caraway Design & Paper

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TURNER St. Richard Catholic Church

•

Jackson

The celebration and blessing of the marriage of Clara Grace Turner and Christian Alexander Shirley was held on December 5, 2020, at six o’clock in the evening at St. Richard Catholic Church in Jackson. Father Nick Adam officiated the double-ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Allen Turner of Vicksburg. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Joe Noe, junior, and the late Mr. Joe Noe, junior, of Clarksdale and Mrs. Homer Allen Turner and the late Mr. Homer Allen Turner of Belzoni.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Barri Alexander Shirley of Madison. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Mayfield Steadman of Booneville and Mrs. Gene Shirley and the late Mr. Gene Shirley of Orlando, Florida.

Honorary mother and father were Dr. and Mrs. James Wesley Cook of Vicksburg.

Nuptial music was provided by Janette Sudderth, organist, and Brent Carbello, vocalist. The scripture reader was Hope Broadus. Escorted by her father, the bride wore a Lillian West lace and chiffon fit-and-flare gown with a V-neckline bodice and a chapel-length train with a lace hem. She wore her mother’s wedding headpiece and a Sara Gabriel cathedral-length veil with genuine French hand-cut lace in a floral pattern over the tulle edge.

Her bouquet featured white flowers including tulips, hydrangeas, Patience and Porcelina roses, and eucalyptus. Tied to her bouquet were pins and medals of her late grandfathers. Her bouquet wrap and garter were handmade from her mother’s wedding dress. The bride wore emerald and diamond stud earrings given on her wedding day by her parents.

SHIRLEY •

Sulley Clemmer Photography

Attending as maid of honor was Sara Jean Turner, sister of the bride.

The matron of honor was Megan Vincent, sister-in-law of the bride.

Bridesmaids were Taylor Davis, Ciara Dycus, Heather Hewlett, Camryn Kestenbaum, cousin of the bride, Blakele Palmertree, Cayden Shirley, sister of the groom, Courtney Richardson, Callie Tate, sister of the groom, Ann Garrison Thomas, and Ellie Welp. They wore dark berry velvet dresses

by Jenny Yoo. The bride’s proxy was Katie Humphries.

The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were Toby Roach, John Ross, Spencer Rucker, Garrett Sanders, Zach Savell, Ryan Smith, Raymond Strode II, Peter Vincent II, brother of the bride, Daniel Warden, Brooks Warren, and Bradley Wilcher. Ushers were Hunter Hatcher and Dakota Tate, brother-in-law of the groom. The groomsmen’s boutonnières featured flowers, greenery, and fishing lures handmade by the groom.

Program attendants were Ross Black and Micah McPhearson. A reception was held at The Faulkner. The doors were adorned with flower swags, and the foyer bay window was illuminated with candles and flower vases. The food table featured a collection of hanging gold rings covered in flowers accented with candle orbs. Bully, the MSU mascot, made a surprise appearance. Guests were entertained by Musical Fantasy of Mobile, Alabama.

After a honeymoon to the Caribbean island of Grenada, the couple is at home in Ridgeland.

Delta magazine 2021

| 205

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WALKER

Fondren Church • Jackson

206 | march/april 2021

•

REED

Be Light Photography

Caroline Kirkland Walker Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair Makeup Invitations and Stationery

& Ryan Daniel Reed

October 3, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. George Rea Walker III Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Little Reed IV Maggie Louise Bridal The South Warehouse and The Railroad District Garden District Elizabeth Heiskell Catering The Flour Garden Infinity Show Band and Bluff City Soul Annie Coates Kendrick Simpson Fresh Ink Delta magazine 2021

| 207

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHEELER First United Methodist Church

208 | march/april 2021

•

MCCAIN

Cleveland

•

b. flint photography

Morgan Terrell Wheeler Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design Caterer and Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair and Makeup Invitations and Stationery

& Ryan Blake McCain March 7, 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Edward Nott Wheeler, junior Mr. and Mrs. Edward Dunn McCain Rita Vinieris from Maggie Louise Bridal The Cotton House /301Alley Lagniappe Gifts Cole Ellis, Delta Meat Market Peabody Rocket Leslie Box and Jess King Lagniappe Fine Gifts

Delta magazine 2021

| 209

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TUTTLE

First Presbyterian Church

•

KITCHINGS

Cleveland

•

Delta Love Photography

Shelby Love Tuttle and Michael Tyler Kitchings were united in marriage

Cassie Skelton, Alex Janoush, Avery Johnson, Lanie Little, Alli Marquis,

at half past six o’clock in the evening on October 17, 2020, at First

and Lane Hylander. They wore long champagne-colored dresses in

Presbyterian Church in Cleveland. The double-ring ceremony was

individual styles and carried bouquets of white roses. Stella Shivers was

officiated by Reverend Michael McLaughlin.

the flower girl.

Nuptial music was presented by Dr. James Robinson.

Michael Todd Kitchings served his son as best man. Groomsmen were

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Michael Tuttle of

Davis Dalton, Weber Herbison, Austin Tuttle, Koleman Hardin, Alex

Cleveland. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Leland

Mangialardi, Tres Heinsz, Maverick Harrison, Marshall Harrison, Chantz

Shelby Speakes, junior, of Cleveland and the late Mr. and Mrs. James

Arbuckle, Tyler Sullivan, Ryan Watson, and Cade Mullins. The ushers were

Robert Tuttle of Vicksburg.

Patrick Hudson, Derick Livingston, Rob Brown, and Trey Williamson.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Todd Kitchings of

Harper Stewart was the ring bearer.

Cleveland. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Albert R. Mann III of Skene

The bride’s proxy was Taylor Watson.

and the late Dr. Jerry Kitchings of Cleveland and Ms. Elaine Kitchings of

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at the

Lake Village, Arkansas.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a strapless satin gown with a classy yet modern half-bow back detail.

Attending the bride as maids of honor were Sarah Beth Tuttle and Ferris Love Capocaccia. Bridesmaids were Maggi Mosco, Kellie Mullins, Madison Kitchings, Shelby Swafford, Carley Brock, Destiny Livingston,

210 | march/april 2021

Cleveland Country Club. Guests were entertained by The Spunk Monkees.

The groom’s parents honored the couple with a rehearsal dinner on the eve of the wedding at the Cotton House Hotel. Dinner was catered by Delta Meat Market.

Following a honeymoon at Bungalows in Key Largo, Florida, the bride and groom are at home in Cleveland.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WINN

Burrus House

•

ROBERTSON

Benoit

Ann Elizabeth Lee Winn

•

Stephanie Thornton Photography

& Alexander Bostick Robertson

Wedding Date Bride’s Parents Groom’s Parents Wedding Gown Reception Venue Floral Design and Caterer Wedding Cake Entertainment Hair Makeup Invitations and Stationery

June 20, 2020 Dr. and Mrs. Eustace H. Winn III Mr. and Mrs. Alexander B. Robertson, senior Lela Rose Burrus House The Pantry, Inc. The Pantry, Inc. Ferd Moyse, Ben Johnson, and Patrick McClary Kathryn Davis Blackburn, ISH Hair Salon Lauren Aldridge Fresh Ink

Delta magazine 2021

| 211

2021 wedding registry S Taylor Ann BAILEY & Wheeler Timothy TIMBS IV .....................154

Mary Randal Tollison HENSON & Cameron Allen STEVENS ........................173

Teresa Elizabeth PONGETTI & Norman Eric PENTECOST.......................194

Katherine Elizabeth BRADFORD & Larry Kevin CARR....................................156

Haley Leanor HOBART & Colton Kirk THOMAS...............................174

Emily Paige RUCKER & James Hunter SEABROOK IV .................195

Lauren Elizabeth CHAMBERS & Christopher Tanas COOPER.....................158

Maggie Elizabeth HOLDEN & Gregory Blake ROWLAND.......................175

Laura Brantley CHILDRESS & Joseph Joshua STEVENS IV.....................159

Amanda Leigh JACOBS & William Leslie ROBERTS ........................178

Lucy Jackson COLEMAN & William Augustus KOST...........................160

Scarlet Amber JONES & Byron Robert Darrington SEWARD..........176

Emily Grave CRAWFORD & Joshua Peay BENNETT ............................161

Hannah Claire KOVAC & Parker Madison MCNEER........................180

Sara Anna DANIELS & Donald Alexander SYKES ........................162

Clare Elizabeth LATHAM & Jacob Ronald SWATLEY ..........................179

Kathryn Louise DAVIS & Jerry Dale BLACKBURN .........................163

Carter Elizabeth MCNEER & James Clayton PERRY..............................182

Emilie Margaret DAVIS & John Andrew BYRD..................................164

Anne Tatum MCPHERSON & Michael Bennett YERGER.......................184

Sarah Burgoyne TAYLOR & William James SLAYTON III....................204

Allysa Gail DAVIS & Mitchell Chamberlain MCNEER ..............165

Mary Morgan MOHAMED & Robert Powell MCCALEB.........................186

Clara Grace TURNER & Christian Alexander SHIRLEY ................205

Anne-Conner DICKERSON & George Geoffrey WILSON, junior .............166

Jane Denton MORGAN & Devon Thomas DESPER...........................188

Elizabeth Jordan DODSON & James Monroe Wynne WESTERFIELD ...168

Jane Spivey MORTIMER & Brandon David NICHOLSON ...................190

Maegan Kelly FENNELL & Raines Clanton COOK ..............................169

FaithEllen Pauline NICHOLS & Walter Maxwell STUBBS...........................191

McCarley Elizabeth HAYNES & Joshua C. STRIDER..................................172

Mary Kathryn OLA & Brantley Hawkins O’DELL .......................192

Anna Catherine HAYS & Tyler Jordan ZACHARY ...........................170

Mary Dudley PILLOW & Dudley Richard (Trey) BOZEMAN III......193

212 | march/april 2021

Leah Anne SANTUCCI & Samuel Young WILLIFORD .....................196 Sally Elizabeth SATTERFIELD & Jonathon Mark STOVALL .........................197 Mary George SAUNDERS & Joseph Caleb DODSON ............................198 Lucy Parks SHACKELFORD & Adam Harrison ROSE...............................200 Pepper Dorothea TAYLOR & William Wesley SELF ...............................202

Shelby Love TUTTLE & Michael Tyler KITCHINGS.......................210 Caroline Kirkland WALKER & Ryan Daniel REED...................................206 Morgan Terrell WHEELER & Ryan Blake MCCAIN................................208 Ann Elizabeth Lee WINN & Alexander Bostick ROBERTSON.............211

Delta magazine 2021

| 213

FOOD

Host an OOTG

Post-Wedding Brunch A post-wedding brunch is a wonderful way to entertain your out-of-town wedding guests.

It’s a great time to recap the joys of the weekend and visit with family and friends with whom you may not have been able to spend much time—and a gracious way to thank them for being part of the festivities. The good news is we have done the hard part for you! We’ve gathered some of our best recipes that cover all the bases for a spectacular brunch menu. They mix and match beautifully—so just pick your favorites and you can’t go wrong!

Set up a coffee station, your favorite Bloody Mary Bar, or a Mimosa Bar WILL JACKS

Tip

214 | march/april 2021

Also delicious wit h a splash ofic seltzer or t on

⤵

Mix & Match SIPS AND APPS Grapefruit and Rosemary Spritzer Rosé All Day Punch Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta Mashed Pea Crostini Stuffed Snow Peas

TOM BECK

Pair these recipes for a no-fail brunch or lunch menu

GRAPEFRUIT ROSEMARY COCKTAIL 1.5 ounces vodka ½ cup pink grapefruit juice 1 ounce rosemary syrup

MAINS

Ice Fresh rosemary sprig and pink grapefruit slice to garnish

pour vodka, grapefruit juice and rosemary syrup into a shaker. add a scoop of ice and shake vigorously until drink is icy. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice and garnish with fresh rosemary and grapefruit slices.

Yield 1 cocktail

Artichoke and Scallion Quiche Ham and Spinach Frittata Grits and Grillades

SIDES AND SALADS

Rosemary syrup:

Spring Peas and Asparagus Cucumber Couscous Salad Marinated Cherry Tomatoes and Asparagus Gazpacho Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas

½ cup sugar ½ cup water 2 sprigs rosemary

PICK-UP PASTRIES

in a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar and rosemary. Simmer for 3 minutes with lid on then steep for about 5 minutes before straining. allow to cool.

TO BATCH COCKTAILS: Multiply recipe for desired number of servings; blend base mixture and refrigerate until ready to serve, adding carbonated mixers right before serving.

Sausage English Muffins Sour Cream and Chive Ham Biscuits Make Ahead Bran Muffins

ROSÉ ALL DAY PUNCH 1 ½ 3 1 2 1 ½ ½ ½

(750-ml) bottle of your favorite rosé cup vodka cups sparkling water cup cranberry juice Juice of 1 lime teaspoons honey lime, sliced cup blackberries, plus more for garnish cup pineapple, plus more for garnish cup sliced strawberries Ice

RORY DOYLE

combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir to combine. Serve over ice and garnish with fruit and berries as desired.

Makes 6 servings

Delta magazine 2021

| 215

TOM BECK

The seasonal ingredients in these appetizers make them perfect for any spring gathering!

1 ¼ 3 2 2 1 1 ¼

garlic clove, rough chopped cup fresh flat-leaf parsley tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for toast cups frozen peas, thawed tablespoons chopped fresh chives tablespoon grated lemon peel, divided tablespoon (or more) fresh lemon juice teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes plus more for serving salt and freshly ground black pepper 12 baguette slices, toasted and drizzle with oil

in a small saucepan, combine garlic, parsley, 1 tablespoon oil, a pinch of salt, and ½ cup water. add peas and cook over medium heat, until peas are tender, about 2 minutes. Drain, reserving cooking liquid. transfer to a medium bowl. Using the back of a fork, mash mixture until it is the desired consistency. mix in chives, ½ tablespoon lemon peel, lemon juice, pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons oil. Stir in the reserved cooking liquid by tablespoonfuls until mixture is still thick but spreadable. Season with salt, black pepper, and more lemon juice, to taste.

Spread crostini with mixture. Sprinkle with remaining lemon peel and more pepper. Drizzle with extra olive oil to finish.

STRAWBERRY GOAT CHEESE BRUSCHETTA pint strawberries, sliced tablespoons balsamic vinegar tablespoons honey slices baguette, ½ inch thick olive oil for drizzling 1 to 4 ounce log goat cheese softened 24 leaves of arugula two per slice freshly ground pepper

preheat oven on broil setting. While oven preheats, stir together the balsamic vinegar and honey in a medium bowl. add sliced strawberries into the mixture and allow to rest for about 10 minutes. place baguette slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Broil on high for about 60 seconds, until the pieces are lightly browned. let cool slightly before spreading each piece with goat cheese, then top each baguette with 2 leaves of arugula. Spoon the strawberries over the arugula and sprinkle with pepper.

216 | march/april 2021

WILL JACKS

½ 2 2 12

TOM BECK

MASHED PEA CROSTINI

STUFFED SNOW PEAS 4 2 ½ ½ ½

ounces whipped cream cheese, softened tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped teaspoon celery salt teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon onion powder

in a small bowl stir together cream cheese, dill, celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper.transfer mixture to a plastic bag and cut a small corner from the bag for piping. gently cut along the top edge of each pea with a small, knife, to open them up. pipe a small amount of cream cheese mixture into each pea and slip a radish slice into each pea pod. garnish with an extra sprinkle of dill, a drizzle of olive oil (optional) and cracked pepper.

Mix & Match Ham and Spinach Frittata + Herbed Couscous Salad + Spring Peas and Asparagus Ham and Spinach Frittata HAM AND SPINACH FRITTATA eggs, well beaten ounces Parmesan cheese, grated teaspoon black pepper teaspoon salt, or to taste tablespoon butter cup fresh baby spinach leaves cup chopped country ham tablespoon fresh parsley leaves, chopped

heat the broiler to high. Set a rack in the upper third of the oven. put the eggs, cheese, pepper and salt in a medium mixing bowl and stir them together using a fork. heat a 10-inch nonstick, ovensafe saute pan over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. When the pan is hot, add the butter spreading it around to cover the surface of the pan. add the spinach and ham to the pan and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, until spinach wilts and ham is heated through. pour the egg mixture into the pan stirring carefully. cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the egg mixture has set on the bottom and begins to set on top. Sprinkle with the parsley and then place the pan under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, until lightly browned and puffy. remove the frittata from the pan and cut into wedges. Serve immediately. makes 8 servings

WILL JACKS

MARINATED CHERRY TOMATOES AND ASPARAGUS 2 pints of multi-colored cherry tomatoes, halved 2 bunches fresh asparagus, tough stems removed 1 teaspoon salt

Fill a medium skillet with water seasoned with salt. Bring water to a rolling boil and add asparagus. cook 3 to 4 minutes until crisp tender and remove from water. Spread on a plate or towel to cool. When cool, cut asparagus into approximately 2-inch pieces. in a large salad bowl stir together tomatoes and asparagus. Drizzle with dressing, toss well and serve. makes 8 servings Dressing ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme ½ teaspoon salt ½ black pepper

Whisk all ingredients together blending well. cover and chill until ready to use.

Set up a pastry station wit h assorted pastries and biscuits. Add fresh berries, whipped cream, and fresh jams and jellies.

Mix & Match Artichoke Scallion Quiche + Marinated Cherry Tomatoes and Asparagus + Sour Cream Chive Biscuits with Ham

ARTICHOKE AND SCALLION QUICHE 1 2 ⅔ 1 6 ⅔ 1 ½ 1½

refrigerated pie crust tablespoons butter cup julienned scallions can marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped large eggs cup half and half teaspoon salt teaspoon freshly ground pepper cup swiss cheese

preheat oven to 375 degrees. Unroll crust and press into a 9inch glass pie dish. melt butter in a large skillet. add scallions and artichokes and sauté until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside. Whisk eggs, half and half, salt, pepper and cheese in a separate bowl. gently mix the artichokes and scallions into the egg mixture and pour into the crust. makes 8 servings

SCOTT SPEAKES

6 2 ½ ¼ 1 ½ ½ 1

Delta magazine 2021

| 217

GRILLADES AND GRITS 2½ pounds of beef or veal round salt and pepper for seasoning ½ cup flour 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons butter 2 large onions, coarsely chopped 1 large green bell pepper, coarsely chopped ½ cup coarsely chopped celery 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups chicken stock 2 tomatoes, chopped 1 bay leaf 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 6 servings grits, uncooked WILL JACKS

Mix & Match Grillades and Grits + Grapefruit Avocado Salad + Spring Peas and Asparagus SPRING PEAS AND ASPARAGUS ¼ cup finely chopped shallots 3 tablespoons butter 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 10-ounce package thawed frozen peas, or fresh shelled peas ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¾ cup rough chopped basil leaves

WILL JACKS

Saute’ shallots in butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until just tender. Stir in asparagus, peas, salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper, place cover on skillet. cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender but still somewhat firm, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in basil and adjust seasonings to taste. may be served warm or room temperature. makes 6 servings

pound the beef or veal rounds, cut into 2 x 3 inch pieces and season with salt and pepper. Dredge meat in flour, and shake off the excess. in a heavy skillet, heat oil and brown meat. remove meat from skillet and set aside. pour off remaining fat in skillet, add butter and melt it over moderate heat. add onions, green bell pepper, celery and garlic. cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the vegetables are tender.

Stir in stock, tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. reduce heat to low, partially cover the skillet, and simmer for 20 minutes. return meat and accumulated liquid to the skillet, stirring well. Simmer partially covered for about 1 hour or until meat is tender and sauce is thickened. adjust seasonings. half an hour before grillades are done, cook grits according to package directions. mound grits on warm plate and ladle grillades over your favorite creamy grits makes 6 servings

COUSCOUS WITH CHERRY TOMATOES

WILL JACKS

1½ 1 ½ 3 1 3 2 2

218 | march/april 2021

cups couscous small shallot, finely chopped cup extra-virgin olive oil tablespoons fresh lemon juice cucumber, seeded and finely chopped cups cherry tomatoes, halved tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley tablespoons chopped fresh mint Sea salt, freshly ground pepper

cook couscous according to package directions; drain. rinse with cold water and drain well. Whisk shallot, oil, and lemon juice in a large bowl. add couscous, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and mint; season with salt and pepper to taste, and gently toss to combine. may be made a day in advance and chilled. Best if allowed to come slightly to room temperature. makes 8 servings

Gazpacho is a cold soup— perfect to prepare individual servings ahead of time

Mix & Match

Gazpacho + Grapefruit Avocado Salad + Sour cream chive Biscuits with Ham GAZPACHO 1½ 1 1 ½ ½ 1 1 ¼ 1 2 2 1 ¼ 2

pounds tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped cup tomato juice cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped cup chopped red bell pepper cup chopped red onion small jalapeño, seeded and minced medium garlic clove, minced cup extra-virgin olive oil lime, juiced teaspoons balsamic vinegar teaspoons Worcestershire sauce teaspoon kosher salt teaspoon freshly ground black pepper tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

peel, core and seed the tomatoes. When seeding the tomatoes, place the seeds and pulp into a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl in order to catch the juice. press as much of the juice through as possible and then add enough bottled tomato juice to bring the total to 1 cup. place the tomatoes and juice into a large mixing bowl. add the cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, garlic clove, olive oil, lime juice, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire, cumin, salt and pepper and stir to combine. transfer 1½ cups of the mixture to a blender and puree for 15 to 20 seconds on high speed. return the pureed mixture to the bowl and stir to combine. cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. garnish with basil. makes 6 servings

MELANIE THORTIS

BILL POWELL

Tip

GRAPEFRUIT AND AVOCADO SALAD 1 ¼ 1½ ¾ ½

tablespoon Dijon mustard cup freshly squeezed lemon juice teaspoons salt teaspoon course ground black pepper cup olive oil

2 heads of butter lettuce, washed and torn ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced 4 Hass avocados 2 large red grapefruits

in a small bowl slowly whisk olive oil into the mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the vinaigrette is emulsified. cut the avocados in half, remove the pit and scoop the flesh from the skin. cut each half into thick slices. peel grapefruits and slice off stem and bottom ends, then cut between the membranes to release the grapefruit segments. gently toss lettuce, onion, avocado and grapefruit together in a salad bowl.

Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss again to distribute evenly. makes 8 servings

Delta magazine 2021

| 219

Tip

MELANIE THORTIS

We love Mary B’s Biscuits and Sister Schubert rolls when in a pinch!

2 ⅔ 2 ½ 2 2

cups baking mix, such as Bisquick cup sour cream tablespoons softened butter teaspoon garlic salt, optional tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives tablespoons milk or melted butter Extra melted butter Ham slices

heat oven to 450 degrees. in medium bowl, stir baking mix, sour cream, butter, garlic salt, and chives until soft dough forms. place dough on surface sprinkled with baking mix. Shape into a ball; knead 10 times. roll dough to ½-inch thickness. cut into rounds with biscuit cutter dipped in baking mix. place rounds 2 inches apart on an undressed cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Brush tops with butter. While still warm, split biscuits then layer ham on bottom halves of biscuits and close with top halves.

WILL JACKS

SOUR CREAM CHIVE BISCUITS WITH HAM

MAKE AHEAD BRAN MUFFINS 4 3 1 5

eggs cups sugar cup melted butter cups flour

5 teaspoons soda 2 teaspoons salt 1 quart buttermilk

Beat eggs; continue beating and add sugar and melted butter. mix flour, soda, and salt. alternately add dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the egg mixture. Stir in raisin Bran and store in refrigerator.

Fill greased muffin tins ⅔ full and bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Batter will keep in refrigerator up to 6 weeks.

BREAKFAST SAUSAGE ENGLISH MUFFINS

BILL POWELL

2 2 2 2 to 3

220 | march/april 2021

pounds breakfast sausage packages of English Muffins jars of Old English Cheese cups shredded cheddar cheese

Brown and crumble sausage in a large skillet. add the jars of cheese mixing and cooking until warm and melted. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the sausage-cheese onto each english muffin half. top with cheese and bake 15 minutes at 375 degrees. if making ahead, place the assembled muffins on a cookie sheet and quick freeze 10 to 20 minutes. Once semi-frozen, place muffins in a large ziplock bag and freeze for later use.

When ready to serve, remove from freezer, allow to thaw for a few minutes, sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. makes 24 servings

FOUNDING SPONSOR Maddox Foundation

PRESENTING SPONSOR Casey Family Programs

TITANIUM SPONSORS Anonymous Delta Regional Founation CRYSTAL SPONSORS Brown Missionary Baptist Church C Spire Cumulus Media Commercial Appeal iHeart Radio PLATINUM SPONSORS Entergy Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance GOLD SPONSORS Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Gold Strike Casino an MGM Resort Delta Magazine / Delta Business Journal Guaranty Bank DeSoto Times - Tribune Paul Janoush Family FedEx Corporation A & B Distributing Atmos Energy Bancorp South BankPlus Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto Bob & Sheryl Bowen Citizens National Bank cityCURRENT DeSoto Magazine Domino’s Pizza DeSoto Family Dental Care Dick and Bobbie Jo Sweebe Dr. Eleanor Gill and Pete Thomas First Security Bank

SILVER SPONSORS

First Commercial Bank Gainspoletti Financial Services Gresham Petroleum Hardy-Reed Capital Advisors Hernando West Hollis Legal Solutions Methodist Olive Branch Hospital Mississippi Land Bank, ACA Northcentral Electric Power Association North Mississippi Media Group LLC

BRONZE SPONSORS

First Horizon Bank Mary M. Thompson Mayor Billy and Becky Nowell Northwest Mississippi Realtors

www.cfnm.org | 662.449.5002 | crystalball@cfnm.org

Paulsen Printing Planters Bank & Trust Pride Hyundai Southern Bancorp TKP Studios Trustmark National Bank Williams Pitts & Beard, PLLC YMCA of Olive Branch

SouthGroup Insurance Services Stern Cardiovascular Tennessee Valley Authority Windstone Dental

HISTORY

William Faulkner

and the Mississippi Delta

BY HANK BURDINE

222 | march/april 2021

SOUTHERN MEDIA ARCHIVE, SPECIAL COLLECTION, UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES

William Faulkner, Mississippi’s literary icon, spent much time in the Delta as a young man, forging friendships with many literary and artistic personalities.

These relationships had a profound impact on his later writings.

Oxford to loll around the Square and the courthouse, shopping and visiting, getting supplies and playing dominoes. Faulkner lived in Oxford and it was around the Square, and down the road from his house in the little country hamlet of taylor, that he visited with outdoors, riding his horses, hunting, and tending to his farm. he fellow farmers and shop owners, and he came was also a writer, a nobel and pulitzer prize to know them and their ways. many of these winning writer and possibly the finest novelist people became the mccaslins, Snopes, of the last century. When asked by students at Benjys, compsons, and Varners in his the University of Virginia about his literary fictitious Yoknapatawpha county. critics, he once stated, “i don’t know any Faulkner also knew of the great Delta land literary people. e people i know are other that lay about thirty miles to the west of farmers and horse people and hunters, and we Oxford with its miles and miles of fertile talk about horses and dogs and guns and what unbroken flat fields that abounded in cotton to do about this hay crop or this cotton crop, and corn raised on one-thousand-acre not about literature.” plantations owned by, what he may have Faulkner’s three-hundred-acre farm grew considered, aristocratic families that oversaw hay, corn and peas, mainly to feed the cattle their domain in their own private fiefdoms. and mules raised at greenfield. is was While attending the Delta council annual during the time when tractors were being meeting in 1952 at Delta State as a guest introduced, replacing the mules, but Faulkner speaker, Faulkner commented to his friend liked mules, so he raised them. puskus creek Ben Wasson of greenville about the planters ran through the middle of greenfield, and the wandering around the grounds, “ey’re not soil was fairly fertile and could produce a bit like the farmers in my part of mississippi. abundant crops—when the rains came, which ese Delta folks all look rich. ere’s they did, often as not. it was normal for these hill farmers to stay out in the country during Greenville photographer, Willa Johnson, took something about them…rich like the Delta the week, planting crops, chopping and a series of promotional photographs of soil. rich. productive…”

Faulkner had grown up hunting in the picking cotton, cutting and stacking hay, Faulkner for his early book of poems, The looking after livestock, and generally tending Marble Faun. Their unique individual and tallahatchie river bottoms south of Batesville to their own business. Yet, on the weekends, personal characteristics endeared them to at a hunting camp belonging to the Stone entire families would load up in a wagon, one another and they enjoyed each other’s family from Oxford. he would ride in the wagons with the dogs and the grub, guns, hitched up to a pair of mules, and come to company.

WILLA JOHNSON

SOUTHERN MEDIA ARCHIVE, SPECIAL COLLECTION, UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES

W

illiam Faulkner was a hill country farmer from Lafayette County in northeast Mississippi. he enjoyed more than anything being

A HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI BY BERN KEATING, 1976

PHIL MULLEN, COFIELD COLLECTION

Faulkner’s friends and associates were other farmers and hunters. They talked about hunting and dogs, horses and crops. They did not discuss literature.

As young students at Ole Miss, Lee and Pup McCarty befriended William Faulkner while they were both in a pottery class at the University. Faulkner took them out into Bailey’s Woods adjacent to Rowan Oak and showed them a vein of clay exposed in a deep ravine.

“There, see that clay? It’s yours, take all you want.”

224 | march/april 2021

TAKEN FROM BOOK FAULKNER BY JOSEPH BLOTNER

MCCARTY COLLECTION

Hodding Carter II, Kenneth Haxton and Ben Wasson formed the small volume Levee Press, dedicated to Mississippi authors. After getting a Eudora Welty novella and the agreement from Faulkner to supply an unpublished manuscript, the three men felt as if they had pulled a “literary coup”, which in fact, they had! The Levee Press’ stable of authors included Shelby Foote, William Faulkner, Eudora Welty and William Alexander Percy!

In the 1930’s, during his stay in Hollywood, California and working as a screen writer, Faulkner met and fell deeply in love with Tunica born and “Mississippi raised”, Meta Carpenter, beginning an 18-year love affair. He was endeared with her commitment to him, stating, “You save my damned life out here, Meta. You keep me alive and sane.”

SOUTHERN MEDIA ARCHIVE, SPECIAL COLLECTION, UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES

Books and More Faulkner met Ben Wasson at Ole miss about 1918, and they became close friends as they sauntered around the campus and town talking about art and poetry and literature. e Wasson home in greenville became somewhat of a refuge to Faulkner in his early days. he would come and visit, spending intriguing time with mrs.

Wasson and being introduced to Delta folks like William alexander percy and other artistic luminaries. greenville was the largest town around and a major cotton port situated on the mississippi river and known as the “Queen city of the Delta.” Faulkner was seeking to have a publicity photograph taken for his first published book of poetry, e Marble Faun, so Wasson arranged for Faulkner to meet and sit for photographs with the esteemed, yet quite eccentric, greenville photographer, Willa Johnson. ey hit it off right away

Ben Wasson, “godfather to a thousand talents, not the least of which was the state’s greatest voice—William Faulkner” Wasson stands in his home beside the original clay model of Greenvillian Leon Koury’s portrait bust of Faulkner. The bronze, and the clay model, are in the University of Mississippi Library.

TAKEN FROM BOOK FAULKNER BY STEPHEN OATES

bedrolls and tents, and whiskey, deep down into the big woods of the dark Delta swamp to hunt deer and bear and to live off of his favorite hunting camp meal “coon and collards.” ey hunted for weeks at a time with the young Faulkner becoming quite a good shot and an ardent hunter. at night he would sit around the campfire and listen to the stories of general Stone and the old men as they spoke of wild deer, native american men, legendary dogs, and the elusive huge cripple-footed bear that could not be killed. later in life, Faulkner would go further down into the south Delta and hunt around Steele Bayou and the Sunflower river bottoms of issaquena and Sharkey counties. it was there, on the little Sunflower, that the legendary bear hunting guide holt collier, born a slave, had captured and tied a three-hundred-pound bear to a tree for president teddy roosevelt in 1902. Faulkner listened and later wove those stories into novels that would become world renowned masterpieces. ere is no doubt, in some scholarly minds, that the great hunter Sam Fathers, of slave and indian ancestry as characterized in e Bear, published in 1942, was none other than holt collier.

STAN BURKS

On a lonesome quest one weekend, in search of companionship, Faulkner showed up at the Bayou Road home of Bern and Franke Keating in Greenville looking for his friend and literary guide, Ben Wasson. That weekend began a long and deep friendship between Faulkner and the Keatings.

Faulkner met the young aspiring writer from Memphis, Joan Williams, in 1949 when she came with friends to Rowan Oak hoping to meet him. She later corresponded with him, thus, beginning a devoted love affair that transpired between New York, Connecticut, Memphis, Oxford…and, the Delta.

Delta magazine 2021

| 225

SOUTHERN MEDIA ARCHIVE, SPECIAL COLLECTION, UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES

COFIELD COLLECTION

William Faulkner asked his new friend from Greenville, photo-journalist Bern Keating, to take the photographs at his daughter Jill’s wedding. Bern’s wife, photographer Franke Keating, had already accepted a trip to Europe and regretted not being there. Franke later stated, “Oh, the pictures were fine, Bern took them.”

226 | march/april 2021

SOUTHERN MEDIA ARCHIVE, SPECIAL COLLECTION, UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES

Carvel Collins, foremost Faulkner authority, Ben Wasson, early literary agent and lifelong friend of Faulkner and Saxe Commins, editor at Random House Publishing Co that published some of Faulkner’s greatest works as they visited in the gardens of Rowan Oak at Jill Faulkner’s wedding.

SOUTHERN MEDIA ARCHIVE, SPECIAL COLLECTION, UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES

William Faulkner felt most at ease doing the things he loved best, working around his home, Rowan Oak, dealing with his horses out at his barn or just messing around on his farm, Greenfield. Dressing and living the life of a country man, he paid little heed to his notoriety as one of the greatest novelists of all times. He cherished his privacy and longed to be just left alone. Here, he and his hostler, Andrew Price, tend to Tempe.

Upon entering Faulkner’s study at Rowan Oak, Bern Keating looked on the wall and exclaimed, “What in the world are those?” Faulkner replied, “They’re outlines of each of the seven days of my new novel. It was easier for me to keep up with the time of action by having them on the wall before me.” Faulkner gave Bern Keating permission to photograph the outlines…for posterity!

COURTESY OF DELTA COUNCIL

Faulkner was asked by Greenville lawyer Billy Wynn to give a speech at the Delta Council Annual Meeting in 1952, one of only a very few he ever gave. He accepted and in his opening line Faulkner stated, “when the invitation to be here today first reached me… it contained one of the nicest compliments anyone ever received. ‘We not only want to honor this particular fellow-Mississippian, we want him to honor us. You can’t beat that…’”

in her studio admiring and talking to one another about poetry and photography, as he loaded and puffed away on his briar pipe and she hand rolled and smoked her own Bull Durham cigarettes, sharing the same box of kitchen matches that lay on her work table. after a series of photographs were taken, she admonished Faulkner by saying she wished she could get him in a poker game; she’d “beat the tarnation out of him and teach him how the game should be played.”

During one visit to greenville, Faulkner and Wasson were sitting on the levee gazing across the swollen river as Faulkner was reading out loud Sherwood anderson’s short story, “i’m a Fool.” afterwards, Faulkner stated that he would like to meet the author. Wasson prodded him to go to new Orleans and visit with anderson as he had introduced him to anderson’s newly wedded wife while they were visiting new York recently. it was on that trip to new Orleans that Sherwood anderson agreed to send William Faulkner’s novel Soldier’s Pay to his own publisher horace liveright, as long as he didn’t have to read it first. in February of 1926, Boni & liveright published William Faulkner’s first novel. Wasson became Faulkner’s literary agent and on trips together to new York was helpful in introducing him to many writers, artists, and other publishers. Upon receiving the manuscript of Flags in the Dust, harcourt Brace & co. asked Ben Wasson to edit and reduce the book by a substantial

amount. after the editing, which Faulkner approved of, the new book Sartoris was released in 1929. Flags in the Dust was later published in its entirety in 1973 by random house. William alexander percy took Faulkner around new York presenting him to literary figures and other important people. Faulkner’s Delta connections began to pay off, and through these relationships other stories and books were picked up and published. e Sound and the Fury was published in 1929 and Sanctuary in 1931. William Faulkner was being recognized as a significant force in the literary arena, not only in america but all over the world.

With the release of these books, Faulkner had a little cash flow and soon bought the imposing old Sheegog mansion along Old taylor road on the south side of Oxford. it was within walking distance of the Square, and he named it rowan Oak. repairs and maintenance bills on the house soon accumulated, and Faulkner, against his druthers, reluctantly took a job in hollywood, california, as a screen writer to help ends meet. Ben Wasson had also moved to hollywood with work. Faulkner spent afternoons in his friend’s house upstairs typing out daily the hand written manuscript of Absalom, Absalom! On his first visit to film producer howard hawks’s office, Faulkner met and became totally enamored with the young and beautiful receptionist and script girl, meta carpenter. meta was born in tunica and “raised in mississippi” before moving Delta magazine 2021

| 227

KEATING COLLECTION

COURTESY OF DOROTHY SHAWHAN

integrate or remain segregated?” By this time in 1951, hodding to memphis and on to hollywood as a concert pianist. Faulkner fell carter and Kenneth haxton, a young merchant and musiciandeeply in love with meta and wanted to marry her, yet he was still composer (husband of critically acclaimed writer ellen Douglas), married to estelle Oldham, his childhood sweetheart. us ensued and Ben Wasson had formed an eighteen-year romance and levee press, the small limited love affair with the young Delta editions publishing house to girl that Faulkner carried very publish mississippi authors. deep in his heart. eudora Welty had agreed to offer as the Depression ended and her novella Music from Spain and people began to buy books more Faulkner agreed to supply a frequently, Faulkner moved back manuscript. When Notes on a to his beloved rowan Oak, Horsethief arrived at the offices of leaving the despised hollywood carter’s newspaper, the Delta and its lifestyle behind, along Democrat Times, the three men of with his love, meta. She later the levee press felt they had married a touring german pulled off a literary coup! Several concert pianist, yet Faulkner kept weeks later when the printed in touch with her throughout the books arrived and Faulkner years. he immersed himself in his showed up to sign copies, Ben writing, with Hamlet being Wasson took him to Doe’s eat published in 1940, Go Down place for steaks where he Moses in 1942, Intruder in the “enjoyed the unpretentiousness Dust in 1948, and Knight’s and superb food.” Faulkner was Gambit in 1949. Faulkner won very happy with the the nobel prize in literature in accomplishments of the levee 1949 at the age of fifty-two, the same year he met the twenty- At the Delta Council Annual Meeting, William Faulkner was obviously press. intrigued and captivated by his dinner guest, the effervescent Betty after speaking at the Delta year-old aspiring writer, Joan Carter, wife of publisher and owner of Greenville’s Delta Democrat Times. council annual meeting, Williams, from memphis, Faulkner was busy finishing a manuscript beginning another deep and treacherous he had been working on. Showing up at love affair. at romance and literary the greenville home of Bern and Franke relationship took place in new York, Keating one evening looking for Ben connecticut, memphis, and the Delta. he Wasson, Faulkner tapped on his briefcase once told her, “Someday, Joan, you will and said, “is is it, Ben, the finest i’ve ever know that no one will ever love you as i done. i finished it and was lonesome at have.” he was estranged from his wife home. estelle and Jill are traveling, so i estelle, yet they remained under the same came looking for company.” after a dinner roof. he was in love with a much younger party at the country club, Faulkner spent woman but could only see her sporadically. the night at the Keatings’ where he fell out he wrote with a furor of genius, only to of bed, splitting his head open. Franke lapse into an alcoholic binge that at times nursed his bleeding wound, and the next would land him in the sanatorium in day they drove Faulkner back to rowan Byhalia.

Oak, getting him settled in before they left as WWii ended, the ambitious young to return home the next day. Several weeks writer Shelby Foote from greenville later the Keatings returned to Oxford and admired Faulkner and wanted to meet found Faulkner recuperating at the him. On a visit to rowan Oak with Ben sanatorium in Byhalia. he became very Wasson, Foote and Faulkner took a liking distraught when he saw Bern. “Oh, Bern, to one another talking about cotton crops, i have lost my manuscript, my best.” the Delta, and Faulkner’s farm. Foote “no, it’s safe in greenville. i took it to asked, “how’s your farm?” Faulkner replied, “Oh, i ain’t in the class with you Faulkner was deeply interested in horses and later the bank.” A Fable had been saved. a Delta planters. i just have a small dirt farm. in life spent a lot of time in Virginia, close to his lasting and endearing friendship with the got to scratch for what i get out of it— daughter Jill and riding to the hounds as a full- Keatings followed, and that bond fledged member of a hunt club in the hills of continued until 1962 when William beans, corn.”

Virginia. On one of the Keating’s visits to Rowan not long afterwards, Wasson was back Oak, Faulkner picked up, off of his typewriter, a Faulkner, after taking a spill from his in Oxford with hodding carter ii whom photo of himself on his favorite jumping horse, jumping horse tempe, died at the Faulkner had wanted to meet. ey talked Tempe, and handed it to Franke, “Here, I want you Sanatorium in Byhalia, mississippi. DM about race relations and “shall the South to have this.”

228 | march/april 2021

Delta JULY/AUGUST

m

i

z

a

g

a

2020

e

n

Delta

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBE

ing Lake LivLak e at Moonat Pier 332

m

• 4th of July Lake houses • 3 Family Restaurant • Kathryn’s

& Batches terie Boards inspired charcu

a

g

a

z

i

n

R 2020

e

Summer large batch cocktails boards and

HAUTE COUTURE AT EVERHOPE

Delta

MARCH/APRIL 2020

m

a

g

a

z

i

e

n

2020

Outdoor

Bows, Boats& Hunting Guid e and Custo m Calls

Wilson, Ark ansas Southern

Revival of a

12 Recipes to try this

Town

FALL

$

28

for a year

The

Wedding Issue

SUBSCRIBE TODAY CALL

662.843.2700

Delta magazine 2021

| 229

EVENTS

FESTIVALS, MUSIC & FUN THINGS TO DO March 5-6

Leland

April 17

Greenwood

ANDREW FEILER

Songwriters Music Festival

Greenwood Gravel Grind

A Better Life For Their Children

The Gin at Dunleith steveazar.com

greenwoodgravelgrind.com

April 15, 12 pm: Lemuria Bookstore, Jackson (Virtual event on Facebook) Lemuriabooks.com

April 17 March 19

Memphis

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Weekend

Hernando Courthouse Square

Graceland Graceland.com

April 20, 7:30 pm

March 20

Greenwood

Viking Half Marathon Historic Downtown Cotton Row District vikinghalfmarathon.com

March 24-28

Oxford

Cleveland

Bologna Performing Arts Center bolognapac.com

LITERARY EVENTS March 15, 5:30 pm: Square Books, Oxford via Zoom Email rsvp@squarebooks.com to attend.

Squarebooks.com

Bolivar County Courthouse Lawn Crosstiefestival.com

Downtown Clarksdale Jukejointfestival.com

The Allman Betts Band

The House Uptown

Crosstie Arts and Jazz Festival

Juke Joint Festival

PATRICK DEAN AND BOYCE UPHOLT

Clarksdale

A Window to Heaven March 16, 12 pm: Lemuria Bookstore, Jackson (Virtual event on Facebook) Lemuriabooks.com W. RALPH EUBANKS

A Place Like Mississippi March 18, 5:30 pm: Lemuria Bookstore, Jackson (Virtual event on Facebook) Lemuriabooks.com

230 | march/april 2021

Sunflower Sisters Cleveland

MELISSA GINSBURG

Oxfordfilmfest.com

April 17

MARTHA HALL KELLY April 15, 5 pm: Square Book, Oxford (Virtual event on Zoom) Email rsvp@squarebooks.com to attend.

WILLY VLAUTIN

The Night Always Comes

Oxford Film Festival April 17

Hernando

17th Annual Mudbug Bash To-Go

April 20, 5 pm: Square Books, Oxford (Virtual event on Zoom) Email rsvp@squarebooks.com to attend.

BOB DRURY AND TOM CLAVIN

Blood and Treasure April 27, 12 pm: Lemuria Bookstore, Jackson (Virtual event on Facebook) Lemuriabooks.com CAROLYN BROWN, ELLEN RUFFIN AND ERIC TRIBUNELLA

A de Grummond Primer, on Facebook Live April 28, 12 pm: Lemuria Bookstore, Jackson (Virtual event on Facebook) Lemuriabooks.com

CAT FIS H in the AL L EY

300 Main Street | 800.920.3533 VisitColumbusMS.org

GET THE RHY THM WITH THE BLUES Hear great blues music, savor Southern favorites, and explore the city that has it all!

Tishomingo County Tourism Council

For the most updated information regarding COVID-19, please visit visitmississippi.org/covid-19-travel-alert The Mississippi State Department of Health is operating a hotline to answer questions about COVID-19: 877.978.6453 #VisitMSResponsibly

Tishomingo County Mississippi

Come for a visit or spend the rest of your life!

Check our online resources for a Restaurant Guide, Event Calendar & a local Business Guide.

www.tishomingofunhere.org ~ info@tishomingo.org ~ 662-423-0051 1001 Battleground Dr. ~ Iuka, MS 38852 Delta magazine 2021

| 231

Thefinalword

What Really Counts ome people don’t like to dine alone.

But i don’t mind. Between work and travel, i’ve done it often, and sometimes it can be pretty relaxing. One evening in particular, at Virginia Beach in June 2018, i had a nice ocean view sunset, bubbly glass of prosecco, cold seafood platter, chill music, and an iphone. all the right ingredients for tranquility defined. en i got a text message. no words. Just a photo. a woman’s left hand with a diamond band on the ring finger. gorgeous, snowcapped mountain peaks in the background.

Our youngest son, nick, and his girlfriend of six years, Shaelene, were camping in the rocky mountains in colorado. all of us, our family and hers, were fully expecting an engagement and that photo was positive confirmation. “great news!” i thought. i teared up, switched screens on my phone, and punched in nick’s number.

Wedding date, venue, guests, flowers, caterers, cake design, mother-of-the-groom dress—it’s truly a wonder how many thoughts can flash through a mother’s mind in the brief time it takes for her son to answer his phone. nick answered, fully prepped for my matrimonial inquisition. preempting even the first question, he took charge and steered the conversation.

“Yes,” nick told me happily. “Shaelene and i are engaged. and… We’re marrieD! Yesterday, we exchanged our vows at a really pretty place next to a creek where we were camping. We got our license, and in colorado there is a self-solemnization law that allowed us to self-unite. We didn’t need a priest, judge or witnesses, so we…” i don’t really remember what came next. i sat there in stunned silence, motioning to the waitress for another drink. “no wedding date. no venue, guests, flowers, caterer (maybe not such a bad thing), no cake, no

S

Katie Tims grew up in rural Northern California, on her family’s cattle and horse ranch. A frequent contributor to Delta Magazine, she earned a journalism degree from University of Nevada-Reno and worked for several years as a writer and editor. Katie and her husband, Bobby, live in Cleveland. They have three sons and seven grandchildren.

232 | march/april 2021

BY KATIE TIMS

new outfit…” eir happy news filtered through my multi-faceted prism of grand wedding expectations, and the light was bouncing off in all directions—my initial reaction as muddled as it was predictable, at least i see that now.

Fast forward almost three years and one pandemic later. nick and Shaelene are happily married, have a baby son, and live in the remote mountains of northern california. eir union is everything this mother could have prayed for. When i think of them exchanging vows by cottonwood creek in the rocky mountains, i cannot imagine a setting or moment more beautiful and appropriate. it makes me smile. is past year, i’ve had the privilege of interviewing two centenarians for Delta Magazine. Joe Barnes, of rosedale, and nevin Sledge, of cleveland, had long and loving marriages to women they adored.

Both men married during the chaos of World War ii—Joe and Dottie in her parents’ living room, and nevin and Brenda at First presbyterian church in cleveland. and yet, it’s not those few minutes of ceremony that Joe and nevin recall. rather, they remember and cherish the decades of commitment, partnership, love, family, friends, and all those experiences. puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? cOViD-19 pales in comparison to World War ii. Yet the virus interrupted weddings in much the same way. plans have been changed or put on hold, with very little meeting original expectations. Sure, there’s been disappointment. But i would venture to guess that some couples got creative, exchanging vows in ways their mothers never imagined. and just like the symbols of milestone anniversaries reached over the years—tin, silver, gold, and diamond—the accoutrements of exchanged vows are just that, mostly ornamentation. it’s the love and commitment that really count. DM

Fred Zepponi III 662-418-6767 fzepponi@mossyoakproperties.com

5741 Hwy 45 Alt South West Point MS 39773 O ce 662-495-1121

223 Sharkey Avenue Clarksdale MS 38614 O ce 662-624-8282

Darrell Bullock 662-392-3010 dbullock@mossyoakproperties.com

Are you looking to

Find Your Favorite Place?

We specialize in selling recreational, timber and agricultural properties in Mississippi and Alabama. O ce locations in West Point and Clarksdale Mississippi.

www.mossyoakproperties.com

Mossy Oak Properties Bottomland Real Estate

Each Mossy Oak Properties o ce is independently owned and operated