DeSoto Magazine June 2016

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features

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49 Introducing the “I do” couples

CONTENTS 2016 • VOLUME 13 • NO. 6

76 Traveling Together A his-and-her trip for two

68 What’s New? Discover the latest wedding trends

84 Here Comes the Budget Wedding financials made clear

departments 14 Living Well Healthy living tips for men

42 A Day Away Yazoo City, Mississippi

18 Notables Designing with Pat Kerr Tigrett

44 Greater Goods

22 Exploring Art Key advice from wedding photographers 26 Exploring Books “A Lowcountry Wedding”

92 Southern Harmony Summer music in New Albany, Miss.

96 Table Talk Greenwood’s iconic Crystal Grill

30 Into the Wild Chasing summer fireflies

100 In Good Spirits Royal Wedding Punch

34 Exploring Cuisine Inspired by Muddy’s Bake Shop

102 Exploring Events

38 Exploring Destinations Henderson Beach Resort

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90 Homegrown Classic Southern caramel creations

104 Reflections Giving Her Away

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editor’s note }

june

Designing Dreams

When I read “A Lowcountry Wedding” by Mary Alice Monroe, I was reminded of just how much planning goes into a wedding, and more importantly, how each woman’s dream is unique. No doubt, getting married is big business these days, but who says it has to be?

In Andrea’s article “Here Comes the Budget”, professional planners give us good advice about the non-romantic essentials of finances. Combine those ideas with Chere’s about wedding trends and every bride can realize her dreams despite the dollars.

Flip to page 22 and Blair gives every wedding party a rare, helpful perspective from professional photographers who can tell you how to hire, plan, and direct your photographer to get the best results.

Once again, we had the distinct pleasure of including Pat Kerr Tigrett who is more than a Notable when it comes to wedding dresses and design.

Known across the globe for her signature lace, Tigrett continues to create and design.

Food goes hand-in-hand with celebrations and we couldn’t stay away from the sweet stuff this month.

At Muddy’s Bake Shop, you’ll be overwhelmed by the colorful delectables filling the glass cases. And Kat’s humor shines through with cupcakes with names like “Prozac”. Read more about Muddy’s on page 34.

June 2016 • Vol. 13 No.6

PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Adam Mitchell

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Paula Mitchell

EDITOR-AT-LARGE Karen Ott Mayer

Down in Batesville, caramel is the word. At the Caramel Factory, business is brisk and I’d bet money there’s more than one cake heading to a wedding celebration or Father’s Day lunch.

Clint took a moment to chat with Johnny Ballas at Greenwood’s iconic Crystal Grill. Although Mississippi lost a true culinary hero last year when his father died at 97, it’s clear his legacy continues.

Finally, we hope you enjoy meeting our brides. Every year it’s our treat to share their big day with you. And if you’re busy making your own plans, we hope some idea, flower or image will spark your imagination. After all, no two dreams are the same.

To all our fathers, we equally wish you a grand Father’s Day! Until July,

Karen on the cover Ashley Young puckers up to a reluctant Noble Gideon by a cottonfield in Wakefield, Mississippi. Read more about their big day on page 52.

Photography by Hendricks and Co.

ASSISTANT EDITOR Andrea Brown Ross CONTRIBUTORS Cheré Coen J. Eric Eckard James Richardson Robin Gallaher Branch Jeanni Brosius Jim Beaugez Charlene Oldham Clint Kimberling

PUBLISHED BY DeSoto Media Co.

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ADVERTISING INFO: Paula Mitchell 901-262-9887 Paula@DeSotoMag.com

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living well }

men’s health

Saying

“I do” to Good Health

By James Richardson. Photography courtesy of health.harvard.edu

The most important “I do” any man can say is to lead a fit and healthy life. It is no coincidence annual National Men’s Health Week is celebrated the week leading up to Father’s Day. This year it falls during the week of June 13th.

The purpose of National Men’s Health Week is to increase awareness of preventable health problems and to encourage early detection and treatment. Several agencies recommend health screenings for men. One is the National Institute of Health. Its website, MedlinePlus.com states certain recommendations. “You should visit your health care provider regularly, even if you feel healthy. The purpose of these visits is to screen for medical issues, assess your risk of future medical problems, encourage a healthy lifestyle, and update vaccinations. It also helps you get to know your provider in case of illness. Even if you feel fine, you should still see your health care provider for regular checkups.”

Screenings should be done for blood pressure, cholesterol, and PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) at various ages. Common sense things to do are have regular checkups, make sure immunizations are up to date, get plenty of sleep, and exercise.

The screening guideline for men ages 18 to 39, according to MedlinePlus.com, is to have your blood pressure checked every two years. Cholesterol screening in men over age 35 should be performed every five years if there is no family 16 DeSoto

history of high cholesterol.

Robert Wake, M.D. a urologist with the University of Tennessee Medical Group at Regional One Health, recommends, “All men with a family history of prostate cancer and African American men should start PSA screening at age 40. White males with no family history should start at age 50. I think it should be done every year for screening.

There are several different guideline committees that make recommendations for PSA. I’m on one of them called the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN.) It’s very important that we don’t stop prostate cancer screening because it has decreased the death rate by about 40 percent in the last 20 years.”

Wake spoke about services at Regional One Health.

“There’s all kinds of women’s health centers. There’s no men’s health centers anywhere near here. We’re opening up a true men’s health center at this location (6555 Quince Road.) What that means is we will be able to take care of such issues like PSA, BPH, erectile dysfunction, and fertility issues.”

Health screenings are just part of being fit. Getting the right kind of exercise is equally important. Kerri and Levi

Spence own 24/7 Fitness in Oakland, Tennessee.

“Everyone in the healthcare industry has a common ground. We all want to help people.” Spence has been working at a gym for almost 20 years. “I have had hundreds of clients and have been training for 17 years. In that time, I have had people with all kinds of wants and needs, people with all kinds of health issues, from 12 to 75 year olds, men and women. People with diabetes. People who are amputees. Our philosophy has always been, ‘Come in. Let us get to know you and understand what you are looking for. Then we will build a program that will accommodate you so you can get from this point to where you want to be.’”

Spence recommends variety in an exercise program.

“I would recommend any place that offered a variety. I would never recommend anyone, male or female, to come in and just focus on one thing. Balance is key in everything that you do. So, if you are coming into a 24-hour facility like ours as a younger male, the first thing we are going to ask is, ‘What are you looking to do?’ If someone needs to lose weight, there’s a program for that. Body building? There’s a program for that.

Increase speed? There’s a program for that.”

Balance is the key to being healthy and physically fit.

Everyone may not belong, or want to belong, to a fitness facility.

There are alternatives. Brian Richardson, P.T. who is a boardcertified sports physical therapist at Vanderbilt Orthopaedic Institute in Nashville, recommends “strength training at least two to three days per week”. He also recommends “performing cardiovascular exercise, such as riding a bike, swimming, or walking at least 30 minutes a day. Another alternative is to count your steps while performing your daily tasks. Walk 10,000 steps and monitor this by using a pedometer.”

He cautions those with a pre-existing orthopaedic injury. “You should be cleared by a physician or a physical therapist prior to beginning any type of exercise program.

You do not have to be a member of a fitness center or gym to start a resistance program. You can perform body weight exercises such as pushups, squats, lunges, or situps, or grab some dumbbells or elastic bands to add additional resistance.”

After all, the object is to not only be fit for the big day, but for a lifetime.

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notables }

pat kerr tigrett

Pat Kerr Tigrett at Kensington Palace, London where her bridal collection lives

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Designing

Dreams

By Robin Gallaher Branch. Photography courtesy of Pat Kerr Tigrett

Pat Kerr Tigrett, a world-renowned Memphis fashion designer, specializes in weddings. Often featuring handmade, antique lace, her beautiful, ethereal, gowns have graced the covers of 11 books and appeared in Women’s Wear Daily and The New York Times.

Just before the interview, Tigrett had been on a call from London discussing details of a two-year exhibition at Kensington Palace that will showcase gowns worn by Princess Diana, among them several Tigrett owns. The event, starting in February 2017, will mark the 20th anniversary of Diana’s death.

Tigrett moves in international circles. “I’ve lived on three rivers: the Tennessee River in Savannah, Tennessee, the Thames in London, and now the Mississippi,” she said, gesturing across a comfortable sitting room toward a spectacular view of the Mississippi. Her home and business, Pat Kerr, Inc., occupy

the top floor of an exclusive apartment complex in Memphis.

When asked to describe herself, Tigrett said, “I’m passionate, fiercely loyal, and care deeply.”

Tigrett talks fast and talks about many subjects. “I move easily between the many facets I’ve been blessed with,” she explained. These include charitable foundations, volunteer work, and, of course, her business.

“I was raised in a faith-filled family. I am so blessed.

I believe God takes care of me,” she said. “I have the most extraordinary friends in the world and they bring the most extraordinary friends into my life.”

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Tigrett founded the Memphis Charitable Foundation almost 30 years ago.

The foundation honors Memphis’ world-famous musicians with a blues ball; this year’s new gala, the Memphis Music Moonshine Ball, will pay tribute to her longtime friend, music great B. B. King who died in 2015. The foundation’s Jingle Bell Ball focuses on children from toddlers through seventh grade.

Tigrett loves helping young brides. When a client comes, Tigrett listens intently, asks the bride specific questions—lots of them—and takes notes. She asks for details about location (inside, outside, beach, garden, church). Time (morning, afternoon, evening). Reception (onsite, destination). If it is a religious ceremony, what special considerations must a bride observe? For example, are arms covered?

Tigrett knows the importance of dreams. She’ll ask, “As a little girl, how did you think about your wedding? What was your favorite dress? Was it fitted, flared, or bouffant? How do you see yourself now?” The bride’s answers lead Tigrett to present selected gowns. Almost invariably, the bride chooses the first one.

“I’m solution oriented,” Tigrett explained and then laughed. “You need to be with the mother, the stepmother, and the daughter who all may have different ideas!” Tigrett asks if the families of the bride and groom have any antique lace— even a damaged piece. Tigrett will re-work this piece of family heritage for a ring pillow, a lovely part of the gown, or even a “handkerchief for happy tears.” Family heritage needs to be part of a wedding, Tigrett believes.

“I understand how important a wedding is. We face very few occasions in life when we’re required to take vows. Brides need to consider how serious this is,” she said.

Each client and each wedding are a story. Tigrett often designs outfits for the entire wedding party. She remembers one client from about 10 years ago, the mother of a groom, a woman with a larger-than-life voice and a manner to match it.

The woman chose a handmade gown with Battenburg lace that was 200 years old.

With a high neck and long sleeves, the gown fitted to the body and had a small train.

“I told her she would never have a more beautiful gown,” Tigrett said.

The woman recently called her and said she wanted to wear the gown again, but this time as the mother of the bride. Tigrett smiled as she recalled the conversation. “The woman said to me, ‘You were right! I’ve never had a more beautiful gown!’”

Tigrett also designs christening gowns. She’s doing one right now for Greek friends. Some 30 years ago, she designed the wedding dress for a bride who is now a godmother. The woman found her on the Internet, called, and wanted a gown for her godchild.

“I remember her. Her mother brought her to a Neiman Marcus Pat Kerr Show in Dallas when she was 18. She tried on one dress and that was it,” Tigrett said.

The woman has invited her to the christening on a Greek island in midsummer.

Tigrett keeps her friends and may well go.

Tigrett knows not only her clients but also knows herself. “I can’t sew. I can’t thread a machine. I am not mechanically inclined. But I design,” she said.

Her inclination toward design and fashion appeared early. Her mother bought her pattern books from a Savannah general store; young Pat cut them up for paper dolls. On a trip to Memphis around age six, she discovered Vogue and her menagerie increased. “I made 3D dresses out of the Vogue dresses and put lace on them,” she said.

It was this early training she took as a volunteer to a lock-down Memphis prison facility for girls ages 11 to 17. “I told them I was a designer; I create clothes from fabrics. I told them that ‘there is a fabric inside of you that God has created.

God has put something inside of you that is great. You just have to find it.’”

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exploring art }

Photography by Beth Morgan

Photography by Brian Flint

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wedding photography: tips from pros

Photography by Josh Malahy

Shooting Straight

By Blair Jackson. Photography courtesy of Beth Morgan, Brian Flint and Josh Malahy

He popped the question. Oh joy! And then, Oh wait. There is a lot to think about, especially when it comes to photography. From your engagement session to wedding day, we’ve got you covered with some great tips from three experts on how to work with your photographer to get the best photo memories possible.

Simply put, a photographer’s job is to capture the unique and special moments as they unfold on your wedding day. Professional photographers Beth Morgan, Brian Flint and Josh Malahy weigh in with tips for photography experiences that are enjoyable, comfortable and exclusively you!

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Josh Malahy

Pick a Photographer Who Fits Your Personality

Before it’s all over, you’ll end up spending a lot of time with your wedding photographer. In fact, the bride will spend more time with the wedding photographer than her groom on the wedding day. Do some research and take the time to get to know some photographers.

When asked for the most crucial wedding advice she could give, Beth Morgan, owner of Beth Morgan Photography, said, “Hire a photographer that you trust implicitly, one that you love, not just their work, but their personality.”

Josh Malahy, wedding photographer and co-owner of Irving+Imogen, suggested meeting with your favorite photographers in person. “Go get coffee with them and ask a lot of questions so you’ll know what a day with them at your side will be like.”

Research Their Work

Brian Flint

Look at the photographers’ websites and compare styles. Put yourself in the photos. Do you like the look and feel of their photos? What you see on their website is a representation of what you are going to get.

“On your wedding day, you’ll feel more natural and relaxed if you’ve met with your photographer, had an engagement session and are confident in their ability to put you in the best light possible,” said Brian Flint, owner of b.flint photography.

When browsing photographers’ websites, you’ll notice many photos with natural light such as those taken outside or in a room with large windows. Don’t forget to think about background and lighting when planning photo locations. Natural light is especially beneficial for the “getting ready” photographs.

Be Thoughtful and Realistic in Your Expectations

Let’s be honest. Pinterest is a dreaming bride’s best friend. It can be a very useful tool for inspiring design, colors and photo ideas. The problem comes when brides have unrealistic expectations of photographs they want to recreate.

Photographers want to hear your suggestions, but there are some things that simply can’t be recreated. And after all is said and done, what you really want are photos that are unique to who you are as a couple.

“I’ve seen wedding media evolve over the years; now it feels like a competition for getting your wedding on a blog. Being published is not what it’s about. I’m gonna take pictures of you so you can remember what it was like,” Josh Malahy said.

To avoid rushing on the wedding day, Brian Flint emphasized that couples tell their hair and makeup people what time they have to be ready for photos. “Don’t worry.

Just focus on what’s about to happen, the marriage itself, not the events of the day or unexpected situations that may arise. Not everything is gonna go perfect,” he said.

The Engagement Session

Engagement sessions are meant to be fun, simple as that! There is no right or wrong way to act or dress. As Beth Morgan put it, “A good photographer is going to meet you where you are and facilitate intimate moments between you and your significant other.”

Your photographer wants you to feel comfortable, so don’t stress. Wear something that fits your style and bring at least two outfit changes- one casual and one more dressy.

“I like neutral colors, nothing super loud with bold graphics. For guys, it’s good to wear a sports jacket or blazer,” said Flint.

The Root of It All

Beth Morgan

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When else in your life can you have a day that is 100 percent about celebrating your story? At the center of all the fluff and details, you are celebrating marrying your person! The wonderful part about wedding photography is that you don’t have to do anything special- you just have to be you to create wonderful photos.

“The best advice I can give to a couple is to not schedule their day around

photography. I don’t have a rigid timeline.

The last thing I want is for the couple to get to the end of their wedding day and feel that it was a big photoshoot,” said Josh Malahy.

Beth Morgan suggested couples decide on their three most important wedding aspects and not skimp on them.

“Make photography one of those top three, because it is what you have left after the cake is eaten, the band has packed up and the dress is hung up in the closet.”

Photography by Josh Malahy

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exploring books} a lowcountry wedding

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Mary Alice Monroe

A Lowcountry Wedding

By Karen Ott Mayer. Photography courtesy of Mary Alice Monroe

In her novel, “A Lowcountry Wedding”, Mary Alice Monroe weaves together a story about family and commitment--and the unexpected conversation about race. When sisters Carson, Harper and Dora converge on their family home to marry the men they profess to love, their seemingly welllaid plans are continually challenged by each other, their own personal struggles and the unforeseen revelation that the new African American preacher is actually their brother.

“I could have made Atticus another girl, but I think the character is more relevant as a male. And I wanted him to be the opposite of the stereotypically-portrayed black Southern male. He’s elegant, educated, strong, handsome and wise. He’s the shining beacon and the best of his father,” said Monroe.

Although the fourth of her summer girls series, “A Lowcountry Wedding” reads like a stand-alone novel. All novels are part of her Lowcountry summer trilogy that are set in South Carolina. Her idea for the novel grew from an innate curiosity about Charleston, South Carolina.

“Charleston is known as a wedding destination and I really began to wonder why Charleston is one of the top

destinations? What draws people here?” Monroe searched for answers beyond the obvious like the architecture and history. As she did, she also focused on what sets a Lowcountry wedding apart. “A Lowcountry wedding can take place at a farm, plantation or beach and it’s the low land that defines everything.”

Talking from her home in Isle of Palms South Carolina, Monroe explained how she came to novel writing. “I was pregnant with my third child and was ordered to bed. My husband took the T.V. out of the room and told me I always wanted to write a book and now I had the time. So, I wrote my first novel. I like to say I birthed a baby and a book at the same time!”

Monroe sounds like her characters. Breezy, intelligent and classy. In fact, she confesses her likeness to one of the sisters. “Harper is me.”

Monroe was born in Chicago but lived all over the place as a young girl. Her husband’s career took them to D.C. in their early years, then later to South Carolina where she has called home for many years. An avid nature and animal DeSoto 29

lover, Monroe’s books also focus on some element of nature. In this case, a dolphin appears throughout the novel, playing a particularly influential role for one sister, Carson. Monroe strives to teach readers an important fact about the natural world or animal, and in this case, readers learn that dolphins excel at communication. In the novel, Carson searches the waters for a dolphin, an old friend, with whom she yearns to touch and see. “Through her, we learn that it’s important not to feed wild dolphins,” said Monroe.

Another key element tied to the geographic area and Monroe’s own experience focuses on the etiquette or protocol so strongly present throughout the entire novel. With two grandmothers serving as the guiding voice for the girls, a specific tension exists between the generations. “The story really is about a grandmother’s love as they guide the girls and help them find their voices.” A grandmother herself, Monroe admits with a laugh that she proudly owns a 1950s edition of “Emily Post Etiquette.”

As she talked, the cheerful sound of birds chirping filled the air and she confessed to owning birds. She’s equally fascinated by turtles and has been more than once called “the turtle lady”.

“A Lowcountry Wedding” released in May and her novel “The Beach House” is set to become a movie. “There are 13 or 14 other novels out there entitled “The Beach House” so we refer to my novel as “The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe,” she said.

She’s already laying the foundation for her next novel which will revolve entirely around another occasion: a Lowcountry Christmas. Monroe’s latest fascination centers on the Wounded Warrior Project and all the soldiers coming home with psychological scars like PTSD.

“It will be about Taylor who comes home and suffers from PTSD and perhaps how a service dog plays a role in his life,” she said.

Just as in “A Lowcountry Wedding”, her characters find their own peace despite past mistakes, doubts, and assumptions. And in the end, three weddings do take place in the Lowcountry, reminding readers that the road to the alter may not always be straight.

www.maryalicemonroe.com

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into the wild } synchronous fireflies

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Catching

Fireflies

By Jeanni Brosius. Photography courtesy of visitmysmokies.com

Many of us hold childhood memories of chasing fireflies--also called lightning bugs--and maybe if we were lucky enough, we caught them long enough to illuminate a jar.

And that fleeting flash held great mystery.

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Although these flying beetles appear to flash randomly among the trees like fairies darting around the forest, there is a scientific explanation and the flashes aren’t always so random.

These bioluminescent insect’s light patterns are part of their mating ritual, and each species has a different flash pattern.

They can glow either yellow, green, orange or sometimes blue.

“In a firefly’s tail, you’ll find two chemicals: luciferase and luciferin,” said Ben Pfeiffer of firefly.org. Pfeiffer started his website in 2009 to educate people about fireflies and the issues they face, such as light pollution, habitat destruction and pesticide use, which have an impact on their survival.

“Luciferin is heat resistant, and it glows under the right conditions. Luciferase is an enzyme that triggers light emission.

[Adenosine triphosphate], a chemical within the firefly’s body, converts to energy and initiates the glow. All living things, not just fireflies, contain ATP.”

Nineteen species of fireflies live in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. One of those species is synchronous fireflies, which are rare and the only species in America that can synchronize its flashing light patterns. Some other bioluminescent living organisms are certain species of fungus, fish, shrimp, jellyfish and plankton. According to the National Park Service website, the mating season lasts for about two weeks each year. The dates vary, depending on the temperature and soil moisture.

Pfeiffer said in most areas, the firefly population is doing well; however, in larger towns and cities there aren’t as many. As residential and commercial areas grow, the firefly population is being pushed to more isolated spots.

“I recommend visiting a local park or nature area that 34 DeSoto

has some sort of water feature,” Pfeiffer said about where to find them. “Often when people tell me they don’t see fireflies anymore, I tell them it’s because they are not looking for them.

It basically means, if you want to see them, and you are located in an area with them, it’s not difficult. In the west and south of the U.S., the season for fireflies starts earlier, in April to June.

While in the eastern half of the U.S., the season doesn’t begin until June.”

Fireflies need moisture to lay eggs and for the eggs to change into larvae, which eat snails and worms.

“Certain western species, and geographically isolated species, are under pressure because of habitat loss, pollution (light and chemical) and drought,” Pfeiffer said. “In most areas of the country, fireflies are doing just fine…. Many wilderness areas that are not protected are also losing fireflies to habitat loss.”

Encouraging children to catch fireflies is a great way for them to learn about the insects. But teaching them to respect the population and habitat are equally as important. “Catch them, but let them go,” said Pfeiffer. He suggests using a net to catch fireflies and then placing them in a clear jar and top it with a lid that has air holes punched in it.

“You should also place a moistened paper towel inside to keep the air in the jar humid. This way, your fireflies will have air to breathe and won’t dry out,” Pfeiffer said. “Once you have a jar of fireflies, don’t keep them for longer than a day or two.

Let them go, preferably at night because that’s when they’re most active and able to avoid predators. If you keep them for longer, the fireflies are likely to die.”

The Great Smoky Mountains National park will have

a firefly viewing event in Elkmont, Tennessee from May 31 - June 7. This ticketed event will only be available to those who have a shuttle pass, because access to Elkmont is only accessible through the shuttle service during the eight days of firefly viewing. For information on parking passes, visit www. recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. To learn more about the event, visit the park’s website nps.gov.

Through the National Wildlife Federation, people can solidify their commitment to preserving firefly habitats by creating a sanctuary in their communities.

Visit the NWF website at www.nwf.org to learn how to create an environment to attract and keep fireflies happily flashing.

Fun Facts

• There are estimated to be 2,000 firefly species. These insects live in a variety of warm environments, as well as in more temperate regions, and are a familiar sight on summer evenings.

• Firefly light is usually intermittent, and flashes in patterns that are unique to each species. Each blinking pattern is an optical signal that helps fireflies find potential mates.

• The chemicals fireflies produce are used in biomedical research.

The chemical can now be produced synthetically, so more fireflies are saved.

The U.S. National Park Service states that flashlights can disrupt the fireflies light patterns, so certain light-show etiquette should be practiced.

• Cover the flashlight with blue or red cellophane • Use the flashlight only when walking to a viewing spot • Point the flashlight at the ground • Turn off the flashlight when the viewing spot is reached.

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exploring cuisine } muddy’s bake shop

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Baking for a Better World

By Robin Gallaher Branch. Photgraphy courtesy of Karen Ott Mayer

At Muddy’s, an East Memphis destination cupcake shop, a large painting of a woman in a sweater who is smoking a cigarette faces customers. Painted by Clare Torino of Memphis from an old photograph, the 8’ x 5’ oil makes a statement. “It’s my grandmother, Jayne Bond. I wanted to honor her,” said Kat Gordon, 34, owner of the fastbecoming-a-Memphis-icon eatery.

Gordon never knew her grandmother, for she died when young Kat was three, but she grew up hearing stories about this woman nicknamed Muddy.

“She worked full time, which was not common in her day. She was a fantastic cook. She had a small countertop in her kitchen,” Gordon continued, demonstrating with her hands a space of about two feet square. “On it she did her cooking. The corner was set aside for food she would give away. She cooked double and packaged it up and took it to whoever needed it.”

Pausing, Gordon fondly added, “She was no Mother Teresa, not a sweet, grandmotherly lady. She was a sassy broad.”

Gordon credits Muddy with insights about how to live. Gordon started Muddy’s in 2008 with this Muddy legacy in mind: “We don’t do things in a vacuum.”

Gordon has 52 employees (called gnomies) at two shops and a bakery. “They’re imaginative, creative people serving thousands. They’re stake holders. They have input.”

Midtown Muddy’s is in a restored, greenish house on a South Cooper hill; its limited parking offers a plus in the trendy, theatre district. As a business owner, Gordon has strong ideas.

She mentioned three. First, no tipping! The Muddy’s staff earn living wages. But if someone wants to drop some change, a jar

stays near the cash register. The contents each month go to a charity the staff choose. “We give thousands of dollars that way,” Gordon said. Some recipients have been the Harwood Center, the Alzheimer’s Day Center, and MIFA.

Her second idea also focuses on giving. “We do a lot of in-kind donations, a lot of food for events,” Gordon said.

Muddy’s contributes to galas like Chef Kelly English’s Le Bon Appetit, a fundraiser for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

Gordon beamed as she described item three. “The most innovative thing we do.” Muddy’s offers its gnomies 90 minutes a week of salaried time for volunteering at selected charities. “Employees are paid on the clock for volunteering,” Gordon said. “It’s part of their work schedule.”

Volunteer choices are Meals on Wheels, Streets Ministries, and Carpenter Art Garden. One gnomie has helped two girls with reading for two years. Gordon promotes such long-term commitments.

“Volunteering makes a difference. It’s relational,” Gordon said. “It’s so easy for us to get caught up in being the center of our worlds.”

Gordon is known for her upbeat, trusting personality.

“I work each day on being positive,” she said. Some of that positivity comes from a horrible experience in 2001 when she DeSoto 37

and four other coeds at Southern Methodist University in Dallas were walking across a street at night.

Gordon and another woman were struck from behind by a jeep going 50 to 70 mph. “The driver was very, very drunk,” Gordon said. “I saw a bright light--I guess the headlights--and then woke up 60 feet away from where I was supposed to be. I was in great pain and thought I was dying.”

Both coeds recovered, although Gordon has early onset arthritis. “By all rights we should have died. I believe it was a miracle,” she said. She used what was left over after paying medical expenses to start Muddy’s.

“There is now a blinking light across that crosswalk” Gordon said slowly.

“I call it my light.”

Gordon is proud of Muddy’s atmosphere and its wares. Cupcake titles show a fun spirit. ‘Pucker Up’ is a lemon cake with lemon buttercream icing.

‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ is strawberry cake with strawberry buttercream icing.

‘Minty Brownies’ carries this accolade: “The brownie that Rachel Ray called one of the best in America.”

Ginny Hillhouse, a Campus School teacher, loyally visits Muddy’s. “It’s warm, quaint, and inviting,” Hillhouse said. Her favorite cupcake? The chocolate/chocolate/ chocolate ‘Prozac’. “It’s like taking a dose of happiness! But one is enough!”

Gordon nodded. “The cake is really good. The pies are fabulous. All have been tasted and tested. But Muddy’s real image is in the exchange. We have a chance to give our best. Somebody’s day is being changed, and it’s over food,” she said.

Gordon keeps up with innovations in the food world like a cupcake ATM. While praising the creativity behind the vending machine, she emphasized that “Muddy’s will never do that! Customer service is community service. The cake is the medium of purpose, but Muddy’s is a lot more.”

When asked to name her personal favorite, her own go-to treat, Gordon glanced at the glassed display counter. “I have to say the coconut chess pie. I’ll flirt with a lot of different flavors, but I’ll go back there.”

www.muddysbakeshop.com

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exploring destinations } the henderson beach resort

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The Henderson Park Inn

Double the Beach Fun

By Andrea Brown Ross. Photography courtesy of The Henderson Beach Resort

After delivering hundreds of calves in about a 60day time period, my cowboy husband was ready for a little respite. Accustomed to wide open spaces, his preference for the tranquility of the mountains versus a crowded beach was predictable. Nevertheless, he was game to go to the beach if I’d let him drive and promised not to tell him how to drive. I promised, as long as he would promise not to wear his cowboy boots and hat with his swimming trunks and farmer’s tan.

Upon crossing the Florida state line, with its boastful “Sunshine State” sign, the rain clouds set in, and they would follow us throughout the weekend. But every cloud has a silver lining and ours would be the Henderson Park Inn.

Innkeeper Ryan Olin welcomed us to the Henderson Park Inn, an award-winning beachfront bed and breakfast, named one of Southern Living’s Hotel Collection. Following a brief introduction, we warmed up to the idea of a magnificent ocean view and private access to the beach. I noticed my husband became a little more relaxed and warmed up to this jaunt to the beach. Voted the most romantic beach in America, the Henderson Park Inn boasts an intimate, cozy

feel. We watched as staff lit tiki torches on the deck and patio area for guests to enjoy. Long known for its no-children policy, Henderson Park Inn attracts those guests seeking a more tailored, exclusive beach experience. With only 35 rooms and over a mile of private beach, the inn feels private, despite its nearly central Destin location.

But summer 2016 starts a new chapter for Henderson Park and Olin was excited to share what was happening across the street. Nearly complete, The Henderson Beach Resort opens to much awaited anticipation. Adjacent to the 208acre Henderson Beach State Park, the resort will include The Henderson luxury hotel, 200 luxury residences referred to as The Henderson Lofts, as well as commercial activities.

Serving as the base of the resort, The Henderson, will offer 170 rooms, 11 spa treatment rooms, and over 10,000 square feet of meeting space. Olin explained some of the contrast between the inn and hotel.

“The Henderson Park Inn is for adults only, and guests enjoy a private beach. In contrast, The Henderson will accommodate not only couples, but families as well.” We DeSoto 41

Sunset dining

agreed that it’s a great opportunity for couples who perhaps proposed on the beach, or honeymooned at the inn, to come back and celebrate anniversaries, or vacation with their kids.

While dining at the inn’s Beach Walk Café, we had an opportunity to try the chef ’s specials which included local seafood and steak. Since we’re in the beef industry, again predictably, we had to order the steak as one of our meals, which did not disappoint. After our delicious dining experience, we spoke with Tommy Bucek, manager of the café. He explained they offer private dining arrangements on the beach, such as beachside proposals. In fact, one of the most impressive aspects of the Henderson Park experience is the hospitality and the highly-tailored service sets the inn apart.

“The white sand beaches and emerald waters create a beautiful backdrop for creating special memories. It’s great that soon more people will have the opportunity to do so, and some will be making fond memories with their families,” said Bucek.

Similarly, The Henderson will offer daily catches by local fisherman. In addition, it will offer a beach view restaurant, sushi bar, poolside grill, bar, dining on an outdoor terrace, and an old-fashioned ice cream shop.

While Destin offers fishing, restaurants, and shopping galore, The Henderson will also offer its fair share. In addition to the spa rooms, they will offer a family pool, lazy river, an adult-only quiet zone, and fitness room. Beach activities such as snorkeling and sailing, umbrella and chair service, and sunset cocktail hours will be offered within a short walk or bike ride.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, a set of grandparents watched our own little buckaroos. Armed with the new knowledge about the The Henderson Beach Resort and the kid-friendly amenities, I could see a future beach trip for the whole family.

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After we loaded up to mosey back to Mississippi, we said our “happy trails”, or farewells, to the staff. Much to my surprise, my husband bought a Henderson Park t-shirt.

Regardless if his only company during the day consists of several hundred head of cattle and his horse, he explained, there was still a chance someone might see his shirt.

“Flip flop, sandal, or even cowboy-boot-wearing people should know about this place,” he stated. And as we pull onto the road, we passed the resort as it neared the end of construction. We talked about our thoughts on the new resort.

He said,” Palatial, but not pretentious.”

“Sounds like the kind of place a cowboy could tip his hat to,” I remarked.

“Indeed. Yes, indeed,” he responded.

www.hendersonbeachresort.com

The Henderson: - Access to the white sandy beaches of the Emerald Coast - Luxury rooms - Spa treatments - Multiple dining options - Pool with lazy river

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a day away } yazoo city, ms

Yazoo City, Mississippi

9:00 Breakfast at Woodees. Enj oy trad itional breakfast favorites like sausage, eggs, pancakes and omelettes. The homemade biscuits are a must. rse 10:00 Sho p the downtown district on Main Street. The shopping is dive lry, as the colorful build ings that line the street. Whether searching for jewe antiques, trendy clot hing, gifts or locally-crafted goods, you are sure to find something unique. not only 12:00 Lunch at Dixie Lane Tear oom & Bakery. This full- service bakery serv e offers yummy homemade treats like cinnamon rolls and dani sh, but they up dail y lunch specials as well. Popular dishes are quiche of the day, catf ish parmesan or chicken salad on freshly made bread. es 1:00 Tour the Sam Olden Yazo o Hist orical Society Museum and the Oak e the Afr ican American Cult ural Center. Lear n about the hist ory of Yazo o sinc Civi l War, as well as the many contributions made by Yazo o C ount y’s Afr ican American citizens. , 3:00 Tailor a tour to fit your interests. See the hist oric homes and churches 62 travel the Mississippi Blues Trai l or visit the back roads. Cal l 800-381-06 for more information. nd ly 5:30 Tom’s on Main for dinner. Del icious food, reasonable prices and frie atmosphere keep regulars comi ng back for more. Order a fresh seaf ood dish like soft shel l crab or indulge in a juicy brisket burger or ribeye steak.

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Upcoming Events: Saturday, June 18 Bentonia Blues Festival This festival celebrates the unique and haunting Bentonia style of country blues, which originated in Bentonia, Mississippi. Hear from various blues artists including Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, creator of the Bentonia Blues Festival in 1972 and the last artist known to perform the Bentonia blues. Admission is FREE but donations are welcomed and appreciated. For a $5 donation, you will be entered into a very special drawing! Don’t miss the Related Events leading up to the Bentonia Blues Festival with LIVE Music at the Blue Front Cafe, the oldest Mississippi juke joint, from June 13-17 each night! For information visit Bentonia Blues Festival on Facebook or call Jimmy “Duck” Holmes at 662-528-1900.

September Holly Bluff Friends & Family Day October Antique Days Yazoo County Fair November Veterans Day Parade December Yazoo Christmas Parade May 2017 Jerry Clower Festival Gospel Explosion

For more information visit www.visityazoo.org

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greater goods } bridesmaid’s gifts

bridesmaid’s gifts

1.

2.

4.

5.

8.

3.

6.

9.

7.

1. Mississippi Miracle products, The Blue Olive, 210 E Commerce St #4, Hernando, MS 2. Julio designs braclets, $26, SoCo, 300 W Commerce St, Hernando, MS 3. Kendra Scott Elisa necklace, $50-$65, The Pink Zinnia, 134 West Commerce Street, Hernando, MS 4. Dogeared Jewelry $58, Bon Von, 214 W Center Street, Hernando, MS 5. Giving Key bracets, The Bunker Boutiue, 2631 McIngvale Suite #106, Hernando, MS 6. Kendra Scott Earrings, Ultimate Gifts, 3075 Goodman Rd. E, Suite 16, Southaven, MS 7. Oxford Candle Company candles, $24, Cynthia’s Boutique, 2529 Caffey Street, Hernando, MS 8. Stud earrings, Frank, 210 E Commerce St, Hernando, MS 9. Kate Spade NY initial tumblers, $18, The Merry Magnolia, 194 E Military Rd, Marion, AR

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greater goods } groomsmen’s gifts

groomsmen’s gifts

2.

1.

3.

5.

4.

6.

1. Men’s leather flask, $42, Cynthia’s Boutique, 2529 Caffey Street, Hernando, MS 2. Shotgun Shell Mason Jar, $12 / Leather Coasters, $25, Ultimate Gifts, 3075 Goodman Rd. E, Suite 16, Southaven, MS 3. Corkcicle Tumblers, $30, The Pink Zinnia, 134 West Commerce Street, Hernando, MS 4. Yeti Rambler Lowball, $25, The Blue Olive, 210 E Commerce St #4, Hernando, MS 5. Fripp and Folly flask, $25, The Bunker Boutiue, 2631 McIngvale Suite #106, Hernando, MS 6. Vagabond House D Ring Old Fashion Glass, $48, Bon Von, 214 W Center Street, Hernando, MS

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greater goods } father’s day gifts

father’s day gifts

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1. Vinyard Vines ties, $85, SoCo, 300 W Commerce St, Hernando, MS 2. Citronella lamp by Lampe Berger Paris, $30, Bon Von, 214 W Center Street, Hernando, MS 3. Men’s wallets, $29-$39, The Bunker Boutiue, 2631 McIngvale Suite #106, Hernando, MS 4. Big Shot Flyer coasters, $28, The Blue Olive, 210 E Commerce St #4, Hernando, MS 5. Canvas Shave Kit $40, Ultimate Gifts, 3075 Goodman Rd. E, Suite 16, Southaven, MS 6. Uncorked Originals corkscrew, $34, Trove, 1725 McCullough Blvd, Tupelo, MS

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” . o “i d

2 d16 edition

Photo by Emily Hatch Photography

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Corinne Vance THE BIG DAY

& Bryan Fikes

June 13, 2015 The Gumtree Museum in Downtown Tupelo, Mississippi

COLLEGE SWEETHEARTS

Sometimes, the best things in life take time. When Bryan met Corinne in college, he thought she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. As he got to know her, he realized her beauty ran deep and she was “the one”. They dated for several years. “I wanted to make sure I was prepared to give her all that she deserved,” he said. In the fall of 2014, he asked her to spend the rest of her life with him... And she said yes.

THE BRIDE’S GOWN

Ysa Makino for Stephen Yearick of New York off-white, satin and organza gown from Low’s Bridal. Featuring a Sweetheart Neckline, Deep V-back and court length train. The fitted bodice had an overlay of Chantilly Lace, embroidered satin appliques and hand beaded flower cascade over the overlay.

FLOWERS: MS Design Maven Marilyn Trainor Storey with helpers Chris Morrow of Helena, AR and Gary Hancock of Tupelo, MS. PHOTOGRAPHER: Daniel Vassel from Clarksdale and his team

THE RECEPTION: The Tupelo Country Club. Grazing table and main meal by Executive Chef Danny Weldon.

THE CAKE: Five tiered cake by Creative Cakes in Tupelo, Miss. Each layer had both vanilla cake and dark chocolate cake which were divided by an inner caramel icing.

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Ashley Young THE BIG DAY

& Noble Gideon

October 18, 2014 Stevie Carpenter’s beautiful, southern cottonfield in Wakefield, Mississippi.

AN UNFORGETTABLE ENGAGEMENT

Noble placed the ring on the collar of Ashley’s 12-year old dog. Then, he asked her to let the dog back in the house. “I could not have imagined a better memory than that!” said Ashley.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Together, the family created a memorable occasion. Ashley’s mother and grandmother made all the decorations for the wedding. Ashley’s uncle built the arbor under which the couple married, under a wide sky and open field.

BRIDE’S GOWN: Long, sweetheart neck, champagne and white with lace dress, gold shoes, and vintage birdcage veil completed the look.

FLOWERS: The bride’s mother made all the flowers, including the centerpieces, bouquets and boutineers.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Hendricks and Co.

THE CAKE: Ladybugg Bakery in Hernando, Mississippi

THE HONEYMOON: a Northeastern Tour. They went by train, plane, and car to Philadelphia, New York, New Haven, Boston, and Portland.

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Olivia Patterson THE BIG DAY

& Matt DeMuth

April 2, 2016 Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Como, Mississippi.

A HORSE RIDE TO REMEMBER

Matt and Olivia rode their horses to one of their favorite spots on a farm property. Once dismounted, he asked her to marry him, placing his maternal grandmother’s ring on her finger.

THE HONEYMOON

The day after the wedding, the newlyweds headed west. Traveling to Durango, Colorado, they spent their honeymoon visiting iconic western places like Four Corners Monument and The Grand Canyon.

BRIDE’S GOWN: Barefoot Bride strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline and a non-beaded Matte Guipure Lace overlay.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Cindy Neal of Senatobia, Mississippi.

THE FLOWERS: Bride’s bouquet included Hydrangeas, Chamomile, Goldenrod and Veronica by Lisa Cox of Senatobia, Mississippi.

THE FOOD: Friends of the Bride and Groom’s families provided the buffet-style brunch, which included shrimp and grits, breakfast and hash brown casseroles, feta cheese biscuits, a variety of sweet breads, fresh fruit and vegetables.

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Brittney Crawford THE BIG DAY

& Joe Weatherly

September 19, 2015 Bonne Terre, Nesbit, Mississippi

THE CRÈME BRÛLÉE PROPOSAL

Joe mischievously planned a memorable dessert for Brittney. Following Joe’s brithday dinner at Mesquite Chop House, the waiter appeared. Unbeknownst to Brittney, Joe had everything pre-arranged...including a meeting in the restroom earlier to give the waiter the ring. When her creme brulee arrived, “Will you marry me?” was written on the plate and a strawberry on top held the ring!

WEDDING FAVORS

Each guest received a wooden cross crafted by Brittney’s grandfather.

BRIDE’S GOWN: Allure lace and tulle gown with open key hole back from Low’s Bridal FLOWERS: Butterflies Florist in Hernando, Mississippi

PHOTOGRAPHER: Emily and Jacob Hatch with Emily Hatch Photography.

THE MUSIC: The music was a playlist of songs from the 60’s until now of all the couple’s favorites.

THEIR FIRST DANCE: Tony Bennett’s “The Way You Look Tonight.”

THE HONEYMOON: Rosemary Beach, FLorida

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Jessica Taylor

& Ethan Davis

THE BIG DAY

November 7, 2015 Mallard’s Croft in Byhalia, Mississippi

A MOUNTAIN PROPOSAL

Ethan proposed to Jessica on Memorial Day 2015 from the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain overlooking the Little Red River near Heber Springs, Arkansas. Surrounded by close family and friends, the couple’s rustic wedding took place in the historic barn at Mallard’s Croft in Byhalia, Mississippi.

BRIDE’S GOWN: Romantic tulle sheath gown with daring illusion back garnished in Swarovski crystals, made my Maggie Sottero.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Nisha Jones Photography

GROOMS SUIT: Charcoal gray suit with navy vest, Jos A Banks.

THE CAKE: three tiered cake garnished in beautiful fall colors. Made by Brenda West of Mt. Pleasant, Mississippi.

THE FOOD: buffet style food catered by Clancy’s Catering out of Red Banks, Mississippi.

THE FLOWERS: The bride carried a hand-tied bouquet of white hydrangea, cream garden roses, white and green Gerrando

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Laura Beth Scipper THE BIG DAY

August 2, 2014 Hernando United Methodist Church

& Mason Sanders

CHERISHING TRADITION

Laura Beth married surrounded by her family’s keepsakes and honoring the usual wedding tradition of something borrowed, blue, old and new. Mason gave her a blue sapphire ring; She borrowed a cameo broach for her bouquet; she wore her greatgrandmother’s diamond necklace and a new veil. Her keepsakes held great meaning. “We had a church pew that came from my father’s church when he was a boy.” The ring bearer carried a white bible given to Laura Beth at birth and a brown bible, Laura Beth’s first gift to Mason. Announced by the “Voice of the Rebels”, the maid of honor’s father, the couple left through blazing sparklers and pulled away in a convertible. Toasts were made in Laura Beth’s great grandparents gold 50th anniversary goblets.

BRIDE’S GOWN: Low’s Bridal

THE RECEPTION: The Banks house, Hernando, Mississippi THE FOOD: Chris Lee of Hernando’s Underground Cafe

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jon Sharman from Memphis, Tennessee.

The Music: Class Reunion Band from Kosciusko, Mississippi - Rock n Roll, Funk, and Oldies.

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Sara Lynn Johnson THE BIG DAY

& Aaron Fultz

June 20, 2015 Woodruff Farms in Batesville, Mississippi - the family farm & home of the bride’s parents and the original homesite of her great grandparents.

A PITCH PERFECT PROPOSAL

As a pitching coach in the minor league with the Philadelphia Phillies, Aaron lives out of state during baseball season. At the end of baseball season, the couple traveled through the Northeast. Aaron patiently waited until their last destination at Bar Harbor, Maine.

Following a delicious dinner, Aaron proposed in a small park along the harbor.

BRIDE’S GOWN: The bride wore a Marisa ivory lace wedding gown with an Untamed Petals rhinestone and pearl sash.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Josh Malahy.

THE CAKE: Frost Bake Shop, a multi layer cake with alternating strawberry and vanilla cake with strawberry fruit filling and white chocolate fondant icing. The groom’s selection was homeade banana pudding.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING: The reception tables, the flower stands, the pergola, the large altar cross, and the stone bridal path were

all constructed by the father of the bride for the wedding. During the reception, the bride and groom toasted with crystal goblets that had belonged to her maternal great grandparents. They were a gift from the family, community friends, and church for their 50th wedding anniversary in March 1951.

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Stephanie Carroll THE BIG DAY

& David Hodges

October 17, 2015 Maple Grove Farms, Collierville, Tennessee The outdoor wedding and reception were held at Maple Grove Farms in Collierville, Tennessee. The wedding was very classic with a bit of rustic feel and decor.

SURPRISE AFTER SURPRISE

David’s proposal was one big surprise after another. First, he rented a helicopter and the pilot flew the couple over all the places they had been on dates. They arrived at Table 100 where they had their first date--only to find both of their families eagerly awaiting their arrival!

BRIDE’S GOWN: Ivory lace Maggie Sottero gown from Imaginations Bridal in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

THE FLOWERS: Piano’s Florist in Memphis, Tennessee.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jenn and Charlie Floyd of Jackson, Mississippi.

THE FOOD: Draper’s Catering, Memphis, Tennessee. The cakes were provided by the bride’s talented cousin.

THE HONEYMOON: The couple took a short weekend trip to Nashville, Tennessee to relax, but have plans to take a long trip in the Spring of 2017.

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Photo by Lizzy Hill

Something Old, Something New Today’s Wedding Trends

By Cheré Coen. Photography courtesy of Lizzy Hill and Houmas House

Like fashion and home décor, bridal dresses, wedding ceremonies and the receptions that follow are subject to trends. So what’s new in the world of nuptials?

“A lot of the trends of 2015 are continuing into 2016,” said Lizzy Hill, who owns Chancey Charm, a Memphis wedding planning company. “But one thing I’m seeing is more greenery than florals, although florals still have their place.”

“Ceremonies are featuring large leaves such as Southern magnolias on table tops,” Hill explained, “or fresh greenery used as table runners.”

On the other hand, Claire Kiamie of One Fine Day in Oxford is seeing florals used in a new way.

“Hanging florals are really in this year,” Kiamie said.

“We’re loving some of the pieces we’re doing.”

Other trends Hill has witnessed are asymmetrical designs and personalized pieces Hill calls “fun and funky.” Both styles are a move away from traditional wedding ceremonies. For DeSoto 71

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instance, a bride may choose a mantelpiece decorated with candles and greenery as her wedding altar but the greenery will flow over just one side. For meals, the couple may serve hot chicken wings, a dish that might be the couple’s favorite, replacing the typical chicken and fish. Instead of a traditional cake topper of a couple in wedding attire, they may use a favorite verse.

“A lot of personalities are coming out at weddings,” Hill said.

Couples also want specialized details but they want them to look effortless, Hill said.

“It’s not so weddingish anymore,” Hill explained. “They use different details that don’t look like a lot of time went into it, but I know a lot of work went into it.”

Some trends Kiamie has noticed harkened back to tradition, while others veer away.

“We are seeing a lot of brides and grooms skipping the first look and waiting to see each other at the altar,” she said.

“We’re doing a lot of writing on mirrors for things ranging from the guest book sign-in to the bar menu, very cool! Seeing a lot more menus for ‘foodies’ with new and creative dishes served, not as many of the old traditional wedding foods.”

One trend Hill is happy to see dying out is the do-it-yourself craze, where couples create many of the ceremony’s details, such as wedding favors.

“Do you really want to spend hours in your kitchen before your wedding cooking 500 cookies?” she asked.

As for the events themselves, don’t expect them to be drawn-out and restrictive.

“The ceremonies tend to be quicker and not as formal,” said Janine Thibodaux, wedding liaison at Houmas House Plantation in South Louisiana. “There hasn’t been any new trend for receptions lately, just the normal koozies for favors and an occasional added candy bar or photo booth.”

Pompoms are a new exit strategy, Hill added, beginning to replace sparklers that have been hot up to recently, no pun intended. Many couples are now using pompoms in colors that mean something to them, such as the colors of their schools.

Outdoor weddings

The grounds at Houmas House Plantation near Darrow, Louisiana, about an hour upriver from New Orleans, are extensive, filled with elegant gardens, DeSoto 73

Photo by Lizzy Hill

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fountains and ancient live oak trees so it’s no wonder outdoor weddings are popular here.

And the trend doesn’t seem to be abating.

“We’ve been as busy as we can be,” said owner Kevin Kelly, who witnesses 100 weddings on his property every year. “It seems outdoor weddings are more popular now than ever before.”

A decade ago, when hurricanes wrecked the state and the neighboring Gulf Coast, brides and grooms shied away from outdoor summer weddings. Now, there doesn’t seem to be a hesitation for outdoor ceremonies July through September, Kelly said.

“That’s not an issue anymore,” he said.

The Louisiana plantation offers numerous “fall-back plans,” including allowing couples to be married on the 19th century mansion’s porch, along the dramatic stairway in the house’s foyer and on the dance floor of the reception hall.

Beach weddings or those near the beach are still very popular, said Heather Archdeacon-Williams of Defining Moments Weddings & Events on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Most of her couples are not from Florida, she added, driving from cities as far away as Nashville, Dallas and Atlanta.

Some couples get married right on the beach — about a dozen weddings per year, she said — but most choose venues where the Gulf waters are the backdrop.

Some couples who don’t marry in the sand will travel to the water’s edge at sunset for photos or offer an outdoor cocktail hour where guests can do the same.

What’s trending in beachside weddings is what Archdeacon-Williams calls “coastal glamour chic,” neutral colors of ivory, taupe and blushes, sometimes mixed with metallic colors such as rose gold.

Dresses

“Sleeves are making a comeback after years of sleeveless gowns,” said Hill, who attributes this trend to England’s Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton who married Prince William in 2011. For her wedding, Middleton wore a Sarah Burton dress featuring a lace and ivory satin bodice and skirt with lace sleeves that reached down to her wrists.

“People are getting super excited about sleeves and it probably has to do with Kate Middleton,” she said.

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of lace sleeves is also making its mark, she said.

On the beach, when temperatures veer downward in the winter months, some brides will add a bolero jacket or a faux fur wrap to their gown, Archdeacon-Williams said.

“The only styles that have been trending with the brides for a couple of years now are wearing more lace than satin or silk with bold colored shoes as an accessory,” explained Thibodaux. “Most of our brides are traditional in style.”

Thibodaux sees bridesmaids wearing simple flowing chiffon dresses with more of them twisting their hair up into different styles.

Photo by Lizzy Hill

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The Greenbrier Front Entrance

Spa Garden at Homestead

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His+Her

Escapes

Off Roading at Greenbrier

By J. Eric Eckard. Photography courtesy of Homestead, Pinehurst and the Greenbrier

Hundreds of years ago, travelers flocked to certain rural areas of the South to take advantage of the healing waters of underground springs, or in some cases, just get away from the hustle and bustle of the the newly developing metropolitan cities.

Businessmen built cottages, cabins and hotels for these travelers, and soon, vacation spots in Virginia and North Carolina pampered presidents, catered to royalty and spoiled celebrities of the day.

Today, these health refuges have transformed into recreation resorts that offer couples plenty of his-and-her activities that allow them to rejuvenate their bodies and minds. These resorts still pamper and spoil politicians and celebrities, but they’re also the perfect getaway for honeymoon couples or those looking to reconnect after many years together.

Here, we visit three upscale resorts in the South that offer championship golf, world-class spas, history and a tradition of hospitality at its most Southern.

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Casino Club at The Greenbrier

Greenbrier’s Prime 44 West

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Greenbrier Resort White Sulphur Springs, W. Va.

As early as 1778, health seekers first began drinking and bathing in the springs of the Allegheny Mountains near what would become the Greenbrier Resort.

In 1835, the Springhouse was built to offer guests a European-style spa experience in the hills of what was then still Virginia. First cottages, and later, a grand hotel sprang up.

Known as the Old White, the hotel opened in 1858.

After a long history as a railroad resort, Jim Justice bought the resort in 2009.

He pumped in $50 million to renovate the 11,000-acre property, upgrade the guest rooms, add a casino and build a chapel for weddings.

“You can go to a lot of places with history, but you don’t get that modern experience,” said Cam Huffman, director of sports public relations at the Greenbrier.

“This is a great mixture. We have that historic feel without looking like we live in the past.”

A glass of champagne at checkin along with an attentive bell staff set an indulgent tone from the moment couples step through the grandiose white-columned entrance.

The resort boasts four golf courses for guests, including the Old White TPC, home of the PGA Tour’s Greenbrier Classic, and Oakhurst Links, which opened in 1884 and some argue is the oldest golf course in the United States.

Horseback riding, carriage rides, kayaking, hiking and other adventures give Greenbrier couples a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Or they can bowl a few frames in the resort’s eight-lane alley.

“We also have a couple’s massage at the spa, and the cottages along Spring Row have a living room and fireplace,” said Debbie Aldridge, the resort’s head concierge. “What would be more romantic than having a fireplace in your cottage and then going for an evening walk?”

And a visit to the Greenbrier isn’t complete without a tour of the bunker, Congress’ former underground hideaway that would have housed the government in case of nuclear attack during the Cold War. “Jim (Justice) says that the Greenbrier is a treasure of West Virginia,” said Erik Hastings, the resort’s director of communications. “I would say that it’s a DeSoto 81

The Omni Homestead Resort

The Homestead, Cascades Hole #16

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treasure of the United States.”

The Omni Homestead Resort Hot Springs, Va.

This year, the Omni Homestead Resort celebrates its 250th birthday. The small 18-room lodge opened in 1766 to accommodate visitors seeking the healing spring waters of the Virginia mountains.

The Homestead features 11 natural springs on its 2,000-acre property.

The original pool house built in 1761 over one of the springs on the property still stands. Now called the Jefferson Pools, named for the country’s second president, it features two structures that offer soaks for men and women, together or separately.

“It has so much history down here in this beautiful valley,” said Eileen Judah, the resort’s marketing manager. “And then, you have the ‘wow’ factor when you come down the hill.”

That’s when guests first see the iconic tower that was built in 1929, the ominous and commanding central section of the Homestead’s stately hotel.

Over the years, the Homestead also has transformed from a destination known for its rejuvenating waters to a golf and spa resort that offers tons of activities for its guests, including hayrides, carriage rides, hiking horseback riding, snow skiing and fishing.

In the past decade, the spa was renovated, a water park with a lazy river was added and a new restaurant and bar opened. Omni Hotels and Resorts bought the Homestead in 2013.

Today, two golf course options are available to guests, the Cascades and the Old Course, which features the oldest first tee in continuous use in the country.

“Our Spa’s Ritual Suite is designed to accommodate couples who wish to have treatments together,” said Lynn Swann, the resort’s director of marketing and communications. “It has two massage tables and a soaking tub for two. The Spa Garden is another popular place for couples to simply relax.”

Pinehurst Resort Pinehurst, N.C.

The Sandhills of North Carolina have been home to a resort that started DeSoto 83

Indoor pool at Pinehurst

in 1895 when the Holly Inn opened its doors to guests on New Year’s Eve. Developed as a health resort in the South’s mild climate, Pinehurst Resort also eventually turned into a recreation destination.

In 1897, when the dairy manager complained of guests hitting little white balls around the pasture and disturbing the cattle, founder James Walker Tufts had a nine-hole golf course built.

Three years later, Tufts hired a Scotsman as the resort’s golf pro, the legendary Donald Ross. And in 1907, Ross’ historic Pinehurst No. 2 opened. Since then, it has played host to more championship golf tournaments than any other course in the U.S., including back-to-back U.S. Open tournaments for the men and women in 2014.

In 2011, No. 2 was restored to make it more like Ross’ original design, by widening the fairways and re-introducing native wire grass and waste areas throughout. Today, the resort offers guests nine courses from which to choose, including three Tom Fazio courses and one each by Jack Nicklaus and Rees Jones.

“Pinehurst is known by many as the ‘Jewel of the South,’” said Mallory Caddell, the resort’s recreation manager.

“Couples can come here to unwind, relax, rejuvenate and explore the history that makes this a world-class resort.”

In addition to the storied golf courses, couples visiting

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Pinehurst Resort also can kayak, stand-up paddleboard, fish or take walking tours and carriage rides through the Village of Pinehurst.

Guests also can “test drive” an Acura for the day and head up to Seagrove, an historic community of about 100 potters.

“When couples arrive at Pinehurst, we want to match their pace with our activities,” Caddell said. “If they want to sit on the porch and relax, that’s OK. Or the husband can play golf and the wife go to the spa. Or they can both play golf. Or they can each visit the spa and have their own services.”

When considering resort options, couples have plenty of options for escaping together, playing together, or indulging in a solo activity. In the end, cultivating companionship and romance results from choosing places suited to his-and-her travel.

To plan your escape: www.greenbrier.com www.omnihotels.com www.pinehurst.com

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86 DeSoto

Here Comes the

Budget

By Andrea Brown Ross. Photography courtesy of Katie Norrid Photography

Couples walking down the aisle to their happily-ever-after don’t need to be tripped up by their wedding budget. Regardless of their budget, couples can follow some general guidelines that will help with the planning stress. Mother and daughter event planners, Michelle Betts and Kamille Martin, of Bettsmade Events in Germantown, Tenn. shared their advice on bridal budget bliss.

“When trying to breakdown a budget, typically 50 percent goes towards the reception, 10 percent on photographer and videographer combined, 10 percent on entertainment, 10 percent on flowers, 10 percent on attire (including the wedding party), 2 percent on ceremony, 2 percent on stationary, and 6 percent on miscellaneous,” suggested Martin.

Depending on a bride’s budget, she may have to prioritize what she really wants to have at her wedding. For brides looking for some flexibility in their budget, Betts offered ideas based upon her 20 plus years of experience.

“Flowers are one option. With help from a florist, a bride can obtain a similar look that she has her heart set DeSoto 87

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on. Florists will know the availability of particular flowers and can make affordable substitutions or suggestions from there.”

Betts continued, “Another idea is the cake. If a bride wants a particular cake that may typically cost $5 - $10 per slice, she can have it made in a smaller size. After slicing the cake and taking pictures, serve the guests pre-sliced pieces of sheet cake. It’s unlikely that the guests will mind and may even appreciate being served quickly.”

Another suggestion Betts offered was saving on postage. In order to save money, brides can “forego” a RSVP. With several methods of communication available today, guests can find an alternative way to respond. Caterers typically require two weeks advance notice to prepare for guests.

A general rule of thumb is to calculate that one guest per invitation will attend.

“It is much easier and budget friendly to have the caterer prepare a few extra meals than pay for postage for several guests,” suggested Betts.

“Brides also have the option of renting a dress, or finding one from a consignment store to save money. In addition, they may choose to use plain napkins as opposed to monogrammed ones, or choose not to give wedding favors or just something simple,” said Betts.

Martin also advised not to hesitate accepting someone “gifting” their time and talents for your wedding. For example, if the bride has an aunt, or friend of their mother’s, who has a knack for arranging flowers, by all means accept their offer to arrange some, or all, of the flowers. Likewise, if the groom has a friend who DJ’s on the weekend, and offers to play at the reception as their gift, give it serious thought.

And while the bride and groom may have a limitless budget, another consideration is the wedding party. While bridesmaids and groomsmen may want to be part of the special day, stretching their budget can strain their relationship with the bride or groom.

Betts explained. “As a mother of the bride myself, we provided shoes, jewelry, and a percent of the dress. A popular option is to allow the bridesmaids to choose their own dress if they are expected to pay for it.

Brides typically give guidelines such as the color and length of the dress. By allowing the bridesmaid to choose, she can find a dress which flatters her, fits her budget, and can possibly be worn again outside of the DeSoto 89

wedding. For the groomsmen, ties, socks, and monogrammed shirts are examples of what may be provided. “

Just as communication between the bride and groom about the budget is important, it’s important for the wedding party as well.

“While lodging may not necessarily be covered for the wedding party, certainly meals, such as the rehearsal dinner, should be covered by the bride and groom. It’s super nice to relay to the wedding party early on what the budget will be. Expectations should be clear, and it should be okay to ask the bride and groom questions about the budget before committing to be a member of the wedding party.”

Wedding venues can be costly.

However, local churches still offer reasonable rates and aren’t typically in need of excessive costly décor suggested Betts.

Thinking outside of the box, such as a local or state park for an outdoor ceremony can yield surprising results. Be prepared to obtain permits, or have a short ceremony in case guests are standing when thinking of unusual places to hold the ceremony. If a couple is fortunate enough to be offered the use of a family or friend’s property for the 90 DeSoto

wedding, give it consideration.

When calculating the amount of food and drinks to serve at the reception, several websites can be found offering that information. “Typically, guests are offered at least three to five food options at the reception. Of course, doing a self-serve bar, such as a potato bar, is popular, too,” said Martin.

What to do if the wedding date has to be moved or is cancelled?

“Depending on the situation, such as illness or deployment, and the company, they may return a percentage of what the bride or groom has put down. Plan on losing the deposit, but perhaps out of goodwill, the couple may be able to reschedule, or get some of their money back.”

By planning ahead and staying within budget, couples can find happilyever-after… happier.

www.bettsmade.com

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homegrown } the caramel factory

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Caramel Traditions

By Jim Beaugez. Photography courtesy of The Caramel Factory

Southerners are often portrayed somewhere between genteel and salt of the earth, agreeable and accommodating. But, there are occasions—family concerns mostly, like weddings, funerals and reunions—that in the South call for exact specificity. In those situations, the solution is often caramel cake.

The trouble is, caramel cake isn’t easily suffered through to completion. The timing has to be right for the icing to set just so, not too syrupy but not hard like a glaze. Like the occasions it often serves, it can be a temperamental process to make. No one knows this better than Deonna Cummins, owner of The Caramel Factory in Batesville, Miss.

Along with her son, Allen, and daughter-in-law Karen, she bakes caramel cakes daily at her storefront just off I-55, using homemade caramel frosting that is also packaged and sold in 150 shops across the country.

“It’s just like the caramel cake your grandmother used to make,” Cummins said. “It’s old fashioned. People eat this cake and say, ‘My aunt so-and-so used to make this, but she died and took the recipe with her.’ It just brings back so many memories for people.”

Cummins began her journey to caramel cake perfection two decades ago with a one-off cake for a customer that turned into a holiday baking tradition with her sister Wanda Belk, who made cakes and pies in a side business. When Belk decided to go full time, Cummins opted to stay in her day job for another five years until she joined her sister. A few years later Belk passed away, leaving Cummins to carry on the family affair. In 2012, she moved the business from Drew to Batesville and added the storefront.

“Moving up here allowed me to hire [my kids] full time,” she said. “Karen runs the business end, and Allen makes all the icing. And we all three do whatever else needs to be done.”

The move has meant a big step forward for the business. Before the move, Cummins would bake the cakes in a commercial kitchen, then drive them to Cleveland to sell. Now that The Caramel Factory is much more than a wholesaler, shop traffic has added to the volume of sales, as well as an increase in the variety of baked goods they sell.

“Batesville is kind of a crossroads,” she said. “We have people from Jackson through here going to Memphis, or

the other way around.” Add the proximity of Ole Miss and interstate traffic, and suddenly there was a healthy uptick in sales.

Customers to The Caramel Factory can find fresh caramel cakes baked every day, available in four different sizes, from a five-incher with a fork, “so you can eat it on your way home,” to a two-layer eight-inch cake and more.

The shop also makes and sells delicacies such as turtle brownies topped with caramel icing, chocolate squiggles and pecans—the No. 2 seller—as well as pralines and praline cookies, caramel sugar cookies, Oreo cookies on a stick dipped in white chocolate, Twinkies dipped in chocolate, and fudge made from caramel icing in four flavors.

Cummins and family still bring cakes to Cleveland once a week, but they’ve also added Greenwood and Greenville to their rounds, with hopes to expand to the HernandoSouthaven area soon. Most of their vendors are gift and gourmet shops, and many have been with The Caramel Factory since the beginning.

The Caramel Factory now extends to the third generation, as Cummins’ grandchildren pull shifts there after school and during breaks. The shop is also involved in the greater community, and offers special rates for fundraisers to help schools and youth and civic groups.

Cummins is quick to assert that she does have a sweet tooth, but for caramel, not chocolate. And as it turns out, her preference in sweets could have something to do with her family tree.

“My mother has Amish roots, and they have a cake that’s similar to this called a burnt sugar cake,” she noted. “But to me, this is more of a Southern thing. People in the South, when there’s a funeral, you’re going to see a caramel cake the majority of the time. It’s just good.”

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southern harmony } new albany’s levitt amp music series

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SMALL TOWN, BIG MUSIC

By Charlene Oldham. Photography courtesy of the Levitt Foundation

When Sean Johnson was a kid, his mom would make the 160-some-mile round trip between New Albany, Mississippi and Memphis to take him and his brother to the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s Sunset Symphony performances on the banks of the Mississippi River. The concerts served as the setting for some of Johnson’s favorite childhood recollections, so he’s excited families will have the opportunity to make memories of their own this summer without ever having to leave New Albany.

Thanks to a grant from the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, New Albany’s tourism department is bringing in a mix of local and national artists to perform a series of free outdoor concerts. New Albany is one of 15 cities around the country selected to host a Levitt AMP Music Series through the competitive grant program. The city’s lineup of 10 shows starts

June 4, with events happening on either Friday or Saturday evenings, beginning at 7:30 p.m., through Aug. 6 on the town’s newly-constructed stage in the downtown Park Along the River.

“Having this space for a 10-week music series is really an ideal and idyllic situation that we could not pass up,” said Johnson, New Albany’s executive director of tourism and DeSoto 95

marketing.

But winning a Levitt AMP grant wasn’t a given. The public voted online to choose the top 25 proposals vying for votes before Levitt Foundation organizers culled the list to 15 winning cities. Winners received matching grants of $25,000 to pay performers and cover production and marketing costs for the 10-week music series. Small and mid-sized cities with populations of up to 400,000 are eligible for the grant program, which expanded to 15 cities from 10 in 2015, its inaugural year.

Cleveland, Miss., won a Levitt AMP Music Series for the second year in a row in 2016, with its shows running from Sept. 1 through Nov. 3.

With a population of just over 8,700 according to 2014 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, New Albany was the smallest town to land a grant and concert series. Johnson said community members came together to show strong support for the town’s application during the online voting period. He added that tourism tax revenues have been on the rise in New Albany, and out-of-towners and locals alike are increasingly drawn to downtown events and attractions along the Little Tallahatchie River.

“What we’ve seen in New Albany over the last few years is kind of a renaissance. This was a validation of the growth we’ve been experiencing.”

The grant also served as an impetus to seek funds from the state to build a permanent stage in the Park Along the River, Johnson said. The new Riverview Stage will save the city money that once went to renting temporary stages, and has allowed officials to instead devote funds to booking bigger acts, including Ricky Skaggs and Confederate Railroad, for upcoming events.

The grants have prompted similar investments in other communities, including Cleveland, where organizations came together to fund the construction of a permanent stage at the Green Space on the Crosstie Walking Trail. The venue is open to other performance arts events and will host a Levitt AMP Music Series this fall, says Vanessa Silberman, senior director of communications & strategic initiatives for the Levitt Foundation.

One of the goals of the Levitt AMP grants is to revitalize underutilized public spaces and encourage people to get out and enjoy them long after the last show of the AMP music series. Another is to provide people from all different walks of life access to a diverse set of top-quality performances, helping them connect with their neighbors and celebrate their communities through song. To address those same goals, a growing number of larger cities, including Memphis, are home to Levitt Pavilions, permanent outdoor music venues.

“Our mission is to strengthen the social fabric of America. We focus on music because live music is a powerful social connector, and when high-caliber live music is presented for free, and in a welcoming outdoor setting, people naturally come together to enjoy the music and the shared experience . We’ve seen that the social and economic barriers that often preclude access to the performing arts are broken, setting the stage for stronger, more vibrant communities,” Silberman said.

Indeed, Cleveland’s Levitt AMP Music Series energized the entire community last year while providing an invaluable opportunity for students at Delta State University’s Delta Music Institute to plan and execute a large-scale concert series, said Tricia Walker, the institute’s director. Last year, one DMI senior took the lead in organizing the event. This year, two students will split the task, again relying on a cadre of volunteers from the university and beyond to make the music series happen.

“I look forward to having another great mix of music – everything from country to rock, from folk to hip hop -- again with that really fundamental purpose of bringing people together,” Walker said. “It’s more than just putting on a show. It’s about engaging the community through music.”

The list of headliners for New Albany’s Levitt AMP Music Series features GRAMMY-nominated performers, up-and-coming artists and veteran acts, including Drivin’ N Cryin’, probably best known for their 1990’s anthem “Fly Me Courageous.” Artists from around the region will serve as openers. Cleveland’s Levitt AMP Music Series lineup will be announced soon.

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New Albany Levitt AMP Music Series Lineup June 4 – Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Muscle Theory June 11 – Dee-1 June 18 -- Marcella & Her Lovers June 24 -- Sam Mosley and the Muscle Shoals Horns July 2 – Cedric Burnside Project July 9 – Driving’ N Cryin’ July 16 – Scott Mulvahill July 23 – Papa Mali July 30 – Young Valley August 6 – Holy Ghost Electric Show

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table talk} the crystal grill

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A Slice of Culinary History

By Clint Kimberling. Photography courtesy of The Crystal Grill and roadfood.com

You could say Johnny Ballas was born to run The Crystal Grill in Greenwood, Miss. The iconic restaurant with the neon sign out front has been in his family since the early 1930s when his uncle from his mother’s side of the family, Jim Leolio, first bought into the restaurant in 1933. His father, Mike Ballas moved to Greenwood and bought a stake in the restaurant in 1952. For almost 80 years, the Ballas family has been turning out delicious food and good service at reasonable prices.

Ballas began his apprenticeship at The Crystal Grill as soon he was big enough to hold a knife. One of his earliest memories is standing on top of wooden crates (as he was too short to reach the counter) with a small butcher knife and breaking down meat. He continued working at the restaurant in high school and all during his college days, starting full time right after his graduation from Mississippi State. He has done a little bit of everything including serving as the manager, butcher, food prep, and cook. “I learned it all, from washing dishes on up,” he explained.

Mike Ballas passed away last year at age 97, but not

before passing on to his son the importance of knowing how to do every job in the restaurant. Ballas reflects on his dad’s legacy.

“It was a good lesson on what it takes to be successful. My dad was adamant about learning the whole operation from the back to the front. That advice has helped me over the years, to be successful and remain relevant.”

The Crystal Grill is not only going strong, but expanding their brand to capture travelers, tourists, and diners from other towns.

Even as the town of Greenwood has gotten smaller, Ballas says “our business is still growing, which I think is a testament to us doing something right.”

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No one walks away from The Crystal Grill hungry, because not only is the food delicious but the serving sizes are quite generous. At lunch, diners are offered a classic meat and three plus dessert. But this is not your typical blue plate diner.

The full menu is incredibly varied and includes all types of cuisine including Italian, Greek, and classic southern. The diverse menu also includes fresh seafood, steaks, and grilled chops.

Fresh seafood selections include salmon, redfish and flounder, shrimp available fried or grilled, as well as local, homegrown catfish. And the steaks are the one of the best kept secrets in a town known for steakhouses. The Crystal Grill serves excellent rib eyes, New York strips, and filet mignon. The steaks are all choice Angus beef, aged and trimmed in house. Ballas makes a point of saying everything is fresh. “We don’t serve prefab food. Nothing comes from the freezer. It’s all fresh,” he asserted.

Other menus favorites include the old-school dishes like the veal cutlet, popularized by Mike Ballas. The cutlet is lightly breaded, fried, and served with homemade brown gravy. Other specialty dishes include Seafood Newberg, Pink Velvet Salad and frog legs– a Delta specialty.

Ballas feels that the diverse menu is one of the things that separates them from other restaurants. “Our plan has always been to appeal to a lot of different people. We don’t limit ourselves to one area of food, and, according to customers, it’s all good no matter what you order.”

Ballas continued, “This type of restaurant is really a thing of the past. There are not many family-style restaurants that scratch cook and offer such a large menu.”

One of the things that other restaurants definitely don’t do is make oldfashioned desserts. The Crystal Grill is famous for their “mile high” pies so nicknamed for the six inches of meringue sitting atop coconut or chocolate filling. Other popular desserts include the lemon ice box pie, cheesecake, and ice cream pie all made fresh daily and from scratch.

There is a fierce debate over which pie is the best and at least one person has 100 DeSoto

emphatically cast their vote for the lemon ice box pie. Mississippi chef Cat Cora featured the Crystal Grill’s iconic pie on Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” calling the pie “a slice of lemon heaven.”

The lemon pie, which features a whipped cream topping, was a surprise pick to Ballas because the meringue pies are so famous.

Just another reason to have a big menu with several options. You never know what your customers are going to want.

After all these years, Ballas said his favorite thing about the restaurant is the people. “You meet so many people. I love seeing different generations of customers now. Families who used to bring their children now come in with their children’s children. To me, that’s the rewarding part— exchanging conversation with different people, makes the hard work worthwhile.”

When a customer leaves, Ballas loves to hear, “The food was fantastic; that’s the best meal I’ve had anywhere.” He explained, “That’s fulfilling to know you’ve done a great job and for customers to acknowledge the work you’ve done.”

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in good spirits} royal wedding punch

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Royal Wedding Punch

By Cheré Coen. Photography courtesy of food.com

Gin remains a classic drink of the British — just check out the Beefeater Gin label, named after the Beefeaters at the Tower of London or Broker’s with the dapper Londoner in a bowler hat. The distilled spirit made from juniper berries was invented in Holland, but crossed over to Britain when Dutchborn William of Orange took the English throne in 1688.

And it’s been immensely popular ever since. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, favored a cocktail with one part Beefeater gin and two parts Dubonnet — a wine aperitif enhanced by herbs, spices and a touch of quinine created by the French to fight off malaria in the 19th century. The Queen Mother cocktail is then finished off with a slice of lemon and ice.

So it’s no wonder that a Royal Wedding Punch in honor of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Kate Middleton’s 2011 nuptials should include both gin and Dubonnet.

The following recipe for Royal Wedding Punch, created by mixologist Dan Warner of Beefeater gin, is a blueprint for the drink, which may be adjusted for use in any size punch bowl. Once the ingredients are combined, add lots of regularly sized ice cubes to chill or be creative and freeze orange and lemon slices in water in an ice cube tray for a splash of color and flavor. Accent the punch with wheels of lemon and lime, mint sprigs and pomegranate seeds, the latter of which long represented prosperity, hope and marriage.

In the meantime, if wedding plans become stressful and you need a libation before the Big Day, grab a Queen Mother and toast her memory on June 14, known as World Gin Day.

Beefeater Royal Wedding Punch 2 parts Beefeater London Dry Gin 1 part Dubonnet 1 part pomegranate juice 2 parts fresh lemonade Angostura bitters to taste

Direction: Mix according to quantities and serve in a large punch bowl. Garnish with wheels of lemon and lime, mint sprigs and pomegranate seeds. Chill the punch with lots of regular ice cubes or your own fruit ice cubes.

If your wedding calls for something tamer, here’s a non-alcoholic version from LivingLou.com.

Non-alcoholic Wedding Punch 3 cups pineapple juice 3 1/4 cups cranberry juice 3 cups lemonade 3 cups orange juice Berries or pineapple for garnish

Directions: Pour all ingredients into a punch bowl or a serving jug.

Garnish with sliced berries or fresh pineapple and let them float in the punch. Chill ahead of time or garnish with ice cubes or fruit ice cubes of your own making.

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exploring events } june When Modern Was Contemporary: Selections from the Roy R. Neuberger Collection Through October 30 Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, MS For more information visit www.msmuseumart.org or call 601-960-1515.

Tupelo Elvis Festival June 2 - 5 Tupelo, MS Tupelo Elvis Festival is a musical celebration designed to honor Elvis Presley, Tupelo’s native son, and the impact that his music has on the world. Each year’s festival features regional, national and local artists along with a Sunday Gospel Concert and a Tribute Artist Contest that serves as a preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.

Fans come from near and far to see who will be chosen to represent Tupelo in Memphis during August. In addition to all of the great music, the festival features a number of local food vendors, a pet parade, beauty pageant, 5k run, disc golf, movie poster exhibit, and much more. For more information visit tupeloelvisfestival.com or call 662-841-6598.

“Sunset on the Square” Summer Concert Series June 2 - 30 Courthouse Square Hernando, MS 7:00pm - 9:00pm Each Thursday in June, enjoy Hernando’s “Sunset on the Square” Summer Concert series, presented

by First Tennessee Bank and Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce. It will be a fun-filled evening of music for the whole family. A variety of musical acts will appear on the stage and don’t worry about supper as there will be food vendors around the square too. Door prizes will be given away throughout the night. For more information, visit www.hernandoms.org or call 662-429-9055.

Boston 40th Anniversary Tour June 7 BankPlus Ampitheater at Snowden Grove Southaven, MS 7:30pm Boston will be playing all the classic hits, with a few new additions. Tickets can be purchased at BankPlus Amphitheater box office 662-892-2660, www.ticketmaster.com or call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. For additional information, visit www.bankplusamphitheater.com Live at the Garden - Heart June 10 Memphis Botanic Gardens Memphis, TN Gates open at 6:30pm. Show starts at 8:30pm. For more information visit liveatthegarden.com or call 901-636-4107.

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3rd Annual Warfield Riverfest June 10-11 Warfield Point Park Greenville, MS Warfield Riverfest promises to be a fun-filled, family festival on the banks of the Mississippi River at Warfield Point Park, Highway 82 West, Greenville.

Along with the traditional festival foods, the day will be crammed full of fun and exciting activities for individuals of all ages. Sign up online for the “Grillin’ on the River” BBQ competition. For more information visit warfieldriverfest.com or call 662-822-1330.

Memphis Potters’ Guild Annual Spring Show & Sale June 10-12 Memphis Botanic Gardens Memphis, TN The Memphis Potters’ Guild - Annual Spring Show & Sale features the work of the best ceramic Artists in the Mid-South: locally made tableware, hand-thrown pottery, hand-modeled sculpture; plus, jewelry, and more.

Opening reception: Friday, June 10, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm; Saturday, June 11, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday, June 12, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; Admission is free.

For additional information: Memphis Botanic Garden, 901.636-4100, or www.thememphispottersguild.com.

4th Annual Juneteenth Family Fun Festival June 11 Latimer Lakes Park Horn Lake, MS 10:00am - 8:00pm Admission is one or more can goods or nonperishable item(s). There will be a wide range of activities planned for that day, including various food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, pony rides, a petting zoo, balloon bounce and water slide for kids. Also, a car show featuring Beale Street Corvette Association, Vintage Car Competition, live Gospel, Blues, R & B and Country music featuring some of Mid-South’s finest entertainment. For more information, call 901-481-3968.

Greenwood Balloon & Music Festival June 16 - 18 Greenwood, MS Greenwood, Mississippi is the host city for the spectacular 3-day family event also known as the Greenwood Balloon & Music Festival. This event features food, fun activities, music, a car show, balloons, a children’s corner, and much more. Contact Tiffany Semmons at 662-453-9197 or email her at tiffany@visitgreenwood.com DeSoto Family Theatre presents “Oklahoma” June 17-26 Landers Center Southaven, MS Purchase tickets at LANDERS Center box office, 662-470-2131, www.ticketmaster.com or call the DFT office at 662-280-6546. For additional information visit, www.dftonline.org.

North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic June 24-25 Highway 7 Holly Springs, MS The two day event and guitar/ harmonica workshops features artists with close ties to North Mississippi Hill Country blues and includes all of the major contemporary artists with direct ties to R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, and Otha Turner.

The 2016 Picnic stage will run from 12:00 noon on Friday June 24 until midnight on Saturday June 25. For more information visit nmshillcountrypicnic.com.

Ezuru: A Theatrical Sensation June 24 - July 17 Millennium Theatre Gold Strike Casino Tunica Resorts, MS Visit an enchanting new world with EZURU, featuring an international ensemble with breathtaking acrobatics, plus aerial and comedy acts that will thrill audiences of all ages.

For tickets call 888-747-7711 or visit ticketmaster.com.

Fireworks on the Farm June 25 Cedar Hill Farm Hernando, MS Bring the family out to the farm for our annual fireworks and let the kids play on the playground, pet the animals in the petting zoo, watch the chicken show, ride the train ride, take a hayride and let the kids ride a pony, Listen to some live music and eat some good Cedar Hill Farm BBQ before the show. Live music under the Pavilion from 7:00pm9:00pm. Gates open at 5:30pm.

Fireworks start at 9:15pm. For additional details, visit www.gocedarhillfarm.com Live at the Garden Gregg Allman June 26 Memphis Botanic Gardens Memphis, TN Gates open at 6:30pm. Show starts at 8:30pm. For more information visit liveattehgarden.com or call 901-636-4107.

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reflections} giving her away

Giving Her Away

By Karen Ott Mayer. Photography courtesy of Sara Allen

Soon, a man will wait near a church door or on a stair or at the beach. He may be forgotten in the bustle of lastminute preparations as a bride fluffs and primps, her head filled with only thoughts of her soon-to-be husband. The man may pace or sit or laugh with the groom; or maybe he stands alone smoking a cigarette and holding a drink. Maybe he’s a father, or an uncle, even a brother. Whoever, he has been chosen to walk a woman into the next chapter of her life.

June is a busy month for weddings, but it’s also the month we celebrate the fathers in our lives. When I think about my own father, I think about the garage and math, RVs and tennis. Quiet and unobtrusive, he prefers to observe the workings of the world rather than comment loudly on them, especially in the company of others.

That father waiting in the wings has most likely stayed up late more nights than he’d tell anyone, assembling a bike or worrying when a child was late from a party.

Even absent fathers carry some part of their child with them, even if they have spent a lifetime away or on the road or in another household. It’s hard to deny genetics.

Fathers do things like bike down to the local doughtnut shop long before the household stirs, surprising everyone with a box of hot, fresh doughnuts. Dads assemble decades worth of toys in the dead of night or spend hours in the garage to fix a kid’s bike.

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They borrow money and then borrow more money to put that same bride through college---sometimes on the sixyear plan. They drive long distances to ball games, recitals, graduations, school plays, and even the jailhouse.

Fathers like mine sit up after dinner teaching their dull-headed math daughters how to work word problems or write equations. He loaded up and moved our furniture more times than even he’d like to remember. In all of our wedding photos, he changes slightly. Dark-headed 25 years ago, light gray when he walked me down the aisle.

When it’s time, a father will take his daughter’s arm and walk with her into the unknown. He’ll stand in front of family and strangers, agreeing to “give her away”--a statement that must catch in more than one throat. But what’s a father to do? It’s the job for which he applied.

With all eyes on the bride, few people will dwell much on the father. After all, it’s her day. And when he’s seated or danced with her one last time, he’ll watch her climb into a vintage car or carriage and drive off into another life.

This month, Father’s Day comes once again. It’s a time to thank our dads for all the money spent, all the tutoring time, driving lessons, discipline, encouragement and love. They may act like it’s no big deal or even shun the attention, but believe me, they’re listening. Just like they did for all those years.