JUNE/JULY 2015
35
%
Obesity is a health crisis in our state—reducing life expectancy as well as quality of life. To help, the Mississippi Center for Obesity Research at UMMC is developing new prevention methods. SEC Professor of the Year, Dr. John Hall, is leading a new generation of doctors and researchers in the fight against obesity. UMMC is also working with local governments, communities and businesses, motivating our state to make healthier choices. This is a fight for our lives and we’re in it together.
UMMC Research. Tomorrow. Every day. Learn more at ummchealth.com/mcor. ©2015 UMMC
of Mississippi adults are obese. UMMC is
100
%
committed to the fight.
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Jason Warren, Broker/Owner Robin Walton, Broker/Associate Neel Dean, Broker/Associate
MLS# 15-252 $144,500
MLS# 15-1553 $129,900
MLS# 15-1618 $254,900
MLS# 15-146 $299,500
MLS# 14-3217 $299,900
MLS# 15-650 $199,900
1737 CEDARWOOD DR. BELDEN 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
2956 OLD BELDEN CR. BELDEN 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
829 HIGHLAND PARK DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
4710 LAKEWAY DR. BELDEN 3 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrroms
4539 MEADOW CR. BELDEN 3 Bedrooms; 2.5 Bathrooms
616 NORTH MADISON ST. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
MLS# 14-3223 $329,000
MLS# 15-1084 $245,000
MLS# 14-3332 $439,500
MLS# 15-582 $259,900
MLS# 14-3255 $129,900
MLS# 15-1255 $135,000
4746 MEADOW LN. BELDEN 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
4595 PINE CONE LN. BELDEN 5 Bedrooms; 3.5 Bathrooms
2608 FOX RUN LN. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
134 COLT LN. GUNTOWN 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
2601 BAY CIRCLE TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
MLS# 15-672 $109,900
MLS# 15-1202 $95,000
MLS# 15-293 $235,000
1116 BIENVILLE ST. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
2342 BARNES CROSSING RD. SALTILLO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
4526 RIDGEMOOR BELDEN 4 Bedrooms; 3.5 Bathrooms
MLS# 15-828 $449,900
MLS# 15-1560 $179,900
151 PATTON LN. GUNTOWN 5 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms
104 COBBS COVE SALTILLO 4 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
MLS# 15-1396 $480,000
MLS# 15-1213 $239,900
177 COUNTY ROAD 1200 TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
87 VALLEY VISTA DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrroms
1233 WINDWOOD CV. TUPELO 2 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
MLS# 15-814 $879,000 1536 COLUMBINE DR. TUPELO 5 Bedrooms; 8 Bathrooms
June/July 2015
7 CLIFF CV. FULTON 3 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms
MLS# 15-489 $100,000
MLS# 15-1471 $65,000
MLS# 15-994 $210,000
103 WILLOW CREEK DR. SALTILLO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
804 HILL N DALE DR. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 1 Bathrooms
2402 COUNTRY CLUB RD. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
The sign you want, the team your need. | 2 INVITATION TUPELO
MLS# 15-1595 $275,000
307 WEST MAIN STREET TUPELO | MS | 38804
MLS# 15-974 $315,000
$99,900
MLS# 14-3288 $299,900
MLS# 14-3539 $179,900
MLS# 14-3287 $619,500
1154 THOMAS ST. TUPELO 2 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
1952 BORDEAUX LN. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3.5 Bathrooms
972 COUNTY ROAD 931 TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
5362 CHESTERVILLE RD. TUPELO 6 Bedrooms; 4.5 Bathrooms
MLS# 14-3586 $239,900
MLS# 14-3311 $125,000
MLS# 14-3062 $425,000
MLS# 15-668 $299,900
MLS# 15-1585 $180,000
MLS# 15-338 $1,125,000
1209 CLAYTON AVE. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
1701 CLAYTON AVE. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 1.5 Bathrooms
3173 NORTH HILL DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms
1200 SPRINGDALE DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
6022 WESTWIND DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
972 DEBEAU ST. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms
MLS# 15-1616 $232,500
MLS# 15-1404
MLS# 14-3153 $105,000 908 BEECHNUT TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
57 VALLEY VISTA DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
MLS# 15-1271
$185,000
1795 WOODSIDE CR. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
MLS# 15-1481 $389,500 818 SUNNYSIDE TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
120 HIGH POINT DR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms
MLS# 15-695 $159,900
MLS# 15-688 $175,000
410 MAGAZINE ST. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
508 WESSON PARK RD. SALTILLO 3 Bedroom; 2 Bathrooms
2002 HUMMINGBIRD LN. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
MLS# 15-978 $125,000
MLS# 14-3136 $450,000
MLS# 15-610 $139,900
MLS# 15-589 $195,000
MLS# 15-462 $210,000
1433 LAKESHIRE DR. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
4214 RIDGEMONT DRIVE BELDEN 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
1546 LARKSPUR TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 4 Bathrooms
407 MAGNOLIA DR. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
1813 SUMMERLAKE DR. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
917 LYNN CR. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
MLS# 14-3427 $175,000
MLS# 14-3214 $550,000
MLS# 14-3134 $189,900
MLS# 15-823 $369,900
MLS# 15-1075 $380,000
MLS# 14-3585 $989,000
720 NORTH MADISON ST. TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
611 NORTH THOMAS ST. TUPELO 5 Bedrooms; 4.5 Bathrooms
518 MAGNOLIA TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
129 PIEDMONT TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
2566 PRIMROSE TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
3070 ORCHID CR. TUPELO 5 Bedrooms; 4.5 Bathrooms
MLS# 15-1203 $110,000
MLS# 15-523 $139,900
MLS #15-1406 $285,000
2620 PEMBERTON TUPELO 3 Bedrooms; 2 Bathrooms
1900 SWALLOW LN. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
1340 MORNING GLORY CR. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
MLS# 15-104 $325,000
MLS# 15-1199 $259,900
MLS# 14-3376 $525,000
MLS# 15-1400 $89,500
MLS# 15-1458 $209,900
1935 NORTH PARC TUPELO 5 Bedrooms; 4.5 Bathrooms
643 LEAKE ST. TUPELO 2 Bedrooms; 1 Bathrooms
644 PALMETTO RD. TUPELO 4 Bedrooms; 3 Bathrooms
662.842.2710
JasonWarrenTupelo.com3 June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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107 EAST MAIN STREET Baldwyn, Mississippi Now Booking!
662.401.2051 | 662.790.4914
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
Facebook.com/Blue-August
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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tmhomes.com
Kevin Knight
662-401-2913 662-842-3844 Kevin@tmhomes.com
SOLD
19 Cane Creek, Saltillo 15-993 Beautiful custom built home, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Pierce cabinets, hardwood throughout, custom lighting, open floor plan. $255,000
SOLD
2014 Top Lister & Top Producer
TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford
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105 Par 3 Cove, Saltillo 15-1218 Beautiful 4 bedroom,3 bath home with large Living/Kitchen - open floor plan - 2 BR 2 BA on main with 2 BR/1 BA upstairs. $310,000
182 CR 1806, Saltillo 15-1546 Convenience & privacy on 4 acres, 3BD/2.5BA w/1,400 sq ft basement, 2 living areas, 18 X 36 in-ground pool. $199,000
INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
6157 Park Heights Circle, Tupelo 14-106
Beautiful new construction in Lake Circle! Split bedroom plan; large open family room w/ high ceilings and gas logs; open formal dining; oversized eat-in kitchen; covered back porch w/ private back yard.Seller is a MS licensed Real Estate Broker
301 North Ridge Dr, Saltillo 14-1948 Beautiful one owner Custom Built home on approximately 2 acre wooded waterfront lot with 6 BR/4.5 BA, media room, open floor plan, hardwood, pool, pool house, 5 car garage.
135 Meadow St, Fulton 15-1548 Beautiful new construction in conveniently located Fox Meadows in Fulton, 4BD/3BA, open floor plan, cul-de-sac lot, walking distance to IAC. $235,000
662-871-8649 SOUTHWINDMS.COM
WEDDINGS | RECEPTIONS | EVENTS
200A BYNUM AVENUE 200A BYNUM ROAD SHANNON SHANNON l| MS MS 662-871-8649 662-871-8649 SOUTHWINDMS.COM SOUTHWINDMS.COM June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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IN THIS ISSUE JUNE/JULY 2015
JUNE/JULY 2015
FEATURES 65 Jet Set Romance A wedding celebration at a local airport is complete with a getaway in a vintage plane.
76 A Life in Art COVER PHOTOGRAPHED BY FAITH DAWSON
Baldwyn, Miss., native George Wardlaw is celebrated for the vast body of artwork he’s created over the past 60 years.
80 Preserving Tradition Canning homegrown fruits and vegetables is a decades-old practice for the Bass family.
85 Let’s Go to the Movies The Blue Moon Drive-In Theatre is keeping an old-time summer movie tradition alive.
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EVENTS
69 In the Moment
In the midst of their wedding celebrations, these couples share unexpected, heartwarming and hilarious private moments they will never forget.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
46 48 50 52 54 56 60 62 62 88 90 92 94 96
Kentucky Derby Party Les Miserables Feast for the Farmers Healthworks! Tie-Dye 5K A Potter’s Delight Blue Suede Cruise Celtic Woman Concert Corks & Clay Take a Swing at Cancer Skip Gleason Golf Tournament GumTree Festival Golf Fore Life GumTree Run Joyner Commemoration
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90 ANNOUNCEMENTS 26 28 30 32 34 36 40 42
Sims & Shaw Calvin & Self Carpenter & McCarley Hussey & Barber Rhodes & Murphy Snow & Hughes Watson & Rushing Woodruff & Nichols
Paul B. Farabaugh, M.D. Jonathan R. Kalish, M.D J. Timothy Posey, M.D.
C. Stephen Farmer II, M.D. Wm. Hughes Milam, M.D. Kristopher W. Whitehead, M.D.
DEPARTMENTS 16 18 20 22 100 104
Letter From the Publisher What’s Happening Community Corner: United Way In Season: Peppers Out and About Tupelo Spirit: Leigh Ann Mattox June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Corinth Academy of Cosmetology
Tupelo Academy of Cosmetology
Main Campus: 502 Cruise Street Corinth, MS • 662-286-9200
Branch Campus: 205 Commerce Street Tupelo, MS • 662-840-3132
Open To The Public Free Haircuts on Wednesdays in Tupelo and Corinth • Free Haircuts on Thursday nights in Tupelo * all work is completed by students and inspected by an instructor
WILLIAMS transfer and storage
BRINGING AMERICA HOME 75 YEARS STRONG!
HOUSEHOLD MOVING SPECIALIST OFFERING
FREE ESTIMATES/ COMPETITIVE PRICING • Local & long distance moving • Dedicated to customer satisfaction • On time pickups and deliveries • Custom crating & Third party services • Licensed, Bonded, Insured
OTHER SERVICES
Agent for United Van Lines, Inc.U.S. DOT77979
(800)752-6350
www.williamstransfer.com • customerservice@williamstransfer.com
• Logistics • Commercial Warehousing & Distribution • Exhibits and Tradeshows • Commercial Installations • Inventory Control • Cross Docking • Office Moves
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
101 W. Main St. | Baldwyn, MS
Mon - Fri: 10AM - 6PM Sat: 10AM - 4PM 662.365.5200
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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the publisher
LETTER FROM
PUBLISHER Rachel Malone West EDITOR Phil West MANAGING EDITOR Emily Welly ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lena Anderson ART DIRECTOR Hallie M. Thomas PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Emily R. Suber STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Roberts, Joe Worthem STAFF WRITER Melanie Crownover ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Cindy Semmes ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson, Sheena Hagemann, Leigh Lowery, Lynn McElreath, Mary Moreton, Moni Simpson DESIGNERS Becca Bailey, Zach Fields, Courtney Sims
P
hotographs are so important. While I was planning my wedding, I decided to use a photographer from another state. His work looked good and he seemed honest, but after my wedding was over and weeks became months of waiting for images, it became apparent there was something fishy about the situation. It took almost a year after our wedding for us to finally receive the pictures. So take it from me, when it comes to making decisions about where to spend money for your wedding, find a photographer you trust and get recommendations from others. In this issue we celebrate beginning new lives together. On page 69, you’ll meet several newlyweds, like Sydney and Justin Batty (above), whose wedding photographers captured unexpected, surprising and even funny
moments. According to the brides and grooms, these were precisely the moments that made their weddings extra special and memorable. They are thankful to have had them captured, and we are glad they shared them with us. We’re also celebrating summer. For a fun family outing, drive to the Blue Moon DriveIn movie theater in Gu-Win, Ala., to spend an evening under the stars (page 85). Head to Jackson for an impressive exhibit featuring Baldwyn native George Wardlaw’s art (page 76). Or just enjoy the bounty of your garden, like Charlotte and Bubba Bass do each year as they continue a family tradition (page 81). Whatever memories you make this summer, from weddings to summer vacations to backyard fun, be sure to take some pictures that you can share for years to come.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Caitlin Adams, Kimme Hargrove, Sonia Thompson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kay Allison, Faith Dawson, Chasity Dees, Mary Meghan Mabus, Andrew Stanford OFFICE MANAGER Hollie Hilliard COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney ADVERTISING INFORMATION (662) 701-8070 ads@invitationtupelo.com MAIN OFFICE (662) 234-4008 To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation Tupelo, send payment of $50 to: P.O. Box 3192, Tupelo, MS 38802 or visit invitationtupelo.com to pay online. To request a photographer at your event, to obtain an event photo or to purchase an announcement, email Hallie at hallielandonmarshall@gmail.com.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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what’s happening June 15-August 15 A sampling of important, fun and interesting events in our area. For more events, visit invitationtupelo.com.
MUSIC AND THEATER June 18-20
COMMUNITY EVENTS Ongoing
July 2-30
Mulan Jr.
Tupelo Farmers’ Depot
Mentoring Program
Tupelo Community Theatre’s Summer Youth Theatre production of Mulan Jr. takes place at the Lyric Theatre. Tickets are $10, $5 for students and younger. Purchase tickets by calling the TCT box office, 662-844-1935.
Tupelo Farmers’ Depot is in full swing. Open 6 a.m.-noon Thursdays and Saturdays, and 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays. 415 South Spring Street. tupelomainstreet.com, 662-841-6598
June 20
Ongoing
Lone Star
Shake Rag Exhibit
Tupelo Community Theatre performs its award-winning play before traveling to Grand Rapids, Mich., to compete in the American Association of Community Theatres’ national competition. Tickets $20. 7:30 p.m., Lyric Theatre. 662-844-1935, tct.ms
A new exhibit in the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau Welcome Center highlights music from Tupelo’s historic Shake Rag district. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. 399 East Main Street
Urban Family Communications presents the second annual Men of Honor Mentoring Program and third annual So Sophisticated Etiquette classes for young men and women ages 13-18. $40. Program takes place 6-7:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 2-30 at Life Changing Ministries, 94 South Thomas Street. For questions, call Christian Sargent, 662-205-6446 or visit urbanfamilytalk.com/mentoring.
July 9 and August 13 Down on Main Concerts Tupelo’s free summer concert series takes place in Fairpark. 6 p.m.
July 10 Sundown in Tupelo Several musical acts will take the stage for the first Sundown in Tupelo Music Festival. Tickets $49 in advance, $59 at the gate. Ballard Park. sundownintupelo.com, 662-348-5543
July 13-17 TCT Theatre Camp Tupelo Community Theatre’s summer camp is open to first through eighth graders interested in drama, music and art. Campers put on a free performance July 17. Cost is $100 for TCT members; $125 for non-members. For more information, call TCT at 662-844-1935 or visit tct.ms.
July 25 Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales The adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs come to life. Tickets $17-47. 4 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena. bcsarena.com
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
June 19-21 Mud Creek Festival The Mall at Barnes Crossing celebrates its 25th year with a weekend of festivities including live music and games for children and adults. Takes place outside the mall. 662-844-6255
June 20 Juneteenth Freedom Festival UJIMA’s 16th annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival celebrates the Emancipation Proclamation with a parade, 3-on-3 basketball tournament and live music. Free. 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Gumtree Park. 662-205-0515, richardfloodg1@gmail.com
June 27 and July 25 Summer Movie Series Family-friendly movies Paddington (on June 27) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (on July 25) will be shown on a big screen in Ballard Park, behind the soccer concession stand. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Free. 8:30 p.m.
July 4 Picnic in the Park Celebrate Independence Day at the 28th annual All-America City Family Picnic in the Park. Enjoy live music and food vendors throughout the day and fireworks at 9 p.m. Ballard Park. 662-841-6440
July 9-11 Slugburger Festival The 28th annual Slugburger Festival, named for Corinth’s famous burger, takes place with a market, a pageant, an eating contest and live entertainment. $15 for a three-day pass to the festival. facebook.com/slugburgerfestival
July 11 Corinth Green Market The seventh annual season of Corinth’s monthly Green Market continues. The market is open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the historic Corinth Depot. corinthgreenmarket.com
July 18 Mississippi Hill Country Blues A reception celebrates the exhibit Mississippi Hill Country Blues: Photographs by George Mitchell, which is on view through July 31. 5:30-7 p.m., GumTree Museum. gumtreemuseum.com
BENEFITS Ongoing
Nepal Fundraisers New Beginnings adoption services agency, which operates a small orphanage in Nepal, is leading a fundraising effort to support children in the country following the recent earthquake and continuing aftershocks there. Donate to the relief fund or purchase a T-shirt in support. newbeginningsadoptions.org
June 20 Boerner Be Wild Take part in an obstacle course and contribute to grants to educate children on the importance of physical activity. A health and wellness festival runs concurrently. Adults $25, children 12-18 $15. T-shirt included in registration. Free activities for children under 12. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. NMMC Wellness Center, 1030 South Madison. 662-377-4139 or 662-377-5734
June 27 Gumtree Ball A father-daughter ball benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. 6 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena. events.lebonheur.org/GumtreeBall
July 25 Freedom Ride A 60-mile round-trip, all-female motorcycle ride will promote domestic violence awareness. This ride kicks off a fundraising effort to support a coed “Stop the Cycle” ride planned for Oct. 3. $15 per bike. Registration 9 a.m., ride starts at 10:30 a.m. The Mall at Barnes Crossing. Sponsorships available. facebook.com/throttleandlace
Wishing you and your family a great Summer! Brant Garner • 662.297.6168 • brant@tmhomes.com Jodi Garner • 662.419.3420 • jodi@tmhomes.com 662.842.3844 • 210 East Main St., Tupelo • 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Corner
COMMUNITY United Way of Northeast Mississippi’s annual Back 2 School Resource Fair provides more than 4,000 elementary school children in seven counties with free backpacks filled with school supplies.
WHEN AND WHERE The Lee County event takes place in Tupelo from 9:30-11:30 a.m. July 25 at the Mall at Barnes Crossing. Health screenings, information booths, fun children’s activities and product giveaways are also part of the event. Visit unitedwaynems.org/b2s for details on Resource Fairs held in other counties.
WHO BENEFITS Students entering kindergarten through sixth grade are eligible to receive backpacks as long as they are present at the event. There are no income or residence requirements, and there is no pre-registration process. Can’t make it to your own county’s event? No problem. United Way will provide a child from outside his or her typical service area with a backpack.
HOW TO HELP Individuals and businesses can sponsor backpacks for $12.50 each. The full amount goes to purchase backpacks and supplies. Donate by mail to United Way, P.O. Box 334, Tupelo, MS 38802; by calling 662-841-9133; or online at unitedwaynems.org/b2s. Donors can designate which county their donation benefits, and all donations are tax-deductible.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
Highest Rated Dealer in North MS on cars.com for our service, value, exceptional quality and for making the car buying business easy and fun!
3716 South Eason Blvd, Tupelo • 841-9400 www.samstevensmotors.com
• We are your personal shopper--tell us your dream car and we will find it! • Feel good sending your daughter or son off to college knowing they are in a Sam Stevens Motors vehicle.
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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IN SEASON Peppers
P
eppers are a summer necessity for local master gardener Kelly Tyer. “They taste so good in a lot of different recipes, cooked or raw, and are so pretty in the garden I can’t resist,” she said. “I have to have a couple of each [variety] in the garden every year.” Tyer, a retired social worker, is selective about which plants she includes in the 8-by-20-foot vegetable garden behind her townhouse in west Tupelo. Her favorite pepper choices include sweet yellow banana peppers, green bell peppers and jalapeños. “You can actually plant the hot and sweet
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
WRITTEN BY Melanie Crownover
right beside each other with no problems, but if you plant the seeds from them the next season, their tastes will cross,” Tyer said. “They’re also very temperature sensitive.” She usually plants peppers two weeks after the last frost, in late April or early May, to take advantage of late spring and early summer temperatures. If planted too early, the plants drop their blooms because of the cool air, and once temperatures are above 90°F, peppers often won’t bloom at all or will produce much smaller fruit. Tyer says healthy plants require fertilizer periodically and only need water when the
weather is dry. Mulching around the base helps hold moisture and deters weeds. Yellow, red and green bell peppers are ready for picking when they reach vibrant shades of their namesake colors and become firm. The harvest times for chili peppers depend on the flavor desired. Smaller peppers are usually hotter, but removing the ribs and seeds cools them down. “If you work it right, you’ll be picking peppers about two months after they go in the ground and have plenty to stuff and bake or mix into a homemade salsa,” she said. “That’s two of the main reasons I keep them growing.”
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Agape
6 bell peppers 1 pound ground beef or turkey, or combination ½ cup onions, chopped 1 Tablespoon minced garlic 1 egg, whisked 2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper ½ cup breadcrumbs 1-2 cups marinara sauce Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat casserole dish with cooking spray. Blanch peppers in boiling, salted water for 5 minutes. Remove from water and cool; then cut off tops of peppers. Mix together remaining ingredients except marinara sauce. Stuff peppers with the mixture. Spread about ¼ cup marinara sauce in bottom of casserole dish. Place stuffed peppers in dish, and pour about 2 Tablespoons marinara sauce over each pepper. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes.
When the time comes, we have the perfect place for your loved one
Senior Living
Easy Salsa 5 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped 6 green onions 2 jalapeño peppers (remove seeds for a milder taste) ¼ cup cilantro, chopped 2 Tablespoons lime juice 1 teaspoon minced garlic Salt and pepper, to taste Place tomatoes, onions and peppers in blender or food processor, and process until smooth. Pour into serving dish, and stir in remaining ingredients.
Oaktree Manor Assisted Living 60139 Cotton Gin Port Road, Amory, MS 38821
Countrywood Manor Assisted Living 145 Watson Dr. Mantachie, MS 38855
Pre-booking now for Northeast Mississippi’s exclusive Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Facility.
Church Street Manor Personal Care Home 36 Elm Lane, Ecru, Ms 38841
Contact: 662.322.4636 • info@agapesl.com June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Puttin’ on the Ritz The stylish Ritz Theater & Conference Center and Cafe Ritz will make your wedding a huge hit. Located in Downtown West Point, the Ritz offers a beautifully decorated ballroom and balcony with a stage area for entertainment. Cafe Ritz takes you back to the days of classic movies, with memorabilia adorning the walls and soundtracks creating a nostalgic atmosphere and old Hollywood style. Schedule a personal tour of the Ritz Theater & Conference Center and Cafe Ritz by contacting Elizabeth Zepponi or for more information go to www.theritzwestpoint.com. The Ritz is a short drive to Old Waverly Golf Club and is walking distance to beautiful downtown churches and parks.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
v
Exquisite plantation-style home for sale! Located in Selmer, Tenn., just 30 minutes from Pickwick & 45 minutes from Tupelo
♦ 4,500 square feet on a pristine 2-acre lot ♦ 4 bedrooms with 3 full and 3 half baths
♦ Southern Living plantation house layout
♦ 10’ ceilings and cherry floors throughout
♦ Granite counter tops in kitchen,
bathrooms and wet bar ♦ Cherry cabinets in kitchen ♦ 3 gas fireplaces
Call today to see this beautiful home! Randy Rinks
731-926-5058 • randyrinks@gmail.com cryeleikepickwick.com
♦ Pella windows
♦ Great family room that opens up onto
glassed-in porch
♦ Finished basement with bathroomv
$379,900
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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&
COURTNEY SUZANNE SIMS
BENJAMIN WALTER SHAW
Come see us
for all your PHOTOGRAPHED BY BELLA LUCA PHOTOGRAPHY
bridal needs
Holli Duffie, Megan Gale, Lindsay Henry, Candice Parker, Dawn Dyson, Ginger Carson, Shana Tatum, Lindsey Johnson
662-205-4683
1004 Commonwealth Blvd. Tupelo, MS 38804
For Romance that lasts forever...
Little’s Jewelers 607 Cruise Street • Corinth, MS 38834 • 662-286-5041 Mall at Barnes Crossing • Tupelo, MS 38801 • 662-840-4653 1143 Vann Drive • Jackson, TN 38305 • 731-660-3030
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
huck and Gretta Sims of Booneville, Miss., and Ray and Cindy Novak of Seattle, Wash., announce the engagement of their daughter Courtney Sims to Ben Shaw, son of David and Mary Shaw of Oxford, Miss. The bride is the granddaughter of Charles and Betty Sims of New Albany, Miss., and Clark and Shirley Baker of West Point, Miss. Courtney is a 2008 graduate of Tupelo High School. She is a 2013 alumna of Mississippi State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in graphic design. She works for Invitation Magazines as a graphic and web designer. The groom is the grandson of Sue Shaw and the late Calvin Shaw of Harmontown, Miss., and the late Robert Folk and the late Thelma “Bobbie” Folk of Oxford. Ben is a 2002 graduate of Oxford High School. He is a 2007 alumnus of the University of Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in banking and finance. Ben works for BancorpSouth as an internal auditor. The couple plans to exchange vows Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, at Southwind in Shannon, Miss.
CELEBRATING 23 YEARS
Creative Cakes 1422 East Main St. • Tupelo, MS 662.844.3080
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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ngela Denise Calvin and Jeremy Byron Self were united in holy matrimony at 4 p.m. on March 22, 2014, at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. The double-ring ceremony was officiated by the Rev. James P. Thompson Jr. The bride is the daughter of John and Susan Calvin of Tupelo, Miss. She is the granddaughter of Irma Calvin of Clarksdale, Miss. She is the great-granddaughter of Gus and Ruth Guyton of Sallis, Miss. The groom is the son of Johnny and Beatrice Self of Fort Worth, Texas. He is the grandson of the late Zack and Rosie Lee Tapps and the late Helen Hickman of Baton Rouge, La. The weekend celebration began with a rehearsal dinner hosted by the groom’s parents at their home in Fort Worth on the eve of the wedding. The bride, escorted by her father, carried a hand-tied bouquet of delicate pink and white peonies wrapped in an ivory satin ribbon. She wore an ivory satin wedding gown with an Empire waist enhanced by Swarovski crystals and pearls. Satin buttons trailed down the back of the bride’s dress, ending in a chapel-length train. The bride completed the ensemble with a cathedral length, crystal-edged veil. The bride’s mother sewed a blue monogram with her new initials into the hem of her gown, providing the traditional “something blue.” The bride borrowed her mother-in-law’s pearl hat pins, delicately tucked into her wedding bouquet, completing the traditional bridal attire. Chasidy Allen of Dallas, Texas, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were the bride’s cousin, Yolanda Butler of Bowie, Md.; the groom’s sister, JaRita Gardner of Fort Worth; and Kiwana Gayden of Jackson, Miss. The attendants wore floor-length, one-shoulder, satin gowns with flower detailing along the shoulder. Each carried a bouquet of garden roses, freesia, ranunculus and lisianthus.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
& JEREMY BYRON SELF
The groom’s cousin, Robert Anderson of Baton Rouge, served as the best man. The brother of the bride, Michael Calvin of Tupelo; cousin of the groom, Derrick Self of Baton Rouge; and brother-in-law of the groom, Troy Gardner of Fort Worth, were attendants. Each wore a boutonniere designed with ranunculus, lisianthus and feathers, personalized with a unique keepsake. A cocktail hour and reception were held at 1010 Collins, in Arlington. Tables were decorated with lilac tablecloths with radiant orchid accents. Floral centerpieces were displayed with shades of cream, pinks, purples and gold magnolia leaves, and lit by candlelight. The six-tier
wedding cake was intricately decorated with Swiss dots and scrolling accents, highlighted by a signature monogram and radiant orchid and lilac ranunculus flowers. Guests were treated to a plated dinner that began with a mixed green spring salad. Pan-seared sea bass with lemon butter and spinach and queso-stuffed chicken with a poblano pepper sauce, rustic garlic mashers and grilled vegetable mélange were served as the entrée. The Inspiration Band entertained guests throughout the night. The couple honeymooned in San Francisco and Napa Valley, Calif., and they now reside in Fort Worth.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAUWUANE BURTON
ANGELA DENISE CALVIN
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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ayla Rose Carpenter of Baldwyn, Miss., and Andrew Thomas McCarley, also of Baldwyn, were united in marriage Sept. 20, 2014, in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at First Baptist Church in Baldwyn. The Rev. Stanley Huddleston of Baldwyn performed the ceremony. Karen Davis of Baldwyn provided music, and Bryan Horner was the soloist. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Haskell Carpenter Jr. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Billy Hobson of Guntown, Miss., and the late Mr. and Mrs. James Haskell Carpenter of Michigan City, Miss. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas McCarley of Baldwyn. He is the grandson of Mrs. Elaine Palmer of Baldwyn, and Mrs. Virginia McCarley and the late Frank McCarley of Nettleton, Miss. Escorted by her father, the bride wore an elegant all-over Italian lace gown restyled by Sandra Ashford and originally worn by her mother in 1979. The designer dress featured a fitted bodice with a V-neckline and plunging V-back edged with scalloped lace and three-quarter-length lace sleeves. The ball gown’s full skirt fell from the waist into a cathedral train. Satin-covered buttons accented the back. The bride’s cathedral silk veil was edged in Italian lace. The bride carried a hand-tied vintage bouquet of white hydrangea, white and pink garden roses, and white stock flowers, collared with dusty miller and seeded eucalyptus. It included a ribbon from her maternal grandmother’s wedding dress that was embroidered with her wedding date and that of her grandmother and mother. The matron of honor was Amanda Carpenter of Baldwyn, and the maid of honor was Kayleigh Bishop of Baldwyn. Bridesmaids were Mary Alice Moore of Baldwyn; Devin Tucker of Baldwyn; Katlyn Chism of Baldwyn; Haley Hall Scott of Baldwyn; Emily Thomas of Tupelo; and Molly Rowland of Booneville, Miss. They wore blush bobbinet-draped illusion one-shoulder, floor-length dresses with A-line skirts. The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were Joey McCarley of Tupelo; Blake Carpenter of Baldwyn; Kyle Carpenter of Baldwyn; Shawn Hutcheson of Booneville; Shane Gordon of Baldwyn; Kirk Walters of Smithville, Miss.; and Brandon Richardson of Bruce, Miss. A reception followed the ceremony in historic downtown Baldwyn, where guests enjoyed a wonderful array of food and music by a local band. The couple resides in Baldwyn, where the bride is employed as a media specialist for Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area and the groom is employed as a production engineer at Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi (APMM).
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
& ANDREW THOMAS McCARLEY
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOHN MATHIS PHOTOGRAPHY
KAYLA ROSE CARPENTER
tmhomes.com
Brenda Spencer 662.231.8909 662-842-3844 spencer@tmhomes.com
TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford
1970 Forest Park, Tupelo MLS # 14-3618 $679,900
644 N Madison, Tupelo MLS # 15-1324 $449,900
104 Water Front Dr., Saltillo MLS # 14-3542 $699,000
151 Lakeover, Tupelo MLS # 13-2464 $625,000.
112 Ridgeview Cv, Tupelo MLS # 15-1493 $454,900
1659 Larkspur, Tupelo MLS # 15-1587 $449,700
346-A West Oxford Street Pontotoc, MS 662-489-1074 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
WestRegistry Oxford Street Red Door346-A Bridal Pontotoc, MS
Brooklyn Jensen/Blake Alward May 16th, 2015 662-489-1074 Perri Fewell/Jake Holcomb May 30th, 2015 Monday-Saturday Jaime Henderson/Jason Collier May 30th, 2015 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Michelle Graham/Will Russell May 30th, 2015 Alison Randle/Joey Tackitt June 6th, 2015 Lindsey Barefield/Keith Erwin June 13th, 2015 Katie Hester/Ethan Dobbs June 13th, 2015 Haley Mahan/Craig Kitchens June 20th, 2015 Amelia Carnes/C.W. Smith July 4th, 2015 Kelsey Pound/Collin McIntyre July 11th, 2015 Megan Allen/Justin Moss July 11th, 2015 Elizabeth Todd/Conner Bills July 18th, 2015 Kendle Coomer/Reed Pound October 3rd, 2015 Emmie O’Callaghan/Zach Chavers October 17th, 2015 Monday-Fridays 10 a.m.-5p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.- 4p.m. 662-489-1074 • 346-A West Oxford St. Pontotoc, MS June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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helsea Taylor Hussey of Mooreville, Miss., and Jon Paul Barber of Nettleton, Miss., were united in marriage on Nov. 29, 2014, in a ceremony at Auburn Baptist Church in Mooreville. The Rev. Mike Brazeal and the Rev. Jimmy Henry performed the ceremony. Musicians Billie McFerrin and Teresa Easley provided music, and Brandon and Kristy Hardin sang solos and duets. The bride is the daughter of Stan and Peggy Hussey of Mooreville. She is the granddaughter of Willie and Burma Schumpert and Jimmy and Kathleen Hussey. The groom is the son of Mike and Sheila Barber of Nettleton. He is the grandson of James Matthews Sr. and the late Brenda Matthews and Nell Barber and the late Charles Barber. Escorted and given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an A-line chapel-train dress designed and handmade in Europe with a sweetheart neckline. The gown featured five separate layers adorned with crystal appliqués and beading. Her veil was a one-tier cathedral veil with lace appliquéd edging also made in Europe. She wore her mother’s pearl earrings and a diamond and pearl necklace given to her by her parents. She carried a bouquet of fallcolored roses and calla lilies with a napkin from her parents’ wedding reception tucked inside. The bridesmaids were Lea Anna Hussey, Karley Hall, Laura Enlow, Charlie McGaugh, Mandi Barber, Allie Matthews and Erin Matthews. Honorary bridesmaids were Morgan McGaugh, Haley Forsythe, Hannah Forsythe, Jamie Wagner and Kimmy Nicholson. The flower girl was Della Rae Hussey, and an announcement of the bride was carried by Jada
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
& JON PAUL BARBER
Alexis Graham. Guests were registered by Tanner Bevill. Groomsmen were Mike Barber, Matthew Barber, Michael Burt, Will Hawkins, Josh Kyle, James Matthews Jr. and Chip Hussey. Ushers were Mark Enlow, Andy Johns, Jacob Matthews and Jacob Burt. The ring bearer was Corbin Bowles, and Elijah Len Graham assisted with carrying the announcement of the bride.
A reception followed at The Antler in Tupelo, Miss., with a buffet prepared by Special Occasions by Sandra and music by The Gents. After a honeymoon in Steamboat Springs, Colo., the couple resides in the Richmond community. The bride is an associate with Health Management Services and pursuing a master’s degree, and the groom farms with his father and brother on Barber Farms.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATHRYN LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY
CHELSEA TAYLOR HUSSEY
Your Premier Lighting Store & So Much More!
Hernando - 470 Hwy 51 North • 662.429.0416 | M-F 8-5 • Sat 9-1 Oxford - 2206 B. West Jackson Ave. • 662.236.0025 | M-F 8-5 Tupelo - 1730 McCullough Blvd. • 662.840.5533 | M-F 8-5 • Sat 9-1
Visit one of the Mid-South’s Premier Lighting Showrooms www.magnolialighting.com
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
33
& JOSEPH KYLE MURPHY
shley Marie Rhodes and Joseph Kyle Murphy were united in marriage on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at 5 p.m. at Serendipity in Guntown, Miss. The bride is the daughter of Larry and Marie Rhodes of Rienzi, Miss. The groom is the son of Lonnie and Amanda Murphy of Wheeler, Miss. With family and friends in attendance, the couple exchanged vows with Mr. Ray Hall, cousin of the groom, officiating. The bride wore a strapless sweetheart gown overlaid with ivory lace, featuring seed pearls and sequins on the bodice and waistline. Attending the bride as bridesmaids were Alicia Shields, Allison Worley, Amy Jo Young and Misty Rowsey. Serving as groomsmen were Tanner Murphy, Trey Murphy, Jason Cristo and Brad Roberts. Flower girls were Addisyn Lauderdale, Mia Claire Rowsey and Ali Beth Shields. Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception on the lawn and patio of Serendipity. DJ Nathan Ozbirn played some of the couple’s favorite songs during the reception. Later the patio was transformed into a dance floor for all to enjoy. Following a honeymoon in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., the couple is at home in Wheeler.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DENNIS WORLEY
ASHLEY MARIE RHODES
tmhomes.com
Jenny Decker 662.871.7653 662-842-3844 jennyd@tmhomes
858 Indian Oaks Dr., Saltillo MLS # 15-477 $658,000
1325 S Thomas, Tupelo MLS # 15-84 $342,000
191 Poplar Springs Dr, Tupelo MLS # 15-707 $518,900
179 Poplar Springs, Tupelo MLS # 15-1477 $798,900
171 Poplar Springs, Tupelo MLS # 15-1112 $555,000
4205 Ridgemont, Belden MLS # 14-2401 $284,900
TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford
CONTACT THE UM-TUPELO CAMPUS AT (662) 844-5622 or email tupelo@olemiss.edu to find out more about: • Applying for admission to UM • Meeting with an academic advisor • Securing financial aid
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
35
hauquita I. Snow and Douglas E. Hughes were married at 3 p.m. Feb. 14, 2015, at White Hill M.B. Church in Tupelo, Miss. The Rev. Jeffery Daniels officiated. The bride was given in marriage by her godmother, Floristene Gladney. She is the granddaughter of the late Virginia and Oscar Snow of Okolona, Miss. The groom’s parents are J.T. and Joycelene Hughes of Dorsey, Miss. Attending the bride were her best friends, Kristie Nash as matron of honor and Lori Gladney as maid of honor. Charles James served as the groom’s best man. The bride wore a Vera Wang gown adorned with tulle, organza, beads and crystals. The dress had a corset bodice, a strapless sweetheart neckline and a Basque-waist ruffled skirt with a court train. The bride and groom hosted a reception at BancorpSouth Conference Center, where guests danced to music by disc jockey Sonny Rock. Food was provided by BancorpSouth, and cakes were made by Creative Cakes. Photographs were by Image Place and video by Premium Productions. The florist was Richard Tarpley of Magnolia Wholesale Florists, and decorations were done by Tener Henderson and Marie Depriest of T&M Event Planners.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
& DOUGLAS HUGHES
PHOTOGRAPHED BY THE IMAGE PLACE
CHAUQUITA SNOW
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
37
www.bcbsms.com Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 速 Registered Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
tmhomes.com
SOLD
4338 Meadow Cr, Belden 15-1337 Beautiful 6 bedrooms, 4 bath in Oak Meadow subdivision.
SOLD
4651 Cedar Garden Ln, Belden 15-639
2714 Orchid Cr, Tupelo 15-335
1368 Charleston Gardens Dr, Tupelo 15-97
208 Ridgelake, Tupelo 14-2661 Beautiful home rests on 2 well manicured, tree covered ac & features deck & tiered walkway to inground pool, Open family room w/ gas logs &blt-ins, lg open kitchen w/oversized island, formal dining , living/ study, master w/sitting area & gas logs, game room & 2 bonus rooms.$499,900
Gorgeous French style home 4 bedrooms, 5 bath in Oak Meadows subdivision.
Chanda Cossitt
662-871-7222 662-842-3844 chanda@tmhomes.com
Sold 1.7 Million in 1 month!
SOLD
1418 Charleston Gardens Dr, Tupelo 14-2100
TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford
Beautiful home on the lake with pool. 5 bedrooms plus bonus room, great room with10 ft ceilings. 3-car garage, new carpet, must see!!!
SOLD
Custom Built Home in beautiful Charleston Gardens, great family neighborhood, Viking appli., Pierce cabinets, custom molding, 10ft plus ceilings, 8ft doors, outdoor kitchen w/ living space, w/ 4 BR on the main level. Office, playroom, & bonus room. Schonbek chandelier in dining. $679,000
Beautiful home on Orchid Circle in Springlake subdivision. This home sits on almost an acre lot with a gorgeous pool with coolcrete around it. Very large master bedrooms, great kitchen with double ovens. This home has a wonderful plan for entertaining.
Seeing is Believing Tuscany, the French Riviera, Caribbean beaches ‌ the wedding planning is over and your honeymoon beckons. Make sure you see all the sights in a pair of glasses from our extensive Oliver Peoples line of designer frames.
Schedule an appointment today!
Matthew B. Wesson, M.D. Fred H. Mothershed, O.D. Dax M. Eckard, O.D. Beth W. Eckard, O.D. Sonya M. Miles, M.D.
3353 North Gloster n Tupelo, Mississippi 844-3555 or 1-800-280-7372 www.wandmeyes.com
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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rittany Lauren Watson and Nathan Cole Rushing were united in holy matrimony at five o’clock in the afternoon on Sept. 27, 2014, in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends at The Antler. Will Rambo of Tupelo performed the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Woody Watson of Tupelo. She is the granddaughter of Mr. Dennis Cobb and Mrs. Jeanie Cobb of Tupelo and Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Watson of Tupelo. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Rushing of Mooreville, Miss., and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Craig of Aberdeen, Miss. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Rushing of Paducah, Ky., and Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Oliver of Hamilton, Ala. Escorted by her father and grandfather, the bride wore an ivory wedding gown designed by Paloma Blanca from Low’s Bridal and Formal in Brinkley, Ark. The beautiful gown featured a sweetheart neckline of French-cut Alençon lace. The dropped natural waistline was accented with a Dupioni silk cummerbund with a sash adorned with pearls, rhinestones, focal beads and bugle beads. Her single-layer veil was edged with Alençon lace and blunt tulle. To add to the beauty of the bride’s gown, she wore an heirloom in the making. What began as a simple add-a-pearl necklace given to her by her great-grandfather when she was born was later finished by her mom and dad as a gift to be worn on her wedding day. Brittany carried a trailing nosegay lushly detailed with flowers of whites and greens. The flower combination was white chocolate roses, creamy vendella roses, white lisianthus and dendrobium orchid florets.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
& NATHAN COLE RUSHING
The gorgeous flowers were provided by Design by Tracy Proctor. Serving as matron of honor was Danielle Manning of Brandon, Miss. Bridesmaids were Megan Gale of Saltillo, Miss., and Ashley Rushing of Mooreville. Margaret Mask of Tupelo served as junior bridesmaid and flower girl. The bridesmaids wore floor-length chiffon dresses in slate gray. All wore different necklines such as strapless, one-shoulder and two straps with a ruched bodice, A-line skirt. The junior bridesmaid wore a handmade white linen dress. They carried open-style nosegays of roses, lisianthus, hydrangeas and berries. Serving as best man was Austin Craig of Aberdeen. Groomsmen were Tyler Chism and Shawn Rushing of Mooreville and Woody Watson II of Tupelo. A reception followed at The Antler, where guests dined on scrumptious Southern fare such as fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and macand-cheese catered by Romie’s Grocery. The bride’s delicious four-tier cake had layers of vanilla and strawberry and was decorated by Cakes by Rita with buttercream icing. Featuring a Kentucky theme, the groom’s threetier cake was adorned with chocolate-covered strawberries. Guests danced the night away with music provided by The Spunk Monkees. When the celebration ended, the happy couple departed through an arch of sparklers held by their guests. Photographers Stephanie Rhea and Steven Polley with Infocus were there to capture every special moment of the day. The couple spent their honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The couple now reside in Tupelo.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEPHANIE RHEA AND STEVEN POLLEY
BRITTANY LAUREN WATSON
TM
V
Jason and Whitney Pegues Beck May 2014
Your Day, Your Vision, Our Promise. 662-823-7737
Photo courtesy of Taylor Square Photography
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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LACEY DAWN WOODRUFF
& TIMOTHY ALAN NICHOLS
acey Dawn Woodruff and Timothy Alan Nichols were united in marriage at half past six o’clock in the evening on Aug. 23, 2014, at Serendipity in Guntown, Miss. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Tony Woodruff and Ms. Melody Woodruff, both of Booneville, Miss. She is the granddaughter of Mr. Bobby Strange and the late Mrs. Janice Strange, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Woodruff, all of Booneville. Mrs. Sarah Ann McGee served as the honorary grandmother of the bride. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Nichols of Thaxton, Miss. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. L.V. Matkins of Thaxton and the late Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Nichols of Tupelo. Bro. Doug Greenway, who has known the bride all her life, officiated the ceremony traditionally. Ceremonial music was provided by Svetlana Kaltchenko, violinist; Jay Holloway, guitarist and vocalist; and Mr. and Mrs. John Allen, guitarist and vocalist. Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father and grandfather, the bride walked down the aisle to Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach. She wore a formal gown of cream satin overlaid with layers of tulle adorned with beaded embroidered lace appliqués. The sleeveless fitted bodice featured a sheer illusion neckline and deep V-back. The fitand-flare silhouette cascaded into a chapel train. The bridal bouquet was a hand-tied mix of soft pink and blush garden roses with pink-peony stems wrapped in satin ribbon with pearls. The bouquet also held her “something old”: photo charms that held pictures of her late grandmothers and her late grandfather’s handkerchief. Bridesmaids wore gowns of petal pink chiffon featuring strapless, softly pleated bodices and flowing floor-length skirts. The bridesmaids wore pearl earrings that were gifts from the bride. They carried bouquets of baby’s breath and blush garden roses with stems wrapped in satin ribbon with pearls. Brittany Prather, cousin of the bride, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Sheena Woodruff, sister-in-law of the bride, and Annah Barnes, Kelly Flurry, Brittany McCoy, Brandy Young, Lauren Horton and Hope Harrelson. Honorary bridesmaids were Angela Woods, Lauren Walls and Karen Lansdell. Junior bridesmaid was Ella Kate Nichols, and Emma Klaire Nichols was flower girl, both nieces of the groom. The miniature bride was Eden Woodruff, niece of the bride. Program attendants were Courtney and Brookelyn Walden. Thomas Nichols, father of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Adam Coward; Matt Nichols and Norman Nichols, brothers of the groom; Dustin Woodruff and Bo Woodruff, brothers of the bride; and Blake Nichols and Mason Nichols, nephews of the groom. Ushers were Hunter Prather, cousin of the bride; Jeremy Kidd; and Kyle Matkins, cousin of the groom. Ring bearer was Elijah Nichols, nephew of the groom. The groomsmen wore traditional cream tuxedos with petal pink bow ties. The groom wore a hand-tied ivory bow tie. The stone pathway leading up to the handmade wooden arbor where
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
the couple said their vows was surrounded by old church pews. The pews were marked with antique jars filled with baby’s breath and were draped with blush ribbons with fresh rose petals. Guests were served fresh lemonade as they arrived to the ceremony. The arbor held an antique chandelier and was decorated with romantic greenery and soft pink and blush roses. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Serendipity. The bride, groom and their parents formed a receiving line to greet the guests. Bistro lights were strung from the trees, and the covered porch that doubled as the stage and dance floor was decorated with sheer pink tulle that was draped down the posts. Hope Jones, owner of Serendipity, provided an assortment of traditional Southern delicacies. The bride’s cake was the focal point as guests entered the reception. The four-tier cake was a custom creation that featured alternating layers of white and strawberry cake topped with buttercream icing. The groom’s table was inspired by his love of football. The groom’s cake was a two-layered chocolate and white cake adorned with “Ole Miss” and surrounded by sugar cookies in the shape of footballs. Both cakes were created by Hope Jones. The couple had a Bible displayed for guests to highlight and sign their favorite verses. The bride’s late grandmother’s wedding attire was displayed at the reception, along with portraits from family members’ past wedding days. The bride and groom shared their first dance to Van Morrison’s Tupelo Honey, followed by a fireworks display. The bride and her father danced to My Girl by the Temptations. Guests of all ages danced into the night to the sound and entertainment of SRX. Ending the evening of festivities, the happy couple departed the reception through a twinkling path of sparklers held by their family and friends. The couple then made their getaway in a pink 1957 Chevrolet Nomad. The guests were given individually packaged pink cotton candy as favors. Maddie J. Photography captured all the special moments, including the pre-wedding photos made at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joey Langston. Susan’s Flowers designed the floral arrangements for ceremony, wedding party and reception. Jacklyn Byrd applied makeup and styled hair for the bride. The videographer was from E.A.E Productions. The evening was coordinated by lifelong friend Jimma Walden of Booneville. On the day of the wedding, the bride’s aunt catered a casual breakfast at Elisha’s Salon while the bridemaids were being pampered. Later, a bridemaids’ brunch was provided by the bride’s mother. On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner in honor of the bride and groom at Serendipity. The Southerntradition cookout theme was catered by the bride’s grandfather, Bobby Strange. The couple enjoyed a beautiful evening making memories and laughter with family and friends. Following the honeymoon in the Caribbean Islands, the couple have made their home in Booneville. The bride is an ultrasound technologist with The Imaging Center in Tupelo, Miss., and the groom is a radiologic technologist at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany, Miss.
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
43 PHOTOGRAPHED BY MADDIE J. PHOTOGRAPHY
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
EXCLUSIVELY IN TUPELO AT REED’S HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TUPELO
Prentiss Street Baldwyn, MS 662.365.8087
Prentiss Street Baldwyn, MS 662.365.9876
662.842.6453 | www.reedsms.com June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
45
events Kentucky Derby Party View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
Tupelo’s 17th annual Kentucky Derby Party, which benefits Regional Rehabilitation Center, was held May 2 at the home of Tom Evans. In addition to watching the horse race, guests enjoyed mint juleps, donned creative hats and participated in a silent auction.
Sherri and Mike McClain
Pat and Mendy Ramey with Rick and Gabrielle Cooper, Connie Morgan and Melinda Lamon
Gary and Shelia Moore with Kim Bishop
Jane and Jordan Litke
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Harold and Brenda Plunkett with Vivian Lee
Kimberly Langley and Heather Ferrell
INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
Mariam and Bubba Tucker
Tom Evans and Kay Mathews
Mark Mavity, Mary Ann Gwin Lewis and Michael Young
Eric Cole and Amanda Clayton
photographed by Joe Worthem
Ashley Chambers and Candice Tutor
Dan and Holly Goodwin
Misty Raines, Tyson Taylor and Kelly Scott
Allen Francis and Mike Price
Vicki Gaillard, Brandy Evans, Deborah Tierce and Beth Stauffer
Penny, Matt and Emily Laubhan
Mary Ann Caldwell and Sadie Buchanan
Anne Marie Goad and Shane Aguirre
Donna and David Witty with Donna and Terry Treadaway
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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photographed by Chasity Dees
events Les Miserables View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
Tupelo Community Theatre staged Les Miserables April 30 at the Lyric Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for TCT’s 2015-2016 season, which begins in September with Smokey Joe’s Cafe and includes You Can’t Take It With You and Mary Poppins. Visit tct.ms for details.
Roger and Lisa Smith
Lilla, Scott, Annette and Dakin Reed
Tish Horton and Beth Aycock
Emily Hall and Matt Dahlke
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Sydney Kate Lockhart and Karli Hill
Kristi Paxton and Lane Baxter
Brian and Posey McGraw
INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
Mallory Safley, Amanda Thorne and Heather Tate
Melissa and Teresa McMillan
Stewart Brevard McMillan and Lindsay Cunningham
Be Envied! AWARD WINNING
SALON
James R. Hunter, Sr. jrhunter@tmhomes.com 662.871.8658 662.842.3844
662-844-2477 431 North Gloster St. Tupelo, MS www.shearenvytupelo.com shear_envytupelo
TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford
Spring Lake Lots, Tupelo 15-1117 Exclusive lot sales in beautiful Spring Lake Subdivision. Approximately 36 lots remaining. Builders and individuals call for information.
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
49
photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Feast for the Farmers View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
Tupelo’s annual Feast for the Farmers farm-to-table fundraiser dinner was held May 15. This year’s event kicked off the season for the newly rebranded farmers’ market, now known as the Tupelo Farmers’ Depot, which opened the following day.
Casey and Iveta Barickman
Becca Aaron with Jake, Richard, Rich and Amy Heyer
Betty and Butch Harris with Carl Brangenberg
Anneil and David Gillentine
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Clint, Angela and Nolan Howard with Debbie and Johnny Ramage
Sandra White and Susan Parker
INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
Justin and Anna Grace Estes
Terry Waldrop, Martha Ann Wilson and Tommy Green
Loretta Monts, Jane Riley and Sally Elliott
Amanda, Juniper, Magnolia and Will Reed
When WhenYou You Think When Youof of Think
Think of Jewelry, Jewelry, Jewelry,
Think of of Think Think of
Stones! Stones! Stones! TUPELO, MS
709 WEST MAIN MS • 844.9444 TUPELO, 709 WEST MAIN • 844.9444 TUPELO, MS
MS • 844.9444 709RIPLEY, WEST MAIN RIPLEY, MS • 837.4215 101 HOSPITAL STREET 101 HOSPITAL STREET • 837.4215
RIPLEY, MS
101 HOSPITAL STREET • 837.4215
TUPELO | MS
709 West Main Street • 662.844.9444
RIPLEY | MS
101 Hospital Street • 662.837.4215
Offering a Variety of Tuxedos for Rent or Purchase 1 0 8 S O U T H S PR I NG S T R E E T • T U PE LO , M S • 3 8 8 0 1
Making your memories happen, while you're busy living them! Lindsey Hines, Event Coordinator
662-397-2981
Saltillo, MS www.effortlesseventsms.com June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Healthworks! Tie-Dye 5K View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
The Healthworks! Tie-Dye 5K and fun run took place May 16 at Fairpark. The annual community event celebrates and promotes health and wellness for children and adults. To learn more about upcoming Healthworks! events, visit healthworkskidsms.org.
Lalen Cox and Kessiah Mitchell
Ryleigh Kate and Candy Mitchell
Morgan and Landree Tidwell with Addie Green
Brantley, Daniel and Rondy Rodgers
Ford, Frank and Ginger Montgomery
Lana, Kari and Lilly Tubbs
Katrena and Ayma Pegues
Whitney Campbell, Mason Keopradit and Mikaela Page
Collier and Carla Newsom
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
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Michelle McAuley 662.401.0015 662-842-3844 michelle@tmhomes.com
TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford
3085 Lotus Cv, Tupelo 15-1034
Beautiful French country home situated on a 2 acre water front lot in Springlake. 5 bed/5.5 baths, 4 fireplaces (1 outside), screened-in porch, library and office/bonus room, wine cellar, open great room & kitchen. A must see. $875,000
1322 Morning Glory Cr, Tupelo 15-1534
Perfect in Springlake! Located on quiet street this beautiful home has 4BR/3.5BA. 2 bedrooms down. Large kitchen with granite countertops. Wood floors. Large bonus room with extra room for office. Screened in porch. 3 car garage. Large back yard. House has been updated inside and out. $355,000
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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photographed by Chasity Dees
events A Potter’s Delight View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
New Albany Garden Club held A Potter’s Delight luncheon May 2 at First United Methodist Church in New Albany, Miss. The event featured special guest Peter Woods of Peter’s Pottery, and proceeds went to the Faulkner Garden at Union County Heritage Museum.
Jean Dillard and Jamie Bramlitt
Samantha Morris, Tanya Coombs, Anita Buster and Jane Ford
Billye Jean Stroud, Mary Catherine Shands and Catherine McClinton
Emily Forman and Cassie Henson
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Linda Lalor, Jill Shaw and Mary Lynn Powers
Ruth Allbritton and Von Coombs
INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
Martha Gault and Lisa James
Melissa Anderson and Fay Gillespie
Lauren Nelson, Dot Shannon and Martha Wiseman
Carolyn Jennings and Carrie Scott
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Blue Suede Cruise View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
Tupelo’s annual Blue Suede Cruise took place May 1-3 with a classic car show, drive-in movie, swap meet, live entertainment, 50/50 drawings and more. For information on next year’s event, visit bluesc.com.
Chris and Kayla Thompson
Patsy and Jerry Rhodes with Betty McDaniel and Carol Palmer
Walter Burns and Azalea Knight
A.C. and Janice Hopkins
LaTrelle and Tommy Donovan with Mike Madden
Stephen, Hayden and Misty Chism
Teresa and Michael Lambert with Dody Vail
Thomas and Linda McCoy
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Don and Carol Berryman
Dale Jones, Mabry Allison, Wayne Jones and Lee Jenkins
Martha Kimbrell and Annette Acton
INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
Chuck and Corinne Hiller
Martin Almon with Kirby and David Kennedy
Darlynda and Donna May
Mills
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Elliot Long 662.551.6151 662.842.3844 elong@tmhomes.com
110 Sidney Dr, Fulton 15-1363
Great 2 BR/1 BA condo in downtown Tupelo. Updated in 2008 - would be great for a first time home buyer. $58,500
Recently updated 4BD/2.5 BA home. Kitchen w/island, stainless steel appliances, open living area, hardwood floors, large bedrooms & great yard, perfect for entertaining
428 Robins St 15-1256
156 Midway, Tupelo 15-1588
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662-842-3844 210 East Main St., Tupelo tmhomes.com 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford wner 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford Jessica Harris, Managing Broker
This 4BR/3BA home on Robins Street in Beautiful custom built home in Tupelo’s Downtown Tupelo is full of character. Fairpark District. 3 bedrooms! 3.5 Hrdwd floors, plantation shutters, a baths. 2 master suites(one up and bead board ceiling in the living room, one down), custom cabinets, granite & much more. The 4th bedroom could countertops, and tons of living space, be a 2nd master or mother in law suite. hardwood floors, 10 ft ceilings with Great deck & large yard for entertainheavy crown molding. $265,900 ing. $159,000
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
“The value I get for my dollar advertising with Invitation Tupelo is probably the best money I spend for my business. They’re so easy to work with, and the ads always look great. It’s consistently a thing for customers to tell me they saw our ad in the magazine. There’s never a month that goes by where we don’t get good feedback from that advertising.” -Brett Pearce, Design South “The FarmHouse enjoys advertising with Invitation because our customers look forward to this great lifestyle magazine each month. Our consultant makes it easy for us to have a great ad every issue. She works tirelessly with the photographers and designers to help us convey exactly what we want no matter how many changes that might take. She wants us to be 100 percent happy with every ad. She makes it easy!” -Bev Crossen, The FarmHouse For more information about advertising with Invitation Tupelo, email Cindy Semmes at cindy@invitationoxford.com.
Deborah Tierce 662.790.5331 662.842.3844 deborahtierce@tmhomes.com
TUPELO | OXFORD LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
At North Ms Periodontics
210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford
108 Northgate CR, Saltillo 15-468
Dr. Phillip Graham, Optometrist
Gated Community w/ private courtyard, landscaping, & sidewalks. Master suite on 1st level w/ built-ins for office space; Onyx solid surface counter tops in kitchen & beautiful tile & wood floors downstairs. 2BR up, wrought iron railing on staircase. Seller is MS licensed Real Estate Broker. $249,700 courtyard for entertaining friends & family. Seller is MS licensed Real Estate Broker. $249,700
SHANNON & GRAHAM EYE CLINIC
662.489.4741 • 14 East Marion St. Pontotoc, MS 38863 Bill Seawright, Optician Melanie Sellers, Tech
164 North Ridge Dr, Saltillo
15-239
Exquisite! 4 BR/2.5 BA home Picture Perfect. Amenities include: water filter system; water softener system; In-ground sprinkler system; 2 central units; Amazing backyard with covered patio, deck and gazebo - beautifully landscaped. Must see! $249,900
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Celtic Woman Concert View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
Celtic Woman, an all-female Irish musical ensemble, performed at BancorpSouth Arena May 5 as part of its 10th anniversary tour. The group’s latest album, Solo, also commemorates the anniversary with 10 current and former members.
Michael and Cathy Chase
Chris and Kim Westhouse with James Wood and Lori and Larry Bostick
Lisa Tubbs, Debbie Summerford and Barbara Moffett
Jay and Deepika Dey
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
Doyce and Bill Deas
Torrie Robertson, Beth Garrison, Jerneshia Woods and Vanessa Sansone
Cindy Griggs, Pearl Horton and Donna Woodcock
Cody and Karissa Brock
Sue Golmon 662.346.1388 662.842.3844 suegolmon@netzero.com
TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford
615 N Madison, Tupelo 15-646 Historic District -1.6 acres, 4 BR, 3 Full and 2 Half Baths. Family room w/ wood burning fireplace, living room w/ fireplace with gas logs, formal dining overlooking courtyard with pool. $279,000
As a forty year resident of Tupelo, Sue Golmon is able to offer her clients both knowledge of the area and incredible training in Real Estate.
• Graduate, Realtor Institute • Accredited Buyer Representative • Sellers Representative Specialist • Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource • NEMSBR 2013 Realtor of the year June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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photographed by Courtney Sims
events Corks & Clay
events Take a Swing at Cancer
Corks & Clay was held May 17 at the Ritz in West Point, Miss., in conjunction with the Take a Swing at Cancer golf tournament. Both events benefited the NMMC cancer patient fund.
Take a Swing at Cancer golf tournament took place May 17-18 at Old Waverly in West Point, Miss. The annual event benefits the North Mississippi Medical Center cancer patient fund.
Carolyn Miller, Shurley Sugg, Robin McCormick and Nikki Holton
Camp Kaufman, Glenn McCullough Jr., Shane Spees and John Keast
Summer Palmer and Becky Adams
Sarah Watkins and Christina Hester
Wally Davis and Mark Ray
Royce and Dick White
Elizabeth Carnell and Lynda Bullard
Linda Stokes and Lisa Lindsey
Steven Blaylock and Marsha Tapscott
Barney Guyton and Chauncey Godwin
Diann Powell, Mary Margaret Case and Katie Chandler
PK and Jennifer Kendrick with Angie Keel
Richard Reed and Hunter Atkins
Chase Nash and John Pittman
View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
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Wooded grove in front of layered stone ranch style home with guest house. Property includes tennis court, barn, paddock, arena, backed by clear & maintained land. This is 65 acres of complete privacy within the Tupelo City limits. Entrance across from Avon Lea.
Bea Luckett 662.231.1402
bealuckett@trirealestate.com 662.842.8283 www.trirealestate.net 600 W Main | Tupelo, MS
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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tmhomes.com
Jennifer Harrelson & Joyce Riley 662.871.3574 jennifer@tmhomes.com
We will make that house your home!
1285 Dogwood Dr. Tupelo, MS 15-1445
4805 Acorn Dr. Belden, MS 15-1103
Beautiful 4BD/3BA home in desirable Springlake. All bedrooms on 1st floor, kitchen with glass tile backsplash, two sided fireplace, built-ins in breakfast room, study/Bedroom. Bonus room on 2nd floor, large fenced backyard with covered back porch. $339,000
This home has it all! Granite countertops, beautiful library, great room, Pettigrew cabinets and woodwork throughout! Formal dining room plus eat in kitchen. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms downstairs, 2 bedrooms and Jack and Jill bath up. $355,000
210 East Main St., Tupelo • 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford 662.842.3844
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
662.231.9251 jcupriley@aol.com
TUPELO | OXFORD
jet set ROMANCE A wedding celebration at a local airport complete with a getaway in a private vintage plane blended the bride’s nostalgia with high hopes for the future.
WRITTEN BY Melanie Crownover | PHOTOGRAPHED BY Kay Allison of Allison Wonderland Studio
Justin Merritt didn’t raise an eyebrow when his fiancée, Leanna Ferguson, suggested holding their wedding reception at Pontotoc County Airport, but not everyone was so sure of her unusual idea. “My friends thought we were crazy when I told them what we were planning. I don’t think they even believed me at first, but everyone thought it was awesome when they got there,” he said. A tarmac may not be a typical place to stage a reception, but for Leanna, it was the perfect spot to mix the nostalgia of her formative years with the celebration of her wedding on May 3, 2014.
“That place has been part of my life forever,” she said. “My parents live right up the road from the airport, so I grew up playing with planes flying overhead. We could always hear them taking off on Saturday mornings and you even used to be able to see the runway from their bedroom window.” After watching flights take off for unknown destinations for most of her life, Leanna planned to depart with her groom from that same spot to build their new life together. There was a lot of red tape to get city officials on board with shutting down the facilities, but they agreed to clear the air traffic schedule for the first wedding event ever held
at the airport. Instead of the private and recreational aircraft that usually crowd the landing area, Leanna and Justin decorated the space with a disc jockey-serviced dance floor near the hangar and two white tents large enough to house an elegant party for 400 guests. The couple’s big entrance started the soiree as they coasted onto the airstrip in a Porsche. “She had no idea that was coming because I borrowed it from a friend,” Justin said. “We left the church and rode through town together before coming down the runway to the reception. It was perfect.” White linen tablecloths and the brides-
Leanna and Justin Merritt’s May 2014 wedding took place at Pontotoc County Airport, a sentimental place for Leanna, who grew up nearby. The reception was spread out on the runway, and the newlyweds flew off in a vintage plane, pictured above, at the end of the evening. Other special details included handmade outdoor furniture, also pictured. June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
maids’ bouquets of light pink and white roses welcomed visitors to sit and sip a cool glass of sweet tea or lemonade before dinner. Younger guests enjoyed a kid-friendly menu, Kool-Aid and plenty of activities in their own tent. “If they’d had their way, one of my little brothers would have done up the whole reception area in dinosaurs, so I thought that was a nice compromise,” Leanna said, laughing. “It actually made the whole thing more relaxed because they could play.” A locally built wooden pergola from Ponotoc County’s Randolph Amish community sheltered the wedding cake under a glittering chandelier. The groom’s table offered a S’mores bar that included skewers and propane-lighter campfires to properly toast the after-dinner treats. Nearby, an outdoor fireplace surrounded by Amish-built Adirondack chairs invited guests to relax and take in the sunset beyond the open runway. Meanwhile, guests took turns sitting for candid pictures in a photo booth. They got one strip of photos to take home and then added their second strip of photos along with signatures to a keepsake photo album for the bride and groom. A vintage silver and gold airplane was parked on the runway for pictures during the festivities. Leanna’s cousin flew the newlyweds to Memphis in it later that evening. As if by fate, they landed in the private terminal of Memphis International Airport just after Prince Harry and Prince William of the United Kingdom touched down on the same tarmac. Because of their “just married” status, Justin and Leanna also got the royal treatment. A car ushered them to their hotel for the evening, just a brief stop on their way to a seven-day honeymoon in Cancún beginning at sunrise. Leanna said the jet set reception getaway fixed their hopes high for what was to come. “That seemed like a fitting end to that night and beginning for everything else. I’ve never felt more like a princess than that day,” she said. “It was like something out of a movie, and I know we’ll never forget it.”
NE UR E QUE
Guests at the Merritt wedding were treated to dinner, drinks and dancing on the Pontotoc County Airport runway, and at sunset they released glowing paper lanterns.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
in the MOMENT In the midst of their wedding celebrations, these couples shared unexpected, heartwarming and hilarious private moments they will never forget.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY FAITH DAWSON FROM FAITH RILEY PHOTOGRAPHY
WRITTEN BY Melanie Crownover
Kayla and Matthew Poe
Kayla and Matthew Poe opened their wedding presents to one another separately when they married on Oct. 18, 2014. They followed the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding and let their photographer capture their reactions as they unwrapped their gifts. Matthew, co-owner of Poe Farm in Baldwyn, Miss., immediately put on the new gold matte cufflinks engraved with his initials as part of his wedding day attire and grinned. “Those were something I’d always wanted because I’d never had a pair,” Matthew said.
Meanwhile, Kayla, a dental hygienist from Baldwyn, was overcome with emotion by a letter and the contents of the small box she received from her boyfriend of five years who was about to become her husband. “I read the letter first because it was on top,” she said. “I didn’t cry all day, but that was the one time I got a little teary eyed and worried about ruining my makeup.” Matthew detailed his devotion and excitement to spend their lives together and later raise a family. Inside the box was a rose gold band with diamonds down the sides. Kayla put
on the new ring before she slipped on her dress. She received the matching band to cushion the other side of her engagement ring during the ceremony at The Antler in Tupelo. “We had talked about her getting that second band later on our anniversary, but I wanted her to have it then,” Matthew said. “And I wanted to make sure she knew how I felt before she got it.” The pair is considering a break from the farm for a trip in the fall to celebrate their first year together, and Kayla says a reply letter may be a big part of her anniversary gift to Matthew.
Kayla and Matthew Poe chose not to see each other until they walked down the aisle. As they were preparing for that big moment, their photographer captured their reactions when they opened gifts to one another. June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Looking back at their wedding day photos, one particular shot makes Justin and Meagan Loden of Tupelo relive the moment they first stepped outside the church doors as husband and wife on Aug. 9, 2014. Family and friends holding lit sparklers surround them in the picture as the newlyweds exit the church hand in hand. “I remember feeling like that smile was stuck when we came out together and saw everyone,” Meagan said. “I don’t think it would have gone away even if someone had accidentally caught my dress on fire with one of their sparklers.” “I don’t know about that,” Justin said. “I wasn’t sure about how that part would go because a buddy of mine had sparklers at his wedding and one of the groomsmen ended up burning his tux. We just felt so blessed that all of our family and friends got to come in and be there with us.” Around 275 guests attended the ceremony at First Presbyterian Church, from church members who had watched Meagan grow up there to family from eastern Tennessee and northern Georgia. “Having all our friends and family there to send me off into this new chapter with my best friend was more than special,” Meagan said. “It was the best day ever.” Family and friends surrounded Justin and Meagan Loden as they exited First Presbyterian Church as husband and wife.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANDREW STANFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
Justin and Meagan Loden
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANDREW STANFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
Sydney and Justin Batty
Framed on a shelf in the living room of Sydney and Justin Batty’s Louisiana home is a snapshot from their May 31, 2014, wedding that most couples don’t have the chance to capture. “It’s one of my favorites out of the whole batch,” Sydney said. “I had grabbed my daughter, Avery, and was spinning around on the dance floor with her while she laughed. It was one of the highlights of the reception for me.” Avery was only six months old when her dad and mom celebrated their wedding ceremony and reception at Goodlett Manor in Tupelo, Sydney’s hometown. Justin, a golf professional from Illinois, met his bride-to-be while both were students at Mississippi State University. The couple dated for almost a year before Justin popped the question and were engaged just more than a year before the wedding. When they found out Avery was on the way during their engagement, the pair decided to hold off on setting a date for the marriage so they could focus their energy on preparing for the baby. “I know people usually do that whole wedding and kids thing in the opposite order, but it was so special to have her there for our wedding day and have those pictures with her,” she said. “I was just so happy she could be a part of that moment. She may not remember it later, but now we can show her what a happy day that was for all of us.” Sydney and Justin Batty’s wedding day was extra special because they shared it with their daughter.
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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When Sarah and Jeremy Houchin emerged as husband and wife from Hewlett Barn in Starkville, Miss., on Oct. 4, 2014, they had some work ato do before they could drive the groom’s black Nissan Titan to Ross Bridge Resort in Birmingham, Ala. “We were set to fly out to Istanbul, Turkey, for a week the next morning. When I saw the truck, I was wondering if we would get there. It took us about 30 minutes or more just to get on the road,” Sarah said. Sarah’s three brothers had decided to decorate the getaway vehicle for the newlyweds. Nearly a case of toilet paper draped the body of the pickup truck; balloons were stuffed inside the cab and under the hood; Vaseline covered the steering wheel; and the driver’s side front tire had been removed and replaced with a jack. Jeremy had to fix the tire in his suit, and the couple stopped farther down the road – still dressed in their wedding attire – to rearrange the backseat luggage and cut balloons from the antenna. “They said they were getting me back, and that Jeremy should have to prove he could take care of me before we got to leave,” Sarah said, laughing. “I may have played a few pranks at their weddings, but I still say I hadn’t done nearly enough for that. That’s okay because it’s not over yet. There’s still Christmas and Thanksgiving and Easter to get some revenge.” A memorable surprise awaited Sarah and Jeremy Houchin when they left their wedding reception: Sarah’s brothers had played a friendly prank, decorating the newlyweds’ getaway car with toilet paper, balloons, and a tire jack in place of a tire.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
PHOTOGRAPHED BY FAITH DAWSON FROM FAITH RILEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Sarah and Jeremy Houchin
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June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Tupelo native Vandy Stubbs wanted to stick with traditional wedding day conventions when it came to seeing his bride-to-be, Sara Frances Haas of West Point, Miss., on Sept. 13, 2014. However, his fiancée had other plans for candid “first look” pictures before the ceremony at First United Methodist Church in West Point. “I’m glad she won out with reason,” Vandy said. “I’ve been to plenty of weddings where you don’t get to the reception until two hours after because of photos, and neither of us wanted that. Ends up it wasn’t bad luck at all. It was cool to have that moment alone together to share in the middle of everything.” The pictures, set in Sara Frances’ parents’ backyard where the couple later held their reception, record a 10-minute lull in the day’s events when she and Vandy were able to pause before shooting family pictures. “That whole day was a blur except the few minutes I stood there with him. I was so nervous because the dress was finally on and it was almost time, but when I saw him I just went giddy. All I can remember is that I couldn’t stop smiling and trying not to cry,” she said. “We were so caught up in each other that we almost forgot the photographer was there.” It was only later that the couple learned they’d also had a captive audience of family and wedding party members watching them from inside the house. The resulting pictures became some of the Stubbs’ favorites from their wedding day. Vandy and Sara Frances used shots from those intimate moments on their first Christmas cards and many framed versions now decorate their home. Sara Frances and Vandy Stubbs shared a special private moment before they walked down the aisle.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MABUS PHOTOGRAPHY
Vandy and Sara Frances Stubbs
June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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ARTWORK COURTESY OF GEORGE WARDLAW AND THE MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART
Baldwyn, Miss., native George Wardlaw is being celebrated across the state for the vast body of influential artwork he’s created over the past 60 years. WRITTEN BY Melanie Crownover Baldwyn, Miss., native George Wardlaw has put his contemporary mark on just about every art medium he’s gotten his hands on – from metalsmithing to oil and acrylic painting to sculpture. Now the Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA) in Jackson, Miss., has brought Wardlaw’s art back to his home state. An exhibit to honor the artist will be open there through August, with some of his works remaining on display permanently. The city of Baldwyn also honored Wardlaw’s homecoming with George Wardlaw Day, celebrated there May 26. “We are certainly delighted that the show has finally come together in a way that will proudly reintroduce George Wardlaw to the people of his native state,” said Roger Ward, chief curator of the MMA exhibit. “Our exhibition includes just a tiny fraction of Wardlaw’s vast output from more than 60 years of making art, but the intention was to present a microcosm of his entire career.” Wardlaw served in the U.S. Navy just after high school and used the GI Bill to enroll at the Memphis Academy of Arts in 1947. Growing up, he had watched his mother piece together colorful swatches for quilts and experimented with sewing patterns as she made clothes for his second-grade teacher. His father sketched his hunting dogs each year for their registration. “I remember I was winning a lot of prizes for my metalwork when I moved back to the farm after [art school] graduation and a reporter from the Tupelo Journal came to talk. He said to my father, ‘You must be proud.’ My father said, ‘Of course, but we had nothing to do with it.’ I wouldn’t necessarily agree with him,” Wardlaw said. “My lack of formal training gave me an Mississippi-born artist George Wardlaw’s vast body of artwork includes (opposite page) Guardian: Cubi Mates, 2010, acrylic on canvas; (top) Tower of Silence, 1955, oil on canvas; and (bottom) New Life II, 2011, acrylic and charcoal on canvas. June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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TUPELO | OXFORD 210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
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“I believe that everything I have touched and seen has formed me in one way or another, and therefore, it has formed my work.” -George Wardlaw open mind in school, but that early experience with folk art affected my horizons.” Wardlaw’s abstract student paintings won several honors and a spot in a prestigious national traveling show during his time in art school, and he was one of 12 students selected to study with a master silversmith from England his senior year. He began sharing his own expertise with students as a metalsmithing professor at the University of Mississippi in the 1950s while his art put him on New York’s avant-garde Alist. He later taught at Yale University and the University of Massachusetts Amhearst. Wardlaw continued working as a professional artist while teaching until his retirement in 1990. He said that “mutual education” in the classroom constantly inspired whatever medium he was embracing as an artist. His religious journey as a Jewish convert and interactions with influential artists such as Jack Tworkov also colored his abstract musings as he grew in his artistry. His collective work unwittingly traced the path of recent art history, from the Abstract Expressionism of the 1950s, to the Minimalist and Color Field painting of the 1960s and 1970s, to 21st century Neo-Representationalism. That earned him a Visual Arts Award from the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters in 1983. Still, threads of similarity exist in Wardlaw’s work, exemplified by years of working vivid apples into almost every painting and his “grey stage” and “miniature painting” period. “I believe that everything I have touched and seen has formed me in one way or another, and therefore, it has formed my work,” he said. “That is why I have people tell me they see similarities in my art even when they are from different mediums. I love that. Looking back now, I see how where I’ve been has shaped what I do.” Recently, Wardlaw is using an innovative process that combines his past work with modern technology. He photographs a painting in his Amherst, Mass., studio and superimposes
Wardlaw was recently honored in his hometown of Baldwyn, Miss., with George Wardlaw Day, and his artwork is being exhibited at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, Miss., throughout the summer. Some of his work includes Big Apples, 1963, oil on canvas; Yellow Sunset, 1997, acrylic on wood panel; and Apple Blossom 1, 1965, oil on canvas.
it against former versions on a computer. He later repaints the combined work and repeats the process until he feels it’s finally done. The 88-year-old says it’s his way of recycling the past and evolving – an ongoing theme in his art that’s bigger than one era of work. “I’m no longer learning from other people
at this stage; I’m only learning from myself,” he said. “Now I’m working out of all of the years I’ve spent teaching and in the studio and in this skin to combine myself and pick out the pieces that matter to make something new.” George Wardlaw, A Life in Art: Works from 1954-2014 opened at the Mississippi Museum
of Art May 29 and runs through Aug. 16. An accompanying exhibit of recent works is also on display at the nearby Fischer Galleries in Jackson until Aug. 16. Visit georgewardlaw.com, msmuseumart.org or fischergalleries.com for more information on Wardlaw and the exhibits. June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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PRESERVING TRADITION Canning homegrown fruits and vegetables is a decades-old practice for the Bass family. WRITTEN BY Caitlin Adams | PHOTOGRAPHED BY Lisa Roberts
S
unday afternoons in Charlotte and Bubba Bass’ house mean one thing: homemade family supper. Luckily, they don’t have to go past their own pantry to find fresh ingredients. Charlotte, a Tupelo native, spends her days canning homegrown produce and her nights incorporating them into dishes. She learned the canning process 31 years ago from her mother-in-law. Three decades and many home-cooked meals later, Charlotte has perfected her technique. Whether it’s a fresh salad or a decadent blackberry pie, Charlotte’s culinary endeavors are a walk down memory lane for Bubba.
“There’s nothing like eating food that you ate growing up as a kid,” he said. “She learned how to cook and can just like my mother.” Produce runs rampant in the Bass’ backyard garden, supplying Charlotte with the majority of her canning ingredients. The patches are a myriad of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, green beans, cabbage, blackberries and okra, which was planted from seeds that belonged to Bubba’s deceased father. And with an additional herb garden boasting rosemary and mint, experimenting with new dishes is as easy as a walk outside. Once the garden is ready to be picked in
late spring and summer, it’s an arduous process. Charlotte cans from sunup to sundown, preserving up to 1,000 ears of corn a day. Her kitchen – full of boiling pots and the scent of vinegar – looks more like the back of a restaurant than a residence. “It’s a disaster,” she said. Charlotte’s the one who blanches, pressurecooks and preserves the vegetables, but Bubba is the master gardener. He also proves helpful indoors, and when he designed their home, Bubba was sure to designate a closet to store all of Charlotte’s pickled concoctions. Tucked behind the kitchen, the Mason jarJune/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Charlotte Bass has perfected the art of canning homegrown fruits and vegetables, a technique she learned from her mother-in-law. Charlotte’s husband, Bubba, meanwhile, is the expert in the garden, and he designed their home to include a functional kitchen and special canning closet.
stocked closet comes in handy when Charlotte needs a holiday gift, or when fickle winters lead to little crop, such as the winter of 2013-14. “You never know what your crop is going to do,” she said. “That’s the perk of canning and always having it for the next year.” By early fall, the shelves are lined with everything from pickled okra to jam, but Charlotte’s favorite jars to crack open are the tomatoes. “I use them for anything,” she said. “Tomato soups – any soups really – gumbo and spaghetti…the options are endless.” Charlotte may be known for her jars of vegetables, but her canning closet isn’t the only thing that preserves the family’s tradition. The home she cooks in pays homage to their Southern roots. Construction was completed in 2010, but Charlotte and Bubba packed plenty of historical significance inside its four walls. The planked floors and beams were salvaged from the Sweetwater Mill in Florence, Ala., and the exposed 120-year-old brick came from a demolished warehouse in South Carolina. And although Charlotte is grateful for her new, functional kitchen, as it’s the backdrop of her many hours over the stove, she appreciates all the rooms of their New Orleans-style home. “Canning is a lot of work,” she said. “When you get through to the end of the day tired and hot, the last thing you want to do is be in the kitchen,” she said, laughing.
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CHARLOTTE'S CANNED OKRA
Serving North Mississippi for all your landscape design, installation, and maintenance needs.
¼ cup salt ½ cup white vinegar 3 quarts water 1 gallon cut okra Bring salt, vinegar and water to a boil. Add the okra, and boil for 5 minutes. Pack in hot jars with hot lids. Makes 4 quarts.
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MARYLEE'S TOMATO RELISH 1 gallon ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 6-7 hot peppers, chopped 2 cups sugar 2 cups white vinegar 1 Tablespoon salt Combine all ingredients, and bring to a boil. Cook on low, stirring frequently, until relish reaches desired thickness (usually 1-2 hours). Pour boiling hot mixture into hot jars, leaving ¼-inch space at the top. Adjust caps, and process 15 minutes in a boiling water bath.
tmhomes.com After the recent sale of our home, we can attest to the importance of a good Realtor. We were already homeowners, so we knew the buying process could be stressful. However, we quickly learned, selling a home does not come without stress either. Sadie helped keep us calm through the emotional roller coaster of home inspections, appraisals, contracts, and closing dates. She was also patient and understanding of our needs. She truly listened to our desires and necessities, which was evident in the choice of listings she showed us. She was always more than willing and flexible to accommodate our schedules. Without her, we would not be where we are today and in the house we have now. -Clayton & Lauren Asters It is clients like Clayton and Lauren that make my job fun! Having grown up in Tupelo and attending Ole Miss in Oxford, where I have strong family ties, I have a firm grasp on the market in both areas. Whether you are buying or selling, I would love to be the one you call!
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TUPELO | OXFORD June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Let’s Go TO THE MOVIES The Blue Moon Drive-In Theatre is keeping an old-time summer movie tradition alive, and the experience is worth the drive. WRITTEN BY Melanie Crownover PHOTOGRAPHED BY Joe Worthem
DAVID CURTIS SITS IN A BOOTH at the entrance of the Blue Moon Drive-In Theatre. As he hands tickets to a waiting patron, he smiles and points helpfully toward the quickly filling parking lot. “Your movie will be on the front screen over there, and the concession stand is right behind. You can’t miss it. Just tune your radio to 91.1 and enjoy,” he says. It’s just another night at the drive-ins for father-and-son owners David and Chris Curtis but, in a time when drive-in movie theaters are few and far between, it’s an extraordinary movie experience for the audience. The gravel drive to the parking lot reveals a line of cars already parked for the show. Some drivers recline in their cars with headlights off and popcorn and sodas in hand. Others sit under the stars in lawn chairs, taking advantage of the warm summer breeze. At nightfall, the 80-foot outdoor screen comes to life with the night’s feature film, bringing back memories for the older crowd and showing the youth why theaters like this June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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“We usually don’t sell out here until after school gets out, and we already did it with Furious 7 in April. People were backed up a mile down the road because there’s just something about seeing it at the drive-in.” - Chris Curtis
The Blue Moon Drive-In Theatre in Gu-Win, Ala., offers an extraordinary and nostalgic movie-watching experience. David (at right in the ticket booth) and Chris Curtis (above) bought the property in the 1990s and have upgraded its screens to digital technology that allows access to endless movies. Double features are shown starting at 8:15 p.m. Friday-Monday during the summer. Guests are advised to arrive early. Admission is $7 adults; $4 children 6-11; free for children under 5. Monday is $10 carload night.
can compete with modern indoor multiplexes. The Curtis men know there’s something special about watching a movie at the drive-in. “It’s definitely a family thing for us,” Chris, 37, said. “Dad owned drive-ins the whole time I was growing up, and now I have cousins who own them in Camden and Centerville, Tennessee, and the last one in Mississippi, in Iuka. We love our movies and our drive-ins.” The Blue Moon was in bad shape when the men bought the old Gu-Win, Ala., theater in 1996. Although the place had been a landmark when it opened in 1956, it served as a junkyard after it closed down in 1975. Rusty car engines and debris littered the property, and overgrown trees covered the once-prominent screen. The Curtises cleared the lot, added gravel to accommodate parking and uprooted outdated poles that once held transistor radios to prop on vehicle windows. The space was already equipped with an FM frequency to send sound through car speakers. The theater was soon running movies on 35-millimeter film for up to 300 vehicles. By 2005, a second 60-foot-wide screen was opened, complete with a separate radio frequency and room for 125 more cars. Viewer response was enthusiastic, but the Blue Moon was still part of a dying trend. It
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became harder to get 35-millimeter films as digitalization spread through modern cinema. Drive-ins began to close all around. “The new Avengers movie didn’t even come out in 35 millimeter because there are so few of us left,” Chris said. “In the ’50s and ’60s there were about 5,000 drive-ins. By the time we reopened here, there were around 1,000. Now there are a little over 300 in the country. The longer we stayed in, the more we knew that we had to switch to digital or give it up.” The answer was the Barco 32B projector, touted as the biggest and brightest digital projector available. With it the Blue Moon could access endless movies from production companies, each in a single hard-drive format. To finance the $100,000 upgrade, the Curtis family rallied for customer support in 2012, opting to strengthen the business and save money rather than asking for donations. Chris attended a weeklong training at the Barco facility in California in the summer of 2013, and the Blue Moon’s first digital picture played that November. “It was a scary change because your whole livelihood depends on it. It’s just such new, complicated technology that it’s hard to find anyone to help you with it,” he said. “That school was the first time I’d seen one in person,
and right after I got back I was putting ours together part by part.” Digitization allowed Curtis to switch a movie to another screen with just the push of a few buttons; to download a movie to the system in a couple of hours instead of spending a day piecing a film together; and to load one movie to multiple screens. The Blue Moon’s second screen went digital in August 2014, and now Chris is helping his cousins upgrade their systems, too. After the summer rush, he’s returning to Barco headquarters for a class on system maintenance. He believes keeping up with the technology will help the Blue Moon and theaters like it stay in business, and, judging by recent ticket sales, audiences are still enjoying the drive-in experience. “We usually don’t sell out here until after school gets out, and we already did it with Furious 7 in April,” he said. “People were backed up a mile down the road because there’s just something about seeing it at the drive-in.” The Blue Moon Drive-In is located at 4690 U.S. Highway 43 in Gu-Win, Ala., approximately one hour from Tupelo. Double features are typically shown Fridays-Mondays during summer. For current movies, showtimes and special offers, visit facebook.com/bmdrivein.
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Skip Gleason Memorial Golf Tournament View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
The annual Skip Gleason Memorial Golf Tournament was held May 2-3 at Natchez Trace Golf Club. Gleason was a Tupelo attorney who died in 2012. The tournament benefits an endowed scholarship in his name at the University of Mississippi School of Law.
(front) Grace and Jack Gleason, Emory Barrios; (back) Liz, Jon Oliver, Hunter, Claudia, Gary and Don Gleason; Marc Showalter, Andrew Gleason, Tricia Gleason Showalter, Stuart Ray, Matthew Ray and Anne Gleason Pitts
Brad Brown, Phil Webb, Parrish Potts and Paul Saylors
Wesley Roberts and Brent Rainey
Bill Roberts, Chris Bray, Whit Freeman and Mike Phelan
Jeff Hall, Chris Hall, Tommy White and Edward Alexander
Michael Monroe, Barry Replogle, Moe Livingston and Ken Casey High, Jon Waller, Laken McKnatt, Antonio Hayes Dunwoody and Andrae Spicer
Mark May, Mike Wren, Morris Miley and Tommy Wells
Patrick White, Jake Logan, Donnie Bridges and Matt Bridges
Nick Armstrong, Ryan Ward, Rusty Lanphere and Joe Collins
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Andy Moran, Frankie Wallace, Scott Wood and Chris Mills
INTRICID
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662-407-0026 www.phifabrics.com 2020 South Gloster, Tupelo, MS June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events GumTree Festival View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
The 44th annual GumTree Festival took place May 8-10 in downtown Tupelo. More than 100 artists exhibited their work, a youth stage hosted various performances, and a singer-songwriter competition was held at Gabriel’s on Gloster to kick off the weekend.
Candace and Bryce Hunt with Georgia Kate Crawford
Lexie Yancey, Kalyn Lake, Mary Payne Dillard, Amber Claire Huddleston and Emma Counce
Jim and Debbie Morris with Mike Williams, Laura Ashley, Susan McGukin and Connie Wood
Merrie and Rick Anderson with Meredith Black
Bill Hilbun, Helen Boerner, Liz Dawson, Alex Farned, David Leathers and Donna Loden
Leslie Turner and Stewart McMillin
Melody, Randy, Rebekah and Leah Grace Walker with Rachel and Ruah Hillensbeck
Lacy Luckett, Michelle Shepherd and Debra Robyn Gibson, Maggie Grier and Angela Byrd Brooks
Melanie Sandoval, Phyllis Hancock and Jason Wilson
Providing professional, comprehensive eye care to the people of Northeast Mississippi 90
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662.842.5080 Daniel H. Kellum, D.D.S. | Thomas N. Kellum, D.D.S. 505 North Robins Street | Tupelo Cleanings & Fillings | Root Canals | Extractions | Porcelain Crowns & Bridges | Veneers | Implants | Professional Whitening
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June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events Golf Fore Life View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
New Beginnings Adoption and Family Services hosted the ninth annual Jeff Robertson Golf Fore Life tournament May 5 at Big Oaks Golf Course in Tupelo, with proceeds benefiting the adoption agency. Visit newbeginningsadoptions.org to learn more.
Jim Johnson, Jason Byrd, Casey Bruce and Will Morgan
Jake Gooch, Damon Palmer, Mike Simpson and David Handley
John Mark Jarrett and Cliff Moore
Thomas and Tommy Galloway
Jake and Wes Kight
Johnnie Long and John Columbus
Craig and Steve Blaylock, Jack Davis and Eduardo Moncivais
Jason Myers, Chris Posey, Tim Vowell and Jerry Anthony
Grant Reynolds, Josh Dollins, Wesley Russell and Ethan Donaldson
Waymon Hodge, Tom Gyllenswan, Joseph Kennedy and Ricky Bowen
Alicia Milstead, Cori Taylor, Leah Graham and Tricia Robbins
Troy and Timothy Keith with Randy Harris and Ricky Orr
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June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
events GumTree Run View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
The GumTree Run, which includes a 10K race and a 2K fun run, took place May 9 in conjunction with the GumTree Festival. The run winds through the Joyner neighborhood, where residents host yard parties in support of the runners.
Sylvia and Janayia Richardson
Hayes and Julie Halbert with Shelia Witt and John and Geoffrey Yoste
Lindley Gibens, Mamie McGraw and Mia Wilson
Nancy and Gery Keith
Jeff Snyder and Bryan Cooper
Bryant Camp, John Adam Long and Amanda Long
Dan Kreber and Penny McDaniel
Tim and Amy Williams with Vicki Browning and Keith Henley
Susan and Bill Hayden
Kim and Chris Smith
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events Joyner Neighborhood Tornado Commemoration View more event photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
The Joyner Neighborhood Association commemorated the first anniversary of last April’s destructive tornado with a community gathering at Joyner Elementary School on April 28. Joyner and other Tupelo neighborhoods also lit luminaries to mark the occasion.
Chuck Williams and Alex Farned with Ashley, Gracyn and Mark Prince
Janice Ward and Nicole Hazel with Amy and Ingrid Speck and Alvin Ivy
Molly, Mary Kiley and Barrett Lovorn
Nancy Moody, Norma Clenin and Lisa Hofmister
Anna, Maury and Hayes Giachelli
Tacy and Mike Richey
Stan Wood, Jason O’Connor, Jake Kent, David Harville and Marty Mask
Jenny and Elia Wright
Matt Scopel, Mayor Jason Shelton, Lynn Bryan and Ed Neely III
Jonathan and Johnson McAlister with Chip Frazier, Matt Copley and Dennis Hall
Bobbie Williams, Beverly Blaylock, Joan Lansdell and Sherrie Cochran
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photographed by Lisa Roberts
Stacey Fowler and Pam Fretz
finest wn
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TUPELO TUPELO| lOXFORD OXFORD
662-842-3844 210 East Main St., Tupelo tmhomes.com 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford 210 East Main St., Tupelo Tommy Morgan, Broker/Owner 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford Jessica Harris, Managing Broker this house is iehtake fhakpoqwh kjfh ;aksjchliaueylfka. kjkahkjheakajeclkja;lksjelkfja l
Hannah Shempert and Sally Ann Bristow
2024 Lake Circle Dr, Tupelo
14-1711
Beautiful custom built home on the lake! Enormous kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Formal dining room, office, living room, stone fireplace, 3 master suits with tile showers and custom closets, 3.5 baths, exceptional crown molding through home, large backyard, triple garage. Approximately 3246 sq f. Has everything you could want! $389,900 June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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OUR WEBSITE HAS A NEW LOOK!
Home for sale in Northpointe subdivision of Oxford $319,900
MORE stories. MORE photos. MORE user-friendly. SAME local flavor.
3BR/2.5 Bath PLUS Bonus Room AND Office • Oxford City Schools • Swimming pool w/ new liner • 12’ ceilings
• Hardwood floors • Granite countertops • Stainless appliances
Call (662) 419-0844 to set up an appointment today!
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
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June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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out and about PURPLE HEART HOMES KICK-OFF CEREMONY
Keith Cochran, Mitchell Beard and Joseph Kent
Hannah, Scott, Jace and Emily Burns
SPRING BURGER BASH
Sherrie Cochran, Betty Pitts, Evie Storey and Shipman Sloan
Tammy Dozier, Celena Little, Scott Dees, Shani Thorson, Allanna Jordan, Clifton Eaton and Rob Jordan TUPELO FARMERS’ DEPOT OPENING DAY
Lucy Nash, Julia Cobb, Mitchell Jenkins and Julianne Goodwin
Evan, Deanna, Bob and Adele Boensch
Ursula Garner and Ana Rose Hamblin
BETH VAN WINKLE MEMORIAL ROUND TO REMEMBER GOLF SCRAMBLE
Janis Sorce, Jay Van Winkle, Shelli Wood and Joe Lambert
Russell and Maria McGee
OLE MISS GRADUATION CELEBRATION
Emily, Joshua and Isabella Griggs
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Bill Donald, Buddy Fairley, Kim Wade and Parrish Potts
TUPELO READS BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT: THE TILTED WORLD
Rusty Woods, Gayle Wicker and Steve Mullen
INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
Jeff Tomlinson, Margaret Gratz, authors Tom Franklin and Beth Ann Fennelly, Jack and Lisa Reed and Liz McIntosh
CONTINUED ON PAGE 102
ZAC BROWN BAND CONCERT
Scott Peters, Sadonna Gant, Jona Wood, Micki Greer and Anna Claire Lothorp, Caiti Ellis, Evans Sanders and Brooke Brett Thornton, Carley Westbrook, Rachyl Hill and Mitzi Phillips McAuley Madison Hillhouse DUDIE BURGER FESTIVAL
Lylla Clardy and Norah Gillespie
RECEPTION FOR GUMTREE ART AND WRITING CONTEST WINNERS
Darrell Smith and Aleeica Denacola
Mary Ellen Cobb, Katelyn Dixon and Jessica Davis
Charlie Koehn and Skylar Sloan
THE ST. PAUL UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S ANNUAL LUNCHEON TO CELEBRATE MOTHERS AND OTHERS
Delores LaGrone, Lavada Shannon, Rosie Hearvey, Veda Getties, Tameka Luster and Donna Brunson
Aaron Wade and Mother of the Year Dorothy Mosby
Austin Campbell, Rev. Dr. Clementine Mays, Rev. Gloria McKinney and Paul Morton
SPARROWS ON MAIN ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
NEW BEGINNINGS NEPAL RELIEF LAUNCH
Lisa Fite, Tina Franks, Pam Fair, Paula Malone, Lauren Steward, Debra Franks, Carol Russell and Kim Weaver
Neil May, Mallory Rutledge, Ben Logan, Tom Velie and Hillary Hamblin June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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out and about
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 101
NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI ROSE SOCIETY’S 16TH ANNUAL ROSE SHOW
Mary Lise Parsons, Lavonne Glover and Claire Patterson McGee
Carnell Davis and Dorothy Freeman
Peggy Bingham, Jimmy Moser and Tammy Manderson
GEORGE WARDLAW DAY
RUN WITH THE HORSES 5K
Linda Senter and Chaka Shumpert
Tracy Kramer, Kevin Ball and Lee Pryor Caldwell
Tim and Romona Edge
Lacie Edge and Jerry Wiygul
Steven, George and Anna-Stina Wardlaw
Carolyn and Billy Moore
WALK MS: NORTH MISSISSIPPI
Ali Gordon, Kristen Gordon and Mary Megan Nash
Lealue “Sha” Triplett, Dana McGinister and Marcy Jamison
Christy Flynn, Jane Kellum and Melinda Lamon
MAIN STREET FAMILY DENTISTRY OPEN HOUSE
TYSA UNITED U-10 GIRLS TEAM AT PRESIDENT’S CUP SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Andi and Brett Hildenbrand with Tanya and Dan Kellum
(back) Henry Daniels, Simar Gill, Emma Earwood, Mollie Tess Daniels, Landry Vinet, Anna Kathryn Harrell, Katelyn Fulgham and Kirk Donnell; (front) Abby Hussey, Addy Standford, Lilly Donnell, Mallory McMillin and Taylor Riley
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015
Ava and Adrienne Hildenbrand with Sara-Beth Hester
Kayla Tabler 662-687-2551 • 662-842-3844
kayla@tmhomes.com
LOT FOR SALE: West Barnes Crossing Rd. Tupelo, MS 38804 ATTENTION INVESTORS - Prime commercial lot with road frontage on the new W. Barnes Crossing loop. 2 acres w/additional acreage available. MLS# 15-656
172 Herdtown Lane, Tupelo, MS Saltillo Schools! 4BR/3BA plus bonus w/3,050 sqft. 20 ft ceiling w/beautiful brick FP in living area. Pettigrew cabinets w/Quartz counter tops. All SS appliances remain. Private deck w/ hot tub on back. MLS# 15-1415. $295,000
LOT FOR SALE: Mt. Vernon Road Tupelo, MS 38804 ATTENTION INVESTORS - Prime commercial lot with road frontage on Mt. Vernon Road close to the new Barnes Crossing intersection. 2 acres w/additional acreage available. MLS# 15-657
LOT FOR SALE: MLS# 15-654 Corner of West Barnes Crossing & Mt. Vernon Road, Tupelo, MS ATTENTION INVESTORS - Prime commercial lot on the corner of W. Barnes Crossing & Mt. Vernon Road. 2 ac. w/additional acreage available.
210 East Main St., Tupelo 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford
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(662)350-3550 June/July 2015 | INVITATION TUPELO
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TUPELO SPIRIT Leigh Ann Mattox
INTERVIEWED BY Melanie Crownover | PHOTOGRAPHED BY Courtney Sims
Independence Day isn’t complete without a stop at Tupelo’s Picnic in the Park, now in its 28th year. Leigh Ann Mattox, city recreation director, has been helping put the event together for the past decade. This year’s event starts at noon on July 4 and ends with a 9 p.m. fireworks show.
Q: What makes this year’s celebration different? A: This year, we’re coming back home to Ballard Park. The last couple of years, we’ve held it at Fairpark, but Ballard has the soccer fields and more nooks and crannies with shade for people to gather and enjoy the day. There’s also more grilling and areas to play. We tend to have a bigger crowd there and more people who come out with their family and stay the whole day.
Q: How long does it take to set up beforehand and break down after the event?
A: We decorate the stage the week before and mark off the fireworks and non-parking areas. Then we put out the dumpsters and fencing the day before and get the sound and lights set up between the 2nd and 4th. With takedown, it’s all gone and cleaned up by early the next morning. You won’t be able to tell anyone was there.
Q: How much does it cost and who attends? A: It costs about $50,000 to put on, and we think we bring in between 10,000 and 12,000 people each year. It’s a lot of work, but when you see how much people appreciate it and hear those cheers after the fireworks, it’s worth it.
Q: What’s the lineup looking like for this year? A: We have food vendors with all that great fair food everyone loves. There are wet and dry slides and carnival games to win prizes for kids. We’ve got bands like Forefront, Brian Hayes and the Retrievers, Trademark and John Milstead, and we’re working on something different with the symphony this year for the finale.
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INVITATION TUPELO | June/July 2015