EDITORIAL
Alyssa Schnugg
Ian Sparks
CONTRIBUTORS
Julie Hines Mabus
Davis Coen
Megan Meintasis
Tyler Stacy
DESIGN
Victoria Hutton
EDITOR
Amelia Ott
MARKETING
Joseph Climer
ADMINISTRATION
Rebecca Alexander, Publisher
Luke Westphal, Audience Development
A native of Jackson, Mississippi, and graduate of Ole Miss, Julie went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Finance from Columbia University. She served as First Lady of the State of Mississippi from 1988-1992 and spent two years in Saudi Arabia, often challenging the strict rules imposed on women. She now resides in Oxford, where she tutors finance and accounting. She recently wrote her first book, “Confessions of a Southern Beauty Queen,” to universal acclaim.
Davis Coen is a freelance writer and newspaper reporter from Oxford by way of South Carolina. He’s had stories published in various local publications including Oxford Eagle, Oxford Citizen and Daily Journal. He also maintains a music career with over a dozen tours of Europe and regular airplay on SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Megan has lived in the South for the last five years, and considers Oxford to be one of the most charming and welcoming places that she has ever been. Shortly after graduating with her Marketing degree from Northern California’s University of the Pacific, she became a content marketing specialist and copywriter for San Joaquin Magazine. Megan has a love for all things home and garden, and considers it her greatest joy to be a homemaker for her husband Matt and their baby girl, Evelyn Rose.
Tyler is a Jackson native who attended Mississippi State University and is a counselor at Cornerstone Counseling. He completed his Masters in Marriage and Family therapy at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He met his wife, Jamie, who is from Orlando while living in Italy after his undergrad. They have lived in Oxford for 5 years and have two children.
FF. Scott and Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald orchestrated one of the most romantic love stories of all time. In a letter to his daughter, Fitzgerald said, “I love her, and it is the beginning of everything.” Witnessing a couple commit to one another for a lifetime gives us butterflies, and the dream of the life they will create together fills our hearts with joy. For those of us blessed to have found soulmates, these ceremonies rekindle the joy and meaning of the vows we once made—or hope to make someday.
Before the journey begins, a wedding must be planned and executed. In this issue, we aim to ease the stress that accompanies event planning by offering advice to make the process as seamless as possible. Whether you are gathering fresh ideas for your special day, helping a close friend or relative, or simply have an interest in event planning, the following pages are filled with inspiration and valuable insight to set you on your way to achieving the wedding of your dreams!
We partnered with some of Oxford’s most talented professionals to guide brides-to-be every step of the way. Wedding planner Dakin Reed offers expert tips to make planning effortless. Skincare expert Megan Harrison shares a step-by-step guide to achieving a radiant bridal glow. Megan Meintasis inspires us with unique ways to infuse personality into the special day, and photographer Brian Flint provides insight into the world of wedding photography and emphasizes the importance of couples feeling comfortable in front of the camera. Finally, Tyler Stacy of Cornerstone Counseling shares advice on communicating through stressful times in our Counseling 101 feature—a valuable read for newlyweds and beyond.
In addition to celebrating love in the air, Julie Mabus delves into the life of Bradly Gordon, a local artist with exceptional talent and personality. His work subjects range from Mississippi Delta wildlife to iconic figures like Ice Cube and Snoop Dog, making him one of the most fascinating artists we’ve had the pleasure of showcasing. I’ve heard firsthand what an excellent teacher and mentor Gordon has been. This isn’t a story to skim over—you’ll want to savor it in its entirety!
Congratulations to everyone celebrating love and commitment in all its beautiful forms! As you embark on this exciting chapter—whether as a couple, a family member, or a friend—we wish you a lifetime of happiness and unforgettable memories.
KC and the Moonshine Band
Proud Larry’s Thu, Jan 30 | 9pm
Catalyst Quartet
Gertrude Ford Center Thu, Jan 30 | 7:30pm
Michael Farris Smith & the Smokes
Proud Larry’s Fri, Jan 31 | 8:30pm
Cosmic Charlie
The Lyric Fri, Jan 31 | 8pm
Mj Lenderman with Wild Pink
Proud Larry’s Sun, Feb 2 | 6pm
Hudson Westbrook
The Lyric Thu, Feb 6 | 8pm
Penelope Road
Proud Larry’s Fri, Feb 7 | 9pm
Brit Beat-Immersive Beatles Tribute
Gertrude Ford Center Sat, Feb 8 | 7:30pm
Dogs In A Pile
Proud Larry’s Tue, Feb 11 | 9pm
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
Gertrude Ford Center Tue, Feb 11 | 7:30pm
Winyah
Proud Larry’s Thu, Feb 13 | 9pm
Arts Fishing Club
Proud Larry’s Fri, Feb 14 | 9pm
Vincent Mason
Proud Larry’s Sat, Feb 15 | 9pm Sun, Feb 16 | 6pm
Kindred Valley
Proud Larry’s Wed, Feb 26 | 7:30pm
2025 Black History Month Concert
Gertrude Ford Center Tue, Feb 25 | 7:30pm
Heavy Drunk & Watermelon Slim
Proud Larry’s Thu, Feb 27 | 8pm
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY20TH
A fundraiser benefiting The Pantry of Oxford & Lafayette County Oxford Conference Center | 11:00 A.M.
Follow us on Facebook for more information: The Pantry of Oxford & Lafayette
JANUARY 29 (WED)
Ole Miss MBB vs. Texas
Oxford, MS | 8 p.m.
FEBRUARY 1 (SAT)
Ole Miss MBB vs. Aubrun Oxford, MS | 1 p.m.
FEBRUARY 4 (TUE)
Ole Miss MBB vs. Kentucku Oxford, MS | 6 p.m.
FEBRUARY 8 (SAT)
Ole Miss MBB vs. LSU Oxford, MS | 7:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 12 (WED)
Ole Miss MBB vs. South Carolina
Columbia, SC | 6 p.m.
FEBRUARY 15 (SAT)
Ole Miss MBB vs. Mississippi State Oxford, MS | 5 p.m.
FEBRUARY 22 (SAT)
Ole Miss MBB vs. Vanderbilt Nashville, TN | 2:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 26 (WED)
Ole Miss MBB vs. Auburn Auburn, AL | 6:00 p.m.
JANUARY 30 (THU)
Ole Miss WBB vs. Georgia Athens, GA | 5 p.m.
FEBRUARY 2 (SUN)
Ole Miss WBB vs. Vanderbilt Nashville, TN | 2 p.m.
FEBRUARY 6 (THU)
Ole Miss WBB vs. Oklahoma Oxford, MS | 6:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 10 (MON)
Ole Miss WBB vs. Kentucky
Oxford, MS | 6 p.m.
FEBRUARY 13 (THU)
Ole Miss WBB vs. Arkansas Fayeteville, AR | 6:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 16 (SUN)
Ole Miss WBB vs. Tennessee Knoxville, TN | 11 a.m.
FEBRUARY 23 (SUN)
Ole Miss WBB vs. Missouri Oxford, MS | 2 p.m.
FEBRUARY 27 (THU)
Ole Miss WBB vs. South Carolina Oxford, MS | 8 p.m.
By Adam Ross
Griffin Hurt is in over his head. Between his role as Peter Proton on the hit TV show The Nuclear Family and the pressure of high school at New York’s elite Boyd Prep—along with the increasingly compromising demands of his wrestling coach—he’s teetering on the edge of collapse. Then comes Naomi Shah, twenty-two years Griffin’s senior. Less a bildungsroman than a story of miseducation, Playworld is a novel of epic proportions, bursting with laughter and heartache.
Somewhere Toward Freedom by Bennett Parten
Somewhere Toward Freedom is a groundbreaking account of Sherman’s March to the Sea - told for the first time from the perspective of the tens of thousands of enslaved people who fled to the Union lines, and transformed Sherman’s march into the biggest liberation event in American history.
Recommendations from Jude Burke-Lewis Square Books
By Preston Lauterbach
In this thought-provoking book, the Black musicians who influenced Elvis Presley’s music finally receive recognition and praise. Lauterbach examines the lives, music, legacies, and interactions with Elvis Presley of the four innovative Black artists who created a style that would come to be known as Rock ’n’ Roll: Little Junior Parker, Big Mama Thornton, Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup, and mostly-unknown eccentric Beale Street guitarist Calvin Newborn. In the wake of continuing conversations about American music and appropriation, Before Elvis is indispensable.
Beartooth by
Callan Wink
Two brothers in dire straits, living on the edge of Yellowstone, agree to a desperate act of survival in this taut, propulsive novel reminiscent of the works of Peter Heller and Donald Ray Pollock. Beartooth is a fast-paced tale with moments of surprising poignancy set in the grandeur of the American West. Evoking the timeless voices of American pastoral storytelling, this is a bracing, masterful novel about survival, revenge, and the bond between brothers.
Saint of the Narrows Street by
William Boyle
As an Italian American family’s decades-old secret begins to unravel, they will have to bear the consequences—and face each other—in this thrilling south Brooklynset tragic opera of the highest caliber from crime fiction luminary - and Oxford resident - William Boyle. A standout work of character-driven crime fiction from a celebrated author of the form, Saint of the Narrows Street is a searing and richly drawn novel about the choices we make and how they shape our lives.
Helen of Troy, 1993 by
Maria Zoccola
Part myth retelling, part character study, this sharp, visceral debut poetry collection - by Memphis poet Maria Zoccola - reimagines Helen of Troy from Homer’s Iliad as a disgruntled housewife in 1990s Tennessee. Blurring the line between mythology and modernity, Helen of Troy, 1993 is an unforgettable collection that shows the Homeric Helen like she’s never been seen before.
BY JULIE MABUS
AAt first glance, they are paintings of Mississippi Delta wildlife. Each creature sits in high relief above a muted background—a turkey, a catfish, a buck. But once you walk up to the rendering, the brush strokes pull you into the vortex. Infinite cyclones of color buried in geometric shapes create the lines and definition of the subject matter. The method is a metaphor for Bradley Gordon’s life: intensity up close, softened, and defined by distance and experience.
Bradley Gordon is a child of the Delta, born September 17, 1977, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. “I had a great childhood. My dad managed a farm kind of out near Hopson Commissary, an old cotton gin and plantation on Highway 49. I grew up on that farm, Ellendale Planting Company. My house was literally down a dead-end gravel road in the middle of a cotton field.”
With a brother seven years older, Bradley was often left to his own desires. It seems the child never stopped inventing, devising, exploring. “I had friends, but they were miles away. I was always working on something, building something.”
Bradley’s playgrounds were the woods behind his house, cotton trailers, the farm shop, and anywhere he could make things. His artistic talent was born from his ability to imagine and build. “I don’t remember taking art in elementary school. I’m sure we had something. I think we had an art class once a week in high school. And I was into photography back then. I had a camera and would take pictures of whatever.”
Bradley’s artistic impulses gave way to a more organized approach to art. “I never had an easel in my room at home, but I was always drawing, taking pictures, cooking up things in my head.”
Bradley put together a portfolio to apply to college. He didn’t have access to oil paints. Pencils or pastels and acrylics were his tools.
He smiled. “I can draw. But it’s very mechanical. I don’t look at something and render it. I spend a lot of time measuring and getting the proportions right. Then the fun begins with the paint.”
Bradley started college at Delta State in Cleveland, Mississippi. “I was lucky enough to study under Sammy Britt, he said. Britt was a celebrated Mississippi artist who advanced the plein air method of painting outdoors, harnessing natural light in his landscapes and adhering to the styles of such artistic greats as Monet and Renoir.
“Delta State was fun, but it was so close to home.” Bradley transferred to Ole Miss his sophomore year and majored in art education. “I figured I could teach because I love being around kids and working with children. I’m a big kid at heart. I was lucky enough to take art classes from Jere Allen before he retired from teaching at Ole Miss.”
Bradley’s teaching career was as vibrant and evocative as his artistic works are today. He loved working with young students
and wanted to stay in Oxford, but the teaching opportunities for art were scarce. “So, I taught two or three morning classes at the high school, then moved to the elementary school in the afternoons. I taught at Holly Springs as well.”
A couple of years after college, Bradley took a bold step after he and his sweetheart parted ways. With cash in his pocket from selling his cabin at nearby Sardis Lake, Bradley took a position in
Taiwan with a TEFL program (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). Guided by a childlike curiosity and an adventurous spirit, Bradley approached life with an open heart, where “yes” always seemed to be his answer.
After a month of intensive eight-hour training sessions in Taipei, Bradley was thrown into a classroom teaching young Chinese children to speak English. He never learned Chinese, but his language of joy carried his students across the
threshold into a language of art and play.
The language barrier didn’t hinder Bradley’s art. During the eighteen months in Taiwan, Bradley lived in a glass-walled penthouse overlooking the city and participated in an international art exhibition.
When I asked about his artwork from that time, Bradley shared, “I did a series of portraits on the kids I was teaching. And another series on the local betel nut girls.”
“Excuse me? What?”
Bradley laughed. “They’re young women, usually scantily dressed, who sell betel nuts from kiosks along the roads in Taiwan.” The nuts—seeds from locally grown palm trees, are chewed for recreational stimulation. The girls act as additional stimulation to encourage customers.
Bradley continued. “I remember this funeral on the side of the road with a puppet show and a stripper on a pole. Fireworks were going off, and incense was burning, and there was this dead body. Here I am--this kid from the cotton fields of Mississippi witnessing these very foreign traditions.”
Ultimately, Bradley left Taiwan to return home when his mother’s dementia worsened.
“I wanted to be there for my family, so I came back and got a job teaching art at Germantown Middle School,” a school in a town just east of Memphis, Tennessee.
Though he enjoyed teaching, Bradley didn’t see himself settling in the Memphis area long-term. After two years, he took another TEFL assignment in Japan.
“It wasn’t a big franchise like Taiwan; it was a family-owned school in a little town. I might teach air cargo workers one day and kindergartners the next. I loved Japan. The people were so considerate and giving.”
After a year in Japan, Bradley returned to the States and eventually bought some property in Water Valley, a community just south of Oxford. “I wasn’t missing home. But my family was going through some changes. I think it was just time for me to, you know…”
What can we say about fate, about the universe, about a power larger than we are? Sometimes, we must stop moving, stop thinking, and start observing.
Shortly after his return, Bradley ran into his former sweetheart, Anne-Marie Varnell, at the Double Decker Arts Festival in Oxford. Years earlier, their breakup prompted Bradley’s move to Taiwan; they hadn’t been in contact for nearly a decade, and neither had married in the interim.
Anne-Marie had started a business while she was at Ole Miss. It was initially a day spa, but she eventually changed the format to the ladies’ clothing boutique, Cicada, located on
South Lamar. It’s a popular boutique adding to the allure and fun that is downtown Oxford.
Their reunion rekindled their connection, and Bradley decided to stay in Mississippi.
“All I want is to paint and play music,” Bradley shared with Anne-Marie when they first reconnected. Her response was simple: “How can we make that happen?”
Bradley found a building in Clarksdale. He created an art gallery in the space. There, he could paint and sell his art and live in a space in the back. “I also taught private art lessons to the local kids. Clarksdale has had troubling times, and there’s not a lot for the youth. That’s also when I started selling my body of wildlife paintings. It was all about coming home to the Delta. I began painting from my childhood memories—ducks, deer, turtles, turkeys—when I was always out in the woods.”
I interjected. “Your art is so identifiable. It’s almost like a
kaleidoscope. How did you get there?”
“I remember Jere Allen telling me, ‘You can’t paint if you don’t have paint on your brush.’ I think you steal from the artists you love. Jere uses bright, saturated colors. His work has always slapped me in the face in the best way. The influences from the hyper Asian pop art, its explosiveness, the bright colors— Tokyo and the fast pace and the flashing lights—are all those things you draw from. I was painting ten, twelve hoursa day. I just kept paint on that brush.”
People have spoken of Bradley’s work as pointillism, but there’s more to it. The dots are larger, filled with an almost geometric intensity, a painting within a dot.
“My early paintings were bigger brushstrokes, broad, looser. I remember I had been struggling with this painting. I grabbed a set of chopsticks I brought home from Japan and started scribbling in the wet paint, down to an underpainting beneath the thick paint
on top.”
That simple action set off a new direction for Bradley. “My brushstrokes have gotten smaller; the renderings are more realistic. Now, if I’m painting a horse, I’ll sketch it out; it’ll look like a horse painting. Then I’ll go back with thicker paint, making thousands of blobs of brushstrokes, then I’ll scratch back into those brushstrokes, into that underpainting.”
While wildlife remains Bradley’s main body of work, collectors often commission him for portraits and landscapes. “I’ve been fortunate to do work for professional athletes, corporate executives, and international collectors,” he said modestly.
Genevieve, Bradley’s nine-year-old daughter, slipped into the room and onto her daddy’s lap. For me, all the pieces of his life fell into place in that moment. The bright colors and the joy of each day lay manifest in that picture. What a lucky little girl she is!
BY DAVIS COEN
OOne of North Mississippi’s busiest party and wedding bands for well over a decade has been the Soul Tones, out of Oxford.
Hatched from a group put together by highly respected U of M music professor and drummer Ricky Burkhead in the early 2000s, the Soul Tones solidified their reputation as one of the area’s premiere wedding bands in recent years.
It started when Burkhead had to assemble band personnel for corporate or university events, which included the annual Rebels’ Choice Awards multiple times, along with his son Timothy Burkhead, before relocating to Nashville.
Around that time, local singer Damein Wash joined the group, eventually taking over the task of booking engagements, and steered the Soul Tones further down the path of what he calls “A commercial, working, wedding band.”
Wash said folks sometimes ask him why they don’t play at bars around town, but it’s because private or civic gatherings mainly fill up their busy calendar.
In fact, the Soul Tones regularly book over 20 weddings a season, on top of several banquets and corporate events - which have roughly spanned from New Orleans to Memphis to Nashville.
Among appearances that have drawn the local spotlight
have been regular stops at The Pavilion to play at Ole Miss basketball games, and other annual performances have included Martin Luther King, Jr. and Juneteenth celebrations.
Although the full band is ten pieces, including several talented vocalists - and bass guitar, lead guitar, keyboards, trumpet, saxophone, and trombone accompaniment - they offer a variety of personnel packages. Depending on the venue or circumstances, these trim down to a duo and everything in between. Always have full sound and stage accommodations ready.
“We pride ourselves on covering all styles,” said Wash. “We will learn any special tunes you want. Any under the sun.”
Although very versatile and essentially regarded as a soul band (as suggested by the name), no genre is out of reach to this collection of seasoned musicians, including a wide span of country, jazz, R&B, pop, and rock & roll.
Since members of the group have deep roots in gospel, they have also taken part in ceremony music and performed as part of a choir on one occasion.
Although the Soul Tones song list is lengthy and has hundreds of favorites to choose from, “Sign, Sealed, Delivered” is among the most requested, as well as singer Effie Burt’s rendition of the classic “Proud Mary” and a popular pick for the first dance, “At Last.”
Lovely and talented vocalist Shanna Travis is so committed that she drives from Ridgeland, MS, for most of the band’s big local events and sings a rendition of “Car Wash” that is
guaranteed to turn on the dance floor.
On the softer side, Wash has gotten good audience feedback lately from his versions of English singer-songwriter Ed Sheerin’s music.
Other regular members include horn player Casey Ray Lipe, who plays shows with his own KC & the Moonshine Band and is a prominent member of the local jazz community - along with Michael Worthy, another U of M music educator.
Wash explained the importance of word of mouth when booking private events such as weddings, such as how one gig can likely lead to another and then another until the group eventually takes on as much as they can.
Although Wash does most of the booking through the Soul Tones’ website, their relationship with wedding planners and event designers in the area, such as Anna Purvis, Ellen Thomas, and Dakin Reed, has accounted for great opportunities and connections with clients.
The group recently connected with Ford Center Director Julia Aubrey about applying musical renditions to recent popular plays that have come through town, including “Dear Evan Hansen.”
“It’s like playing with the best of the best,” he said of his bandmates. “In town, these folks are giants, and that’s why we’re requested. Because everybody’s so good. The sky’s the limit.”
More information is available at TheSoulTones.com.
BY MACKENNA SHERER
SSpringtime in Oxford, Mississippi is comparable to no other, bringing a myriad of flowers from the ground to cover the town in beautiful colors and aromas. Azaleas were the first of these flowers that caught Artist Stan O’Dell’s eye during his first visit to his future forever-home in April, 1975. After accepting a position in the Psychology department at the University of Mississippi, O’Dell simultaneously pursued his passion for Art and Photography. Regardless of his career, his love for the Arts continued to beckon him to discover his potential; his artistry blooming with the same intensity of Azaleas in the Spring.
Stan O’Dell, originally from St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri, has felt connected to Art since an acclaimed age of 5, his earliest memories consisting of crayons. His interest in Photography followed around age 14, driving his involvement in High school, as well as in his higher academics at Drury College. Many of his works appeared in local art shows, year books, and were praised in recognition as well.
Upon his graduation from Drury College as a Clinical Psychologist, his career led to his arrival in Oxford. During O’Dell’s 27 years on campus, he had the opportunity to take classes with local artist Jere Allen, who taught O’Dell for almost 20 years. Allen fueled O’Dell’s creative interests regardless of his primary responsibilities to the psychology department: O’Dell retired at 53 years of age, describing his resignation from his professor position to be his “mid-life course correction.”
Self labeled as a “figurative” artist, O’Dell’s connection to both Psychology and the Art’s drives his selection in subjects for his pieces. His fascination with people and their feelings overlaps
with the desire to express those emotions as he primarily tends to paint Women, Children, and classic images of human figures. His work is deeper than a stroke of a brush across canvas, but rather a complex understanding of how to make said figure come to life.
As Art is the imitation of life, O’Dell crafts pieces from his desire to capture beauty in the diversity of each person painted. He sees individual’s as a challenge, each subject containing their own reflective beauty beyond their physical image. In today’s world, O’Dell follows the postmodern movement of rejecting subjective opinions on the quality of his work: Art does not have to be angry or violent, good or bad. Based on personal belief, his art enhances beauty reflected in women, as well as flowers and birds. Beauty in art is not just about the subject, but rather can be the conveyance of emotion through shapes, colors, lines, and textures.
Beyond the psychological interest that O’Dell seeks in human subjects, he also gives credit to the influence of the rural environment Mississippi offers. Beyond the gray concrete and
demands of a bustling city, O’Dell finds himself able to answer the call of the natural world. The raw environment deeply influences his ability to “...reflect on what about life is most important, meaningful, and beautiful.”
Oxford’s natural beauty has not only influenced O’Dell artistically, but so has the community. Many programs such as The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, Oxford Artist’s Guild, and Southside Gallery have been supportive of O’Dell and many other local artists’ journey as a collective community. Through the relentless support of the artistic members of Oxford, O’Dell has sought to give back to the Oxford community, as well as the state, through sharing his Art and Photography with others. Art has the power to connect the community, as O’Dell equally aspires to create a shared euphoria of pleasantness through his pieces.
Stan O’Dell’s work can be located on his personal websites ODellphotography.com and ODellart.com. His Facebook can be additionally viewed under his first and last name.
BY MACKENNA SHERER
TThe Magnolia State of Mississippi has long been a calling location for artistic inspiration. The state’s flora and fauna, vast stretches of rolling landscape, deep rooted culture and significant history has left an indelible desire for artists alike to portray the uniqueness of Mississippi through their craft. Photographer, Jai Williams, was among those stirred to experience the undeniable beauty for herself.
Jai Williams’ veins run with the blood of the South, her heart held captive by Texas, but equally sharing pieces of her soul with Alabama and Virginia. Place contributes to her work significantly. Her introduction to Mississippi was through the Delta, where she was recommended to travel to
by a Louisianian four years ago to pursue artistic work. She made her way to the coast during the global pandemic: time was at a stand still, allowing Williams much contemplation on the subjects of life and death.
The discussion of juxtaposition and call of contemplation has been one that Williams claims Mississippians will always answer. She states her work discusses the oscillation between pain and exhilaration, past and present, progression and oppression; the vibrational message of her work is met parallel to her viewers. Much of her work pays homage to those of the past: she has captured the path of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, to the waters of which boats filled
with African American’s once sailed. Williams’ pieces consult these topics through her objective desire to photograph landscapes: her most recent photography projects were centered around her pull to coastlines and unobstructed land.
Williams’ continues to explore the mystery of Mississippi through frequent traveling. Her craft has not only been influenced by her natural canvas, but also pulls inspiration and innovation from ancestral healing practices, reading, melodic compositions and the aura of orange. Orange, as she describes it, holds the characteristic of gentleness. Mississippi continues to connect with Williams on this spiritual plane as the State continuously impacts how she moves through the world.
Her desire to display her vision of the world through her lens began with her parents. Artistry courses through her genetics: her father admired photography and music, where her mother enjoyed films and performing arts. She states her household radiated vibrancy and love, which sewed the seeds of creativity throughout her childhood.
The blossoming of Williams’ creative talents are earliest remembered with fondness of photographing her grandmother. Williams’ recalls witnessing her lens portraying not just her grandmother, but a woman of wisdom. In that moment, she realized that her ability to captivate her grandmother’s soul was a remedy to heal parts of her heart through photography.
Williams’ continues to captivate the thoughts, dreams, and memories of Mississippi and its people through her camera, hoping to bring connectivity to her viewers by painting a narrative. She honors the Mississippians who vulnerably permit her to tell their stories as a way to graciously give back to state Williams’ now calls home.
To learn more about Jai Williams’ involvement in the Oxford community, contributions to the state, previous artwork, projects, and awards can be viewed through her website www.jaithephotog.com, or further on her social media platform @iamjaithephotog on Instagram.
From disco balls to ‘I do’– discover tips for planning a wedding that is unapologetically you.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A WEDDING PLANNER, AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CHOOSE THIS CAREER?
I grew up in a family where parties, charity events, and dinners were always on the calendar. I admired my mother’s and father’s hosting skills and found so much joy in creating beautiful evenings for friends and family. I threw myself into the event world full-time after graduating from Ole Miss. I worked for a restaurant group on the Oxford Square, managing rehearsal dinners and cocktail parties. I later accepted the position of Wedding Director at The Mill at Plein Air before branching off to create Taylored Well Events.
WHAT WEDDING TRENDS DID YOU SEE IN 2024?
One of my favorite wedding trends of 2024 was the incorporation of silver balloons and balls for a fun, photo-worthy pop! I would love to see this trend explored in other colors or tonal shades, like greens, reds, and browns (the Pantone color of 2025). I have also loved over-the-top dress codes, Dutch-inspired florals and documentarystyle photography. I admire photographers leaning into natural, unposed shots and black-and-white film; it is all very chic!
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR COUPLES WITH TIGHT BUDGETS?
For a tight budget, pick what is most important to you and run with it. Then, get creative on how to incorporate the rest. For example, choose a venue with one large room if you care about big, impactful florals. This way, you can spend money on one or two big installations that can be seen all evening. Or, opt for heavy stationary hors d’oeuvres instead of a large dinner, and don’t pass appetizers; that way, you’re paying less for catering staff while still feeding your guests well. Every element plays a role in the budgeting process.
WHICH WEDDING ELEMENTS ARE WORTH SPLURGING ON?
This depends on what the couple values, but generally, a charismatic band and wellplaced lighting can make a significant difference in the feel and look of any event.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DEVELOP FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR CLIENTS?
I love pulling inspiration from my travels, restaurants, fashion, and individual couples’ interests. One of my favorite weddings involved a groom who didn’t care for cake but loved chocolate milkshakes. He would order them on every trip he took and had a ranking system for his favorites! So, instead of a groom’s cake, we passed homemade chocolate milkshakes, parmesan French fries, and mini burgers around 9 pm when everyone started to feel hungry again. All on silver trays, of course, and it was a smashing hit!
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISTAKE COUPLES MAKE WHEN PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?
I am, of course, biased, but the biggest mistake a couple can make when planning their wedding is booking all their vendors before hiring a wedding planner. Ideally, a planner helps determine what is most important and then helps book your vendors around that main element to ensure you stay aligned with your vision and within or under budget. We also assist by reading contracts so you don’t get locked into something you later regret.
For a personalized touch, incorporate your family crest in unique places.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR WEATHERRELATED CHALLENGES AT OUTDOOR WEDDINGS?
Always have a rain plan. It may include siding and covered walkways to your tent or an indoor venue you can easily move to if you end up with heavy rain and wind. A tent is a must if there is an open outdoor space. If you put a backup plan into place, chances are you’ll have great weather, but if you don’t have a plan, here comes a storm!
HOW DO YOU HELP COUPLES INFUSE THEIR PERSONALITIES INTO THEIR WEDDING?
We have a questionnaire for all new Taylored Well clients that goes over everything we need to know to take their interests, travels, families, favorite foods and love stories and intertwine them into a wedding weekend that reflects them perfectly!
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE “FEEL-GOOD” MOMENT FROM A WEDDING?
I absolutely love the music during a wedding ceremony. Also, the moment before the bride walks down the aisle, it’s just the bride, her dad (or the person giving her away), and me. It’s quiet; they’re both nervous and excited and for a second, it feels like time stands still.
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF PERSONALIZED TOUCHES YOU’VE HELPED CREATE?
I love custom food paper with the couple’s monogram or crest. The caterer can use this while passing hors d’oeuvres or at the rehearsal dinner for plating. Another great way to incorporate a personalized touch is through printed products. For example, pulling elements of the invitation suite into the bar menu or using the state’s flower in the floral arrangements at the reception. We’ve also enjoyed naming tables after streets our couples have lived on or their favorite places to travel.
Another personalized touch I helped create is from a wedding in June of 2023. The bride had a stunning Martini Liana gown, and we worked with her baker to create a cake design that included hand-formed sugar flowers (from the bride’s dress) cascading down the cake. They matched her gown beautifully.
Serve your favorite treats late night!
WHERE DO YOU SEE THE WEDDING INDUSTRY HEADING IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
I hope we continue the trend of weddings becoming more personal and reflective of the couple. There is something lovely and comforting in traditions, but not all traditions fit perfectly with all couples, so it’s nice to feel free to explore other avenues. I love the trend of a long wedding weekend, with a Thursday rehearsal, Friday ceremony, and Saturday reception. I think we’ll start seeing a lot more of that stateside rather than just at destination events! Also, at-home weddings have been going strong since their debut in 2020, and I suspect they’ll continue as they allow for more personalization and flexibility. Finally, calligraphy is making an elegant comeback in wedding invitation suites! It’s beautiful, classic, and refreshing.
By Megan Harrison, FNP-C of MegMed Aesthetics
To achieve a fresh, natural look before your wedding, a well-timed combination of treatments and careful planning can help you look your best while keeping your appearance authentic. Here’s an ideal plan for treatments and a timeline to consider:
Facials and Skincare: Regular facials before the wedding will help refresh your skin. Choose hydrating and brightening treatments, such as a hydrating facial, oxygen infusion facial, or LED light therapy, to promote a natural glow. Get started as soon as possible!
Botox: To achieve a smoother, more relaxed appearance, Botox can be effective, particularly for frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles.
Fillers: Hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvederm or Restylane can give a natural result without overfilling for subtle volume restoration (under the eyes or lips).
Microneedling or Chemical Peels: These can stimulate collagen production,
improve texture, and provide a fresh glow, especially when done well in advance.
6-12 Months Before: Schedule consultations with your injector to discuss options and set up a treatment plan.
Six weeks Before: Begin treatments like facials or ongoing medical-grade skin-care regimens to prep your skin. This is the best time to get Botox or fillers if you want subtle, natural results. Allow two weeks for Botox to fully take effect.
Subtle Results: When done correctly, Botox can be very subtle. The goal should be to relax lines without freezing your face. Work with an experienced injector to ensure natural results.
Microneedling: Stimulates collagen production and improves overall skin texture and tone. Results appear gradually, and healing takes about 3–5 days (expect redness and slight swelling). Plan this at
least four months before your wedding. Chemical Peels: These can address hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone but cause some peeling and downtime. You can choose a gentler peel for minimal irritation and schedule it at least 1 month before the wedding for healing.
When to Schedule: Schedule fillers at least six weeks before the wedding to allow for swelling, bruising, or minor adjustments and for the fillers to settle into place.
Subtle Results: To maintain a natural look, communicate clearly with your injector about wanting subtle enhancements. Overfilling can make you look different from your usual self, so only add a small amount.
Natural Look: The key to a fresh, natural look is subtlety. If you want Botox, fillers, or skin treatments, use small amounts that
enhance your features without dramatically changing your appearance. Skilled professionals can provide customized treatments to maintain your uniqueness.
Consultation: It’s essential to have a detailed consultation with your practitioner to express your desired results and ensure they understand your vision of looking like yourself, just refreshed.
Laser Treatments: Avoid laser resurfacing or aggressive laser hair removal close to your wedding day. These treatments can cause redness, irritation, or peeling that may take time to heal.
Aggressive Chemical Peels: Strong peels might leave you with redness or flaking, so don’t schedule them too close to your wedding.
Botox or Fillers Right Before: Any adjustments to Botox or fillers should be made well before your wedding day to give you enough time to assess the final result.
GENERAL TIPS:
Hydration: In the months before your wedding, hydrate your skin well. Drink plenty of water and use a good moisturizer.
Skincare Routine: Establish a daily skincare routine with medical-grade skin care using gentle exfoliation, moisturizing, and sun protection.
Sticking to this timeline and prioritizing subtle, gradual enhancements will ensure you look glowing and natural on your special day!
By Megan Meintasis
Have you ever attended a wedding that was packed with originality? If so, chances are the event’s details left a lasting impression. Planning a unique and unforgettable wedding can be as simple as identifying a few of your favorite things and thoughtfully incorporating them into your design. Here are some ideas to help you add a personal touch to your special day:
Serve Something You Love During Cocktail Hour
There are endless possibilities for appetizers and drinks. Consider hiring a coffee cart, setting up a popcorn bar, or serving something fun like burger sliders or mini chicken and waffles. Since the main course menu often leaves less room for personal touches, cocktail hour is the perfect opportunity to make your refreshments memorable and meaningful.
Curate a Playlist of Your Favorite Songs
Music sets the tone for any event; your wedding is no exception. Instead of sticking to the most popular wedding songs, choose tracks representing your relationship with your partner. You might even include songs with sentimental value, like those played at your parents’ wedding. A personalized playlist can make your ceremony and reception feel truly special.
Collaborate with Your Florist to Reflect Your Theme
Floral arrangements are a cornerstone of wedding design. Classic and timeless flowers like roses and peonies create one aesthetic, while ranunculus and Veronica flowers convey a whimsical and cheerful vibe. Discuss your theme with your florist to ensure your wedding florals feel true to your vision. Request a preview of the primary stems they plan to use so you can make adjustments if needed.
Rethink the Guest Book
Put a creative spin on the traditional guest book. If you love cooking, include recipe cards in your invitations and ask guests to bring their favorite recipes. If photography is your passion, set up a Polaroid station where guests can take photos, sign them, and add them to a keepsake album. Are you a football fan? Bring a ball for guests to sign, which you can later display in your home or office. There are countless ways to give this tradition more flair.
Capture Candid Moments with a Content Creator
Hiring a content creator to document behind-the-scenes moments can add a layer of authenticity to your wedding memories. Weddings often pass by in a blur, and while professional photos are essential, candid videos can capture the personality and emotion of the day in a unique way. These unstaged moments will allow you to relive your special day for years to come.
Choose Favors That Reflect You as a Couple Wedding favors are a chance to share a piece of your personality with your guests. If you’re a gardening enthusiast, customize seed packets or succulents for guests to plant at home. If coffee is your passion, gift custom bags of your favorite beans. The options are endless—have fun and choose something you’d genuinely enjoy receiving yourself.
Incorporating personal touches into your wedding design doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little thought and creativity, you can create an event that feels uniquely yours and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who attends.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?
My story is a classic millennial story. I graduated college in 2009, during the height of the Great Recession, with no job prospects, and decided to start my own business. I have always been interested in photography, so with a small loan from my parents, I purchased some camera equipment and shot a friend’s wedding for free, then a friend’s wedding, and so on.
WHAT DREW YOU TO CAPTURING WEDDINGS SPECIFICALLY?
Weddings are the rawest, most emotional things you can capture. There are so many people with different relationships with one another, all equally important, gathered together in one place for the only time in their lives. It is pretty awesome to get to witness and document those life events. Every wedding is different, making photography an interesting thing for me.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
Fine Art Documentary Style.
HOW MANY WEDDINGS HAVE YOU PHOTOGRAPHED, AND WHAT TYPES OF WEDDINGS DO YOU ENJOY MOST?
I don’t have an exact count, but it’s probably around 175. Since COVID-19, quite a few couples have opted for smaller, more intimate weddings, and I’ve loved them so much.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT TO CAPTURE DURING A WEDDING?
The couple exiting the ceremony. They are freshly married, and there is a lot of joy and happiness and a lot of release from the stress of the wedding. It’s done. The couple can finally relax and have fun!
HOW DO YOU MAKE COUPLES FEEL COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA?
It starts months before the wedding. I typically like to have a call or a meeting to introduce myself and to hear more about the couple and their story. Many couples opt to do an engagement session, which helps get them used to me and being in front of the camera. Developing a relationship with the couple is so important. Also, I don’t do many posed photos. I place the couple, give them some prompts, and talk with them as we take photos and walk around. There is a lot of movement and interaction with each other. That’s how I typically make the couple feel at ease, all while getting some photos with life in them that authentically capture their personalities.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD COUPLES BOOK THEIR PHOTOGRAPHER?
Typically, I book out 8-12 months. It just depends on what time of year the wedding is. Spring and fall are the busiest periods.
WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR COUPLES TO PREPARE FOR THEIR WEDDING PHOTOS?
Relax and focus on you and your fiancé. Don’t get caught up in the “event” of the wedding, but try to be intentional about being present and in the moment. This will help you create authentic photos that reflect who you are as a couple.
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY RIGHT NOW?
“Blurry” photos, which is essentially a slow shutter speed. I’ve done this for years, as it’s a quality common in film photography. I’ve also noticed brides opt for more colorful, whimsical florals and bridesmaid dresses, as opposed to more traditional white and green florals.
HOW MUCH EDITING OR RETOUCHING DO YOU TYPICALLY DO?
I used to shoot film alongside digital, so my editing style is very light and true to film. This is the most timeless look for weddings.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU HOPE EVERY COUPLE FEELS WHEN THEY SEE THEIR WEDDING PHOTOS?
I used to shoot film alongside digital, so my editing style is very light and true to film. This is the most timeless look for weddings
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGE INCLUDE, AND HOW LONG DOES IT USUALLY TAKE TO RECEIVE PHOTOS?
I’m a big believer in having something tangible from your wedding photos, so while the photos go to an online gallery, they don’t live there exclusively. I send couples a box with 50 or so 4x6 prints from their wedding, along with all the digital files. I offer albums and canvases as add-ons as well.
DiSCo BallS : Always in style and a dazzling way to make you feel like the star of your own movie
More MonograMS: Making your mark—in the coolest way possible
ViBrant BriDal BouquetS: Bold blooms bring the wow factor to your walk down the aisle
Solitaire +
A perfect match of delicate and daring, a timeless combo
BlaCk & White Silhoutte ShotS Chic, dramatic, and endlessly romantic
TAILOR’S NOTES
PaW-feCt PortraitS: Nothing warms our hearts more than furry friends joining the celebration on their parents’ big day
MoMentS in Motion: Joy, love, and laughter captured in every frame, perfectly reflecting the magic of your special day
Congratulations! You’ve met the person you will spend the rest of your life with and are busy preparing for your special day! While preparing for the wedding, you are also building the foundation of your marriage. Every couple hopes to build a solid foundation that withstands the inevitable trials of life.
A couple’s ability to repair after an argument is vital to the relationship’s foundation. Relationships constantly cycle through connection, disruption, and repair. Arguments are natural and can even be beneficial when handled effectively. The repairing phase turns conflict/disruption into a positive and is an opportunity to grow closer to your spouse, understand each other on a deeper level, and reestablish a connection.
Successful repair conversations require vulnerability, a slow pace, and an understanding of the patterns in conflict. Extending grace to each other during these discussions is essential. It is also crucial to remember that needs are never the problem.
Vulnerability is Key
Arguments can be hurtful, but repairing the connection requires letting down defenses. This often involves exposing oneself to the risk of being hurt again. Protective mechanisms developed over a lifetime can make vulnerability feel risky, yet
By Tyler Stacy, MA, LPC Cornerstone Counseling
they must be set aside to foster a deeper connection.
For instance, childhood experiences may shape emotional responses in adulthood. Someone who is shamed for being emotional might avoid expressing emotions during conflicts, fearing rejection. Yet expressing vulnerability— even when it feels risky—is a crucial step toward repair.
Each person has tendencies in conflict, such as withdrawing or pursuing. Taking risks to act contrary to these tendencies—engaging when one would normally withdraw or pausing to listen when one would usually pursue— signals a willingness to prioritize the relationship. Acknowledging these risks aloud reinforces the safety of vulnerability and paves the way for meaningful conversations.
Slow Down
Repair conversations must proceed slowly. When conversations move too quickly, crucial nuances are missed, including the risks each person is taking. Slowing down allows for a deeper understanding of what each partner is trying to communicate.
One way to slow the conversation is to make implicit thoughts explicit. Instead of simply acknowledging a partner’s perspective with “OK” or “I get it,” elaborate on your understanding and share why you get it. For example, “I see what you’re saying because I know how much you care, and I see how
frustrating it is when your intentions are misunderstood.” This demonstrates care and a deeper understanding. For repair to occur, both partners need to feel genuinely heard. Although this process may feel tedious, the result—a shared understanding—is invaluable. Remember, the pattern of interaction, not the partner, is the adversary.
The Pattern Is The Bad Guy Every couple has a way of handling conflict. If these patterns are not recognized, they can become trapped in cycles of misunderstanding. The longer a couple remains stuck, the harder it becomes to repair.
Efforts to fix the relationship can feel like offenses when viewed through a negative pattern. Shifting the focus to the pattern as the enemy allows space for growth and mutual understanding. Sue Johnson’s “Created for Connection” identifies the pattern and reflects on the dynamic:
“The more I, the more you, and the more you, the more I.”… and then the couple is stuck in a pattern.
For example, “The more I micromanage, the more you get defensive. The more you get defensive, the more I justify my position and raise my voice.” Once the pattern is understood, couples can create new dynamics focusing on fulfilling needs rather than perpetuating misunderstandings.
Unmet needs drive every argument. Escalation occurs when the focus shifts to actions rather than underlying needs. Repair conversations should center on identifying and addressing these needs.
It is never wrong to need validation, understanding, safety, love, security, or respect. For instance, if one partner feels unappreciated and begins to micromanage, understanding the unmet need for respect can change the conversation’s tone. Similarly, acknowledging a partner’s need for validation when they withdraw fosters empathy and connection.
When addressing unmet needs, the goal is not perfection but genuine effort. A safe conversation provides space for clarification and adjustment without judgment. For example:
“When we were busy earlier, I needed to feel respected. When I didn’t, I started micromanaging. You might have needed to feel appreciated but shut down when you didn’t.”
“I can see why that happened. You needed respect and tried to gain it when you didn’t feel it. That made me feel attacked, so I shut down because I needed to feel appreciated.”
Validating needs rather than criticizing actions creates an environment of mutual understanding and connection. When in doubt, start with the universal need for connection, as arguments often stem from a sense of disconnection.
Repair conversations are inherently vulnerable but essential for breaking negative patterns and building stronger connections. By slowing down, identifying patterns, and focusing on each other’s needs, couples can create new, healthier dynamics. This process strengthens the foundation of the relationship, fostering security and closeness over time.
Repairing is not a one-time event but an ongoing practice. Each successful repair builds a more secure and resilient partnership—a foundation that can endure life’s challenges.
relationship guidance, follow @tylerstacy_ counseling on Instagram.
Strawberry Goat Cheese Cheesecake
Submitted by JoAnne Hood
Graham Cracker Crust
» 1₁⁄₂ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets of graham crackers)
» ₁⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
» 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Strawberry Marble & Topping
» 1 pound sliced strawberries
» 1 tbsp lemon juice
» 1 tsp cornstarch
» ₁ 3 cup granulated sugar
» ₁⁄₂ tsp lemon zest
Cheesecake
» ₁⁄₄ cup salted butter
» 3 full-fat 8oz cream cheese, softened to room temp
» 1 cup full-fat sour cream (at room temp)
» 1 cup granulated sugar
» 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
» 3 large eggs, at room temp
Adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat oven to 350°F
1. Make the crust: If you’re starting out with full graham crackers, use a food processor or blender to grind them into fine crumbs. Pour into a medium bowl and stir in sugar until combined, and then stir in the melted butter. Mixture will be sandy. Smash/break up any large chunks. Pour into an ungreased 9-inch or 10-inch springform pan. With medium pressure using your hand, pat the crumbs down into the bottom and partly up the sides to make a compact crust. Do not pack down with heavy force because that makes the crust too hard. Simply pat down until the mixture is no longer crumby/crumbly and you can use the flat bottom of a small measuring cup to help smooth it all out if needed. Pre-bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and place the hot pan on a large piece of aluminum foil. The foil will wrap around the pan for the water bath in step 4. Allow crust to slightly cool as you prepare the filling.
2. Make the filling: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, goat cheese, and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract then beat until fully combined. On medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until just blended. After the final egg is incorporated into the batter, stop mixing. To help prevent the cheesecake from deflating and cracking as it cools, avoid over-mixing the batter as best you can. You will have close to 6 cups of batter. Once the batter is complete fold in (careful not to mix too much) about 3/4 cup of your cooled strawberry topping.
3. Prepare a water bath: Wrap aluminum foil around your springform pan. (Needs to be wrapped really good so no water gets in.) Place the pan inside of a large roasting pan. Pour the cheesecake batter on top of the crust. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to smooth it into an even layer. Carefully pour about an inch of water inside of your roasting pan around the springform careful not to get the cheesecake wet. Place in the oven.
4. Bake cheesecake for 55–70 minutes or until the center is almost set. If you notice the cheesecake browning too quickly on top, tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking. When it’s done, the center of the cheesecake will slightly wobble if you gently shake the pan. Turn the oven off and open the oven door slightly. Let the cheesecake sit in the oven in the water bath as it cools down for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and water bath, then cool cheesecake completely uncovered at room temperature. Add your cooled strawberry topping, then cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Strawberry Marble & Topping Instructions
1. In a saucepan, add strawberries that are cut in half, add the sugar, and lemon juice, and mix over medium-high heat.
2. Decrease the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes mixing occasionally.\
3. Mix the cornstarch in a small bowl with a little bit of water and pour it into the strawberry mixture mixing constantly. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Depending on the thickness you prefer, you can add more or omit the cornstarch.
4. Set aside and let it cool.
5. Add 3/4 cup to the cheesecake batter for the marble and top the cheesecake with the rest!
Ingredients
» 1 pound of thick-cut bacon
» 1 cup brown sugar
» 1 tsp cayenne pepper
» 1 tsp smoked paprika
» 1 package of your favorite crackers (Ritz, Saltines)
» ₁⁄₂ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
» ₁⁄₂ tsp salt
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Bacon: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Stir until well mixed.
3. Wrap the Crackers: Take the crackers and wrap a slice of bacon around each one, securing the bacon in place with a toothpick if needed.
4. Coat with Glaze: Dip each bacon-wrapped cracker into the brown sugar mixture, ensuring that the bacon is evenly coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheet seam-side down.
5. Add Nuts (Optional): If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the bacon-wrapped crackers for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
7. Cool and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or snack.
VENUE
Simple Events (Nettleton, MS)
FLORAL DESIGNER
Flower Garden (Nettleton, MS)
PHOTOGRAPHER
Tenola Plaxico
CATERER
Pokeys BBQ
ENTERTAINMENT
DJ PrettiBoi
HAIR & MAKEUP
Hair:J’Nay Li; Makeup: Amber Hodges
PLANNER
Jax in the Box - Cassandra Staples
CAKE
Aiven’s Eatery (Olive Branch MS)
DESCRIBE THE OVERALL THEME OF YOUR WEDDING DAY?
Our vow renewal was a dreamy fairytale, with soft blush hues and intimate tones, celebrating 9 years of marriage. Everything significant in our relationship happened in September (both of our children’s births, our engagement, and our wedding). We decided to name our vow renewal “9 For a Lifetime” because it feels like everything that matters happens for us in the ninth month of the year. The event was small and simple, with just 50 people, and it was all about the love we share in everyday moments, making it such a personal and meaningful celebration of our journey.
BESIDES SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?
Having the ceremony at our own event space, Simple Events in Nettleton, Mississippi, and getting ready in my boutique, Simplicity, made the day even more special. We were surrounded by our closest family and friends who have loved and supported us endlessly since 2007.
WHAT UNIQUE TOUCHES DID YOU ADD TO YOUR SPECIAL DAY?
Our children were a part of our special day as our bridesmaid and best man, which made it
even more meaningful. Additionally, my husband’s brother (my brother-in-love) had the honor of marrying us—it was truly a celebration full of family and love.
We hired DuBose Visuals as our videographer, and one of the most memorable moments was when he captured my 8-year-old son speaking about the day. His words were filled with love, maturity, and unexpected depth, it brought my husband and I to tears. DeMarcus DuBose, the owner and videographer, truly has a gift for storytelling. His work is exceptional, and I highly recommend him.
Pokey’s Food Truck is known for its flavorful dishes and commitment to quality and consistency. By choosing Pokey’s, we not only treated our guests to fantastic food but also supported a local business that shares our passion for quality and community. We also worked with Boards and Bites from Olive Branch, Mississippi, for our grazing table, which was a big hit!
April 13th
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING DAY’S OVERALL THEME?
Our wedding was inspired by the charm and vibrancy of English garden parties. We wanted to create a bright and joyful atmosphere, evoking the same sense of warmth and celebration that garden parties bring. To set the tone, we commissioned custom bunting flags, which became a centerpiece under our reception tent, embodying the quintessential garden party aesthetic. Hosting the ceremony and reception in the afternoon allowed us to enjoy the colorful flowers and carefully chosen decorations in full daylight. For David and me, it was essential that our wedding felt us—bright, fun, and easy-going authentically.
DESCRIBE YOUR MENU & WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE DISHES?
We chose a buffet instead of a sit-down dinner for our afternoon reception to create a relaxed and flexible dining experience. The menu featured tomato tartlets, chicken sliders, beef tenderloin sliders, and a variety of other appetizers. The selection of hors d’oeuvres complemented the English garden party theme perfectly, with the small sandwich options offering a Southern twist on traditional English tea service. To us, it was the ideal balance of practicality, charm, and deliciousness.
DID YOU HAVE ANY UNIQUE ELEMENTS THAT YOU ADDED TO YOUR WEDDING?
My favorite touch, which was especially unique, was the British bunting flags hanging inside the tent. I sourced them myself because no one in the area had anything similar. While there was initial skepticism, they completely transformed the space. Guests couldn’t stop commenting on how much they loved them, and for me, they tied everything together and truly captured the essence of our garden party theme.
VENUE
The Isom Place
PHOTOGRAPHER
Paul Gandy Photography
ENTERTAINMENT
Soul Tones
CATERER
A&N Catering
FLORAL DESIGNER
Oxford Floral
HAIR & MAKEUP
Element Hair Studio
PLANNER
Anna Purvis CAKE
Alice Chow
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWERS?
Flowers were one of our top priorities for the wedding. We wanted a colorful and nontraditional atmosphere reflecting the joyful, vibrant vibe we envisioned for the ceremony and reception. I was particularly inspired by the beauty of wildflowers, which was a big reason I chose a spring wedding—it allowed us to use in-season blooms and enjoy a wide variety of options.
BESIDES SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY?
The first was our first look. I was so nervous and excited for David to see me and equally eager to see him for the first time that day. When the moment came, we didn’t start by looking at each other— we hugged. It was such an emotional and grounding moment, just the two of us, and it made everything feel real: we were about to get married. My second favorite moment came during the reception when I surprised David with a special appearance from Oxford Creamery’s adorable ice cream bicycle cooler. He has always been an ice cream lover—it’s his dessert of choice, no matter the options. Seeing his surprise and excitement was priceless!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING DAY?
My best advice is to let your wedding reflect who you are as individuals and as a couple, even if it means stepping away from tradition. It is important to focus on what brings you joy, so don’t feel pressured to follow traditions that don’t resonate with you. Work with vendors who truly understand your vision. I trusted my vendors to bring my vision to life, and they exceeded my expectations in every way. Stick to what feels right for you!
VENUE
The Jefferson
PHOTOGRAPHER
Madeline Rose
CATERER
Tallahatchie Gourmet
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING DAY’S OVERALL THEME?
Our wedding theme blended traditional elegance with a modern twist. We used chinoiserie vases for all of our floral arrangements, which gave a classic, refined feel. At the same time, we incorporated contemporary touches — like having a string trio for the ceremony that played modern songs. One of my favorite personal touches was walking down the aisle to One Last Breath by Creed. It felt like the perfect way to honor tradition while making the day uniquely ours. The combination of timeless details and modern elements made our celebration feel both sophisticated and personal.
DESCRIBE YOUR MENU & WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE DISHES?
We decided on a buffet-style meal catered by Tallahatchie Gourmet to give our guests a variety of options and a more relaxed, enjoyable dining experience. We wanted to have a little bit of everything so everyone could find something they loved. The menu featured beef tenderloin, chicken kabobs, lobster rolls, stuffed mushrooms, charcuterie, and spinach and artichoke dip. The buffet style allowed everyone to mingle and enjoy a bit of everything, making the meal feel as celebratory and inviting as the rest of the day.
DID YOU HAVE ANY UNIQUE ELEMENTS THAT YOU ADDED TO YOUR WEDDING?
Yes! My mother owns the Calico Mushroom in New Albany, so a lot of the beautiful blue and white elements came from her gift shop. Everyone especially loved the chinoiserie lanterns that hung in the
FLORAL DESIGNER
Farmstead Floral
PLANNER
The Calico Mushroom
HAIR & MAKEUP
Amanda Kent, Mississippi
Wedding Stylists
CAKE
Just Cake It!
ENTERTAINMENT
Jacova Jenkins (DJ), Robert Riggs (string trio), Mike Carter (acoustic guitar)
EVENT RENTALS
Details
central room — they added such a unique and elegant touch. Another special element was the groom’s cake: My husband didn’t want a traditional cake — he specifically requested banana pudding. My mom went above and beyond to make his vision come true, creating an incredible four-tier banana pudding. Lastly, my bouquet held a deeply personal touch. I included pictures of my father and my oldest brother, who both passed away earlier this year. It was my way of having them with me on the wedding day, so they could still be part of such a meaningful moment.
Interestingly, I didn’t specifically choose the flowers we ended up having. I gave them a simple color palette that complemented our overall theme of blue and white and trusted them to create something beautiful. They completely exceeded my expectations! Everything they did was absolutely stunning, and the arrangements perfectly captured the romantic and elegant vibe we were going for.
BESIDES SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY?
Aside from exchanging vows, my favorite part was having all our loved ones together in one place. We had family and friends who traveled from all over the country, so it meant the world to us that everyone came to celebrate. Seeing them all laughing, dancing, and sharing in our joy was an incredibly heartwarming experience. It was a beautiful reminder of how special our community is and how much love surrounds us.
VENUE
Wedding: First Presbyterian Church of Oxford; Reception: The Lyric PHOTOGRAPHER
Keli Lindsey Photography
CATERER
A&N Catering
FLORAL DESIGNER
Oxford Floral
PLANNER
Katie Naron
HAIR & MAKEUP
The Studio (Hair: Heather Holliday/ Makeup: Bethani Zinzer)
CAKE
Bride’s Cake: Lisa Whitehead/Groom’s Cake: Ellen Baxter
ENTERTAINMENT
The Soul Tones
EVENT RENTALS
Details
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING DAY’S OVERALL THEME?
The goal for our wedding day’s overall vibe was fun, vibrant, and whimsical. We wanted it to be modern but timeless while feeling easy and stress-free. It turned out better than we pictured it!
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWERS?
I wanted lots of color to be involved in the wedding and our color scheme originated from some funky tapered candle holders that my mom and I found. They were the first purchase for decor for the wedding and I used them as inspiration for almost everything, including the florals! We wanted the florals to be beautiful and impressive but not overwhelming or over the top. I love orchids, so a beautiful orchid addition was included in my bouquet, which was one of my favorite details! David Naron at Oxford Floral is so talented; we knew whatever they came up with would be beautiful!
DID YOU HAVE ANY UNIQUE ELEMENTS THAT YOU ADDED TO YOUR WEDDING?
The most unique thing about my wedding was that the church I got married in held a significant place in my family. I married in the church I grew up in, where my parents and grandparents married before me. Also, my aunt, who is a Presbyterian pastor, baptized me as an infant in the same church where she married my husband and me 23 years later. That was a unique and very special thing for us to experience.
DESCRIBE YOUR MENU & WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE DISHES?
Our menu was Greek-inspired because we both LOVE Volta Taverna in Oxford! We wanted the menu to be light, summery, filling, and tasty. A&N created an amazing and unique menu for us that was to die for! On the menu was watermelon and feta salad with fresh mint, chili-lime grilled shrimp skewers, smoked beef tenderloin sliders with garlic aioli and baby arugula, bourbon-molasses chicken skewers, assorted dips including labneh, garlic roasted hummus, and tzatziki with grilled pita and cucumber slices, and a green bean panzanella salad with cornbread croutons. It was delicious!
BESIDES SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY?
I loved seeing parts of my family and friends making bonds and memories with my husband’s family and friends throughout the weekend. My husband is from Spokane, WA, so our two sides are fairly different, but they quickly found their similarities and had an amazing time getting to know each other and celebrating like old pals!
WERE THERE ANY FUNNY OR UNEXPECTED MOMENTS THAT MADE THE DAY MEMORABLE?
I surprised my husband with the design of his groom’s cake, which was so much fun! He absolutely loves to snow ski, so I thought it would be funny to make his groom’s cake look like a little mountain with people skiing down it! He thought he was getting a standard chocolate cake with strawberries on top, so he was really excited when he saw it! He loved it and it was so funny to see his reaction! Ellen did a great job and it tasted great, too!
WHAT SONG DID YOU CHOOSE FOR THE FIRST DANCE AND WHY?
Our first dance was to Chris Stapleton’s “Joy of My Life.” The first concert we went to as a couple was a Chris Stapleton concert. The Soul Tones learned the song and performed it live for our first dance, which also felt very special and unique.
VENUE
Wedding: Paris-Yates Chapel; Reception: Isom Place
PHOTOGRAPHER
Madeleine Beck
CATERER
A&N Catering
FLORAL DESIGNER
Oxford Floral
PLANNER
Bess Fisher CAKE
Debbie Maddigan
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING DAY’S OVERALL THEME?
We were living in Florida at the time of our wedding, and the coast will always have a very special place in our hearts. We were engaged at the Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande, FL and we wanted to try to recreate that same coastal feel while remaining traditional.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWERS?
The color palate of the Gasparilla Inn was largely our influence for colors that we chose to incorporate in our wedding, which was reflected in our florals. We wanted lots of airiness and greenery while also prioritizing pinks and greens that make the Inn so iconic.
DID YOU HAVE ANY UNIQUE ELEMENTS THAT YOU ADDED TO YOUR WEDDING?
We had trucker hats made and passed them out at the reception. They were such a hit!
DESCRIBE YOUR MENU & WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE DISHES?
A&N did a great job helping us set the menu. We served shrimp and grits (another coastal nod),
HAIR & MAKEUP
Makeup: Rivers Keye; Hair: Jessica Mathias
ENTERTAINMENT
The Heartbreakers
DRESS
Elle James
roasted chicken breast, roasted vegetables, and a Brussel sprout salad.
BESIDES SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY?
I got to have a slow morning with my favorite girls and my mom. We listened to some of our favorite music and drank coffee that morning, which felt so me.
WERE THERE ANY FUNNY OR UNEXPECTED MOMENTS THAT MADE THE DAY MEMORABLE?
After our exit, my now husband and I Ubered from our bed and breakfast back to the Isom Place in our pjs and ate so much food in the kitchen, just the two of us. We didn’t realize how hungry we were until after the excitement of the ceremony and reception.
WHAT SONG DID YOU CHOOSE FOR THE FIRST DANCE AND WHY?
We danced to ‘Beyond’ by Leon Bridges. One of our first concerts that we attended together was Leon Bridges, so this felt very appropriate. We even took dance lessons and had a choreographed dance!
September 14th
WEDDING VENUE
Wedding: Paris-Yates Chapel; Reception: Oliver Hotel of Oxford
PHOTOGRAPHER
Brian Flint Photography
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING’S OVERALL THEME OR VIBE?
We wanted our wedding to feel timeless and elegant with modern touches inspired by some of our family’s travels in France and England over the years. Inspired by the Chateau des Fleurs in Paris’s 8th Arrondissement, a design hotel with a posh lobby bar that blends warm neutrals with pinks, greens and touches of bold pattern, we selected a beautiful palette of soft colors to compliment the bold patterns of The Oliver Hotel. We created a moody experience inside with bistro tables fitted with customcut pleated linens and tulips pouring out of their vases, lit by candlelight. In the ballroom, a riot of flowers covered the backs of the banquettes that lined the dance floor’s perimeter. Outside, the courtyard transformed into a beautiful garden-inspired space full of greenery, with charming bistro lights above.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWERS?
I wanted the ceremony to be traditional, so I selected white flowers to complement ParisYates Chapel’s beautiful organ and rich wood tones. I opted for a petite bridal bouquet made of tulips, sweat peas and stephanotis. For the reception, I wanted to create textured floral designs while using a cohesive color palette, including pink, blue, and purple. The
CATERER
Oliver Hotel of Oxford
ENTERTAINMENT
Max Mayeaux (Shreveport, LA); the Memphis Soul Revue
courtyard at The Oliver is already lush, so we played it up with beautiful ferns, herbs, and vintage clay pots.
DID YOU HAVE A FIRST DANCE? IF SO, WHAT SONG DID YOU CHOOSE & WHY?
“You’re All I Need To Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. We were looking for a song with lyrics that represented us, while being fun. this song checked both boxes!
YOU ADD TO YOUR WEDDING?
The Save the Dates included an embossed acacia, one of the flowers in my bolero lace. Our wedding stationer, Please & Thank You, in Shreveport, Louisiana, created a beautiful crest of flowers that was used exclusively for the wedding day. My Maid of Honor and sister, a detail-driven creative, thought of the most special touches that reflected our personalities, including cocktail napkins, stirrers, coasters, and matches. Lastly, we passed out custom-designed tambourines complete with our crest and the marbled motif, along with “Party in the Sip” hats in the wedding colors.
WAS ON
AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THOSE DISHES?
Chef Joel Miller perfectly executed the vision
FLORAL DESIGNER
Oxford Floral
HAIR & MAKEUP
Shanna Lopez, Stylex x Shanna
of a Louisiana cocktail buffet. As guests arrived, there were mini BLT’s and crawfish cakes. The cocktail buffet included grilled beef tenderloin, boiled shrimp with remoulade sauce, asparagus with horseradish sauce, roasted citrus-marinated squashes, and delicious rigatoni pasta tossed in lemon cream sauce and garnished with black olives, spinach and feta. And at our house, you cannot have a party without Natchitoches meat pies, a savory meat pie that originated in north Louisiana where street vendors sold them. Our friends drove them to town from Shreveport, and Chef graciously prepared. They were - as alwaysthe first thing to go! We also tray-passed late-night food from Four Corners Chevron, a staple after any night out in Oxford.
My top priorities were a great band and beautiful photos, so I tackled those decisions first. To develop a cohesive aesthetic, we enlisted the services of our family friend, Mary Caroline Chumley, of Happy Everything Events. The vision board she created was critical in bringing my vision to life. It guided all of the creative decisions. We were able to share her portfolio with our florist, wedding stationer, rental company, and everyone in between.
July 13 th
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING DAY’S OVERALL THEME?
The ceremony was very traditional, but the reception was modern and just an overall celebration of love!
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWERS?
I wanted something simple, timeless, and white. I found a lot of inspiration on Pinterest!
BESIDES SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY?
My mom planned the entire thing, so it was all a surprise! Walking into The Lyric was amazing, seeing all the hard work. It was perfect. I loved being on the dance floor and not having to do speeches that night.
DID YOU HAVE ANY UNIQUE ELEMENTS THAT YOU ADDED TO YOUR WEDDING?
I have strong ties to New Orleans, so we included a “Second Line” parade to walk from the wedding to the reception.
DESCRIBE YOUR MENU & WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE DISHES?
We had a little bit of everything! We didn’t have a sit-down meal. We wanted everyone to be able to choose their meal and eat whenever they got hungry after being on the dance floor.
WERE THERE ANY FUNNY OR UNEXPECTED MOMENTS THAT MADE THE DAY MEMORABLE?
Yes, when the groomsmen put us up in chairs, and we did the hora!
VENUE
Wedding: Oxford University United Methodist Church; Reception: The Lyric
PHOTOGRAPHER
The Hatches
CATERER
Tallahatchie Gourmet
ENTERTAINMENT
Al Paris and The Heartbreakers
FLORAL DESIGNER
Oxford Floral
HAIR & MAKEUP
Makeup by McKenna/Amara Salon
PLANNER
Ellen Thomas
CAKE
Creative Cakes
EVENT RENTALS
Details
WHAT SONG DID YOU CHOOSE FOR THE FIRST DANCE AND WHY?
Lover by Taylor Swift. Dave and I always dance to it in the kitchen, so we knew we had to have it as our first dance.
June 10 th
CEREMONY VENUE
Parroquia de San José Obrero;
RECEPTION VENUE
Los Olivos Arandas, (Jalisco, Mexico)
PHOTOGRAPHER
Eduardo Alessandro & Arte Visual MF
CATERER
Alcachofa Catering
ENTERTAINMENT
DJ Christian Tejeda, Tato Venegas, El Yaki
FLORAL DESIGNER
Gus Rojo
HAIR & MAKEUP
Alejandro Delgado
PLANNER
Gustavo Rojo
DRESS
Pnina Tornai Kleinfeld Bridal Ceremony & Party
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING DAY’S OVERALL THEME?
Overall, our wedding was modern, with touches of glitz and glam.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWERS?
Flowers are always important for us as a family in every celebration of life. I really wanted peonies, hydrangeas, and ranunculus.
BESIDES SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY?
My mom planned the entire thing, so it was seeing family come together to celebrate us from near and far was a very special part of our day. Family is very important for us as Hispanics and celebrations are always memorable.
DESCRIBE YOUR MENU & WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE DISHES?
We served a chicken dish and a beef dish- the two main proteins you cannot go wrong with!
DID YOU HAVE A FIRST DANCE? IF SO, WHAT SONG DID YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
Our first dance was to “Siempre Fuiste Tu.” It was one of the very first songs we listened to together at the start of our relationship. It wasn’t a super clear road for us at the beginning and this song mentions rekindling and always knowing who the one for you is. It really connected with us as a couple!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING DAY?
Living in the moment and being organized is very important. I had everything picked out, down to the fork I wanted my guests to eat from. However, you need to keep that balance still and enjoy the moment. It goes by flying — it really does. So make sure to soak in every second.
27 th
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING DAY’S OVERALL THEME?
Minimalistic, colorful, and bright!
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWERS?
Spring and LOTS of color!
BESIDES SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY?
Being with the people who matter to us most.
DID YOU HAVE ANY UNIQUE ELEMENTS THAT YOU ADDED TO YOUR WEDDING?
Simplicity and fireworks for the “Grand Exit.”
DESCRIBE YOUR MENU & WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE DISHES?
Chicken, sliders, dips, mac-n-cheese bar!
WHAT SONG DID YOU CHOOSE FOR THE FIRST DANCE AND WHY?
The End of Mirrors by Justin Timberlake. We both love the song and saw JT in concert.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING DAY?
Have people with you who support your day and give positive feedback, no negativity!
68 January/February 2025
VENUE
Cypress Hall
PHOTOGRAPHER
Taylor Powell Photography
CATERER
Taylor Grocery Events
ENTERTAINMENT
DJ Derick
FLORAL DESIGNER
Bride of Boaz
HAIR & MAKEUP
Hair :Kimberly Crider; Makeup: Kayleigh Bodily
PLANNER
Leah Brigance
CAKE
Sweet Serendipity
VENUE
Ceremony: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; Reception: The Children’s Museum (Memphis, TN)
FLORAL DESIGNER
Oxford Floral
PHOTOGRAPHER
Kelly Ginn
HAIR & MAKEUP
Hair: Amy Dugan; Makeup: Alicia Lee (Memphis, TN)
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING DAY’S OVERALL THEME?
April set the tone for my theme of spring and all things blooming! I am super girly and have always loved bright colors so we used shades of bright to true greens and multiple shades of pinks, peaches, and oranges.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWERS?
As the lead florist at Oxford Floral, I am inspired daily. I’ve always loved bulbed flowers, especially tulips, but I love color and you can nail down your exact shade through a garden rose. In addition to garden roses and tulips, we incorporated oriental lilies, Dutch Gerbera daisies, daffodils, tulips, hyacinth, mint, rosemary, snowberry, viburnum, anthurium, monstera, bells of Ireland, coral charm peonies, ranunculus, and hypericum. A special thanks David,
CATERER
Elizabeth Heiskell Catering
PLANNER
Ellen Thomas & Mona Dunlap Events
CAKE
Cakes By Mom & Me (West Memphis, AR)
ENTERTAINMENT
Accent Band (Montgomery, AL), Balloon Twister (Memphis, TN), Steven Leake Ice Sculpture (Memphis, TN)
Elizabeth, and the Oxford Floral staff for giving me my dream.
WHAT UNIQUE ELEMENTS DID YOU ADD TO YOUR WEDDING?
My very creative mother, Susanne Pettit, my talented friend Hannah Conrad Snow, and Menage Stationery spent hours on the savethe-date and invitation. Hannah water colored a floral wreath at the top of each save-the-date and invitation, which set the theme and colors for almost everything we did. Also, our reception in the carousel room at The Children’s Museum was fun and whimsical. The carousel lit the room with vibrant colors as it spun.
SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?
When we turned around after being introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cameron Bryant, I was overwhelmed with
gratitude. To see all of the people who traveled to see us was absolutely amazing! It was like capturing every single person you love and care for into one spot, all four hundred of them! I remember holding Cameron’s hand, feeling so complete.
DESCRIBE YOUR MENU & WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE DISHES?
Guests were greeted with two signature cocktails: a house margarita and a pink grapefruit gin mix, Cameron and I’s go-to. Hors d’oeuvres included fried green tomato with pimento cheese, smoked salmon cucumber rounds, and petite BLTs. A seafood station featured gulf shrimp, smoked salmon with sides, and lobster salad. The buffet offered a seasonal salad, sweet potato with Boursin and asparagus, beef tenderloin, and chicken marsala. A grilled cheese station with assorted breads and toppings followed. Late-night bites— White Russians, an Oxford favorite, chicken on a stick, and sliders—were passed around the dance floor.
Balloon Twister, Mr. Rodgers, made balloon animals for us. He took requests, but what made it hysterical were the brightly colored balloon hats everyone wore. He made sea creatures, dogs, fish on a rod, swords, hearts, you name it and it was bouncing around on someone’s head!
My other big unexpected moment was the entry table when you first walked in. David Mills, owner of Nature of Things Hand, built me a life-size mossed carousel horse. Just flat-out “wow.”
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING DAY’S OVERALL THEME?
We got married in December and I was adamant about intertwining elements of a traditional Christmas without being over the top and all red and green. To achieve this, we incorporated dried citrus, persimmons, oranges with cloves, pomegranates, and apples in silver dishes and onto massive topiaries, along with using my favorite colors, orange and green, instead of your typical white, red, and gold.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWERS?
The flowers were the most important element for me and I was very particular about the design. David and his team at Oxford Floral did an amazing job. I love bright colors and did not want to shy away from using oranges, purples and hot pinks to achieve a holiday look. The chandelier over the cake and the flower tent over the dance floor really elevated The Jefferson and made a big space feel more intimate. I think everyone’s jaw dropped at their work, including mine!
BESIDES SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY?
Looking around the room and knowing every single person in it? I don’t think that is ever the case, except on your wedding day. It was a tad overwhelming, but we are grateful to have so many loved ones who traveled near and far to celebrate with Henry and me!
DESCRIBE YOUR MENU & WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE DISHES?
I married a Jersey boy, so I was very excited about the idea of welcoming Henry’s family and friends from New Jersey and New York to Mississippi. Of course, we wanted to show them southern cuisine and hospitality. Angie and her team really leaned into that vision with fried green tomato BLT sandwiches, tamales on a deep-fried saltine cracker, crawfish dip, and an amazing winter grazing board flanked by the citrus topiaries. Of course, there was gas station chicken on a stick to end the night! Mississippi has the best gas station food in America!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE BRIDE’S PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?
Do what you want and stick with your vision. You want people to be able to look at your wedding and know it was yours and special to you and your husband.
VENUE
Wedding: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church; Reception; The Jefferson
PHOTOGRAPHER
Danielle J. Norton (Raleigh, NC)
CATERER
A & N Catering
ENTERTAINMENT
Azz Izz (Atlanta, GA)
FLORAL DESIGNER
Oxford Floral
HAIR & MAKEUP
Mary Shields Hunter
PLANNER
Ellen Thomas
CAKE
Lisa Whitehead
EVENT RENTALS
Details
October 12 th
VENUE
The Jefferson
PHOTOGRAPHER
Brooke Couch
CATERER
A & N Catering
ENTERTAINMENT
Peabody Rocket
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING DAY’S OVERALL THEME?
The overall vibe can best be described as vintage funk meets modern glam. We incorporated retro-inspired decor with pops of color and patterns along with gold accents to create a vibrant and nostalgic vibe. Every detail perfectly captured our personalities and unique style.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWERS?
We both have a love and appreciation for the outdoors, so we wanted to honor that with an elevated natural look. Our flowers showcased soft white roses, pampas grass, eucalyptus, and unique dried elements, creating a perfect blend of natural beauty and effortless elegance.
DID YOU HAVE ANY UNIQUE ELEMENTS THAT YOU ADDED TO YOUR WEDDING?
James worked as a bartender for many years, so he used his skills to create a craft cocktail menu featuring four original signature cocktails. Named after our dogs, he created the June Bug Spritz and the Jumpin’ Jack Flash. He also created the Dapper Deacon, named after the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, which is where I attended law school. The fourth was the Fighting Okra, inspired by Delta State
FLORAL DESIGNER
Breezy Blossoms Florist
HAIR & MAKEUP
Lindsay Aldrich PLANNER
Pryor Hackleman
CAKE
Pecan Grove Cakes
where we met. The bartenders at The Jefferson absolutely rocked it.
BESIDES SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY?
My favorite part of the day was reading our vows. We knew from the beginning that we wanted to write our own, but being able to express our love in a personal way in front our closest family and friends is something I will never forget. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!
DESCRIBE YOUR MENU & WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE DISHES?
We had something for everyone on the menu, but our favorite was the chicken on a stick and potato logs that were served at the end of the reception. It was inspired by our favorite late night food from Dodge’s, and it was a hit!
WERE THERE ANY FUNNY OR UNEXPECTED MOMENTS THAT MADE THE DAY MEMORABLE?
Our videographer, Matthew Moore, discovered a tiny kitten that had ridden under the hood of his car all the way to Oxford from Greenwood on the day of the wedding. The kitten was rescued and taken home, but we loved getting to love on the kitten while getting ready.
DESCRIBE THE OVERALL THEME OF YOUR WEDDING DAY?
Romantic & Traditional: We wanted an atomosphere that was timeless, warm, and intimate. We fell in love with the Isom House and decided that would be our venue before anything else. The Isom House is traditional, beautiful, and romantic and only fits a couple hundred people. Knowing this, we just invited our close friends and family and had a traditional southern wedding. At the same time, the romantic touches— such as the personal vows and string quartet ceremony music— helped to create a dreamy, emotional experience that felt personal and timeless.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWERS?
I didn’t have any specific flowers that I wanted in our bouquets. When we contacted Breezy Blossoms, I just sent inspirational pictures and told her that I wanted them to be very colorful and “springy,” and
she perfected it!
BESIDES SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?
Besides saying ‘I do,’ what was your favorite part of your wedding and celebration?
My favorite part was getting to see and spend time with all of our loved ones. My family stayed in the Isom House for the weekend leading up to the wedding. We got to spend so much time together and enjoy Oxford! We went to eat at the Oxford Grillehouse on Thursday night, Boure for our rehearsal dinner on Friday, and then Jake and I stayed at the Graduate on the night of our wedding. After graduating from Ole Miss, Jake and I moved to Austin, TX, but Oxford will always be our favorite place. It was such a joy to return and enjoy it again together.
WHAT UNIQUE TOUCHES DID YOU ADD?
My husband, Jake, is a graphic designer for the University of
Texas’s football team (and previously Ole Miss’s football team), so to add a personal touch, he personally designed our wedding invitation and our details card! One of Jake’s old football coaches and good friend, Will Gatlin, officiated our wedding. Since it was Easter weekend, we had difficulty finding a preacher available for our wedding. Luckily, Coach Gatlin had mentioned to Jake and me that he is an ordained wedding officiant, so we asked him to be our officiant. Having a close friend made our wedding more personal, unique, and memorable!
WERE THERE ANY FUNNY/ UNEXPECTED MOMENTS THAT WERE MEMORABLE?
Since we married on the Isom House’s front porch, cars could drive by at any point during the ceremony. Luckily, it was Easter weekend, so most of the students were back home, and nearly no one was on the roads; however, right as my dad and I were lined up about to walk down the aisle,
VENUE
The Isom Place
PHOTOGRAPHER
Kelly Ginn Photography
CATERER
A & N Catering
ENTERTAINMENT
DJ Max Victory
FLORAL DESIGNER
Breezy Blossoms Florist
HAIR & MAKEUP
Hair: Lacey Ferguson; Makeup: Makeup by McKenna
PLANNER
Olde South Events (Connie Keene)
CAKE
Chow Cakes
a police-escorted funeral procession drove right by our ceremony. I took it as a good luck sign of sorts. 76 January/February 2025
December 12 th
CEREMONY VENUE
Ceremony: Oxford University United Methodist Church; Reception: The Lyric
PHOTOGRAPHER
Brian Flint
HAIR & MAKEUP
Hair: Element Salon (Cat Jennings); Makeup: Kaitlin
Martin
CATERER
A & N Catering
ENTERTAINMENT
Almost Famous
FLORAL DESIGNER
Lavish Fleur
PLANNER
Taylored Well Events
CAKE
Creative Cakes
EVENT RENTALS
Details
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING DAY’S OVERALL THEME?
Fancy holiday party, retro, gatsby inspired decor
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWERS?
I wanted to have lots of greenery and creams all throughout to make it classic, timeless, elegant.
DID YOU ADD ANY UNIQUE ELEMENTS TO YOUR WEDDING?
I have always appreciated funky and unique decor and design elements. I wanted to bring some of that into the wedding reception by leaning into the “Gatsby” of it all. Everything was so elegant and timeless. I loved it all! We ate our wedding cake from Tyler’s great-grandmother’s china! She passed away several years ago, but he admired her so much. I also carried a small token and a photo of my paternal grandmother on my bouquet. It was important to us to incorporate those we’ve lost into our special day. We know they both would have loved it.
BESIDES SAYING ‘I DO’, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT?
Our first look! We got to spend about 10 minutes alone in the sanctuary. It was a special moment we had just to ourselves among the chaos.
DESCRIBE YOUR MENU & WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE DISHES?
My now husband is from the Delta, so we offered options that spoke to his roots— tamale bites on fried saltines, for example. We had catfish stuff, hushpuppies, hot chicken sliders, smoked beef tenderloin on rosemary biscuits, creole shrimp, and a great roasted vegetable spread. Nick and Angie do amazing work. Tyler and I both love food, so it was fun to be creative with the menu, but we totally trusted Angie and Nick to do something amazing. They delivered!
WERE THERE ANY FUNNY OR UNEXPECTED MEMORABLE MOMENTS?
It rained! We have some really great photos of us and our wedding party (our favorite people) in the rain. Nobody cared. We all had the best time celebrating, and no rain was going to stop that or keep us from enjoying the special day.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER BRIDES?
Try your best to enjoy it! The planning is exhausting, even with a wedding coordinator. But the day goes by so fast. Tyler and I stepped away several times throughout the evening to take a deep breath and take it all in.
1. Danica and JJ Jones
2. Melva Brewer and Kirk Wise
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11. Stephen and Melinda Valliant
12. Caroline Pollard and Latia Thomas
13. Lauren Stout, Lisa Stout, and Rebecca Alexander
14. Lacy Lei, Chris, and Tweetie Lei
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