Invitation Oxford - June/July 2025

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OXFO R D

THE

Bridal ISSUE

ANNUAL BRIDAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

LOCAL CHAPELS ARE SPECIAL SETTINGS

TOP 10 UP-AND - COMING WEDDING TRENDS

MAHJONG TA K E S OX F O R D

BY STORM

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ON THE COVER

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DEPA RTMENT S

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Letter From the Publisher

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Dixon & Mayfield

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Calendar

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Hilliard & Dalton

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In Season: Watermelon Ice Pops from Oxsicles

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Marsh & Pittman

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Events

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McElreath & Hankins

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Out & About

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Hidden Gem

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McHugh & Gandy

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Tannehill & Markle

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Williams & Duncan

O X F O R D : Congratulations to newlyweds Shelby and Lee Pittman!

See more of their wedding on page 30.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRIAN FLINT N O R T H E A S T: Corinth’s historic Fillmore Street Chapel is a popular place for wedding ceremonies. Read about it and more local chapels on page 56.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

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F E AT U R E S

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FE ATURES 42 Mahjong Mania

Thanks in part to two Oxford women, the popularity of a native Chinese game is growing like wildfire in Oxford and Lafayette County.

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48 Top Ten Trends to Watch

From food and drink to wedding dresses and decor, Dakin Reed of Taylored Well Events expects these cutting-edge trends to make their way to north Mississippi.

56 Going to the Chapel

For an intimate gathering of family and friends on the big day, opt for a chapel in the country to exchange wedding vows.

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L E T T E R from the P U B L I S H E R Weddings tend toward tradition. But there is always room for creativity, and we are so impressed with all the ways today’s brides successfully incorporate outsidethe-box ideas into their wedding day celebrations.

Thanks to Dakin Reed of Taylored Well Events for sharing some outside-the-box trends she thinks are likely to be spotted at weddings in north Mississippi in the coming year. Read her top 10 list — and enjoy the

FOLLOW US

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photography by Taylor Square Photography that accompanies it — on page 48.

This magazine also features a roundup of lovely chapels where north Mississippi couples often opt to get married. Take a look at these charming locations starting on page 56.

Speaking of on-trend, have you heard all the buzz about mahjong? Seems like everyone is scrambling to learn the game and to play it with friends. Read more about

the mahjong scene in Oxford on page 42.

Please enjoy reading and sharing this magazine over the next two months. In August, we will be back with a new look and some exciting surprises to share as we launch into our 20th year in business. Thank you for your loyal support.

RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER

@INVITATIONOXFORD @INVITATIONM AGA ZINE

PUBLISHER Rachel West

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Emily Welly EVENTS EDITOR Jiwon Lee FOOD EDITOR Sarah Godwin

ART

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Holly Vollor SENIOR EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Worthem

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Jennie Lee

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rebekah Clayton Austin Dillon Jiwon Lee Lisa Roberts Jacqueline Savoy Anne-Marie Wyatt

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Leslie Criss Eugene Stockstill

ADVERTISING

COPY EDITOR Ashley Arthur

OFFICE

BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard DISTRIBUTION Allen Baker Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE 662-234-4008

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Keith Rainer Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Paul Gandy Markka Prichard ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationoxford.com

To subscribe to one year (10 issues) or to buy an announcement, visit invitationmag.com.

To request a photographer at your event, email invitationmag.events@gmail.com.

Invitation Magazines respects the many diverse individuals and organizations that make up north Mississippi and strives to be inclusive and representative of all members of our community.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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C O M M U N I T Y J U N E /J U LY 202 5

Oxford Uncorked

OXFORD

J U LY 5

A wine-tasting festival featuring more than 200 wines from over a dozen countries, plus food vendors and live music. Tickets available online. 2 p.m., The Lyric Oxford.

Summer Sunset Series JUNE 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets for free, family-friendly evening concerts every Sunday in June. The series kicks off June 1. 6 p.m., the Grove. visitoxfordms.com

Linen on the Lawn JUNE 6

Kick off Juneteenth with a community picnic featuring food trucks and The Soul Tones. 6 p.m., Old Armory Pavilion. oxfordjuneteenth.org

thelyricoxford.com

Juneteenth Festival J UNE 14

Celebrate with food trucks, vendors, water slides and local entertainment. 4 p.m., Oxford Intermediate School. oxfordjuneteenth.org

Juneteenth Celebration

Jaxson Dart Camp

JUNE 19

J U LY 8

Continue Juneteenth celebrations with music by CJS Music Box, food trucks and more. 5 p.m., City Hall Pocket Park.

Boys and girls ages 6-16 are invited to join Jaxson Dart for a youth football camp.

Register online. 3-7 p.m., Oxford High School football field.

oxfordjuneteenth.org

flexworksports.com

Musical Theatre Camp J U LY 1 4-1 8

Theatre Oxford presents a musical theatre camp for kids ages 8-12 led by instructors Rene Pulliam and Justin Wadkins. The week ends with a studio recital. Register online. 1-4 p.m., Lafayette County Arena.

National Trails Day Hike & Picnic

oxfordarts.com

“Fiddler on the Roof”

Faulkner Conference

JUNE 7

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Grand opening of the Yalobusha Greenway rail-to-trail, celebration includes free food, music, games and guided trail hikes.

9 a.m.-noon, North Court Street & Railroad Avenue in Water Valley.

The Ford Center hosts Oxford’s annual community musical featuring a cast that includes local performers of all ages.

Tickets available online. 7:30 p.m., the Ford Center.

The 51st annual Faulkner & Yoknapatawpha Conference includes lectures, an afternoon cocktail reception, a picnic at Rowan Oak, guided tours, special exhibits and more. Complete details online.

yalobushagreenways.org

fordcenter.org

outreach.olemiss.edu/events/faulkner

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Tupelo Elvis Festival

Routes include 25- and 50-milers and 100 kilometers. Riders receive T-shirts; food music and door prizes follow the ride.

8 a.m., 100 E. Bankhead St., New Albany.

J U N E 4-7

newalbanymainstreet.com

NORTHEAST

Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association hosts the annual Tupelo Elvis Festival, with a car show at Cadence Bank Arena, a gala at Tupelo Cotton Mill, live music at The Depot, a pop-up art show at Gumtree Museum, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and more. Complete schedule and ticket information available online. tupeloelvisfestival.com

“Cinderella” J U N E 2 6 -2 8

Eric Matthews Youth Football Camp JUNE 21

With help from current and retired NFL players, the Eric Matthews Football Camp teaches football fundamentals, character values and even offers opportunities for mothers to participate. The camp is free and open to ages 8-18. 9 a.m.-noon, Robins Field, Tupelo.

Tupelo Community Theatre performs Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”

Tickets $30 for adults; $10 for students.

7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m.

Saturday, the Lyric Theatre. tctlyric.com

ericmatthewsfoundation.org

Gatlin Brothers Concert JUNE 21

Gumtree Art Camps J U N E 17-20 & J U LY 1 5 -1 8

Gumtree Museum of Art offers two summer art camps for kids ages 6-13. $150 per child; $135 for members. Supplies and snacks provided. 1:30-4 p.m., Gumtree Museum. gumtreemuseum.com

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The Gatlin Brothers bring their 70th anniversary tour to Corinth. Tickets from $46. 7 p.m., Crossroads Arena, Corinth. crossroadsarena.com

Pedaling for Hope on the Tanglefoot Trail JUNE 21

A bike ride benefiting Regional Rehab and the New Albany Main Street Association.

Slugburger Festival J U LY 1 0 -12

Named for an old-time Corinth creation (a burger made with a potato- or soybean-based filler), the Slugburger Festival includes live music, a car show, vendors and more. Held in downtown Corinth. corinth.net

Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners Concert J U LY 1 6

Aaron Lewis brings his blend of country music and hard rock to Tupelo. Tickets from $46. 7:30 p.m., Cadence Bank Arena. cb-arena.com

“Mary Poppins Jr.” J U LY 1 7-1 9

Tupelo Community Theatre’s Summer Youth Theatre performance. Actors ages 8-18 perform “Mary Poppins Jr.” Ticket prices and showtimes TBA, the Lyric Theatre. tctlyric.com

Dukes and Boots J U LY 2 6

Southern soul blues and comedy combine.

Hosted by Nephew Tommy and featuring Sir Charles Jones’ Farewell Tour. Tickets from $55. 7 p.m., Cadence Bank Arena. cb-arena.com J U N E /J U LY 2 02 5 | I N V I TAT I O N

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S E A S O N : WATERMELON ICE POPS COLD, REFRESHING AND MADE WITH INGREDIENTS FROM LOCAL FARMERS, OX S I C L E S ’ WAT E R M E L O N I C E P O P S H I T T H E S P O T O N A H O T S U M M E R D AY. WR IT TE N BY E M I LY W EL LY

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xsicles’ handcrafted ice pops are a sought-after summer treat in north Mississippi. The frozen snacks come in myriad flavors, but perhaps nothing captures the season better than the flavor of sweet, ripe watermelon.

According to Oxsicles owner Elizabeth Speed, watermelon is always a popular flavor, particularly at summer festivals like Water Valley’s annual Watermelon Carnival.

“I think the key to the best tasting watermelon pop is the ingredients,” Speed said. “I use local watermelons from Clear Creek Produce and Halleluyah Gardens, fresh lime juice and local honey from Mardis

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RECIPE BY ELIZABETH SPEED

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Honey Farm.”

Oxsicles are available at Chicory Market, Oxford Community Market (every Tuesday 3-6 p.m.), during the Summer Sunset Series in the Grove (on Sundays in June), and at The Lily Pad, Sugar Magnolia, and in the POD market in Stockard/Martin on the Ole Miss campus.

Speed has owned Oxsicles since 2020.

She purchased it from founder Lauren Klimentz right before the pandemic began — presenting her with an early challenge.

“We got through the first season by having neighborhood pop-ups and small outdoor gatherings,” she said.

Since then, the business has grown. The ice pops in the Oxsicles cart come from the company’s dedicated commercial kitchen, which has a Robopop machine that makes up to 350 popsicles an hour.

An important note for locals who love Oxsicles: The business is currently for sale as Speed is pursuing new ventures. For more information about the sale of the business, contact oxsiclespops@gmail.com.

WATERMELON OXCICLES Makes 8-9 (3-ounce) ice pops, depending on juiciness of watermelon.

1 tablespoon local honey 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 6 cups chopped watermelon (preferably locally grown and in season) 1 pinch of salt In a blender, pour in honey, and then add lime juice and watermelon. Add a pinch of salt, and process until completely smooth.

Pour into ice pop molds or small cups, leaving a little room at the top for expansion.

If using regular molds, snap on the lids and freeze until solid, about 4 hours or overnight. If using cups, freeze for a couple of hours, insert sticks, and freeze until solid.

FIND OXCICLES:

oxsicles.com instagram.com/oxsicles facebook.com/oxsicles

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WEDDING

JOHN CAIN PHOTOGRAPHY

M a r y Re id D i xo n & Ba r ro n C h a rle s M ay f ie ld

DATE

March 8, 2025

CITY

Oxford

BRIDE'S PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Justyn Bennett Dixon

GROOM'S PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Scot Lewis Mayfield

LUNCHEON/REHEARSAL WEDDING VENUE RECEPTION VENUE BRIDE'S GOWN FLORAL DESIGN CAKES CATERING BAND

Paris-Yates Chapel The Lyric Mark Ingram from Warren Barron Bridal Oxford Floral Social Bites Confections A&N Catering Phunky Monkeys

PHOTOGRAPHER

John Cain Photography

VIDEOGRAPHER

Message in a Bottle Productions

CALLIGRAPHY MAKEUP HAIR

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Isom Place

Paperglaze Calligraphy McKenna Goddard The Studio

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WEDDING

TREY TOMSIK

Hol l ie A m a nd a H i l l i a rd & Ja me s T i l mo n D a lto n

DATE

October 6, 2024

CITY

Overton, Nevada

BRIDE'S PARENTS

Mr. Eddie and Mrs. Ruth Ann Hilliard

GROOM'S PARENTS

Mr. Clarence and Mrs. Anna Dalton

WEDDING VENUE

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

BRIDE'S GOWN

Low’s Bridal Shop

GROOM'S AT TIRE

Men’s Wearhouse

FLORAL DESIGN

Las Vegas Bouquet

PHOTOGRAPHER

Trey Tomsik

MAKEUP ARTIST

Beauty Studio

CAKES HONEYMOON

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Las Vegas Custom Cakes Hawaii

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WEDDING

BRIAN FLINT

S he l by A sh ly n M a r sh & Pat r ic k L e e P it t m a n

DATE

February 22, 2025

CITY

Oxford

RECEPTION VENUE BRIDE'S GOWN

Maggie Louise

GROOM'S TUX

Finch & Kelly

PHOTOGRAPHER

Brian Flint

FLORAL DESIGN

Oxford Floral

RENTALS

Details Specialty Rentals

CATERER

Elizabeth Heiskell Catering

CAKE

Bremma's Cakery & Confections

BAND

Jameson Tank

SAXOPHONIST

Cameron Ross

HAIR & MAKEUP

Blaylock Beauty

G E TAWAY C A R S

Hotty Toddy Wedding Cars

W E D D I N G D AY P E T S E R V I C E

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The Lyric

Wagnolia Bells

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WEDDING

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illian Ella McElreath of Oxford, Mississippi, and Hayden Anderson Hankins of Tupelo, Mississippi, were united in marriage on October 19, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Oxford University United Methodist Church. The ceremony was officiated by Dr. Eddie Rester.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bon Mark McElreath of Oxford. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bon Hughes McElreath and the late Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Dulon Mize.

The groom is the son of Mrs. Randle Massey Groover and Mr. Mickey Alan Hankins of Tupelo. He is the grandson of Mrs. Linda Hankins, the late Mr. John Douglas Hankins and the late Mrs. Verna Cayson.

The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a guipure lace topper by Monique Lhuillier over a flowing tulle

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gown, combining timeless elegance with romantic detail. She wore sapphire and diamond earrings, a gift from her father, adding a meaningful touch to her bridal ensemble. Her bouquet, crafted by Oxford Floral, was a loosely gathered mix of blush florals and a delicate orchid to complement the groom's boutonniere. Cascading orchids and greenery also adorned the altar table.

She walked down the aisle to “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation” by Henry Purcell, played on the organ by the talented Anita Ludlow, accompanied by Armee Hong on the violin. The musical selections and scripture readings were thoughtfully guided

by Lee Ulhorn.

The flower girls were Evelyn Kate and Vivian Hughes McElreath, nieces of the bride. Attending the bride as matron of honor was her sister-in-law Emily Xie McElreath. Lillian was also supported by

B. FLINT PHOTOGRAPHY

L i l l i a n E l l a Mc E l re at h & H ayd e n A nd e r s o n H a n k i n s

maids of honor Eleanore Anne Saget and Emma Grace Wilson. The bridesmaids included Mary Morgan Agostinelli, Shelby Taylor Bryan, Addison Elizabeth Hughes, Caroline Whitaker St. Germain and Madison Lee Wadsworth.

The groom’s brother, Cayson Graham Hankins, served as best man. Groomsmen included Arlin Braddock Brawner, Harrison Davis Hawkins, Jacob O’Neal Hughes, Donald Craver Swing III, Mitchell Ben Tharp, Logan Bishop Webb and Robert Heath Westover.

Following a beautiful ceremony, the celebration continued at the historic Isom Place, where guests mingled under the fall sky and glowing string lights in the backyard. The bride and groom shared their first dance to “Just the Two of Us,” before entering the ballroom to cut their wedding cake. The cake, artfully created by Creative Cakes of Tupelo, was adorned with handmade flowers mimicking the lace of the bride’s gown and featured delicate piping intentionally designed by the bride herself.

Guests enjoyed an evening of dinner and dancing, with a meal thoughtfully prepared by Elizabeth Heiskell and lively entertainment provided by Groove Factor Band of Memphis, Tennessee.

A special surprise for guests included sno balls, provided by John Sherman and Sno Biz of Oxford — Lillian’s very first job — adding a nostalgic and sweet touch to the reception.

After an evening of celebration, the couple exited through the front lawn of Isom Place, where guests gathered to wish them well as they began their new life together.

The day’s events were perfectly executed

by Dakin Reed of Taylored Well Events and authentically and beautifully captured by the talented B. Flint Photography and videographer Carter Lane Media.

The eve of the wedding, a rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom’s parents at The Sipp on South Lamar. A custom caricature of the couple was on display and greeted guests as they entered to share toasts over candlelight surrounded by centerpieces that included playful odes to the groom’s hunting hobbies.

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WEDDING

BRIAN FLINT

M a d d ie Mc Hu g h & Pau l G a ndy

DATE

October 18, 2024

CITY

Oxford

BRIDE'S PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Maryann McHugh

GROOM'S PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Katherine Gandy

GET TING READY LOCATION ELOPEMENT

Lamar Park

OFFICIANT

Andy Douglas

POST-ELOPEMENT PART Y PHOTOGRAPHER

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Cynthia Gerlach’s home

Bottletree Bakery Brian Flint

DRESS

The Barefoot Bride Memphis

RINGS

Van Atkins Jewelry Oxford

ENGAGEMENT

JOSH MCCOY

M a r g a re t Mc Ke n z ie Ta n ne h i l l & N ic hol a s Re e d M a rk le

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r. and Mrs. Jack Rhea Tannehill, Jr. of Oxford announce the engagement of their daughter, Margaret McKenzie Tannehill, to Nicholas Reed Markle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Lee Markle of Oxford.

Margaret “Maggie” is a graduate of Oxford High School in Oxford. She received a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Mississippi State University. She currently serves as an Advocate Coordinator for CASA of North Mississippi, a nonprofit dear to her heart.

Nicholas “Reed” is a graduate of Oxford High School in Oxford. He is also a graduate of Northeast Community College.

Reed works as a sales representative for Maximus Building Supply in Oxford.

The couple was engaged on April 18, 2025. The couple will reside in Oxford after they exchange vows on April 18, 2026.

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PATRICK REMINGTON

E l i z a b e t h W i l l i a m s & Je f fe r y D a r re n D u nc a n

DATE

October 19, 2024

CITY

Oxford

WEDDING VENUE CATERER

Elizabeth Heiskell Catering

FLORIST

Oxford Floral

RENTALS

Details Specialty Rentals

PHOTOGRAPHER OFFICIANT CAKE

Patrick Remington Dr. Curt Bair and Pastor Chris McAlilly The Flour Garden

BRIDAL GOWN

Maggie Louise

GROOM'S SUIT

Finch & Kelly

NIGHT BEFORE

The Green’s Farm

HONEYMOON

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The Jefferson

Italy

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Mahjong Mania THANKS IN PART TO TWO OXFORD WOMEN, THE POPUL ARIT Y OF A NATIVE CHINESE GAME IS GROWING LIKE WILDFIRE IN OXFORD A N D L A FAY E T T E C O U N T Y. WRIT TEN BY EUGENE STOCKSTILL PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

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Liza Sorgenfrei and Emily Maxcy

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pproximately 350,000 people in the United States are playing mahjong, according to the National Mah Jongg League, and thanks to two Oxford moms, at least 200 of those players live somewhere in Lafayette County.

Emily Maxcy and Liza Sorgenfrei founded the Oxford Mahjong League last year. Since then, the league has raised more than $12,000 for the Doors of Hope charity, and the two women have taught mahjong classes in private homes, as well as at The Sipp, Kingswood, The Coop, El Charro, Casa Mexicana, Exploradora Coffee and The Cafe at Myers Apothecary.

So, you might be asking, what’s the big deal? Can’t anybody learn a game? Well, imagine for a moment that you are trying to learn how to play competitive bridge while half-drunk and blindfolded, and you’ll begin to understand why it might help to have a guide into the wild, wonderful world of mahjong, a game that originated in 19thcentury China.

There are card games, and there are board games. And then there is mahjong.

“Liza had me and three others at a table teaching all of us at the same time,” Maxcy said. “I definitely remember the chaotic feeling of trying to remember all of the rules and names of all the tiles. It’s just a lot to learn at the beginning.”

So what is mahjong anyway? Mahjong is played with tiles. The goal is to form a 14tile hand. Four people typically play. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong!

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array of rules and a panoply of other versions, too, including formats that originated in Korea, Japan and in the Middle East. The National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) — jongg is an acceptable alternate spelling — issues an official card of hands of varying degrees of difficulty every year (see sidebar for a few more details on the game itself).

Sorgenfrei was introduced to the game by a childhood friend, Annie O’Grady, who is nationally known for helping start the business The Mahjong Line, which makes game tiles and mats. Sorgenfrei had spotty experiences as she was learning the game through the years.

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure I’d ever pick it up again,” she said, but she sure did.

Maxcy was getting her nails done one day when she saw the mahjong scene in the award-winning film “Crazy Rich Asians” and thought she’d like to learn it. Not long after that, she saw a social-media post about Sorgenfrei playing mahjong with her mom.

Long story short, the Oxford Mahjong League was born.

Wondering what a friendly bit of mahjong play might be like? Here is Sorgenfrei’s description.

“We have a group of eight women we play with on Thursday mornings while our kids are at school. We have two tables going and play for two-plus hours and spend a lot of time just catching up on life, laughing and playing. We’ve also walked through hard things like cancer. Mahjong brings people together. We love to go somewhere with

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How to Play Mahjong A typical game of mahjong consists of four players. (There is also a two-person version, Siamese Mahjong). Here, in a nutshell, is the American version of the game.

You start with 152 tiles, including eight jokers. There are three suits: bams (short for bamboo), cracks (short for characters) and dots (or circles). Each suit has a matching dragon, much like a face card in a card game. There are eight neutral flower tiles and also wind tiles (north, south, east and west).

You need a certain combination of 14 tiles for a winning hand.

Jokers can be used in any way except as singles or in pairs. Each year, the National Mah Jongg League issues a new card with an array of winning hands to be played. A new card is issued after the Chinese New Year.

Tiles are shuffled, and each player builds a rack of tiles. Each player starts with 13 tiles except for the dealer, who starts with 14. Players draw and discard tiles. The goal is to combine tiles into sets and pairs totaling 14 tiles that match the lines on the official NMJL card.

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The Oxford Mahjong League hosted Mahj 4 a Cause in April to benefit Doors of Hope. The event raised more than $12,000.

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yummy food and drinks and that way no one has to have a clean house to host. Some of us come dressed for the day and others come straight from a workout class.”

For the time being, the Oxford Mahjong League is purely a way to teach the game and socialize, though in April, Maxcy and Sorgenfrei put on Mahj 4 a Cause, a mahjong-themed fundraiser event for Doors of Hope, and they would like to sponsor official tournaments and other competitions in the future. They are also planning to attend a mahjong tournament in New Orleans later this year to discover methods to improve their own efforts.

“We want this to be a way to build community in Oxford,” Maxcy said.

Anxious that you won’t fit in because you’ve never played before and don’t know beans about the game? Don’t give those worries a second thought, since both of the league’s founders say they welcome newbies, middlers and veterans of all stripes.

“It’s just about getting together over a few games of ‘mahj,’” Sorgenfrei said, a game that is part competitive spark plug, part social outlet and part mental therapy, which may explain why the NMJL’s charity of choice is the Alzheimer’s Association.

Interested? All you need is a table that seats four. Square tables are the best. For more information on prices and scheduling, contact Maxcy and Sorgenfrei at oxmahjleague@gmail.com.

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Top 10 Trends to Watch FROM FOOD AND DRINK TO WEDDING DRESSES AND DECOR, W E D D I N G A N D E V E N T P L A N N E R D A K I N R E E D O F TAY L O R E D W E L L E V E N T S E X P E C T S T H E S E C U T T I N G -E D G E T R E N D S T O M A K E T H E I R WAY T O N O R T H M I S S I S S I P P I. COMPILED BY DAKIN REED

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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY TAY LO R SQ UA R E PH OTO G R A PH Y

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Family-style seated dinners instead of individual servings for everyone. This creates a more European dinner party atmosphere and helps assist guests in conversation.

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Greet guests with champagne or a welcome cocktail before the ceremony (churches not included!) Ideal for an outdoor ceremony at a private venue or an at-home wedding.

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Have the wedding party sit down during the ceremony on the first few pews behind the parents but before other family members, so that only the bride and groom are standing at the altar.

At the start of the ceremony, the maid of honor takes the bride’s bouquet, and then she sits down on a pew or chair. This puts the focus back on the couple getting married.

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Wedding weekend cohesive and unique marketing. Instead of a crest with initials, opt for something more unique, almost like a pop-up high-end brand is hosting the weekend. No one wants to wear or use items with the couple’s initials on them after the wedding is over, so for longevity use a slogan like “From Oxford with Love,” or if a specific graphic was used in invitations like a butterfly, consider branding all of the cups, napkins, etc., with that same butterfly instead of with the couple’s names or initials.

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Another on-trend idea? Consider forgoing typical bouquets in favor of simplified flower arrangements.

Creative takes on traditional gowns allow a bride’s unique personality to shine through.

Detachable trains can change the look of the dress, for example. And, in the future, look for two-piece sets with separate tops and skirts that are becoming popular with designers.

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Bridesmaid dresses that are dresses in real life. This gives the cohesive look of mixand-match dresses but allows the bridal party to really like what they’re wearing and wear it again and again. Brands like Reformation, Lula Kate and V Chapman are great for this look.

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Wedding scents. Incorporate a custom scent into a room spray or diffuser at the wedding, in a perfume for your welcome boxes, in candles.

Try spraying it on stationary to carry through the entire weekend and invoke memories every time guests smell it.

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Plan activities for bridesmaids while they wait for hair and makeup, like a custom hat bar.

We just did this in April, and it was a huge hit.

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Forgo a groom’s cake for something special and unique to the groom and his interests.

A few examples: milkshakes inspired by his favorite dessert spot; mini burgers, the groom’s favorite pizza in custom wedding boxes; a coffee cart; or even a cigar bar. His special item doesn’t necessarily have to be food.

About Dakin Reed Dakin Reed is a 2021 University of Mississippi

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A specialty bar. Signature drinks as they are typically done now are starting to feel dated, but the idea can still be incorporated in a different way. A few possibilities: a tequila bar, a spritz bar with three different kinds of spritz, a martini bar, a beer bar, etc.

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graduate who has worked in event and wedding planning the past four years. She started Taylored Well Events a year ago after getting engaged and moving back to her hometown, Tupelo. Follow her company on Instagram @tayloredwellevents.

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Going to the Chapel F O R A N I N T I M AT E G AT H E R I N G O F FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S O N T H E B I G D AY, OPT FOR A QUAINT, LOCAL CHAPEL TO EXCHANGE WEDDING VOWS. WR IT TE N BY L ESL I E CR I S S A N D E M I LY WEL LY

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

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n Southern towns, large and small, beautiful wedding chapels of every size and style continue to be one of the things couples consider when planning the big day. Locally, some chapels are part of wedding venue businesses, and some are built and cared for by families that decided to share their land and property with happy couples looking for the perfect setting.

Tupelo funeral director Steve Holland, for example, said he always wanted a church on his family land. “We have a family cemetery,” he said. “And a cemetery needs a chapel.” And Marty Brown wanted a chapel on family land simply to have a place for his own family to gather on special occasions. But then he decided to make the chapel available to others.

Here are some of the lovely, soughtafter chapels in north Mississippi where couples are choosing to say “I do.”

THE LODGE AT

Live Strive Farms 855A HIGHWAY 30 EAST, OXFORD

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662-444-8141

Perhaps the newest chapel in north Mississippi, the Lodge at Live Strive Farms hosted its first wedding in March. Three sides of the chapel, which seats 284, are almost entirely glass, flooding the interior with natural light. Separate from the chapel is a lodge that sleeps 10 and an 8,000-square-foot event space for wedding receptions and other occasions.

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Fillmore Street CHAPEL

901 NORTH FILLMORE STREET, CORINTH

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662-287-3111

The oldest church building in Corinth, Fillmore Street Chapel was built in 1871 by Cumberland Presbyterian Church. It was the first church established in Corinth and served as Fillmore Street Presbyterian Church from 1906 to 1976. It is now used as a chapel by First Methodist Church. The Gothic Revival-style chapel was constructed with load-bearing brick walls and windows with lancet arches. In 1898, a vestibule with a twin-tower effect, topped with high-pitched gabled dormers on the steeples, was added to the sanctuary. The chapel remains a popular site for weddings.

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THE CHAPEL AT

Plein Air

1 TOWN SQUARE L ANE, TAYLOR

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662-234-3151

This Taylor chapel, built in 2015, offers couples a place of simple elegance to recite their wedding vows.

The bright, white chapel is constructed almost totally from materials salvaged from centuries-old estate homes, churches, mills and warehouses. The floors are built of heart pine that came from a 200-yearold warehouse in Charleston, South Carolina. The chapel’s windows are from a Lutheran church in Pennsylvania, the pendant lights from a Baptist church in Virginia and the oak pews from a church in Virginia. The chapel can comfortably seat 280. As an additional convenience, the Mill at Plein Air, a wedding venue since 2011, is only steps away from the chapel and provides a perfect place for a followup reception.

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Cedar Shadows CHAPEL

1248 ROWLAND ROAD, PONTOTOC

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662-255-3222

On the side of a rolling hill dotted with 100-year-old cedar trees on the east side of Pontotoc, Cedar Shadows Chapel stands. Completed in the summer of 2022, the chapel is the brainchild — and design — of Marty Brown and Craig Helmuth, and it offers an intimate and beautiful space for the exchanging of rings and “I dos.” The white, steepled chapel can seat up to 50 people, with an outdoor pavilion and fireplace for a reception, dinner or even an outside ceremony. The chapel and its surrounding gardens serve as a memorial to longtime friend Tom Evans, who died in 2020. Chandeliers, stained-glass windows, several bishop’s cathedra, a church bell, statuary and wrought iron from Evans’ home have found a place at Cedar Shadows.

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THE SANCUTARY AT

Sadie J.

3118 HWY. 6, PLANTERSVILLE

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662-213-7971

Tupelo funeral director and former state representative Steve Holland has had a chapel on his family land in Plantersville for the past 15 years. The small, white chapel is actually a refurbished 112-year-old church, restored by Holland as a personal project. Originally, the chapel was situated in the Union community south of Plantersville and served as the Union Southern Baptist Church. Later, the church sat empty for 10 years and ended up in a state of disrepair, until Holland acquired it and had it moved to the Sadie J. Farm. Holland removed pine paneling that was added in the 1950s and added 1902 hardwood flooring that came from the old Tupelo cotton compress warehouses — the only thing not original to the building.

The chapel holds 120 people. In addition to weddings, it has been the site of community gatherings, nonprofit fundraisers, musical events and much more.

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Kingfisher CHAPEL

5191 RAYMOND AVE., TUPELO 662-523-4111

Since 2015, Kingfisher Lodge has served as a beautiful wedding venue on 6 acres in the woods of Verona. Wedding ceremonies and receptions are held inside the 7,000-square-foot main lodge, but for those looking for outdoor options, the property also boasts a rustic, open-air outdoor chapel that seats 200 people. In addition to the covered chapel, Kingfisher has outdoor pews that overlook a lovely lake on the property. The venue also includes a bridal bunkhouse, men’s quarters, a courtyard with outdoor bandstand and more.

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BREAKFAST WITH CHAMPIONS

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le Miss Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted a Breakfast with Champions event featuring David Pollack, a three-time All-American, former NFL player and current college football analyst, on April 26 at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss.

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PHOTOS BY JIWON LEE

1. Michael and Mason Nichols 2. Jared and Christy Farlow 3. Chase and Kara Parham 4. Ellen Clark Downing, Conley Clark and Cecillia Carr 5. John and Linda Scarbrough with Brigitte Viner 6. David Pollack and Peggie Gillom 7. George Anne Denney, Leslie Merritt and Deborah Stone

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MISSISSIPPI DAY

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he University of Mississippi hosted its annual Mississippi Day on April 12. Mississippi Day is an annual event for all community members to showcase and celebrate the impact of the University of Mississippi across our region, state and the world.

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PHOTOS BY AUS T IN DILLON

1. Alana Jones and Kelsea Fields 2. Ava-Tyler Dillon, Denton Bowen and Ann Frances Long 3. Anna Grace Young and Alyssa Shepard 4. Mia Steeves, Philip Beloate, Sydni Nguyen and Gage Regier 5. Hannah, Annsley, Charlie and Taylor Hall 6. Nolan, Shawnboda and Christian Mead 7. Mary Marshall, Elsie and Allison Phillips

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8. Courtney, Laughlin and Jett Berry 9. Kacie, Sam, Harper, Charlie and Henry Harris 10. Thomas, Walt, Ashton and Finley Beth Werfel

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M I S S I S S I P P I DAY

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BUT TERFLY RELE A SE

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he Oxford Garden Club hosted its annual butterfly release on April 24 at the Old Armory Pavilion.

The organization partnered with the Oxford Veterans Home and the Boys and Girls Club of Lafayette, Oxford & University.

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PHOTOS BY JIWON LEE

1. Bethany, Reid and Emery Aiken 2. Lisa Roth, Pamela Grafton, and

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Summer Anderson 3. Sierra Emerson 4. Breanna and Ramsey Smith 5. Shellie, Bailey and Mary Alex Carr

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6. Daley Smith 7. Lincoln Rimoldi

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DOUBLE DECKER

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he 28th annual Double Decker Arts Festival took place April 25-26 in the historic downtown Square. The beloved annual event includes art vendors, live music, food vendors and more.

P H O T O S B Y R E B E K A H CL AY TO N

1. Adrianna and Ashton Bradley with Keyonna

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Hillard and Alandria Moore 2. Catherine Hardouin and Allyssa Daube 3. John Parker and Catherine Ann Harris 4. Alex and Monica Blauth with Kiran Kumar Tatapudi, Susan Kamrani and Robert Blauth 5. Sam Sepe, Maria Vidmar and Lisa Paris 6. Chaz and Amanda Johnson 7. Lillie Watkins, Sarah Kuykendall, Olivia Mayoral and Mekayla Taylor 8. Laura, Gloria and Mary Jane Jones 9. Sydni Davis and Vivian Neill 10. Morgan, Henry and Chance Ragsdale 11. Jalen Dagher, Jambel Dagher and Amber Blackshear 12. Audrey Mulholland, Gracie Zentz, Sydney Young and Lillian Ming 13. Trey LeSueur, Marcus Wilson and Lee Williams 14. Hara Henshell and Anne Cofer 15. Brooke Burns, Kelly Quinn, Anna Claire Parker and Becca Parker

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ST. JOHN’S DRAWDOWN

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t. John’s Drawdown: Night at the Races took place May 2 at the Oxford Conference Center. The Derby-themed night of fun, food, live music and big winnings benefits the Clayton Stevens Foundation, supporting the local community.

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PHOTOS BY JIWON LEE

1. Ashley Perry and Lisa Harmon 2. Lance and Emily Sipes 3. Doyle and Jenny Bryan with James and Julie Harper and Kevin and Leigh Bourn 4. Macey Edmonson, Libby Zoghby and Diala Chaney 5. Lisa Ivy and Leigh Tucker 6. Megan McCurdy and Sydney Fields

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RETURN OF THE RAT

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enowned comedian Theo Von stopped at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss on April 9 as a part of his 2025 tour, Return of the Rat, for a fun night of comedy.

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1. Drew Herst, Lauren Wilson, Grant Johnson, Zoe Merriweather and Braden Forsyth 2. Hayden Barton, Shane Deary and Jake Warren 3. Patrick Moore and Taylor Ketchens 4. Kathryn Lagrone, Carly Jordan and Molly Kirchoff 5. Eric and Avery Williams 6. Josh and Lyndi Greer with Beau Jenkins and Lindsey and Nate Greer 7. Kelsey Pearce, Becca Gregory, Anna Lauren

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Parker and Briana Cole 8. Nicholas and Kristin Byrd with Chelsea and Lance Jones

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OUT & ABOUT Economic Development Foundation

C e d a r O a k s G u i ld M ay Fe s t

1 PHOTOS SUBMIT TED / JIWON LEE

1. Clay Deweese, Brent Larson, William Mayo and

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Brad Mayo 2. Suzanne Atkins 3. Sharon Schreiber 4. Lyndon Froese and Jen Barker 5. Tammy Oliver Cook, Joanna Heidel and Doug Vance 6. Marilyn Sumerford, Pam Poole and Jackie Bailey 7. Alison McAvoy and Kirsten Bowen 8. Ansley Claire Strong and Jodi Dunbar 9. Kristian Barron, Sheila Baker and Amy Kraichman 10. Ashley Baxter and Aggie Doddridge

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OUT & ABOUT E m i ly H e n r y B o ok Re le a s e

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ANYONE IS WELCOME TO VISIT THIS QUIET L AKE IN THE WOODS LOCATED JUST OUTSIDE OXFORD. PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

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re you looking for a quiet place to take the family to drop a fishing line or pitch a tent this summer?

Puskus Lake, pictured above, is located just seven miles east of Oxford, off of Highway 30.

The lake is part of the Puskus Lake Recreation Area, which is public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

According to the Forest Service, national forest land is spread across 1.2 million acres across the state.

Puskus Lake is a remote 96-acre lake

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stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. The facilities there also include 19 primitive campsites, 13 picnic sites, a boat ramp, fishing piers and a 1-mile hiking trail. It is open year-round unless weather conditions require it to be closed. It is a fee area, and there is an unattended fee station just beyond the entrance for visitors ($3 per vehicle for day use; $7 per vehicle for camping).

Learn more about Puskus Lake and other Forest Service locations in Mississippi at fs.usda.gov/mississippi.

How’s this for a hidden gem? This fall, we begin our 20th year in business! To celebrate, we’ll have a fresh look with new content, along with a few more surprises. You can continue to count on us to be the best local events magazine in town.

Thank you for being an important part of the Invitation Magazines family for so many years!