Invitation Oxford - November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

OXFO R D

WEDDING TRENDS & TRADITIONS, A MUSICAL MARRIAGE + V I S I T VA N G O G H I N JACK S O N

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DEPA RTMENT S

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Letter From the Publisher

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Mabus & McLean

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Ingram & Dunn

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Digital Details

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Nix & Moore

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Mask & Hardin

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Calendar

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Stanford & Ellis

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Marshall & Parker

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Shoutouts

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Worsham & Clegg

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Mundo & Richardson

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Recipes: Mexican Wedding Cookies

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Zeidner & Rodriguez

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Neilson & Nutt

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Out & About

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Adcock & Hopkins

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Nesmith & Newton

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Good Neighbor: Mary Katherine Nesmith Newton

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Allen & Graves

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Palmer & Gatlin

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Avent & Brawner

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Robbins & Reese

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Cann & Frazier

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Rucker & Seabrook

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Frazier & Montgomery

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Timmons & Williams

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Gadd & Ardrey

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Watson & Treece

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Guyton & Pillault

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Willbanks & Liffrig

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F E AT U R E S

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EVENTS

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FE ATURES 66 Trends and Traditions

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Show Me a Pair Skeet Shoot

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Crosstown Classic

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Historic Marker Unveiling

Personal touches make wedding day celebrations unforgettable. From heirloom veils to stunning dining tables, here are some special details that caught our eye this year.

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Veterans Memorial Golf

72 A Musical Marriage

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9/11 Day of Service

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Corinth Homecoming

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A Night at the Barn

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Kindness Bouquets

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Fulton Ladies Scramble

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Outdoor Dining

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E V E N T S

Lafayette High School and Oxford High School choir directors Hannah and Thomas Ardrey couldn’t be more in sync.

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78 Bee-ing Natural

A Pontotoc resident’s skincare line offers natural soaps, scrubs and astringents.

82 Meet the Masters

The Mississippi Museum of Art brings French master artists Van Gogh, Monet, Degas and more to Jackson.

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L E T T E R from the E D I T O R In your hands, you hold Invitation Magazines’ Bridal edition. Please, don’t panic. Though COVID confusion may have made most of us lose track of what any given day might be, I believe we’ve done OK at keeping our months straight.

Our Bridal issue usually publishes in June. But thanks to the coronavirus, we’ve had to accept new and different “normals,” at least for now. So, we bring you our Bridal magazine in November.

Truth is, any month is a good month for a wedding.

The first wedding I attended was June 21, 1964. I was 7 and served as flower girl in the wedding of my Uncle Jim. It was at the Catholic church in my hometown of Grenada. My tomboy sensibilities were slightly offended by the frilly frock with matching floral headband and white patent leathers I had to wear. Not to mention my mother had taken me to the beauty shop for my very first permanent.

A painfully shy introvert from way

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back, I was anxious, afraid and ready to get the deed done. This explains my being heavy handed with the rose petals in my little white basket, and why only a quarter way down the aisle, I had no more petals to plop beside the pews. (Yes, I was instructed to gently scatter them.)

A few decades later on Feb. 24, 1990, my sister had her lovely wedding at Church of the Nativity Episcopal in Huntsville, Alabama. I was her maid of honor. The service went just as we’d rehearsed the night before, except for one thing: In her wedding dress, my sister’s train extended far out into the church chancel so that I had to step across it as if it were a rug just to get to my appointed spot.

I doubt many noticed, but it remains one of my more embarrassing moments.

Whether you’ve been a blushing bride recently, many years back or have simply attended a wedding, you will find something to peak your interest inside these pages.

Hannah and Thomas Ardrey, choral

@INVITATIONOXFORD @INVITATIONM AGA ZINE

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directors at Lafayette High School and Oxford High School, respectively, discovered they share a great love of music. Now, they are recently married and working at rival schools. Read their story on page 76.

Pontotoc’s Treka Johnson is so passionate about the importance of skin care she started her own line of products.

Her Bee Natural Body Essentials offers soaps, scrubs and astringents for different skin types. Learn more on page 80.

Meet November’s Good Neighbor on page 112. Mary Katherine Nesmith Newton shares what it was like planning her own wedding in the time of COVID-19.

We hope that you will enjoy this November Bridal issue, and that you and those you love will have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving.

Peace,

LESLIE CRISS, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

@INVOXFORD @INVMAGA ZINE

PUBLISHERS Phil and Rachel West

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Emily Welly EXECUTIVE EDITOR Leslie Criss OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Mary Moreton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eileen Bailey Rachel Burchfield Michaela Gibson Morris COPY EDITOR Ashley Arthur EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Abbey Edmonson

OFFICE

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

ART

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Holly Vollor STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kate Brent Rosemary Fruge Lisa Roberts

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham Anna Zemek ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Becca Pepper ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationoxford.com

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

To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com.

Invitation Oxford 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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D I G I T A L details E XC LU S I V E LY O N L I N E AT I N V I TAT I O N M AG .C O M

H a p py T h a n k s g iv i n g

social S N A P S

B e t we e n t he L i ne s

We love being tagged in your photos!

Thanksgiving weekend is a time for reflection, gratitude and fellowship — from sharing a turkey day meal with family to cheering on your favorite team in the Egg Bowl, which this year takes place Saturday, Nov. 28, in Oxford. Share pics of your favorite Thanksgiving weekend traditions on social media and be sure to tag us @invitationoxford or @invitationmag!

Editor Leslie Criss and occasional guest columnists are writing regular “Between the Lines” columns for publication on our website. You don’t want to miss these touching stories that celebrate our communities and the people in them. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or visit invitationmag.com to read the latest Between the Lines columns.

T h a n k You , Adve r t i s e r s!

Fr id ay Fo o d Blo g

Sycamore slab from @superiorartisanwood… there isn’t a table in Tupelo as durable or as slick...

L O C A T I O N : Downtown Tupelo U S E R N A M E : @thewoodworkings

#NewFlavor of #Cheesecake… Caramel Apple!

L O C A T I O N : Oxford U S E R N A M E : @bremmasbakery Turkey Pot Pie | Recipe by Kimme Hargrove

Visit our website for a complete, interactive list of our advertisers. We can’t thank these businesses enough for their loyal support. To our readers: Please continue to support these community businesses.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss our Friday Food Blog posts. From seasonal weeknight suppers to after-school snacks to holiday feasts, we have ideas that are sure to spice up your recipe rotation.

CALENDAR AND EVENTS

Have an exciting event coming up? Visit our website and share the details on our online community calendar. There’s a chance photos from your event will be featured in an upcoming magazine!

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Quail season…

L O C A T I O N : Little “q” Ranch U S E R N A M E : @littleqranch |

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C O M M U N I T Y NOVEMBER 2020

Holiday Open House in Ripley NOVEMBER 1

The Mississippi Main Street Association will host a holiday open house in downtown Ripley. Retailers will be participating, and appetizers and cider will be served. Vendors will set up around the Courthouse. Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. msmainstreet.com

OLE MISS FOOTBALL all times TBD N OV E M B E R 1 4

Ole Miss vs. South Carolina N OV E M B E R 2 1

Ole Miss at Texas A&M

Author Event NOVEMBER 9

NOVEMBER 3

Square Books hosts a virtual conversation with author Kiese Laymon and the Rev. Carolyn Coleman about Laymon’s first work of nonfiction, “How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America.” The collection of 13 essays revolves around growing up in our society. RSVP by emailing rsvp@squarebooks.com.

5 p.m.

Get out and exercise your right to vote!

squarebooks.com

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Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State DECEMBER 5

Ole Miss at LSU

General Election Day

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Thanksgiving Day N OV E MB ER 26

It’s a day to give thanks and be with family. Share pics of your favorite turkey day traditions on social media and tag us @invitationoxford or @invitationmag!

Shop Small Saturday in Downtown Tupelo NOVEMBER 28

Black Friday NOVEMBER 27

Tunes Around Town

Make sure to socially distance while you’re out shopping for those deals.

For every dollar spent at a small business, approximately 67 cents stays in the community. The Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association encourages residents to come support their town today and all year by shopping in downtown Tupelo. tupelomainstreet.com

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Stroll around the Oxford Square while several musicians put on 20-minute performances in locations around town.

5-7 p.m. visitoxfordms.com

Christmas on Bankhead NOVEMBER 19

New Albany Main Street and Magnolia Civic Center host an evening of holiday cheer. From carriage rides, to a tree lighting, to a parade and more, there will be plenty of fun to be had. Live music and food will be provided as well. Visit website for schedule details. Free. 5:30-8:30 p.m. visitnewalbany.com

The Xtreme “Egg” Bull Riding Event NOVEMBER 27

Tim Lepard and Team Ghost Riders bring their talents to the Lafayette County Multipurpose Arena. Visit website for tickets and more information. lafayettecountyrodeo.com

Christmas Lighting NOVEMBER 30

Kick off the holiday season at the annual Christmas Lighting of Ballard Park in Tupelo. Local choirs sing, and Oren Dunn Museum hosts an open house. Free. 6 p.m.

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S H O U T O U T S For years, Clarksdale native and Oxford resident Wright Thompson has written about all things sports-related for several newspapers and, since 2006, for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine. This month sees the release of Thompson’s new book, “Pappyland: A Story of Fine Bourbon, Family, and the Things That Last.”

Thompson’s book does not stick solidly in a single genre but it falls and fits quite comfortably in the categories of biography, memoir, business, wine and beverage.

The book, to be released Nov. 10, tells the story of Julian Van Winkle III, the thirdgeneration head of the renowned bourbon business. A bottle of sought-after 23-yearold Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve might fetch $3,000 or more on the internet.

Locally, at 7 p.m. on Nov. 16, Square Books will host a virtual conversation via Zoom with Thompson and Van Winkle.

Tickets include a signed copy of the book and a raffle entry for a bottle of Pappy Van

Julian Van Winkle III with Wright Thompson

Winkle bourbon. The cost is $42 if you can pick the book up; $50 to have it shipped.

The proceeds benefit the Lee Initiative and its Restaurant Workers Relief Program.

Purchase tickets at squarebooks.com.

“While the launch party for Pappyland is virtual, in that time honored literary tradition of Oxford, we’ve tried to make it

THOM SHELBY

T he Bu s i ne s s of B ou r b o n

feel like the good old days — by raffling off a bottle of the most sought-after and rare bourbon in the world,” Thompson said.

“The charity this is benefiting is near and dear to me because it supports the restaurant workers struggling in a time of isolation and social distancing. They need your help, and you need this bourbon!”

W i l l ie Mo r r i s Awa rd s Fi n a l i s t s Na me d

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JULIE KERESZTES

KIM NEWMONEY

MELISSA SCHMIDT

searches for works with words that foster “hope for belonging, for a belief in people’s better nature, for steadfastness against all that is hollow or crass or rootless or destructive,” in Morris’ own words.

The finalists are Chanelle Benz, who lives in Memphis and teaches at Rhodes College (“The Gone Dead”); Margaret Wilkerson Sexton of New Orleans (“The Revisioners”); and De’Shawn Charles Winslow of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, living in New York (“In West Mills”).

The awards were created in 2008 by Reba White Williams and David H. Williams of Margaret Wilkerson Sexton Chanelle Benz De’Shawn Charles Winslow Connecticut for the purpose of promoting Southern writers and preserving the legacy of longtime friend Morris, UM writer-in-residence and instructor from 1980 to 1991.

The finalists for the 2019 Willie Morris Awards for Southern The Willie Morris Awards and the Oxford Conference for the Writing were recently named from the awards’ new home at the Book will honor the winner in Oxford on March 12, 2021. The University of Mississippi. The awards are administered by the award includes a $10,000 prize.

Department of Writing and Rhetoric after a national panel of judges

SHOUTOUTS

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COURTESY OF JUDYPOUNDCAKES

Pou nd C a ke s fo r A l l O c c a s io n s

Old-fashioned pound cakes have sweetened the life of Judy Douglass since she watched her mother and grandmother make the Southern staple when she was a little girl. She followed in their footsteps when she began baking pound cakes herself for tailgating in Oxford, for family gatherings and as gifts for friends.

For years, the Jackson native baked pound cakes out of her Memphis home as people began requesting them, and their popularity spread by word of mouth. After filling orders for 40-something cakes during the holiday season, her husband offered a good-natured ultimatum.

“He told me it was time to quit or get my own place where I could bake all these pound cakes,” Douglass said.

About seven years ago, she found a commercial kitchen and now employs others to help her at Judy Pound Cakes.

These days you can find her pound cakes in stores around Memphis, including Whole Foods. Douglass also takes orders through her website and ships her cakes all over the country for all manner of occasions, even for weddings for brides who prefer “naked wedding cakes,” without all the icing.

In addition to a plain pound cake, Judy Pound Cakes offers Chocolate Cayenne, Just Coconut, Apricot Almond, Blackberry Almond, Cinnamon Pecan, Peach Cinnamon, Raspberry Almond, Lemon and Strawberry.

Learn more at judypoundcakes.com.

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mexican W E D D I N G cookies S U G A R- C O AT E D A N D N U T T Y, T H E S E P O P U L A R H O L I D AY C O O K I E S A R E K N O W N B Y M A N Y N A M E S .

RECIPE CONTRIBUTED BY LESLIE CRISS

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

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hese easy-to-make cookies have been beloved for years. Made with only a small handful of ingredients, the buttery, nutty bites of goodness — commonly called Mexican Wedding Cookies, Danish Wedding Cookies or Italian Wedding Cookies — are interestingly also known by several other names.

At Christmastime, this recipe renders a batch of beautiful round, powdered-sugarcoated balls referred to as Snowball Cookies.

Some stories suggest these cookies originated as a teatime snack in Russia and got the name Russian Tea Cakes.

They’re also called Cocoons by some, usually when they’re rolled into a crescent shape rather than a round ball before baking. Yet another name for them is Sand Tarts, though this cookie is not tart-like at all. Sand Tarts come in several variations, including a thin, cutout cookie or one that is rolled into either a round ball shape or a crescent shape like the Cocoon version.

No matter what name you choose to call these cookies, or whether you bake them for the sacred occasion of a wedding celebration, to share at a holiday cookie exchange or just to enjoy at home, all should be in agreement on one thing: They are a delightful addition to any recipe box.

WEDDING

cookies

1 cup softened butter (no substitutes) 5 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons cold water 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Sifted powdered sugar Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar. Add flour, water, pecans and vanilla. Refrigerate dough overnight or until well chilled. Roll dough into small balls, and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake until slightly browned, about 20 minutes. Remove hot cookies from cookie sheet, and immediately roll in powdered sugar to coat. Makes 4 dozen cookies.

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STYLED BY SARAH McCULLEN

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ENGAGEMENT M a d e l i ne D aw n M a bu s & K ra f t S a mue l Mc L e a n

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earned his Bachelor of Science in Forest Management at Mississippi State University in Starkville. He is currently a procurement forester at West Fraser in Leola, Arkansas.

The couple will exchange vows at First United Methodist Church in Canton, with a reception following at Sterling Hall on the Square in Canton on March 20, 2021.

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s. Emily Drake Mabus of Fulton announces the engagement of her daughter, Madeline Dawn Mabus, daughter of the late Mr. Chip Mabus, to Kraft Samuel McLean, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edward McLean of Canton.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. Eddie Drake and Ms. Carol McGee

Drake of Fulton, and Mr. and Mrs. Larry Mabus of Fulton, and the late Ms. Brenda Colson Mabus. The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Clement Kraft of Canton and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Elbert McLean of Canton.

Madeline is a graduate of Itawamba Agricultural High School in Fulton. She received an Associate of Arts degree at Itawamba Community College in Fulton and a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Disorders at the Mississippi University of Women in Columbus. She is pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communications from Arkansas State University.

Kraft is a graduate of Canton Academy in Canton. He received a football scholarship to play at Ouachita Baptist University. Kraft

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ENGAGEMENT C h a rle y A n n N i x & Br yc e Mo o re

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r. Charles Ray Nix II and Ms. Margaret Nix of Batesville announce the engagement of their daughter, Charley Ann Nix, to Bryce Moore, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Jay Moore of Batesville. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Lesa Alford and the late Mr. George Kenneth Alford and Mrs. Patricia Nix and the late Mr. Charles Ray Nix, all of Batesville. The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Wayne Moore of Batesville.

Charley Ann is a graduate of North Delta School. She received her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Mississippi in May 2019. At Ole Miss, Charley Ann was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and selected

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as Miss University of Mississippi 2018.

In 2019, she was named first runnerup to Miss Mississippi. Currently, she is a second-year pharmacy student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, where she serves as a student ambassador, member of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical fraternity and APhA-ASP, and she serves as a member of the 20202021 Admissions Committee.

Bryce is a 2014 graduate of South Panola High School. He is the owner of Moore Equipment Rental and works as project manager for Moore Construction.

The couple will exchange vows on June 12, 2021, at Batesville Presbyterian Church in Batesville. A celebration will follow at Panola Country Club.

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ENGAGEMENT K r i s t i n D e s t i ne y Pa i ge S t a n fo rd & Eva n M ic h ae l E l l i s

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the great-grandson of the late Cleo Herring of Verona. Evan is an application engineer at Syntron Material Handling LLC in Saltillo.

Evan’s hobbies include golfing, hunting and racing dirt track cars.

Paige and Evan began dating in September 2018. Evan popped the question while on a romantic trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on Jan. 25, 2020. Their wedding will be Nov. 21, 2020, at The Kingfisher Lodge in Verona.

MARTY PETTIT

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odney and Kristy Stanford and Mike and Cindy Ellis are pleased to announce the engagement of Kristin Destiney Paige Stanford to Evan Michael Ellis.

Paige is the granddaughter of Jimmy (Vicki) and the late Joyce Dye of Shannon and Kenny (Patricia) and the late Jenny Stanford of Nettleton. She is also the greatgranddaughter of the late Helen Dye of Shannon. Paige is currently a graduate student at the University of West Alabama majoring in special education. Paige’s hobbies include antiques shopping, boating and spending time with family.

Evan is the grandson of Billy and Barbara Evans of Plantersville and the late Tulon and Patsy Ellis of Verona. He is also

ENGAGEMENT P r ie s t le y H e s s Wo r sh a m & P h i l i p C l aud e C le g g I I

AMY HUTCHINSON

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r. and Mrs. Robert Hayden Worsham Jr. of Corinth announce the engagement and upcoming wedding of their daughter, Priestley Hess Worsham, to Mr. Philip Claude Clegg II, son of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Claude Clegg of Clarksdale.

The bride is the granddaughter of Mrs. James Prentiss Hodges and the late Mr. Hodges, Mrs. Carl Wilson Wood, and the late Mr. Robert Hayden “Bobby� Worsham, all of Corinth.

The groom is the grandson of the late Mrs. Mary Short Williamson of Wabash, Arkansas, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Claude Clegg of Clarksdale.

Priestley is a graduate of Corinth

Academic and Performing Arts Center. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications in the School of Journalism at the University of Mississippi, where she served as an officer in the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

Claude is a graduate of Lee Academy in Clarksdale. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mississippi, where he served as an officer in the Kappa Alpha Order.

The couple will exchange vows on May 1, 2021, in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church in Corinth, where Priestley grew up, and where Claude proposed to her in June of this year.

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r. and Mrs. John Zeidner of Fort Mill, South Carolina, announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelly Nicole Zeidner to Jacob Tyler Rodriguez, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Rodriguez of Austin, Texas.

Kelly received a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications from the School of Journalism at the

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University of Mississippi in 2018. She served as vice president of membership development at the Mississippi Beta chapter of Pi Beta Phi. She is currently residing in Austin, where she is the social media manager at JHL Company.

Jacob received a bachelor’s degree in Management and Entrepreneurship from the Business School at the University of Mississippi in 2018. He was an active member of the Delta Xi chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity where he served as an executive officer. He currently works in wealth management in Austin.

The couple will exchange vows at The Jefferson in Oxford on July 31, 2021. They plan to make their home in Texas with their German shorthaired pointer, Colonel.

AMANDA EUBANK PHOTOGRAPHY

Ke l ly N ic ole Z e id ne r & Ja c o b Tyle r Ro d r i g ue z

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WEDDING

ELENA MARCHAK

A b by Re b e k a h Ad c o c k & Nat h a n R ay Ho pk i n s

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bby Rebekah Adcock, of Iuka, and Nathan Ray Hopkins, of Red Bay, Alabama, were united in marriage June 6, 2020, in Corinth.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Adcock of Iuka. She is the granddaughter of Mr. Curtis Rogers and the late Mrs. Madie Rogers of Corinth, Mr. Omer Adcock of Iuka, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dobbs of Iuka.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Hopkins of Belmont, and Mr. and Mrs. Chris Faulkner of Red Bay. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Royce Hopkins of Dennis, and the late Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Robinson of Red Bay. The couple wed at the historic Fillmore Street Chapel, the oldest known church building in Corinth. The bride arrived at the ceremony escorted by her father in a horsedrawn buggy. She wore an off-shoulder gown designed by Madi Lane, with an embellished pearl and rhinestone bridal sash. She wore a treasured gold figaro chain bracelet, worn by

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her late maternal grandmother, a borrowed two-tone diamond ring, worn by a close family friend, Annette Clausel Hayes, and diamond loop earrings that were a wedding gift from her father.

Attending the bride as matrons of honor were Shelby Lyles and Jade Hallmark, sister of the groom. Abby was blessed to have as bridesmaids Emilie Sanders, Allyson Krebs, Elizabeth DeGutis Hegman, Evin James, Erin James, Haley Walker, Katharine Kirby and Macy Faulkner, sister of the groom.

The best man was the groom’s father, Ricky Hopkins. Groomsmen were Royce Hopkins, grandfather of the groom; Cody Duncan; Jordan Arnold; Chris Faulkner, stepfather of the groom; Kelby Hallmark, brother-in-law of the groom; Quentin Rouse, stepbrother of the groom; and Hunter Scruggs, Jody Harris and Jeremy Harris, all cousins of the groom.

The flower girl and ring bearer were Darby and Dax Hallmark, niece and nephew of the bride and groom.

The couple was joined in marriage by Ronald Adams of Theo Church of Christ in a traditional ceremony, including the reading of 1 Corinthians and lighting of the unity candle. The classical music of the organ, piano and violin were played by Stephanie Sanders Clausel of Corinth and Isabelle and Timothy Anthony of Starkville. The couple exchanged vows underneath an ornate arch adorned with Italian ruscus. The church was filled with fragrant flowers including hydrangeas, bridal roses, Casablanca lilies and garden roses.

Following the ceremony, the celebration continued at Smith. restaurant. Wedding guests enjoyed music played by DJ Blake Brady and dined on eclectic Southern fare including cornbread, hot tamales and slug burger sliders, a Corinth delicacy.

The cake was designed by Lauren’s Cake Shop of Corinth. Florals were designed by Friendly Florist of Iuka, and the memories were captured by Elena Marchak of Jackson and Luke Price Studios of Corinth.

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WEDDING

PATRICK REMINGTON

K at e R ive r s A l le n & Joh n A r m i s t e a d G rave s

DATE CITY BRIDE'S PARENTS GROOM'S PARENTS WEDDING VENUE OFFICIANT RECEPTION VENUE BRIDE'S GOWN FLORAL DESIGN CATERER CAKES VIDEOGRAPHER REHEARSAL DINNER HONEYMOON

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July 27, 2019 Taylor Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Allen IV Mr. and Mrs. John Armistead Graves Jr. The Chapel at Plein Air Rev. Richard Wiman and Rev. Paul Husband The Mill at Plein Air Maggie Louise Bridal Oxford Floral Grit Alice Chow Camilla Proctor The Lyric Saint Lucia

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NOELLE WILLIS OF CAPTURE DESTINY PHOTOS

H a n n a h Ave nt & Jo rd a n Braw ne r

H

annah Avent and Jordan Brawner exchanged marriage vows at 6 p.m.

July 13, 2019, at The Bay House in beautiful Destin, Florida. The waterfront venue was the perfect setting to carry out the bride’s vision of a beach wedding.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brent Avent of Corinth. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Avent of Michie, Tennessee, and the late Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Barker of Corinth.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Brawner of Corinth. He is the grandson of Mr. Everett Parvin and the late Mrs. Bobbie Parvin and the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brawner.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a Kitty Chen Couture gown in light ivory featuring Alencon lace, adorned with pearls and elegant beading.

The cathedral-length veil was edged with hand-embroidered lace, seed pearls and crystals. The veil will be handed down for

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generations to come. The bride’s bouquet of white peonies, blue thistle and white roses was tied with lace from her mother and maternal grandmother’s wedding gowns.

She also carried a handkerchief that was carried by her grandmother at her wedding.

Briley Elliott and Tori Treadway served as maids of honor. Bridesmaids were: Linde Avent (sister-in-law of the bride), Katie Cooper, Anna Evans, Abby Noyes, Hannah Voyles and Morgan Brawner (sister of the groom). Junior bridesmaid was Lucy Smith. Flower girls were Addie and Riley Jane Cornelius (cousins of the bride), and Lilly and Mary Russell Smith. Ring bearer was John Williams Cornelius (cousin of the bride).

Keb Brawner served his brother as best man. Groomsmen were: Bryson and Hunter Avent (brothers of the bride), Mack Mitchell, Connor Wilbanks, Levi Mitchell, Dylan Rider and Heath Wood.

The wedding party walked down the

aisle to “Here Comes the Sun,” which was very fitting for all those who know the bride.

Wedding guests were greeted by Miss Lucy Smith at the registry table, where the wedding gowns of her mother and both grandmothers were displayed.

Guests were escorted by ushers Ray Cooper (cousin of the bride) and Tyler Jones.

Hors d’oeuvres and drinks were enjoyed by the waterfront immediately following the ceremony. A reception hosted by the parents of the bride followed at the ballroom of The Bay House. The warm sunset and sounds of the waves enhanced the venue where guests danced under the stars with music provided

by DJ Vladimir.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Brawner hosted a rehearsal dinner at Anglers in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, on the eve of the wedding.

After a fabulous honeymoon consisting of swimming with dolphins, sunset cruises and sandy beach sunsets in Cabo San Lucas, the couple resides in Corinth.

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ANGELA LALLY RUSHING

Na nc y C a rol i ne C a n n & R a nd a l l Pa rk s Fra z ie r I I

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ancy Caroline Cann and Randall Parks Frazier II were married in an intimate ceremony on the evening of June 27, 2020, with just their families and wedding party in attendance.

The Rev. Frank Reich performed the marriage ceremony, and the groom’s youth pastor and friend, Gregg Parker of First Presbyterian Church in Corinth, added scripture readings. The ceremony took place in the backyard of the groom’s family home in Corinth.

The bride is the daughter of John and Nancy Cann of Anderson, South Carolina.

She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Barbera Jean Cann, the late Rev. John Cann of Laurens, South Carolina, Mrs. Dorothy Hansard Davis and the late Mr. Ronald Davis of Atlanta, Georgia.

The groom is the son of Dr. Randy and Tammi Frazier of Corinth. He is the grandson of the late Leon and Peggy Frazier

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of Corinth, Mrs. Frankie Needham of Corinth, and the late Mr. Jimmy Needham of Rossville, Tennessee.

The celebration of the couple started on Thursday evening with a welcome dinner at the home of Dr. Randy and Tammi Frazier where the bride’s favorite “low-country boil” was served family-style poolside.

Friday included a bridal luncheon at the home of Tracey and Tim Smith and local dining and shopping in downtown Corinth for the out-of-town guests. On Friday evening, the wedding guests gathered at Franklin Courtyard for the rehearsal dinner and speeches. A post-toast was thrown for the couple after the rehearsal dinner by several of the groom’s closest Corinth family friends. All vendors for the evening were local to Corinth: food provided by Franklin Courtyard, flowers by Elizabeth Spencer Designs, piano music by Harvey Thompson, and the groom’s cake by Lauren’s Cake Shop.

Much to the dismay of the bride, Saturday, June 27, started out with a summer rainstorm.

Thankfully, blue skies arrived just before photos began, and a cool summer breeze made for the perfect evening. The bride wore a custom Allure bridal gown from The Castle Bridal in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Her veil was her mother’s from her parents’ wedding 36 years ago. The bride wore gold diamond hoop earrings, which were a gift from the groom, and a family heirloom necklace and ring for the ceremony. Her makeup was done by Annalee Hendrick of Corinth. For the ceremony, the groom wore a custom suit by St. Fox Bispoke; a tie belonging to his father, Dr. Randy Frazier; the watch of his late paternal grandfather, Leon Frazier; and cuff links of his maternal grandfather, the late Mr. Jimmy Needham.

The harpist, Cindy Mathis, provided the music for the ceremony. The bride had 14 of her family and friends dressed in the dress

of their choice in an array of a mutual color.

The groom had 15 of his family and friends dressed in a navy suit of their choice.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and sit-down dinner. All vendors for the evening were local to Mississippi: The couple’s wedding bands were from Clausel Jewelry of Corinth; Vicarai and Chef John Mabry of Corinth provided all food and signature cocktails; Cakes by Lauren of Corinth provided the three-tier wedding cake, Elizabeth Spencer Designs of Corinth designed all florals; Busy-Lad in Tupelo provided all rentals; and Addie Paige Pratt of Corinth entertained guests with music. The groom’s brother, Baylor Frazier, stood in as the DJ for the reception, which lasted well into the night.

The day-of wedding coordinator was Miss Taylor Coombs of Corinth.

The multiday celebration was captured by photographer Angela Lally Rushing of Austin, Texas, and videographer John Myers of Nashville, Tennessee.

After the wedding weekend, the newlyweds continued their marriage celebration by honeymooning in Riviera Maya, Mexico, at Unico. The couple now lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, where Caroline works as an executive director for the nonprofit kNot Today, which protects children from sexual abuse and exploitation, and Parks is entering his third season coaching for the Indianapolis Colts.

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KELSEY LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

E r i n N ic ole Fra z ie r & S a mue l Joh n W i l l i a m Mo nt go me r y

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rin Nicole Frazier of Corinth and Samuel John William Montgomery of Jackson, Tennessee, were united in marriage on October 12, 2019, at the Frazier home in Corinth. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Waring Porter and Gregg Parker. The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Randall Parks Frazier of Corinth. She is the granddaughter of Ms. Lila Frances Needham of Corinth and the late James Needham and the late Peggy and Leon Frazier of Corinth.

The groom is the son of Mr. Charles Stacey Montgomery of Collierville, Tennessee, and Mrs. Leanne Simpson Montgomery of Jackson. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William “Bill” Simpson and the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Montgomery of Jackson.

The bride, escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents, wore a white lace Hayley Paige gown. The cathedral-length veil was complemented

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with a hair comb that was made using lace from her mother’s wedding dress. The bride wore a pearl bracelet, given as a gift from her aunt, Felicia Bourbon, that belonged to her late grandmother, Peggy Frazier.

The bride was attended by her maid of honor, Annalee Hunter Hendrick. She was also accompanied by bridesmaids Anna Barber, Kelsey Bishop, McKinley Gallagher, Stephanie Moore, Darby Taylor and Molly Grace Meyers, bridesman Ian Green, and junior bridesmaid and cousin, Sydney Frazier. Her flower girl was her cousin, Lily Frazier. Jesse Perriman was the bride’s proxy.

The groom was attended by his best man and brother, Charles Nathan Simpson Montgomery. His groomsmen included Ryan Cailteux, Matt Edwards, Baylor Frazier, Cooper Frazier, Parks Frazier, Mark Nesbit and Chase Waldrip. The ring bearer was the bride’s cousin, Cole Frazier.

The wedding invitations were designed and letter pressed by the bride. They featured

a vellum wrap with their wedding crest in gold, also designed by the bride.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a lovely rehearsal dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Orma Smith.

Dinner and a Rice Krispies treat groom’s cake were prepared by caterer Carla Beard.

The wedding day events were held at the bride’s family home in downtown Corinth.

The ceremony was performed in front of a beautiful backdrop of lush green arborvitaes.

Pampas grass, white, peach, burgundy flowers and greenery adorned a gold metal arch and columns designed by the bride and her mother. The metal structures featured pearl crosses and held glass cylinders of various heights with floating candles. Florals were done by the bride’s aunt, Cheryl Nesbit of Cheryl’s Flowers of Nashville, with the help of Dawn Laster and Melanie Brose of Corinth and the bride’s great aunt, Lynn Simmerman, of Como. The programs were designed by the bride and included a silver

metal cross attached to the front. Music for the ceremony was provided by harpist Cindy Mathis of Corinth; violinist Svetlana Kaltchenko of Tupelo; and flutist Paige Frame of Corinth. Vocals were performed

by Chad Dickerson of Corinth.

A plated formal dinner of mahi-mahi and beef tenderloin was prepared by John Mabry of Vicari and the Conservatory in Corinth and was served to each guest under a large white tent that covered the entire 50-by-100-foot space. The tent from Music City Tents of Nashville was adorned with greenery, bunting, special up-lighting and chandeliers. The traditional wedding cake made by Lauren’s Cake Shop of Corinth was decorated with a lace pattern matching the bride’s dress and an “M” on the top.

Guests danced to the music of The Respectables band from Nashville. The dance floor, constructed by Preston Knight Construction, covered the entire swimming pool, with plexiglass openings to reveal the water underneath.

Memories were captured by videography by John Meyer’s Photography of Nashville and photography by Kelsey Lee Photography of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Following their honeymoon to Riviera Maya, Mexico, the couple resides in Minneapolis. The bride is a graphic designer for the Curio company, and the groom is a FOB trucking merchandiser for Archer Daniels Midland.

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WEDDING H a n n a h E l a i ne G a d d & W i l l i a m T ho m a s A rd re y

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KATE BRENT PHOTOGRAPHY

H

annah Elaine Gadd and William Thomas Ardrey were united in marriage on June 8, 2019, during a romantic ceremony in Oxford. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Ronnie Joe Gadd and the late Mrs. Barbara Jane Gadd of Amory.

The groom is the son of Mr. Carl Ardrey of Florence, Alabama, and Mrs. Sharon Pickett of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The bride’s dress was designed by Anne Barge and purchased at Maggie Louise Bridal in Collierville, Tennessee. She wore custom crystal and pearl earrings and carried her late mother’s bridal bouquet with her down the aisle. Paying tribute to two of the most important people in her life, a locket featuring a picture of the bride’s grandfather and mother on her parents’ wedding day was attached to the vintage bouquet.

Attending the bride as maid of honor was her childhood best friend, Alex Vaughn.

Other friends, sorority sisters and family members served as bridesmaids: Kimberly Smith, Liane Lachiewicz, Kelly Matthews, Molly Langford, Tabitha Wadkins and Meredith Baggett. Honorary bridesmaids were Kaitlin Howell and Ashley O’Neil.

The flower girls were the couple’s precious nieces, Allyson and Amelia Baggett.

The best man was the groom’s father, Carl Ardrey. Groomsmen were Alex Le, Harris Gessner, Tyler Strickland, Cody Arthur, Justin Wadkins and Alan Baggett.

Ushers were Taylor Langford, Jim Matthews and Harley Gadd.

The wedding was held at the couple’s church home, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Jody Burnett officiating. The ceremony featured many hymns, a choral anthem and concluded with Holy Eucharist. The bridal party processed to one of the couple’s favorite hymns, “All Creatures of Our God and King,” and following the ceremony, they recessed to

“Love Divine All Loves Excelling.”

A reception was held at The Lyric. In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, the couple paid tribute to the bride’s late mother with a floral arrangement cake consisting of 900 carnations and cascading orchids.

The couple appreciates the following vendors: photography, Kate Brent Photography; videography, Message in a Bottle Production; catering, The Main Event;

music, The Soul Tones; flowers, Oxford Floral; hair and makeup, La Rousse Salon and Spa; tuxedos, Thomas Brothers Formal Wear; Details Rental.

The rehearsal dinner was held at the couple’s favorite restaurant, Snackbar.

Hannah and Thomas are grateful to the staff at Snackbar who made it such a memorable and perfect evening. The couple honeymooned in Scotland and England.

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WEDDING M a r y A rd e n G uy to n & Noa h P i l l au lt

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MAGGIE BRAUCHER

ary Arden Guyton and Noah Pillault were engaged in January 2020, and began planning a big wedding with family and friends. The coronavirus pandemic forced them to change their plans. The couple decided to proceed with getting married on Aug. 8, 2020, but they downsized their celebration substantially to include only family members in order to keep their loved ones safe and to follow the rules of the city and their church. “Despite all of the changes in plans, we truly feel so blessed by our wedding day and for the gift of marriage,” said Mary Arden. “We had an incredible and special day with our families that we will cherish forever.”

DATE CITY BRIDE'S PARENTS GROOM'S PARENTS WEDDING VENUE OFFICIANT EVENT PLANNER RECEPTION VENUE BRIDE'S GOWN FLORAL DESIGN CATERER CAKES VIDEOGRAPHER

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August 8, 2020 Oxford Mr. and Mrs. David and Katie Guyton Mr. Mark Pillault and Mrs. Stacey Harkins Oxford University United Methodist Church Eddie Rester Ellen Thomas Event Design The Chancellor’s House Maggie Louise Bridal Oxford Floral Elizabeth Heiskell Catering Lou Toole Cakes Frameblender Films

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DAVID RIFFEL PHOTOGRAPHY

S a ra h M a r ie I n g ra m & A le x a nd e r Ro b e r t D u n n

DATE CITY BRIDE'S PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Palmer Ingram III Mr. and Mrs. William Floyd Dunn III

VENUE

At the home of the groom’s parents

BRIDE'S GOWN FLORAL DESIGN CATERER PHOTOGRAPHER CAKE VIDEOGRAPHER REHEARSAL DINNER HONEYMOON INVITATION | NOVEMBER 2020

Greenwood

GROOM'S PARENTS OFFICIANT

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June 13, 2020

Pastor Collin Montgomery Anthropology BHLDN A Pryor Engagement Taylor Ricketts David Riffel Photography All Dunn Baking Anderton & Co./As You Film At the home of Penny and Dwight Dunn Antigua

WEDDING Mc Ke n s ie L a ne M a sk & Wa r re n Ru s s e l l H a rd i n

CARYN AMARIS PHOTOGRAPHY

M

cKensie Lane Mask and Warren Russell Hardin were united in marriage March 14, 2020, at Dodson Farms in Starkville.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Mask of Pontotoc. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Wray and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Patrick, both of Pontotoc. She is also the greatgranddaughter of Mrs. Deen Jones and the late Mr. Leroy Jones of Pontotoc.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peetie Hardin of Union. He is the grandson of the late Mr. Louie Buntyn and Mrs. Jimmie Buntyn of Union. He is also the grandson of Mrs. Nancy Hardin and the late Mr. Wendell Hardin of Sebastopol.

The bridal party walked to the song “From Here to the Moon and Back” by Dolly Parton and Kris Kristofferson, and the bride surprised her father with the song “Daddy” by Abby Anderson. The bride’s gown was designed by David’s Bridal.

Attending the bride as matron of honor was her best friend since kindergarten, Rose Tackitt. McKensie was blessed to have as her bridesmaids Meagan Mask, sister; Elizabeth Mask, sister-in-law; Brianna Carlson; Hailey Caraway; and Catherine Adams. Flower girls were nieces Ella Mask and Gracie Dowdy.

The best man was Warren’s best friend, Zach Horne. His groomsmen were Tyler Sistrunk, Kole Henry, Michael Williams, Austin McElhenney and Thomas Whinery.

The ring bearers were nephews of the bride and groom, Payton Mask, Scott McGregory and Ledger Hardin. Payton Mask carried down the aisle a Bible from the groom’s late grandmother, which was then used by the officiant, Brian Thrasher.

The wedding was held in the newly built chapel at 4 p.m. with family and friends in attendance. The bride and groom exchanged vows underneath a wooden arch made by

the groom’s father that was decorated with an arrangement of red and white flowers.

On either side of the arch were old church windows that the bride’s great-grandfather had saved from the old sanctuary of their family church, Longview Baptist. During their nuptials, the couple had a tree planting ceremony. Soil was collected from the childhood home of both the bride and groom and was used during the ceremony to pour into the pot of a magnolia tree.

While the soil and water were being poured,

bridesmaid Catherine Adams sang “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.

After the ceremony, the celebration continued at the barn on Dodson Farms.

Both the bride’s and groom’s cakes were made by Cups-N-Cakes, and catering for the reception was provided by Kerry and Tammy Tackitt. The DJ services were provided by STYLE Entertainment, and the florals were by Lynette McDougald.

The beautiful memories from the day were captured by Caryn Amaris Photography.

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WEDDING Hol le y G a l b ra it h M a r sh a l l & Ke v i n Br uc e Pa rke r Jr.

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CASEY RILEY PHOTOGRAPHY

H

olley Marshall and Kevin Bruce Parker Jr. were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Oct. 12, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church in Corinth. The Rev. Dr. Donald Elliott officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Flint Marshall. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arlin Braddock Brawner Sr. and the late Mrs. Rebecca Nash Brawner, Mrs. Patricia Bruner Millirons, the late Mr. Larry Edward Marshall Sr. and the late Mr. Paul LaRue Millirons.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Bruce Parker Sr. He is the grandson of Mrs. Maria Frances Jones Houston and the late Mr. William Henry Alton Houston, Mrs. Nancy Helen Foote Peterson, the late Mr. Collier Bethea Parker Sr. and the late Mr. Richard Louis Peterson Sr. Escorted and given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an elegant Stella York dress with a plunging neckline that was adorned with bugle beads and shimmering water pearls, shoestring straps embellished with delicate beading, and a long train featuring hand-sewn, placed lace and a fully

finished hemline. Elizabeth Spencer Design in Corinth put together the most beautiful arrangements filled with roses, garden roses and Queen Anne’s lace, along with greenery, including dusty miller, eucalyptus and magnolia and Jackson vine.

Accompanying the bride as maid of honor was Nash Smith, along with bridesmaids Claire Jones, Ella Frances Parker, Elizabeth Lee, Morgan Dangerfield, Prentiss Worsham and junior bridesmaid, Loxley Ethridge, who all wore dusty mint crisp halter dresses. Martha Butler served as the flower girl. The best man was the groom’s father, Kevin Bruce Parker Sr., along with groomsmen Graves Marshall, Houston Parker, Ryan Parker and Walker Wildmon, all wearing slim-fitting black suits with black

bow ties. Reid Butler was the ring bearer.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception in a tented field in their neighborhood, where the couple and guests enjoyed the night with heavy hors d’oeuvres, catered by Smith., along with a margarita and nacho bar, all while dancing the night away to music provided by The Blind Eye DJ of Tupelo. The entire event was beautifully captured by Casey Riley Photography of Nashville and Abdunant Co. videography.

Perfect fall weather, farm chairs, a nacho bar and margarita bar and cowboy hats were all part of the bride’s and groom’s dreams come true. Following a honeymoon to Montego Bay, Jamaica, the couple resides in Tupelo.

WEDDING

ELLIOT JAMES OF ELITE IMAGES

K a rl a Mu nd o & R ic k y R ic h a rd s o n

DATE CITY

July 12, 2020 Oxford

CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE BRIDE'S MOTHER GROOM'S PARENTS OFFICIANT PHOTOGRAPHER

The Jefferson Cassandra Juarez Sigma and Kevin Howard Lisa Thompson Elliot James of Elite Images

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TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTOGRAPHY

H e at he r Ne i l s o n & G ra dy Nut t

DATE BRIDE'S HOMETOWN GROOM'S HOMETOWN VENUE

Louisville, Kentucky The Jefferson Courtney Samuels

BRIDE'S GOWN

Engagements Bridal

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Engagements Bridal

FLORAL DESIGN CATERER WEDDING CAKE GROOMS CAKE PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER INVITATIONS RENTALS BAND HAIR MAKEUP REHEARSAL DINNER INVITATION | NOVEMBER 2020

Oxford

COORDINATOR

TUX

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February 29, 2020

The Black Tux Twisted Twig Taylor Grocery Special Events Alice Chow Sweet T’s Bakery Taylor Square Photography Frameblender Films Sarah Woodall Design Details Rentals 2 Hipnotic from New Orleans Regina Daniels and Erika Hewlett with Amara Salon Rivers Countiss, Isabella Allen and Mary Shields Hunter The Country Club of Oxford

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LOST COAST PHOTOGRAPHY

M a r y K at he r i ne Ne s m it h & R i le y Ne w to n

DATE CITY BRIDE'S PARENTS GROOM'S PARENTS WEDDING VENUE CEREMONY MUSIC OFFICIANTS BRIDE'S GOWN FLORAL DESIGN CATERER

Mr. and Mrs. William Warren Nesmith Jr. The Rev. and Mrs. Riley Allen Newton Southwind Nicholas Nesmith Will Rambo, Russ Polsgrove, Daniel Mejia and Allen Newton BHLDN Jody’s Park Heights

CAKE

Creative Cakes Juke Joint Allstars

HONEYMOON INVITATION | NOVEMBER 2020

Tupelo

BAND VIDEOGRAPHER

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August 22, 2020

Cara Bristow Gatlinburg, Tennessee

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LAUREN WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

E l i z a b e t h C l a i re Pa l me r & Joh n Powe l l G at l i n

E

lizabeth Claire Palmer and John Powell Gatlin were married at 6:30 p.m. July 27, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church in Corinth.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Patrick Green Palmer of Corinth.

She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Maurice Palmer, the late Mrs. David Maurice Palmer of Corinth, Mrs. Donna Roberts of Ridgeland and the late Mr. Johnny James McCollum of Madison.

The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Robert Gatlin of Tupelo. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Cleatus Gatlin of Corinth and the late Mr. and Mrs. Alton Tenkhoff of Sikeston, Missouri.

The double-ring ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Waring Porter and Dr. Don Elliott. The music was presented by vocalists Chad Dickerson, Jan Pike and Sabrina McClain; Cindy Mathis, harpist;

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and Nancy Nunley, organist/pianist.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a Martina Liana, white, V-neck gown accentuated by crystals and lace.

Her cathedral-length veil was encircled by a narrow band of crystals. She carried a bouquet of blush and white peonies; the handle of the bouquet was wrapped with lace that was taken from her mother’s veil.

The flower girls were Katherine Bell Carmichiel, cousin of the bride, and Anna Gatlin, niece of the groom. The ringbearer was Lawrence Palmer Houchins, cousin of the bride.

Attending the bride as matrons of honor were Julie McMahan and Cosby Mortimer. Bridesmaids included Mary Lawrence Crowe, Anne Harmon, Sara Scott Harrelson, Elizabeth Margeson, Betsy Mathis and Sarah Rose Watkins. They wore slate gray gowns, and their bouquets were a

smaller version of the bride’s bouquet.

Bob Gatlin, father of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were David Palmer, Robert Gatlin, Ben Gatlin and Kirk Gatlin. Ushers included Wells Mortimer, Harlan McMahan, John Allen Brown, Kyle Graham, Tanner Mathis, Kyle Thornton and Chris White.

Following the ceremony, a reception was hosted by the parents of the bride at Franklin Courtyard in Corinth. The couple was escorted into and from the reception by a three-man horned jazz section performed by the band Infinity Showband, who also played all the bride’s and groom’s favorites throughout the evening.

Following a wedding trip to Mexico, the couple resides in Tupelo where the bride is a registered nurse at Sanctuary Hospice and the groom is employed with Gentleman Orthopedics.

WEDDING K a re n C a r s o n Ro b b i n s & Rya n W iy g u l Re e s e

DATE CITY BRIDE'S PARENTS GROOM'S PARENTS WEDDING VENUE

FAITH RILEY PHOTOGRAPHY

BRIDE'S GOWN FLORAL DESIGN CATERER CAKE RECEPTION VENUE ENTERTAINMENT HAIR & MAKEUP WEDDING PLANNER

August 1, 2020 Plantersville Mr. and Mrs. Ben Robbins and Mr. and Mrs. David Waldman Mr. Brock Reese and Mr. and Mrs. George Curry Holland Family Chapel Willow Bride Shelia Summerford Papa V’s Deli Creative Cakes Tupelo Cotton Mill Tatum Shappley Band Park Place Salon Special Occasions by Denise NOVEMBER 2020 | INVITATION

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PATRICK REMINGTON

Pa i ge Ruc ke r & Hu nt S e a b ro ok

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DATE CITY BRIDE'S PARENTS GROOM'S PARENTS

February 28, 2020 Oxford Leisa and Joe Rucker Jill and Hunter Seabrook

BRIDE’S HOMETOWN

Madison, Mississippi

GROOM’S HOMETOWN

Memphis, Tennessee

WEDDING & RECEPTION VENUE OFFICIANT BRIDE'S GOWN FLORAL DESIGN

The Jefferson Nick Crawford, Fondren Church The Bridal Path Oxford Floral

RENTALS

Details Rentals

CATERER

Elizabeth Heiskell Catering

CAKES

Alice Chow (bride’s cake) and The Flour Garden (groom’s cake)

PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER

Patrick Remington Bridge Films

REHEARSAL DINNER

The Jefferson

BAND

The Dantones

PRINTING G E TAWAY C A R

The Stovall Collection Tricia and Charley Myers NOVEMBER 2020 | INVITATION

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WEDDING K at h r y n G at e wo o d T i m mo n s & B e nja m i n M a rk W i l l i a m s

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length, scalloped-edge, lace veil. She found her bridal gown and accessories at Maggie Louis Bridal in Collierville, Tennessee.

Attending the bride as maids of honor were Brittany Lynn Barnes and Holly Lee Howell. Bridesmaids were Chelsea Caveness Hamilton, Annalee Hunter Hendrick, Laney Elisabeth McAnally, Abigail Null Smith, Victoria Hayes Treadway, Leigh Taylor Timmons and Jenna Kathryn Vick. The flower girls were Lynleigh Logan Timmons and Liza Anderson Timmons.

Attending the groom as best man was his brother Timothy James Williams.

Groomsmen were Andrew Harris Brown, Erik Daniel Busby, Jared Michael Pacileo, Joshua Thomas Polk, Ryan Tyler Sims, Joshua Tyler Stewart, Anderson Hunter Timmons and Thomas Gafford White.

Nuptial music was provided by Mrs. Bevin Gregory Wilder, organist; Mr. Barry Dean Germany, pianist; and Mr. Michael Chadwick Dickerson, vocalist. All floral arrangements and decorations were prepared by Mrs. Jean Mathis and Mrs. Patti Welch.

A reception was held at the Franklin Courtyard. Music was provided by Doctor Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster Band, and all food was prepared by Mrs. Carla Beard.

After their honeymoon in Montego Bay, Jamaica, they make their home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

MASA KATHRYN PHOTOGRAPHY

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athryn Gatewood Timmons and Dr. Benjamin Mark Williams were united in marriage on March 16, 2019, at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Corinth. The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Dennis Smith.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Danny Carlton Timmons of Corinth.

She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Logan Anderson and Mrs. Louise Timmons and the late Mr. Carl Timmons of Corinth.

The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Mark Durelle Williams of Meridian. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Ray Williams, and Mrs. Virginia Covert Buchanan and the late Mr. James Willam Buchanan of Meridian.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride walked down the aisle in a modern, yet timeless gown designed by Paloma Blanca.

Her fit-to-flare gown featured a v-neck French Alencon lace bodice and a sleek, satin crepe skirt. Her one-of-a-kind look was completed with satin buttons down the back and finished with a cathedral-

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WEDDING SARAH PEARSON PHOTOGRAPHY

H a n n a h Wat s o n & N ic k Tre e c e

DATE CITY BRIDE'S PARENTS GROOM'S PARENTS VENUE

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Belmont Julie and Woody Watson Regina and Tim Treece The bride’s family home

OFFICIANT

Bryan Collier

FLORAL DESIGN

Wild Flowers

PHOTOGRAPHER

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October 12, 2019

Sarah Pearson Photography

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WEDDING O l iv i a D a n ie l le W i l ba n k s & D a n ie l D av id L i f f r i g

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TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTOGRAPHY

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livia Danielle Wilbanks and Daniel David Liffrig were united in marriage at 6 p.m. July 25, 2020, in the outdoor chapel at Kingfisher Lodge in Tupelo. Pastor Hunter Upton of Tupelo officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kerry Michael Wilbanks of Corinth.

She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Sue Williams and the late Mr. Donald Williams, Mrs. Shirley Wilbanks and the late Mr. Charles Riser Wilbanks, all of Corinth.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Liffrig of Starkville. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Lattimer of Minot, North Dakota, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Duane Liffrig of Minot, North Dakota.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore an ivory fitted silhouette crepe gown with a fitand-flow skirt, and a low back with covered

buttons down the train. Her cathedrallength veil was borrowed from her sister, Mrs. Meredith Wilbanks Hood, to which the bride added a blusher to make it special for her. The bride carried a classic bouquet of white peonies, designed by Amber Rinehart.

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at Kingfisher Lodge, where guests danced to music by The Dantones. The couple now resides in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and will take their honeymoon in the spring to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

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& Trends TRADITIONS THOUGHTFUL AND BEAUTIFUL PERSONAL TOUCHES M A K E W E D D I N G D AY C E L E B R AT I O N S U N F O R G E T TA B L E .

FROM HEIRLOOM VEILS TO STUNNING DINING TABLES, HERE ARE SOME SPECIAL DETAILS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS YEAR.

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PATRICK REMINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Shoes were a popular “something blue” this wedding season, along with lovely lace accessories. Erin Frazier Montgomery, pictured at left, wore blue shoes, a lace dress and a veil complemented with a hair comb made using lace from her mother’s wedding gown.

TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTOGRAPHY

KELSEY LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

ELENA MARCHAK

Blue Shoes + Lace

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Some brides, including Caroline Cann Frazier (pictured at right), transition their dress from ceremony to reception by slipping on an elegant wrap that gives them a new look.

ANGELA LALLY RUSHING

Shoulder Wraps

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Naked Cakes

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Live Paintings

KATE BRENT PHOTOGRAPHY

COURTESY OF JUDY POUND CAKES

Not a fan of traditional buttercream and fondant? Judy Douglass of Judy Pound Cakes has solved that problem for some brides, creating “naked” wedding cakes from her traditional pound cakes.

Read more about Judy Pound Cakes on page 23.

Live event painting has become a popular addition to wedding days. At right, artist Dr. Felicia Pollard captured Thomas and Hannah Gadd Ardrey’s wedding reception on canvas.

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KATE BRENT PHOTOGRAPHY

KELSEY LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Personalized Paper Custom wedding crests personalize invitations and serve as special keepsakes long after the big day.

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A Piece of Heritage

TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTOGRAPHY

Daniel and Olivia Wilbanks Liffrig chose to share Daniel’s Norwegian heritage by serving a Kransekake, or “wreath cake” at their reception. The cake was accompanied by this explanation: “The tasty tower has been around since the 1700s and consists of concentric rings of marzipan biscuit topped with flags. The bride and groom pull off the top rings with their hands in a customary Norwgian ring-breaking ceremony; the number of layers still attached predicts how many kids they’ll have.”

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FAITH RILEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Pets of Honor Beloved pets, including dogs and cats, often play special roles on a couple’s wedding day.

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Jazzy Socks Hunt and Paige Rucker Seabrook’s groomsmen showed off their personalities with fun socks.

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Outdoor Dining

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ANGELA LALLY RUSHING

Outdoor celebrations were ever-popular in 2020. Pictured at left, Parks and Caroline Cann Frazier’s backyard wedding in Corinth.

Matching PJs Many brides, including Olivia Wilbanks Liffrig (above), give their bridesmaids matching pajamas or robes to make pre-wedding pampering extra special.

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PATRICK REMINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY

ELENA MARCHAK

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School Spirit Groom’s cakes are one way to share the love for a favorite team with wedding guests.

Outtakes

Unplanned surprises, like a University of Mississippi food delivery robot photo-bombing your wedding pictures, make for some of the best and most memorable wedding-day moments!

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TAYLOR SQAURE PHOTOGRAPHY

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A Musical Marriage T H E I R S C H O O L S M I G H T B E R I VA L S , B U T L A FAY E T T E H I G H S C H O O L A N D OX F O R D H I G H S C H O O L CHOIR DIRECTORS HANNAH AND THOMAS ARDREY COULDN’T BE MORE IN SYNC. WRITTEN BY RACHEL BURCHFIELD

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM AND K ATE BRENT

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annah and Thomas Ardrey — married for a year this summer — will tell you, no question, they never would have met had it not been for music.

Long before Thomas and Hannah became choir directors at rival high schools, they connected as Hannah, a then-rising senior at the University of Mississippi, watched Thomas, a soon-to-be graduate of Auburn, audition for the master’s in choral conducting program at UM. She had seen many auditions before and had never remembered a single one. But when the man who would become her husband auditioned, she took notice.

“Had I known that was my husband, I would have made more of an effort to look good that day,” Hannah said, laughing.

“There’s no way we would have ever met had it not been for music.”

After she graduated from UM, Hannah joined Thomas in the master’s program, a year behind him. As Hannah tells it, she didn’t like him at first. He was too smart, too put together — and, in her own words, she wasn’t. But, after several months of his chasing her, she relented, and, in spring 2014, they became a couple.

“Whenever he did something that annoyed me, I still wanted to be around him,” Hannah said. “That was my telltale sign. It was a perfect match.”

They soon realized how much they had in common, from having Type A personalities and sharing a love of coffee to desiring to do the same line of work eventually. Thomas said he always knew he wanted to be a music teacher; Hannah, who had grown up around music her entire life and whose mother was a music teacher, NOVEMBER 2020 | INVITATION

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originally wanted to be a surgeon but found her true calling in the comfortable space of music. In the fall of 2014, Thomas began his career at Oxford High School, and, the next fall, Hannah landed the crosstown rival job at Lafayette High School.

Unlike their athletic counterparts like football or basketball, the two choirs don’t directly compete against one another, but both schools do participate in choir contests where they compete and receive ratings on how well the choir does. And, yes, the couple compares scores.

For the Ardreys, it’s more about collaboration than competition. During the annual Crosstown Classic football game between OHS and LHS, the choirs sing the national anthem together as a sign of unity and solidarity. When the game is at OHS, Thomas conducts; when it’s played at LHS, Hannah leads the choirs.

“We mix students up and have them stand by someone they’ve never met before,” Hannah said. “It just shows how music can bring anyone together for those 90 seconds, and it shows the students can be united. It’s something the kids look forward to every year, and it brings people together.”

The pair got engaged in late summer 2018, after more than four years of dating.

They both sing in the choir at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Oxford, which is where Thomas opted to pop the question to Hannah. Even before the proposal, they

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had set a wedding date — June 8, 2019, at 6 p.m. So, as Thomas got down on one knee and surprised Hannah inside the church at 6 p.m. that August evening, he told her it was what St. Peter’s would look like at the exact time of their wedding, and would she marry him? She, of course, said yes.

“Our church is the one place in Oxford that really meant a lot to both of us,” Thomas said.

True to their plans, they married — with a full choir participating — at St. Peter’s on June 8 of last year.

Since their wedding, both have excelled in their careers: Thomas was named the 2019 Young Music Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Music Educators Association the day before his wife was named the 20192020 Mississippi Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Department of Education.

Deeply entrenched in their careers, they admit while they do compare notes sometimes, they make a conscious effort not to talk about their work incessantly at home, especially as they’ve taught virtually for much of 2020.

“We try hard to not constantly talk about choir and teaching,” Thomas said.

“Luckily we both love what we do so we don’t mind talking about it a lot, but it can be all-consuming. Sometimes we say ‘let’s watch some mindless, horrible TV’ just so we can not talk about teaching music for a couple of hours.”

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Even though Thomas is known as “the piano man” to their friends for his skills on the ivories, and even though the couple sometimes will spend an evening watching choir videos on YouTube, it’s not a constant songfest at the Ardrey house, he says.

“Not a whole lot of singing goes on at home,” Thomas said. “We don’t listen to music. We do it eight hours a day, so we get our fill. We’ve found other hobbies since music takes up the majority of our lives.”

There are perks, though, to doing the same work as your spouse. They attend one another’s choir concerts and turn the pages for the piano player while the other is conducting. They test music out on each other and make sure their choirs never sing the same piece. They sing duets together at St. Peter’s, help each other with their respective school musicals and collaborate on the music for Oxford community events like Veterans Day and Memorial Day. They share the highs and lows of cumulatively having 300 children between them — none of which they have to take home.

“Every day is better than the day before,” Hannah said. “We work as a team and are very much in tune with each other’s wants and needs. We encourage each other and there’s no competition between us usually, because we both have very different styles of teaching. His students love him; my students love me most of the time. We work really well together.”

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reka Johnson of Pontotoc strongly believes makeup is optional but skincare is essential. She believes it so strongly she started her own skincare line to offer soaps, scrubs and astringents that are made from natural ingredients.

Johnson, who also works in human resources, started Bee Natural Body Essentials almost two years ago when she and her now-15-year-old daughter, Paris, experienced some issues stemming from sensitive skin.

“I have super sensitive skin and so does my daughter,” Johnson said. “She experiences breakouts on her legs during cheerleading season.”

After trying various products, Vaughn decided to research creating her own soaps to help with problems with her skin. Using natural ingredients was key for making her own products, she said.

“I got on Google and looked at various countries and their cultures,” she said. “I wanted to have something that would cross culture lines and help everyone.”

Johnson, who has a multicultural lineage, including Blackfoot Indian, said she started her line with just the basics. She began testing it on various skin types. People with oily skin, dry skin, people with eczema and acne-prone skin all tried the products.

“It just took off,” Johnson said.

Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the

Bee-ing Natural A PONTOTOC RESIDENT’S SKINCARE LINE OFFERS NATURAL SOAPS, SCRUBS AND ASTRINGENTS.

WRITTEN BY EILEEN BAILEY

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

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company logo, Johnson talked about her expanding line. She started off with soaps made with all natural ingredients, including shea butter and coconut oil, oatmeal and raw honey, to name a few. She tries to use as many local ingredients as she can — these days she’s in search of a local source for raw honey — and she is able to make substitutions if a client has an allergy to a certain ingredient.

Johnson’s top-selling soaps are oatmeal-

honey and turmeric. With a honeycomb and bee embossed on the top of the soap, the products are packed with a Bee Natural soap wrap and then placed in a decorative bag that reads “Handmade with Love” on the side.

The business is a family affair: Johnson is assisted by her daughter, Paris, and her boyfriend, Chris Lockridge. Her products are sold around the country, including Oklahoma, Georgia, Hawaii, Tennessee, Texas and more.

There are other products in the works, such as a shower gel and a turmeric face mask, Johnson said.

Trina Burress of Baldwyn uses several of the Bee Natural soaps for her family. For the past four months, she’s been using the oatmeal-honey soap on her 11-month-old twins to help with eczema, and the soap works so well that if she runs out, she is quickly restocking to keep the eczema from recurring. Burress also uses the soaps on her 2-year-old.

“It works wonders on my son’s skin.

I can see results on the first day of use,” Burress said. “Johnson’s products have worked wonders for my family. It is right here in Tupelo and reasonably priced for the results you are getting. It is so satisfying.”

Burress, who heard about Bee Natural Body Essentials on Facebook, said she and

her husband also use the turmeric and charcoal soaps for various skin issues and the results are “wonderful.”

“It cleans my face, and it moisturizes it and does not dry it out,” she said.

Daytra Reno of Tupelo also saw Bee Natural on Facebook and ordered it.

“I have been using (turmeric soap) for more than three months now,” she said. “It is a brightener, and it takes away the dark spots. It works so well that I don’t wear makeup because of it. I tell people all of the time about her products. I gave my niece the charcoal soap, and it cleaned up her skin.”

A list of Johnson’s product line includes turmeric, charcoal, oatmeal honey, pink rose clay and aloe vera soaps; sweet mango and strawberry/grapefruit body scrubs; and a facial astringent.

Bee Natural Body Essentials can now be purchased at Reed’s in downtown Tupelo.

Elizabeth Rose, manager of Reed’s gift shop, recommends Johnson’s soaps. Rose said the pretty soaps with fragrances that are “crisp and clean” in eye-catching packaging made Bee Natural a “really good fit for our store.”

“It is made by a local person, and we love to support local people the best we can,” Rose added.

For more information about Bee Natural Body Essentials, call 662-205-5625 or email beenatural@gmail.com.

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THE MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART BRINGS FRENCH MASTER ARTISTS VA N G O G H, M O N E T, D E G A S A N D M O R E TO J A C K S O N. WRITTEN BY MICHAEL A GIBSON MORRIS

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IMAGES PROVIDED BY THE MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART

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he Mississippi Museum of Art has opened a window into the world of French impressionists.

“Van Gogh, Monet, Degas and Their Times” includes 74 works from 19th- and 20th-century French masters originally collected by Paul and Rachel “Bunny” Mellon. In addition to the impressionists, the exhibit includes pieces from Cezanne, Gauguin, Manet and Rousseau. Visitors will be able to see the brush strokes and, in some pieces, observe how the painters overpainted images to change the composition.

“I love that the exhibit offers such an intimate experience,” said Betsy Bradley, Mississippi Museum of Art director. “The Mellons lived with these pieces, and you can get up close.”

This is the first time the Mellon Collection of French Art has been exhibited outside the Virginia Museum of Fine Art since the Mellons donated the collection, Bradley said. The traveling exhibit will be in Jackson through Jan. 11.

The Mellons began collecting 19th-century French art in the 1940s. The opening images of the exhibition were chosen to reflect Mrs. Mellon’s love of gardening and Mr. Mellon’s love of horses and horse racing, according to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Advance tickets are encouraged as pandemic guidelines restrict how many people can be in the gallery at one time, Bradley said.

Visitors will need to have a mask.

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Edouard Manet (1832–1883), “On the Beach,” Boulogne-sur-Mer, 1868. Oil on canvas, 123/4 x 26 inches. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 85.498. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919), “Pensive (La Songeuse),” 1875. Oil on paper on canvas, 181/8 x 15 inches. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 83.47. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

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Continued from page 82

Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), “The Wheat Field behind St. Paul’s Hospital,” St. Remy, 1889. Oil on canvas, 91/2 x 123/4 inches. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 83.26. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Berthe Morisot (1841-1895), “Young Woman Watering a Shrub,” 1876. Oil on canvas, 141/2 x 181/4 inches.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 83.40. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Paul Gauguin (1848-1903), “Still Life with Oysters,” 1876. Oil on canvas, 21 x 361/4 inches. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 83.23. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

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Continued from page 84

Edgar Degas (1834-1917), “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen,” model executed 1880 (cast in 1922). Bronze, cloth skirt with tutu and satin hair ribbon, 381/2 x 141/2 x 141/4 inches. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. State Operating Fund and the Art Lovers’ Society, 45.22.1. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Edgar Degas (1834–1917), “At the Races: Before the Start,” ca. 1885-1892. Oil on canvas, 151/2 x 35 inches. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 85.496. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Claude Monet (1840–1926), “Field of Poppies,” Giverny, 1885. Oil on canvas, 235/8 x 283/4 inches. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 85.499. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

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Continued from page 86

Henri Rousseau (1844-1910), “Tropical Landscape,” 1910. Oil on canvas, 443/4 x 64 inches. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 84.3. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Paul Cezanne (1839-1906), “Victor Chocquet,” 1877. Oil on canvas, 137/8 x 103/4 inches. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 83.14. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Claude Monet (1840–1926), “Camille at the Window,” Argenteuil, 1873.

Oil on canvas, 233/4 x 195/8 in. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 85.38. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Va n G o g h , M o n e t, D e g a s a n d T h e i r T i m e s at t h e Mississippi Museum of Art

Now through Jan. 11 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday 10-11 a.m. senior hour Tuesday-Thursday Tickets and information: msmuseumart.org Advance tickets encouraged Masks required Admission: $15 a person; $13 for seniors and groups of 10 or more; $10 for college students with school ID. Free for members and children under 5.

Free for K-12 students on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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SHOW ME A PAIR SKEET SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Both fun and fundraising were the goal of Show Me a Pair Skeet Shoot event, held Sept. 26 in Shannon. Shooters, who were encouraged to wear pink, vied for prizes while also helping to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

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1. Levin Darsey with E.J. and Easton Pollard 2. Gary, Lisa and William Holcomb with Gary Hall 3. Brady and Casey Bruce with Brett Johnson and Dalton Hall 4. Christy Hilt, Donna Davis and Jennifer James 5. Phil Goldsmith, Tony Shackleford, Donny Kisner, Will Dodson and Danny Cash 6. Jacob Loper, Cole Magers, Justin Gleason and John Dabbs 7. Richard Tucker, Paul Hood, John David and Jonathan Hagood 8. Terrell Davis and Kristy Crawford

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CROSSTOWN CLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROSEMARY FRUGE

The Oxford High School Chargers and the Lafayette High School Commodores played the annual Crosstown Classic football game Sept. 13 at OHS. Oxford bested Lafayette with a score of 33-22.

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1. Ella Shelton, McCala Kilpatrick, Reese Carwile, Emma Hayes Roberts and Gabbie Hunter 2. Robert and Ashley Perry with Kara and Cody Giles 3. David and Chris Sparks with Taylor Brunning 4. Mia Helsel and Hannah Harper 5. Sean Boney and Caitlyn Rhea 6. Tom and Leigh Tucker 7. Sharp and Slay Smith with Rob Upchurch 8. Inda and Shayne Linzy

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HISTORIC MARKER UNVEILING PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

Baldwyn natives George Wardlaw and Elijah Pierce were honored Sept. 17 with the unveiling of historic markers. The marker for Wardlaw, an artist and art educator, is at Third and Clayton streets in Baldwyn; the Pierce marker is at West Water and Third. Pierce was a renowned wood carver.

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1. Odessa Ingram and Mary Catherine Smith 2. Cleavon Smith, Johnny Agnew and Ashton Martin 3. John Haynes, Brother Rogers and Charity Blackwell 4. Michael James, Cynthia Mink, Edwina Carpenter and Lori Tucker 5. Anthony Moore and Beverly Eckford

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VETERANS MEMORIAL GOLF PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

The eighth annual Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament took place Oct. 2 at the Natchez Trace Golf Club in Saltillo. The event raises money to support the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford, Wounded Warriors and veterans in need of assistance.

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1. Nick Armstrong, Trey Trapp, Michael Hodges and Craig Horrocks 2. Chip Peterson, Jim Bowen, Jerry Enis and Greg Jones 3. Terry Pence, David Martin, William Cook and Tim White 4. Neil White, Pat Murphy, James Billingsley and Bill Breen 5. Sandy Joyner with Chick and Ken Gentry and William Darby 6. Deandre Eiland and Tyler Cook 7. Vinny Pacetti, Paul Phillips, Adam Morgan and Miles Patton

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9/11 DAY OF SERVICE PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

Volunteers honored first responders from Oxford, Lafayette County and the University of Mississippi with the annual 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. Though they did not gather for an in-person event, first responders were treated to a drive-thru lunch at the Coach Howell Activity Center.

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1. Caitlin Bettinger and Craig Goodwin 2. Mary L. Johnson and Joan Vick 3. Arledia Bennett and Brent Larson 4. John Jarrett and Ora Baker 5. Mary Jarett and Joan Vick with Gay and Steve Case and John Davis 6. Mary Lou Conner and Rita Carli

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CORINTH HOMECOMING PHOTOGRAPHED BY WHITNEY WORSHAM

The Corinth High School Homecoming Parade, with lots of entries and decorated floats, wound through downtown Corinth Sept. 25. The parade route was extended this year to allow paradegoers to spread out safely.

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1. Aaireyon Hicks, Diamond Wofford and Kito Windom 2. Penny Long with Clark and Griffin Carmichiel 3. Lauren Beech, Rachel Williams and Madison Gates 4. Jay Huggins, Mimi Williams, Ansley Tyson and Jack Taylor 5. Stacie, Belle and Brian Mitchell 6. Cathy MCullen, Cate Corrigan and John Haynes 7. Hope Mercier, Alesha Harris and Ayanna Ester 8. Jed and Julia James 9. Christian, Pearce and Clay Albarracin 10. Missy and Isabella Boyd 11. Wendy and Alli Shinault 12. Will Wayne and Lauren Phillips 13. Maggie Green and Pierce Peterson

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HOMECOMING

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A NIGHT AT THE BARN PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

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The Sept. 19 “A Night at the Barn” event in Mantachie featured wine, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and more to benefit Stone Stories Ministry, whose mission is to deliver the love of Christ through living testimony and mentoring to women who are in bondage, both physically and mentally.

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1. Kelly Williams and Kori Thomas 2. Valerie Garner, Rhonda Ryan and Tess Mattox 3. Julie and Connie Ward with Jackie Tutor and Holly Henson 4. Suzanna and Lili Thomas 5. Tammy Lee with Lori and Leah Beth Vinson 6. Amanda Malagoli, Bridget Thorn and Gabby Isbell 7. Van Russell and Georgia Miller

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KINDNESS BOUQUETS PHOTOGRAPHED BY OXFORD GARDEN CLUB

As part of their ongoing Random Acts of Kindness bouquet project, members of the Oxford Garden Club arrange and deliver surprise floral bouquets to community members who work as pharmacists, teachers, school administrators, VA home workers and local healthcare professionals.

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1. Baker and Charlie Quick 2. Sherry Moore, Brandy Gossett and Thomas Tillman 3. Reid Laney and Leslie Orrell 4. Mary Madeleine Koury, Lesley Walkington, Brandall Laughlin and Shellie Carr 5. Susan Turnage 6. George Forrest 7. Adair Laney, Jennifer Russell and Brynnen Quick

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FULTON L ADIES SCRAMBLE PHOTOGRAPHED BY LISA ROBERTS

A group of women golfers gathered at Fulton Country Club Sept. 19 for a twoperson scramble outing. Winners of the championship flight were Cindy Googe and Kim Wade.

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1. Natalie Kellum, Janice Graham, Kim Walker and Paula Kellum 2. Kim Wade, Marsha Eaton, Teresa McNeece and Cindy Googe 3. Lara Evans, Angie Henry, Sara Nelms and Bailey Oswalt 4. Susan Fowlkes, Bernice Smith, Wanda Brassfield and Debbie Tate 5. Michelle Williams, Marsha Godwin, Maddie Moore and Janet Hamilton 6. Savannah Griffin, Paula Porter, Lib Griffin and Terri Faulkner 7. Roxi Tucker, Mary Sue Boggs, Kallen Donald and Laken Osbirn 8. Lauron Dunlap, Miranda Chapman, Heather Franks, Patsy Polson, Lauron Nichols and Cora Polson

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OUTDOOR DINING PHOTOGRAPHED BY ABBEY EDMONSON

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Several downtown Oxford restaurants have created outdoor dining areas in parking spaces, thanks to the approval of a resolution by the Board of Aldermen.

Among the eateries are The Annex, Tangos, St. Leo, Round Table, Rafters, McEwens, Funky’s, Julep Steakhouse and City Grocery.

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6 1. Corrie and David Reed 2. Ashton and Thomas Werfel

3. Debbie and Lyle Reagan 4. Morgan, Melissa and Ben Williams 5. Jim and Ann Greenlee 6. Joey Little and Levi Bramlett 7. Martha and Mike Hess

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OUT & ABOUT Hu n ge r C oa l it io n C o m mu n it y Lu nc h

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Tup e lo Te a c he r of D i s t i nc t io n Awa rd s

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1. Morgan Fisher, Kami Weatherly, Heather Grisham and Debbie Baxter 2. Will Pannell, Luke Switcher, Samantha Turner and Anistynn Parr 3. Valerie Garner, Beth Cleveland and Marissa Polf with Melissa and Asia Parr 4. Allison Koestler, Vicki Ferguson, Don Fruge, Allyson Dyer, Cora Brusevold and Terri Le 5. Cicely Warren, Katherine Holland, Marcie Koehn, Lesley Godown, Yolanda Randle, Renata Hughes, Carla Brooks and Melissa Bowker 6. Aurora and Jason Glidewell 7. Briggs and Jim Roberts 8. Sonya Marby, Shawn King and Kim Harbin 9. Sandra and Walter Burns with Jason Martin and Betty and Jim Long

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OUT & ABOUT D r ive - By Bi r t hd ay Pa r t y

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N E I G H B O R

K ATH E R IN E

INTERVIEWED BY LESLIE CRISS

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N E SM ITH

N E W TO N

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM

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ike many brides, planning a big wedding had long been a dream of Mary Katherine Nesmith Newton. But the Tupelo native never counted on COVID-19. Still, she and Riley Newton decided to marry in the midst of the pandemic. Newton is a graduate of Tupelo High School and the University of Mississippi, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. Her husband, who grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, and graduated from Auburn, is a student pastor at The Orchard in Tupelo. Mary Katherine is a ministry resident at Soma, a bilingual, multicultural campus of The Orchard.

The daughter of Bill and Maurita Nesmith said that even though a wedding during a pandemic was not part of her original plan, she has no regrets.

Q: When and where was your wedding?

A: We got married Aug. 22 at a beautiful

outdoor venue called Southwind in Shannon.

Q:

Did you ever consider changing the date of the wedding because of COVID-19?

What made you decide to go ahead with it as planned?

A: Before COVID hit, we knew we wanted to get married before the end of the year.

We had several friends make changes and postpone their weddings, but it seemed to cause even more stress and more planning.

We knew we wanted to get married on Aug. 22, no matter what it would look like.

Q: What made your wedding different than

it might have been in normal times?

A: I have always imagined having a huge wedding with everyone I love there to celebrate with me, but we ended up having fewer than 50 guests. We had wedding attendants and immediate family with us, but my sister and her husband live in

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London and were unable to travel to the U.S. I never would have imagined my wedding day without my sister standing beside me, but she sent a video of her matron of honor speech and FaceTimed us throughout the day. Our rehearsal dinner was all outside, and the servers wore face shields. Guests were asked to wear masks to the wedding ceremony and reception, which was also outside under a covered pavilion. We still had a band, but the dance floor crowd was pretty thin. As far as catering, we stuck with our original plan of having a taco bar, mini Key lime pies instead of groom’s cake, wedding cake and drinks.

Q: What was your favorite part of your wedding? What was your husband’s favorite part of the wedding?

A: My favorite part of the wedding was

having a portion of the ceremony in both English and Spanish, and my husband’s favorite part was probably the taco bar. It was also very special having my brother play piano and Riley’s dad pronounce us.

Q: What advice might you offer couples who are considering planning their wedding with the pandemic still going on?

A: My advice to other brides planning weddings during COVID is this: Your goal, at the end of the day, is to be married to your husband. Do your best to make the day what you want, no matter the cost or number of guests. Your actual wedding day will always be the day that you remember, so make it count.

Turn to page 54 to see more photos from the Newtons’ special day in their wedding announcement.