This weekend promises to be beautiful, cool and sunny - the perfect weather for exploring Mississippi's great outdoors!  We rounded up twenty amazing spots around the state that deserve to be explored.  

Alex and Madison met during their freshman year of college at Ole Miss.  Madison smiles,"Mutual friends from St. Louis introduced us, and it turned out we lived five minutes away from each other our entire lives, but never crossed paths until we met at Ole Miss." 

Blake Belcher Photography beautifully captured their recent proposal in The Grove, and we asked Madison to share more details from this extraordinary day!  She says, "Our proposal was perfect! A little back story... my grandfather, Dr. Ronald Borne, was a professor at the University. He tailgated in the same spot in the circle for 38 years before he unexpectedly passed away in October. That spot means so much to me and my family. I grew up in that spot and it quickly became Alex's spot as well. My grandfather also loved Alex!"

She adds, "About a week before the proposal my family told me that we were going to take a picture in that spot to put on our Christmas card (that's how he got me to dress up) since it holds such a special place in each of our hearts. As we arrived, Alex decided to park extremely far away because 'he wanted to walk through campus.'  It had been a while since we had been back to campus so I didn't think much of it. Turns out he was just stalling. As we walked up holding hands, he began to squeeze my hand really tight. Blake, our photographer had told him to walk to a certain spot to capture the perfect picture. As we got to that spot Alex turned and dropped down on one knee and asked me to be his wife! I kind of blacked out at that moment and don't really remember what he said, but I said yes! He then surprised me with an engagement party with all of our family and friends who traveled from all over to celebrate with us. He really outdid himself!" 

We are thrilled to share the gorgeous photographs with you today.  Madison smiles, "Blake captured the moment perfectly and we are so thankful to have our pictures to forever remind us of that amazing moment. I cannot wait to marry my best friend!"

Best wishes, Madison and Alex!  For more information on Blake Belcher Photography, please visit his website here! 

A background in classical ballet led Erik Kegler to become one of the country's most beloved designers.   Kegler, a wildly talented New York native, worked as a professional dancer with several ballet companies before earning an interior design degree.  After working in Palm Beach under renowned designer Jack Phillips, he arrived in Jackson, Mississippi.  That was over seventeen years ago.

Since then, Kegler has been creating gorgeous spaces and events with his partner, Brennan Hovell.  When Kegler and Hovell were introduced, their chemistry was instantaneous. Hovell, the son of a custom home builder, had worked for a number of years in the interior design industry, and always approached jobs with the unique perspective of coming from a construction background.  With Kegler's artistic past, they were a perfect pair.

"We are the people who encourage others to go out and be inspired," says Kegler.   "Brennan and I have a really good marriage of how we work on things.  We are both very aware of the fact that there are certain houses or events that one of us might feel a strong attachment.  The other acts as a really good editor.  We balance each other well, and we work as a great team."  Hovell adds, "One of the best things about working together is that we have the opportunity to build on each other's creative ideas!"

When designing homes or spaces, they approach interiors with a unique perspective.  "A room is permanent.  Everything we do is inspired by the people we work for!  Our goal is for a client's room to look like them.  Not like we designed it.  It should reflect who they are as human beings, their dreams and their wishes," smiles Kegler.

Kegler's background in the arts has truly inspired his career as an event designer.  He says,"Events are like a little theater me.  I see them as a production.  You really kind of lose yourself in it; nothing is ever the same," he says.  "Each event is unique, which keeps us fresh and creative.  It is an incredible opportunity, getting to know interesting people and their bringing their dreams to life instead of ours."

About five years ago, Kegler and Hovell opened their event design and rental company, Eventful.  After planning parties for various clients, Kegler was unable to find the unique rental pieces and accessories he was looking for.  "We wanted a company with lots of pretty things and beautiful linens," reflects Kegler.  Eventful was born, and events around the country have never been so exceptional. 

"When we are working outside of Mississippi, we do take our Mississippi roots and aesthetic with us.  A little southern touch of warmth," says Hovell.  "We also love to bring back a bit of a modern edge to Mississippi and mix the two styles together."

Today, Kegler continues teaching ballet at the Metropolitan Dance Academy in Jackson."Teaching children helps relax a part of my creativity.  It rejuvenates another aspect of my life  I have to let each of my interests rest and be inspired by the other." 

Lucky for us, this wildly warm, creative and kind pair plans to remain in Mississippi.  "It is such a great state.  People always ask if we would love and the answer is no," reflects Kegler. "I have lived many other places but I truly enjoy running a business and living in Mississippi."

For more information on Erik Kegler Events, Erik Kegler Linens or Eventful, please visit their website here.  You can also visit their Facebook page here! Eventful recently opened a gorgeous retail location in Jackson; We look forward featuring photographs of their beautiful space with Inspiration Mississippi soon!  

It is no secret that an extraordinary number of talented athletes are from our great state.  Today we are thrilled to share our Mississippi Sports Trail from Inspiration Mississippi Magazine, featuring some of the world's greatest athletes and their hometowns!