“Every story has a beginning.  Some build slowly over time, steeped in history and a collection of stories from a time long past. Some burst brightly out of darkness and seem to shift the world beneath our feet. Others pass us by, unrecognized, until their beauty reveals itself and we look back and see a beauty greater still in the way everything just seems to have ‘always been,’” says Lauren Nester Zumwalt, owner ofRasberry Greene.  “Our beginning is all of these - our story is wrapped in history and the memories of others; it is fueled by an idea that seems to burn brighter with every passing moment and inspired, even still, by the way things have always been.”

Lauren’s parents, Joe and Betty Nester, built a beautiful lake and charming cottage in Soso, Mississippi, in the mid-1990s.  The property, called Rasberry Greene, quickly became the family’s favorite weekend getaway.  Lauren smiles, “My husband, Donnie, and I spent every Saturday morning on our favorite place, the front porch, listening to the woods wake up and enjoying the peaceful setting.” 

One morning, while sipping coffee and admiring the gorgeous pine trees towering over them, they became overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the beautiful spot.  “We wanted to find a way to share that feeling with others, and to feel like Rasberry Greene is their home place. We want them to feel welcomed, to feel taken care of, to feel the draw of the land. We want them to enjoy the peace and quiet of the country, to relax and enjoy a slower pace.” 

Lauren’s son, Casey, and his wife, Laura, are talented wedding photographers, and encouraged Lauren and Donnie to create a lovely wedding venue.  Lauren says, “One thing led to another and The Gin at Rasberry Greene was born!  Our name comes from my maternal grandfather, William Greene Rasberry, who owned a cotton gin and general mercantile store in downtown Soso during the 1920s through 1950s.  We love the little town of Soso and our Bernis Hill Road friends and neighbors, and we hope the folks who visit Rasberry Greene will love it, too!”

The wedding venue, reminiscent of an old cotton gin, was built out of the heart and soul of this dear family.  “We incorporated the little lake house into the design, which meant so much to my daddy.  The building is constructed of beautiful, native cypress with polished natural concrete floors and galvanized ceiling,” reflects Lauren.  “It’s not just a place to get married but a home for the beginning of each couples’ story.”

Whether a bride dreams of a rustic, industrial or romantic setting for her vows, The Gin at Rasberry Greene provides a fabulous backdrop. The Gin is also a perfect reception spot, with vintage décor, beautiful lighting, delicious fare and sweets, antique farm tables, and steaming cider and coffee bars. 

Lauren smiles, “Donnie and I want our couples and families to feel like they have been loved on and taken care of to the very best of our ability.  After the wedding weekend is done, we want them to have fond memories of our little spot in the woods, and to know they are always welcome to come home to Rasberry Greene.”

For more information on Rasberry Greene, please visit their website here!  The lovely photographs are courtesy of Rasberry Greene. 

With Easter just weeks away, we are thrilled to feature today's precious photoshoot - a whimsical Easter tea party, complete with a dreamy tablescape, sweet treats and beautiful spring dresses.

Thank you to the extraordinary vendors who helped us create this lovely little tea party:

La Brioche - Our tiny guests feasted on colorful macarons, tasty truffles and tiny cakes at our favorite Jackson patisserie.  La Brioche will not only be serving these throughout the Easter season, but many other amazing desserts as well.  Alejandra Sprouts says, "For Easter we will have chocolate Easter eggs. There will be a few that will come with a surprise inside! We will also have truffles in the following flavors: coffee, caramel, peanut butter, cookies n' cream, apple brandy caramel and coconut hazelnut."  We cannot imagine anything more delicious!

Eventful set a perfectly sweet table, draped in pastel pink petals.  The girls enjoyed their treats on dainty white china and sipped juice out of tiny tea cups. Eventful is a unique design and rental service created by Erik Kegler and Marian Bowen, who design stunning events on any scale.  To learn more, visit their website here and their Facebook page here.

Sweet Dreams Children's Boutique - We love seeing children clothed in traditional southern attire during the Easter season.  Sweet Dreams in Madison is filled with precious items, including shoes, bonnets, bows, jewelry, swimwear and adorable clothing.  They dressed the girls in beautiful frocks, adorned with lace and lovely satin ribbons.

Mary Moment Photography - It was a fun celebration and Katie Stafford of Mary Moment Photography captured it perfectly!  Whether she is photographing children, families or a bride and groom, she always catches the most beautiful moments in her pictures.  Click here to view more of her incredible photographs.

We are thrilled to feature a sweet engagement session today, shot by the talented Daesha Marie Photography, based in Starkville, Mississippi!  She beautifully captured Melissa and Wade in this romantic small town shoot.  You can view more of Daesha's photographs on her website here!

Today we are delighted to share Persnickety’s Winter Interior Inspiration from the 2016 issue of Inspiration Mississippi Magazine!  Persnickety is a family-owned and operated store in Madison with beautiful china, gifts, accessories and more.  We had the pleasure of speaking with Kim Rogers, who smiles, “When people ask me what my job is at Persnickety, I always tell them, ‘I’m in charge of all things pretty.  Buying, decorating and inspiring.’”

Tell me a little bit about your history with Persnickety!
“Well, my history at Persnickety is quit a story!  I started working at Persnickety when I was fourteen. Sherri Hilton owned it at the time and just happened to be my neighbor. I would do whatever she needed me to; I just wanted to be there and she was nice enough to let me tag along. When I graduated from Ole Miss, I came home unexpectedly and my parents gave me month to get a job. Two days before that month was up, I called Sherri, and she told me she had sold the store! The Rogers from Morton had bought it and hired Flo Bryan as the new manager. I had gone to high school and college with Flo's daughter, Sue, and knew her well. Thankfully, she hired me that day and saved me from lots of trouble with my parents!

I did not know the Rogers family. I met Randy Rogers first and we bonded over that fact we were both Tri Delts at Ole Miss. Then I meet Mr. Ben and his teddy bear hugs and sweet eyes, and a couple weeks later B.C. and his infectious smile and laugh.  I had a handful of opportunities to leave and do other things, but Mr. Ben would not hear another word about me leaving!  A year later, B.C. and I started dating (a blind date I was unaware of until we were already on it)! A year and four months later we were married! Six months later, Sherri left me in charge of buying.  B.C. and I had our first child, our daughter Wren, and two years later our son Ivy. The Rogers call me a gift with purchase!  It's been one fun, ever changing, always colorful ride.”

What type of interior furnishings and accessories does Persnickety offer their customers?
“Interior furnishings are a matter of perspective. I always believe the perfect furnishings find you! That might be in a magazine, at a farmers market or in Persnickety. I decorate the store to inspire someone to take something they already own and blend it with a new lamp, a beautiful book or a one-of-a-kind art piece."

Will you share some of your decorating tips?
“Decorating with unexpected things in unpredictable places makes me happy!  If you really like an old bathing suit that your grandmother wore, frame it and hang it in your bathroom - a place you see everyday. It will be something to make you smile! If you have an old chest you want to breath life back into, we will help you find the perfect lamps to help accomplish that."

How does Persnickety help enhance a client’s personal style?
“Personal style reflects you. And we want to help you be you! That is what Persnickety does – we create the opportunity for you to be inspired! Whether you are searching for the perfect accent piece for your dining room, or the perfect birthday gift for someone, we have unique interiors and gifts that will inspire you in one way or another!”

Your Winter interiors board features such great textures and rich colors!  What type of textures, pieces, colors, etc. do you recommend adding to your home during the winter months?
“Texture, texture and more texture in the winter!  Leather, fur/faux fur, rich color and velvet.  I think this is the time to think heavy. I like rich fabrics and soft furs. I love  curling up on the couch with an extra furry blanket and being warmed by brilliant colors. Winter is not my favorite time of year, so I like to bring on the color when I'm not seasonally happy. In the spring, strip down back to basics and spend the rest of the year with light, bright and airy.

After the Christmas holidays, everyone takes down their tree and decorations and has the feeling of empty holes in their house. This is the best time to find a new vendor you love: a new potter, a new author or even a new artist!  Fill that void with one smart purchase and not impulsive clutter.”

Is there anything else you would like to add or share with our readers?
“Buy things that inspire you and shop local!” 

Thank you so much, Kim!  For more information on Persnickety, please visit their website here! 

Also, a special thanks to Adam + Alli Photography for the beautiful photo of Persnickety's Winter Interior Inspiration Board! 

“Along the way, we have had people who have touched our lives.  Don’t settle for mediocrity.  Be pushed and pulled and stretched out of your comfort zone.  As long as you have the right heart and do things with the right intentions, it will all work out for your good.”  Reggie Kelly, former NFL Tight End and CEO of KYVAN Foods

“I’m just a small town country boy from Aberdeen, Mississippi.  Everybody knew each other and I couldn’t get into any trouble.  If I did, my parents gave my neighbors permission to spank me!” reflects Reggie Kelly.  “I was raised in a loving community.  I came from a family of cooks, not chefs, and we made any excuse to get together and have a big family meal.”

Kelly graduated from Aberdeen High School with honors, married his high school sweetheart, Sheila, and played football at Mississippi State University.  “I was drafted in the second round and played under Dan Rives for the Atlanta Falcons, then I went to the Cincinnati Bengals for eight years, then back to the Falcons for my final year in the NFL.”  After a successful thirteen-year career, Kelly retired in 2012.

His football career is impressive, but his compassion for people is even more extraordinary.  “I have a heart for people.  It’s just really that simple,” says Kelly.  “I have a heart to see people succeed.”  With a surprising push from his teammates, Kelly began hosting free football camps in Aberdeen around 2008.  “I was playing for the Bengals and came back home to reward the Aberdeen kids who exemplified academic excellence.  I invited NFL stars from around the country to help me out as well.  We had a blast!” 

When the camps came to a close, Kelly’s teammates and volunteers feasted on delicious southern meals, prepared by Kelly’s family.  “They raved about it!” says Kelly.  “My teammates weren’t accustomed to good southern food that touches your soul.  They were adamant about us putting our family recipes on the market.  But I only knew athletics; I didn’t have a degree in the food industry.  We decided to take a leap of faith into uncharted waters.  I gathered my family secrets, pitched my idea to Wal-Mart, and the rest is history.”

KYVAN Foods, a Soul Food Line, was born.  “KYVAN is a combination of my kids’ names, Kyla and Kavan.  My wife and I combined the two names to leave a lasting legacy for our kids.”  Kyla is eleven-years-old and Kavan is nine, and Kelly is already teaching them the family business.  “I enjoy taking them with me to appearances so they can understand customer service, learn how to conduct a meeting, how to be loyal and do things with integrity.” 

KYVAN Foods hit the market in 2011, and is sold in stores across around the country.  Their tasty Honey Apple Salsa and Sweet Barbecue Sauce are big sellers across the southeast.  Kelly smiles, “Our Honey Apple salsa is made with premium honey and delicious apples, then perfectly paired with cilantro and peppers.  It is ‘Salsa with a Soul.’  All of these are family recipes – passed down from generation to generation.”

When he is not busy promoting KYVAN Foods, Kelly can be found volunteering and positively changing lives.  He coaches youth basketball and flag football leagues, and the impression he leaves on others is astounding.  Just last week, a former teammate (who was drafted by the Bengals to take Kelly’s position) sent him a memorable message.  It read, “I love you big brother.  I appreciate you teaching me how to be a man on and off the field.”  Kelly says, “I was truly blown away by that message.  Even though he was drafted to replace me, I was never upset or angry.  It was a grand opportunity for me to teach and help him grow.  My career has never been about money or being in the spotlight, but it’s about affecting lives.  His message truly blessed my heart.  That is the reason I do what I do.”

Kelly and his family are settled in Atalanta, but travel back home to Mississippi at least twice a month.  “Any time the kids get a break, we go home to Aberdeen.  It is very important for our kids to know their heritage.  We want them to know where their family was born and raised, and details about the great state of Mississippi.  And…hopefully I might get them to attend the great Mississippi State University one day!”

Kelly's fans, followers and foodies can follow him on Twitter at ReggieKelly82!  Click here to visit Kelly's personal website or you can browse the KYVAN Foods website here! Click here to like his Facebook page!