The James Beard Foundation announced their 2020 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists a couple of weeks ago and you may recognize some familiar Mississippi names! The James Beard Awards are a huge honor and recognize excellence for chefs, restaurants, and other leaders in the industry. Derek Emerson at CAET was nominated for Best Chef; you may remember our post on CAET here. Other semifinalists on the list are chef Austin Sumrall at White Pillars Restaurant & Bar and Cathead Distillery. Make sure you're following these amazing Mississippians and be sure to congratulate them on this incredible nomination.
 

The venue: The moment Tori and Andrew walked into the Jefferson in Oxford, they knew that they had found the perfect venue for their wedding. "We loved the combination of rustic and modern elements, and there was something so romantic about the venue's history." recalls Tori. With the venue picked out, Tori began envisioning a unique floral plan. Knowing that their ceremony would take place in front of the gorgeous fireplace, Tori decided to go with an organic feel. "David at Oxford Floral suggested having greenery and flowers growing up the fireplace mantle and towards the ceiling. It was exactly what I was going for." says Tori.
Surprise Moment: "While I was getting my hair done, our wedding planner brought in an envelope with my name on it and said it was from Andrew. When I opened it, there was a folded up crossword puzzle from the Daily Mississippian in it." smiles Tori. "I immediately burst into tears because it was the sweetest reminder of how we met!" smiles Tori. "Every Organic Chemistry class, I would start and finish the crossword puzzle. Andrew started asking me how I was so good at them and eventually started working on them himself. Once we started dating, we did the Daily Mississippian’s crossword puzzle every day together. Opening that envelope just brought back such an immediate flood of memories for me!" says Tori.

EVENT VENUE: The Jefferson | PHOTOGRAPHY: John Clemmer Photography | EVENT PLANNER: Kendall Poole Event Planning | CATERING: My Michelle's | FLORALS: Oxford Floral | RENTALS: Details Rentals | PRINT MATERIAL: Tori Frey | CAKES: Turquoise Chandelier | VIDEOGRAPHER: Sweetwater Films | BAR: The Jefferson | HAIR & MAKEUP: La Rousse Salon | DRESS: Ivory & White | TUXES: Mr. Burch | BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Bella Bridesmaids Ridgeland | BAND: Big Night Dynamite

This year’s celebration takes place over 10 days – from March 26 - April 4 – and will feature tours of lovely antebellum homes, gardens, and churches as well as recreated activities of the 1800s and period costumes, inspiring events, and culinary delights. 
 
“Initiated in 1940 and now in its 80th year, the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage has been recognized as a ‘Top 20 Event in the Southeast’ for 2020,” said Nancy Carpenter, CEO of the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are proud to welcome hundreds of local, national, and international guests to experience unique historic home tours and Southern hospitality.”
 
In addition to tours of beautiful homes, churches, and gardens, the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage will feature traditional programs and activities, including a garden party, carriage rides, double decker bus tours, and Tales From the Crypt as well as a 5k Run.
 
The 12th Annual “Catfish in the Alley©" event returns on March 28. This event features a day of fun for the whole family, including vendors, fabulous food, cold beverages, and some of the best blues musicians in the South, including Big Joe Shelton and the Black Prairie Blues Ambassadors, Terry “Harmonica” Bean, Grady Champion, and Keith Johnson and the Big Muddy Band. 
 
The Spring Pilgrimage will also feature the Buttahatchee Barn Quilt Trail on Tuesday, March 31. Enjoy an afternoon in the country complete with Southern hospitality and highlighting unique folk artistry. Tea and tea cakes will be served at historic Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church.
 
Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, the arts, culinary traditions, or all of the above, Columbus Spring Pilgrimage has something for everyone! View a complete listing of special events below.
 
2020 COLUMBUS SPRING PILGRIMAGE SPECIAL EVENTS
 
Tennessee Williams Birthday Party
Thursday, March 26  |  9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center
300 Main Street
 
Kickoff Party
Thursday, March 26  |  5 – 8 p.m.
Fried catfish plates ($10/plate), live music (complimentary)
Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center Lawn
300 Main Street
 
Tales from the Crypt
March 27 & 30, April 1 & 3  |  7 – 10 p.m.
Graveyard tour that re-creates the lives of noted personalities interred at the historic cemetery
Friendship Cemetery. (Tickets are $5 and available at the cemetery. )
 
Catfish in the Alley©
Saturday, March 28  |  10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Enjoy Southern delicacies and live blues music in Columbus’ historic Catfish Alley
Catfish Alley, Downtown Columbus
 
Artisans Alley
Saturday, March 28  |  10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Handcrafted period articles and homemade food items
Catfish Alley, Downtown Columbus
 
Historic Walking Tour
Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29  |  1 p.m.
Stroll down College Street with former Preservationist Officer for the state of Mississippi, Mr. Ken P’Pool includes a tour of the campus of The W. ($10 tour)
 
Buttahatchee Barn Quilt Trail
Tuesday, March 31  |  3-5 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon at historic Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church viewing antique quilts and enjoying minted tea and tea cakes.
 
The W Pilgrimage 5K Run
Saturday, April 4  |  7 a.m.
Additional information and registration available at www.pilgrimage5k.com.
Starting at the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center, 300 Main Street
 
Carriage Rides and Double Decker Bus Tours
Every day, starting at 10 a.m. at Visit Columbus, 117 3rd Street South
 
Garden Party
Saturday, April 4  |  3-5 p.m.
Enjoy mint juleps and cheese straws at the Jackie ‘O House at 1500 9th Street South. ($15 admission)

     Amy and Miles spent the night before their wedding day surrounded by their closest friends, family and loved ones at The Faulkner. These stunning pictures showcase what a wide array of gorgeous details that the night held. "It was such an amazing weekend," smiles Geri Miskelly. "Our florist, Anna Rayner, put together an inspiration board that blew me away and it took from there! We used a mix of modern and traditional elements that were exactly what the couple loves!"
     "I think that material element of the night that made the most impact were the acrylic chairs that Pretty Presentation brought in. Acrylic pieces help to reflect light throughout the space allowing them to bring a sense of elegance and a magical touch to the room." says Geri. "My other favorite detail of the night were the amazing wait staff that we had for dinner. When we stepped off the elevator on the fifth floor, not only were we surrounded by the beauty of the room but the warm smiles and helping hands that made our night so special."