{Bride} Claiborne Steele Bryant
{Groom} Kurt David Cooksey
{Hometowns} Both from Vicksburg, Mississippi
{Wedding Site} Bride’s grandparent’s home, Loosa Yokena Plantation in Yokena, MS
{Bride’s Bouquet}  Tommy Simrall, family friend and retired floral designer
{Bridesmaid Bouquets} Tommy Simrall, family friend and retired floral designer

{How did the two of you meet?}
We are both from Vicksburg, but it wasn’t until 5th or 6th grade that we actually acknowledged one another. We became better friends during high school through mutual friendships, and began dating our Junior year. The rest is history!

{What is your proposal story?}
Ahh the proposal! It happened last April when we ran the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville, Tennesse. He had plans to propose after the race, and made sure that family and friends were there! It was the second best day of my life. He made sure someone was there to take pictures (that I’ve cherished!) and we also have the best shaky iPhone video of the whole thing.

{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?}
I’ve always wanted to get married in my grandmother’s yard, and we chose her “White Garden” specifically because that is where my mom and dad were married. It has always been a special place to me, causing emotions every time I am there. A morning wedding in her garden has always been on my mind.

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?}
I’m obsessed with greens and neutrals so that’s where I naturally looked when picking bridesmaids dresses and flowers. I knew that I wanted the arrangements and bouquets to be natural and not perfectly shaped. Having a garden wedding, we left most of the decorations to nature, with a lot of help from my grandmother, Dee Hyland, and uncle, Reverend Rusty Keen. I wanted the bouquets to look like they were just snatched from the side of Highway 61; big and natural. A dear family friend and retired floral designer, Tommy Simrall, chose flowers and greenery from my grandmother’s yard, Yokena Presbyterian Church (the church that I grew up in), and off of the side of the highway. As far as theme for the wedding, Kurt and I just wanted everything to be relaxed and comfortable. A morning wedding with a brunch reception was perfect.

{How did you pick “the dress?”}
My mom, grandmother, sister and I traveled to Lowe’s in Brinkley, Arkansas to find the dress. They were so wonderful! I went in with an idea of what I wanted, and the second try was “the dress!” We all knew, but I felt nervous feeling so sure, so I tried on about 4 more. We left with dress number two!

{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?}
My Grandmother let me borrow her cameo that has been passed down through several generations. It belonged to my Aunt Pattie, the woman that built the house where we were married. I wore the cameo on my sash. It was so special! I am also so in love with my green emerald and diamond engagement ring that my dad made for my mom when they were engaged. Kurt and Mama sneakily traveled to Atlanta, GA to have small changes and alterations made to it. It was a family affair!

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?}
It’s hard to pick a favorite part! I loved all of it. Loved spending so much time with family and close friends, discussing all of the little details. We had many get togethers planning the big day!

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?}
Finally being able to talk to Kurt afterwards! I hadn’t seen him all morning, so finally being able to squeal and laugh and say that we were married was bliss - It felt so right and crazy at the same time. The whole bridal party flowed inside behind us and surrounded us, high fiving, hugging and smiling. I seriously could not stop smiling!

{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?}
Well, walking up the sidewalk when I first arrived that morning, hearing my cousins preparing the music, and seeing my mom for the first time, just made me so thankful and emotional that the day was finally here. Another favorite moment was right before the wedding, once everyone was ready, the bridesmaids and I gathered in the parlor room (to hide from Kurt mostly), and peeked out of the windows, watching guests arrive. We opened the door to the garden so that we could hear the soloists and hymns. Right before it was time to walk down the aisle, we all gathered in a circle and prayed. When the bridesmaids left, I was able to hug my mom one last time, and thankfully got to sit and talk with my dad for a second before it was our turn to walk. It was such a special part of the morning!

{Your favorite picture from the big day?}
I have so many favorites. Love all of the shots of our family because family is such a big part of our life, and I’m so blown away by the detail shots of the yard with the morning light coming through the trees. But, I believe our favorite picture is the big group picture of the whole bridal party after the wedding. I’m squinting and smiling so big, Kurt’s laughing, and the whole group is just genuinely happy!! Will cherish these people and their friendships forever.

 {The picture that represents the two of you best?}
The picture of us in the garden, laughing at something in the distance. We have no idea what was so funny, but we were smiling the whole day. I feel like it definitely represents our personalities best!

Photographer:
Danny K Photography
Oxford, Mississippi
http://dannykphotography.com

Dress:
Lowe’s Brinkley, Arkansas
Sottero and Midgley dress by Maggie Sottero.
lowsbridal.com

Bride’s Jewelry:
Wedding Band
Newton’s Jewelers
Flowood, Mississippi
https://www.facebook.com/newtonsjewelry

Hair & Make up:
Lori Thompson with The Body Shop
Vicksburg, Mississippi
http://bodyshopspa.net/team.htm
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Body-Shop-Salon-and-Spa/687359251301225

Bridesmaid Dresses:
Imaginations Bridal
Brookhaven, Mississippi
imaginationsbridal.com

Tuxes:
King of Hearts
Vicksburg, Mississippi
king-of-hearts.com

Videographer:
Revival House
Jackson, Mississippi
http://www.revivethishouse.com

Venue:
Loosa Yokena Plantation
(Grandparent’s home)

Rentals:
Top It Off Events
Jackson, Mississippi
topitoffevents.com

Florist:
Tommy Simrall
(Retired floral designer)
Rusty Keen
(Bride’s Uncle)

Catering:
Sasha Monty with Alexander Pretti & Co.
Clarksdale, Mississippi
[email protected]
Tarsha Neal
Vicksburg, Mississippi

Ceremony Painter
Anna Callaway (friend of the bride)
[email protected]

Reception Musician:
David Stinson (local saxophone player)
[email protected]

Bride’s & Groom’s Cakes:
Mary Ann Artz (local cake artist)

Print Material:
Claiborne Design and Illustration
Starkville, Mississippi
claibornebryant.com

Molly Gee Designs is widely known for beautiful, hand-made wedding and special occasion accessories.  Her bridal veils, brooches, dress sashes and headbands are intricately designed with delicate pearls, lace, feathers and silks. 

But did you know that Molly is also a wildly talented hair stylist?  Molly recently traveled to New York City for a Braids and Balayage class, and we were eager to speak with her and get all of the details!

Tell us about your recent trip to NYC!  How did you hear about the Braids and Balayage class?
“I first met Jenny Strebe of Confessions of a Hairstylist a few years ago since we share the same graphic designer. On a few occasions, I mailed my hair accessory designs for her to style in her YouTube videos. She quickly became a mentor of mine during cosmetology school through her blog and tutorials. Last October, Jenny traveled to Mississippi to teach her updo styling class which was extremely informative and helpful. So when she teamed up with Jay Olsen of Bespoke salon in Scottsdale, AZ, for a Braids and Balayage class, I definitely wanted to attend! Out of all the class locations, New York was the best choice since I had friends to stay with."

How was your trip?  Any memorable moments?
“I had a blast!  It was a quick trip but I was able to catch up with great friends and walk around my old neighborhood, Williamsburg, in Brooklyn, enjoying my favorite spots. “

What is Balayage?
“Balayage is a French word meaning to sweep or to paint. It allows for a sun-kissed natural looking hair color - similar to what nature gives us as children - with softer, less noticeable regrowth lines. The principal idea being less is more when creating soft, natural looks.”

How do you plan to incorporate what you learned into styling your clients?
“More and more clients are asking for this highlighting technique as well as braids incorporated into their updo styles. I am such a perfectionist so even though I've practiced these technique numerous times, I wanted to shadow two specialized stylists in the hair industry. “

Will these new styles be easy to adorn with your hairpieces?
“Absolutely! Both Balayage and braiding give a hairstyle a lot of dimension and attract the eye, which will further enhance my hairpieces!”

Thank you, Molly, for sharing these gorgeous photos of your Balayage and braids designs!  To learn more about Molly Gee Designs, please click here.  For more information on the Braids and Balayage class, please visit their website here. 

April is National Poetry Month, and Mississippi is home to one of the most talented poets in the country.  Patricia Neely-Dorsey’s prose is spectacular, and she beautifully weaves the story of our state in every poem she writes. 

Patricia says, “There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the South in general.  Through my poems, I attempt to give a more positive glimpse into the southern way of life.  All of my poems are inspired by my love of Mississippi and the southern way of life.”

Patricia’s poetry is getting noticed.  She was recently honored with a resolution from the House of Representatives, and Governor Phil Bryant declared her an Official Goodwill Ambassador for Mississippi.  Her lovely poem, Meet My Mississippi, will soon be up for consideration as the official state poem.  We had the opportunity to talk with Patricia, and hear what sparks her passion for writing and our state!

Tell me about your childhood in Mississippi! Did you always have a deep passion for Tupelo and the state?
“I always loved the experience of growing up in Mississippi, in the South and in the country, but I gained a much deeper appreciation for it when I went away to college and was away from it all for long periods of time.”

How did you end up in Boston for college?
“My mother always wanted my brother and I to attend school out of Mississippi, so that we could have a broader experience of life.  My brother, who is three years older, was already at Boston University.  He had very high praises of the school, so I soon followed."

After 20 years in Memphis, what led you back to Tupelo?
“My parents were aging and there were things that I needed to come home to help them with.  Also, I wanted my son, who was about to enter the third grade at the time of our move, to grow up in a slower paced, less hectic environment than what Memphis offered.”

How did you start writing poetry?
“It's really still very amazing to me how it all came about.  I have loved poetry, since I was a very young child.  My father would recite poetry to me while he was shaving and getting ready for work.  But, I never really thought of writing my own poetry.

On February 14, (Valentine's Day) 2007, I woke up with a poem swirling around in my head.  I got up and quickly scribbled it down.  After that, the poems just started to flow and flow.  Within a few months, I had hundreds of poems."

Tell us about your books!  What inspired each and where can people find them?
"My first book, Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems, was published February 2008.

My second book, My Magnolia Memories and Musings - In Poems was published in February 2012.

I call both books 'a celebration of the south and things southern.'  Both books can be purchased online from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.  Of course, any bookstore will order them for you."

Do you have a favorite poem you have written?
"I call Southern Life the signature piece of my poetry, because it, basically, sums up the whole theme and feel of all of my poems. Southern Man and If Mississippi's In You are crowd favorites.  But, I think that my personal favorite is Let's because it reflects an appreciation for the simple things in life."

What is your favorite thing about living in Mississippi?
"There are SO many things that I love about living in Mississippi!
We have some of the most beautiful landscapes and scenery that anyone can imagine.
I love all of the green, open spaces.

I love the warmth of the climate…and the people.

I love the values of home, faith and family that are deeply instilled 

The food is some of the best in the world and our music is legendary."

Thank you, Patricia, for turning the beauty of our state into words.  For more information on Patricia and her poetry, please visit her website here. 

{Bride}  Jesimine Vaughan
{Groom} Todd Vaughan
{Hometowns} Jackson, MS and Yazoo City, MS
{Wedding Site} Cathedral A.M.E.Z. Church  Jackson, MS
{Reception Site} Downtown Marriott  Jackson, MS
{Bride’s Bouquet} William Box Designs
{Bridesmaid Bouquets}  William Box Designs

{How did the two of you meet?} The Crowns of Joy was having a function at my church. I remember telling my family that I was not going to attend this time. However, I changed my mind later and I decided to attend anyway. The program was going well and I recall seeing this guy in a yellow jacket standing in the choir stand bopping his head. I remember laughing at how bright that jacket was.  After the program, I mixed and mingled with church members and, of course, The Crowns of Joy. My sister noticed this necklace that he was wearing. She asked me to come over and check it out. She was thinking of getting my nephew one.  I walked over and looked at the item. Then my sister and I walked off discussing the necklace. I eventually left the program and went home to enjoy a good night’s rest.

The very next day, my brother-in-law decided to play matchmaker. I value my brother-in-law’s opinion. He had so many wonderful things to say about this guy. He was trying to make me remember the guy. I asked him for a description of what the guy had on the previous night. Of course, it was the “banana jacket” guy. All I could do was chuckle within. To be honest, that jacket was the highlight of my night. I told him to have Todd give me a call. Todd called me later that day and the end result is where we are now, Happily In Love.

{What is your proposal story?} Todd and I were enjoying our vacation in Florida. On May 17, we spent the entire day celebrating his birthday. We were all over Orlando just having fun. At the resort, he wanted to share with me how much he enjoyed the entire day and was glad that we took the much needed vacation.  He kept stating that his birthday is not over yet. I was thinking to myself that it is time to prepare for a new day. Todd begin to tell me how much he loved me and how he appreciated me. There was "love talk" that will be kept between the two of us.  However, I was so clueless that this was the actual moment. Todd stated that he wanted to end his birthday right by asking me to be his wife. He got on one knee and asked would I marry him. I was so shocked and really thought he was playing. Then my love pulled out a ring and asked me again.  I was happy and surprised at the same time which made tears and a smile appear on my face. I kept asking, “Really?"  He patiently waited on his knee for me to give him an answer. He sweetly asked again, “Will you marry me?” Of course, while crying I said, "yes.” We called those closest to us to share the big news of the proposal. It blessed my heart that he is old fashioned and asked for my hand in marriage months ago. Everyone knew it was coming but Todd only knew the actual proposal day.

Early in the relationship, we both knew that God meant for us to share our lives together. He reminded us during our relationship that it is in "His time" and in "due season."  On May 17, 2013, God was ready for us to "walk into our season.”

 {What inspired your wedding and reception locations?} We decided on a traditional church ceremony for two reasons:
1.      We wanted the ceremony to be sacred.
2.      This was the place where we first met.

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?} Purple is one of my favorite colors. I love seeing it paired with touches of bright green. This inspired my shades of purple and touches of green throughout the ceremony.

{How did you pick “the dress?”} My family and I were at my bridal appointment at Imaginations in Brookhaven, MS. We made it a family field trip with breakfast that morning, bridal appointment and lunch afterwards. My mom, aunt, sister, niece (maid of honor), and my cousin (matron of honor) each picked dresses for me. I was on my sister’s pick and knew I would hate this dress. When I put her choice on, I fell in love with it. I felt like a sexy diva in it and I knew Todd would love me in it. Of course, my family loved the dress as well. My oldest sister in Colorado Springs, Colorado gave her stamp of approval via phone.

{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?} I loved the items that were given to me by my dear friends out of love. Especially the jewelry, it was a sweet gesture from of the sweetest people I know.

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?} I enjoyed bonding with my family during this process. This wedding just made our bond even stronger.

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?}  When my husband met me at the altar, he whispered something sweet in my ear. It was just a reminder of why I love him so much.

{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?} We were excited to finally see our vision unfold. For example, the florist went above and beyond with everything.

{Your favorite picture from the big day?} The pictures of our first dance.

{The picture that represents the two of you best?}  All the pictures of us (Engagement and Wedding) reflect our love and slight goofiness. We love having fun with each other and there is never a dull moment.

Photographer: Carlyn Photography
Wedding Coordinator: Andrea Hopkins with Perfection Wedding Coordinating Company, LLC
Dress: Imaginations
Hair: Scott Tennon
Make-up: Leondra Taplin
Bridesmaid Dresses: Imaginations
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Videographer: Timothy Toney
Lighting/Rentals: Premier Event Rentals
Florist: William Box Designs
Catering: Marriott
DJ: Ron Moore “Ron Tha DJ”
Bride’s Cake: That Special Touch
Groom’s Cake: Tayari Jones
Print Material: J. Ward Designs
Flower Girl TuTu Dress:
Little Dreamers Tutus (www.littledreamerstutus.com)
Cake: That Special Touch
Groom's Cake: Tayari Jones
Flowers and Decor: William Box Designs - Special Occasion Flowers
Lighting and Rentals: Premier Events
Reception Venue: Jackson Marriott
Programs: J Ward Design Studio
Make-up Artist: Leondra Taplin
Wedding Coordinator: Andrea Tricie Oscar-Hopkins (http://www.perfectionwed.com/)

Dusti Bongé (1903-1993), The Balcony, 1943. oil on canvas. Collection of Mississippi Museum of Art. Gift of The Dusti Bongé Foundation, Inc. 1999.015.

Marie Hull (1890-1980), The Pink Lady, 1967. oil on canvas. Collection of Mississippi Museum of Art. Gift of the artist. 1978.005.

Jason Bouldin (born 1965), Portrait of Captain Jimmy Allgood, Lafayette County Fire Department, 2002. oil on canvas. Collection of Mississippi Museum of Art. Gift of Dr. Alicia Bouldin. 2007.041

Alex O’Neal (born 1957), Leon Koury’s Backyard Messiahs, 2000. acrylic on canvas. Collection of Mississippi Museum of Art. Gift of the artist. 2005.096.

The Mississippi Museum of Art is hosting a dreamy black-tie gala this Friday evening that should not be missed.  For the first time ever, the museum will present the magical “Night at the Museum: Artworks Come Alive” spring gala.

Julian Rankin, Marketing Director, says, “We are not unlike other museums in that we have fundraisers, galas, and other benefits, but this time around, we wanted to do something different than we’d done in years past; something exciting to celebrate the greatest asset of the institution – the art on the walls.”

As guests arrive at the museum, they will be treated with complementary valet parking before being whisked away into an unforgettable evening. 

Guests will be served an impressive three-course dinner at 7:30pm, as Civil War soldiers battle around the room.  Special visitors will also dazzle guests throughout the evening.  Julian says, “Some of the surprises are just that – you never know what artworks will come to life when the museum closes – but a few of the ones we can disclose are works like The Pink Lady by celebrated Mississippi artist Marie Hull, a fire chief as painted by Jason Bouldin, as well as Elvis and William Faulkner. Plus, a few longtime Museum employees whose portraits hang in the Museum will ‘emerge’ from those paintings to bartend. There are also a number of abstract artworks that will come to life, as well.”

After dinner, dancing under the stars will commence as guests mingle with figures fresh from the canvases in the museum.  “Raphael Semmes & Friends with special guest Jewell Bass will be the headlining evening act, playing outside on the C Spire Stage after dinner and into the night. Guests and artworks alike will be moved to dance under the open skies – living artworks love music, I’m told,” laughs Julian.

What an enchanting gala!  Proceeds from the event will directly benefit our wonderful Mississippi Museum of Art, supporting educational programs, exhibitions, and local and statewide opportunities. 

Each ticket costs $175 per person.  For more information, please visit the Mississippi Museum of Art Website here. 

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}