Imagine having incredibly talented photojournalists capturing your wedding:  one boasting a Professional Photographers of America New Faces award, and the other sharing a Pulitzer Prize with the Kansas City Star.  Their photographs have graced the cover of Mississippi Magazine’s Wedding Registry edition four times.  Michael and Dianne Barrett of Barrett Photography are not only award-winning journalists, but also a faithful married couple dedicated to their craft. 

Both Michael and Dianne have degrees in photojournalism from the University of Southern Mississippi.  Michael says, “Dianne was the beautiful little Italian girl in photojournalism 341 class that sat on the second row!  We had an assignment to shoot 20 faces and I used it to take her portrait and talk to her.  A year into our marriage I learned she was not impressed with what I thought was my great introduction! We spent years sharing a passion for photography and photojournalism and developing a friendship before we realized it was more than that and were both hired as staff photographers at the Clarion Ledger fresh out of school.”

The two eventually moved to Atlanta and married, where Dianne worked as a staff photographer at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Michael worked for various news outlets, including newspapers, magazines and corporations.  Dianne quit the paper when their son, Joseph, turned two, because she didn’t want to miss all of the precious moments with him.  Michael and Dianne decided to move home to Mississippi and start their own business, Barrett Photography. 

“As a photojournalist, you are not allowed to set up photos or influence them in any way unless you are shooting a portrait.  We had to walk into different situations everyday and cover assignments – many times battling other photographers – and get the story-telling picture.  There was no excuse!” says Dianne.  “We had to think on our feet and watch and anticipate moments so the transition to weddings was pretty easy! We have both covered presidents, world leaders, major spot news events, celebrities…so that same energy translates well into a wedding day. You can plan all you want and visit venues beforehand but no matter how many times you photograph in the same place, it will always be different – it could be the weather or the light or the subjects- so you have to react to what’s before you and make it work! That is my favorite kind of shooting!”

Barrett Photography is known for capturing extraordinary wedding photos, and they simply love each and every moment they shoot.  Michael says, “My favorite images are those that reflect the client’s faith, which is important to me.”   Dianne adds, “I love reaction shots and small, quiet moments.  Sometimes unless you know the story behind it, it may not look like such a great image, but it’s something that is important and meaningful to our clients. And that’s what is important to us.”

When choosing your wedding photographer, Michael and Dianne suggest that a bride and groom visit several photographers and choose the ones they like and whose work they love, then trust them to do what they do best!  Dianne says, “The best thing our clients can do is say we love your work and we trust you!  That is very freeing for any creative person and I guarantee you will then have someone do an extraordinary job for you.” 

Michael and Dianne are a team in every sense:  husband and wife, business owners and the parents of two children.  They continually inspire one another, and the results are breathtaking.

Dianne says, “I think having two professional photographers – and two that have worked together as long as we have – is a great benefit.  One of us did not teach the other how to shoot; photography is our mutual passion.”

Thank you, Michael and Dianne, for sharing your beautiful photographs and your story!  For more information on Barrett Photography, please visit their website here. 

Saturday, April 4, welcomed an unconventional holiday – International Pillow Fight Day!  In lieu of fighting, Inspiration Mississippi partnered with Babalu Tacos & Tapas and The Salvation Army of Jackson to create an incredible annual event – Pillow Donation Day.  Janet Spears, Director of Development at The Salvation Army, says, “The Pillow Donation Event was a wonderful idea!” 

Throughout the day, patrons donated unused pillows for those in need, and the result was a successful event full of fun and delectable food. 

The Salvation Army helps people in miraculous ways, and we wanted to share more about this remarkable organization with you.  We spoke with Janet Spears to hear more about The Salvation Army, what they do, and how you can be involved:

Tell us about The Salvation Army of Jackson.  Its history in Jackson and what you do on a daily basis for Mississippians?
“The Salvation Army has been active in the Jackson Metro area since 1907.  We serve six counties - Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Copiah, Scott & Yazoo.  On a day-to-day basis, it is the mission of The Salvation Army to aid and assist people, young and old, who are in a crisis in their life.  We are noted as being one of the top most accountable non-profit organizations in the world and serve in 126 Countries.  With the poverty ratio being so high in our service area, it is a daunting task to help educate people out of a poverty mentality - but we ARE making great progress.  It is our mission to Break Cycles- Build Lives through education and compassion.  Our slogan "Doing the Most Good" is a statement to assure our donors and clients that we serve to do the most good with the gifts and resources that are entrusted to us.”

Are you in need of any specific items or help?
“The Salvation Army is ‘always’ in need of donations to keep the educational programs going - we need clothes, furniture, household items etc. - volunteers - mentors - and supporters.”

How can Mississippians give to the Salvation Army - their time, items or monetarily?
“Mississippians can and do give  - we just have to keep The Salvation Army in the Top of Mind Awareness so that people will see the change that we can make.”

Janet adds, “I would really like for anyone who is interested to take the time to see what The Salvation Army does for our area.  Everyone seems to have the same remark – ‘I Had No Idea!’”

To learn more about The Salvation Army, please visit their website here.

{Photo courtesy of Mary Moment Photography}

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}

{Name}  Jennifer Skipper
{Hometown} Madison
{Event Site} Performance Sports 360 Ridgeland, MS

{Tell us about the occasion for the event?}  The party was for Jack’s 7th birthday.

{What inspired your event location and theme?}  Jack is a fun-loving, active little boy. He loves to run and jump and play all sports. Having a wide open football field at Performance Sports and the ability to play any game his heart desired was a big draw for the location.  Jack plays a different sport every season and loves them all, so a sports-centered theme was perfect for him.

{What inspired your color scheme/flowers?} Jack’s favorite high school team is Jackson Academy and their colors are blue and white.  His favorite (at least for the moment) college team is Mississippi State University.  So with white as a tie in for both schools we used blue, maroon, and white for the color scheme. 

{What’s your favorite event detail? Is there a story behind it?} I love a good party, and I really like to give the kids something other than candy as a favor. I absolutely loved the kids’ jerseys.  Each one had the number 7 on it, and Jack’s had “Skipper” as well.  They got to run through the “Happy Birthday Jack” banner with their jerseys on and divide into teams to play their games.  I hope it will be a fun memento for the kids to remember Jack’s party.

{What was your favorite part of the event planning process?} Other than my wedding, I had never had help with planning any of my parties.  It was fun working with Kendall Poole Event Planning and letting go of all of the worry that comes with deciding all of the party details.  I have been traveling for work a great deal lately, and simply did not have the time to put together Jack’s party as I had envisioned.  Hiring Kendall Poole Event Planning and letting her do what she does best was the perfect solution. It gave me the time I needed to do other things in my life and gave Jack the perfect birthday party. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

{What was your favorite moment of the event day?} My favorite moment was when our family walked in and saw the entire set up. Kendall and I had talked and exchanged photos, and I “knew” what the party would look like.  But to walk in and see it all put together was great.  All the kids – we have three with Jack being in the middle – ran up to look at the cake and the tables and all the “goodies.”  It was like Christmas morning for us all!

Jack’s favorite moments would be his on-field activities.  The staff at Performance Sports allowed him to choose the activities, and he was not hesitant in his choices.  The kids played dodge ball, two-hand touch football, and kickball – all in an hour and a half party.  Running and playing with the wild abandon of a seven year old was his favorite moment.

{Your favorite picture from the event day?} My favorite photo is the one where Jack is running through his birthday football banner with his friends.  Jack’s face (dark hair on the right) is so full of joy and life. Childhood is made for these moments of pure fun.  I’m so glad I could add one more memory to Jack’s story.

Photographer: Jennifer Skipper
Event Planner: Kendall Poole Event Planning  
Venue: Performance Sports 360 
Cake: Cake Diva
Any Additional Vendors:  Fresh Cut Catering & Floral – nacho and hot dog bar  

“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me.  They have clung to me all my life.”  Abraham Lincoln

Being a mom is not for the faint of heart.  Motherhood is filled with challenges, tears, tempers, sleepless months, and bodily smells and functions you never thought were possible.  Moms bravely take on the roles of teacher, housekeeper, referee, and head chef every single day.  Being a mom is hard.  But everyday, a simple smile or sweet snuggle reminds us that it is the most beautiful, complicated and rewarding job in the world. 

Many families across our state are blessed to have four or five living generations of women.  We thought it would be fun to explore and share the relationships between a young mom, her newborn daughter, mother and beloved grandmother. 

Brittney Tinkham Thompson grew up in Terry and admits she has always been extremely close with her grandmother, Ann Townsend, whom she affectionately calls “Memaw.”  Memaw had three daughters, and Brittney and her family lived within walking distance of her grandparents, aunts and their families.  “I spent more weekends at my grandmothers than I can count,” Brittney laughs.  “Memaw is basically my second mom.”

Memaw’s daughter, Kim Townsend, concurs.  She says, “I'm amazed at how much influence my mom has on all her grandchildren.  Brittney once told me that anytime she thought about doing something, she always thought about what her Memaw would think.   None of them ever want to disappoint their Memaw.  I think that says a lot about the influence she has had on them and how much they admire her.  I'm so proud that we have a mother, grandmother and great grandmother like her to look up to.”

Kim inherited many of Memaw’s extraordinary traits.  Brittney says, “My mom is the sweetest person I have ever met.  She will do anything for me! She has always put my brothers and me first.”

Seven months ago, Brittney welcomed her first baby, a precious daughter named Carter McLaine.   Kim smiles, “I feel like we are so lucky to have 4 generations of women!  Everyone is not as fortunate as we are to have each other and to be as close as we all are.   To see my mom sitting in the waiting room all night long while my sweet baby girl was having her sweet baby girl was priceless!  But I knew she wouldn't have missed it for the world.”

Brittney is smitten with her new baby.  “I have an unconditional love for another human being that I never thought was possible, and I feel like she has an unconditional love for me.  The smile that lights up her face is the most precious thing I have ever seen.” 

There is no doubt that Memaw and Kim understand that miraculous type of love.  Brittney says, “I was so lucky growing up because I had the love and support of my mom and both of my grandmothers.  I was never lacking in the love department.  I know that grandmothers and great-grandmothers have a unique love for their grandchildren.  I am happy Carter McLaine will have the love and support of these wonderful women to help raise her and guide her through life.”

A special thank you to Brittney and Kim for sharing their thoughts, and to Mary Moment Photography for so beautifully capturing their family in these photographs. 

Inspiration Mississippi also reached out to some of our favorite moms and daughters, and asked them to share what they admire most about the women in their lives:

“My mother inspires me in more ways than I can count but most of all her faith and determination.  She was diagnosed with lung cancer 5 years ago and was very ill during chemo and radiation.  During that difficult time she never gave up which allowed me to not have fear, but faith.  Today she is cancer free and still continues to inspire me everyday.” Katie Stafford of Mary Moment Photography

“My mom and grandmother have been such inspirations to me as a young mom!  My mom is a retired banker, and my grandmother is a retired schoolteacher.  Both were hard-working women - who balanced families and their careers while beautifully staying involved in their local communities.  We are so blessed that Holly has a wonderful relationship with her grandmother and great grandmother.  Through their faith in God and their positive outlook on life, they are truly helping us rear Holly to be such a loving and caring child!” Pam Ware of Metropolitan Bank

Pam Ware with her daughter, mother and grandmother. Photography by Merry Mason Photography

My children inspire me as a mother. Rearing babes is exhausting. Sometimes I feel like they will think their names are ‘No’ and ‘Stop that.’ But when I really pause and observe them, or really stop to enjoy them - it is magical. I love that quote, "People are people no matter how small," by Dr. Seuss. My little ones are not waiting to grow up to be relevant and have an impact - they are doing it right now. They have wisdom and faith, joy and sorrow, compassion and silliness. They are strong and loving - and although it is tiresome, it is the best work I will ever do.” Jessica Followell of Followell Fotography  

This evening, fireworks will explode across the sky while star-spangled music dances through the air at the Ross Barnett Reservoir.  Brown Bottling Group is sponsoring the 34th annual Pepsi Pops, a beloved, family-friendly event held in Jackson. 

Tonight’s event should not be missed.  Shelley Brown Floyd, Chief Marketing Officer at Brown Bottling Group, says, “As the title sponsor of Pepsi Pops, we provide the community with a family-friendly event under the stars where adults and children alike can be exposed to the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in a nontraditional setting at Old Trace Park on the Reservoir. It’s a no-stress night of fun for all as you can get off work, pick up the kids and come straight to the Reservoir and buy tickets at the gate. No need to worry about dinner because Burgers & Blues will be on site. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra to help with operating costs and educational programs for children.”

The title sponsor behind this enchanting evening is especially impressive.  Today, we are excited to explore the history behind the family-owned Brown Bottling Group, and share what makes them such a fantastic local business.

In 1947, Kenneth Brown hit the streets of Chicago, selling a 6.5 ounce bottle of Coke.  Ken, a WWII veteran, was a salesman for Coke of Chicago.  A few years later, Ken was hired by the Pepsi Cola Company and served as advertising manager for the central division.  Clever and ahead of his time, Ken used window displays to advertise Pepsi. 

In 1966, Ken and two friends purchased a struggling Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. in Wisconsin and the company flourished.  He turned his attention to the south, and in 1971 purchased the franchise for Pepsi, 7 Up and Dr Pepper, covering much of Mississippi.  At the time, the three brands were under separate ownership, so Ken and his partners merged them under a new company, named Southern Beverage Bottling Company.  

Over the years, Ken sold his company shares in Wisconsin and purchased his partners’ shares in Mississippi.   With dedication and hard work, the company began to grow.   Ken’s son, Bill Brown, joined the company in 1980.  In 1988, Bill became president of the company and changed the name to Brown Bottling Group.

Bill’s daughter, Shelley Brown Floyd, joined the company as Chief Marketing Officer, and this determined family and their loyal employees are continuing to write Brown Bottling Group's history as an outstanding and philanthropic Mississippi company.  Today, Shelley Brown Floyd shares more about Brown Bottling Group with us:

In a nutshell, what does Brown Bottling Group do?
“Although Brown Bottling Group is associated with brands such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Dr Pepper and Gatorade, we are a locally-owned business employing more than 400 Mississippians who bottle and distribute these nationally-known beverages in our state. When a Mississippian purchases our products, the money goes back into Mississippi schools, parks and communities.”

Tell me about the importance of community AND community service to the company. 
“Because Brown Bottling Group is a local business, giving back to the community is a big deal to us. We sponsor Mistletoe Marketplace, Sanderson Farms Golf Tournament, Pepsi Pops, Atwood Music Festival, Hubfest, and Zippity Doo Dah Parade Weekend just to name a few. Our team always steps up to the plate when we sponsor these events. Employees in the beverage business start work early in the morning and work isn’t over until everything is done. At Hubfest in Hattiesburg, our sales reps, who routinely work long days during the week, come out as early as 4:30am to help set up for the all-day festival of which we are the presenting beverage sponsor.”

How does living in Mississippi inspire you and Brown Bottling Group?
“As Mississippi is known as the Hospitality State, we are inspired to serve our customers and our community with the same giving spirit for which people around the world know Mississippians.”

Thank you so much, Shelley!  To learn more about Brown Bottling Group, please visit their website here.  You can also visit the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra site here to read more about Pepsi Pops!  We hope everyone enjoys a beautiful evening tonight on the Reservoir!

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}