July is National Ice Cream Month, and this summer we were proud to partner with Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint to benefit Batson Children’s Hospital!  

We worked closely with the extraordinary team at Friends of Children’s Hospital, a nonprofit organization created to benefit Batson Children’s Hospital at The University of Mississippi Medical Center.  Batson is the only hospital in the state devoted exclusively to the care and treatment of sick and injured children.  The spectrum of care ranges from well-child care for healthy newborns to comprehensive care for cancer, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, allergies, diabetes and numerous other childhood illnesses.  

With your incredible help (and many helpings of delicious ice cream!), 15% of all "Batson Sundae" sales at Sal & Mookie’s was donated to Children’s Hospital!  We had an overwhelming response to Ice Cream with Friends, and our favorite Mississippi sports teams even got involved!  Mississippi State football Coach Dan Mullen and Ole Miss Coach Hugh Freeze both stopped by for a Batson Sundae, and we had a Millsaps College day to support Batson Children's Hospital!  Thank you all for your kindness and great support of Ice Cream with Friends.  

Jeff Good, Owner and Operator of Sal & Mookie's says, "At Sal & Mookie’s our mantra is 'Do the Right Thing.'  What is more right than helping raise money and awareness for Mississippi’s premier children’s hospital, Blair E. Batson.  What a joy it has been over the last month to serve miles of smiles by offering our very special ice cream sundae in the month of July.  We cannot wait for the opportunity to do it again!"

To wrap up National Ice Cream Month and Ice Cream with Friends, Inspiration Mississippi, along with Sal & Mookie’s, hosted an Ice Cream Party at Batson Children’s Hospital. The celebration took place in Wiser Cafeteria on Thursday, July 28, and precious patients and their families enjoyed yummy ice cream sundaes from Sal & Mookie's, face painting by the spectacular Fancy Faces by Sherry, took silly photos in Mississippi Photo Booths and even danced to music provided by DJ 51-50 .  Katelyn Anne Photography was on hand to capture every precious moment.  She smiles, "It was really amazing to see the heart behind Inspiration Mississippi, Sal & Mookie's and Friends of Children's Hospital.  All of these different avenues pulled together for a common goal.  I was honored to spend time with the kids and meet their families.  Being a part of something that brings joy to these children was incredible." 

A special thank you to the following Vendors:

Katelyn Anne Photography 
Brown Bottling Group
Sherry Burdsal of Fancy Faces by Sherry
Phillip Cothern of DJ 51-50
Scott Jones with Mississippi Photo Booths
Sal & Mookie's 
Friends of Children's Hospital
 

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}

Embrace the nostalgia. Make new memories. 
NO HOMEWORK | ALL RECESS | ALL AGES

The Mississippi Museum of Art will be hosting its Third Thursday Museum After Hours TOMORROW NIGHT, August 18th!  Julian Rankin, Marketing Director, says, "It's themed 'Back to School' and celebrates the nostalgia of the school experience, showcases art made on chalkboard by local artists, and much more!" 

Every third Thursday, the Museum opens its doors to celebrate Mississippi's creative community.  Each month features a fun new theme and story, and this month's "Back to School" should not be missed!  The museum says, "The night includes a pop up exhibition showcasing original contemporary Mississippi artwork made with chalk on blackboard; pop up dining with Executive Chef Nick Wallace presenting elevated modern cuisine in a playfully recreated school cafeteria; a 'Picture Day' selfie booth to capture the awkward poses and backdrops of back-in-the-day school portraits; head-to-head paper football tournament; live music; and more!"

It sounds like the perfect evening to celebrate school!  Whether you have children in elementary school or graduated decades ago, we hope to see all of you at the museum tomorrow evening!  For more information on the event, please visit the Museum After Hours - Back to School Facebook page here! 
 
A special thank you to the Mississippi Museum of Art for hosting such wonderful events for the community!  All photographs courtesy of the Mississippi Museum of Art. 

Jeff Chao of Chao Photography is one of our favorite Mississippi photographers.  Not only is he incredibly talented, but he is also a kind, loving and devoted husband and father.  Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to the Chao family, through the eyes of Jeff and his wife, Jana!

MEET THE CHAOS

From Jeff:  "I’ve spent time in lots of different places, but feel like God has blessed me with a spot right here in Mississippi. From the people and places to the friendly feel, this is just home.

My favorite shoots are weddings, families, and seniors–but that’s definitely not all that I do. Meeting new people truly makes my day. I love to hear people’s stories–who they are, where they come from, and what they are doing in life. I love getting to spend time with my clients and becoming a part of their lives. What’s even better is getting to know them and then getting to pull together some memories for them.

When I’m not behind the camera (and sometimes when I am), I enjoy spending time with my wife Jana and kiddos–Jase (5) and John Stephen (2). We love inviting clients into our home, and have a new home office/studio just for you! I also have a mild obsession with all things Mississippi State."

From Jana:  "I have been so blessed over that past almost 10 years to be married to this guy and see all that God is doing through him with photography. He truly impresses me every time I see his work. Jeff has had the opportunity to touch so many people’s lives, and truly LOVES what he does. I really think he loves the people more than actually taking the pictures!

When we first began our business, I played second-shooter with Jeff for most of his weddings–until the big kid came along. I usually play “mama” on the weekends, and would have it no other way. We have been very blessed with several amazing assistants that travel and work with Jeff–and they sure do keep things running smoothly! I’m still very involved in day-to-day, behind the scenes happenings of things, and I’m itching to get back behind the camera and tag along with Jeff on the weekends!"

Thank you, Jeff and Jana, for telling us more about your beautiful family!  For more information on Chao Photography, please visit his website here! 

Imagine a southern girl, enjoying life in New York City.  She has a fabulous career, collects antique silver, and has an eye for vibrant works of art.  After a romantic engagement, she dreams of a wedding back home in Mississippi.  The result is stunning.  A custom, high-end soiree filled with exquisite details charms friends and family from around the world.  With the finest caviar hors d'oeuvres, spirits served in chilled mint julep cups, and custom paintings given to each guest, every detail is perfectly dazzling.

Vendors:
Venue:  Ardor Rental Boutique in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Photography:  Adam + Alli Photography
Lighting:  Davaine Lighting
Florals & Styling:  Ginger Cook Event & Floral Design
Pastries:  La Brioche
Linen Rentals:  Eventful
Props:  Ardor Rental Boutique 
Hair & Make-up:  Molly Gee Designs
Print Material, Dresses & Tuxes:  Forrest Paper & Bridal Company 

Thank you to all of our incredible vendors!  You can find more gorgeous photo shoots, inspiring people and events in Inspiration Mississippi Magazine! 

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}

{Name} Maurie Hartel 

{Hometown} Hattiesburg, MS

{Event Site} Ardor Rental Boutique, Hattiesburg 

{Tell us about the occasion for the event?} We wanted to celebrate sweet Charly Kate's 3rd birthday with a whimsical, woodland fairy world with everything magical and girly!

{What inspired your event location and theme?} Charly Kate's mom Katie loved the idea of a fairy party for her almost three year old!  When that was decided, I immediately thought of Ardor. I had been there once for an engagement party and fell in love with the space. It's so bright and airy. The white walls were the perfect blank canvas for us!

{What inspired your color scheme/flowers?}  We wanted to keep the colors very light and feminine. Adrienne Garanich of Bloom's A Garden Shop found the prettiest peachy pink carnations for the garland backdrop, so that set the tone.  I added some ferns and moss to help give it that woodland fairy atmosphere.  

{What’s your favorite event detail? Is there a story behind it?}  My favorite detail is the hanging carnation garland. It gave such a sweet, feminine feel to the whole room! It looked magical. 

{What was your favorite part of the event planning process?}  Seeing it all come together is so much fun and so rewarding. And of course seeing the birthday girl light up is special!

{What was your favorite moment of the event day?} I loved watching the girls turn their bird houses into magical fairy houses. They were so creative with it and I could tell they really loved it. 

{Your favorite picture from the event day?} I love the picture of the birthday girl admiring her party table.  

Vendors:
Photographer: Maurie Hartel 
Event Planner: Maurie Hartel 
Venue: Ardor Rental Boutique 
Florist: Flowers provided by Bloom's a Garden Shop
Cake and Cookies: Beth Robinson of Monkey Kisses