"As a child, I would always flip our house.  My dad would walk into a room and his keys and wallet had been moved," laughs interior design Lynn Myers.  "I also loved shopping for antiques with my mom.  Naturally, interior design became a passion when I was a young girl." 

Myers' childhood hobby led to a wildly successful business.  Lynn Myers Designs has been has been beautifully transforming homes for over twenty years.  

Myers graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in Accounting and worked with a firm for over thirteen years.  She enjoyed decorating for friends and family on the side and was offered an opportunity to work alongside an interior designer.  Her extraordinary talents let to a career change - and the opening of Lynn Myers Designs.  

Myers smiles, "I absolutely love mid-century modern design.  Perhaps it is a reflection of my childhood; my mom lived in Europe for four years and collected the most beautiful antique pieces."  Whether her clients prefer traditional or contemporary design, Myers works closely with them to create something lovely and functional.  

Myers says, "I always meet with a new client, take my first impression of them and start pulling ideas.  I love to meet with them and get that feel and vibe for their personality.  I typically choose one lead fabric and pull everything else for the room off of that." 

Myers is a joy to work with, along with her team, Virginia Evans and Claire Farmer.  Myers says,  "All of my clients are so important to me.  I want everyone to know how important they are, so I personally text them, pull everything together and I always visit the site." 

Lynn Myers Design recently opened an impressive studio and art gallery on the top of Banner Hall in Jackson.  The loft space is open and airy, featuring a fabric library and grand windows with sweeping views.  Light pools into the space, highlighting sculptures, mid-century art and pieces from local artisans.  

A gorgeous home Myers designed in Alys Beach, Florida,  recently graced the pages of Elle Decor Magazine.  The Moroccan-style terrace has been featured on countless blogs and is a top pick on Pinterest.  Myers reflects, "The owner of the home prefers traditional designs, so I tried to give her that feel.  But we didn't want it to look like a beach house.  You walk into the door and everything is completely unexpected.  White walls, antiques, white linens, venetian plaster and acquired art really liven the space." 

Myers resides in Jackson with her husband, two children, two step-children and three dogs.  She uses a wonderful mix of local and global artists, and seems to transform spaces effortlessly.

For more information on Lynn Myers Designs, please visit her website here! You can also find inspirational photos of her work on Instagram here or visit the Lynn Myers Designs Facebook page here.  

A special thank you to Lynn Myers Designs for the gorgeous photographs of her work! 

“I bought my wedding gown in 1954 for $300 at the New York Fashion Shop in Iowa.  It was quite a dress.  With delicate Alençon lace, a sweetheart neckline and long sleeves, it was simply breathtaking.”

Like most newlyweds, Mary Cobb packed away her precious gown after the wedding.  “When it came time for my daughters, Mary Al and Susan, to get married, my husband told them, ‘I’m not buying you a new dress.  There’s a perfectly good dress in the closet,” laughs Mary.  “They were not eager!  But they wore it to please their daddy, and they looked beautiful.”

Mary, affectionately known as “Ama” by her nine grandchildren, was shocked when her granddaughter, Leah Cox Hendrix, approached her about wearing the lace gown. Leah says, “I am extremely sentimental.  My mom and aunt had worn it, and when I got engaged, I knew my grandmother had the dress packed away at her house.  I tried it on and it fit like a glove.  It was absolutely perfect.”

Leah started an extraordinary tradition among her cousins, and with the help of Jackson seamstress, Sandra Ashford, it has been exquisitely restored for each bride.

When Jenny Cobb Sneed became engaged, she shopped around for a new wedding gown.  Leah laughs, “Jenny called me and said, ‘I cannot find a dress that I love as much as Ama’s.’”  The 1954 dress fit Jenny stunningly.  Jenny was living in Manhattan at the time and shot incredible bridal portraits throughout New York City.  Mary laughs, “I did not think the dress would survive!”  But it did.

Sara Jimenez Burns was the next to marry, and she embellished the gown with a lovely new cummerbund.  With her fiancée standing at a handsome 6’ 8”, Sandra mended the sleeves so that Sara could reach up and embrace her new husband.  

After Sara, Lauren Cobb Steele chose to wear her sweet grandmother’s dress.  She reflects, “I wore it just like Ama did, which felt so special.  I love the look of the gown because it is from the 1950’s: the feminine lines and elegant details make it beautifully regal.  If the dress is still intact, I would absolutely love for my daughters to wear it one day.” 

Mary says with awe, “It conforms to each girl perfectly.  It is truly a magical dress.  My mother would be so pleased, because she helped me pick out the dress.  I think she is in Heaven smiling, because she knows.”

The dress will make its next debut when Mary’s last granddaughter, Mary Grace, gets married.   “She tells me, ‘Ama, I have to wear the dress,” smiles Mary.  “We will put it together beautifully somehow.’”  

A special thank you to Christina Photo for the beautiful photographs! 

Blog by Mitchell Walters 

Natchez has a new hotel that perfectly blends the rich history of the past with the modern amenities of the future.   As Natchez celebrates its tricentennial this year, guests from around the world have fallen in love with Hotel Vue.  We are excited to introduce Hotel Vue to you today through the eyes of the people closest to this incredible new Natchez destination: 

What was the inspiration behind opening Hotel Vue in Natchez?  
"Perched on a bluff at the corner of the City’s bridge to Louisiana, Hotel Vue is an important symbol of the vitality of this unique, hospitality-driven community.  Natchez celebrates 300 years and continues to welcome visitors from around the world who are interested in its grandeur and genteel.  Along with a diverse visitor base, the city’s demand for a diverse offering of accommodations provided the opportunity to establish Hotel Vue as the perfect alternative to the 'ordinary.'"
Micajah Sturdivant, President at MMI Hotel Group, Hotel Vue’s management company

Tell us the history behind the building!
"After decades of hosting locals and visitors alike, an existing hotel was partially demolished and rebuilt with the intention of providing the accommodations for a new gambling boat.  The casino never made its way to Natchez and the current owners purchased the property.   As a result, the hotel’s décor and service experience was repositioned in 2015 away from Vegas-style crystals and mirror to the creativity of a fresh take on Natchez sights and senses."  
Wendy Grandin, General Manager at Hotel Vue

The decor looks modern and beautiful!  What was the vision behind the interior design of the hotel?
"Classic design was covered already.  There isn’t a community in Mississippi that does antebellum better.  Recognizing a need to differentiate and the owners’ shared business interest in timber, the property has taken on a unique aesthetic focused on the river and the lands surrounding Natchez. 

The view from its bluff is special to the property.  Perched at the base of a bend in the Mighty Mississippi, visitors to Hotel Vue and The Pilot House have a signature view up the river.  The décor plays off of the property’s unique location."  
Monique Koudelka, Interior Designer at Curve Hospitality

We love that the Hotel Vue introduces people to the "New Natchez!"  What kind of experience can guests expect when they come stay?
"We are a 'No Doily Zone!'  We knew that we couldn’t match what 300 years of history has provided in historic bed and breakfasts and beautiful grounds.  Instead, we decided to share the traditions of hospitality that Natchez is known for with the modern amenities that travelers have come to expect.  Hotel Vue is the best of both worlds."  
Micajah Sturdivant, President at MMI Hotel Group, Hotel Vue’s management company

What type of amenities do you offer?
 "Similar to the full-service hotels of larger cities like New Orleans and Memphis, the hotel provides a pool, gym, meeting facilities, amenity shop, and restaurant.  Specific to Hotel Vue, the property is convenient to the Natchez Convention Center or the various antebellum homes dotted around the city.  Hotel Vue has the appropriate balance of modern comfort and Southern hospitality." Sarah Lindsey Rogers, Director of Sales at Hotel Vue

Tell us about The Pilot House! 
"Nestled high on the bluff of the majestic Mississippi, the hotel’s signature food & beverage experience, The Pilot House, brings to mind the captain's quarters of riverboats from days gone by.  The restaurant and lounge pay homage to this unique view and was inspired by Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi.

The Pilot House serves as a meeting place where tales are great & long.   Focused around signature cocktails and shareable dishes, our menu has something for everyone.  The drink menu was curated by Robert Arender, Chief Mixologist at Garden & Gun and Southern Living-lauded Apothecary in Jackson with hallmark cocktails, craft beers, and a tasteful selection of wines on hand.  Visitors quickly recognize that the drinks have a great selection of small bites or full-plated dishes from the menu.  Gastronomy is at play in detailing the recipes brought to life every night during dinner service." 
Micajah Sturdivant, President at MMI Hotel Group, Hotel Vue’s management company

What a beautiful addition to a historic city.  For more information on Hotel VUE, please visit their website here!