After a few years in the bustling borough of Brooklyn, NY, Molly Gee returned to her roots in Madison, MS.  With her degree in Apparel, Textiles and Merchandising from Mississippi State University, Molly Gee fulfilled a dream and started Molly Gee Designs. “Sewing and designing has always been a passion of mine,” she says.  “A number of engaged friends requested unique accessories they couldn’t seem to find, which encouraged me to launch our bridal line.  Accessories can change a gown in so many ways; I love getting to know a bride and helping her style a look that brings out her personality.” 

Molly Gee crafts gorgeous brooches, bridal veils, dress sashes, headbands and fascinators with glass pearls, fine silks, whimsical feathers, delicate lace and sparkling rhinestones.   She admits, “I have so many favorites in my collection, but I absolutely love making hairpieces with a mix of beadwork and flower petals.  I hand cut the fabric and form the three dimensional flowers.”  The result is simply breathtaking.

Fans of Molly Gee’s accessories are quite creative themselves.  Jennifer Chappell gave her daughter, Mattie, a stunning brooch for her first birthday.  Jennifer says, “I knew I wanted to do a vintage/shabby chic theme for my daughter’s party, and as I began collecting pieces that once belonged to my grandmother and great-grandmother, it reminded me of my own wedding day, and how I wanted my daughter to have something special from her father and me.  I wanted it to have a story and meaning behind it.”  Jennifer came across a photo of a wreath with brooches adorning the fabric, and immediately knew she wanted to give her daughter a pretty pin.

Molly Gee was designing a wedding dress sash and hairpiece for one of Jennifer’s dear friends, so she began looking at her pieces online.  “I wanted [Mattie’s piece] to be something she would one day treasure and maybe pass down to her children…I contacted [Molly Gee] and she was more than happy to make this special gift for our little girl.  I felt Molly Gee fulfilled my wants for it to be unique, handmade and affordable.”  Molly Gee adds, “Jennifer was the mastermind behind her keepsake gift and I’m so glad she asked me to be a part of it!  I love designing a piece knowing it will become a special memory.”

Kendall Poole Ellis also gave her daughter an unforgettable gift.  “Molly Gee designed an elegant headpiece for my wedding day.  When I found out I was having a little girl, I asked Molly Gee to make it into a beautiful headband for my daughter, Emma.”  Kendall’s gorgeous headpiece was turned into a beloved heirloom for Emma, and she proudly wore it in her newborn photos.  Perhaps one day Emma will march down the aisle in her sparkling accessory, then pass it down to her children as a treasured gift. 

Molly Gee’s designs are one-of-a-kind and truly inspirational!  If you are dreaming of a perfect adornment for your wedding, special event, or child, please visit www.mollygeedesigns.com

Tomorrow marks the opening day of two extraordinary exhibits at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson.  Spanish Sojourns: Robert Henri and the Spirit of Spain and Robert Henri and Spain, Face to Face, will be presented in separate galleries.

Robert Henri, an influential early 20th century American painter, had a great passion for traveling, especially to his beloved Spain.  Throughout his exceptional career, Henri enjoyed portraying the realities of contemporary life.  Julian Rankin, Director of Media and Public Relations at the Mississippi Museum of Art, tells us, “Spain transformed the way Henri saw art, painted, and later taught.  Spain is such a powerful place with unique characters.”  Henri was truly inspired by the dancers, musicians, singers, peasants, bullfighters, and gypsies he studied in Spain.  As Henri once observed, “It is harder to see than it is to express.  The whole value of art rests in the artist’s ability to see well into what is before him.”

Organized by the Telfair Museums in Savannah, Georgia, Spanish Sojourns: Robert Henri and the Spirit of Spain is a nationally touring exhibition.  Roger Ward, Deputy Director and Chief Curator at the Museum notes, “Numerous of Henri’s paintings from his extended sojourns in Spain, as well as those which were profoundly influenced by his experience of Spain – but painted in his New York studio – are true masterpieces…But they are less well-known…because the greatest works remain in private hands or were acquired relatively early by museums all over the United States.”

Roger Ward and his staff at the Mississippi Museum of Art have organized the accompanying exhibition, Robert Henri and Spain, Face to Face.  Betsy Bradley, Director of the Museum, says, “The Face to Face exhibition which we have organized will provide the Jackson visitor with a perfect introduction to a larger exhibition, Spanish Sojourns.  How exciting it is to be able to display exquisite works by great artists such as El Greco, Ribera, Manet, and Cassatt alongside the beautiful works of John Singer Sargent and Henri himself.”

Julian Rankin also reveals that many of Henri’s paintings on display are 90 inches tall and tremendously life-like.  Along with these beautiful paintings, the museum will be hosting a series of events celebrating Spanish life and culture:
  
Saturday, September 27th – Opening Day of Spanish Sojourns: Robert Henri and the Spirit of Spain and Robert Henri and Spain, Face to Face
   
Thursday, October 16th – A Celebration with Spanish Music and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, beginning at 6PM in The Art Garden

Thursday, November 6th – A Night of Passion with A’lante Flamenco, at 6PM in the Trustmark Grand Hall

Tuesday, November 18th – Unburied Treasures: Cover to Cover, starting at 5:30PM in the Trustmark Grand Hall

For more information on these wonderful opportunities, please visit www.msmuseumart.org

Jasmine Murray dazzled us with her incredible voice and elegant evening gown during the Miss America pageant on September 14th.  Jasmine's vocals definitely stole the show.  As Good Morning America perfectly tweeted, "So I guess we'll be seeing Miss Mississippi at the Grammy's next year right?"  Miss Mississippi made our state incredibly proud as she captured a coveted spot in the top 10.  With the glow of the pageant now behind, Jasmine is looking forward to her year as Miss Mississippi.  Jasmine says, "It is so important to believe in yourself.  To see my sister on the Miss Mississippi stage growing up was so inspiring.  I never thought I would be up there!  To be on both the Miss Mississippi and Miss America stage has been such an incredible blessing for me."  We caught up with Jasmine to hear a little more about her upcoming year serving our state: 

How was your experience at the Miss America pageant?
"It was incredible, it really was.  It was one of those opportunities you never know what to expect until you get there!  We were able to go to so many places during the week, and everyday was something new and exciting.

What was a highlight from your week in Atlantic City?
"Getting to know the other contestants was a highlight.  Each young woman is so special in their own way - so talented, beautiful and friendly.  We all truly bonded; I am taking those wonderful friendships away with me."

What are you looking forward to doing in your year as Miss MS?
"I am so exited about this year and I have so much planned.  While I don't know exactly what the year will hold, I cannot wait to see what opportunities come from this experience.  I think the possibilities are endless!"

Do you have any words of wisdom for girls dreaming of one day becoming Miss Mississippi? Or for any child pursuing a dream?
"I would tell any little girl she can do anything she puts her mind to.  I grew up with three older sisters.  Looking up to them and seeing what they have become is so inspiring for me.  If I can inspire a little boy or girl and become their role model, I would love that.  I would also tell them they can do anything.  It takes hard work, time and patience - so don't rush anything, but work really hard and believe in yourself.   

Will you continue pursuing your music career?
"Music is my passion.  I will never stop singing, ever!  I want to continue with my music career and see what doors open.  I will keep pushing that door!  God gave me this passion for music, so i want to pursue it.  It is also my ministry, and I adore leading worship at Pine Lake Church; it is such an amazing feeling".  

How can we follow your schedule and appearances throughout the upcoming year? 
"My schedule changes daily!  I post frequently on social media - I love Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.  Also you can visit missMississippipageant.com for more information on my schedule!"

Anyone can follow Jasmine on Social Media!  Here is how:
    Click here to visit her Facebook Page 
    Visit Instagram and follow JasmineSMurray
    Visit Twitter and follow JasmineSMurray

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}

One of Jackson's most beloved haunts has recently undergone a charming face lift.  With a nod to the past and a hope for a bright future, Brent’s Drugs has been taken to the next level.  “We really have tried to hold onto that sense of gathering over a burger and shake, and keep Brent’s a favorite of all of Jackson’s people and generations,” says Amanda Wells.  Every effort was made to not only improve, but also preserve the historic restaurant that Mississippians know and love.

Brent’s Drugs first opened its doors in October 1946 in the Morgan Center, the first shopping center in Mississippi (later renamed Woodland Hills Shopping Center).  Pharmacist Alvin Brent left Patterson’s Drugs in the Plaza Building downtown (at the time known as the Standard Life Building), to open his own pharmacy and soda fountain in Fondren.  While the pharmacy was highly successful, the restaurant became the gathering place for neighbors and friends. Brent owned the pharmacy until 1977, when he sold the business. After passing through many hands over the years, a pharmacy-free Brent’s was purchased by Fondren resident Brad Reeves in July 2009.  Together with Amanda and Nathan Wells and Jonathan Shull, Brad Reeves set out to make his local hot spot even better.

Keeping the charm of the old interiors, as well as providing a more functional space, took top priority.  Amanda says, “It was imperative that our kitchen expand, because we had to keep up with demand, but we made sure to be as careful as possible about preserving Brent’s…charm was definitely a big factor, along with historical integrity and accuracy.”

The team researched 1940’s diners, and used several old and original materials.  “Boomerang Formica counter and table tops, 1940's wood tones, quilted stainless, and of course the original soda fountain stools where generations of Jacksonians have enjoyed quite a few milkshakes" are all included in the impressive 3-month renovation.  "We also have on display some original prescriptions and pharmacy equipment,” says Amanda.

She adds, “It was definitely a collaborative effort.  We put our heads together to make the place the most functional it could possibly be, now being a full restaurant, but also to preserve Brent’s heritage and history."

The result?  A perfectly charming setting with great food and their famously delicious milkshakes.  The updated landmark is sure to please both loyal and new customers.  

Amanda notes, "Brent's is a Jackson staple, I believe, because it is a true representation of community.  It is historically (and remains) a neighborhood joint that brings people from all walks of life together.  At any given time, you'll see young, old, college students, families, black, white, just about everyone, at Brent's.  This is a true representation of our city."

{Bride} Heather Shaw (Jackson, Mississippi)
{Groom} Rhett Young (Greenwood, Mississippi)
{Location} Jackson, Mississippi

{How did you two meet?}
We met at Mississippi State University.

{What is your proposal story?}
Rhett and I met at Mississippi State University. Rhett proposed to me on the Jackson Academy football field. The reasoning behind this proposal was that my father passed away in 1995 while he was the head football coach at Jackson Academy. My mother and father also met when they started working together at JA. His proposal was a very happy and emotional time for everyone in my family and it could not have been more perfect.

{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?}
The wedding took place at Christ United Methodist Church because I grew up going there.
I chose Union Station for my wedding reception because it was unique, it had great character, and an ambiance that was unlike other places I had seen. 

{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?}
When I walked down the aisle I had my grandmother's handkerchief wrapped around the stem of my bouquet. This was special to me because my grandmother lost her battle with cancer when I was only a year old and my mother saved her handkerchief for my sister and I to have on our wedding day. My sister also had the handkerchief monogrammed with mine and my mothers initials a few weeks before the wedding and surprised me on my wedding day.

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?}
I used pastel colors mainly periwinkle, lavender, and a soft pink. They went well with my spring theme.

{How did you choose "the dress"?}
I decided to wear my mothers dress that she wore in her wedding to my father in 1984.

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?}
My favorite part of wedding planning was having my mothers dress remade. Each time my sister, mother, and I went for a dress fitting we enjoyed every moment. It was amazing to see the progress and it meant a lot to each of us.

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?}
My favorite part of the wedding day was having both of our families come together to support us and bless our marriage. 

{Catering & Floral Design} Fresh Cut Catering and Floral
{Dress} Sandra Ashford
{Photography} Caitlyn Sullivan
{Bride's Cake} Jerri Ann Morgan 
{Groom's Cake} Meredith Brabec