“My inspiration comes from so many things all rolled into one.  I am inspired by art and design, old architecture, and any glimpse of an idea I may see,” says Nick Bradshaw, owner of Iron Point Construction in Madison.  “A person's house is usually (and this is pretty safe to say) the most expensive thing they will ever purchase in their entire life.  It is also where we spend the majority of our day-to-day time.  It is the place we raise our kids.  It is an investment.  Therefore, it is imperative that it is built with all of these facets in mind.  Each house should be as unique as the people having it built.”

Nick comes from a long line of great builders.  His father built homes and performed real estate development, and his grandfather and great-grandfather built churches across the southeast.  Nick graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering and spent several years in the corporate world working for Civil design firms, gaining knowledge in budgeting, design, structural design, management and site design.  He also obtained his Professional Engineering license.  He reflects, “For some reason, this just never felt like it was hitting my buttons.”

His professional life soon changed course.  Several years ago, Nick and his wife, Rachel, began dreaming about building a home.  Nick drew the plans and built a gorgeous home.  He laughs, “Friends, workers and UPS men would come by and always comment on the home saying how unique and pretty it was.  Over time it hit me.  I thought, ‘I might have something here.  If I can come up with timeless and unique designs, I believe there is a market for people wanting that, and I can fill that void.’”  Things progressed quickly, and Nick started his incredible company, Iron Point Construction.

Nick is smart, kind and confident, and genuinely cares about his clients.  He says, “I care about them, their home, and their experience during the process.  I am not out to try and make a lot of money.  I often tell people that I left a stable and modest-paying job to dive into the wild world of real estate!” 

Iron Point Construction promises a level of professionalism that is rarely seen in the construction industry.  He offers a turn-key package, which can include everything from initial lot purchase to house design and layout, construction, paint colors and interior design.  “I believe clients can expect a smooth process.  I jump in and take the bull by the horns to make things happen, all while working hand-in-hand with my clients to make certain they are instrumental in the process.”  He adds, “A small and fun thing some clients might enjoy is a live-feed camera onsite!  They can check in at anytime, see progress on their home and even create a cool time-lapse video of their house being built!”

Though Nick works solely as the operator of Iron Point Construction, he says, “I rely heavily on my wife’s opinions on the layouts and interior design elements of a house.  She has a great eye for that!  I have worked with several architects in the Jackson area and consider them an integral part of the team.  Another key component to the building process is the bank. I have strong relationships with several lenders in the area and understand that money is always a hot topic when building a house.  Being able to sit and speak with a reliable and trustworthy lender is something I can discuss and set up for any client.”

Finally, Integrity is at the core of Iron Point Construction.  “Without it, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night,” Nick says.  “We are called by God to be honest and forthright and I do not take that lightly.”

Iron Point Construction is the perfect partner if you are looking to build a beautiful home.  Working with Nick is a dream, as is the final product.  “I believe the most satisfying moment is at the end of all the hustle and bustle of construction, standing at the front of a client's dream home with them, cutting the red ribbon to signify the completion, and seeing the excitement and joy on their faces.”  

For more information on Iron Point Construction, please visit their website here.  We will leave you today with one of Nick’s favorite quotes by Theodore Roosevelt.  Nick believes it can truly be applied to many facets of our lives…

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in that grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."

{Bride}  Caroline Carr Temple  (Present Caroline Temple Smith)
{Groom} Charles Griffin Smith (goes by Griffin)
{Hometowns} BRIDE- Jackson, MS, GROOM Atlanta, GA
{Wedding Site} (Galloway United Methodist Church, Jackson, MS)
{Reception Site} (Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, MS)
{Bride’s Bouquet} White Hydrangea, Juliet Garden Roses, Patience Garden Roses and Ranunculus
{Bridesmaid Bouquets} Chablis Roses, Lisianthus, Silver Brunia, Ranunculus, Dusty Miller, White Majolica Spray Roses and Seeded Eucalyptus.

{How did the two of you meet?} Griffin and I met in Oxford our freshman year in the spring of 2007.  It was around the time the KA’s, Griffin’s fraternity, went to New Orleans for their Spring Formal.  My friend, Tory McGuire, set us up on a blind date and we immediately hit it off in the bayou.  We made our relationship official in the fall of 2008, our junior year, before we headed down to Baton Rouge to watch Ole Miss beat LSU.  We are so blessed to have met while in school at Ole Miss and share so many mutual friends and memories together.   We now live in Atlanta together, after living in Jackson, WY and Charleston, SC.

{What is your proposal story?}
Griffin proposed to me in the summer of 2013 on a beach trip with his immediate family, including his mom, dad, older sister, brother in law, little sister and 6-month-old nephew in Murrell’s Inlet, South Carolina.  Griffin took me on a beautiful sunset stroll down the beach, got down on one knee and popped the question.  We then saw his mom and adorable two sisters hiding in the sea grass who captured it all on camera.  When we returned to the house, the rest of the boys were waiting on the porch that overlooked the bay with champagne to celebrate.  My sweet soon-to-be father-in-law handed me a beautiful red rose and told me how he couldn’t wait for me to be his only ever daughter-in-law.  It was the most wonderful surprise and it meant so much for us to be able to celebrate with family.

{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?}
We wanted to celebrate our wedding by making it personable while entwining the traditional south, with a few modern, elegant aspects and overall fun! Therefore we knew it, our wedding was definitely “mint to be” in Mississippi!  We both felt strongly about marring in the Church.  We chose my home Church, Galloway United Methodist Church.  My Galloway family really holds a special place in my heart and the church itself is gorgeous.  It is a historical church in downtown Jackson across the street from the old capital.  It has a beautiful garden, enormous antebellum columns and stain glass windows.  I had my heart set on the Mississippi Museum of Art because I loved the modern artsy feel.  I wanted out of town guests to get a great first impression of Mississippi.  The MS Museum of Art would show off MS’s creative side.  There was actually an Oxford festival being held the day we visited, which sold Griffin! We fell in love with the beautiful backdrop mural of green and snow topped mountains with wildlife in the middle of our dance floor that reminded of us Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  We also saw a lot of potential in the enormous, relaxing patio.  So there you have it! The MS Museum of Art was “mint to be” our reception location!

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?}
I wanted a breath of fresh air from winter and bring spring colors early for our late February wedding.  Finding the bridesmaids dresses was first on my list.  Griffin’s favorite color is green and I love pastel looking colors.  My mom and sisters shopped at Bella Bridesmaids in ATL and found the perfect color dress.  It was a mint green; hence where the play on words came from for our “mint to be” wedding and our planning started getting really creative and fun! We had “mint to be” mints to pass out to guests, “mint to be” sparkle sneakers for under my wedding dress, “mint to be” earrings handmade for the bridesmaids, “mint to be” love birds on the wedding cake, and our lighting for the reception was even “mint to be.”  For flowers we used colors of whites, greys, a little greenery, pale pinks, and a pop of bright peach, which complimented the bridesmaids’ mint dresses beautifully.  The groomsmen wore dark grey tuxes.

{How did you pick “the dress”?}
I did not step one foot into a bridal shop.  My mom found her wedding dress up in the attic and it was not in the best condition.  It was from 1978.  The dress was beautifully laced with long sleeves and high neck and had a silky flow at the bottom.  My mom helped me zip it up and it really just fit perfectly.  I knew this was “the dress.”  It needed to be restored and I wanted to change it up a little to have a hint of my personality in it.  We found Sandra Ashford who had restored my mothers’ veil for my sister’s wedding and she made it look brand new again.  We took the high neck off and made it scallop off the shoulders.  It was stunning.  It was so special to me to be able to wear my mothers’ dress, because she is a huge role model for me and has been happily married to my dad for 36 years. 

{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?}
My mom and I were driving back home from church and spotted the “mint to be” Antique Ford pickup truck parked on the side of the rode.  We instantly thought that would be awesome for photos for the wedding!  After we left a note on the truck the driver came out from choir practice.  Of course, only in the South he knew some of our cousins and the truck was ours!

I loved my “mint to be” Sparkle Sneakers.  They fit my personality so well.  My feet never felt so good all day and night.  I recommend it to any Bride to be!

Molly Gee Designs:
Mississippi artist who hand makes stunning hairpieces and others.  I have known Molly Gee around Jackson.  My mom and I stopped by her tent at Mistletoe and it was “mint to be.”  I fell in love with this hairpiece.  It has a beautiful combination of silver rhinestones with shades of pink and white pearls.  It’s stunning!

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?}
Helping design the Groom’s Cake because it was a surprise.  I loved watching Griffin’s face light up when he saw all his tickets he had collected throughout his life transformed on his pistachio flavored cake.  He collected tickets of all kinds, such as Oxford concerts at The Lyric and Proud Larry’s, Ole Miss and Braves sporting events, traveling in Europe, his favorite band Widespread Panic and many more.  It represented his love for music, sports, travel and our love story.   It was so colorful and propped on top of an antique suitcase with an edible record that sat on top with our wedding song “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?}
Both of our families gathered in the small Chapel while guests were filling the sanctuary.  We all held hands while our preacher, Reverend Joey Shelton, led us in prayer. It was amazing and comforting feeling God’s presence.  It was well needed to take a pause and pray together after lots of prepping for the wedding and before walking down the aisle.

My Dad walking me down the aisle was a pretty awesome feeling.  When I was a little girl I loved watching “Father of the Bride” with my Dad. I knew it would be a cherished moment when it was my turn to walk down the aisle with him. I felt very blessed and love him so very much. 

My sister singing our prayer song while playing the guitar was so special.  We knelt down on our prayer quilt that included our new initials and scripture readings.  We made a pillow of the quilt after the wedding and it is now on our bed.  It is such a great reminder of our special day.

I got a little choked up saying my vows, but as soon as I looked into Griffin’s big brown eyes my nerves seemed to disappear.  I knew at that moment that we were becoming one before God, surrounded by all of our family and friends, which meant the world to me.  It was the most wonderful moment that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.

{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?}
Walking into our reception was breath taking.  All of our planning came to reality, all thanks to our wonderful wedding planner, Kendall Poole Ellis of Kendall Poole Event Planning, family, friends and my mom!

Photographer:
Followell Fotography
http://www.followellfotography.com/

Event Planner:
Kendall Poole Event Planning
http://kendallpooleeventplanning.com/
She is awesome!! I was so relaxed and could really enjoy my big day because of her!! She blew my socks off!! She is so talented! 

Dress:
Sandra Ashford Designer
The Ashford Collection

Bride’s Jewelry: 
Hair Piece
Molly Gee Designs
http://www.mollygeedesigns.com

Bride and Bridesmaids Earrings
BroqueRevival
Alexandra Long
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BroqueRevival

Hair and Make-Up:
Kristina Myers
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristina-Myers/299528236853226

Bridesmaid Dresses:
Bella Bridesmaids of Atlanta
http://www.bellabridesmaids.com/locations/atlanta/

Joanna August, Chiffon, Dani-long, Color-I Want Candy
http://www.joannaaugust.com/dresses/chiffon/dani-long

Tuxes:
Tuxes Too
http://www.tuxestoo.com

Venue:
MS Museum of Art
http://msmuseumart.org/

Lighting:  Davaine Lighting
http://www.davainelighting.com/

Rentals:
Great Southern Events
http://www.greatsouthernevents.com/

Florist: 
Au Courant Floral
http://www.aucourantfloral.com/

Catering:
MS Museum of Art
http://msmuseumart.org/

Bar:
MS Museum of Art

Band: 
The Compozitionz / Jackson, MS
http://www.musicgardenbands.com/find-a-band/general/compozitionz/view-details.html

Bride’s Cake:
Cakes by Iris 
It was Italian whipped and part of my lace on the bottom with two “mint to be” lovebirds on top from Spirit House Glass. 
http://cakesbyiris.com/

https://spirithouseglass.com/

Groom’s Cake:
Cakes by Iris
http://cakesbyiris.com/

Print Material:
Designs at KPEP
http://kendallpooleeventplanning.com/

Car Service:
Phoenix Limo
http://www.jacksonlimousinecompany.com

Today we are delighted to celebrate two incredible years of Inspiration Mississippi!  With each passing day, we have become more enamored with our state.  The kind and creative people, extraordinary events and gorgeous places throughout Mississippi are stories meant to be told.

The 2016 Inspiration Mississippi Magazine will be out very soon!  Today, we are thrilled to share a sneak peek of our upcoming print issue!  This video offers a lovely glimpse of the beauty you will find within the pages of Inspiration Mississippi:

Thank you, Brock Gomez of BGP Wedding Films, for capturing these behind-the-scenes moments of our photo shoot so beautifully.  For more information on BGP Weddings Films, please visit his website here.

We also want to say thank you to our wonderfully talented advertisers and contributors; and of course, we love and adore all of our readers.  You inspire us daily.  Cheers to two memorable years, and here's to many, many more!

Five unique and exceptionally delicious restaurants are drawing crowds to the Jackson area. Sprinkled throughout the capital city, Amerigo, CHAR, Sombra, Anjou and Saltine each promise delightful fare for every palate.

"Each of our five concepts is vastly different from one another, allowing us to truly offer something for everyone," says Anne Marie Smith, Senior Sales Manager for Amerigo, CHAR, Sombra, Anjou and Saltine. "From fresh hand-cut steaks to oysters from New Zealand…from escargot to jumbo meatballs – our goal is to provide excellent food and service to every single guest. We hope that we have accomplished that in our past 28 years in business."

These five favorites are now offering full service catering!  Anne Marie says, "We are able to offer the food that Jacksonians love (and grew up on!) at their weddings and celebrations.  Being able to bring the restaurant to the guest is a unique privilege we are proud to have!"  They have beautifully catered every type of event:  cocktail parties, weddings, corporate events and even Mistletoe Marketplace!

We had the pleasure of speaking with Anne Marie, and we are thrilled to share more about these incredible restaurants with you today!

~ Amerigo | CHAR | Sombra | Anjou | Saltine - Can you describe each of these restaurants (their style, atmosphere and menu), and tell us the inspiration behind each?
"Amerigo is the original restaurant of our group and it opened its doors in 1987. Since then, it has remained a neighborhood favorite for Jackson residents. For the most part, the menu has remained the same over the years, featuring guest favorites like Cheese Fritters, Chicken Margarite and Tiramisu. Our regular afternoon crowd fills our bustling bar daily, while the quaint dining room has been home to three generations of guests we have served over the years."

"CHAR is full of Southern charm - from the gorgeous woodwork to the touch of crimson accents throughout the restaurant. Black & white photos enhance the walls with a bit of Mississippi history, as well as a few special visitors from over the years. Our menu exclusively features Allen Brothers Steaks from Chicago, offering guests the highest quality USDA beef. Chef Derek George has been paramount in keeping classic Char dishes on the menu while adding new flavors, like Short Ribs and Fried Simmons Catfish."

"Sombra’s atmosphere is fun and rustic with 99+ bottles of tequila on the wall and swanky Southwestern music filling the air.  We use fresh-squeezed lime juice and organic agave nectar in our margaritas and prepare our tortillas from scratch daily – just two of the ways Sombra focuses on the freshest ingredients that are at the core of our authentic Mexican cuisine."

"Anjou is our classic French bistro led by father-daughter duo Christian Amelot and Anne Amelot-Holmes. A graduate of Savoie Leman culinary school, Christian brings over 40 years of French culinary expertise to the kitchen. Also born and trained in Le Ferte-Bernard, France, Anne is the proprietor/general manager of Anjou. The two work hand-in-hand to merge authentic, Old World flavors with Southern favorites for a deliciously crafted menu."

"Located in the historic Duling Hall, Saltine is a fresh, modern take on an oyster bar driven by our Chef/Partner Jesse Houston. Both the décor and cooking style is playful and creative, using garden-fresh produce, locally sourced beef and poultry, and seafood and oysters from around the world. Saltine was recently named one of Bon Appetit’s 2015 50 best new restaurants in America – something we are very proud of here at the restaurant!"

~ Some of these restaurants are Jackson staples and have been favorites for years.  Tell us why these have are loved so much in Jackson!
"Amerigo & CHAR have become such a part of the fabric of Jackson, that when people go there, they go to a place where they have established memories throughout the years. We love to hear the stories of someone who grew up eating at Amerigo as a child, then got engaged there, and now come regularly with their family as an adult."

~ Each of these restaurants are in the Jackson area.  Why was it so important to have 5 great and different restaurants in the community?
"For each location that has become available to us over the years, we have created a restaurant that fit the need of that area and works best for our potential guests. We love the Township at Colony Park and we were fortunate to have CHAR become such a fixture in Highland Village.  Since Fondren is such an artistic and forward-thinking district, it made perfect sense to pair with Saltine, a modern oyster bar."

~ Who owns these restaurants and how do they actively support the community?
"Our owners are Ben Brock, David Conn, Doug Hogrefe & Paul Schramkowski. Combined, the four have over 100 years of restaurant experience, and Brock, Conn & Hogrefe have all known and worked with one another for more than 20 years.

All of our restaurants are philanthropic by nature, and are readily active in community events, fundraisers and charity operations. It is rare to go to a local charity’s event and not see a presence from one of our restaurants. Giving back to the community is one of the most important things we do as a business."

~ Does Mississippi inspire the menus?
"Yes, Mississippi inspires all of our menus. Being active in the community gives us a chance to hear from our loyal guests and to know what they are hungry for, things they would like to see. Most importantly, the level of friendliness and community that we have all grown to love gives us the inspiration to do what we do, and that flows through our dedication to both our servers and our guests."

Thank you, Anne Marie, for sharing delicious details about these beloved Jackson eateries! 

If you are planning a wedding, cocktail party, or special event, we highly recommend their incredible catering services.  Each restaurant will work with you to create the perfect menu for your special occasion.

For more information, please click on the restaurant name below, and you will be sent directly to each website!  Bon Appétit!

Amerigo
CHAR
Sombra
Anjou
Saltine

“I have known I had a gift for color and a very sharp sensibility for fashion since I was three-years-old,” reflects Amy Head.  “It wasn’t until I began modeling that I really started studying natural makeup.  Through the trial and error of self-study and my husband’s camera, I developed the techniques and concepts that are used today at Amy Head Cosmetics.”

In September of 1987, the first Amy Head Studio opened its doors, welcoming clients into a beautiful, cozy space with the perfect hint of glamour.  At the time, Amy offered complete image consultations, including tips on hairstyles, makeup and clothing.  Amy’s husband, Harold, had a thriving commercial photographer business, and observed something special happening between Amy and her clients.  Amy says, “Customers were looking for a way to look natural and feel good about themselves.  I discovered I had the talent to do just that and teach others to do the same!”

Amy Head Cosmetics was born.  “All of the products in the Amy Head line are about the customer,” says Amy.  She defines natural makeup as makeup that looks like it belongs.  Instead of using trendy marketing phrases that most cosmetic lines throw at consumers, Amy aims to bring simplicity to all of the confusing noise in the industry.  “I want to stop all of the noise and provide clarity!  I want to teach women how to use makeup and enjoy it,” she smiles.  “My makeup belongs on the skin it is applied to; the colors adapt beautifully.  It is not like painting a wall.”

Today, Amy Head continues ushering clients into a friendly and warm environment.  “Harold and I want it to be a place that energizes you. I want it to be beautiful, feel good and be a little bit glamorous, but not to the point where it is intimidating.   Amy Head studios have great music, warm people, and a color way that hits your brain in the loveliest way.”

Even after 28 years in the cosmetics industry, Amy is still enamored with her business.  She smiles, “This is not about me.  I’m just not happy if I’m not doing what is authentic to my personal journey.  I do love what makeup does.  It still amazes me.” 

Amy firmly believes that the perfect palette for makeup is healthy, supple skin.  She recommends a moisturizing routine, and adores the Bonnie Holmes line she sells in her studios and online.  Amy says with awe, “Her moisturizers are great support to other lines.  If you don’t have something to put into your skin, you can end up making your skin a little weaker.” 

With cooler temperatures approaching, how can you achieve gorgeous, glowing skin?  Today, Amy shares three products to help you achieve a naturally beautiful complexion:

~ Mineral Base Foundation – “One of the biggest achievements with beautiful makeup that I think people need help with the most is foundation.  You want the complexion to look amazing – not heavy.  You cannot get beautiful eye makeup if your complexion is not prepared well! My mineral base foundation is absolutely gorgeous on.  It does not dry your skin like most mineral formulas, and it paints onto your face like a dream.”

~ Flawless Finish Foundation – “I like a little more coverage than just the mineral base foundation gives.  Flawless Finish comes in a pump and is truly a rockstar formula.  It is featherweight, but works magically.  It feels so good down deep to have foundations that people enjoy.”

~ Mineral Glaze – “This product gives you a sense of luminosity.  When you brush over it and put it on the skin, it has a beautiful rose tint to it.  It makes the skin along the top of the cheekbone and orbital bone luminescent and pearlized.  It is gorgeous even when you are not wearing any other makeup!”

Amy adds,  “The shadow side of the south certainly affected me as a child, with its strict  ‘Bible Belt’ values on how things ‘appear’ as well as our cultural over-identification with beauty, which inadvertently has said,  ‘a woman is more valuable if she is pretty.’  This has had a difficult, but good driving force for me to understand the healthy aspects of image and the desire for beauty.  Then on the other hand, our cherished love and deep appreciation for beauty that is pre-Civil War says that it’s not superficial in us.  That river runs deep and I honor it daily.  The fact still remains that beauty is important to southerners where it’s not so much in other regions.  I will always be about the differentiation between the idolatry of beauty and a healthy desire for it.”

Beautifully said.  Thank you, Amy, for sharing your talents and incredible cosmetic line with us since 1987.  We simply love your beauty philosophy and are thankful to have such an extraordinary line right here in Mississippi.  For more information on Amy Head Cosmetics, please visit their beautiful website here. 

Thank you to Amy’s talented husband, Harold Head, for providing the lovely photographs!