On May 5, 1896, Miss Alice Quitman Lovell gathered twelve ladies of Natchez to form the Mississippi Society Daughters of the American Revolution.  With a keen interest in the work of the National Society DAR, Lovell helped Mississippi become the thirty-fifth state society to organize.  It has continued to grow and benefit our state in overwhelming ways.

Cynthia C. McNamara, MSSDAR State Regent, says, “Though the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-political, non-profit like many other organizations, its membership is unique.  It is solely based on a female applicant, eighteen or older, proving that she is lineally descended from a man or woman who served in or supported the American cause for Independence.”  

Since its inception, the MSSDAR has set significant goals.  “The MSSDAR guided, with great dedication, the preservation work of the Natchez Trace Parkway from its inception to its completion almost a century later,” says McNamara with great pride.  “Indeed, traveling along the Trace you will find the many DAR monuments marking its history; the first having been set in the 1920s.”

In the midst of the great depression, the MSSDAR purchased Rosalie, one of the most historically important and beautiful homes in Natchez, with the dream of preserving it for future generations.  “It stands today as a symbol of that dream fulfilled and the result of MSSDAR's steadfast commitment.  Many local chapters have done the same by helping to raise funds or financially supporting many historic preservation projects within their own cities and communities,” adds McNamara.

Today, MSSDAR has 76 chapters throughout the state.  Service remains the focus, as it was for the original founders 125 years ago.  These selfless women strive to achieve the historic and patriotic goals of the national society; Mississippi Daughters have honored the service and sacrifice of their ancestors by faithfully serving their communities, Mississippi and the country.

“As a 37-year member and the new State Regent of the over 3700 members of the Mississippi State Society, I am very honored to say that I serve with these talented, motivated, and deeply committed women,” smiles McNamara.  “We believe in building lasting friendships while serving others. My administration will be spent encouraging our 76 chapters to find a specific service project for their own hometown; one that will enrich not only the lives of those in their own communities, but theirs as well.  During the next three years, I so look forward to seeing and celebrating their many accomplishments.”

For more information or to learn more about DAR membership, please visit www.mississippidar.org

Fresh Cut Catering & Floral is known for their exquisite floral arrangements and delectable fare. It is hard to believe this incredible company has been transforming weddings and events for twenty-five years!  Tonight, Fresh Cut is hosting an Open House Celebration and you are invited!  We know it will be an evening to remember.

Congratulations Fresh Cut Catering & Floral!  We cannot wait to see what beautiful florals and food you create over the next twenty-five years!

We hope to see everyone tonight at the Open House Celebration!  Cheers to an extraordinary twenty-five years!

This weekend promises to be beautiful, cool and sunny - the perfect weather for exploring Mississippi's great outdoors!  We rounded up twenty amazing spots around the state that deserve to be explored.  

Alex and Madison met during their freshman year of college at Ole Miss.  Madison smiles,"Mutual friends from St. Louis introduced us, and it turned out we lived five minutes away from each other our entire lives, but never crossed paths until we met at Ole Miss." 

Blake Belcher Photography beautifully captured their recent proposal in The Grove, and we asked Madison to share more details from this extraordinary day!  She says, "Our proposal was perfect! A little back story... my grandfather, Dr. Ronald Borne, was a professor at the University. He tailgated in the same spot in the circle for 38 years before he unexpectedly passed away in October. That spot means so much to me and my family. I grew up in that spot and it quickly became Alex's spot as well. My grandfather also loved Alex!"

She adds, "About a week before the proposal my family told me that we were going to take a picture in that spot to put on our Christmas card (that's how he got me to dress up) since it holds such a special place in each of our hearts. As we arrived, Alex decided to park extremely far away because 'he wanted to walk through campus.'  It had been a while since we had been back to campus so I didn't think much of it. Turns out he was just stalling. As we walked up holding hands, he began to squeeze my hand really tight. Blake, our photographer had told him to walk to a certain spot to capture the perfect picture. As we got to that spot Alex turned and dropped down on one knee and asked me to be his wife! I kind of blacked out at that moment and don't really remember what he said, but I said yes! He then surprised me with an engagement party with all of our family and friends who traveled from all over to celebrate with us. He really outdid himself!" 

We are thrilled to share the gorgeous photographs with you today.  Madison smiles, "Blake captured the moment perfectly and we are so thankful to have our pictures to forever remind us of that amazing moment. I cannot wait to marry my best friend!"

Best wishes, Madison and Alex!  For more information on Blake Belcher Photography, please visit his website here!