Did you say, “Yes!” over the holidays?  This magical season is a wonderful time to get engaged, and the perfect excuse to start searching for the gown of your dreams.   Forrest Paper and Bridal Company, a beautiful boutique in historic downtown Hattiesburg, is the South’s premiere shop for everything bridal.  Their wedding gown selection is especially spectacular. 

Cheryl Fletcher, owner of Forrest Paper and Bridal Company, says, “Twice a year, we travel to New York City for Bridal Week to select gowns for the upcoming season.  We have already started getting our gorgeous new gowns for this season!” 

Forrest Paper and Bridal Company carries bridal designers such as Watters, Jim Hjelm, Renella DeFina, Adele Wechsler, Chia Lieu and Nicole Miller.  For bridesmaids, they feature lovely dresses by Watters, Siri, Amsale and Frassical.  Cheryl says, “We carry a selection of styles to complement all body styles.  We also offer a variety of silks and laces.” 

Forrest Paper and Bridal Company offers a wonderful personal buying experience for all brides.  Cheryl smiles, “For bridal gowns, we serve only one bride and her guests at a time. We believe that buying a gown is a once in a lifetime moment and we strive to make that experience very personal. Each bride and her guests are offered a complimentary beverage at the appointment.  She may choose bottled water, sparkling white grape juice or champagne!” 

In addition to gowns, Forrest Paper and Bridal Company offers many other products and services for their brides, including accessory items like veils and jewelry to complete her look.  They offer handsome attire for the bridal party, including bridesmaid dresses and tuxedos.  Forrest Paper and Bridal Company also designs stunning invitations for weddings and showers, save-the-date cards, thank-you notes, napkins, programs and favors. They truly make your wedding the event of a lifetime. 

Forrest Paper and Bridal Company is filled with a friendly, creative and knowledgeable staff.  We encourage you to visit the lovely boutique and guarantee you will enjoy an incredible experience! For more information on Forrest Paper and Bridal Company, please visit their beautiful website here.  You can also see their Facebook page here!

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}

The Inspiration Mississippi team wishes you a magical and very merry Christmas today!  This wonderful holiday is filled with meaningful traditions and moments, and we are thrilled to share our favorite Christmas traditions with you today!

“One of my favorite Christmas traditions is Christmas Eve church service.  My church, Bellwether, does a candlelight service with all the wonderful and magical Christmas songs.  From the lighting to the decor to the music to the Holy Spirit - it's a truly magical night.  When we leave you can truly feel the meaning of Christmas and all the blessings that come with the true reason for the season, Jesus.  Then, of course, Christmas brunch at my parents with monkey bread and mimosas - there is more but those are my 2 favorite things on the menu!  I wish you and your family all the glory and magic of this holiday season and you have a chance to celebrate CHRIST in Christmas.  Blessings Y'all!”  Kendall Poole Ellis, Founder & Publisher

“On Christmas Eve we always go to my husband's family gathering.  We go to a candlelight service at Strong Hope Baptist Church and then all gather at his aunt's house.  The next morning we always wake up at our house for Christmas.  Growing up, my sister and I always made the breakfast casserole for Christmas breakfast.  We have continued this tradition with a brunch at her house Christmas Day.  My husband and I actually came home early from our honeymoon to surprise the family at the brunch!  Whenever our families are together there are plenty of games, meals and laughter.”  Emily Ferguson, Creative Director

“I have always loved attending Christmas Eve service.  When I was a child, I sat between my parents and carefully held a tiny candle.  The flame was passed from one person to the next, as the lights in the church went dark.  ‘Silent Night’ was sung a cappella by the entire congregation, and the sanctuary brilliantly glowed with the flicker of hundreds of candles. It was breathtaking and completely magical.  My husband and I continue taking our children to church on Christmas Eve, and I hope they feel the love, joy and miracle of Christmas each and every year.”  Mitchell Walters, Editorial Director 

"Christmas Eve is always a special time with my family because we all go to church at midnight. Prior to midnight mass, we go to the same Christmas Eve party we've been attending since I was a little kid. It's always a special day for me because I not only get to spend it with my family, but also I get to celebrate with great friends. On Christmas day, we open presents and then eat lunch with my mother's side of the family! Christmas is always a special time!" Caitlyn Sullivan, Social Media Director

“My mom, dad, brother and I make cookies every year.  We make sugar cookie dough, cut it into shapes, mix up icing to make it Christmas colors, and then ice the cookies. We make them pretty with sprinkles and sugar, then take them to our grandparents’ house.  Of course, we also leave some out with eggnog every Christmas eve for Santa!”  Alexis Davis, Events Director

A special thank you to Adam + Alli Photography for the lovely team photograph!  Merry Christmas to you and your family!

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}

If you are entertaining friends and family during the holiday season, we recommend serving a signature cocktail!  We reached out to Chris Robertson, Bar Director at BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar, and asked him to share his favorite Christmas cocktail.

Chris says, "The Long December is one of my favorite holiday treats. A combination of honey pomegranate and bourbon heated all together leaves this drink tasty, organic and warming to the soul."
The Long December

2 oz. 4 Roses Bourbon
½ oz. Lemon Juice
½ oz. Pomegranate
½ oz. Honey
½ oz. water
Heated and Served in a Snifter
3 Cranberries and a Cinnamon Stick

Thank you, Chris, for this delicious recipe.  We wish you all a magical and very Merry Christmas!
For more information on BRAVO!, please visit their website here!

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}

If you are entertaining friends and family during the holiday season, we recommend serving a signature cocktail!  We reached out to Chris Robertson, Bar Director at BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar, and asked him to share his favorite Christmas cocktail.

Chris says, "The Long December is one of my favorite holiday treats. A combination of honey pomegranate and bourbon heated all together leaves this drink tasty, organic and warming to the soul."
The Long December

2 oz. 4 Roses Bourbon
½ oz. Lemon Juice
½ oz. Pomegranate
½ oz. Honey
½ oz. water
Heated and Served in a Snifter
3 Cranberries and a Cinnamon Stick

Thank you, Chris, for this delicious recipe.  We wish you all a magical and very Merry Christmas
For more information on BRAVO!, please visit their website here!

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}

With the holiday season in full swing and Christmas just days away, it
is time to put the finishing touches on all of your festive decor.  We
reached out to our favorite interior designers at SummerHouse, and we
are thrilled to share their holiday decorating secrets with you today!

Todd Prince: "Magnolia garland and Boxwood wreaths are my favorite!!
You can never have too much fresh."

Elish Moon: "I personally gravitate towards a natural Christmas. I
love a living tree, wreath, and garland. The smell is so festive and
live greenery creates such an authentic feel. It also helps with
storage between seasons. At the end of the season you're done - no
need to stress about creating extra storage in your home. That makes
cleanup a breeze. Merry Christmas!"

Katy Hines: "You can’t beat a natural flocked Christmas tree with
white lights!"

Katherine Shelton: "My favorite way to decorate a tree is to use
burlap ribbon with antique mercury glass ornaments.  Gives the tree a
true old world feel.  One of my tricks to hanging all of the ribbon
and ornaments is to use floral wire.  Makes everything on the tree
look like its literally floating on the branches."

Mary Courtney Johns: "I love adding personal touches within my
decorations, not just using all ready-made items from a store. I have
found that if I invest a little bit more time, I have an overall
greater appreciation and gratification for my festive Christmas decor!
Each year, I try to incorporate new additions. The first project I
completed was my stockings. They are all handmade with the name of
each family member on each. I also have made ornaments using my
wedding photos in clear glass balls with some added details. My advice
is to get creative with what you have on hand and make lasting
memories in the process!"

To learn more about SummerHouse, visit their beautiful website at
www.summerhousestyle.com