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!

{Bride} Ashley Jean Diaz
{Groom} Nicolas Zeitlin
{Hometowns} Maben, MS & Buenos Aires, Argentina
{Wedding Site} Old Waverly Golf Club
{Reception Site} Old Waverly
{Bride’s Bouquet} Flowers by the Bunch, Starkville, MS (Monti King) {Bridesmaid Bouquets} N/A

{How did the two of you meet?} We met on New Years 2009 at a New Years Eve party (in the wee hours of the morning so technically 1/1/2009) in Buenos Aires. (Sidenote – going to a party after midnight in Argentina is very common – it would be very uncommon to go out before midnight!J) I was visiting Buenos Aires over New Years (my father is part Argentine we have friends and family there and visit often.) While there, I was invited to a New Years Eve party by a family friend and took him up on the offer. When we arrived at the party, which was at a mansion in a nice neighborhood of the city, some friends were already standing outside on the street corner waiting on us. Nico was in that group, and the second I saw him this surreal feeling hit me, and I knew he was special. We introduced ourselves and struck up a conversation. He was a true gentleman throughout the night, and we hit it off. During my stay, we saw each other a couple of more times before I went back to the States.

While I was back in the States, we kept in touch, talking every day. Moving to Argentina later that year had already been in my plans, so later that year so in September 2009, I moved to Argentina and our relationship continued to grow. In 2011 I was ready to move back to the U.S., and Nico decided to come with me so he applied to master programs across the country. When he got accepted to the UC Berkeley Engineering, we moved to California and the rest is history! We have now established ourselves in the Bay Area and lived together in Berkeley for more than four years.

{What is your proposal story?} Nico and I flew home to celebrate my 30th birthday the second weekend of May 2014. That weekend is also was Mother’s Day and my brother’s birthday so we had lots of celebrations planned. We were having a fabulous time. I was relishing in being in my favorite place, which means being with the dogs, swimming in the pool, having my mom cook for me! (All the fun stuff I don’t get in California.) My 30th
birthday was Sunday (Mother’s Day), and it was a fabulous day. I remember at my birthday dinner that night thinking how blessed I was, everything was perfect, and my life couldn’t be better. The following day was my brother’s birthday, and we had a cookout planned at my parents’ cabin. Each evening my family likes to take the boat out on their lake for a sunset boat ride. So late that afternoon I asked my brother if he wanted to go, and he said no, which I thought was odd considering it was his birthday. I then asked my parents, and they both said no too. So then I asked Nico, and he said yes, and we went out in the boat. (The day before my brother taught Nico how to drive the boat.) So we went out in the boat. Nico was going pretty fast to the other side, and I told him to slow down (ha!). He then stopped the
boat and suggested we look at the sunset. We did and it was gorgeous. He then proceeded to tell me how much he loved me, and how special the last 5 years of our lives have been. Since we met each other almost everything has changed in our lives. We’ve changed continents, cultures, languages, apartments, schools, jobs – almost everything. But through it all, there was one thing that had not changed – and that was that we had each other. I had been his north star through it all. He wouldn’t have it any other way, and he wanted me to continue
to be his north star through his entire life. Then he got down on one knee (both knees
actually ;)) and said, “Ashley Jean Diaz, queres casar conmigo?” I started crying and said yes, then continued to enjoy our time alone on the boat enjoying the sunset and soaking it all in. When we got back to the shore my family was waiting on us, and we all had a group hug – including the dogs!

I later found out that my brother had been helping Nico plan the proposal about a month before (and did a great job keeping it a secret from my parents). And Nico asked for my parents’ permission the day before (my birthday).

{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?} I knew I wanted to have my wedding at home in Mississippi for several reasons: 1) It is the place closest to my heart because I was born and raised there 2) My friends and family I grew up with who have known me my whole life could attend 3) Conversely, I wanted to show my friends who are not from the South (who I’ve met since I moved away from MS) where I grew up and how beautiful the South and Mississippi is. I particularly chose Old Waverly because the venue is gorgeous. It embodies classic Southern elegance and charm, the grounds are beautiful with lots of green, and it is the old English classic style that I love.

Also, I loved the fact that we could celebrate in 3 unique spaces (the English Garden for the ceremony, the Terrace for the cocktail hour, and the Magnolia Room for dinner) all without having to leave the same building. I loved having a cohesive space for my guests as it cut out a lot of logistics making it easier for them! Especially the out of town guests who stayed on the grounds as well. And most importantly, we did not have to sacrifice quality for convenience (or vice versa). It could not have been a more perfect place.

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?} Whenever I think of Mississippi I think of the color green. Especially Springtime (my favorite season) when everything is fresh and beautiful and flowers are in bloom. Therefore I knew I wanted my theme to be reflective of my favorite season (hence why we had the wedding in April) but also classic and timeless (not trendy). When I decided to have the wedding in spring and at Old Waverly, Green and white naturally became the colors – they just happened to be my favorite as well.

{How did you pick “the dress?”} This is actually a great story. I took the afternoon off of work to go to my yearly physical at the doctor. After the appt (around 4pm on a Wednesday) I went into San Francisco on a whim to start the preliminary search for my wedding dress. I was just going to browse as I still had my shorts and tennis shoes on from my physical. I first walked into J Crew (just because I happened to pass by it), looked around, nothing really stood out. I then walked on to the Bridal Boutique in Nordstrom (in the same mall). There was a dress hanging on the sale rack (yes, on the sale rack) that caught my eye. I loved the ruching material, the champagne color, the beading on the top, the fact that it was fitted and at the same time did not have a long train – basically it met all my criteria and decided to try it on. It fit perfectly. I knew that was the dress right then and there and decided to buy it on the spot. I did call my mom before I actually made the purchase to make sure I didn’t hurt her feelings by doing it by myself, and she responded with a “heck, no! – buy it!”. Not only was this dress on sale, I also had some Nordstrom notes I could use toward the price as well. So there I was in my shorts and tennis shoes purchasing my wedding dress by myself within 1 hour of starting the process. Efficient with the goal achieved – just the way I like it. Could not have worked out better.

{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?} I didn’t really have many accessories as I wanted to keep it simple and my dress already had beading on the top. I was in the dressing room hanging out with my girls while I was getting ready, and I realized I didn’t really have anything blue (per the tradition). My girlfriends had gotten ready beforehand and two had on beautiful blue dresses. They decided that they would be my “something blue” – brilliant!

As far as a “real” accessory, I would say I loved my shoes (Badgley Mishka). I think they are gorgeous. And though they weren’t able to be seen by many, to me they “completed” the look. Although I will have to say by the last of the pictures, I was glad to be out of them and walking barefoot in the grass for pictures (I am a Mississippi girl at heart. ;) )

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?} My favorite part of the process was planning the substance of the ceremony itself – focusing on the music and Scripture readings I wanted to incorporate. Looking at those two things as the best expression of who we were as a couple, and what we wanted to strive for in the future. Planning the actual ceremony – the symbolization of our unity - would take me out of the stress of the planning details and bring me back to the essence of who I was and who Nico was and why we were being wed to each other. It would focus me on our love for each other based on our beliefs, who we were individually and who we were as a couple.

And it was therapeutic for me to be able to process the significance of everything before the ceremony itself. It was very special to me that my mother was going to sing at our wedding. As far as I’m concerned, there is not a more beautiful voice in the world than my mother’s. We had decided she would sing “The Lord’s Prayer” so in the weeks leading up to the wedding I would listen to the song and feel all the emotions and cry and process it so at the actual ceremony itself, while I was deeply moved, I wasn’t completely overwhelmed.

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?} The morning of our wedding day, our good family friend, Pat Curtis, hosted a bridal brunch for me while the guys went skeet shooting. I didn’t know how the skeet shooting would go over as many of the guys attending were from big cities and didn’t have much experience with a gun. But to tell you it was a hit was an understatement. They absolutely loved it. So much so many of them wanted to stay and were tight on time to make it for our... wedding!! ;) Meanwhile I was enjoying well-needed, relaxing time with my girls at brunch full of mimosas and great food. I loved how my girlfriends not from the South were able to experience true Southern Hospitality.

{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?} Everything on the wedding day went truly (and amazingly) perfectly. The servers at Old Waverly were amazing. During the cocktail hour on the terrace, one of the servers accidentally dropped a glass from the serving tray and everyone turned to glance because of the noise. The glass happened to be by Nico, and in a split second after he stomped on it, and yelled “Mazel Tov!” It was perfect because Nico was able to spontaneously pay homage to his Jewish roots (he’s half Jewish by blood, and the ceremony was Christian), and at the same time able to cover for the server.J

Photographer: Stephanie Rhea Photography
Event Planner: N/A
Dress: Nicole Miller (Strapless Metal Trumpet Gown)
Bride’s Jewelry: Nina Earrings. Engagement ring and both wedding bands (platinum) were purchased at Brilliant Earth in San Francisco
Hair: Nicole McCarty from Park Place Salon in Starkville (Nicole grew up with me in Maben) Make-up: Nicole McCarty from Park Place Salon
Bridesmaid Dresses: N/A
Tuxes: No tuxes. Groom’s Suit is Ermenegildo Zegna (believe it or not, we spent more time purchasing his suit than my dress.J)
Videographer: N/A
Venue: Old Waverly Golf Club
Lighting: N/A
Rentals: N/A
Florist: Monti King from Flower by the Bunch Catering: Old Waverly
Bar: Old Waverly
Band: N/A
Bride’s Cake: Almond flavor with vanilla icing by “The Cake Box by Sweet Temptations”
Groom’s Cake: Flan by “The Cake Box by Sweet Temptations” (The Cake Box also made delicious chocolate strawberries for dessert to complement the Wedding Cake & Flan!)
Print Material: My wedding stationary (invitations & thank you notes) was by The Aerialist Press in Emeryville, CA. I definitely wanted a magnolias to be included on the invitation for the classic Southern, Mississippi touch. I used the Magnolia pattern. The ceremony program and dinner place cards were by Party & Paper in Columbus, MS.
Car Service: N/A

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Jackson’s most beloved holiday event, Mistletoe Marketplace.  This wonderful weekend, presented by the Junior League of Jackson, will be held THIS WEEK, November 4-7, at the Mississippi Trademart in downtown Jackson.  “We are trying to keep the traditions of the past with wonderful special events, such as the preview gala.  And we are excited to offer many spectacular new events this year!” says Meredith Aldridge, 2015 Mistletoe Marketplace Promotions Chair. 

Strolling through Mistletoe is a magical experience each year.  Shop gorgeous jewelry and accessories, beautiful art and antiques, precious children’s clothing and toys, Christmas items, delicious food and more!  It truly ushers in the spirit of Christmas every holiday season!  

This year’s special events are simply spectacular.   Mistletoe kicks off with the Preview Gala: A Carnival Ball. “Join us in celebrating 35 years of Mistletoe Marketplace with fine cuisine by Fresh Cut Catering and Floral and the sounds of The Krackerjacks.  Our Premier Silent and Live Auctions will be a great way to start shopping for loved ones (or yourself!).  Preview Gala guests have the first (and best!) look at the offerings of our fabulous merchants, both old and new.  As we pay tribute to past, present and future of Mistletoe Marketplace, this will surely be a Ball to remember.”  Sponsors of this lovely evening include Land Rover of Jackson, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Patty Peck Honda, Ergon and C Spire.

Before Mistletoe officially opens its doors to the public on Thursday morning, guests can shop early and enjoy a fabulous brunch by Mangia Bene during A Mistletoe Morning.  This event sells quickly, so buy your tickets here as soon as possible!

On Thursday evening, grab your girlfriends for Bring on the Bubbly!  “For a little extra glitter and glitz, makeup artists from Belk will be on hand to offer tips for a fabulous holiday look.  Enjoy the sounds of Sarah Ulmer while you eat, shop and get glammed.”

Unforgettable events will continue through the weekend, including a Fashion Show, #flashbackfriday concert with Mississippi’s favorite 80’s cover band, U.S., and a sweet event for children to create one-of-a-kind teddy bears while they wait for Santa to arrive!  St. Dominic’s is also sponsoring The Rudolph Race on Saturday morning, a cheerful run to kick off your weekend.


Mistletoe Marketplace is a wonderful time to gather with friends and family, shop, eat, and spark your holiday spirit.  But the most important aspect of Mistletoe is that it directly supports out local communities!  “By supporting the Junior League of Jackson at Mistletoe Marketplace, you are truly helping support wonderful community projects.  Everything ties back to the community,” says Meredith.  “It is a fun holiday event that funds more than 30 projects.  We typically raise about 1.4 million dollars that directly enriches the lives of Mississippians.” 

What an extraordinary organization!  Let your heart be light this week at Mistletoe Marketplace!  For more information, please visit their beautiful website here.  To purchase tickets, click here!  For more details on special events, please click here! You can also learn more about the Junior League of Jackson here.

We hope to see all of you at the Mississippi Trademart THIS WEEK!

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}