At the age of sixteen, a boy left his native country of Jordan and faithfully journeyed to the United States.  Today, this same man finds himself happily married with two small children, living in Mississippi with a booming photography business, Chao Photography.

During his junior year of High School, Jeff Chao left the Middle East for Maryland.  While in Jordan, his family hosted a missionary for a month in their home, and her son worked at Hinds Community College.  Jeff became close with the missionary and her family, and decided to call her from Maryland.  She invited him to come down to Mississippi for a visit, and he instantly fell in love with the state.  Jeff was awarded a scholarship to Hinds Community College for soccer, and laughs, “I have been here ever since!”

Jeff met his wife, Jana, at Mississippi State University, and like many students, did not have a clear picture of what he wanted to do after graduation.  “I was originally going to attend seminary and work with college students,” says Jeff.  “But through many twists and turns, God led me in the direction of photography.” 

“I always had an interest and a passion for photography.  In May 2004, a girl was getting married in my church and I asked if I could come take pictures of her wedding.  The photographer was okay with it, so I did! They ended up loving the photos, and I shot her sister’s wedding the following year.  It was a small wedding and I just wanted to play around with my new camera!” 

Fiddling with his camera turned into a passion, and Jeff was hooked.  Jeff was working at a photo imaging store on Lakeland Drive in Jackson full-time and pursuing photography on the side.  “I became so busy with photography that my jobs switched!  I took photos of everything I could:  school day pictures, yearbooks, and senior portraits.  I was trying to get my hands in everything.  I began shooting almost 3,000 seniors a year!”

Jeff now boasts an Associates Degree in Architecture and has over ten years of experience behind the camera.  He shoots 25-30 weddings a year and is known for his beautiful, captivating photographs.  Jeff humbly says, “Everything I do is not for me, but for the glory of God.  I wouldn’t be doing this without Him.  He is the foundation of my business. “  Jeff has three crucial elements that drive him each time he takes a picture: his Christian faith, capturing moments with impeccable style, and developing a close relationship with his brides, grooms and clients.   

Jeff, Jana and their two precious boys are happily settled into life in Clinton.  Jeff has shot over 200 weddings, and continues to perfect his craft. “Weddings are my passion and I love investing in my clients,” says Jeff.  Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your awe-inspiring photos and your story!  To learn more about Chao Photography, please visit his website here. 

“My love of photography and Mississippi moved me to put these little Instagrams into a book form.  It is my way of telling stories through captured images, design and the familiar subject of the land I call home,” says Malcolm White. 

Malcolm is sharing his personal and unique Mississippi photos in his enchanting new book, LITTLE STORIES.  He says, “’Mississippi is a strange and beguiling place,’ to quote my friend, Willie Morris.  But it’s what I know, where I’m from and the place where I have spent the majority of my life – by choice.”

Malcolm currently serves as the Visit Mississippi Director, previously acted as Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, opened Jackson’s beloved restaurant and music venue Hal & Mal’s with his brother, Hal, and founded Jackson’s infamous Mal’sSt. Paddy’s Day Parade.  To say he is devoted to Mississippi is an understatement. 

The cover of LITTLE STORIES is a hauntingly beautiful and mysterious photograph of a storm in Philadelphia, inviting readers to explore Mississippi’s history through Malcolm’s eyes.  “Here I share what I know — and in this case it is a geography known as Mississippi, a place of phantasmagorical change and historic resistance to change; a place beloved and a place despised and detested — a place of paradox, home.”

Malcolm captured over 5,000 images on his smart phone over a number of years as he traveled throughout the state.  During that time, Malcolm attended several Barefoot Workshops on film and photography, taught by Chandler Griffin, a Jackson native.  Chandler encouraged Malcolm to continue exploring his interest in storytelling and ultimately, Chandler helped Malcolm bring LITTLE STORIES to life.  Chandler is Malcolm’s editor and partner for LITTLE STORIES, and he curated 300 of Malcolm’s photos, carefully designing their layout and placement in the book. 

Chandler says, “The book is designed based on light, color fields, sacred spaces and architecture.”  He adds, “Each image's selection and placement reflects Malcolm’s vision and is designed as a bit of a dance.  Every image is intentional and has purpose.” 

LITTLE STORIES is a 1st Edition, self-published book, and is limited to 1,000 copies.  LITTLE STORIES can be purchased through their website, www.littlestoriesms.com.  Malcolm is generously donating any profits from this endeavor to the Mississippi Book Festival.   Malcolm hopes to tour Mississippi and visit all of our state’s incredible independent bookstores to celebrate this extraordinary collection.  Malcolm reveals, “I hope anyone who looks at this collection will rethink Mississippi, and be open to how ordinary objects can become extraordinary compositions when viewed as art.”

Thank you, Malcolm, for sharing your intimate collection of photos with all of us!  To purchase your copy of LITTLE STORIES, please click here. 

{Bride}  Carter Thomas Griffin 
{Groom} Flynt Houston Griffin
{Hometowns} Bride: Greenwood, MS, Groom: Knoxville, TN
{Wedding Site} Episcopal Church of the Nativity, Greenwood, MS
{Reception Site} Childhood Home of the Bride, Greenwood, MS
{Bride’s Bouquet} White Phaleonopsis Orchids
{Bridesmaid Bouquets} Hydrangeas, garden roses, tulips, ranunculus, and regular roses

{How did the two of you meet?} We met through mutual friends in Edwards, CO.  I was living and working out in Colorado as a ski instructor and he was out skiing.  I was skiing with a little girl, and her Dad had given Flynt his first job out of law school.  I went to dinner with them at the end of their ski trip, and Flynt was there.  This was back in 2011.  He contacted me a couple of times over the next year and when I returned home for graduate school, he contacted me and came for a visit.  We have been together ever since, and that was March 2012!

{What is your proposal story?}
Flynt and I went to San Francisco to go see one of our favorite musicians, Van Morrison.  He planned an amazing trip from San Francisco to Carmel, Pebble Beach and back to San Francisco.  As I boarded my plane in Memphis, TN, and he in Miami, FL, he sent a typed itinerary to me.  I was in graduate school at the time in Oxford, MS, and he was living and working in Miami.  He wouldn’t let me know any details about our trip until he boarded his plane!  I was SO excited about all of the fun things he had planned.  He had organized the trip down to every second: hiking, restaurants, tours, etc.  Our first day was a LOT of fun, exploring around the city and seeing friends.  The second day he planned some hikes, because he knows I love the outdoors.  We went on one hike that ended at the ocean looking up at the Golden Gate Bridge.  It was awesome and beautiful to see the bridge from that perspective.  The next hike was in the Muir Woods.  We went down a trail called The Steep Ravine Trail.  It was dense, lush and filled with Redwoods.  I was in heaven, to say the least.  We were hiking towards the ocean.  After about 45 minutes on our hike, a stream of light seemed to burst through the dense forest. I remember telling Flynt how beautiful it was.  At the next moment, on a beautiful trail, with no one around, he said, “You know the only thing that would make this more beautiful, is if you would marry me.”  I said, “What?”  As I turned around, Flynt was holding a brown box with a BEAUTIFUL ring inside.  He then told me how much he loved me, how he wanted to take care of me for the rest of his life, and all of the other sweet things that I cannot remember – Ha!  He laughs and says that I didn’t say anything for a couple of minutes, but eventually I said, “Yes!!”  A couple appeared out of nowhere, so we actually got to take pictures in the exact spot that we got engaged.  We continued the hike and then finally turned around because I was dying to call Mom and tell her the exciting news.  We went to Van Morrison that night.  Needless to say, I wasn’t that into the concert J

{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?}  I was born and raised in the quaint Delta town of Greenwood.  It has always been a special place to my family and me.  I used to talk to my Dad about having a reception in our back yard. I wanted to get married in the back yard as well, but he had said he wanted me to get married in a church.  Honestly, it was an easy choice.  My father passed away shortly after my freshman year of college.  The event was tragic, but when choosing where to have the wedding and reception, it was clear as to where it would take place: the church I was raised in and the house where I was raised.  It was special to me in so many ways: allowing the presence of my father to be there, as well as the friends and families that have meant so much to me.

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?}  I wanted neutral colors: elegant and simple, with a bohemian and relaxed flair.

{How did you pick “the dress?”}  The dress I wore was actually my mom’s wedding dress.  I had the top of the dress remade by Dawn’s Couture in Memphis.  It was so special to wear my Mom’s dress. It was also special because I had worn the dress as a maid my senior year of high school.  There is a picture of me wearing the dress, and my Dad is wearing a tuxedo, walking me down the aisle. To me, there are so many symbols in the photo.  I wanted to wear the dress again, but I added my twist to it.  The ladies at Dawn’s Couture specialize in remaking dresses.  They truly did a wonderful job bringing my vision to life. 

{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?}  The wedding band that Flynt gave me when we said our vows was the ring that my Dad gave my Mom when they were married July 1, 1978.  I don’t know if a ring is considered an accessory, but I think it is unique.  Flynt’s gift from me was a pair of Tiffany cuff links that were my Dad’s.  I feel that all of the ways that I was able to include my Dad in the ceremony were my favorite things J It also is so special to have married a man that I know my father would have loved and respected.

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?}  That my mother took control haha!  Pryor Lott of Pryor Engagements and my mom, Jane, really helped me get through the planning process.  I was in the middle of graduate school, I had just moved to Miami, and I don’t handle stress well.  Honestly, all I wanted was the band to be great and for everyone to have a wonderful time.  I think we all worked together to achieve that.

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?}  Besides the marriage itself and marrying Flynt, my favorite moment of the wedding day would have to be my brother/sister dance.  I have this thing with “Mustang Sally.”  It was the song that my Dad and I always danced to.  After his death, I appointed my brother as my “Mustang Sally” dancing partner.  As I know it was annoying for him at time, he did help me celebrate my Dad and how much I have loved and appreciated him taking over that role.  He is a wonderful, compassionate brother and it was very special to have him dance with me and for us to have such a fun, instead of sad, moment to kick off the night.

{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?}  Everything was perfect.  Honestly, I guess my favorite moment was when I went inside to change out of my wedding dress.  My sister-in-law and my best childhood friend were with me, and I looked outside of my bedroom window overlooking the backyard, and there was a party going on!  People were drinking, dancing, eating and enjoying themselves, as well as being there to support my journey and commitment of marriage to Flynt.  It was a surreal moment.

{Your favorite picture from the big day?}  Although the picture didn’t turn out great, one of my favorite pictures was everyone on the front porch of the house. The other pictures that are special to me: I took a picture with my brother and his closest friends.  It was a picture of the men in my life that I had always known as “Uncle ….” - the men that have always been a part of my Dad’s life, my life, and my family’s life.  They stepped in and they have never left. I also love the one of Flynt and me at the “leave car.” 

{The picture that represents the two of you best?} There’s a picture of the two of us looking at each other on the back porch.  It’s not a great picture, but I like it.  I also like one of the ones where we are on the dance floor.  We love to have fun and dance!

Photographer:  Miki McCurdy Photography, Greenwood, MS; Kim Houpt Photography, Madison, MS; and Amy Clayton Stevens, Charleston, SC (Aunt of the Groom)
Photo booth: Amurica Photo Booth
Event Planner: Pryor Lott, A Pryor Engagement
Dress: Dawn’s Couturiere Custom Bridal, design/alterations
Bride’s Jewelry: grandmother’s cluster, diamond earrings, bracelet of mother’s, ring of mother’s, band from Flynt as wedding gift, engagement ring from Flynt
Hair: Bride: Lanier Clark, Jackson, MS; Bridesmaids: Brii Alicea, Grenada, MS
Make-up: Bride: Lanier Clark, Jackson, MS; Bridesmaids: Brii Alicea, Grenada, MS
Tuxes: Phil’s Squire Shop
Videographer: Johnny Jennings Photography
Venue: Home of the Bride
Lighting: CWP Productions, Owner: Chris Pritchard, Little Rock, AR
Rentals: Mahaffey Tent and Party Rentals for tables, headed up by Mark Huels, flooring, tents, plates, dinner/glassware
Florist: Oxford Floral
Catering: Elizabeth Heiskell, Woodson Ridge Farms, Oxford, MS
Bar: The liquor was purchased from Jacks Package Store, Greenwood, MS
Band: Super T Revue, Nashville, TN, and Piano: Holly Peel, Greenwood, MS
Bride’s Cake: Karyn Belk Burrus
Groom’s Cake: Karyn Belk Burrus
Print Material: Save the Dates and Invitations by Nest Paper Studio in Oxford, MS; Calligraphy for invitations, Susan Beckham, Greenwood, MS; Church/Wedding Programs, Greenwood Info Sheet, and Map for out of town guest bags, designed by Shawn Hodges at Rooster Crow, Greenwood, MS and printed by Lawrence Printing in Greenwood, MS.
Car Service: Shotgun Shuttle, Greenwood, MS; Alluvian Shuttle, The Alluvian in Greenwood, MS

Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering the heroes who bravely lost their lives fighting for our country.  Many men and women throughout the state of Mississippi serve and protect the United States of America every single day.  We had the privilege of speaking with Andy Thaggard, MAJ, LG, MSARNG and Command Historian of the Mississippi National Guard. Today, he reflects on his services in the National Guard, and on what makes Memorial Day such a significant holiday:  

Why is Memorial Day so important to you?
“Everything this country has accomplished, or has the potential to
accomplish, is founded in the sacrifice of her Veterans. Everything that ‘We
The People’ decide to tell our government ‘Of the People, By the People, and
For the People’ to do is rooted to grave sites of American Veterans around
the world.  We forget that the United States of America was born through
blood spilled by her own people, and that freedom maintained by the blood of
their sons and daughters.  So on Memorial Day, we remember and honor the
Veterans who died in service to this country, as well as their families.”

Tell us about your history with the National Guard.  What drove you to
want to serve your country?
“With parents that met and married in the Marine Corps, it came quite
naturally. It was never a matter of 'if,' it was a matter of 'how' to
serve...and I believe that one person can make a difference. Mississippi
National Guard is the best job I've ever had.”

How many Mississippians' lives have been lost serving our
country in the National Guard?  
“24 killed in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan for the Mississippi Army
National Guard. 2 killed in service to the state during the MSNG emergency
response to Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav.”

For more information on our fallen Mississippi soldiers, please visit the Mississippi National Guard Hall of Heroes here.  

Any words of wisdom for Mississippians reflecting on loved ones this
Memorial Day?
“This is the hardest question...I believe that only those that have lost a
Service Member during war have wisdom to share with another grieving family.
The rest of us can only show respect and gratitude, knowing that their pain
is rooted in their Service Member's love of this country.”

Anything else you want to add?
“The greatest civic obligation of an American is also one of their greatest
rights: the right to vote. To have their will expressed through the ballot
box...not just in the national elections but where it matters most, at home.
We honor those who paved the way by participating in the process they fought
to preserve.  So I say to go vote, in every election. Your voice counts, and
you honor their service.”

Thank you so much, Andy.  For more information on the Mississippi National Guard, please visit their Facebook page here.  All photos courtesy of the Mississippi National Guard Facebook Page.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our brave soldiers and their incredibly strong families this Memorial Day.  

Memorial Day Weekend officially rings in the Mississippi summer.  After the rainy, grey week we have had, a sunny Saturday at the lake sounds like the perfect way to usher in the season.  Each year, the historic city of Vicksburg boasts impressive events throughout Memorial Day weekend.  This Saturday, May 23, from 11am until 5pm, the community of Eagle Lake will host its annual fundraiser, Lake Fest. 

Lake Fest is a wonderful family-friendly event featuring live music from The Chill, a silent auction, delicious food, fun and games for kids, raffles, flea market vendors and more!  There will be a Kids’ Fest featuring a 22 ft. Rockin’ Rapids Slide, Bounce Houses, games and face painting.  This event is free to attend and there will be activities for all ages to enjoy. 

Kelly MacNealy, Past President of Eagle Lake Matters and Lake Fest Chairman, says, “The event being on Memorial Day is twofold.  It provides us the opportunity to reflect and honor the brave men and women who have died while serving in our armed forces.  It is also the unofficial start to summer and has become one of the busiest weekends are the lake!  Many families have friends and guests, and Lake Fest gives them a great event to attend!”

Lake Fest is also the annual fundraiser for the beautiful Eagle Lake community.  Kelly says they have used funds from Lake Fest "to improve the Lake for everyone. Our projects over the last two years included security cameras in public areas, 5 miles of Adopt a Highway where we pay local youth to assist us, and we average picking up 80 bags of trash per quarter.”  Eagle Lake also sponsors a Mardi Gras Parade, a July 4 Boat Parade and other fun neighborhood gatherings.    

With their mission, “To preserve the unique history of the Eagle Lake area, further the safety, welfare, pleasure and quality of life within the Eagle Lake Community by all means possible,” we have no doubt Lake Fest will be a terrific event in a beautiful setting. 

For more information on Lake Fest, please visit www.eaglelakematters.com

If you are near the Vicksburg area, we encourage you to visit the city and all of the wonderful events taking place over Memorial Day Weekend!  Here is a list of incredible events in and around Vicksburg that should not be missed:

May 22: Memorial Day Preparation of the Vicksburg National Military Park. The preparation will begin at 7:30 am at The Cairo Museum inside The Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay Street. Volunteers will help place flags on the graves in the National Cemetery. For more information on this event call 601-636-0583.

May 22-23: Dr. Who’s Blues & Mark Doyle. Live entertainment will begin at 6:00 pm at Walnut Hills, 1214 Adams Street. For more information please call 601-638-4910 or visit www.walnuthillsms.com.

DJ 2 Tall. DJ 2 Tall will perform beginning at 8:00 pm at the DiamondJacks Casino Stage, 3990 Washington Street. For more information call 601-636-5700 or visit www.diamondjacks.com.

Memphis All Stars. The concert will begin at 8:00 pm at the Ameristar Cabaret Lounge, 4116 South Washington Street. For more information call 601-638-1000 or visit www.ameristar.com/vicksburg.

Garry Burnside. Garry Burnside will be on stage from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am at the Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, 4116 South Washington Street. Celebrating the Mississippi Blues Trail, Ameristar Casino and the Vicksburg Blues Society present the Heritage Music Series "Vicksburg's Got the Blues". For more information email [email protected]. 

May 23-24: Holt Collier Sacred Harp Singing. The 5th annual Holt Collier Sacred Harp Singing is at 10:00 am in the courtroom of the Old Court House Museum, 1008 Cherry Street.  For more information contact George "Bubba" Bolm at 601- 636-0741 or [email protected].  

Outlets at Vicksburg’s 20th Anniversary Celebration. The celebration featuring gift cards, awesome prizes, food and refreshments, entertainment and a sidewalk sale is from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Outlets of Vicksburg. 

Symphony at Sunset.  The Four Seasons of the Arts and the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park will present the concert beginning at 7:00 pm at the Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay Street. The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will perform with a full orchestra conducted by Crafton Beck. The public is invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets. For more information on this event call 601-636-0583 or 601-831-6896.

May 24-25: Memorial Day Programs at the Vicksburg National Military Park. A Soldiers Through the Ages Program, military timelines honoring soldiers from the Revolutionary War to modern times will be featured at the Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay Street.  For more information on this event call 601-636-0583 or visit www.nps.gov/vick.

May 25: VNMP Memorial Day Programs. The Vicksburg National Military Park will commemorate the end of the Civil War and of the Sesquicentennial by doing two ceremonies with "echo taps" and wreath laying at both Vicksburg National Cemetery and Soldiers Rest in the morning. This will be followed that afternoon by a concert of Civil War patriotic music held at the Old Court House Museum from both the North and South by the Olde Towne Brass, of Huntsville, AL, using period instruments and arrangements. For more information on this event call 601-636-0583 or visit www.nps.gov/vick.

May 25: Memorial Day Parade and Activities.  The Memorial Day Parade of Veterans will travel north along Washington Street from Belmont to Jackson streets beginning at 10:00 am. The Memorial Service begins at 11:00 am at the Vicksburg City Auditorium, 901 Monroe Street. For more information contact Willie Glasper at 601-634-0163.

Memorial Day Sale.  The Memorial Day Sale will be at the Outlets at Vicksburg, 4000 South Frontage Road, all day Monday. During this sale you can enjoy special deals at participating retailers. For more information visit www.outletsatvicksburg.com  or call 601-636-7434.

We wish you all a safe and spectacular summer weekend!  A special thank you to Visit Vicksburg for this list of events!  Please visit their website here. 


{Blog by Mitchell Walters}