{Bride}  Sarah Elizabeth Starnes
{Groom} Jamey Elkin
{Hometowns} Sarah Elizabeth – Cleveland, MS and Jamey – Jackson, MS
{Wedding Site}  Hutton Chapel at First Presbyterian Church - Jackson, MS
{Reception Site} The Fairview Inn – Jackson, MS

{Bride’s Bouquet} I carried a bouquet of white peonies, dusty miller, white and blush roses wrapped with a family handkerchief. Bouquet by AuCourant Floral

{Bridesmaid Bouquets} The bridesmaids carried bouquets of blush secret garden roses, white majolica spray roses, dusty miller, silver brunia, white hydrangea, blue thistle and astible wrapped in satin ribbon. Bouquets by AuCourant Floral

{How did the two of you meet?}
We met several years ago through Jamey’s cousin, who I worked with. We dated for a while but the timing wasn’t right, until we ran into each other at an event in Belhaven almost 2 years later. We have been together since!


{What is your proposal story?}
One of my best friends called to tell me that she and her husband were coming to Jackson for the weekend and asked us to meet them for dinner. I had no idea she was in on the plan. When we were walking out of my house to leave for dinner (or so I thought), I noticed there were flowers, champagne, and a letter on the back porch. We had sat on my porch before our first date and he decided to propose in the same spot. Then we went to dinner at Walkers, which is our favorite restaurant and the site of our first date. It was fun to have that time for the two of us to let it all soak in. Jamey had also arranged for our family and friends to celebrate with us after dinner. It was the best night!

{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?}

We were married at First Presbyterian Church. Jamey grew up in that church, and I have been at the church since I moved to Jackson. We worshipped there together while we were dating, so we wanted our ceremony to take place in our church. We enjoyed going to dinner and events at the Fairview Inn while we were dating, so it was one of the first reception venues we looked into. We both lived in Belhaven while we were dating and live there now together, so we loved keeping the ceremony and reception in our neighborhood!

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?}
I really loved the blush tones. I also wanted a touch of blue mixed in the scheme since I had chosen navy for the bridesmaid dresses. I mentioned this to Meredith, and she came up with some great ideas. I absolutely loved her use of blue thistle in the bridesmaids’ bouquets, centerpieces, and boutonnieres. She did such a wonderful job!

{How did you pick “the dress?”}
My mom and sister went with me to look for my dress. I knew that I wanted something with lace because I have always thought lace dresses looked so classic and elegant. They pulled a few dresses for me, and the second one I tried was the dress!

{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?}
I loved that we were able to incorporate several family pieces into our wedding day. My favorite accessory was a wedding band that was pinned to my bouquet that belonged to my grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. The dates of their weddings are each engraved on the inside of the band (1866, 1900, and 1934).  Also, we were able to use Jamey’s great-grandfather’s 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air to drive away from the wedding and reception. This car has been in Jamey’s family since it was new and it was so special to be able to use it on our wedding day.

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?}
I loved meeting with the vendors! I thought it would be stressful, but they made the process so easy for us. It was fun to get to know such creative people that made our day so wonderful.

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?}
The first look was one of my favorite moments of the day. We had debated about seeing each other before, but I was so glad we did. Everything went by so fast, so it was great to have that time together before the wedding. It also helped us feel relaxed.

{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?}
I loved when the doors opened right before I walked in. I was surprised at how overwhelmed I felt when I saw Jamey and the faces of our friends and family. Seeing Jamey at the end of the aisle was still emotional even though we had already seen each other earlier. It was such a sweet moment.

{Your favorite picture from the big day?}
It is so hard to pick a favorite because there were so many that I loved! Sully did such a wonderful job of capturing the day. The first look pictures and the pictures outside the Fairview are my favorite ones.

{The picture that represents the two of you best?}
There are two pictures of us laughing together that best represent us. One of the pictures was of us sitting in the chapel after our first look and the other was of us walking outside the Fairview Inn. Jamey makes me laugh a lot, so I loved that Sully captured that.

Photographer: Sully Clemmer
Event Planner: My mom and I did all of the planning. Ruth Smith coordinated the ceremony.
Dress: Bridal Path
Bride’s Jewelry: Family Pieces
Hair: Kristina Myers  (Mod by Kristina)         
Make-up: Kristina Myers (Mod by Kristina)
Bridesmaid Dresses: J Crew
Tuxes: suits of their choice
Venue: The Fairview Inn
Rentals: The Fairview Inn
Catering: The Fairview Inn
Bar: The Fairview Inn
Band: Rapheal Semmes Jazz Band
Bride’s Cake: Adrienne Saxon of Jackson, MS
Groom’s Cake: Adrienne Saxon of Jackson, MS
Print Material: Invitations and Napkins by Fresh Ink, Programs by the Bolivar Commercial
Car Service: 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air that belonged to great-grandfather of the groom

It is no secret that Barnette's Salon is recognized as one of the most impressive salons in the state.  Named "Best Salon" by Mississippi Magazine and "One of the Top 100 Salons in the Country" by Elle Magazine, Barnette's is the place to go if you are looking for custom color or a flattering new cut.   With three beautiful locations in the Jackson area, countless Mississippians only trust Barnette's highly-trained stylists with their hair.

With cold, dry air moving into Mississippi this week, we reached out to Madeleine Barnette to give us tips, tricks and trends for having silky, lovely hair all winter long!

Keep your hair from becoming too dry by using a dry shampoo such a bumble and bumble hair powder between washing. Shampoo naturally strips your hair of moisture- so opting to skip a day or two between washes will keep your hair from becoming  brittle or parched. Dry shampoo will soak up dirt and oil so your hair looks fresh, all while not over drying out your hair which can happen due to cold temperatures. A mask is always a good choice to use not only in winter, but also year round. We recommend Moroccan Oil hydrating mask once a week.

A dry scalp can lead to a notorious winter hair problem: static electricity. To avoid this from happening, use natural hair bristle brushes and do not skimp on the conditioner! If this persists, an easy suggestion is running a dryer sheet throughout your hair before walking out the door! A dry scalp is also exponentially helped by applying a mask to hair and scalp once a week!

For Blondes:
We suggest adding buttery blonde tones or light gold hues to light blondes during the winter- because of the climate, pale skin is often a result of cold weather. We suggest these hues to brighten up blondes for winter without becoming washed out. Gold hues are great for winter especially if you are not looking to go platinum for the winter months. (Think Gwyneth Paltrow, for example)

For Brunettes:
We suggest adding carmel undertones and gold accents for olive or deep skinned clients with naturally darker hair. This gives the client a nice way to go a little lighter for winter while still looking natural.  (Think Sofia Vergara)

For Reds:
We suggest adding warmth this winter with strawberry blonde highlights to play up porcelain skin and light eyes! Strawberry Blonde is definitely our favorite trend this winter for either blondes or red heads! (Think Amy Adams)

Bohemian Braids and soft waves!

Braids add great accents and can dress up any occasion!  We love dutch braids and fishtail braids for winter- It is an easy way to dress up an outfit or for casual looks as well. After braiding your hair, secure them with clear elastics and pull them apart gently for the appearance of having thicker hair!

Look for dressy headbands to add accessory to any look without much effort! 

Winter waves! Alternate direction of waves with a large barrel curling iron on low heat- we like to pick up larger pieces for a lose wave instead of super tight curls. Always finish with a light hair spray such as does it all spray by bumble and bumble or for a stronger hold - Bumble and Bumble classic hair spray.

Thank you, Madeleine, for these fantastic winter hair tips and trends!  For more information on Barnette's, please visit their website here.  If you are a NEW client, they offer a $20 gift for your first service!  Click here to print the incredible offer!

{Photos Courtesy of Caitlyn Sullivan}
{Blog by Mitchell Walters}

Do not make a New Year’s Resolution this year; we have the perfect one for you. 

As Arden Barnett says, “The music scene in Mississippi is exploding.  We are right on that edge of really bursting into a completely new scene.”

So what is your resolution for 2015?  To take advantage of the incredible talent Arden is bringing to the state.  Fans are pouring into venues throughout the south every week, hearing bands such as the Flaming Lips, Robert Earl Keen, Paul Thorn, Rickie Lee Jones and Marty Stuart.  An evening of great live music is always good for the soul.

Arden's company, Ardenland, specializes in producing and promoting concerts throughout Mississippi.  With his office in the heart of Fondren, Jackson’s musical scene is especially impressive.

Arden reflects, “Back in the 80’s and 90’s, Jackson’s music scene was as good as anything.  But people grew up, went away, and lost interest.”  He adds, “But I think people are returning to Jackson, finding jobs, and finding a good life.  They understand how important the arts are – music, art, and theater - and how they enhance your quality of life.  People in Jackson are embracing the arts, which is awesome.”

Arden’s passion for music is innate. Though he was born in Forest, Arden and his family moved around the country following his entrepreneurial father.  Arden was an energetic tot who enjoyed banging pots and pans whenever he had an audience.  He worked in a high-end stereo shop during high school and started building his own speakers.  Arden was soon the go-to DJ for local parties, pop-up events and skateboarding events in Boise, Idaho in the 70’s.  He began running sounds for a local band and became the music director for a Boise radio station. 

He spent a brief stint in Birmingham in ’81, and then felt Jackson (and the music business) calling him home.  He boldly approached Hal & Mal’s and asked if he could book entertainment.  He laughs, “I was told, ‘No.  You can wait tables.’”

He booked a few shows on the side and completely sold out his first for Taj Mahal. With his confidence brewing, he quit waiting tables and began booking the room full time.  In 2011, Arden became disenchanted with the business and took a break.  He went to work mowing fairways, but was soon laid off.  The next morning, Ardenland was born. 

Today, Mississippi is attracting incredible musicians.  Arden says he is inundated with calls from agents, and that is how over 90% of the music in Mississippi is booked.  Arden admits, “Very rarely do I have to pick up the phone and make the call.” Musicians want to play in venues across the state.

Ardenland owns the lease to Duling Hall, an incredibly cool, intimate venue in the Fondren area of Jackson.  He also books Hal & Mal's, Thalia Mara Hall, the Coliseum, Martin’s, 119, the Iron Horse Grill, and “any place we can get our hands on,” laughs Arden.  Throughout the state, Arden books and produces the music in Oxford, Hattiesburg, and for the Bay Bridge Festival in Bay St. Louis, the Sun and Sand Film and Music Festival and the Jimmy Rodgers Festival in Meridian. 

In his cool, laid-back voice Arden says, “It’s been good.  It’s fun for someone to pull you over in the grocery store and say, ‘Hey, thanks for what you are doing.’”  He adds, “It’s nice and it’s been a team effort.  I have a great staff and the people in Jackson and around the state who support our shows are the ones to be commended.”

For upcoming shows produced by Ardenland, click here! 

Usher in 2015 this evening with a refreshing cocktail!  We reached out to some of the state's most talented mixologists to create two perfectly delicious drinks for Inspiration Mississippi Magazine:

THE FALLING LEAVES

Created by Chris Robertson, Bar Director at Bravo! Italian Restaurant and Bar

Using local Cathead Vodka and a blend of fall flavors, "The Falling Leaves" is a feminine, well-balanced drink.

1 1/2 oz. Cathead Vodka
1/2 oz. Kraken Black Spiced Rum
1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Orange Juice
1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice
1/2 oz. Vanilla Syrup
1 dash Hellfire Bitters

Garnish with a lemon twist wrapped around a scored cinnamon stick.  Shake and then double strain into a cocktail glass.

THE BLUSHING BRIDE

Created by Ranada Cook, Manager and Bartender at World of Wines & Liquors

A delightful, bubbly drink to enjoy during the cold winter months.  The more cranberry juice, the rosier the drink!

Vodka or Rum
Cranberry Juice
Orange Juice
Sprite

We hope you all enjoyed a wonderfully memorable 2014!  Thank you for your continued support of Inspiration Mississippi and our incredible state. 

Cheers to an extraordinary 2015!

We are thrilled to announce Inspiration Mississippi’s new event series, Get Inspired!  This week we celebrate a brand new year, and we are launching our beautiful new magazine (have you picked up a copy??)

Each month in 2015, we will be hosting an incredible event with extraordinary vendors.  Every unique event offers you an opportunity to experience the best of Mississippi and pick up a copy of Inspiration Mississippi Magazine! 

Please join us for our first Get Inspired event:

Sunday, January 11, 2015
Banner Hall, Jackson, MS
3:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Calling all Mississippi brides-to-be!  Our inaugural event is a wonderful opportunity for brides to interact with some of the premier vendors in the Jackson area, personally speak with each vendor and schedule appointments.   Delicious hors d'oeuvres and champagne will be served!

Vendors involved:

World of Wines and Liquor

SWAG bags will be provided for the first 30 people to register.  Feel free to bring a friend!

To register, please click here!  We look forward to celebrating with you on Sunday, January 11th!