Followell Fotography has been widely recognized for their beautiful, poignant photographs.  The husband and wife team behind the award-winning business is even more impressive.  Jessica and Robby Followell met and fell in love at Mississippi College.  Robby started Followell Fotography in 2007, and the two were married in 2008.  Four years later, Jessica left her position as a teacher and joined Robby as his studio manager. 

In August 2011, Jessica and Robby welcomed a precious baby girl named Meg.  They were completely enthralled.  “Meg was a great baby and slept like a champ.  She had such a sweet and happy nature,” marvels Robby.  When Meg turned five months old, their world was unexpectedly shaken.  “We saw a trailer for a documentary called it’s a girl.  The film follows families in India and China who despite repeated pregnancies, continue to abandon or abort a child because of her gender,” says Robbie.  “Shockingly, it grabbed us.”

Gazing lovingly into Meg’s eyes, they couldn’t imagine not wanting their precious baby girl.  Jessica and Robby took a deep breath and a step back, but adoption began tugging at their hearts.  “We were talking about building a family, and we began studying the orphan and the widow at church.  It happened all at once; it seemed like the Lord was gearing us toward adoption.  We began taking steps of obedience.”

Robby and Jessica prayerfully filled out an application for international adoption.  “It was the right timing and we decided to choose India.  We felt like it was placed in our laps,” says Jessica.  In January 2012, they were officially applied to adopt, and even visited India on a mission trip with their church.  Almost two years and a mountain of paperwork later, they received thrilling news.  In February 2014 they were matched with a baby girl named Kaveri.  Once she is welcomed warmly into their home, Robby and Jessica have chosen to name her Eden. 

Jessica and Robby will travel to Calcutta in December to finally make Meg a big sister, and bring Eden home to Mississippi.  Adoption can be a very expensive process, but the Followell family has experienced an overwhelming outpouring of love and financial support.  Robby says, “So many people admit their first excuse to not adopt is the expense – we just were complete examples of the fact that it’s a silly excuse.  Adoption almost surprisingly tugs at people’s hearts in a way that you wouldn’t expect.  People become so engaged in the thought of completing a family – with a child that is unwanted.”

To learn more about Robby and Jessica’s incredible faith and their journey toward adoption, look for their story in Inspiration Mississippi Magazine, which will be available on 12.13.14!

If you are considering adoption, check out Jessica and Robby’s thoughts and advice on the process: 

1) “We are strong believers in Christianity and the Bible, and the Bible has some clear direction to believers that we should tend to the interest of orphans.  It is humanity’s responsibility to care for the less fortunate.  We feel like there is a responsibility on all people – not the calling to adopt necessarily, but to be involved in some way!  The need to help orphans is great in the world.” 

2) “If you ever wanted to better understand the power of community, and the value that living in a community of people can provide, then walk through the journey of adoption.  There has been this incredible outpouring.  It has solidified our love for Clinton and Jackson.  Even the photography community has carried this burden and walked it with us.  Be involved and expect to be amazed by the process of adoption.”

3) “Don’t be scared.  Everyone’s story is different, but there is some form of heartache.  There can be a lot of disappointment and a lot of waiting.  It truly teaches you endurance.”

4) “Special needs children can also be a deterrent.  It was for us [because Eden has special needs].  We were scared of those words.  We thought we couldn’t handle a child with special needs, or that we would have to give too much up.  However, my heart has completely changed when I hear those words.  Do not to be scared of the unknown – special needs or children you think you couldn’t care for… because you can.”

5) “Try to connect with other people who have adopted, or are adopting.  Just to have someone walk alongside of you.”  Robby and Jessica are not adopting Eden through 200 Million Flowers, but they recommend them as a wonderful resource for families considering adoption. 

We look forward to sharing more of the Followell family’s story in Inspiration Mississippi Magazine!  We will also feature incredible photos from their trip to India and an update with the family of four when Eden is happily settled into life in Mississippi. Thank you, Robby and Jessica, for loving this precious child and for sharing your story!

The homeless community in downtown Jackson is facing a devastating loss. Due to a decrease of $190,000 in federal and local grants, Stewpot Community Services must close the Brumfield Shelter for Men and Matt’s House for Women and Children.  This unfortunate news carries a heavy burden:  a 75% decrease in beds for homeless men and a 100% loss of emergency shelter beds for women and children.

In 1981, seven churches across many denominations came together to discuss a problem – feeding and caring for the growing homeless community in downtown Jackson.  Calvary Baptist, Capitol Street Methodist, Central Presbyterian, Galloway United Methodist, St. Andrew’s Episcopal, St. Peter’s Catholic and St. James Episcopal lovingly formed Stewpot Community Services. 

Stewpot’s mission is to provide clothing, shelter, and warm meals to children, the elderly, the disabled, and impoverished persons in the Jackson area.   With their motto, “Faith Meeting Needs in our Community,” Stewpot acknowledges that every person is a child of God, and provides them with nurturing care.   

In 1987, the Billy Brumfield House was opened as a shelter for men, named after a homeless man who died of hypothermia while sleeping in an abandoned car.  The Billy Brumfield House is located in an old fire station and welcomes up to fifty men nightly.  The Shelter operates a homeless program, a drug-work transitional program and a special needs program. 

In 1992, Matt’s House was formed after Stewpot realized an important need for an emergency shelter for women and children.  Matt’s House is located near Millsaps College, and currently houses up to 30 women and children every single night. 

Unfortunately, Jackson is losing these incredible sanctuaries on November 15th. Funding is needed!  Stewpot has also been forced to borrow money in order to pay employees, and needs over $60,000 to quickly pay off their loan. 

Stewpot has touched countless lives, changing the hearts of those who have served and those who have received.  Mississippi, let’s come together to support this extraordinary non-profit organization. If you would like to donate to Stewpot, please click here.   Without these shelters, the homeless community is losing two great homes filled with hope, encouragement and love. 

If you are in the Jackson area tomorrow, October 25th, please support all of Stewpot's incredible ministries at the Red Beans & Rice Celebration!  From 11:00am to 4:00pm, bring your friends and family to the Mississippi Braves Stadium and enjoy amazing food, great fellowship, and child-friendly entertainment including balloons, bounce houses, and face painting!  Local vendors will also be selling beautiful crafts.  What a wonderful way to celebrate a gorgeous Saturday and support Stewpot!  For more information, click here.

{Bride}  Summer Leigh Vander Boegh: Paducah, Kentucky
{Groom} Joseph Donald Pegram:  born in Oxford, MS but grew up in Memphis, TN

{Wedding site} Oxford-University United Methodist Church in Oxford, MS
{Reception site}  The Lyric on the historical Square

{Flowers}  Oxford Floral

{How did the two of you meet?}
Joe and I were set up through mutual friends in Oxford about 5
years ago. We like to count our time together by the football seasons,
so we are on our 5th football season (haha)

{What is your proposal story?}
It was actually Joe's birthday, Dec. 14, 2012, and we were going
to the University Club to meet Joe's parents for a pre-dinner
cocktail, at least that was what I thought we were doing...  We walked
to the club and couldn't find his parents and Joe suggested that we
walk up to the rooftop to see if they might have gone up there
instead. I followed behind Joe and as we rounded the corner to the
rooftop I noticed the gazebo was all lit with beautiful white lights
and there was a stunning flower arrangement in the middle.  I told Joe
that I didn't think his parents were up here and we should go back
downstairs to the other bar.  I was scared that we were going to ruin
someone's surprise....  Joe kept trying to get me over to the gazebo
just to take a peek and I wouldn't get too close.  So he dropped to
his knee and said " All I ever wanted for my birthday is you.  Will
you marry me?"   I, of course, was thinking he was kidding and playing
a prank on me, because Joe is known for his shenanigans.   But then he
pulled out that iconic black, velvet ring box, and I knew that this
was the real deal.  I said yes!   Finally, we walked over to the
gazebo where there was a white clothed table with beautiful flowers
and candles, and pictures of us from all of our trips.  There was a
sweet poem that Joe had written me, and at the end it read " will you
be my wife?"   The original plan was for me to read the letter and he
would get on one knee with the ring.   But that obviously didn't
happen! ha.   We popped the champagne and enjoyed the Christmas lights
on Square from the rooftop. Then, we called our family and they all
ran to meet us.  Joe even had my parents and little sister in town,
from KY,  to celebrate with us.  It truly was amazing.

{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?}
I never thought that I would have a winter wedding. I always
pictured a spring wedding.  But when we got engaged in December, I
started thinking and feeling differently. We love that time of year,
especially in Oxford.  The Square is even more stunning, with all the
buildings with christmas lights and wreaths hanging from the light
poles.  I quickly fell in love with having a classic winter wedding
and it had to be in Oxford.

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?}
I really love a clean, crisp, look.  So, having just a classic
white and black wedding in the winter was just what we wanted.

{How did you pick “the dress?”}
It actually was pretty simple... of course it wasn't anything that
I was picturing I would wear.  My mom, my MOH, and I went to Low's
Bridal in Arkansas. And it literally was the first dress that I saw,
and as cheesy as this sounds, it truly was love at first sight.  My
mom was shocked because it was everything I didn't want.  Fully
beaded/ embellished and laced.... but it was so perfect, especially
for a Decemeber wedding.

{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?}
My favorite unique and slightly strange accessory, had to be my
"something old and something blue".  At the bridal breakfast my sister
gave me my something blue....  I opened the box, and it was a small
squared piece of fabric.  The fabric was cut from my  baby blanket, and
I should say baby blanket very lightly, because I slept with that
blanket for a lot longer than I probably should of have. So, when I
saw it we had a good laugh, and the fabric was patched into my
garter....  So I could have it close to me one last time to comfort
me.

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?}
Our favorite part was the food and cake.  Joe actually came to
these meetings and we had a lot of fun!  We absolutely love love food,
so no picky eaters in this party of two.  It actually was a little
challenging because we really loved everything they offered us. So
narrowing it down was hard.  But it was a great experience to work
with such creative and clever people.

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding
day?}
One of my favorite moments from my wedding actually started at the
rehearsal dinner. My husbands family really made sure that we kicked
off the celebration right.  I loved sitting in Joe's Grandmother's chairs,
which were reupholstered in beautiful ivory velvet (Joe's grandmother
passed away before I met Joe but this was a special way for us to have her close to us) and listening to all our close
family and friends toast to us. And the icing on the cake that night,
was that Joe surprised me with a stunning diamond cuff to wear on our
wedding day. He actually added to my something new.

{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?}
My favorite moment of the wedding had to be surprising Joe with the
King Kobraz singing "Feed Moncrief"... and seeing the personalized pom
poms fall from the balcony. It was just perfect. Joe's face was
priceless and how crazy pumped he was that amazing.   I literally was
about to bust with excitement knowing about Joe's surprise! Loved it.

{Photographer} Scott Burton
{Event Planning Services} Ferriday McClatchy
{Cordinators} Lindsay Dillon-Maginnis & Angela Manley
{Hair} Marie Moore with Alice and Co.
{Make-up} Callie Moser with Zoe
{Bridesmaid Dresses} Watters/Wtoo from Low's Bridal
{Tuxes} Jos Banks
{Videographer} Christian and Lisa Harrison with Frameblender Films
{Floral Design} David with Oxford Floral
{Catering}  Elizabeth Heiskell Catering
{Bar} Lyric
{Band} DMP Band with RAM entertainment
{Cake Design} Cory Lewis 
{Print Material} Kara Giles with the Nest

Just ten years ago, one of Mississippi’s cherished landmarks haunted a dark street corner of downtown Jackson.  Vacant for over 40 years, the demolished structure housed vagrants and pigeons, with not even a whisper of what an extraordinary hotel it once was.  Before its demise, the building was a symbol of Jackson downtown’s renaissance, welcoming politicians and socialites with its grandeur, charm and Southern hospitality. 

The original hotel, The Confederate House, was built in 1861.  After being destroyed during the Civil War in 1863, it was rebuilt and renamed the Edwards House, becoming a prominent center of Jackson politics for some 40 years.  Governor Edmond Noel briefly lived there while his Mansion was undergoing renovations, and a banquet was held in 1909 in honor of President Taft. 

In 1923, a stately 12-story brick hotel was built in its place, designed in the Beaux-Arts architectural style by William Nolan of New Orleans.  This impressive new structure was named the Edwards Hotel, boasting a magnificent lobby with six large columns set along the perimeter of an oval light well, skylights inviting in a pool of warm sun, and a luxurious marble staircase.  In 1954, the hotel was purchased, modernized and renamed the King Edward Hotel.  It continued hosting prominent events, balls, dinners and meetings.  But in 1967, its glorious reign abruptly ended, leaving the hotel towering cowardly at the edge of downtown Jackson.

Allison Peppers, now the Food and Bar Manager at the King Edward, moved to Jackson in 2002 and remembers exploring downtown Jackson in her convertible.  “I pulled up next to the vacant hotel and thought, how did this happen?   This could be something so beautiful.” 

Thankfully, a former New Orleans Saints running back teamed with Historic Restoration Inc. of New Orleans to restore the King Edward to its former splendor.  Deuce McAllister saw potential beneath the rotting exterior, and completed a $90 million renovation.  In December 2009, the historic hotel reopened its impressive doors as the Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown. 

Dixie Krauss, Senior Catering Manager says much of the hotel’s architecture remains.  “They basically gutted the building and kept the structure.  The lobby has all of its original flooring and columns, as well as the beautiful crown molding.” The building, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and named a Mississippi Landmark in 1990, has become a modern destination. 

The hotel boasts 186 impressive rooms and four floors of luxury apartments.  The King Edward Bar has also become a downtown hot spot for both locals and guests.  Allison Peppers says, “We have a daily intermission from 4-6pm.  We want to close out the day with everyone and bring in downtown businesses after work.  We have drink specials, but most importantly, we are really focused on what Mississippi has to offer.”  Mississippi has seven craft beer breweries in the state and the bar represents all seven, selling at least one beer from each brewery.  Every tap runs Mississippi beer, and drinks are created with Mississippi-made Cathead Vodka and Bristow Gin.  “It’s about bringing people from out of town and showing them what we have.  People fought to get the King Edward built and wanted to see it revived.  When I first saw it, I could not believe the transformation from 2002!  We want to give back and focus on what Mississippi has given us.”

The historic hotel also provides a stunning backdrop for weddings and events.  Guests regularly catch a glimpse of a radiant bride being photographed on the grand staircase, which was created to match the original marble floor of the lobby.

The renovation of the hotel was one of the first steps in revitalizing Jackson’s downtown, and it continues to lure crowds.  Dixie says confidently, “In 10 years from now, everything will be just as glamorous as it was.  It is so timeless and gorgeous.  The ambiance is never going to change.”

Whether you prefer ringing a cowbell in the historic Davis Wade Stadium or sipping a toddy in the Grove, it is a great time to be a football fan in Mississippi.  With seven weeks down and seven to go in the regular season, Ole Miss and Mississippi State are dominating the polls.  So who is it going to be…the Bulldogs or the Rebels?

Both teams have been in the national spotlight, being featured by ESPN’s College GameDay over back-to-back weeks.  Ole Miss and State were also featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine, with State gracing a second cover the following week.  All eyes are on Mississippi.

It couldn’t be a better time to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.  As Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com said after the Auburn game last weekend, “Davis Wade Stadium is the loudest stadium in the country…my ears are still ringing from Saturday.”  Bulldog fans are enthusiastically cheering on their talented team during an incredible season.

Dak Prescott has emerged not only as the leader of his team, but also as a role model.  Prescott’s beloved mother passed away less than a year ago from cancer.  With football as his refuge, Prescott attributes his teammates with lifting him out a difficult time.  The impressive player is a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, and continues to astonish fans every Saturday.  Brady Quinn of foxsports.com says, “Prescott is playing like the best player in college football.  He is the driving force of the Mississippi State offense and carrying his undefeated team…it appears Dak is now the favorite for the Heisman.” 

The Rebels are equally remarkable.  “Ole Miss might have had the most impressive win of Week 7 by going to College Station and dominating the Aggies…Ole Miss’ defense is ridiculously good.  I would not be surprised if the Rebels move up to my No. 1 seed soon,” boasts Stewart Mandel of foxsports.com. 

Bo Wallace, a quality quarterback, now has a quality team surrounding him, thanks to great recruiting by Coach Freeze.  ESPN.com has called Wallace the “most accurate passer” in college football.

Ole Miss and State could remain two of the top teams in the country.  Regardless of what happens between now and November 29th, this is set to be the most anticipated Egg Bowl in history.   The rivalry is the tenth longest uninterrupted in the United States, with the two teams going head-to-head since 1901.  This year’s Egg Bowl carries playoff and SEC Championship implications.   All eyes will also be on Prescott as a potential Heisman Trophy winner.  Mississippi is experiencing an unprecedented year of success with college football, and we are proud to celebrate and cheer for these two great teams representing the Magnolia State.