Guest Blogger: Mitchell Walters

Kristin Allen knows Jackson.  Though she hails from North Carolina, Kristin now calls the capital city her home, and devotes her days to sharing the best of local businesses in The Scout Guide Jackson.

“Jackson has some of the most sophisticated, well-traveled, smartest and sometimes wildest people I've ever met.  I love that I live in a town where I'm constantly learning from the people around me, and am always meeting new people, ” says Kristin.  

With a gorgeous book that is printed annually, insightful blogs and frequent social media posts, The Scout Guide treats both locals and travelers to a taste of the wonderful things Jackson has to offer.  Kristin inspires us to shop, dine, and live locally, with The Scout Guide highlighting the talented and creative people behind Jackson's great businesses.

We caught up with Kristin, and she indulges us in how she gracefully balances life as a wife and mother, while bringing the best of Jackson to The Scout Guide readers:

{How did you become the Editor of The Scout Guide Jackson? }

I started a little over a year ago. I had been familiar with The Scout Guide in other markets, but on a trip to New Orleans I picked up a copy in a shop on Magazine St. and realized an old friend is the editor of TSG New Orleans. I called her about what she was up to and was told I just HAD to start The Scout Guide in Jackson. The more I learned about Scout, the more I thought it would be a good fit here and could be my way of making a positive contribution in Jackson.

{The Scout Guide highlights the best of local businesses.  What is a typical day like for you?}

I do a lot, but I can't take all the credit! I have an incredibly talented photographer, Tom Beck, who shoots everything you see in The Scout Guide. I also have some great writers contributing to the blog. There's really no typical day for me but everything I do is centered around promoting my businesses and introducing The Scout Guide to people in town... and really all over the state.

{How often does The Scout Guide Book published?}

The book comes out annually and for the year a volume is out, the businesses inside are promoted via social media, the TSG Jackson Blog and the national Scout Guide Blog. The opportunity to promote Jackson and these businesses on a national level was a big part of what interested me in launching The Scout Guide in Jackson. 

{What do you think makes Jackson so unique?}

Hands-down our people. I'm not from here originally, but I've never been more warmly welcomed somewhere new.

{Do you have any favorite shops or restaurants in Jackson?}

Yes!  Everyone in The Scout Guide, of course. But honestly, I view The Scout Guide Jackson as my personal endorsement of all these businesses. I would never include a business in The Scout Guide that I would not highly recommend to a friend.  There's something special about each of the businesses and business owners in TSG Jackson, and I can literally go through the book and share what I think is amazing about each. These are the places that really make Jackson a wonderful place to live, and live well.

{How do you balance family life as a wife and mother and work?}

It's hard work but I am very grateful to have an incredibly supportive husband and a three-year-old that is up for anything. We always make a point to have family time. I think all working moms struggle with the work/home balance. I find that being hyper-organized is an absolute must.   

{Any other words of wisdom you want to share?}

Yes! The Scout Guide Jackson is all about supporting local business, so my hope is that people in and around Jackson will make an effort to support TSG Jackson businesses (and all local businesses) when they have a choice. If we could all pledge to choose local over the alternative even once per month, it would have an incredible impact on our local economy and ensure these local institutions are here for years to come.

All photos courtesy of Kristin Allen and The Scout Guide

{Bride} Letty Stricklin
{Groom} Adam Weeks
{Hometowns} Letty - Yazoo City, Mississippi;  Adam - Starkville, Mississippi           
{Wedding & Reception Site} McClain Lodge, Brandon Mississippi
{Videographer} The Film Poets

{How did the two of you meet?}
We lived across the street from each other sophomore year in college.  My house had 6 girls and his house had 4 guys.  We all became best friends and Adam and I decided we liked each other a little more than that about half way through the school year.  We have been together ever since- that was 7 years ago!

{What is your proposal story}
We planned to go on a cruise over Christmas break.  I wasn’t suspecting a thing because he told me we wouldn’t get engaged until he finished school- a year later.  He popped the question on the ship.  It was so much fun to get to come home and tell our friends and family!

{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?}
We wanted something unique that no one we knew had used before.   We also really wanted everything to be in the same location to minimize driving and hassle for everyone involved.  McClain Lodge gave us all of those things.

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?}
I picked the emerald green because it reminded me of that vibrant vintage green color that I love so much.  We decided on mint green first and I decided to add in the emerald once I found the bridesmaid dresses.  I knew I wanted gold accents because I wanted the wedding to be more vintage and eclectic without being too casual and rustic.  I used lots of greenery and coral accents with the flowers because it paired really well with the emerald and mint.  I also used tons of succulents and air plants because they are my favorite! As far as a theme, I just wanted it to be very eclectic and personal.

{How did you pick “the dress?”}
I went to Lows Bridal in Arkansas.  I picked the dress in one day.  I knew with the wide selection they had I would leave feeling like I had seen just about everything there is to see.  After I chose the dress, I stopped looking because I am the type to change my mind a million times!  My mom and mother in law both 100% knew it was the dress as soon as I walked out too.

{What’s your favorite unique accessory?}
Is there a story behind it?  I wore some earrings made from cufflinks that had been in our family a really long time- that was my something old!

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?}
I styled my own wedding.  Every centerpiece, table, and area of the wedding and reception(aside from the flowers) were things that I had collected at thrift stores, antique malls and estate sales over the 16 months we were engaged ( I had plenty of time!).  I really enjoyed being able to put small touches that were unique to us everywhere during the day.  I also enjoyed going on digging trips with my mom and sister to collect all the items during the engagement- we went all over the state!

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?}
It was definitely when Adam saw me for the first time.  I could tell he was nervous and we had been together so long it was really fun to see him nervous around me again.  We read letters to each other at that point too and I had anticipated what his would say so it was fun to get to hear it for the first time.

{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?}
We didn’t really have any hiccups or surprises on the day but that was just perfect for me.  The weather was perfect, everything went smoothly and despite my decorating the whole wedding I made it through with minimal stress.  It definitely is a day that I would love to relive over and over!

{Videographer}  The Film Poets  {Catering and Venue}  McClain Lodge  {Florals} Mostly Martha's   {Wedding Cake} That Special Touch  {Hair} Annbri Adams  {Makeup} Nicole Wyatt   {Band} The Flames  {Dress and Bridesmaid Dresses} Low's Bridal {Photographer} Amelia Patterson  {Wedding Styling} Letty Weeks, Style Revel Events  {Programs and Invitations} Letty Weeks

Guest Post: Callie Collins

It was the summer of 2009, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. We set the date. Our wedding would take place in late July because cotton would be planted but not yet ready for picking, therefore, my Daddy (the money man) would be available and my Mom (the planner and coordinator extraordinaire) would be on summer break from teaching. This was a risky move! A summer wedding in Mississippi? The heat? The Mosquitoes? Yes, they all had their role on our big day, but there are plenty of ways to survive. 

First and foremost, find yourself a fun party dress for your reception. Don't be like me and spend parts of your night in the bathroom taking breathers. No, my dress didn't magically shrink that day, but my body did swell. The Mississippi heat will do that to you. I can't stress the importance of having a fun, comfortable cocktail dress to change into if you want to beat the heat.     

{Sharon Coker Photography | Bella Bridesmaids Jackson | Green Oak Florist}

Speaking of mosquitoes! Have a few bottles of bug spray available for your guests, especially if your ceremony and/or reception will be taking place outside. I know the spray will not necessarily coordinate with your otherwise elegant and gorgeous décor, but your guests will thank you. Believe me, it will be of utmost importance. The out of town guests at our wedding lovingly named them mosquito hawks and still talk about them to this day.

{Image Credit}

Some other simple survival tools to have on hand for your summer wedding are:

Fun Sunglasses! There's no need to spend a lot of money here. Not everything has to be personalized. Keep them simple and help shade everyone from the sun.
Sun Screen! Help out all of your fair skinned guests. Nobody needs to be getting sunburned on your watch.    

{Adam + Alli Photography | The South Warehouse}

Huggies! Or koozies, as the rest of the world calls them. They make for great favors and help keep your drink cool in the heat. Who doesn't love a new huggie?
Paper Fans! So simple and most certainly something that can be a fun DIY project. You can personalize them, have your program printed on them or keep them simple.     

{Betty Donne Photography | Followell Fotography}

Water! Lots of water... Those out of state guests won't know what hit them when they step out of the car into the Mississippi humidity for the first time.    
A Great Attitude: One of the most important factors to surviving a summer wedding in Mississippi is accepting that it will be HOT! Be prepared to sweat a little on that dance floor and have a blast!

{Chao Photography}

Guest Blogger: Mitchell Walters

As we celebrate our nation's independence this weekend, Mississippians will gather for picnics, neighborhood parades, barbecues and impressive firework displays.  It is the perfect time to relax with friends and family in the middle of a busy summer.

But, let's be honest.  The 4th of July in Mississippi often falls on an uncomfortably hot, sticky day!  The solution?  Indulge in the most delicious ice cream sandwich you could ever imagine.  It is the perfect marriage of cold, smooth ice cream with a rich, decadent cookie.

If you are lucky enough to be near New Albany or Oxford, you can pick up these mouthwatering ice cream sandwiches!  Created by Sugaree's Bakery in New Albany, they are carried in three stores:  Mississippi Madness in Oxford, Holli's Sweet Tooth in Oxford, and Sugaree's Bakery in downtown New Albany.  The sandwiches are available in vanilla, chocolate and cookies and cream.

For those of us who are not so lucky, don't despair!  Though they can't divulge all of their secrets, Sugaree's Bakery graciously shared a few of their tips and tricks for creating a perfect summer treat:

~ Bake or buy several soft chocolate cookies

~ Place one of the chocolate cookies upside down.  Then, fill a round cookie cutter with your favorite ice cream (Sugaree's Bakery recommends Breyers).  Remove the cutter so the ice cream is sitting on the chocolate cookie.

~ Top with your second chewy chocolate cookie and enjoy!

Hungry yet?  What a delicious way to celebrate.  We hope you, your friends and family enjoy a wonderful, safe 4th of July weekend! 

Photos courtesy of Sugaree's Bakery 

To learn more about Sugaree's Bakery, visit www.sugarees.com

Guest Blogger: Mitchell Walters

“The moment we cry in a film is not when things are sad but when they turn out to be more beautiful than we expected them to be.” - Alain de Botton

It is truly incredible how powerful film can be.  While planning our wedding in 2009, my family had not budgeted for a videographer. We wavered back and forth, but thankfully my mom stumbled across some unforgettable clips filmed by Christian Harrison of Frameblender Films.  And just like that, he was hired.  Christian captured two days of our wedding events, and managed to marry them into one hauntingly beautiful film.  

Every small moment becomes completely magical: colorful leaves swirling in the autumn wind as our friends and family scurried to put the finishing touches on our brunch; seeing tears well up in my eyes as my beloved daddy gave a remarkable toast at our rehearsal dinner; my husband's family ring sparkling on my right hand (a sweet gift from his mother) as we cut the cake; seeing my grandmother walk down the aisle, who is now stricken with dementia.  Through tears and laughter, I find ours to be the most beautifully crafted film, and it belongs to my husband and me.  It captures every smile, every glance, every touch. 

We at Inspiration Mississippi believe all brides should seriously consider filming their big day.  For a little more information, I spoke with four incredibly talented Mississippi videographers:  
Lisa and Christian Harrison of Frameblender Films 

Cameron Wood of Revival House

Matt Harris of The Film Poets   

Brock Gomez of BGP Wedding Films

Here these experts share their tips and thoughts on hiring the perfect videographer for your wedding!

{Why is it vital for a bride and groom to hire a wedding videographer? }
While pictures are great, film of your big day is just as significant.  With film you can actually draw out the emotion and experience of the day.  It is a great reminder of what you felt when you stepped into this beautiful covenant with your fiance. - Cameron

Having your wedding filmed is like having your own personal time machine. You hear Dad's heartfelt toast or his voice crack when he gives the bride away, you see Grandma cuttin' a rug on the dance floor, and you hear your vows.  The people you love the most are alive forever in video, and every viewing allows you to experience their emotions mixed with your own.  It's the absolute best way to preserve your family's legacy for future generations. - Lisa and Christian

The reality is our job as a filmmaker is very different from the job of a photographer.  A photographer tries to sum up a complete story in a single frame; a filmmaker takes hundreds of pieces of the day and makes them come together to tell a bigger story...We take the sights, sounds and emotions of the wedding day and create a film that is truly unique. - Brock   
It's not possible to fully capture the emotion of vows, speeches, or your family in pictures alone. - Matt 

{What is your favorite thing to capture during weddings? }
The vows.  Especially when they are written to one another.  There is something super magical about it. - Cameron
We love the first dance.  Also, we love the interaction between brides and their daddies.  That's such a special bond.  When a dad sees his little girl in her wedding dress for the first time, and then hands over his duties of protecting and caring for her to her groom, it's powerful stuff. - Lisa and Christian

Anything that is genuine gets us fired up...once people forget about the cameras and just let things go we get really excited. - Brock 

That's a good question.  Every wedding has something different that stands out...we just shot a groom and his groomsmen waterskiing before the ceremony last week. - Matt

{Any advice for brides when hiring a videographer?}
It's important to hire a videographer who is mainly a videographer.  One whose main business is film.  This guarantees you will have a product you want to keep...you want someone who loves what they do and will take care of you from start to finish. - Cameron 

The first important thing is to look at the videographer's work.  You should connect with it on an emotional level.  Second, meet and talk to your videographer.  Getting to know each other will help make you more comfortable on your wedding day...when a personal connection is made, it's reflected in the interaction throughout the day, and in the final film.  Third, ask a lot of questions and make sure you know exactly what you're getting from your videographer. - Lisa and Christian 

When you are talking to any potential vendor, make sure they treat you like a person, not just a potential dollar sign...Make sure that the people you hire take an interest in you and your specific event.  Getting down to hiring a filmmaker for your wedding there are a LOT of things to consider.  First of all, make sure you know the people that will be involved in your wedding...having a complete stranger show up with a camera in hand only adds to the pressure.  Secondly, find someone who has a style you appreciate...Finally, trust your gut...Make sure you don't lose focus on the purpose of the event.  The wedding day should be about two people coming together to create something larger than themselves.  It's an incredible commitment.  - Brock 

I think that a good videographer should do more than just document the day.  He should be a storyteller and an artist as well.  If you can watch someone else's wedding video and make a connection with it, think about how much better it will be when you're watching yourself and your husband.  That's when you've found the right person. - Matt 

To learn more about these talented videographers and view their amazing trailers (pull out your tissues!), please visit:  Frameblender Films
Revival House
BGP Wedding Films
The Film Poets