Sweet Surprise

A beloved family farm is the secret setting for a bridal luncheon full of new memories.

- Kelli Bozeman

"One … two … three!” All at once, the autumn air was filled with glittering confetti. Bridesmaids and flower girls cheered. In the center of it all, Haley Burks had the biggest smile of all. It was the end of her bridal luncheon, but it was only the beginning of what would be the most memorable weekend of her life.

This special ladies-only event began hours earlier as guests arrived at Foxmoor Farms, Haley’s grandparents’ farm in Guntown just outside Tupelo. The property has held treasured memories for Haley ever since she was a small child, so it was quite a surprise when the luncheon location was revealed to her only that morning.

“My aunts had it all planned perfectly, but they wanted to keep the location a secret since they knew I would be so thrilled,” Haley says. Those three aunts—Meg Gibens, Julie Gibens, and Jane Burks—had kept their preparations for the party under wraps for weeks, collaborating with caterer Blair Hughes of Tupelo’s Park Heights Restaurant and florist Angie Wise of Angie Wise Floral Design in Tupelo to set the scene for a memorable day spent here with family and friends.

“This barn has hosted many family gatherings, but nothing like a bridesmaids’ luncheon,” Haley says. “Our family spends lots of time here riding horses, hunting, fishing, inviting friends to cookouts, and hanging around the bonfire by the sportsman’s lake.”