From the editor.

When Trenise Williams and Joseph Kirsh exchanged vows on September 3, the eyes of the world were upon them. Trenise and Joseph had planned to wed a week earlier, but Hurricane Katrina forced them to call off the ceremony, flee their New Orleans homes, and seek refuge in Jackson.

Learning of the cancelled nuptials, Red Cross workers and fellow Mississippi Coliseum shelter residents teamed with local Good Samaritans to round up a wedding gown, bridesmaids' dresses, tuxedos, jewelry, flowers, and even a honeymoon destination, all donated by Mississippi businesses and individuals. The big event was broadcast live by Jackson television stations, and news of the occasion was announced on National Public Radio and published as far away as Japan. All the fanfare served to make the couple an international symbol for the hope and love that endures in the face of tragedy. "We're all right now," Trenise told a reporter after the ceremony. "We really don't have any plans for what we're going to be doing, but we do know that we are one now."

As we unveil our annual Wedding Register issue, the Kirshes' story is a poignant reminder of what should be the most important aspect of every wedding, no matter how grand or how simple. It's also a great example of how generous Mississippians can be. Many of our readers are also proving that point by donating their time and funds to the hurricane recovery process and by purchasing our "Promise of Hope" poster and "Hats of Hope" to benefit relief efforts.

Even celebrities are joining us to help rebuild the coast. Dozens of famous actors, comedians, models, musicians, politicians, and sports figures have graciously autographed the bills of some of our special baseball caps, which we will sell in a seven-day eBay auction beginning on February 7 and ending on Valentine's Day. Mark your calendar now, and don't forget to go online for a chance to own a cap signed by one of your favorite celebrities, including Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, Emmy winner Jay Leno, Golden Globe winner George Clooney, and Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes.

And speaking of winners, congratulations are in order for Mississippi Magazine art director Tempy Segrest, who recently received the Silver Award for overall art direction from the International Regional Magazine Association. Tempy's work was recognized among all member magazines with circulations up to 40,000. "This magazine's design and typography worked at a level of sophistication and elegance not attained by the other entries," commented one of the judges.

We'd also like to congratulate another recent prize winner, Kayla Nowell of Ridgeland, whose name was selected in our iPod Nano sweepstakes held during November's Mistletoe Marketplace in Jackson. It was great to meet so many Mississippi Magazine readers at our booth at the holiday market and to learn what you enjoy about the magazine and what you'd like to see more of in these pages. If you didn't attend, we'd still love to hear from you--your emails and letters are welcomed all year long!

With warmest wishes for a wonderful 2006,