PRECIOUS MEMORIES OFFERS FULL WEDDING LINE

Brides looking for the makings of a memorable wedding have one of the region's premier bridal accessory shops to call upon locally.

Precious Memories, at 128 S. High Street in Jackson since 1989, is probably the largest such shop between St. Louis and Memphis, carrying everything for the wedding party, including bridal gowns, headpieces, custom-made veils, brides maid dresses, mothers' ensembles, flower girl and junior bridesmaids outfits, large selections of dyeable shoes and jewelry. Jewelry and other items for prom or other parties are also available.

"We pride ourselves in giving 100 percent service to bride, her family and the wedding party," said Vanita Jones, owner. "We also do customizing, which is usually hard to find at different shops."

Precious Memories carries a full line of tuxedos from four different rental companies. It also carries accessories, candles, guest books, garters, gloves and lingerie.

"We have over 300 sample gowns in stock, potential brides can try on," she said, "as well as about 100 samples of bridesmaid dresses."

Prices range from $250 and up on special orders or $100-$500 in the value room "for the budget-minded girl."

Jones went to Jackson High School and has lived in the Jackson area her my life. Her husband, Tom Jones, is a local auctioneer. They have one daughter, Crystal, a student at Southeast Missouri State University. Jones has been extremely active in the community for years. She is president-elect of the Jackson Rotary Club, secretary of the Jackson Merchants Association and membership chair of the ABWA. She is also a member of First Baptist Church of Jackson and helped organize the Fruitland Fire Department.

She advises visitors to look for "the big blue awning" over the shop's historic storefront.

"The uptown area is a real good location," she said. "It's a great place to be."