No'Ala Huntsville, January/February 2013

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4 » January/February 2013

72Our favorite details from2012’s most unique weddings.

BY JORDYN DEAN

102Why not have bridesmaids’dresses they really can wearagain?

BY CLAIRE STEWARTPHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

14Some of the most beautifulwedding and engagementphotography from the pastyear—all with a North Alabama connection—cap-tured in images that willtouch and inspire you.

BY CLAIRE STEWART

ON THE COVERMichelle Wilder Mattoxphotographed in Southside,Alabama, by Simply BloomPhotography.

90It’s not just about the bride, isit? Okay, maybe it is, but thatdoesn’t mean the groom can’tlook his best on his big day.

BY ALLEN TOMLINSONPHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

94Alabama Chanin has created sustainable andstylish wedding gownsthat are heritage-worthy.

BY LAURA ANDERS LEEPHOTOS BY ABRAHAM & SUSAN ROWE

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 | NOAL APRESS.COM | 5JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 | NOAL APRESS.COM | 5

6 » contents

MULTIFACETEDWhitney and BethanyDean are a talentedand entrepreneurialpower couple.

January/February 2013Volume 2: Issue 1

• • •C. Allen Tomlinson

Editor-In-Chief

David SimsCreative Director

Contributing WritersFrances Adams, Jordyn Dean, Sarah Gaede,

Laura Anders Lee, Claire Stewart, Michael Stewart,Allen Tomlinson

Contributing PhotographersArmosa Studios, Click Photo Designs,

David Higginbotham Photography, Erin LindseyPhotography, Glass Jar Photography, Green Tree

Photography, Patrick Hood, Leslie Adair Photography,Danny Mitchell, Rylee Hitchner Photography, Simply

Bloom Photography, Spindle Photography,White Rabbit Studios

Marketing Coordinator/Advertising SalesHeidi King

Features ManagerClaire Stewart

Business ManagerRoy Hall

Graphic DesignerRowan Finnegan

InternsSara Kachelman, Ryan Paine

• • •No’Ala is published six times annually by No’Ala Press

PO Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630 Phone: 800-779-4222 | Fax: 256-766-4106

Web: www.noalapress.com

Standard postage paid at Huntsville, AL.A one-year subscription is $19.95for delivery in the United States.

Signed articles reflect only the views of the authorsand do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors.

Advertisers are solely responsible forthe content of their advertisements.

© 2008-2013 No’Ala Press, All rights reserved.

Send all correspondence toAllen Tomlinson, Editor,

at the postal address above, or by e-mail [email protected].

Letters may be edited for space and style.

To advertise, contact us at:256-766-4222, or [email protected].

The editor will provide writer’s guidelines uponrequest. Prospective authors should not

submit unsolicited manuscripts; please query theeditor first.

No’Ala is printed with vegetable-based inkson 100% recycled paper.

Join us on Facebook: No’Ala Huntsville

H U N T S V I L L E• • • • •

N O ’A L A H U N T S V I L L EA D V I S O R Y B O A R D

Jennifer DossHuntsville Symphony Orchestra

Leslie EcklundBurritt on the Mountain

Dan HalcombHuntsville Symphony Orchestra

Jeff JohnsonTerramé Day Spa & Salon

Ginger Penney Liles

Matthew LilesAIDS Action Coalition

Patrick RobbinsAlabama Pain Center

Charles VaughnVaughn Lumber Company

Anna Baker WarrenAnna Baker Warren Interiors

8 CalendarEvents for January-February 2013

68 MarketThe Anniversary Shopping GuideBY CLAIRE STEWART

83 Everybody’s BusinessThese Couples Are Working Together—For Better or WorseBY LAURA ANDERS LEEPHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

106 Food for ThoughtThe Couples That Cook Together…BY SARAH GAEDE

108 Back TalkWhat Was Your Most Unique Wedding Gift?BY CLAIRE STEWART

112 Bless Their HeartsAnother Royal WeddingBY MICHAEL STEWART

114 Parting ShotBY DAVID HIGGINBOTHAM

LOVE US?If you like NO’ALA,be sure to checkout our Facebookpage. We’d love tohear from you!No’Ala Huntsville

In each person’s life, there is a series of significant events: Birth.Education. Graduation. Wedding. Children. Retirement. Grandchildren. All of theseare significant, but none are surrounded with as much joy and pageantry as a wed-ding—which is why, every year, we dedicate an entire issue to it.

We’ve found, over the years, that women who are planning weddings use this issueas a resource. There are tons of ideas here for the bride-to-be, and you’ll see wed-dings that run the gamut from casual to very formal. But before you put the issuedown, wait! There’s even something here for those who aren’tcurrently in the throes of wedding planning.

Have you ever looked at wedding photos and noticed that alltoo often the brides in these photos look fabulous, but thegrooms look like they dressed for a different event? Because ofthat, we went to Billy Reid’s corporate headquarters here in theValley for some tips on helping the groom step up his game.Look for the five rules we learned for making sure the groom isdressed appropriately… and these same rules can be applied ifyou’re just looking for a new business suit.

Marriage is about togetherness, but what happens when you are married and youand your spouse also work together? We interview three couples who own and oper-ate businesses together and ask the question: for better, or worse?

There’s more, of course. Our retail shopping guide focuses on anniversary gifts, andthere are some unique ideas. (Did you know the traditional gift for the 6th anniver-sary is candy—or iron?) We ask the members of the Junior League what their bestwedding gifts were, and Rev. Michael Stewart writes about some of the more unusualweddings he’s officiated. There’s variety here, even for those who are not planningto tie the knot anytime soon!

Next issue, we promise something a whole lot different: it’s our “Heart and Soul ofthe Valley” issue. We’ll introduce you to thirty-five individuals, couples, siblings, andparents who are making major contributions to North Alabama, photographed bythe best photographers in the Valley. Until then, enjoy this issue—and congratula-tions to the young couples who are starting their lives together!

editor’s letter « Allen Tomlinson « 7

January 1-2Tree Lighting for the Tinsel Trail4:30pm-11:30pm; Free; Big Spring Park; (256) 361-9275

January 1-6“Tally Ho!” A Journey into Monte Sano’s PastTues-Sat 9:00am-5:00pm; Sun noon-5:00pm; $8adults, $7 seniors and military, $5 students, $4 children; 3101 Burritt Dr.; (256) 536-2882; burrittonthemountain.com

January 1-31Special Exhibit: MATHALIVEDaily from 9:00am-5:00pm; U.S. Space and RocketCenter; One Tranquility Base; $25 adults, $20 children, and free under 5 years old; (256) 837-3400; rocketcenter.com

January 2-6Exhibit: Art in Clay: Masterworks of North Carolina EarthenwareTues–Sat 11:00am-4:00pm; Thurs 11:00am-8:00pm; Sun 1:00pm-4:00pm; $5-$10; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

January 2-13Exhibit: Divine Masterpieces from the Collection of Bob JonesUniversity Museum and GalleryTues–Sat 11:00am-4:00pm; Thurs 11:00am-8:00pm; Sun 1:00pm-4:00pm; $5-$10; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

January 2-20Exhibit: Objects of Devotion: Medieval English Alabaster SculptureTues–Sat 11:00am-4:00pm; Thurs 11:00am-8:00pm; Sun 1:00pm-4:00pm; $5-$10; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

January 4Monkey Speak Open Mic Night8:00pm; $5; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; flyingmonkeyarts.org

January 4-6West Side StoryFri 8:00pm; Sat 2:00pm and 8:00pm; and Sun 2:00pm and 7:30pm;Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 N. Monroe St.; From $37; (256) 518-6155; broadwaytheatreleague.org

January 5Artist Market Noon-4:00pm; Free; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

Sci-Quest Parents’ Night Out6:00pm-9:00pm; $20 for first child, $15 for additional children ages4-12; 102 D Wynn Dr.; (256) 837-0606; sci-quest.org

January 7HSO Casual Classics Series: Honey I Shrunk the Orchestra3:30pm; $20; Randolph School of Fine Arts; 4915 Garth Rd.; (256) 539-4818; hso.org

January 11-13Huntsville Theatre Presents Prelude to a KissFri and Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:00pm; Von Braun Center Playhouse; 700 Monroe St.; Admission charged; (256) 536-0807;yourseatiswaiting.com

January 12Artist Market Noon-4:00pm; Free; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

HSO Classical Series: The Cello Sings7:30pm; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; From $25; (256) 539-4818; hso.org

January 18Sci-Quest Parents’ Night Out6:00pm-9:00pm; $20 for first child, $15 for additional children ages4-12; 102 D Wynn Drive; (256) 837-0606; sci-quest.org

My Lindy Kraze/Jason and Danielle’s Swing Dance Weekend7:00pm; Admission charged; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

Southern Nights and Broadway Lights7:00pm; Admission charged; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave.,Decatur; (256) 350-1745; princesstheatre.org

Opera Birmingham7:30pm; Trinity United Methodist Church; 607 Airport Rd.; $25adults, $20 seniors, and $15 students; (256) 489-7415; hcmg.us

January 19Artist Market Noon-4:00pm; Free; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

Under the Covers with Victoria Shaw7:30pm; From $30; Merrimack Hall; 3320 Triana Blvd.; Huntsville; (256) 534-6455; merrimackhall.com

Black Jacket Symphony8:00pm; From $32.95; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 533-1953; ticketmaster.com

January 29Momix presentsBotanica

8 » calendar

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 | NOALAPRESS.COM | 9

January 19-February 28Botanical Gardens Barkitecture ExhibitMon-Sat 9:00am-5:00pm and Sunday noon-5:00pm; $8-$12; 4747Bob Wallace Ave.; (256) 830-4447; hsvbg.org

January 23Art Critique6:00pm; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399;lowemill.net

January 25Susanna Phillips Recital7:30pm; $25 adults, $20 seniors, and $15 students; Trinity UnitedMethodist Church; 607 Airport Rd.; (256) 489-7415; hcmg.us

Classical Blues Cabaret7:30pm; $15; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave., Decatur; (256) 350-1745; princesstheatre.org

January 25-27Blue Man GroupFri 8:00pm, Sat 2:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sun 2:00pm and 7:30pm;From $37; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 518-6155; broadwaytheatre.org

January 26Artist Market Noon-4:00pm; Free; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; (256) 533-0399;lowemill.net

January 26-31Exhibit: Sound & Vision: Monumental Rock & Roll PhotographyTues–Sat 11:00am-4:00pm; Thurs 11:00am-8:00pm; Sun 1:00pm-

Continued page 10

4:00pm; $5-$10; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

January 29Bobby Horton’s Songs and Stories of the Civil War7:00pm; $10-$15; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave., Decatur; (256)350-1745; princesstheatre.org

Ballet: Momix Botanica7:30pm; From $26.50; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 539-0961; communityballet.org

February 1Monkey Speak Open Mic Night8:00pm; $5; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; (256) 533-0399; flyingmonkeyarts.org

February 1-2Special Exhibit: MATHALIVEDaily from 9:00am-5:00pm; U.S. Space and Rocket Center; OneTranquility Base; $25 adults, $20 children, and free under 5 yearsold; (256) 837-3400; rocketcenter.com

Independent Musical Productions Presents Alexander, Who’s Not, Not, Not, Not, Not Going to MoveFri 7:00pm and Sat 2:00pm and 6:00pm; $13 adults, $11students/seniors/military and $9 children; Lee High School; 2500 Meridian St.; (256) 415-7469; imphuntsville.org

Ricky Nelson RememberedFri 7:30pm and Sat 2:00pm and 7:30pm; From $30; Merrimack Hall;3320 Triana Blvd.; Huntsville; (256) 534-6455; merrimackhall.com

10 | NOAL APRESS.COM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

February 2Artist Market Noon-4:00pm; Free; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

Sci-Quest Parents’ Night Out6:00pm-9:00pm; $20 for first child; $15 for additional children ages4-12; 102 D Wynn Dr.; (256) 837-0606; sci-quest.org

HSO Classical Series: Love Hurts7:30pm; From $25; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 539-4818; hso.org

February 3Author Event: Irene Latham2:00pm-4:00pm; Free; Huntsville Madison County Public Library;Second Floor Meeting Room; 915 Monroe St.; (256) 532-5940;hmcpl.org

February 8Les Kerr & The Bayou Band7:00pm; $20-$25; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave., Decatur; (256) 350-1745; princesstheatre.org

Dirty Bourbon River8:00pm; $10; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399;lowemill.net


Carnegie Carnival: Mardi Gras Style CelebrationK9 parade at 11:00am; Prince and Princess Parade at 2:00pm; andCarnegie Carnival Parade at 6:00pm; Free admission for attendingparades; Downtown Decatur and Ingalls Harbor; (256) 341-0562;carnegiecarnival.com

February 10Season Special: Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Life3:00pm; From $21; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 518-6155; broadwaytheatre.org

February 14Phil Weaver Valentine Show7:00pm; Admission charged; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

The Del McCoury Band7:30pm; $25-$33; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave., Decatur; (256) 350-1745; princesstheatre.org

February 14-16Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra7:30pm; From $30; Merrimack Hall; 3320 Triana Blvd.; Huntsville;(256) 534-6455; merrimackhall.com

February 15Third Friday Decatur5:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Bank Street and Second Avenue in Decatur;(256) 350-2028

Sci-Quest Parents’ Night Out6:00pm-9:00pm; $20 for first child; $15 for additional children ages4-12; 102 D Wynn Dr.; (256) 837-0606; sci-quest.org

February 15-17Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre Presents Dragon of NittFri 7:00pm, Sat and Sun 1:30pm and 5:00pm; $14; Von Braun Center Playhouse; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 539-6829; letthemagicbegin.org

February 16Botanical Gardens Race for Top Dog 5K and Doggie Dash8:00am runners and 9:00am doggie dash; $15-$20; 4747 Bob Wallace Ave.; (256) 830-4447; hsvbg.org

Artist Market Noon-4:00pm; Free; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

Tuxedo Junction sponsored by the Huntsville Swing Dance Society 7:30pm; $10 adults and $7 students; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill;(256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

HSO Pops Concert: We Will Rock You—The Music of Queen7:30pm; From $25; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 539-4818; hso.org

February 21New Shanghai Circus9:30am,12:30pm, and 7:00pm; $15-$25; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave., Decatur; (256) 350-1745; princesstheatre.org

Elvis Lives7:30pm; From $38; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 518-6155; broadwaytheatre.org

Little Big Town8:00pm; From $38.80; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 533-1953; ticketmaster.com


Huntsville Community Chorus Spring Concert7:30pm; Admission charged; Trinity United Methodist Church; 607 Airport Rd; (256) 533-6606; thechorus.org

Bill Cosby8:00pm; From $71.80; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 533-1953; ticketmaster.com

February 26Gala: Luncheon11:30am; $75; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

February 27Art Critique6:00pm; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399;lowemill.net

February 28Gala: Black Tie Dinner and Live Auction6:00pm; $300-$500; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

10 » calendar

Phylis Baron, Leslie Ecklund,and Bob Baron

Sumter Park, Susan Park, Bruce Park, Brandon Damson, Deke Damson, Jerry Damson, Danielle Damson, Butch Damson,Ali Damson, and May May Park

Allie and Linda Swan, and William Bell

Tina and J.P. Rogers

Joe Newberry, Fred Ecklund,and Charles Vaughn

Lee Lee Wigintonand Madeline Boswell

Madeline Boswell and Meghan Allen

Connie West and Lisa Wilson

Nancy Self and Marc Sandlin

Catherine Walker, Amy Wellingham, Jackie Walker, and Jeanne AllenChristian Elizer

and Madeline Boswell

12 » scene

Above: Major Donor’s PartyOCTOBER 9, 2012 BURRITT ON THE MOUNTAIN

Below: Finery Grand OpeningNOVEMBER 2, 2012 FINERY

JoLayne and Brandon Hall

Stephanie Koesters, Emily Wasylicka,and Heather Reach

Danny and Deborah Pinkston, Butch Damson,and Marty and Mary Seibert

Bernie Verdierand Linda Spalla

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 | NOAL APRESS.COM | 13

“ANNIVERSARY”

Florence256.764.4013

Huntsville256.838.4808

GroganJewelers.com

{translation}“Happy WIFE, Happy LIFE”


THE WEDDING ALBUM

HANNAH BAKER& BRIAN CARTERFair Weather Farms

Monroe, GAMay 5, 2012

by Simply BloomPhotography

Brian had Hannah’s fatheras a professor at UGA, butthey didn’t meet until theylived in Washington D.C.

years later.


THE WEDDING ALBUM » HANNAH BAKER & BRIAN CARTER


TARA BAKER& TYLER GUIN

Capitol ParkTuscaloosa, ALJune 23, 2012

by White Rabbit Studios

Tyler planned a romanticpicnic proposal in

Chewacla State Park.He nailed the proposal,

but forgot the food!


THE WEDDING ALBUM

NIKKI DEE RAY& GARRET

“HUNTER” SCOTTDestin, FL

June 17, 2012by David Higginbotham

Photography

Nikki’s maid of honor,Charlie, and Hunter’s

groomsman, Paul, met atthe wedding and will be

getting married thisspring!


THE WEDDING ALBUM » NIKKI DEE RAY & GARRET “HUNTER” SCOTT


LAUREN WATSON& FORD HANDLEY

First Methodist ChurchHuntsville, and

Historic RoundhouseHuntsville

August 11, 2012by Spindle Photography

The couple first met at anAlabama game in 2006.

Lauren was cold, and Fordgave her his jacket.


THE WEDDING ALBUM

ALI GILBERT& BLAKELY SHERROD

Gile’s HomesteadGurley, AL

June 16, 2012by Glass Jar Photography

Ali wore the same weddingdress her grandmother

wore in 1951.


THE WEDDING ALBUM » ALI GILBERT & BLAKELY SHERROD


CRYSTAL GALLOWAY& DAN HENRY

Grandview, LookoutMountain, GA

June 2, 2012by David Higginbotham

Photography

The couple met in a spinclass. They are both avidcyclists and race for localteams in Chattanooga.

On their honeymoon, theytoured Tuscany by bike.


THE WEDDING ALBUM

(Clockwise from left)

NICHOLE MASON& TRENT ALLEGOOD

Nichole’s homeHuntsville

June 23, 2012by Armosa Studios

Nichole’s dad builta pond, a bridge,

and a terracein their backyardfor the wedding.

��

SARA HARNESS& JOSH STINSONMansion on Forsyth

Savannah, GADecember 18, 2010

by Click Photo Designs

Josh proposed onValentine’s Day,

right before a Mardi Grasparade that bothfamilies attended.

��

JENNY EMMAMERIWETHER HARRIS& MATTHEW EDWARD

MIZZELLChurch of the Pines

Alexander City, AL andWillow Point Yacht Club

on Lake MartinJune 9, 2012

by David HigginbothamPhotography

The couple chose LakeMartin for their big daybecause it is where they

shared their first kiss andwhere Matthew proposed.

��

COURTNEY GRAY& ANDREW PAUL

FERRETTIChrist Covenant

Presbyterian ChurchCullman, AL and Stone

Bridge Farm, Cullman, ALMay 19, 2012


The couple met atDauphin Island Sea Labwhile both were taking

classes there.

30 | NOAL APRESS.COM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 201330 | NOAL APRESS.COM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

THE WEDDING ALBUM

ALEE MORRISON& BEN LINK

The Link Family FarmMidland, GAMay 5, 2012


The couple had a fewunusual farm guests thatwalked through the party,

including roosters and peacocks!


THE WEDDING ALBUM » ALEE MORRISON & BEN LINK

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 | NOALAPRESS.COM | 33

MOLLY WALLACE& ZEKE FERRELL

First MethodistChurch of Decatur

Ingalls Harbor PavilionDecatur, AL

March 24, 2012by Spindle Photography

Floral arrangementsincluded ferns, wildflowers,turkey feathers, and barn

wood from Zeke’shunting camp.


THE WEDDING ALBUM

ALLISON BAGWELL& BENJAMINSTEINHAUERGorham’s Bluff

Pisgah, ALMarch 31, 2012

by Glass Jar Photography

Ben is from Switzerlandand Allison is from

Alabama. They met on aplane when Ben was heading to the U.S.

on holiday.


THE WEDDING ALBUM » ALLISON BAGWELL & BENJAMIN STEINHAUER


CHYNA VANDIVER& GARY ECKSTEINHuntsville BotanicalGardens, HuntsvilleSeptember 29, 2012

by Erin LindseyPhotography

Chyna had laryngitis theday of the wedding. Whenshe attempted to say her

vows, she could not let outmore than a squeak.

Gary and the preachercouldn’t stop laughing.


THE WEDDING ALBUM


WHITNEY SHELTON& MARCUS ROUTON

A.M. Booth’s LumberyardHuntsville

June 16, 2012by White Rabbit Studio

The couple met on anonline dating site.

Whitney says that, thoughthe commercials are cheesy,they are true—she knew shewas going to marry Marcus

on their second date.��

WHITNEY GREEN& JUSTIN SEXTON

Green Hill, ALMay 26, 2012


Whitney said theirwedding day was perfectsurrounded by lanterns,flowers, trees, and their

closest friends and family.��

STEPHANIE KILGRO& DAVID MATTOX

Burningtree Country ClubDecatur, AL

May 19, 2012by Erin Lindsey

Photography

David and Stephaniemet in Auburn, Alabama,in 2008—he claims love atfirst sight. He asked for her

hand in marriage threeand a half years later in

Destin, Florida.


THE WEDDING ALBUM

NICOLE ENNIS& JARED WIDNER

Ingalls Harbor PavilionDecatur, AL

October 6, 2012by Leslie AdairPhotography

Nicole and Jared’s loveof music was featured ontheir big day: the entirewedding party danced

down the aisle to the couples favorite

songs, and with the danceparty that broke out at

the reception.


THE WEDDING ALBUM » NICOLE ENNIS & JARED WIDNER


SARA ANN KRUSE& JOHN WILLIAM

PADLEY IIMonte Sano Lodge

HuntsvilleNovember 5, 2011


The couple wantedtheir favorite foods at the

wedding, so they had abuffet of Mexican and

Asian cuisine as well astheir favorite specialty

wine and beer.


THE WEDDING ALBUM

CASEY COLLIER& PAUL WHITTEMORE

Children’s Chapelat Lake Martin

The Stables at RussellCrossroads at Lake Martin

October 29, 2012by Simply Bloom

Photography

Casey’s father builtall of the tables forthe reception using

wood from hergreat-grandfather’s

barn.


THE WEDDING ALBUM » CASEY COLLIER & PAUL WHITTEMORE


REBEKAHWEINBERGER

& BRENT HESTERHistoric Rucker Place

Birmingham, ALJune 2, 2012

by White Rabbit Studio

For their procession,violinists played someof the couple’s favoritemusic, like songs fromThe Grateful Dead,

Eric Clapton,Led Zeppelin, andSteve Ray Vaughn.


THE WEDDING ALBUM

LINDSAY O’NEAL& CASE MORTON

Terrapin Creek LodgePiedmont, ALMay 5, 2012



THE WEDDING ALBUM » LINDSAY O’NEAL & CASE MORTON


ANNA LARKINCOFFMAN

& JASE CHANDLERBurritt Chapel

and Baron BluffHuntsville,AL

October 13, 2012Rylee HitchnerPhotography

The couple has alwaysloved to hike on Monte

Sano Mountain and thatis where Jase asked for

Anna’s hand in marriage.Naturally, they couldn’tthink of a better place to

get married.


THE WEDDING ALBUM

RACHEL LYNETTEWEAVER

& WILLIAM “BILLY”DOUGLAS

MCDANIEL, JR.Huntsville First United

Methodist ChurchThe Roundhouse Depot

HuntsvilleSeptember 22, 2012

by Green TreePhotography


THE WEDDING ALBUM

MICHELLE WILDER& PAUL MATTOX

J&D FarmsSouthside, ALJuly 13, 2012


The couple started dating,became engaged, and gotmarried all on July 13 of

different years.


THE WEDDING ALBUM » MICHELLE WILDER & PAUL MATTOX


JACLYN ALLEBACH& MICHAEL FLYNN

Annabella at Cedar GlennHuntsville

February 25, 2012by White Rabbit Studios

Mike proposed one nightbeside the Chatahoochie

River with a fortune cookiethat read, “You will soon

be confronted with unlim-ited opportunities.”

(This page, and facingpage at bottom)

NATALIE PATRICEPITTS & BENJAMIN

GLENN BARNESGorham’s Bluff

Pisgah, ALNovember 10, 2012


If ladybugs are a sign ofgood luck, Natalie and Benshould have a very happymarriage—unbelievable

numbers of ladybugs couldbe seen by guests at theceremony on the bluff.

��

(Facing page, at top)

JENNY RUDOLPH& JOSH DAILY

Loveless BarnNashville, TNJuly 28, 2012

by Armosa Studios

Jenny and Josh dated long-distance between

Alabama and Illinois for ayear, during which they

drove six hours every otherweekend to see one another.


THE ENGAGEMENTS


MICHELLE FALLIN& DAVID CHUMBLEYBurritt on the Mountain

HuntsvilleNovember 3. 2012


Michelle’s and David’sparents share the samewedding anniversary.

��

AUNDREA KEIMIG& ALEX BLYTHE

Rogersville Church ofChrist Rogersville, AL

July 14, 2012by White Rabbit Studios

The couple chose a Renaissance themed

wedding because they lovevisiting the Renaissance

fair every year.��

GAYLYN LEACH& CHRIS SHORT

Sweet Seasons FarmValley Head, AL

May 18, 2012by White Rabbit Studios

Chris proposed at theGrand Canyon after a

three-and-a-half mont-long road trip around

the U.S.��

HOLLEY DEGROAT& PHILIPP WENTER

Bolzano, ItalyMay 25, 2013


The couple is gettingmarried in Philipp’s

hometown in Italy in hisfamily’s church, a 15th

century monastery.


THE ENGAGEMENTS


JENNIFER COKER& DANIEL LOVELL

First Methodist ChurchHuntsville and Lake Forest

Clubhouse, HuntsvilleJuly 14, 2012


Jennifer and Dan bothattended Bob Jones HighSchool, but did not meetuntil they were both at

Auburn University. Theyboth graduated in May.

��

CHELSEA TURNER &CHANCE MITCHELLBurritt on the Mountain

HuntsvilleMay 19, 2013


Chelsea and Chance arethe winners of the

Alabama Perfect Wedding!��

AMIRA AL-DEEB& MIKE WATTSMooresville, ALMarch 16, 2013by Erin Lindsey

Photography

Mike proposed on Monte Sano Mountain

after dating for four years.Amira was so caught

off-guard that the firstwords out of her mouth

were, “Wait. Is this a joke?” She then said yes.

THE ENGAGEMENTS


VALERIE FEATHERS& ADAM JOHNSON

Flint River Baptist ChurchHazel Green, AL

A.M. Booth’s LumberyardHuntsville

October 19, 2012by Armosa Studios

Adam and his fatherbuilt the church they

were married in.��

LUCIANA JUNQUEIRA& KYLE FINDLAY

Annabella at Cedar GlennHuntsville

July 27, 2012by White Rabbit Studios

Luciana is from Braziland Kyle is from

Huntsville. Both of theircultures were combined intheir wedding in everythingfrom the decorations, food,

music, and vows.��

MARLA MEDDERS& SAGER DAVIDSON

Mooresville, ALOctober 13, 2012


Sager proposed at JoeWheeler State Park. He

then drove MarLa throughMadison and Huntsville

and reproposed at the sitesof different milestones in

their relationship.��

TARA BAKER& TYLER GUIN

Capitol ParkTuscaloosa, ALJune 23, 2012


Tyler planned a romanticpicnic proposal in

Chewacla State Park.He nailed the proposal,

but forgot the food!



BY FRANCES ADAMS » PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

Your invitations should reflect the style of the wedding, as well as the style of the couple. Makesure the guests know if they are going to an upscale affair or a laid-back celebration.

« MODERN INVITATIONS

Save the Date• Should resemble the theme of the wedding invitation.• Add a pop of color or the use of a pattern in the lining of

your envelope.• Remember to keep it simple! Only basic information

is needed here.

Envelope• Only use one envelope, but use a fun color or

embellishments. Always include the return address.

Invitation• If including a monogram, try different fonts, sizes, and

colors to find what you think will match your wedding theme best.

• Alignment can be a fun variation, too. Left or right alignment can make your invitation a little less predictable.

• Using all lowercase or all uppercase can give individual sections, like the couple’s names, more emphasis.

• Less formal wording is appropriate here. For example, you don’t have to spell out the year or the time.

• In a non-traditional invitation, you may include reception to follow.

« TRADITIONAL INVITATIONS

Save the Date (not pictured)Because you’re only asking guests to reserve a place on theircalendars, all you need here are a few basics: the names of thebride and groom, the wedding date, location, and a casualmention that the invitation will follow. These are typicallysent at least four months before the wedding and should usethe same look, script, and paper as the wedding invitation.

Formal Wedding InvitationTraditional invitations are center aligned and almost alwaysuse engraved lettering or thermography. (An even more formal option is to create an original template using hand-written calligraphy.)• Titles like Doctor or Reverend are spelled out.• The bride’s and groom’s first and middle names should be

the largest type on the invitation. (No last names are needed here; they’re already included with their parents.)

• In the wedding information, spell out times, dates, and states.

• Do not include a zip code on a formal invitation. You can include a directions card for that.

• Do not include reception to follow. That will be included on a separate card.

Formal wedding invitations have two envelopes: An outerenvelope, which includes the recipient’s full name andaddress, and an inner envelope, which includes only the recipient’s name.

You are cordially (and stylishly) invited

For invitationsand party supplies for

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News, classicalmusic and more


68 » market » Claire Stewart » Photos by Danny Mitchell

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DETAILS WE LOVE

A PICNIC RECEPTION“This couple loved to have picnics when they were dating, so they thought itwould be perfect for their reception. Incorporating fun and hands-on details creates a unique experience for your guests—more than just seeing, but feeling,tasting, and being involved in your special day.”

From the Wilder/Mattox Wedding

TEXT BY JORDYN DEAN

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Wedding details can sometimes be themost overlooked part of a wedding butalso the most important part. The possi-bilities are truly endless with weddingdetails. They can be as simple or extrav-agant as you prefer. No matter yourbudget, never skimp on your details.Many can be inexpensive or even hand-made. Your details are what set you apartfrom every other bride and wedding. Beunique. Be creative. Choose somethingspecial to you as a couple that yourguests can experience with you—some-thing they can taste, feel, smell, orexperience. Add something they’ll alwayslook back and remember fondly amongall the other weddings they’ve attended.Details should be the most fun and cre-ative part of your planning process. Havefun and think out of the box!

UNIQUE AND CHEAP! DECOR“I loved this wedding reception! The groom is a pilot so we incorporated his passion in an inexpensive way that really added volume and charm to the reception space. This really took a lot of creativity and time to achieve—but it was worth it!”

From the Thompson/Zielike Wedding

THE ANTIGUESTBOOK“There are endless possibilities for a‘guestbook’! Come up with somethingfun for your guests that you will alsoenjoy re-visiting later on.”

From the Jamerson/Thigpen Wedding

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GILDED MENAGERIE“Creative details can be simple and inex-pensive while still adding charm andpersonality to your wedding aesthetic.”

From the Baker/Carter Wedding

EDIBLE ART“Adding details through food anddesserts is a yummy way for yourguests to experience your personalitiesand passions as a couple.”

From the Wade/Ellis Wedding

DETAILS WE LOVE

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CUSTOM CRESTS“I adore this couple’s family crest idea!No better time to make one than foryour wedding day—when you areestablishing your new family.”

From the Gilbert/Sherrod Wedding

BROACHES BOUQUET“I am a sucker for fresh flowers, but I also adore the idea of a keepsake bouquet or boutonniere. Also, familyjewelry and heirlooms can be show-cased in a beautiful way.”

From the Vandiver/Eckstein Wedding

Bouquet by Anna Sinclair of Atlanta, Georgia

© ERIN

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A PATRIOTIC SENDOFF“Representing the bride’s and groom’sculture and heritage is a wonderful wayto add décor and guest involvement.It’s more colorful than bubbles or birdseed, plus the guests can keepthem as a wedding favor.”

From the Bagwell/Steinhauer Wedding

DETAILS WE LOVE

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ARTSY INVITATIONSThe wedding invitation is the guest’sfirst glance into your wedding. Yourstationery sets the tone for the rest ofyour planning and coordination. Goout of the box and be creative! Thiscouple incorporated their friends’ helpand creativity into theirs.

From the King/Rowe Wedding

Illustration by Chelsea Hollman and lettering by Rowan Finnegan

FAMILY MEMENTOSIncorporating personal touches likefamily heirlooms really add sweet memories to your wedding. I personallylove using these kinds of details becauseit is usually something sentimental forthe couple, and if a loved one is nolonger here to celebrate with the family,they are still represented in spirit.”

From the Broadfoot/Reiff Wedding

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Steve and Debbie Weisburg

Christy Bates, Marie Burns, Anita Kennedy, and Jane Hampton

Sonya Enfinger and Vivienne Reiss

Robert Salina and Rachel Butler

Abby Callahan, Mark Bloodgood,and Haley Barnhill

Herbert Montgomery Taylorand Shelby Jourdan Taylor

Ashley Marie Alongi and Dr. Kenneth Alan Alongi

Debutante Escorts assembleprior to presentations

Yvonne Hawkins, Julien McKinney Young,Jean Salter

A.J. Albert and Ball ChairmanIvy Downs Albert

78 » scene

Above: 2012 Nutcracker BallNOVEMBER 30, 2012 VON BRAUN CENTER, EAST HALL

Below: 2012 Symphony BallOCTOBER 27, 2012 VON BRAUN CENTER, NORTH HALL

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild 2012 Debutante Ball Committee

Cheryl and Scott Bence, Amy and Ted Henrich

Anita and Mike Kennedy

Carrie Pennell, Sharon Blackwell, and Linda Barnhill

PHOTOS BY ALEX JOLLY


LOOKING FOR IDEAS FOR YOUR PERFECT WEDDING?Our winning couple will be blogging about their experience as they plan the perfect wedding.

Follow them at alabamaperfectwedding.com and get ideas for your wedding, too!

Meet the Winners of the Alabama Perfect Wedding

© ARMOSA STUDIOS

Chelsea Turner & Chance Mitchell

Chelsea Turner and Chance Mitchell have been chosen as recipients of the 2013 Alabama Perfect Wedding,to be held in May at Baron Bluff, Burritt on the Mountain's new event center.

The announcement was made at a party at Grogan Jewlers, Bridge Street Town Centre.Three other couples, Chancey Praytor and Jacob Barton, Rachel Baggett and Kyle Knight, and

Kimberly Moore and Dakota Brown, were given gifts and certificates by Perfect Wedding Partners.

Chelsea and Chance will blog about their wedding planning experiences, and brides who are planning their ownweddings are invited to follow them at www.alabamaperfectwedding.com to get an idea of the hundreds of decisions that

must be made to have a Perfect Wedding. Special thanks to all of our Perfect Wedding Partners, who have bandedtogether to give this special couple something to remember for the rest of their lives. You'll get to see it, too—

it will be one of the features in our July/August issue!

Congratulations to Chelsea and Chance. Now, the real work begins…let's have a Perfect Wedding!

Winner Chelsea Turner

Alabama Perfect WeddingAnnouncing the Winner at Grogan Jewelers, Bridge Street Town Centre, Huntsville

Finalists Rachel Baggett& Kyle Knight

Wedding Stylist Jordyn Dean and No’Ala FeaturesManager Claire Stewart address the crowd.

Finalist Jacob Barton (right)with his parents

Finalists Dakota Brownand Kimberly Moore

BEGINNING A NEW LIFE TOGETHER CAN BE CHALLENGING. There’s a lot ofadjustment involved when you are beginning a life together as a couple; you have tolearn each other’s habits, preferences and odd quirks, and most couples quickly decideon a division of responsibility so the business of running a home is a smooth one.

Sometimes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. For the vast majority of couples,in which both people work outside the home, there is some separation during theday, and the details of the workday are left at the office. But what if you and yournew spouse also run a business together? To find out the unique challenges involvedwhen you are wedded to each other and your business, we found three couples tohave done just that, and let them tell us the joys and pitfalls of constant interaction.One thing they agree on: if they set the rules at the beginning, it’s mostly for the bet-ter—and not the worse!

TEXT BY LAURA ANDERS LEE » PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD


BETHANY AND WHITNEY


Photographers Whitney and Bethany Dean know how to cap-ture the perfect wedding memory. That’s because they knowhow it feels to be happily in love, and they share their love forthe lens.

The newlyweds first had the idea for starting their photogra-phy company Glass Jar around three years ago as they werelooking at their own wedding pictures.

“We thought we could capture what we wish our own photoswould have captured—the vision for the wedding day, what it’slike to be in love,” says Whitney. “We already took a lot of pic-tures, being the Facebook and Twitter generation. We boughta nicer camera and started practicing with our brothers andsisters.”

Today, the couple shoots about 30 to 35 weddings a year bothlocally and out of town. “Ninety percent of people getting mar-ried are our age,” says Bethany. “We understand what lookthey’re going for—not too stuffy or traditional.”

Whitney and Bethany, both creative types, specialize in mod-ern vintage fine art photography. While they do portraits andfamily pictures, they focus on engagements and weddings.“We take the feeling of the picture—whimsical, romantic—tocapture the moment,” Whitney describes.

Their name, Glass Jar, “fits the vibe of what we’re going for,”says Whitney. Just like a special keepsake in a glass jar, theirimages preserve a couple’s most special moment.

Whitney and Bethany recently expanded their business bypurchasing a historic property in New Market called Win-chester Manor, which serves as a wedding venue as well astheir home and studio.

“The house was being foreclosed on, and we just fell into it,”says Bethany. “We went to auctions and antique stores to givethe house the right vibe.”

The couple lives upstairs in the 100-year-old house, and theyrent out the rest of the property for special events. The homefeatures a gourmet kitchen, immaculate wood flooring, expan-sive windows, and sweeping ceilings. The property’spicturesque grove, stable-turned-band room, honeymoon cot-tage, and historic home provide a romantic, nostalgicatmosphere for their clients who wish to celebrate the pastwhile enjoying modern-day luxuries.

“Everything we’ve done in business has spiraled from our ownwedding,” says Whitney. “Being around people who are happyand in love is cool.”

Huntsville area natives, Whitney and Bethany met throughtheir fathers, who are both private pilots. “I checked her out onFacebook first and thought, ‘I have to meet this girl,’” laughsWhitney.

When asked the biggest perk of their job, they both agree it’sbeing in business together.

“We get to spend all of our time together,” says Bethany. “It’snot really work because we’re together.”

Whitney, who’s also a musician, has spent a lot of time on theroad, touring with bands and even appearing on the televisionshow One Tree Hill. “I loved being on tour, but I couldn’t shareit with anyone,” he says.

Now it seems the couple shares everything, even businessresponsibilities. “I keep up with the receipts, do the numbers,and take care of the part he’s not the best at,” says Bethany.

“We’re the best blend,” adds Whitney. “I’m crazy artsy, andshe’s a genius business person.”

So the old saying goes, opposites attract.

“We’re the best blend. I’m crazy artsy, and she’s a genius business person.”WHITNE Y DE AN

TRACY AND GEORGE

High school sweethearts George and Tracy Jones have beentogether a long time. Both attended Huntsville High Schooland the University of Alabama. And since 1989, they haveworked side by side at Century Automotive Group, one ofAlabama’s premier car dealerships, where Tracy is presidentand George is general manager.

After college, the couple moved to Texas to start their careers,but it didn’t take long for their hometown to lure them back.

“We started thinking about having a family, and it made senseto move back and join the family business,” says Tracy, whosefather, John Shields II, started the Huntsville dealership in1969. “It is the best place in the world to raise kids. The qual-ity of life, the community spirit, the size.”

For the past 25 years, the couple has been successful in busi-ness and in love. But when they first decided to work together,not everyone thought it was such a good idea. When Tracy’sdad retired, she didn’t want to run the company by herself. Sheasked her husband to join her, but her father initially wasopposed. “He said ‘there’s no way y’all can stay married andwork together,’” Tracy recalls.

But they undoubtedly have proved him wrong. Not only havethey juggled a hectic home life that comes with raising fourchildren, but they’ve managed six dealerships including Cen-tury BMW, Fisker, Porsche of Huntsville, Century Volvo,Jaguar Huntsville, and Land Rover Huntsville. And in 2007,TIME magazine named them Quality Dealer of the Yearamong 60,000 dealerships nationwide for their success in theautomobile industry and support of the local community.

George runs the day-to-day business, including sales and mar-keting, while Tracy, who is a CPA, oversees the company’sfinances. “We both know what each other is good at,” she says.“We have our separate areas, but we make our decisionstogether. If I don’t agree, I support him, because I trust his judg-ment. We have to maintain a united front, and we always do.”

The couple has a united front at home, too, managing theirhousehold of four children, who are 22, 20, 19, and 14.

“You can’t let your kids run back and forth to each parent andgive different answers,” says Tracy. “It’s the same at work. Lifeis about compromising, and with four children we have tolearn to compromise. The secret to our success is we have tomeet in the middle and respect each other.”

“It’s a busy place with 120 employees and six franchises,” saysGeorge. “With four kids we kind of have to tag-team every-thing. Work’s no different.”

The Joneses seem never to grow tired of each other or thedealership.

“We go to dinner and say ‘it’s date night, we’re not going to talkabout business;’ but we always do,” Tracy laughs.

They also never grow tired of watching Alabama football andhelping the community. The two are constantly supportinglocal charities and organizations such as the HuntsvilleMuseum of Art, United Way, and Susan G. Komen BreastCancer Foundation.

The couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in August.“We spent our anniversary moving Caroline into high school andGarrett into college. It was a bittersweet day.” But the two plan tocelebrate their silver anniversary officially by going to Miami tocheer on their alma mater for the national championship.

They are best friends and business partners.

“I can’t imagine working with anyone else,” Tracy says.

“Life is never dull,” George adds. “But some days are betterthan others.”

The two share a knowing glance, as only a seasoned couplecan do, and laugh.

“Life is about compromising. The secret to our success is wehave to meet in the middle and respect each other.”

TR AC Y JONE S


NANCY AND RICHARD


When it comes to business, it’s a family affair for the VanValkenburghs. Richard and Nancy have worked together inreal estate for the past 25 years, which is half of their marriedlife. They also work with Nancy’s mother and sister and two oftheir three daughters at their firm, Van Valkenburgh & Wilkin-son Properties.

“I work in the business with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, twodaughters, and wife; I say ‘yes, dear’ to everyone,” laughs Richard.

The couple has more than a dozen employees, and they treateveryone like family. It’s that family atmosphere that has madethem successful. They enjoy working together, their employeesare loyal, and their clients catch on. Richard says the perk ofrunning a family business is “people are truly looking out foryou and will try to do the very best for you—somebody’s gotyour back.”

The couple has the perfect cute meeting story. When Nancy, aGeorgia native, was a student at Emory, she worked a summerjob in Huntsville at NASA. She didn’t have security clearance,and it was Richard’s job as guard to escort her. They soon dated,married, and attended Auburn University together.

“Her father told me to love, honor, cherish, and let her finishcollege,” says Richard.

After college, they returned to Richard’s hometown ofHuntsville. Richard worked in financial planning, and Nancyworked in real estate. In 1985, they decided to go into businesstogether and established their firm.

The couple has always shared a love for real estate and historicproperties. In fact, an entire division of their company is ded-icated to selling historic homes. Richard and Nancy live in an1835 home on Adams Street in downtown’s Twickenham dis-trict. “You can stand on the porch and be a block from where

my father was born, a half a block from my grandfather, and ablock from my great grandfather,” says Richard.

In 2000, the couple bought a historic home on Gates Avenuedating back to 1883 to serve as their offices. During the clos-ing, they got a big surprise. When they reviewed the deed, theydiscovered part of the property had once been owned byRichard’s great, great, great grandfather.

Richard and Nancy have attended several real estate classestogether sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preser-vation, and they often tour historic homes while on vacationor on business trips.

In September, Richard was installed as president of the AlabamaAssociation of REALTORS. And in January, their daughter Juliewill be installed as president of the Huntsville Area Associationof REALTORS. “It wasn’t planned this way, but Richard will getto install her,” says Nancy. “It’s really special.”

It’s no wonder Julie is following in her father’s footsteps. “Shewas born in Huntsville but raised in real estate,” says Richard.“Sitting at the dinner table the girls heard it all the time.”

With the market improving and their daughters Sarah andJulie behind the steering wheel, the Van Valkenburghs say thefuture looks bright for their real estate business. After all theseyears, they still love waking up together and helping familiesfind a home.

“A home is more than a house or a dwelling,” says Richard. “It’sthe memories—it’s where a child took their first step—that’swhat makes a home. Home is where the heart is.”

And for the Van Valkenburghs, who celebrate their 50th wed-ding anniversary this year, home—and work—are certainlywhere their hearts are.

“I work in the business with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, two daughters, and wife; I say, ‘yes, dear’ to everyone.”

RI C H AR D VAN VALK ENBURGH

TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON » PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD


Ten years after your big wedding day, asyou look at photographs of the big event,you’ll probably marvel at how young youboth look. You’ll smile as you rememberthe fun you and your guests had, andyou’ll remember just about every detail.But unfortunately, many bridal coupleswill look at the photographs of thegroom in an ill-fitting rented tuxedo andthe common reaction will be “what washe thinking?”

The reality is that the most confus-ing part of the entire wedding, for thegroom, has nothing to do with thecaterer, the music, the location, or theday itself. It’s what he will wear, and mostgrooms are so baffled—or disinter-ested—by the entire process they ignoreit completely or simply go to the nearesttuxedo shop and rent something in acolor their bride won’t object to. Tenyears later, that leads to laughter orembarrassment at pants that are toolong, coats that don’t fit (or no coats atall), or photos of a bride dressed in finerythat cost thousands of dollars standingnext to a groom who looks like hedressed for an entirely different event.

That doesn’t mean grooms should-n’t rent a tuxedo for the big day, but witha little knowledge of what constitutes agood fit you can save some red-facedmoments later. And, according to Bran-don Capps of Billy Reid, a wedding canalso be an opportunity for a groom toinvest in clothing that will last for years,if chosen correctly.

“There are five basic rules to followthat can make a tremendous difference,”said Brandon. “The goal is to have peo-ple look at the couple and think that theyare beautiful together, without being dis-tracted by how ill-fitting the groom’s suitis. There’s no disputing that the wed-ding is the bride’s day, but that doesn’tmean the groom doesn’t need to payattention.”

So, in order to help the groom makebetter decisions, here are the five rulesfor dressing for your wedding day.

THIS IS THE BRIDE’S DAY, BUT IT’S YOUR WEDDING, TOO.

SHE IS THE FOCAL POINT, AND IF YOU DRESS APPROPRIATELY,

YOU’RE THE EXCLAMATION POINT. —BRANDON CAPPS


The key components of a suitthat you need to know.

A

ShouldersThe suit’s shouldersshould hug yours,and its shoulder padsshould not extendbeyond your ownshoulders.

ChestYou should be able toeasily button thejacket without itpulling or straining.There should be nomore than a fist’sworth of spacebetween the buttonand your chest.

Jacket LengthYou should discussthe length of yoursuit with your tailor.Shorter suits are instyle, but by nomeans should youcling to any trend. Asa general rule youshould be able to cupyour fingers underthe sides of your suitjacket.

ButtonsOne, two, three? Athree-button suit is atrendy look, and ifyou’re purchasingyour first suit, youmay opt to go with amore classic look likea two-button suit (it’sa more conservativestyle). The one-but-ton suit conveys asleek, high-stylelook.

Vents (not shown)A vent is the split inthe back of the suitjacket, at the seat.One center vent isall-purpose and isboth modern andtraditional. Sidevents (two splits) ismore European andsome say more com-fortable.

LapelsA notch lapel is thestandard, and youreally can’t go wrongwith this option. Apeak lapel (at left) isan elegant optionthat is enjoying acomeback. It makesa statement.

TrousersCuff or no cuff?Pleats or no pleats?Brandon recom-mends going withoutboth, because cuffsand pleats tend to betrendy.

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SleevesSleeves that dropbelow the thumb orcome midway downthe hand are toolong; if your wristbone is showing, thejacket is too short.

C

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RULE NUMBER 1: DON’T PICKANYTHING THAT WILL DATE YOU

You’ve done it—looked at picturesand immediately said, “oh, that’s soeighties,” simply because of the width ofthe lapels or the width of the shoulders.“Go for classic and not trendy,” saidBrandon.

That goes for color as well. Remem-ber baby blue tuxedos and light greenleisure suits? How dated do they looknow, when you see them in photo-graphs? “Gray or black is a safe choice,”said Brandon, “because you can go witha lighter gray for a spring or summerwedding and a darker gray or black forfall or winter. It’s the most versatile color,and it’s timeless.”

“You have to follow the bride’s leadwhen it comes to formality,” he said. “Shewill determine whether you’ll wear atuxedo or a classic business suit. But playit safe and conservative—classic alwaysworks, and trendy might look good atthe moment but you might regret ityears later.”

And what is it with bridal parties inwhich the groom wears a tuxedo and hisgroomsmen are in suits or aren’t wear-ing jackets at all? “It has to make sense,”said Brandon. Ask your bride what sheenvisions and plan accordingly.

RULE NUMBER 2: FOCUS ONTHE TROUSERS

“It’s about proportions,” said Bran-don. “Your trousers should not be tight,but they shouldn’t be baggy, either. Theyneed to be comfortable at the waist, butnot baggy. As for length, there is roomfor your personal preference; a classicbreak is where the pant folds slightly atthe top of the shoe. You can make itslightly longer, and you can make itslightly shorter—in fact, the trend rightnow is toward shorter. But you shouldnever let your trousers puddle on theground or on your shoe, and it’s neveracceptable to show your ankles.”

Remember that pants can bealtered. A good seamstress can let out ortake in the waist, and the length of thepants can also be altered. That’s good toknow if you’re investing in a suit for yourwedding that will also be used later forbusiness or formal occasions. Waistlineschange; so can the dimensions of yourpants, within reason.

Many times, when men go to a

rental store, they concentrate on howthe pants feel in the waist and just livewith the length that’s in stock. Ask thestore to find another pair that fits in bothareas, or ask them to alter to make thefit look better. Remember, one thingpeople might point and laugh at, whenthey look at the pictures, is a groomwhose pants are so long they puddle onthe ground.

Cuff or no cuff? Pleats or no pleats?Brandon recommends going withoutboth, because cuffs and pleats tend to betrendy. A cuff-less, pleat-less pant is amore classic look and gives the suit alonger life. “A more streamlined andclean look is timeless,” he said.

RULE NUMBER 3: YOUR ARMSMIGHT NOT BE THE SAME LENGTH.PAY ATTENTION TO THE JACKET!

“The mark of a good suit is that it’stailorable,” said Brandon. “Not only canyou let out waistlines and leg lengths inthe pant, you can adjust sleeve lengthand the fit in the shoulders for the coat.”

And an ill-fitting jacket makes thegroom look awkward and uncomfort-able. Sleeves that drop below the thumbor come midway down the hand are toolong; if your wrist bone is showing, thejacket is too short. Shoulders that droopor a jacket that’s too tight is also not verygood looking.

Surprisingly, your arms may not bethe same length. “It’s important for agood tailor to measure both arms,” saidBrandon, “and sleeve length can beadjusted accordingly. You also want towatch the roll in the back of the jacket,to make sure it doesn’t bunch up.”

What about all of those buttons?When do you button and when do younot? “You should unbutton when you sit,but otherwise you should stay buttoned,”said Brandon. “You should especially bebuttoned during the wedding itself. It’smuch more formal to button, and theceremony calls for it.”

RULE NUMBER 4: YOU CAN TAKELIBERTIES WITH THE ACCESSORIES

“If you are wearing a gray or blacksuit, you can add some color to it,” saidBrandon. That doesn’t mean a pink orblue shirt, but it does mean that you canadd color in the tie or the pocket square.“To be safe, we always recommend awhite shirt,” he said, “and French cuffs

and cuff links make the suit more for-mal. The tie and pocket square can bematched to the bridesmaids’ dresses orthe color theme of the wedding, withinreason, but pay attention to proportions.You don’t want to wear a skinny tie witha wide lapel, for example, and for a largerguy, a skinny lapel doesn’t work.“

Brandon says the season will alsodictate what you can do. “If it’s a Novem-ber wedding, consider a wool tie,” hesaid, “and in June, you could bring inpastels, greens, pinks, and spring colors.Just make sure the fabric and style of thesuit are appropriate to the season andthe overall look of the wedding.”

RULE NUMBER 5: RELAX. THIS ISNOT BRAIN SURGERY

The reality of a wedding is this: thegroom is not the focal point of the day.The goal, therefore, is not to detractfrom the event, and, in fact, to add to it.“Look at movies and magazines and payattention to what the men are wearing,”said Brandon. “Find a store or a brandthat looks good and look at the detailsthat make it look so good. Notice thelength of the pants, the length of thesleeve, the accessories and how they allcome together to create a look.”

If you’re renting, the more educatedyou are when you walk in the door, themore likely that you will look great onthe big day. If you are investing, plan tospend upwards of $900—the averagecost of a Billy Reid Heirloom suit is$1,395, and Heirloom Collection suitsthat are made in the USA start at around$2,000. “Remember, your bride hasspent that much or more on her dress,and she’ll only wear it once,” said Bran-don. “You’re investing in clothing thatyou can wear for years to come.”

“This is the bride’s day, but it’s yourwedding, too,” said Brandon. “She is thefocal point, and if you dress appropri-ately, you’re the exclamation point. Oneof the goals will be to look at these pic-tures years from now and take pride inthe fact that you are really a beautifulcouple, with a perfect sense of style.”

Brandon Capps is the Made-to-Measuredirector for Billy Reid, and is based at theBilly Reid office in New York City. For moreinformation about Billy Reid HeirloomCollection suits, visit www.billyreid.com.


TEXT BY LAURA ANDERS LEE » PHOTOS BY ABRAHAM ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY/ABRAHAM & SUSAN ROWE

HAIR AND MAKEUP: JESSICA ROTHSTEIN, SAFARI HAIR SALON » MODELS: LILY HOLLY (FACING) AND KIMI SAMSON (PAGE 8)


It’s not the flowers; it’s not the location.It’s not the food, and it’s not the guest list.If you ask a bride-to-be the most impor-tant single element of her wedding, nextto the groom, you’ll get the same answerevery time: it’s all about the dress.

No one understands this better thandesigner Natalie Chanin. AlabamaChanin wedding garments are consid-ered modern heirlooms; made with 100percent organic cotton jersey and thestrongest of thread, they are extremelywearable and durable. Yet with theirintricate designs, they are distinctivelyelegant; it’s like wearing a work of art.

And there are many other reasons tochoose a wedding gown from AlabamaChanin, too: There’s the glamour ofwearing a designer who has receivedaccolades from Vogue, Town & Country,and the Wall Street Journal; the crafts-manship of artisans honoring age-oldtechniques; the pride of supporting aNorth Alabama business; and the envi-ronmental responsibility of a garmentmade with a low carbon footprint. Butperhaps the best reason of all is that eachbride who slips on a wedding gown fromAlabama Chanin feels absolutely special.Since each dress is handmade to order,it’s literally one of a kind.

Natalie has been highly acclaimed forher fresh, Americana designs, intricatestencils, artful appliqués, dedication tolocal artisans, and commitment to theenvironment. No products are madeuntil an order is confirmed, preservingnatural resources and ensuring nothinggoes to waste. Scraps are even saved and

“I love working with all of our clients, no matter what

the occasion, but there’s something about a bride’s

enthusiasm that is rather contagious.” —Natalie Chanin


recycled for future projects. By consoli-dating the manufacturing processin-studio, they have narrowed deliverytimes, have more control over the endproduct, and have closer relationshipswith suppliers and customers.

The business model may be simplified,but the bride has the difficult task ofselecting just one of countless optionsfor her wedding day. First comes theconsultation. Natalie or LyndsieMcClure, who handles press, sales, andspecial projects for Alabama Chanin, sitsdown with each of the customers to geta sense of their vision and style. Somebrides come in with a few ideas sketchedout, or Natalie can walk them through a

library of patterns—there are literallyhundreds. The style featured is an a-linelong skirt with slight train.

“Most brides know exactly what theywant; they just need some help express-ing and fine tuning,” says Natalie.“Sometimes pouring a couple of glassesof bubbly and really listening is the bestway to get started. I love working with allof our clients, no matter what the occa-sion, but there’s something about a bride’senthusiasm that is rather contagious.”

Next comes choosing the color. The Fac-tory, as it’s called by the staff, containstwo large racks of fabrics in numerousshades. The fabric is made from 100 per-

cent organic cotton grown in Texas. Thecotton is spun in North Carolina beforethe fiber is knit into jersey fabric in SouthCarolina. Then, it’s sent to Tennessee,North Carolina, or New York to be dyed.Brides can select from a dozen or socolor combinations from White to Doe-skin, Tea, and Blush. The color of theskirt featured is White on White.

Then, brides determine the design andthe appliqué from some 25 swatch booksthat hold hundreds of sample blocks,each grouped by color. In the skirt fea-tured, the daisies in the Facets pattern areworked in a negative reverse appliquéwith threads and knots exposed on theoutside for a three-dimensional effect.

“There’s something about a handmade dress that feels so good on your body

and makes you look wonderful.” —Susan Rowe, Bride

Clockwise from left: Carra-Ellen Russell carefullystitches a work in progress;Carra-Ellen marking and cutting a new gown; An employee’s sketch of two gowns.


“Most brides know exactly what they want; they just need some help expressing and fine tuning.


Sometimes pouring a couple of glasses of bubbly and really listening is the best way to get started.”—Natalie Chanin


Other design choices incorporate reliefappliqués, reverse appliqués, and proces-sion, where loose threads dangle likefringe in a 1920s fashion, and more.Brides can even add beading, backstitch-ing, or embroidery floss.

“I designed most of the stencils andappliqués,” says Natalie. “They some-times start as scribbles in my notebookmargins, or they are adapted for a spe-cific purpose. We make samples, adjustif needed, and repeat.”

Once the elements of the gown are cho-sen, Diane, the master seamstress,measures the bride before Carra-Ellencuts the fabric and prepares the pattern.Steven, the production manager, appliesthe stencil to the fabric using an airbrushtechnique. And with Natalie’s stamp ofapproval, Olivia prepares the kits for theartisans.

The artisans, who are all from the NorthAlabama area, are independent contrac-tors, who charge per square inch,depending upon the intricacy of thestitching. This cottage industry-styleproduction model allows artisans towork from their own homes and settheir own wages.

When it’s all said and done, gowns rangefrom a few hundred dollars to severalthousand dollars. However, brides whowant the Alabama Chanin design at alower cost can purchase a Do-It-Yourselfkit so that they or a family member canmake the gown with their own two hands.

Brides should allow three weeks foronline orders and several months for acustom gown. “It’s a slow process,” saysLyndsie, but it’s well worth the wait.

“Some items out there on the market arewell designed but use cheap thread thatfalls apart,” says Lyndsie. “Natalie’s piecesare considered heirloom quality. Sheuses only the best material and strongestthread so you can pass the dress downfrom generation to generation.”


The dresses can even be machinewashed or sent back to the Factory to becustom dyed for no extra charge sobrides can wear them again. How’s thatfor practical?

“Natalie’s gowns are feminine, romantic,and have the comfort of wearing yourfavorite t-shirt in a couture gown,” saysLyndsie.

“There’s something about a handmadedress that feels so good on your bodyand makes you look wonderful,” saysSusan Rowe, a local photographer, musi-cian, and newlywed who wore anAlabama Chanin gown on her weddingday last fall. So what did Natalie wear onher wedding day?

“A handmade silk slip underneath a silkbrocade, baby blue fur-collared eveningcoat from Anna Molinari, heels, and a dia-mond choker,” says Natalie. “Totally 1996.”

Alabama Chanin’s bridal collection fea-tures hundreds of combinations for anarray of tastes, styles, and budgets. Buteven with all of those options, Natalieand her many bridal customers agree onone thing: when it comes to their wed-ding day, it’s all about the dress.

A Florence native, Natalie Chanin startedher business in 2006 and in a short timehas created an impressive brand knownthroughout the country. She could do busi-ness anywhere but she chooses to live andwork in her hometown because of “thewealth of artistic talent, incredible family,and the most amazing tomatoes in theworld.”

Opposite, clockwise from top left:Fabric in numerous shades fill largeshelves a the “factory;” variousthreads, trims, and beads will addtexture and sparkle to a future dress;helping a bride choose the perfectcombinations; one of many stencilsdesigned by Alabama Chanin is posi-tioned over the fabric and thenairbrushed. This page: One of 25swatch books that hold hundreds ofsample blocks, each grouped by color.

{ Same Dress, Different Color }

Gone are the days of shiny, identical, ill-fitting bridesmaid dresses! Instead, today’s brides are saying “no” to the traditional taffeta messes and letting each bridesmaid’s personality shine. Make sure your girls look just as fabulous as you

on your big day by letting them pick dresses they will wear over and over again.

Allison Parris Swag Dresses ($375)Finery (256) 429-3429

BY CLAIRE STEWART » PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL


{ Same Dress, Different Accessories }

Ya Plum Pleated Dress ($39)Earrings and Necklace ($28)

Bracelets ($18 each)J. Whitener

(256) 885-2006


Bracelet ($18)J. Whitener

(256) 885-2006


Bracelets ($12), Headband ($7)J. Whitener

(256) 885-2006

Models: Courtney Bishop, Chandler Richey, Erica Gholson


{ Different Dresses, Same Color Palette }

A’reve Lace Dress ($54.95)Market House(256) 606-7888

Ryne Tulle Dress ($64.95)Market House(256) 606-7888

Printed Tulle Dress ($69.95)Market House(256) 606-7888



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106 » food for thought » Sarah Gaede

HAVING BEEN BOTH A CATERER AND A CLERGY PERSON, I know a lot about wed-dings. Having been married for 39 of my 61 years (to two husbands), I also know a lotabout being married. The two are not remotely synonymous. Weddings are about onespecial day. Marriage is about building a life together, day after day, year after year.

I am convinced that one of the most important elements of a successful marriage ispreparing and eating meals together, first as a couple, and then as a family. Eatingmeals together won’t absolutely guarantee a life-long union (see first husband) or aharmonious relationship with your children, but it surely does help. It’s a ritual thatbuilds family ties, and, as a bonus, provides an opportunity to teach your childrentable manners.

Over our 31 years of marriage, my husband Henry and I have found the division oflabor that works for us. I plan the menus, shop, and cook, all of which I enjoy doing.(I really should have majored in home economics, as we called it in the dark ages,instead of comparative literature.) Henry cleans up, makes coffee at breakfast, grills,fries an occasional egg (beyond me, for some reason), and mixes my martinis.

Henry and I may be old-school, but cooking transcends traditional gender roles. Iasked some of my long-time married or partnered friends how they divide the din-ner chores, and what their spouse’s favorite dishes are. It occurs to me that they areall Episcopalians, which makes sense. We are all about ritual, and finding holiness in

the ordinary, and good food and wine—I think we are imprinted by weeklycommunion. My friend Stephen Moore, judge and priest in Washing-

ton state, has been married for more than 20 years. He writes, “Icook roughly six nights a week, depending upon what is hap-

pening in our crazy schedule. This is not work for me; it isoften the most fun I have all day. It is also a gift of love to my

darling bride, who works hard at her job… I often use foodto express love and this is one of those ways.” (I couldn’thave put it better myself, which is why I quoted him.) Asfor favorites, “she can’t really choose just one thing.When fresh corn is in season, it would be my corn-and-potato chowder. She waxes rhapsodic about mysmashed potatoes. And she loves the four-cheese mac-n-cheese I make her.”

The Rev. Dr. Lee Crawford and Anne Brown of Vermonthave been together for 22 years. Because they work in dif-

ferent towns, and Lee travels a lot with her ministry, mealstogether are precious. They have arrived at an interesting

division of labor. Lee does veggies and salad, and Anne cooksthe fish, chicken, and red meat. Lee loves Anne’s sautéed chicken

The Couple That Cooks Together…


with vermouth, lemon, mushrooms, and a side of artichokes.Anne is partial to Lee’s homemade salsa.

My dear friends Zac Abramson and Barry Baker (who vehe-mently does not cook) have been together almost 30 years.Barry is on the road most of the time, so Zac enjoys cookingfor him when he comes home. Barry’s current favorite supperis fried eggplant slices on baby lettuce with vinaigrette, andcheese soufflé. But his all-time favorite is the peanut butter piefrom the long-defunct Relay House in Birmingham.

When I asked Henry to pick a recipe, to my surprise he chosethe lamb stew I have been making since I was in seminary inthe early 1990s. It’s the ultimate in comfort food, good forSunday suppers and casual dinner parties. Serve with crustybread and salad. Henry would add, “and custard for dessert.”But not his mama’s rice pudding, which I won’t attempt, andnot just because I hate rice pudding. That would be treadingon dangerous ground. An important piece of advice to new-lyweds: You will never be able to cook your spouse’s favoritesas well as his or her mama or daddy did, so don’t even try!

Easy Irish Stew

• 1 pound lamb stew meat (or cut-up leg of lamb)• 2-1/4 cups low-sodium beef broth, divided • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) tomato paste• 3 cloves garlic, minced• 1 bay leaf• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper• 1 cup frozen pearl onions

(available at Publix, hallelujah)• 1 pound small red or Yukon gold potatoes,

halved or quartered• 1/2 pound baby carrots• 2 tablespoons cornstarch• 1 cup frozen baby peas• Salt and more pepper to taste

Bring 2 cups broth, tomato paste, garlic, bay leaf, andpepper to a boil in a Dutch oven. Add lamb, lower heat,and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Add pearl onionsand continue cooking covered for 10 minutes. Add car-rots and potatoes and cook covered until tender, about20 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup brothwith the cornstarch. Increase heat to a boil, stir in corn-starch mixture and peas, and cook, stirring constantly,until stew thickens, about 1 minute. Serve in big bowlswith soup spoons.

Serves 4. You can substitute stew beef, but cook it for 60minutes before adding vegetables. This doubles easily, inwhich case just use a one quart box of beef broth, and dis-solve the cornstarch in water.

Audra

“My mom’s hippie friends gave us a turtle lamp.It has stayed on our bookshelf ever since

we got married.” —Audra Lockwood

Vicki

“A lifetime of Alabama season tickets” —Vicki Grimes

Lindsay

“A pair of glass Christmas swan vases thatwe definitely didn’t register for, and we were not

married anywhere near Christmas time.” —Lindsay Rice

108 » back talk » Claire Stewart

What was your most unique wedding gift?

Margo

“We were newly married and broke,and a gift card to a five-star restaurant made a

great, extraordinary date night.” —Margo Alford

Olivia

“My grandmother gave me all-clad pots and pansand a set of Wusthof knives. They were my

favorite gift because I use them everyday.” —Olivia Reed

Joan

“A set of wooden ducks. One has a pink bowso you know it is a girl. Their heads turn all the wayaround to signify if we are mad at each other or not.”

—Joan Smith

Erin

“My wedding invitation made into a candle.I started making them myself after I got it.

It is such a special gift!” —Erin Bloxham Curtis

Emily

“The most unique thing I got on my wedding day—my husband.” —Emily Stone

Lacey

“A beautiful plate from Italy from our closefriends who travel around the world.” —Lacey Nelson

Melissa

“We were fortunate enough to receive a nice giftof money—we were able to spend half on ourreception and half on our furniture.” —Melissa Fowler


Kelly

“An old trunk from my husband’s family. Mybrother and I had fought over an almost identical

trunk from my family. I was so mad when he got it,until I got one of my own!” —Kelly Hudson

Christy

“My best friend catering my wedding was thebest and most unique wedding gift I could ask for”

—Christy Johnson

Jana

“A monogrammed sheet set that we use every day.It was a perfect gift and wasn’t something you

keep in a closet like china.” —Jana Broughton

Helen

“A beautiful antique box that goes perfectlywith our home décor. It was something I didn’tregister for but I really appreciated” —Helen Shores

Kelly

“A box with multi-colored clothespinsand a butterfly necklace” —Kelly Davis

Michelle

“Pink Towels. Friends gave them to us with a notethat said they received ugly pink towels on theirwedding day—now they give the same gift to the

newly married couples they know.” —Michelle Newberry Epling


110 » back talk » What was your most unique wedding gift?

All respondents are members of the Junior League of Huntsville.

Courtenay

“We were 24 and 25 and broke, and my aunt anduncle gave us our honeymoon!” —Courtenay Simmons


It’s not too early to begin planning for yourwedding at Baron Bluff at Burritt on theMountain. Come look us over and let usshow you how we can help you have an

event of a lifetime with a fabulous view—at Burritt.

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in this issue of No’Ala!

Memorable Weddings Deserve Memorable Locations

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112 » bless their hearts » Michael Stewart

WE ARE WAITING IN THE NARTHEX OF THE OLD CHURCH FOR THE WEDDINGPARTY TO ARRIVE FOR THE REHEARSAL. The gray-haired, 60-something groom pullsme aside, and says, “Preacher, there is something you need to know about my son.”

The bride and groom had been first-grade sweethearts. But she moved away thatsame year. Sixty years later they met again at a church homecoming. Each had losttheir spouse of decades in the previous year. A cup of coffee together led to a dinnerwhich led to a supper. The meals led to taking each other on cemetery dates to visittheir former spouses’ graves. Before long they were picking out wedding invitations,remodeling her house, and upgrading his wardrobe.

In premarital counseling sessions I always asked formerly married persons what theyhad learned about themselves and life from their previous marriages. This couple, oldenough to be my parents, had no hesitancy in answering the question. She said, “Ilearned how fragile and brief life is, so don’t waste a day of it.” He said, “I learnedwhat the Bible says in Genesis is true; ‘It is not good for the man to be alone’.”

The couple’s children and grandchildren were delighted for them. They knew howaccomplished their parents had been in their first marriages. They also knew howlonely they each had been in their widowhood.

In our final premarital counseling session the bride told me her son was a minister,and she would like for him to escort her down the aisle, and share in officiating.They also agreed they wanted the groom’s son to be involved in the wedding, insome way.

So on Friday evening at the rehearsal, just as the groom is telling me there is some-thing I needed to know about his son, the sanctuary door behind him opens and in

Another Royal Wedding

“I was bracing myself to explain to the King how ‘A Hunk-a Hunk-a Burning Love’ might not fallwithin the sacred music guidelines outlined in the Methodist Church’s Altar Guild wedding policy.”


walks…Elvis. A mature Elvis, to be sure, with many friedpeanut butter banana sandwiches under his belt. But there isno mistaking the man in the gold-templed sunglasses, andblack pompadour. As he enters, his dad says, “My son works ata bar in Birmingham as the security man and house Elvisimpersonator. And we have figured out what he can do in ourwedding.”

My mind flashes to some of the awful karaoke vocals I haveendured at weddings. More than once this Christian minister hashad to maintain the smile of the Buddha while waiting for the tor-tured solo to end. So frequently they were rendered by the bride’scousin, who “does not read music, but just sings by ear”.

I was bracing myself to explain to the King how “A Hunk-aHunk-a Burning Love” might not fall within the sacred musicguidelines outlined in the Methodist Church’s Altar Guildwedding policy.

But a smiling King put his arm around his dad’s neck andembraced him. He shook my hand warmly and introducedhimself to me, just like a regular commoner might. Dad said,“I want you to be my best man, son.” They hugged again andboth teared up.

The wedding the next day was beautiful. The late afternoonsun filtering through the hundred-year-old stained glass win-dows set the room aglowing. The organ filled the room withAltar Guild-approved Bach. The bride was radiant as shewalked the aisle on the arm of her preacher-robed son. Andthe dad beamed as he stood beside his son, took the hand of hisbride, and said, “ ‘Til death do us part.”

In nearly 40 years of officiating at weddings, I have never seena more poised and attentive best man. Elvis was well-turnedout in his charcoal business suit and gray-striped tie. He kepthis hands at his side during the service, as he had beeninstructed by the wedding director. He did not slouch. He kepthis eyes focused on the couple. He gracefully presented thering to his father at the appropriate time. But then one wouldnot expect anything less regal from royalty.

At the reception, I sidled up to the best man and remarked thatI thought he might be providing some of the entertainment.He said, “Oh, no. Not tonight. All the attention should be onthe new couple.” But he did cordially invite me to see him per-form on Thursday nights in Birmingham. “No cover chargefor preachers,” he promised.

114 » parting shot » David Higginbotham

Matthew and Jenny Mizzell cruise Lake Martin on their wedding day.

No'Ala Huntsville, January/February 2013

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