No'Ala Shoals, January/February 2013

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Alabama Chanin’s Homegrown Gowns | The Well-Tailored Groom | Couples Who Work Together

2 | NOALAPRESS.COM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 | NOALAPRESS.COM | 3

When it gets cold this winter, take heart. When you Fly theShoals, you can go anywhere. Warm, sandy beaches. Big citieswith bright lights. Or maybe a honeymoon to an exotic locale?

Fly Silver Airways from Muscle Shoals, and connect throughAtlanta to anywhere you want to go. Our pledge, when you Fly the Shoals, is to give you a no-hassle travel experience righthere in your own back yard. Why drive for hours and pay huge parking fees when you can connect to the world from right here at home?

Book your flight from MSL through your travel agent, Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz or www.silverairways.com. Fly the Shoals...and be amazed at where you can go!

www.flytheshoals.com

Modern Travel - Old Fashioned Service

6 | NOAL APRESS.COM | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

For invitationsand party supplies for

weddings, showers andevery kind of

celebration, your party source is

Party Works5000 Whitesburg Drive S., Suite 108

Huntsville, AL 35802

256-881-778088.7 FM Muscle Shoals • 100.7 FM Huntsville

www.apr.org

News, classicalmusic and more

8 » January/February 2013

78Our favorite details from2012’s most unique weddings.

BY JORDYN DEAN

106Why not have bridesmaids’dresses they really can wearagain?

BY CLAIRE STEWARTPHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

20Some of the most beautifulwedding and engagementphotography from the pastyear—all with a Shoals connection, captured inimages that will touch and inspire you.

BY CLAIRE STEWART

PHOTOGRAPHING THE PHOTOGRAPHERSAbraham and Susan KingRowe (left) at their weddingthis past fall (photographedby Armosa Studios). TheRowes are frequent contribu-tors to NO’ALA and areresponsible for the feature onAlabama Chanin in thisissue. See more of their workon page 110.

100It’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

110Alabama Chanin has created sustainable andstylish wedding gownsthat are heritage-worthy.

BY LAURA ANDERS LEEPHOTOS BY ABRAHAM & SUSAN ROWE

© A

RMO

SAST

UD

IOS

On the CoverHillary James Panquerne was married at Not-toway Plantation in Louisiana, but our cover shotwas taken at nearby historic Belle Mont Mansionby Abraham and Susan Rowe. You can see moreof Hillary’s Louisiana wedding on page 32.

January/February 2013Volume 6: 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 PhotographersAlabella Studios, Matt Andrews, Armosa Studios,Christi Britten, Butler Studios, Amanda Chapman,Glass Jar Photography, Patrick Hood, Erin Lindsey,

PbK Studio, David L’Hoste, Danny Mitchell, Abraham &Susan Rowe, Simply Bloom Photography, Fallon Yates

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: 256-766-4222 | Fax: 256-766-4106

Toll-free: 800-779-4222 Web: www.noalapress.com

Standard postage paid at Florence, 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 ATSA, 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 Mag

10 » contents

S H O A L S• • • • •

14 CalendarEvents for January-February 2013

91 Everybody’s BusinessThese Couples Are Working Together—For Better or WorseBY ALLEN TOMLINSONPHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

84 MarketThe Anniversary Shopping GuideBY CLAIRE STEWART

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

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

128 Bless Their HeartsAnother Royal WeddingBY MICHAEL STEWART

130 Parting ShotBY ARMOSA STUDIOS

BRIGHT IDEASBill and Vicki Yuillecreate extraordinarylamps from ordinarybeginnings.

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.

In all the years we’ve been putting together the Bridal issue,we’ve noticed that all too often the brides in these photos lookfabulous, but the grooms look like they dressed for a differentevent. Because of that, we went to Billy Reid’s corporate head-quarters here in Florence for some tips on helping the groomstep up his game. Look for the five rules we learned for makingsure the groom is dressed appropriately… and these same rulescan be applied if you’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’ll introduce you to the No’Ala Charity Project, in whichwe adopt and mentor a non-profit with marketing advice and exposure for the nextyear; we ask the members of the Junior League of the Shoals what their best weddinggifts were, and Rev. Michael Stewart writes about some of the more unusual wed-dings he’s officiated. There’s variety here, even for those who are not planning to tiethe knot anytime soon!

Next issue, we promise something a whole lot different: it’s our “Why Not?” issue.We’ve asked people from all over the Shoals to dream a little and write about thingsthey’d like to see in our area. Why not? Our intent is to begin some conversations,and we’ll see where it goes. Until then, enjoy this issue—and congratulations to theyoung couples who are starting their lives together!

editor’s letter « Allen Tomlinson « 11

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 | NOAL APRESS.COM | 13

January 1Happy New Year!

Through January 2Wanderings: Works by Paula FrizbeKennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, 217 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence; 9:00am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday; admission isfree; contact 256-760-6379 or florenceal.org.

January 3Gallery Talk: Paula FrizbeKennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, 217 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence; 6:30pm; admission is free; contact 256-760-6379 or florenceal.org.

January 15UNA Guest Artist Recital Series presents Mike Dugan, TromboneMusic Building Recital Hall at UNA, Florence; 7:30pm; admission isfree; www.una.edu.

January 17OnStage Presents The Alabama Symphony OrchestraNorton Auditorium at UNA, Florence; 7:30pm; admission is $35 for adults, $15 for students and may be purchased at the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts or at www.shoalsonstage.com.

A Shoals area favorite, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra travels tothe Shoals to perform at Norton Auditorium. The orchestra proudlyworks to produce creative, dynamic programming and to be rec-ognized as an artistically innovative leader in the field—winning ASCAP Awards in 2010 and 2011 for Adventurous Pro-gramming and Dedication to New American Music and receivingan invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in May 2012 as a part ofthe competitive Spring For Music Festival, which was underwrittenby a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation.

January 18Martin Luther King MarchUNA Guillot University Center, 1 Harrison Plaza, Florence; noon;admission is free; 256-765-4248

January 21Martin Luther King Day and Presidential Inauguration

January 22–March 5Mixed Media Works by Zdenko KrticKennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, 217 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence; 6:30pm; admission is free; contact 256-760-6379 or florenceal.org.

January 25UNA Faculty Recital: Mark Huff, BassMusic Building Recital Hall at UNA, Florence; 7:30pm; admission isfree; www.una.edu.

January 26Miss UNA PageantNorton Auditorium at UNA, Florence; 7:00pm; general admission$12 in advance, $15 at the door; 256-765-4248 or una.edu.

January 30–31Riverhill Open HouseRiverhill School, 2826 County Road 30, Florence; 12:30pm to2:30pm; 256-764-8200 or riverhillschool.org.

Come tour Riverhill School and learn more about the area’s onlyindependent, non-parochial private school.

February 1Singalong Sound of MusicShoals Theatre, 123 N. Seminary Street, Florence; 7:30pm; admission $15.

Florence Main Street and Indie Shopography present a kick-offevent to begin a fundraiser to help the Shoals Theatre purchaseprojection equipment and a screen. The new equipment will allowthe theatre to present movies and film events. Participants at theSingalong are encouraged to dress as their favorite Sound of Musiccharacters and come sing your hearts out!

February 1–2Step Sing 2013Norton Auditorium at UNA, Florence; 7:00pm; admission charged;256-765-4248 or una.edu/boxoffice.

February 2Soup-er Bowl Saturday in Downtown FlorenceMerchants in downtown Florence will be serving up soups for youto sample and judge - you pick the winning one! Retailers will alsooffer Souper-Day Saturday specials all day long.

February 7–10Shoals Community Theatre Presents A Musical RevueShoals Community Theatre, 123 N. Seminary St., Florence; 7:30pm; admission $15 adults, $10 students; 256-740-1700 orshoalstheatre.com. Directed by Alan Flowers.

February 14UNA Studio Jazz Band Concert

February 2Soup-er Bowl Saturday

14 » calendar

Continued page 16

16 » calendarFebruary 9Luck Be The Lady: The Shoals Heart BallMarriott Shoals Conference Center, 800 Cox Creek Parkway South,Florence; 6:00pm; admission charged; 800-257-6941, extension1553 for more information.

February 12UNA and NACOLG Present the Senior Winter BallA winter ball for area seniors; details to be announced. una.edu.

February 13Sister Schubert and Betty Sims Luncheonand Cooking DemonstrationTurtlepoint Yacht and Country Club, Killen; 10:30am; admission$75; 256-764-8200.

Just about everyone in Alabama knows these two renownedcooks—Sister Schubert and Betty Sims pair up to present a luncheon and cooking demonstration as a fundraiser for RiverhillSchool. Lunch, cooking tips, and the pair’s favorite recipes are partof the event.

February 14UNA Studio Jazz Band ConcertNorton Auditorium at UNA, Florence; 7:30pm; admission charged;una.edu.

February 15–17UNA Winter Break

February 18Washington’s Birthday(observed)

February 19UNA Faculty Recital:Eddie Elsey, TromboneMusic Building RecitalHall at UNA, 7:30pm;admission is free;una.edu.

February 22UNA Faculty Recital: Ariana Arcu, CelloMusic Building RecitalHall at UNA, Florence;7:30pm; admission isfree; una.edu.

February 23–24 Basement Burlesque Presents “Keep on Loving”8:00pm; $15; Location TBA; 256-762-0637; facebook.com/basementburlesque.

February 28UNA Percussion ConcertNorton Auditorium at UNA, Florence; 7:30pm; admission may becharged; una.edu.

February 19Eddie Elsey,Trombone

18 » scene

Amy Darby and Maray Daniel

Rebecca and Greg Hovater

Edith and Don Ruggles

Trav and Ashley Hovater

Randy and Stacey White

Denny Winters

Jaina Anderson, Hannah Brake,and Carol Copeland

Tony Smith

Shirley Self and Bob Osborn

Cindy and Rick Hall

Above: Douglas Ruggles’ 50th Birthdayand Yumm Introduction Party

NOVEMBER 5, 2012 YUMM, FLORENCE

Below: St. Francis Faire/Chili Cook-Off NOVEMBER 10, 2012 TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Catherine Schiesz and Mary White

Taylor Daniel and Colter Anderson

Doug and Lisa Ruggleswith Gift and Paul Visuthikosol

Mike and Kathy Moeller

Randall Byrd and Andy Keyse

Stephanie Winborn, Gena McKinney, Lisa Davis, and Sandy Armstrong

PHOTOS BY LISA RUGGLES

PHOTOS BY SCOTTY BOBO

20 | NOAL APRESS.COM |JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

THE WEDDING ALBUM


AYA OZAWA& AKIHIRO KAWASE

Nagoya, Aichi JapanApril 29, 2012

by Armosa Studios

The couple had threeseparate ceremonies for

their wedding—a traditional Japanese

wedding, a Westernceremony, and a friend

party.

In accordance with Japanese tradition,

Aya only invited femaleguests and Aki only invited male guests.

Aya and Aki datedin high school in Japan andcontinued to date through

their time at UNA.


THE WEDDING ALBUM


I’m Anne Bernauer and I want to be your Realtor® — for life.

Call 256-740-0706 or 256-757-9008Email [email protected] www.annewillsell.com

Call me to helpfind a thresholdto carry thebride over.


THE WEDDING ALBUM

(Clockwise from left)

BREANNE BRANTING& JOSEPH THIGPEN

First Baptist Churchof Florence

Robert Trent Jones GolfTrail, Muscle Shoals

March 3, 2012by Armosa Studios

Breanne and Joseph met inArmy training when theywere assigned to the same

platoon.��

WHITNEY BROOKELEGG & JEREMY ‘SETH’

WATSONRobert Trent Jones Golf

Trail, Muscle ShoalsMay 19, 2012

by Amanda ChapmanPhotography

Whitney’s 2011Christmas tree had a

surprise decoration—anengagement ring tied to one

of the branches.��

LIZ WINGO& CHANNING

STANFIELDIuka, MS

September 15, 2012by Amanda Chapman

Photography

Liz’s horse attended thewedding with a “Maid of

Honor” sign and Channing’sdog had a “Best Man” sign.

��

BRAYDEE RAY& ZACH HAWNThe Ritz Theatre

SheffieldMarch 18, 2012

by Abraham RowePhotography

Zach proposed toBraydee at an airshow inCullman, Alabama in aHuey helicopter that had

actually flown in theVietnam War.


THE WEDDING ALBUM


MARY COX &BRAD GRIERRockford, ILJuly 3, 2012

by Armosa Studios

Brad proposed at Mary’saunt’s house in Illinois,

which was the same location as their wedding.

��

DANIELLE PETERS& DAVID KELLEY JR.

Buffler HouseFlorence

May 25, 2012by PbK Studios

In honor of Danielle’s late grandmother, Wynell

Hancock, who loved hummingbirds, the couplechose to have a humming-

bird wedding cake.��

LAUREN MASON& GREG GOBER

Friendship MissionaryBaptist Church, Florence

September 29, 2012by Butler Studios

Greg surprised Lauren ontheir big day by giving her a

beautiful pearl necklace.��

EMILY OSBORN& CORY BUFFALOE

Riverside CottageTuscumbia

June 30, 2012by Amanda Chapman

Photography

Cory proposed in Decemberby tying the ring aroundtheir dog Pepper’s neck.



KRISTI ANNBROADFOOT& CAPTAIN

STEPHEN REIFFCentral HeightsBaptist Church

Pickett PlaceFlorence

April 4, 2012by Alabella Studios

Kristi’s “something old” washer grandfather’s purpleheart, which was tied on

her bouquet.

THE WEDDING ALBUM


THE WEDDING ALBUM

HILLARY TAYLORJAMES

& JOSEPH CHARLESPANQUERNE

Nottaway Plantation Baton Rouge, LAMarch 24, 2012


At the reception, Hillary’sfriend from college caughtthe bouquet…and then fell

flat on her face.


THE WEDDING ALBUM



BAILEE CURBOW& MATT SMITH

St. Florian Fiber Farm,St. Florian

September 15, 2012by PbK Studios

In keeping with tradition, Bailee and Mattdid not want to see each

other before the wedding, sothey decided to exchange

notes from around a cornerdoorway, instead.

��

MEGAN DUNCAN& BRANT PACE

Hudson Family Barn Florence

March 24, 2012by Alabella Studios

Because of the rain, thewedding had to be moved

inside the barn.The ceremony proceededwith all of the guests in a

circle around the bride andgroom. Megan says it couldnot have been more perfect.

��

MELANIE SUMNER& JIM SPILLER

Riverside CottageTuscumbia

October 6, 2012by Christi Brittenand Falon Yates

Jim proposed on PickwickLake at Melanie’s home,

just down the road from thesite of their wedding.

��

CINDY LANSDELL& JAMES RANDALLNorth Wood UnitedMethodist Church

Turtle Point Yacht &Country Club

FlorenceJune 16, 2012

by Armosa Studios

Cindy and James metthrough a coed kickballleague in Birmingham.

Near the end of the season, they had their first

official date.

THE WEDDING ALBUM


THE WEDDING ALBUM

ASHLEY NICHOLEBAKER

& JOSHUA PAULHASELTON

The Henry BarnTuscumbia, AL

November 3, 2012by Abraham Rowe

Photography

After their wedding,Ashley and Josh spent two

months weeks touring Thailand and other parts

of Southeast Asia.

THE WEDDING ALBUM


Wednesday, February 13, 201310:30 a.m., Turtlepoint Yacht & Country Club

$75 per person • All proceeds benefit Riverhill SchoolIncludes lunch, demonstration, recipes, and opportunity for cookbook purchase and signingTickets and information: Riverhill School, 256-764-8200

Come See Us in Action! Come to an Open House at Riverhill, Wednesday, January 30, and Thursday, January 31, from 12:30-2:30 p.m.




LINDSAY NICOLEBALENTINE

& JASON HUBBARDFirst Methodist Church

of FlorenceJune 9, 2012


Lindsay and Jason havealways had a love for the beach, and they

incorporated that themethroughout their wedding

with shell and sand center-pieces, a wave-shaped cake,

and seashell fortune cookie favors.

��

LIZA MONTGOMERY& ANDREW MAXWELL

Robbins Beach Road Killen

October 13, 2012by Abraham Rowe

Photography

Liza and Andrew were bothactors in UNA’s TheatreDepartment and playedopposite each other for afew years before dating.

��

SARAH LESLIE SMITH& ROBERT BENJAMIN

WRIGHTSmith Family Barn

May 25, 2012by Abraham Rowe

Photography

Sarah and Ben were highschool sweethearts, andeven though he went to

Alabama and she went toAuburn, the rivalry of SEC

football did not comebetween them.

��

LAUREN BARNETT& WESLEY PUCKETTSt. Florian Fiber Farm

St. FlorianJune 23, 2012

by Butler Studios

The preacher who marriedLauren and Wesley also

officiated Lauren’s parents’wedding.

THE WEDDING ALBUM


THE WEDDING ALBUM

SHANNON GRAY& SHANE BAKERHome of Joel and

Carmen AndersonMuscle Shoals

September 8, 2012 by Matt Andrews

Photography

Shane met Shannonthrough mutual friends inFlorence. While touring as

a guitarist with MarieOsmond, Shane had onlyone day off and he drovefrom Cincinnati, Ohio to

Nashville, Tennessee to takeShannon on their first date.


THE WEDDING ALBUM


Providing Insurance and Financial Services

Myron Gardner, LUTCF 1819 Darby Drive, Florence, AL 35630 Bus 256-764-2234;Cell 256-335-6080 Email [email protected]

Phil Wiginton419 Cox Boulevard, Sheffield, AL, 35660

Bus 256-383-4521; Cell 256-762-5859Email [email protected]


THE WEDDING ALBUM

LEIGH CARL MCELYEA& TYLER CORUM

Madelyn’s in the GroveAthens, AL

May 26, 2012by Armosa Studios

Instead of worrying aboutleaving a friend or familymember out of the festivi-ties, Leigh Carl and Tyler

decided to have anenormous 28-person

wedding party so they couldcelebrate with everyonethey love around them.


THE WEDDING ALBUM


a natural choicefor all your special occasions


THE WEDDING ALBUM

SUSAN KING& ABRAHAM ROWE

Cypress CreekFlorence

September 29, 2012by Armosa Studios

Abraham made all of thebenches used for the

reception from the woodof old pallets.


THE WEDDING ALBUM


THE WEDDING ALBUM

LAUREN ASHLEYWINTERS

& THOMAS WILSONMCCUTCHEON

Courtyard ofRace and ReligiousNew Orleans, LASeptember 8, 2012by David L’Hoste

The ceremony was broadcast live via Skype for

the bride’s grandparentswho were unable to make it

to the wedding.


THE WEDDING ALBUM

(Right)

MOLLIE WADE & CY ELLISBluewater Creek Polo Fields

KillenSeptember 1, 2012

by Amanda Chapman Photography

Mollie loves astronomy and wanted toget married under a full moon.

She said the lighting was beautiful,and their first dance together

in the moonlight was to Neil Young’s“Harvest Moon.”

��

(Below)

AMANDA BUTLER & SCOTT HERSTONBurritt on the Mountain

Huntsville, ALJune 16, 2012

by Amanda Chapman Photography

Scott calls Amanda’s eight-year-old daughter‘Baby Bird,’ so Amanda found ways toinclude images of birds and birdcages

throughout their wedding.


THE WEDDING ALBUM


THE WEDDING ALBUM

A.J. THOMPSON &ANDREW ZIELIKE

Grace Episcopal ChurchSheffield

GAS Design CenterTuscumbia

August 18, 2012by Armosa Studios

A.J.’s mother made herwedding gown.


THE WEDDING ALBUM

EMILY PRICE& TYLER HUDSON

Robert Trent JonesGolf Trail

Muscle ShoalsApril 20, 2012


When they met in 2005,Emily and Tyler bondedover their love of horses.

Now that they are married,riding is one of their

favorite activities to dotogether.



A.J. THOMPSON &ANDREW ZIELIKE

Grace Episcopal ChurchGAS Design Center

TuscumbiaAugust 18, 2012

by Armosa Studios

Andrew built this boatwhen he was living on

the seacoast in New Hampshire.

��

MARY COX &BRAD GRIERRockford, ILJuly 3, 2012

by Armosa Studios��

ELISE DENTON& DILLON HODGES

Spring Hill, TNOctober 6, 2012

by Christi Brittenand Falon Yates

After being pronouncedhusband and wife, Dillonsurprised Elise and held

mistletoe over her head asthey kissed and the musi-cians played ‘Joy to the

World’ all in honor of Elise’sobsession with Christmas.

��

EMILY OSBORN& CORY BUFFALOE

Riverside Cottage,Tuscumbia

June 30, 2012by Amanda Chapman

Photography

THE ENGAGEMENTS



ASHLEY NICHOLEBAKER

& JOSHUA PAULHASELTON

The Henry BarnTuscumbia, AL

November 3, 2012by Abraham Rowe

Photography��

SUSAN KING& ABRAHAM ROWE

Cypress CreekFlorence

September 29, 2012by Armosa Studios

��

AMY ELIZABETHGARRISON & BRIAN

KENNETH BEALLTwin Pines Country Club,

Russellville, ALJune 2, 2012


Amy and Brian are expecting their first child

this March.��

BROOKE BAKER& JORDAN BOYLES

Oakwood Baptist Church,Phil Campbell, AL

September 29, 2012by Butler Studios

When Brooke’s father’shome in Phil Campbell wasdestroyed by the April 2011tornados, her family moved

to a neighborhood in Russellville, which

happened to be a few doorsdown from her future

groom.

THE ENGAGEMENTS



LIZA MONTGOMERY& ANDREW MAXWELL

Robbins Beach RoadKillen

October 13, 2012by Abraham Rowe

Photography��

LIZ WINGO& CHANNING

STANFIELDIuka, MS

September 15, 2012by Amanda Chapman

Photography��

KYRIEL JAMERSON& JAMES THIGPEN

Muscle Shoals Sailing ClubFlorence

May 18, 2012by Amanda Chapman

Photography

After their wedding, thecouple went straight to

Target, Kyriel still in herwedding gown, to buy all ofthe seasons of The Big Bang

Theory to watch on theirhoneymoon.

THE ENGAGEMENTS


THE ENGAGEMENTS

(TOP) LUCY BERRY & CHARLIE DEBUTYCarnegie Visual Arts Center, Decatur, AL

November 10, 2012by Christi Britten and Falon Yates

Lucy and Charlie’s first date was climbing to the roof of a historic buildingand sharing their first kiss there, overlooking the city.

LINDSEY CHOWNING & NICHOLAS ROBINSONMacedonia Church of Christ, Central Heights, AL

December 29, 2012by Butler Studios

Nicholas proposed on the beach, with the help of theirclosest friends, during a mission trip to Antigua.

Russell and Allison Mefford

Kathy Kemp, Becca Sockwell Angi Nutt,and Cathy Call

Mary Beth and Terry Coplry

Mitch and Julie Mann

Lila Stapler, Jimmy and Angi Nutt,Eric Erdman, Emily Perry, andSteve Price

Donnie Fritts and Wayne Bridge

Kirk Russell and Robin Horton

76 » scene

Kelvin Holly and Rob Malone

Above: Fiddleworms CD/DVD Listening PartyOCTOBER 29, 2012 MARRIOTT SHOALS CONFERENCE CENTER

Below: Punch Brothers Concert After PartyOCTOBER 19, 2012 BILLY REID, FLORENCE

Dennis and Shelia Upchurch, and Mike Williams

Laura and Jerry Leavitt

Leslie Keys, Audwin McGee, and Lisa Keys

Robert and Noel Beck

Amy Uhlman, and Jeff Hester

Pierre and Donna LeFort

Bernie and Beth Borosky, Kim and Barry Williams

Libby and Dick Jordan, and Katherine Rice

PHOTOS BY DICK COOPERAND DANIEL LEDFORD

PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD


The Florence Camerata presents

Choral MasterworksFeaturing Bach’s Magnificat and Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna

With special guests: UNA Collegiate Singers and Masterworks OrchestraThursday, March 7, 2013 • 7:30 p.m. • Norton Auditorium

www.florencecamerata.com


DETAILS WE LOVE

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

From the Wilder/Mattox Wedding

TEXT BY JORDYN DEAN

© SIM

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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

© A

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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

© SIM

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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

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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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84 » market » Claire Stewart » Photos by Danny Mitchell

HappyAnniversary!20TH (CHINA)

Country Estate Mug ($38)Country Estate Pitcher ($150)

Country Estate MediumServing Bowl ($125)

French Basket(256) 764-1237

25TH (SILVER)Sterling Silver Split Chain

Monogram Necklace (prices vary)Sterling Silver Cuff with Gold

Monogram (prices vary)Side Lines

(256) 767-0925

2ND (COTTON)Vineyard Vines AnglerGingham Shirt ($98.50)

JAR & Company(256) 768-1004

85TH (WINE)Chateauneuf Du Pape 2011White Rhone Wine ($40.99)

Elyse 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon($44.99)

The Wine Seller(256) 766-1568

55TH (EMERALD)Emerald Earrings ($2,900)

Jamie Hood Jewelers(256) 381-6889


15TH CRYSTALIsabella Tulip Goblet ($68)

Amalia Highball ($56)Amalia Stemless ($50)

French Basket(256) 764-1237

3RD (LEATHER)Bill’s Khakis Belt ($75)

JAR & Company(256) 768-1004

MZ Wallace ‘Hazel’ ($395)Marigail Mathis(256) 764-9444

Pau Patagonia Loafer ($140)Alabama Outdoors

(256) 764-1809

35TH (CORAL)Gem Tree Coral Necklace ($70)

Firenze(256) 760-1963

9TH (POTTERY)Vietri Incanto Place Setting

($38-$46)Halsey House

(256) 764-9294

60TH (DIAMOND)Diamond Platinum 1c CenterWith Mount and .25c Band

(Starts at $7,500)Parker Bingham(256) 764-2032


86 » market » Claire Stewart » Photos by Danny Mitchell

75TH (DIAMOND & GOLD)Chad Allison 1.91c Champagneand White Diamond Pendanton Woven Silk Chain ($4,000)

Grogan Jewelers(256) 764-4013

30TH (PEARL)Pearl Bangle with

Diamonds ($4,850)Pearl Ring ($1,990)Parker Bingham(256) 764-2032

1ST (PAPER)William McArthur GrayPersonalized Envelopes

($174/pack of 25)William McArthur Robin’s Egg

Envelope and Kraft Notes($185/pack of 25)

Printers and Stationers, Inc.(256) 764-8061

11TH (STEEL)Buck Knives Short Revolution ($75)

Alabama Outdoors(256) 764-1809

Citizen Radio Controlled Watch($650)

Jamie Hood Jewelers(256) 381-6889


7TH (WOOL)Cobalt Wrap Coat ($925)

Billy Reid(256) 767-4692

Lambswool Men’s 1/4 Zip ($119)Alabama Outdoors

(256) 764-1809

10TH (TIN/ALUMINUM)Gents 6mm Band

Available in Aluminumand Tungsten ($360)

Grogan Jewelers(256) 764-4013

Faith, Hope and Love Aluminum,Copper, and Cork Necklace ($48)

Relique (256) 767-4810

45TH (SAPPHIRE)Blue Sapphire Ring

with Silver Halo ($300)Grogan Jewelers(256) 764-4013

4TH (LINEN)Linen King Monogrammed

Sham ($125)Halsey House

(256) 764-9294


LAST FALL, No’Ala Magazine issued an invitation: Tell us about yournon-profit, we said, and we will adopt one of you for a year's worth ofmarketing advice, mentorship, and publicity.

Eighteen non-profit organizations came forward. Some we were veryfamiliar with and have worked with in the past; some we had neverheard of, but we were impressed with their good works. The decisionto narrow it down to one organization was a difficult one—and,admittedly, a subjective one. But take a look at these organizations,learn more about them, and let us challenge you: won’t you help themin their mission to make this a better place? Each and every one ofthem could use your help, either financially or simply by having youroll up your sleeves and donate an hour or so of your time every weekto helping them help others.

HOSPICE OF THE SHOALS provides compassionate care to termi-nally ill patients and their families, at the end of the patient’s life. Theyare the only non-profit hospice in the area. 256-767-6699 or hos-piceoftheshoals.org.

The ARC OF THE SHOALS provides residential care, day careemployment, life skills education, and more to those with intellectualdisabilities. They are known in the area for their “Hope Haven” facil-ity. Call 256-383-1472 or visit thearcoftheshoals.com.

HASRA (Heart of Alabama Save, Rescue, Adopt) HASRA’s primaryfocus is to promote animal adoptions, to reduce the number of dogsand cats who are euthanized at the local animal shelters. This groupis populated with extremely hard working volunteers who have man-aged to substantially reduce the kill rate in Lauderdale County, andprovide a pipeline to adoption agencies in other parts of the country.Contact the Florence/Lauderdale Animal Shelter, 702 College Street,Florence for more information.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Florence/LauderdaleCounty supports court appointed volunteers for abused and neg-lected children so that they can thrive in a permanent and safe home.This group has a need to recruit volunteer advocates, inform policymakers, and raise money. Call 256-765-0041 or visit [email protected].

WICP (Westminster Interfaith Caring Place) provides adult day carefor elderly patients, in order to give their care givers relief. A five daya week program, it’s growing, and they are looking for a new homesince their current location is at Brandon Ministries, the site of thenew RegionalCare hospital. Call 256-275-3800 or visit wicpdays.org.

NORTHWEST ALABAMA COMMUNITY HEALTH (which willchange its name in 2013 to SHOALS COMMUNITY CLINIC), providesmedical and dental care to those who cannot afford care or do nothave insurance. Located at Handy Homes in Florence: 256-760-4713.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY focuses on raising money to fundcancer research and eradicate the disease. They currently hold anevery-other-year event, Coaches vs. Cancer, that raises awareness andmoney; the next event is scheduled for the fall of 2013. Call 256-767-0825 or visit [email protected].

DYSLEXIA CENTER OF THE SHOALS provides therapy andresources for dyslexic individuals and families. There are many promi-nent people in the Shoals who are dyslexic, and this disease is oftenmisunderstood. Call 256-764-0444 or visit dyslexiactrshoals.org.

NORTHWEST ALABAMA VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Activein Disasters) is a humanitarian association of voluntary organizationsto help people who experience disasters (tornado, flood, etc.). They donot compete with other response organizations, but instead offercoordination of response. They serve Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin,Marion, and Winston Counties. Call 256-764-5892.

LIFESOUTH COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTERS, an organization thatcollects and supplies blood for the Shoals region. They are the pri-mary suppliers of blood for ECM, Shoals and Keller Hospitals. Call256-383-3535 or visit lifesouth.org.

VOCAL (Victims of Crimes and Leniency), an advocacy group thatworks with victims of crime, including volunteering to transport vic-tims to court, crime scene clean-ups, and follow-up. Members ofVOCAL are victims or family members themselves; the Shoals AreaChapter serves Lauderdale, Colbert, and Franklin County. Contactthe No’Ala office for more information about how to contact thisorganization.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE SHOALS provides hands-onexhibits and interactive programs for toddlers through elementary-aged children. The Museum is now in its 11th year and is expandingits programming and offerings. Call 256-765-0500 or visit shoalschil-drensmuseum.org.

FLORENCE CITY SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION is aneducational foundation that gives 100% of its funds to classroomlearning in the Florence City School System. None of the moneyraised goes toward athletics; some goes toward installing technologyin the classroom. Call 256-768-2690 or visit FCSEF.org.

SUCCESS BY 6, an organization that works with children below theage of six to help them get the foundation they need to succeed. Theemphasis is on brain development before the child reaches the age ofsix. Call 256-764-5892.

SINGING RIVER EQUINE RESCUE works to rescue, rehabilitate andre-home horses who are suffering from hunger or neglect. The ani-mals they work with are heartbreaking; the work they do with themis uplifting. Call 256-710-7913 or visit srer.org.

NORTHWEST ALABAMA READING AIDES offers free one-on-onetutoring in reading, writing and English language skills to anyone overthe age of 16 in Colbert, Lauderdale and Franklin Counties. Can youimagine being unable to read? You might be surprised at how manyin our region cannot. Visit nwalreadingaides.org.

SHOALS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY provides safe, decent andaffordable housing and has built 66 homes in the Shoals area—so far.A new campaign, The Women Build Program, is scheduled for 2013,and is focused on empowering and encouraging Shoals women tobuild a Habitat home. Call 256-710-9515 or visit habitat.org.


IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE that the beautiful landmark library building indowntown Florence is ten years old. It’s also hard to believe how thenature of libraries has changed in these short ten years, from simplya place to borrow books to today’s community center, where you arelikely to check out your book electronically, grab a cup of coffee anda sandwich at Bookmarks, attend a community meeting, and checkemail in the computer lab.

Because our library reaches so many people, and because it truly is alandmark for our area, No’Ala has chosen to take them on as our mar-keting project for 2013. As we discussed the organizations who hadapplied, it seemed that each of us here had warm and wonderfulmemories about experiences at the library that shaped our lives, andwe are excited about some of the things planned for the coming year.We think you will be, too.

In the late spring of 2012, my mother, Susanna Tomlinson, lost acourageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. When I was growing up,my mother and her friends were instrumental in creating a library forCherokee, Alabama, and she was involved in library work as a volun-teer for most of her life. When we announced our intention to take ona non-profit project, we were honest about the fact that there wassome subjectivity involved in our choice. It wasn’t black and white—we debated and weighed and measured the pros and cons of each ofthe 18 organizations who made an application. But when the finaldecision was made, I have to admit to some pleasure at the idea thatmy mother’s passion will continue for the next year, through our work.We can’t wait to share some of the exciting community projects thatwill come your way from the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library.

—Allen Tomlinson, Editor-in-Chief

AND THE NO’ALA PICK FOR 2013 IS…THE FLORENCE-LAUDERDALE

PUBLIC LIBRARY

© PAT

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HO

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Mattie Evans and Nick Holley

Markie Howard, Frances Adams, Beth Cox, Sandra Johnson, Brianna Bolden, and Dane Trelles

Sandra Johnson, TeresaRasch, and Rachel Fraser

Joan Lane and Markie HowardPam and Bill McKinney

Dane Trelles and Austin Holt

90 » scene

Above: PSI & Southern Point Co. Trunk ShowOCTOBER 18, 2012 PRINTERS AND STATIONERS, FLORENCE

Below: Jude Frances Fall 2012 Trunk ShowPresented by Parker Bingham Jewelry

OCTOBER 23, 2012 DISH CAFÉ, FLORENCE

Cathryn Whitlock, FrancesAdams, and Brianna Bolden Hallie Mauldin and

Chip Rasch

Patty Klos and Lisa Gardner

Suzanna Wylie and Amy DarbyPat Slusher andPatty Klos

Jeri and Aleysia Pons Emily Ansley, Cheryl Hubbert, Patty Klos,and Rebecca Tedder

Tracie Swift and Tashina Southard

PHOTOS BY HEIDI KINGAND JUSTIN MICHAEL

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 quicklydecide on a division of responsibility so the business of running a home is a smoothone.

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 ALLEN TOMLINSON » PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD


“We are passionate about love,” said Tera Wages of ArmosaStudios. “Wes and I love photography, but we’re passionateabout showing love between people, whether they are a brideand groom or an older couple who have been together foryears. That’s what we love to do—to photograph and showlove, because we believe in it.”

Tera will tell you that her passion for love is rooted in herChristian faith. “We’ve experienced great love through ourfaith, and our goal is to make our own relationship an exam-ple,” she explained. “Our lives are an open book, and we wantto set an example for what happy marriages are like.”

Wes and Tera met at UNA. Wes was working at HighlandBaptist Church, handling their media, and had an interest invideo. Tera’s interest was photography, and although Wes did-n’t know much about it when they met, he quickly developeda talent for it as well. They knew each other for two yearsbefore they married, and just two weeks after their wedding,Tera shot her first wedding. It was the birth of a business, onethat the two could do together.

The couple has a talent for telling stories in still photos andmoving images. In a recent project for the YMCA of theShoals, they tell the story of lives changed in a way that makesa point but involves the viewer emotionally. (This video andothers can be seen at their online portfolio at armosastu-dios.com.) The look on a father’s face as he watches hisdaughter marry, the love between a couple that’s celebrating amilestone event—these are the images the Wages know how tocapture for eternity.

Today, Armosa Studios is still the go-to photographer for wed-dings, but that is certainly not all they do. Their portfolio nowincludes corporate photos and video, and the business allowsthe couple to indulge another passion—travel. “We love totravel,” said Tera, “and the hardest part of any trip is bookingthe ticket. Once that’s done, the rest falls into place! We hon-eymooned in Italy because we’d never been there and wantedto experience it; the name of our business, Armosa, comesfrom our favorite chateau in Tuscany.”

How does all of this constant togetherness affect the busi-ness—and the marriage? “I think we’d be more stressed if we

weren’t together every day,” said Tera, laughing. “In the pho-tography business, especially if it involves weddings, you worka lot of weekends. We know that if we want to be together onweekends, we need to work together—so we do!”

But division of responsibility is key, along with a few basicrules. “I handle the video, the commercial work, and thefinances,” said Wes, “and Tera is responsible for branding, webwork, weddings, and photography. We know each other’s areasof responsibility so we can help each other out at any moment.”

“Everything is a team effort,” added Tera, “and everything is ‘we’.”

But there is one thing about this twenty-something year oldcouple that’s a little different: at home, they remove themselvesfrom the world. “We don’t have internet or television at home,”said Tera. “We have learned that we have to set boundaries, sowhen we get home we cut it off. When we talk about businessat home, it’s because we’re dreaming, not because we’re dis-cussing details of running the business.” That is reserved forwhen they get to their downtown Florence studio, anotherimportant decision for the couple; having an office that is dis-tinct from their home makes it easier to draw boundary lines.

In the company’s short history, the Wages have traveled theworld, and the more they travel and the more stories they tell,the more clients they attract. They still find time for just thetwo of them, though, and it usually involves travel: they makeit a point to take a trip in January specifically to dream andplan for the direction they want the business to take, and everyquarter they try to get away to spend time together. “We knowthat there will come a day when we move into a new phase inour relationship, when children come,” said Tera, “and we wantto enjoy each phase while we have it.”

Their most important advice to other couples who are con-sidering working together? “Don’t make business the mostimportant thing you have in common,” said Tera. “Enjoy eachother and support each other.” And dream together.

TERA AND WES

“Don’t make business the most important thing you have in common.Enjoy each other, and support each other.”

TER A WAGE S



Ceda Hambrick has known the fabric business all of her life.Her parents, Ellis and Lucile Wilson, started Wilson’s BargainCenter on Court Street in downtown Florence in 1949 andsuccessfully ran the business together; when Ceda graduatedfrom the University of Alabama, she went to work for the fam-ily business. And when she and Mike met and married, in1975, it was natural for him to leave his job as Director of Jun-ior Achievement in Decatur and join that business, too.

Ceda opened and managed a store on Florence Boulevard, andMike opened stores in Athens, Decatur, and Huntsville. Thingswere good, and the Hambricks learned a lot about the fabricbusiness.

“We just had this desire to do things on our own,” said Mike,“and we were interested in the wholesale side of the businessinstead of the retail side.” For that reason, in 1994 Ceda andMike opened Fabric Finders, a wholesale design, manufactur-ing, and wholesaler of cotton fabrics. Fabric Finders sells toretail fabric stores, but more and more of their business goesto other manufacturers, who are using the fabrics in children’sclothing and bedding, dog beds, wine bottle covers, shirts,bowties, and more. “There are fewer and fewer brick and mor-tar stores these days,” said Mike.

The business started in their garage, “and we moved the carsout and stacked bolts of fabric in there,” said Ceda, laughing.The business quickly outgrew that and moved to a location onRoyal Avenue and then to the basement of the Salvation Armystore on North Court Street. “One day, our warehouse man-ager came and said to me that we didn’t have room for onemore bolt of fabric,” said Mike. That’s when they moved totheir current location in Industrial Park, in a warehouse thathas already gotten full of the beautiful, colorful fabrics thatMike and Ceda have designed and had manufactured.

So, how does working together work? “There are some prettysimple rules,” said Ceda. “The first is division of responsibility.There are things Mike is responsible for—selling, design,

working with the customers to determine what they need,going to trade shows and that sort of thing—and there arethings I am responsible for, like running the warehouse, mak-ing sure orders are filled, and that things here at the office arerunning smoothly.”

According to Ceda, dividing the responsibility and then trust-ing the other to do what each does best is the only way it willwork. “If we sat side by side and were in each other’s business,it would be extremely hard,” she said. “This way, there is nopower struggle.”

Another rule has to do with talk about business at home. “Wetry not to discuss business when we’re home,” she said. “It canwait, usually, and there has to be some separation between ourbusiness life and our personal life.” Mike laughs and admits tobeing slightly OCD about things which makes it hard some-times for him to turn it off when they get home, but Cedadoesn’t have access to business computers or records at home,so it just has to wait.

Not only is Fabric Finders an example of how a couple canwork together successfully, it’s also the story of family tradi-tions. In their warehouse, surrounded by colorful, beautifulcotton fabrics, the Hambricks obviously love what they do. Sodo their sons—Michael, who is married and lives in Atlanta,helps the business by processing orders and answering cus-tomer questions, and Wilson, who lives in Washington, D.C.,handles social media, posting to Facebook, Twitter, and Pin-terest, and keeps the website updated. If the boys decide tocontinue their involvement, or even take a greater role, it willmark the third generation of Wilsons and Hambricks who havemade their livings as “rag peddlers,” as Mike calls it.

And the idea of working together as a couple isn’t foreign tothem. “After all,” Ceda reminds us, “I watched my parents runa business together.” For this family, it’s a proven formula forsuccess.

MIKE AND CEDA

“If we sat side by side and were in each other’s business, it would be extremelyhard, [but by dividing the responsibilities] there is no power struggle.”

C EDA H A MBR IC K

VICKI AND BILL


When Bill and Vicki Yuille married, it was not just starting alife together, it was starting a business. Bill, who had been inthe lampshade manufacturing business in Mississippi, had aninventory of hardback shades (which are casual in design), andVicki had an artistic eye and a love of design. “He’s the engineerand I’m the architect,” said Vicki with a smile. Together, theycreated a business of designing, building and selling lamps—and Southern Shades was born.

“I’m the energetic one,” said Vicki, laughing—she always has asmile—“and I’m the one who works with the numbers and thedesign. I’m the perfectionist. Bill is the steady, easygoing one,and that’s a nice balance.” Other than early mornings, whenBill drives a school bus for Brooks Elementary and HighSchools, you can find the couple at their store on FlorenceBoulevard, or at home right next door.

Bill is very mechanical, and he’s in charge of repairing and con-structing lamps. In addition to keeping the books, Vicki pairslampshades with bases and looks for found objects that thecouple make into unique lighting fixtures. That’s the fascinat-ing part of their business, the way they are able to take musicalinstruments, old vases, containers, and even Chinese kitespools and make them into beautiful pieces of art that alsohappen to light up the room.

Lamps and lighting tend to follow fashion, according to theYuilles. These days, the fashion is more contemporary, andalthough Vicki tends to favor a classic look “that never looksdated or goes out of style,” she’s quick to remind you thatchanging a lampshade can make a lamp look completely dif-ferent.

When the business started in 1994, it was located in down-town Florence. It moved to a location on Florence Boulevard,until the Yuilles bought a piece of property where they livenow. An old house on the property was actually physicallypicked up and moved away. The Yuilles built their present

building on the site, designing it to be open, with fabric wallsand exposed beams to showcase their products. They openedthe doors in their new location on September 1, 2001…just tendays before 9/11. “That’s one aspect of working together,” saidBill. “You live through the good and the bad, and after 9/11,business just stopped. We wondered if it would ever get startedagain, but it did!”

Like other couples who work together, the division of respon-sibility has been important. “We both know what we are goodat, and even though we know each other’s part of the business,and can do it if we have to, our areas of expertise don’t reallyoverlap,” said Vicki. In addition, the couple divides up the day—Bill comes to work at 9:00 in the morning and leaves to drivethe bus at 2:00; Vicki comes in at 2:00 and works until 5:00.“There’s a little overlap,” said Vicki, “but we’re not on top ofeach other.” Because they have such different, but complimen-tary, personalities, they discuss issues that come up during atypical workday and decide which person is better suited tohandle it.

What advice would they give to other married couples whoare considering working together? “Have a pile of money,” saidBill with a laugh, and Vicki agrees; most people who are con-sidering a retail business don’t have a realistic idea of thecapital required to make a business successful. Other than that,“accept each other, remember what’s most important, andallow each other to be themselves.”

“And have a sense of humor,” adds Bill.

For the Yuilles, that humor is always present. An ad campaignthey ran several years ago showed Bill dressed in a white doc-tor’s jacket, and Vicki tipping a hat made from a lampshade.“Bill is the Lamp Doctor,” said Vicki, “ and I’m the Shady Lady.”Together, they’ve made a successful business of lighting uppeople’s décor.

“He’s the engineer and I’m the architect.”VIC K I Y U I L L E


98 » scene

Hope Brackin and Erin Lough

Melanie and Terry Cosby

Renee Landers and Brandi Woods

Phil Russell

Freida Daily

Above: Book Signing forThe Spirit Tree at Toomer’s Corner

NOVEMBER 23, 2012 COLDWATER BOOKS, TUSCUMBIA

Below: Come Home for Christmas to CherokeeDECEMBER 1, 2012 DOWNTOWN CHEROKEE

Jane and Kristi GossSherry Levey, Sandi Hendrix, and DeLona Young

Sherri Graves Smith, Chuck Smith, and Joyce Smith

Evan Michael Rhodes

PHOTOS BY GREG BRACKIN

PHOTOS BY TALLIE JOHNSONAND DAWN MURPH

Sandi Hendrix

Sheila Pierce and Tisha Bryner Pierce

Hope Brackin, Erin and Ron Lough

Mary Alice, Eddy, and Hope Brackin

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.

E

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B

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

C

C

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.


{ Same Dress, Different Prints }

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.

Dresses made from Thread’s fabrics, by Shelly Spidel (fabric prices vary)Thread (256) 383-2223

BY CLAIRE STEWART » PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL



{ Different Dresses, Same Color }

Darling Katy Tunic Dress ($110)Audie Mescal

(256) 314-6684

Darling Cara Dress ($128)Audie Mescal

(256) 314-6684

Darling Ramona Dress ($82)Geranium Necklace ($37)

Audie Mescal(256) 314-6684

Models: Chandler Richey, Courtney Bishop, Erica Gholson; Flowers by Lola’s Gifts and Flowers, Sheffield

{ Same Dress, Different Accessories }

Karlie Dress ($110)Queens Pearl Necklace ($120)Queens Pearl Earrings ($34)

The Village Shoppe(256) 383-1133

Karlie Dress ($110)Estate Earrings ($84)Estate Bracelet ($92)

Estate Necklace ($150)The Village Shoppe

(256) 383-1133

Karlie Dress ($110)Brighton Necklaces ($98 each)

Brighton Bracelet ($76)The Village Shoppe

(256) 383-1133


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.

118 » scene

Above: SET Magazine Launch PartyOCTOBER 18, 2012 ABRAHAM ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS

Below: Riverhill Sunset Cruise FundraiserOCTOBER 14, 2012 TENNESSEE RIVER

Lisa and Rusty Alexander

Chef Jonas Haag

Macke, Mildred and Kim, Becky, and Preuit Mauldin

Susan Goode and MartyAbroms

Susanna and Terry Wylie Suzanne and Jim CunninghamAshley, Joel, and Joel Jr. AndersonCarmen and Joel Anderson

Heather Anderson, AshleyWinkle, and Emily Creasy

Dan Hallock and Kathy Eckl

Chris Anderson and Jonathan Oliphant

Tate Hipps, Will Riley, KaylaGooch, and Lauren FranklinCameron Johnson

and Jennifer CravensBradley Dean and Marianne Griffin

Wes Brown and Laura Dunlap

Savannah Smith and Amy Jackson

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN MICHAEL

PHOTOS BY ABRAHAM ROWE

120 » 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.

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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 DateBecause 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

124 » back talk » Claire Stewart

What was your most unique wedding gift?

Jennifer

“The week we were married, my husband washired at Florence City Schools. That was a great

present to have!” —Jennifer Morgan

Ida Leigh

“A beautiful antique lamp from an elderly man inour community. His wife had bought it many yearsago with money from cotton picking.” —Ida Leigh Trousdale

Callie

“We received a very nice toolboxbut the note said it was only meant for me andnot to be touched by my husband.” —Callie Howard

Julie

“A ceramic rooster jar.” —Julie Sak

Devi

“A very large beach towel for two.”—Devi Lockley


Jessica

“A cotton candy machine that my husband hadregistered for. I made him take it back the next day!”

—Jessica Byrd

Sue Ann

“When I went on my honeymoon, my mother hung my bouquet to dry and preserve it.

Eleven years later, it still looks beautiful.”—Sue Ann Porter

Jenny

“We had a destination wedding, and the four couples who were celebrating with us in Cabogave us a sunset cruise around the Sea of Cortez

after our ceremony.”—Jenny Kennedy

Kimberly

“My husband gave me a sand dollarthat had washed up on the shore the day heproposed to me on the beach.” —Kimberly Swindle

Carrie

“When we got home after the wedding,we were locked out of our new house.

I crawled through a window instead of beingcarried over the threshold!” —Carrie Greene

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

All respondents are members of the Junior League of the Shoals.

Susan

“Our most unique gift was a suggestive giftfor our honeymoon.” —Susan Brannan

Emily

“A vase with dust and dead bugs in it.” —Emily Brown

Renise

“A very loud and garish enormous ceramic frame.Somehow, when we moved into our second house

it broke…unfortunately.” —Renise Beaver

Stacey

“We had a destination wedding and ourfriends that could not attend had a

dozen chocolate covered strawberrieson ice sent to our hotel room.” —Stacy Richards

Beth

“I worked at a jewelry store when I was engaged, and the owner gave me a sixpence to put in my

shoe during the wedding. It is supposed to begood luck in your marriage.” —Beth Gasque


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128 » 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.

130 » parting shot » Armosa Studios

Tyler Corum reads a note from his bride Leigh Carl on the day of their wedding, May 26, 2012.


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No'Ala Shoals, January/February 2013

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Transcript of No'Ala Shoals, January/February 2013