2014 February Franklin Living by Franklin County

February 2014

Find the perfect dress for your big day Making memories that will last a lifetime

Terrace Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. Dedicated to Hope, Healing and Recovery

• Short-term rehab • Long-term care • Physical therapy • Occupational therapy • Speech therapy Quality Care from a staff who respects your health care needs. Offering: Activities and enjoyable social programs. Large private rooms for short term care. Medicare or private insurance may cover these stays.

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390 Underwood Rd. • Russellville, AL

256-332-3826

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Serving You Since 1960 Complete Ground Burial Services

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We o;er Ground Burial, Mausoleum, and Cremation Niches. All may be purchased at need or pre-need to include the grave fee and bronze memorial.

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Certiﬁed Federal DOT Testing

Carolyn Atkins Porter

Dr. Rick Wooten is now listed on the National Registry of Certiﬁed Medical Examiners for DOT Physicals

256-332-2115

256-331-0208 • Jackson Ave., Russellville

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Campbell Vision Center

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eye exams • vision therapy • contact lenses • prescription eyeglasses • sunglasses • designer & budget frames

Atkins Marble & Granite Works, Inc. Headstones • Grave Markers • Monuments • Cremation Urns • Memorial Benches • Memorial Portraits • Granite Marble • Bronze Markers • Cemetery Vases • Lettering • We engrave death dates

(256) 332-1108 • 15347 HWY. 43 • RUSSELLVILLE 8:30-5:30 MON, TUES, THURS, FRI • 8:30-2:00 SAT • CLOSED WED & SUN

P.O. Box 1088 • Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 • fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com FRANKLIN LIVING

In business since 1926 (256) 332-2332 403 E. Lawrence Street Owners: Grant & Beverly Atkins atkinsmarble@bellsouth.net Russellville, AL

General Manager Nicole Pell Managing Editor Kellie Singleton Sales Peggy Hyde Circulation Alton Zills Photography Erin Lindsey Images Armosa Studios 5

The Dress

T for finding the perfect Tips dress for your big day d

The Food

Serve food that both you and your guests will enjoy

The Details

Find ways to make your wedding special and unique

The Memories

Why it’s important to capture your wedding journey

8 What To Do 9 Out & About 18 What’s Hot 22 Wellness 32 Food 40 Looking Back 42 Parting Shot 6

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FROM THE EDITOR ometimes it’s hard to believe it’s been more than four years since my husband and I said, “I do.” Our wedding day and the events leading up to it were some of the most memorable and exciting times in my life – months of planning and preparing; tons of dresses tried on; showers held in my honor; friends gathering to celebrate our upcoming marriage; past memories, jokes, and our own love story shared at our rehearsal dinner; and all those we knew and loved gathering on October, 24, 2009, to see us become husband and wife and begin the next chapter of our lives together.

A wedding is one of the most important and special events in the life of a couple, and that’s why we have dedicated this month’s issue of Franklin Living to all things bridal. There are so many aspects to a wedding: photography, venue, reception, catering, the dress, bridal party attire, the details – the list can go on and on. Sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start, but hopefully the tips and advice we’ve gathered from some of the best local vendors in the business will help guide you in your decision making. When planning a wedding, the process as a whole can seem overwhelming, and if you aren’t careful, you will suddenly find yourself just days away from your big day and wonder where the time has gone. Instead of your wedding journey passing by in a blur, stop, take a deep breath, relax, and soak it all in – the late night planning, the dress appointments, the cake tasting, the showers with family and friends, the decorating, the rehearsal dinner, the wedding day fun – soak it all up and enjoy each moment because you only have one chance to enjoy your wedding festivities before the fun events are just special memories.

FCNI managing editor Kellie Singleton and her husband, David, on their wedding day.

To all our local brides in 2014, we wish you the best as you envision and plan for your big day. We hope it is as memorable and exciting as you’ve always dreamed it would be.

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WHAT TO DO Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday January 20

Blood Drive January 29 Russellville High School will host their annual American Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the RHS gymnasium. This year’s event will be called the “Russellville 500,” and event organizers hope to collect 500 pints of blood at this year blood drive.

Rockin’ at the Roxy February 8 The Franklin County Arts and

Humanities Council hosts the Rockin’ at the Roxy concert series the second Saturday night of each month featuring the popular KGB and special musical guests. Visit the historic Roxy Theatre for a night filled with great live, local music.

BTCPA production February 13-16 The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts in Red Bay will hold its second production of the season, “All This and Moonlight,” at Community Spirit Bank’s Weatherford Centre in downtown Red Bay on February 13-16, 2014. Directed by Mark Richardson, “All This and Moonlight” is a delightful, romantic comedy about a photog-

rapher named Ned, who has the peculiar habit of comparing the unique girl he’s dating with his old girl friend, Ellie. A play reminiscent of the sophisticated comedies of the thirties and forties, “All This and Moonlight” will have you thinking back to your first true love. A dinner theater will also be available for this production but these tickets must be purchased in advance. For additional information contact Scotty Kennedy at 256-3568758 or Mark Richardson at 256356-3099.

Valentine’s Day February 14 Don’t forget to plan a special evening for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day.

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OUT & ABOUT

Every Light a Prayer for Peace

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The annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every Light a Prayer for Peaceâ&#x20AC;? ceremony hosted by the Cultura Garden Club of Russellville was held on Dec. 10, 2013, on the steps of the Franklin County Courthouse. This year, the RHS JROTC presented the colors; members of the Russellville Elementary School Fifth Grade Chorus, the Russellville Middle School Chorus, and the Russellville High School chorus provided entertainment; and Russellville First Baptist Church pastor Patrick Martin gave a short message.

Every Light a Prayer for Peace

OUT & ABOUT

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SPRY MEMORIAL CHAPEL OF RUSSELLVILLE “Caring People, Caring for People”

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“Your family’s health IS our business” HOMETOWN PHARMACY Pharmacist: Carrie DeArman

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Behind KFC on Gandy St. Russellville (256) 332-7400

Located in Big Star shopping center (256) 332-8550

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Pharmacist: Jeremy Lane

Pharmacist: Brad Bowling

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Across from McDonald’s on Hwy. 43 (256) 332-5545

Pharmacist: Jody Kiel

The Dress t will arguably be the most important piece of clothing a woman will ever buy – not just a dress, but THE dress. The one she will walk down the aisle in, the one she will say “I do” in, the one she will experience one of the happiest moments of her life in. Her wedding dress. A woman’s wedding dress is typically one of the focal points for her wedding day. For some brides, the dress is so important that the theme of her wedding will be completely designed around the style of her dress, from the color of the flowers right down to the china used at the reception. For other brides, the dress is the proverbial icing on the cake to months of wedding planning and is something that is chosen after themes, dates, and color combinations are taken into consideration. Whether the dress is the first decision that is made or the final piece of the puzzle, the most lavish gown she’s ever seen or something simple and understated, a woman’s wedding dress will be an important part in her wedding planning process. Since November 2010, Russellville resident Kathryn Robinson has been the owner of Cherry Tree Lane, a specialty

STORY BY KELLIE SINGLETON PHOTOS BY ERIN LINDSEY IMAGES

bridal and formal wear shop in downtown Florence. Robinson said she always knew she wanted to work in specialty retail, but finding or establishing the right type of store was going to take some time. But when the opportunity came along for Robinson, who was fresh out of college at the University of North Alabama, to purchase Cherry Tree Lane, it didn’t take her long to make the decision to buy the store and jump headlong into her dream career. “I was able to come to Cherry Tree Lane and work for a few days with Whitney Hill, who owned the store at the time, just to see what I thought about it,” Robinson said. “It’s funny because I immediately felt a connection to the store. It just felt right. It felt like THE one – THE business I should have. And it’s ironic because that’s the exact way most of my brides feel about their wedding dress. When you know, you know; and I knew Cherry Tree Lane was right for me.” Robinson said the best part of her job is getting to be part of some of the happiest experiences in a person’s life. “If someone is coming into my store, it’s usually because they’re looking for a dress or tux for prom, which is a big deal to most high school students, or they are looking for their wedding dress or bridal party attire,” Robinson said. “These are happy times, so the energy is always positive and exciting. And helping someone find the perfect dress and seeing them try it on for the first time and their face just completely lighting up is one of the best feelings. It’s why I love what I do.” Since purchasing the business in 2010, Robinson has seen many brides come through her store on the quest for the perfect dress, and she has learned quite a few things that could make a bride’s dress search more enjoyable and stress free. Come in with an open mind. “This may seem like such a simple tip, but you wouldn’t believe how many brides come in with just one style in their mind and they don’t want to even look at anything else,” Robinson said. “But time and time again I have seen those exact same brides try on dress after dress in the style they think they wanted only to try on a dress that is completely different and end up leaving the store with that dress. “If you are closed off to trying different styles, you could be missing out on the dress of your dreams. Choose a dress that compliments you. “Every bride is different, and because of that, not every style is going to look good on every bride,” Robinson said.

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“The fit and flare halter dress that looked stunning on one bride may not be the best fit for another bride. The elegant, strapless ball gown that made one bride look like a princess may be completely wrong for a bride that is going for something more understated. “The best advice I can give is to bring someone with you whose opinion you trust and accept those honest opinions when you are trying on dresses. “We would never let a bride leave with something that didn’t make her look like the gorgeous, beautiful person that she is and that wouldn’t make her look her absolute best on her wedding day. “A bride may have to try on several styles to see what works best for her and her figure, but ultimately she will find the dress that compliments her the best.” Robinson said the same goes for choosing bridesmaids dresses. “You want to consider each one of your bridesmaids when picking out what they will wear,” she said. “Some brides are now choosing different styles of dresses for each bridesmaid based on what looks best on them but having them all in the same color or the same color family. “Some brides choose one style of dress for the bridesmaids and another style for the matrons. “Whatever you choose to do, just try to take each girl into account and what they would all look best in or be comfortable in.” Don’t bring an entourage. “There are some brides who can handle having 10 different opinions thrown at them when they are doing their wedding dress shopping, but for the most part, having that many opinions can be overwhelming,” Robinson said. “The last thing we want to see is a bride’s voice getting lost among the opinions of every else she has brought along to help her. “Generally, it’s better if a bride only brings a couple of people with her. I have literally seen brides in tears because they would fall in love with a dress but no one else who came with them would love the dress the same way. “When a bride goes shopping for her wedding dress, she should be prepared to stand up for herself and for what she really wants, because she is the one who will be wearing the dress in the end.” Know your budget. “One of the most disappointing things can be falling in love with a dress that is completely out of your price range,” Robinson said. “A lot of people have the misconception that they can’t get a stunning dress for a reasonable price, but that just isn’t true. Shows like Say Yes to the Dress have brides thinking you’ve got to have $5,000 to get something beautiful, but local shops can have the exact same dresses for much lower prices. “We try to make sure everything we have here is affordable. I only have one wedding dress here that

is over $2,000. The rest of the dresses are very affordably priced because we want everyone to have the perfect dress they are looking for without blowing their whole budget on one thing.” Shop early. “There are a lot of different factors that go in to picking out the perfect dress,” Robinson said. “My general rule of thumb is to allow 6-8 months from the purchase of your wedding gown until it is perfect. “When you are ordering a dress, it will take several months for it to get back to the store. Once it’s here, there are usually alternations that need to be made, so you have to allow time for that as well. “Giving yourself enough time to pick out the dress of your dreams and get it here in time without being rushed will cut down on a lot of stress. You don’t want to be three months out from your wedding and trying to scramble to get a dress here and altered on time.” Have fun. “At the end of the day, you have to remember that you are shopping for your wedding dress, the dress that you’ll be wearing when you marry the man of your dreams,” Robinson said. “This should be a fun and happy time. Don’t let it become a burden or become stressful by sweating the small stuff. When you come to look for your dress, relax, have a good time, and in the end, you will end up having a truly great experience.”

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ABOVE: Russellville bride Kelly (Little) Massey purchased her wedding dress from Cherry Tree Lane. “Being a Cherry Tree Lane customer was a fantastic experience,” she said. “Kathryn and her staff did a fabulous job of making me feel special.” LEFT: Franklin County native Kathryn Robinson owns Cherry Tree Lane in downtown Florence. Robinson said the best part of her job is being part of one of the happiest times in a person’s life.

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WHAT’S HOT

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The following groups were recently awarded OUT & ABOUT grants through the Franklin County Community Development Commission, which is an entity set up through the efforts of Sen. Roger Bedford, Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, and other members of the Tennessee Valley caucus who worked to make sure TVA in-lieu of tax funds were being re-distributed in the counties where the money was generated. The committee consists of two appointed members, Brad Bolton and Kathy Hall, and a chairman, which rotates between the mayors of Russellville and Red Bay every two years. Currently Red Bay Mayor David Tiffin serves as the chairman. Funds are used to promote economic development, eduFCCDC representative Kathy Hall and Sen. Roger cation, and recreation in the area. Bedford present checks to Paisley Holaway and Cohen Burbank for the Tharptown High School hover cam.

FCCDC representative Kathy Hall and Sen. Roger Bedford present a check to Libby Devaney for the speech pathology iPad purchase for the Franklin County School System.

Sen. Roger Bedford and FCCDC representative Kathy Hall present checks to Donna Trapp and Ashley Alfonso for the iPad purchases for Russellville Elementary third grade classrooms. 20

Sen. Roger Bedford presents a check to Suzanne White and Janet Kennedy for the Red Bay High School sixth grade classrooms.

FCCDC representative Kathy Hall and Sen. Roger Bedford present checks to Karley Ergle for the Phil Campbell High School Junior Scholarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bowl program. FRANKLIN LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Sen. Roger Bedford presents a check to Rhett Bradford with the Russellville Fire Department for the RFD smoke detector program.

FCCDC representative Kathy Hall and Sen. Roger Bedford presents checks to Franklin County Career Technical Center director Scott Wiginton for a camera system for the FCCTC and for the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cosmetology program.

Sen. Roger Bedford and FCCDC representative Kathy Hall present a check to Cindy Fleming for the Belgreen High School science program.

Sen. Roger Bedford and FCCDC representative Kathy Hall present checks to Blake Williams and Ashley Figueroa for the RCS Engineering program.

Sen. Roger Bedford and FCCDC representative Kathy Hall present checks to Andrea Wade, Franklin County assistant superintendent Donald Borden, and Kelly Champion for new desk purchases for second graders at Phil Campbell Elementary School.

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WELLNESS

How to stay energized throughout your wedding day A couple’s wedding day is the culmination of months and months of planning. For most, it is one of the most memorable, magical days of their lives, filled with fond moments of time spent with close friends and family. As enjoyable as a wedding can be, most brides and grooms who have already tied the knot can attest that a wedding is a long, often tiring day. It is very easy for energy levels to wane. To ensure you have enough energy to last through to the final good-bye of the evening, follow these suggestions to remain energized. * Recognize your wedding day is a very long day. It’s possible to rise quite early in the morning to begin prepping with makeup, hair styles, wardrobe and more. If the party is an evening reception, it could last until the wee hours of the night. You may find yourself up for nearly 24 hours, when the cameras will be flashing and the video rolling throughout. Naturally, you’ll want to look your best throughout. * Get a good night’s sleep the night before. Get to bed early the night before so you will get ample sleep and look rested. It is understandable that nerves and excitement may get the best of you and make it difficult to fall asleep. * Enjoy a hearty breakfast. At breakfast on the morning of your wedding, consume a combination of carbohydrates and protein. The carbs will provide the initial burst of energy you need to get going, and the protein will keep you feeling full. A combination of whole wheat toast, fresh fruit and Greek yogurt makes for a filling start to the day. * Stay hydrated. Although drinking a lot of water can result in more frequent trips to the bathroom -- which can be cumbersome for brides wearing their gowns -- it is essential to stay hydrated. Dehydration can result in headaches, weakness and dizziness and

may make you feel cranky. Be sure to consume water throughout the day. * Pack some snacks. The time between breakfast and the cocktail hour of a wedding may be significant. In your wedding “survival” kit, be sure to pack some easy snacks to eat. Trail mix can be nibbled for a boost of energy, and a banana can take the edge off of hunger pangs. Avoid anything messy that can drip onto clothing or get stuck in your teeth. Arrange to have snacks stowed in the limousine or another mode of transportation so that you can refuel on the way to the ceremony or in transit to the reception. * Don’t overdo it with caffeine. It may be tempting to lean on an energy drink or a super-size cup of coffee to give you the boost you need. But caffeine is only a temporary fix. After the effects of the caffeine wear off, you could find yourself more tired than before and crash at an inopportune time during the day. Instead, a brisk walk outdoors may recharge your batteries. Afterward, time spent on the dance floor enjoying the reception will likely stimulate some adrenaline to keep you going. * Eat dinner. When family is beckoning and the photographer needs to get yet another pose, it is easy to skip dinner. Be firm with your decision to enjoy your meal. After all, you paid for it and it should not go to waste. Besides, sitting down to dinner enables you to rest and absorb the atmosphere of the wedding. * Continue to drink plenty of water throughout the night. Alcoholic beverages may be flowing, but too many spirits can compromise your energy levels. Be sure to balance the booze with hydrating fluids, such as water or juice. Weddings take up the entire day, and it can be easy to succumb to a lack of energy as the day progresses. But by heeding a few tips, it’s possible to remain in top form throughout the entire wedding.

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The Food N STORY BY KELLIE SINGLETON PHOTOS BY ERIN LINDSEY IMAGES & ARMOSA STUDIOS

ot too long ago, it was absolutely normal for wedding guests to expect nothing more than cake, nuts, mints, and punch when they attended a wedding reception, but today’s wedding receptions are a totally different story. These days, a wedding is a little less formal and a lot more focused on showing off the couple and who they really are in each aspect of the wedding, and this includes the food served at the reception. Instead of having guests check off the traditional “chicken” or “beef” on their RSVP cards, brides are opting for more elaborate, unique combinations of food that show off not only their personality but the personality of the groom as well.

Franklin County resident Cassie Medley has owned Dixie Catering for the past 10 years, and in that time she has catered many different weddings and seen many trends come and go. “There are some things that have been popular for a couple of years that continue to be popular for current weddings such as candy stations, potato bars, and other ‘help yourself’ stations,” Medley said. “A lot of brides have chosen to do mashed potato bars where we serve mashed potatoes in a cup and then offer all the different toppings like bacon, cheese, sour cream and chives for people to add to it themselves. It’s easier than having a baked potato bar and it’s a lot of fun. Stations like this

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seem to be very popular.” But probably the most requested food station, according to Medley, is a candy station that is typically filled with an assortment of sweets that guests are able to eat right there or grab on the go. “Candy stations are especially fun for the children at a wedding reception,” Medley said. “These kinds of events are usually boring for children, but when they see a candy station and little bags laid out for them to take their treats home in, you can just see their eyes light up. “These are also great for those who are still kids at heart. There aren’t many people who would turn down a sack full of jelly beans or M&M’s.” Medley said wedding receptions are also a good way to carry over the theme of the wedding itself, whether it’s an elegant

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feel or a rustic, country vibe. “Some brides feel like they have to serve a certain thing, but my advice is to choose foods for your reception that you and your groom actually enjoy,” Medley said. “Just because it’s a wedding reception doesn’t mean all the food has to be fancy. I’ve had a bride who requested mini cheeseburgers because she loved cheeseburgers, and I had a bride and groom who loved cornbread and pinto beans, so that was one of the things we served, and guests seemed to love it. “Show off your personality and just have fun with it. If you’re having fun in the planning process, your guests will be able to tell it and they will end up having a fun time, too.” But for those brides who aren’t into the latest wedding trends and would prefer to have a more traditional menu, Medley said you can never go wrong with a sit-down meal.

“Buffets and ‘serve yourself’ stations are very popular, but we always have brides who still want to have a sit-down meal,” Medley said. “Many people think it’s more cost effective to have the buffets, heavy hors d’oeuvres, or things of that nature, but depending on the food, it can actually be more cost efficient to have a sit-down meal.” But a sit-down meal doesn’t have to be dull or boring. “Just like anything else, a bride and groom can put their personal touches on a sit-down meal and make it something that is special for them and enjoyable for their guests.” Even though the sky is the limit these days and most traditional ideas have gone out the window, Medley said there are still a few wedding reception “rules” that are typically adhered to. “When you are planning for your reception, you should take into account the time of day your wedding and reception will be held,” she said. “With a wedding that is held anywhere from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or even earlier, finger foods are acceptable because no one is expecting dinner-type foods to be served at this time. “Anything along the lines of vegetable and fruit trays, small sandwiches, cheese straws, or things like that are good for early weddings.” Medley said once a wedding and the ensuing reception begin to approach dinner time, a different menu is usually expected. “If your wedding is anywhere from 6 p.m. or later, your guests aren’t going to want to leave the wedding reception and then find something else to have for supper,” she said. “Brides who have their weddings at this time usually have a sit-down meal or an assortment of heavy hors d’oeuvres. “A selection of meats like chicken fingers, pork loin, shrimp, roast beef or other meat would be good with other accompanying dishes like a the potato bar, steamed vegetables, casseroles or other heartier foods.” But once again, Medley said that even though these are the typical suggestions, brides these days are always breaking the mold. “If you have an earlier wedding and still want to have the heartier foods, then by all means, do what you want to do. “The important thing to remember is that this is your day, so no matter what is ‘typically’ done, plan and do the kinds of things that work best for you and your groom.”

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2513 E. Avalon • Muscle Shoals (256)383-8335 FRANKLIN LIVING

The Details

Using something like these antique teacups, pictured above, is a great way to tie the theme of your wedding into your reception.

veryone knows to plan for the bigger aspects of a wedding. No one forgets about the dress, the reception food, the venue, or the pictures. But it’s all those little details – the ones STORY BY that take thought, effort, and lots of planKELLIE SINGLETON ning – that can really take a wedding from PHOTOS BY a generic, cookie-cutter affair to a dazzling, ERIN LINDSEY IMAGES unique celebration of the love one couple shares for each other. Personal touches Think about adding some personal touches to your wedding that will make the day more special for you and your groom. Instead of using the same plates as everyone else, you and your groom could use your grandmother’s china that she has passed down to you. Borrow your mother’s pearls that match your dress instead of springing for new jewelry. Serve a food item that is special to your family. Give out favors that show you put some thought into them. Play music that is important to you as a couple. Whatever it may be, choose some way to leave your own personal stamp on the details of your wedding.

Homemade or custom items created specifically for you can make your ceremony and reception unique and special.

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Lighting really can make all the difference, especially when it comes to your photos. Brighten up dark venues with strings of lights, candles, lamps, or other unique lighting options.

Your wedding shoes can be a fun detail and a chance to show off your personality. The same is true for your bridal bouquet and your wedding colors. Don’t forget the little things When planning for your wedding, there are many details that might seem small, but they can make a big impact on your guests. One of these is music. Music both during the ceremony and at the reception can change the whole atmosphere of the event, so choose wisely in this area. Jazz music doesn’t necessarily fit a rustic wedding theme and country or rock music probably shouldn’t be your first choice if you’re going for an upscale feel.

When choosing wedding favors to send home with your guests, consider a homemade item or something personal that means something to you or your groom.

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FOOD Italian Wedding Cake

Cooking with Sam Recipes by Sam Warf

1 cup butter 1 cup vegetable oil 4 cups sugar 10 eggs, separated 2 cups buttermilk 2 tsp. baking soda 4 cups sifted flour 2 cups coconut 2 tsp. vanilla 1 cup chopped nuts 1. Cream butter, oil, sugar 2. Add egg yolks, one at a time 3. Add small amounts of flour to batter, beating at low speed. 4. Add buttermilk, vanilla, coconut, pecans 5. Beat egg whites in another bowl, add to batter Preheat oven to 325Ë&#x161; Fill pan to 2/3 full. Depending on what size pan used - bake 45 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Icing 16 oz. cream cheese 1 cup butter 2 lbs. or 2 boxes of confectioners sugar 2 tablespoons of vanilla Ice cake and sprinkle nuts on top.

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FOOD

Wedding Punch 3 gallons vanilla ice cream yellow food coloring, opt. (or use whichever color you prefer) 3 (12-oz.) cans frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 1 (12-oz.) can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed 3 large cans pineapple juice 1 large can apricot nectar 3 L. lemon flavored soft drink 2 L. ginger ale Mash ice cream with potato maker or mix with an electric mixer in large bowl. Add food coloring if desired. Mix fruit juices together. Add juice mixture to softened ice cream. Add lemon flavored soft drink. Just before serving, add ginger ale. Float ice ring on top. Yield: 50 (4-oz) servings. Ice Ring

Wedding Cheese Biscuits 3 cups flour 1 tbsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/8 tsp. black pepper 4 oz. cheddar cheese, cut into 1/8 in. cubes (very small pieces) 1 1/4 cup milk 3/4 cup sour cream 3 tbsp. butter melted 1 egg lightly beaten 1 tbsp. garlic

1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream 2 L. lemon soft drink yellow food coloring Mash the ice cream with potato masher or electric mixer. Add mashed ice cream to lemon soft drink and food coloring. Mix well. Pour mixture into the ice ring mold and freeze.

Preheat oven to 350Ë&#x161; Mix first five ingredients together. Add cheese and mix until well coated, fold into wet mixture. Do Not Overfold. Cut with cookie cutter, size of a quarter. Bake 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned on top. FRANKLIN LIVING

Chicken Roll-up 1 lb. thin slices of deli chicken or ham 8 oz. pepper jack cheese 4 tbsp. of sour cream 2 tbsp. cajun seasoning 1/2 cup of finely chopped spinach salt & pepper to taste Mix spinach, sour cream and cajun seasoning together. On 4 large flour enchilada rounds, spread mix on one round at a time, add chicken or ham and cheese, roll up and cut into about 2 inch bites.

Pecan Bars 1 can 8 oz crescent rolls 3/4 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup 2 tbsp. butter 1 tsp. vanilla 1 egg beaten Preheat oven to 350Ë&#x161;, use a 9x12 dish Unroll crescent dough, press into bottom of dish. Mix all ingredients together, pour over dough. Bake 18-20 minutes.

New York Cheesecake Cookies 1 cup flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 stick butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 egg white 1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed fine Mix well and smooth in the filling below Filling Mix 8 oz. cream cheese 1/4 cup sugar 1 yolk 1/2 cup lemon zest Fold together Preheat oven to 350Ë&#x161;, scoop out dough with small melon baller, place on buttered cookie sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes.

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Franklin County Business & Service Directory

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without VISTA

SAVE ENERGY & REDUCE • Banquet & Conference Facilities Avail. • 40” HD flat panel Televisions • Complimentary Deluxe HOT Breakfast • Free Wi-Fi • Large Whirlpool Suites

13770 Hwy 43, Russellville, AL

256-332-1002

Each Best Western branded hotel is independently owned and operated.

HEAT AND GLARE, ASK US HOW? FREE ESTIMATES

Sergio Gonzalez

256-394-3785 Commercial & Residential

19 Years Experience • Perfection by Design

256-383-5217 • cell: 256-248-5362 1501 Broadway • ShefÀeld

Metal RooÀng - snap lock, standing seam, etc. • Chimney Caps • Gutters • Siding metal or vinyl • Materials - color Ànish, 16 oz & 20 oz. copper, aluminum, etc. • Radius Roofs • Domes • Bay Windows

If you would like to advertise your business or service in this directory, call Nicole at 256-332-1881

NEED GRANITE OR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS?

Prices starting at $29 sq. ft. installed Full of exotic colors.

CNC

STONECRAFTERS, INC. • Digital drawings • Machine cut & polished. Also available in the leathered look.

205-993-4399 • 205-993-4448 CNC IS FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

152 Camp Rd • Phil Campbell, AL www.cncstonecrafters.com

FRANKLIN LIVING

The Memories

our wedding day will more than likely be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. But how do you ensure that you preserve these memories for years and years to STORY BY come? KELLIE SINGLETON The answer: the PHOTOS BY right photographer. ERIN LINDSEY IMAGES Huntsville-based photographer Erin Lindsey with Erin Lindsey Images has photographed several brides from Franklin County, which is where her husband, Will, is from. Lindsey said one of the best parts about photographing weddings is getting to meet people during the most exciting time in their lives and being able to capture all the love and excitement surrounding the wedding day.

Knowing how important it is to capture the perfect moment, Lindsey said one of the most important pieces of advice she could give a bride is to hire a professional photographer. “I believe that photography is important not just on a wedding day, but on any day, because it captures a single moment in time and saves it for you forever,” Lindsey said. “Real, honest, genuine moments can only be captured once. When the moment is gone, it’s gone, and it cannot be recreated with the same honesty and emotion. “There are so many beautiful everyday memories and experiences I still have alive in my mind solely because I have a photograph documenting it. I truly believe that those memories could have been lost forever had there not been a photograph to keep those memories alive and real.

“Knowing this, how much more so should there be a great photographer capturing priceless moments on a person’s wedding day! “On a wedding day, there are hundreds of priceless, once-in-a-lifetime moments that should be captured so that one can look back and remember the beauty of each moment of that day. “In my opinion, brides shouldn’t skimp on the photography on their wedding day. Those moments only happen once and need to be captured in a beautiful way for you. Hire someone who has experience and knows how to anticipate moments and capture them in an instant.” After spending so much time and effort working on the details and vision for her wedding, Russellville bride Kelly (Little) Massey said choosing the right photographer to capture those details and special moments was one of the most important decisions she made in the wedding planning process. After sifting through the many choices there were for photographers in the area, Massey and her future husband, Matthew, ultimately chose to go with Erin Lindsey Images. “I met with Erin Lindsey at a coffee shop in Huntsville for a consultation, and I told her a little of what my vision was for engagements, bridals and our wedding,” Massey said. “As we were talking, I could see that she totally got me and my vision. I just had a wonderful feeling about her, and I knew she would do a fabulous job.” Typically, there are three main areas of wedding photography: engagements, bridals, and the wedding day events. With many brides scaling back on different aspects of their wedding, some brides have opted to not have professional engagement pictures taken. But Massey said her engagements were some of her most cherished photos. “Weddings can be so expensive but I wouldn’t trade anything for our engagement pictures,” she said. “Your engagement is a special time in your life, and I am so happy I have those sweet photographs to show how excited we were to start this new chapter together.” After receiving the proofs from her engagements and her bridals, Massey said she knew her wedding photographs would be exactly what she was looking for. “I could not be happier with our photos,” Massey said.

“Erin seemed to anticipate everything, and now we have all these pictures that document the whole day. We can look back and reminisce on the day as a whole and on specific details. “I am so happy to have pictures of my grandmother celebrating our special day with us, and I love the pictures of my nephew. I adore the pictures of our ceremony because I love to look at the faces of our wedding party and our family. “And some of my favorite pictures are actually ones of the food tables. I just did not realize how much I would cherish having those pictures. “You put so much thought and energy into planning every detail and it’s nice to have photographs to reflect all those details.” Lindsey said while it is important to have a professional photographer to anticipate the special moments and to document the emotion on a wedding day, there are some things a couple can do to make sure the photos are the best they can be. “Solely from a technical standpoint, good lighting is crucial,” Lindsey said. “Sometimes a location may seem weird, but if the lighting is right, a ‘weird’ location can turn into the most beautiful location. “From a non-technical standpoint, a relaxed, comfortable, trusting bride and groom make for the best photos. When a couple relaxes, has fun, and trusts their photographer, that’s when great photographs happen.”

FRANKLIN LIVING

LOOKING BACK Randy and Nancy Cooper

Ricky and Lynn Suddith

Richard and Amy Parker

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Gary and Marlaina Steien

Horace and Linda Smith

Sam and Eulene Bradford

FRANKLIN LIVING

PARTING SHOT

“Sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people.” - Nicholas Sparks 42

FRANKLIN LIVING

Creating New Jobs Promoting rural economic development.

State Senator Roger H. Bedford, Jr.

Your Hard Working Senator, Still Working For You!

Roger Bedford & Assoc. P.C. 256-332-6966 • fax: 256-332-6967 • 334-242-7862 • email: senbedford@aol.com Paid for by Roger Bedford, P.O. Box 370, Russellville, AL 35653

FRANKLIN LIVING