No'Ala Huntsville January/February 2014

Secrets of a Long & Happy Marriage | Wedding Details We Love | The Photography of Adriรกn Villeta

The Most Beautiful Engagement and Wedding Photos of the Year

JAN/FEB 2014 $3.95

noalapress.com

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January/February 2014

15 SECRETS TO A LONG AND HAPPY MARRIAGE “Love is patient. Love is kind.” And, yes, even in today’s world, it does sometimes “persevere.”

Three couples who have stood the test of time.

BY LAURA ANDERS LEE PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

88 A FINE ART ROMANCE Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Huntsville Museum of Art is exhibiting the enchanting works of romantic artist Adrián Villeta.

PHOTOS BY ADRIÁN VILLETA AND PATRICK HOOD

22 THE WEDDING ALBUM The first day of the rest of their lives: Our annual wedding album celebrates the most inspiring moments from this year’s happy couples.

74 DETAILS WE LOVE They say God is in the details. Maybe that’s why our favorite elements from this year’s weddings are so divine.

Cover photo of Kristen Pegues Gibson and her bridesmaids by Simply Bloom Photography

Love Anani and Uchenna Ezeibe

by Kerry Brooks Photography

100 GIVE ME SOME SUGAR From the sublimely traditional to the ridiculously whimsical. Our favorite wedding cakes will whet your appetite while sparking your imagination.

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January/February 2014 Volume 2: Issue 6 ••• C. Allen Tomlinson Editor-In-Chief

SWEET SUCCESS Ashley Turner and Jesse Bates’s non-traditional wedding cake was delightfully whimsical and understated.

David Sims Creative Director Contributing Writers Amy Collins, Sarah Gaede, Laura Anders Lee, Claire Stewart, Allen Tomlinson

© Lauren Tomasella Photography

Contributing Photographers Patrick Hood, Danny Mitchell Armosa Studios, Bailey Eaves Photography Cindy Shaver Photography, Click Photo Designs by Sarah Brewer, David Phillips Photography, Digital Moments Photography, Erin Lindsey Images, Eternal Reflections Photography by Alyson, Glass Jar Photography, Green Tree Photography, Kerry Brooks Photography, Lauren Keeton Photography, Lauren Tomasella Photography, N’Sight Photography, Nichelle Russell Photography, Simply Bloom Photography, Spindle Photography, Sweet Roots Photography, Twelve31 Photography, White Rabbit Studios Marketing Coordinators/Advertising Sales Myra Sawyer, Heidi King Features Manager Claire Stewart Business Manager Roy Hall

N O ’A L A H U N T S V I L L E ADV IS ORY B OAR D

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Calendar Events for January-February 2014

96

Market “Gifts for the Wedding Party”

BY CLAIRE STEWART

106

The Vine “Bubbles”

BY AMY COLLINS

108

Food for Thought “A Thousand Ways to Please a Husband”

BY SARAH GAEDE

112

Bless Their Hearts “Vow to Be Imperfect”

BY LAURA ANDERS LEE

114

Parting Shot

BY KERRY BROOKS PHOTOGRAPHY

Jennifer Doss Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Leslie Ecklund Burritt on the Mountain Dan Halcomb Huntsville Symphony Orchestra

Graphic Designer Rowan Finnegan ••• No’Ala Huntsville is published six times annually

by No’Ala Press PO Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630 Phone: 800-779-4222 | Fax: 256-766-4106 Web: www.noalapress.com

Elizabeth Jones Burritt on the Mountain

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

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

Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their advertisements.

Ginger Penney Liles

© 2008-2014 No’Ala Press, All rights reserved.

Jeff Johnson Terramé Day Spa & Salon

Matthew Liles AIDS Action Coalition Patrick Robbins Alabama Pain Center

Send all correspondence to Allen Tomlinson, Editor, at the postal address above, or by e-mail to atomlinson@atsa-usa.com.

Letters may be edited for space and style.

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To advertise, contact us at: 256-766-4222, or sales@noalapress.com.

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The editor will provide writer’s guidelines upon request. Prospective authors should not submit unsolicited manuscripts; please query the editor first.

No’Ala Huntsville is printed with vegetable-based inks on 100% recycled paper.

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editor’s letter « Allen Tomlinson « 7

Welcome to our annual celebration…of love. And commitment; and promise; and happily-ever-afters. This is one of our most popular issues of the year, as we celebrate with these people who are starting new lives together. There are ideas here for those of you planning your own celebrations, and for those of you who have been married for a while, these pages might bring back memories of your own celebration. We hope you enjoy this issue and will join us in wishing each and every one represented here a storybook life together.

Our readers tell us they keep this issue to use in planning their own weddings, so once again we have focused on the details that made some of last year’s weddings so unique. And to get a different perspective, we’ve asked three couples who have been married for awhile to tell us about their lives together. I think you’ll find it fascinating and heartwarming.

The holidays are becoming a distant memory—even though they were just a few weeks ago—and January and February are typically slow months, as we take deep breaths and let our checking accounts build back after our shopping sprees. At least, that’s the way it used to be! Take a look at the calendar in this issue, and you’ll be amazed at the broad range of entertainment available during these winter months. We’re even highlighting a very romantic presentation at the Huntsville Museum of Art—very appropriate for a season that includes Valentine’s Day and an issue that is all about weddings and love.

I want to pause for a moment and thank our No’Ala Huntsville readers. Your comments mean a great deal to us, and we love hearing about the things you like in our magazine; subscriptions for this magazine have doubled since we started, a year and a half ago, and we continue to grow in every way. Please thank our advertisers for that, and let them know that you see them in these pages—and please help us in our commitment to buy in the Valley first. Shopping locally is like watering our own garden; the more we do it, the more our local retailers grow, and the more they can offer us. The internet is nice; a vibrant, thriving downtown—whether that’s Huntsville, Athens, Decatur, Madison, or anywhere else in North Alabama—is nicer.

Now, find a comfortable spot (and maybe a box of tissues), and take an hour or two to read this issue. During the cold winter months of January and February, this one is designed to warm your heart.

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calendar

Now – Sunday, January 5 Skating in the Park Mon-Thurs noon-10:00pm, Fri noon-midnight, Sat 10:00am-midnight, and Sun noon-8:00pm; Admission charged; Outdoor Ice Skating Rink in Big Spring Park; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

Béla Fleck Banjo Concerto January 11

Now-Saturday, January 11 How Have You Made Your Mark?

Tues-Fri 10:00am-5:00pm; Sat 10:00am-2:00pm; Free; Carnegie Visual Arts Center; 207 Church St., Decatur; (256) 341-0562; www.carnegiearts.org Now – Sunday, January 12 Encounters: Cal Breed Tues-Sat 11:00am-4:00pm and until 8:00pm on Thurs, and Sun1:00pm-4:00pm; $10 admission for adults, $8 for military, students, teachers, and students, and $5 for children 6-11; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org Now – Tuesday, January 14 American Beauty: Selections from the Wiginton Collection Tues-Sat 11:00am-4:00pm and until 8:00pm on Thurs, and Sun1:00pm-4:00pm; $10 admission for adults, $8 for military, students, teachers, and students, and $5 for children 6-11; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org Now – Sunday, January 19 Huntsville Museum of Art Presents Donato Giancola: from Middle Earth to Outer Space and Beyond Tues-Sat 11:00am-4:00pm; Thurs 11:00am-8:00pm; Sun 1:00pm-4:00pm; Admission charged; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org Now – Friday, February 28 Wade Wharton Exhibit Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm and Sun noon-5:00pm; Admission charged; Huntsville Botanical Gardens; 4747 Bob Wallace Ave.; (256) 256-4447; hsvbg.org Now – Friday, February 28 DaVinci The Genius 9:00am-5:00pm; Admission charged; US Space & Rocket Center; One Tranquility Base; (256) 837-3400; rocketcenter.com Friday, January 3 – Saturday, January 4 Artist Market at Lowe Mill 5:00pm-8:00pm Fri and noon Sat; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net Friday, January 3 – Sunday, January 5 Memphis Fri 8:00pm; Sat 2:00pm and 8:00pm; Sun 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 518-6155; ticketmaster.com Saturday, January 3 Sci-Quest Parents’ Night Out 6:00pm-9:00pm; $20 for first child; $15 for additional children ages 4-12; 102 D Wynn Dr.; (256) 837-0606; sci-quest.org Brotha’ Ric and the Chicken Bone Reunion 8:00pm; Admission charged; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net Monday, January 6 Hollywood Science Fiction Films of the 70s

6:00pm; Free; Main Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St.; (256) 532-5975; hmcpl.org Tuesday, January 7 – Friday, January 10 7th Annual Evening of Dance 7:00pm; $20; 3320 Triana Blvd.; (256) 534-6455; merrimackhall.com Friday, January 10 Home Grown Comedy Show 8:00pm; Admission charged; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net Friday, January 10 – Saturday, January 11 Artist Market at Lowe Mill 5:00pm-8:00pm Fri and noon Sat; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net Friday, January 10 – Sunday, January 12 The 39 Steps Fri-Sat 7:30pm and Sun 2:00pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Playhouse; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 536-0807; yourseatiswaiting.org Saturday, January 11 Craft Expo Noon-3:00pm; Free; Main Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Atrium, 915 Monroe St.; (256) 532-2362; hmcpl.org Symphony Classical Series: Be’la Fleck Banjo Concerto 7:30pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 539-4818; hso.org Monday, January 13 Hollywood Science Fiction Films of the 70s 6:00pm; Free; Main Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St.; (256) 532-5975; hmcpl.org Tuesday, January 14 LearningQUEST Rally Day 9:30am-11:30am; Free; First Baptist Church, 600 Governors Dr.; (256) 880-3456; lquest.org

How to Do Things: Needle Felting 6:30pm-8:00pm; $3; Main Huntsville-Madison County Public Library; 915 Monroe St.; (256) 532-2362; hmcpl.org Thursday, January 16 Travis Tritt 7:30pm; From $39.50; Von Braun Center; 700 Monroe St., Huntsville; ticketmaster.com Thursday, January 16 – Saturday, January 18 The 39 Steps Thurs and Fri 7:30pm and Sat 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Playhouse; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 536-0807; yourseatiswaiting.org

Monday, January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Thursday, January 23 Dixie’s Tupperware Party Thurs-Fri 7:30pm and Sat-Sun 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Admission charged; Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center; 3320 Triana Blvd.; (256) 534-6455; merrimackhall.com Friday, January 24 Concert: Ken Cowan 7:30pm; Admission charged; Trinity United Methodist Church; 607 Airport Rd.; Huntsville; (256) 489-7415; hcmg.us Friday and Saturday, January 24-25

Friday, January 17 Sci-Quest Parents’ Night Out 6:00pm-9:00pm; $20 for first child; $15 for additional children ages 4-12; 102 D Wynn Dr.; (256) 837-0606; sci-quest.org

Artist Market at Lowe Mill 5:00pm-8:00pm Fri and noon on Saturday; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

Friday, January 17 – Saturday, January 18 Artist Market at Lowe Mill 5:00pm-8:00pm Fri and noon Sat; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

Samba & Sangria 6:30pm- 9:00pm Fri wine tasting and silent auction; 6:00pm Sat dinner and live auction; Admission charged; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

Saturday, January 18 Pops Concert: Pixar in Concert 7:00pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 539-4818; hso.org

Saturday, January 25 Owens Cross Roads Homemakers Craft Fair 9:00am-3:00pm; Free; 161 Wilson Mann Rd.; Owens Cross Roads; (256) 508-2736

Sunday, January 19 Burritt on the Mountain Craft with Jackie Miller 1:30pm-3:30pm; $30; 3101 Burritt Dr.; (256) 536-2882; burrittonthemountain.com

Hi-Fi Weddings Fest at Lowe Mill Noon-6:00pm; Admission charged; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

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calendar

Belle Adair 8:00pm; Admission charged; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net Black Jacket Symphony Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy 8:00pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 533-1953; vonbrauncenter.com Sunday, January 26 Shen Yun 3:30pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (888) 974-3698; shenyun.com/huntsville Sunday, January 26

Sunday, February 2 – Sunday, May 4 Adrián Villeta Exhibit Tues-Sat 11:00am-4:00pm and until 8:00pm on Thurs, and Sun1:00pm-4:00pm; $10 admission for adults, $8 for military, students, teachers, and students, and $5 for children 6-11; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org Sunday, February 2 Casual Classics Series: Brass Attack 3:30pm; Admission charged; Randolph School; 4915 Garth Rd.; (256) 539-4818; hso.org Monday, February 3 Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell TBA; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 533-1953; ticketmaster.com

Hertha Heller Forum: Poets’ Choice Readings by Huntsville Literary Association’s Poetry Writing Workshop 2:00pm-4:00pm; Free; Main Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St.; (256) 532-5986; hmcpl.org

“Hollywood Science Fiction Films of the ’70s” 6:00pm; Free; Main Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St.; (256) 532-5975; hmcpl.org

Gallery Walk with Rocio Rodriguez 2:00pm-4:00pm; Admission charged; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

February 4 Burritt on the Mountain Presents the Civil Rights Movement in Huntsville 10:00am; Admission charged; 3101 Burritt Dr.; (256) 536-2882; burrittonthemountain.com

Monday, January 27 “Hollywood Science Fiction Films of the ’70s” 6:00pm; Free; Main Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St.; (256) 532-5975; hmcpl.org Thursday, January 30 – Sunday, February 2 Ars Nova Presents Carmen Various times; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Playhouse, 700 Monroe St., Huntsville; (256) 883-1105; arsnovahsv.com Friday, January 31 – Saturday, February 1 Artist Market at Lowe Mill 5:00pm-8:00pm Fri and noon Sat; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net I Do! I Do! Fri 7:30pm and Sat 2:30pm; Admission charged; Lee High School’s Black Box Theater; 2500 Meridian St., Huntsville; (256) 415-7469; imphuntsville.org Saturday, February 1 – Sunday, February 2 The Last 5 Years Sat 7:30pm and Sun 2:30pm; Admission charged; Lee High School’s Black Box Theater; 2500 Meridian St., Huntsville; (256) 415-7469; imphuntsville.org Saturday, February 1 Adrián Villeta Reception 6:00pm; Admission charged; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org Sci-Quest Parents’ Night Out 6:00pm-9:00pm; $20 for first child; $15 for additional children ages 4-12; 102 D Wynn Dr.; (256) 837-0606; sci-quest.org Symphony Classical Series: Soaring Melodies 7:30pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 539-4818; hso.org Rocky Horror Picture Show 11:00pm; $15; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

Wednesday, February 5 – Friday, February 7 American Shakespeare Center’s Company Presents: Henry IV, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Othello 7:00pm; Admission charged; UAH University Center; (256) 489-7089; hlahsv.org Wednesday, February 5 Concert: Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang 8:00pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 533-1953; vonbrauncenter.com Friday, February 7 Jim Parker’s Songwriters Showcase 6:00pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Playhouse; 700 Monroe St.; jimparkermusic.com The Million Dollar Quartet Fri 8:00pm; Sat 2:00pm and 8:00pm and Sun 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 518-6155; broadwaytheatreleague.org Friday, February 7 – Saturday, February 8 Artist Market at Lowe Mill 5:00pm-8:00pm Fri and noon Sat; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net The Last 5 Years 7:30pm Fri and 2:30pm Sat; Admission charged; Lee High School’s Black Box Theater; 2500 Meridian St., Huntsville; (256) 415-7469; imphuntsville.org Saturday, February 8 – Sunday, February 9 I Do! I Do! Sat 7:30pm and Sun 2:30pm; Admission charged; Lee High School’s Black Box Theater; 2500 Meridian St., Huntsville; (256) 415-7469; imphuntsville.org Thursday, February 13 Vince Gill and Amy Grant 8:00pm; From $56; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St., Huntsville; ticketmaster.com

Friday, February 14 Pops Concert: The Music of ABBA 7:30pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 539-4818; hso.org Friday, February 14 – Saturday, February 15 Artist Market at Lowe Mill 5:00pm-8:00pm Fri and noon Sat; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net Valentine’s Couples Painting 6:00pm Fri and 1:30 Sat; Admission charged; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net Friday, February 14 – Sunday, February 16 The Great Cross Country Race or the Hare and the Tortoise Fri 7:00pm; Sat-Sun 1:30pm and 5:00pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Playhouse; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 539-6829; letthemagicbegin.org Saturday, February 15 Mosaic of Love 7:00pm; Admission charged; The Cooper House; 405 Randolph Ave., Huntsville; hsvmasterchorale.org Sunday, February 16 Celtic Woman 7:00pm; From $45; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St., Huntsville; ticketmaster.com Friday, February 21 Sci-Quest Parents’ Night Out 6:00pm-9:00pm; $20 for first child; $15 for additional children ages 4-12; 102 D Wynn Dr.; (256) 837-0606; sci-quest.org Flashdance the Musical Fri 8:00pm, Sat 2:00pm and 8:00pm and Sun 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center Concert Hall; (256) 518-6155; broadwaytheatreleague.org Friday, February 21 – Saturday, February 22 Artist Market at Lowe Mill 5:00pm-8:00pm Fri and noon Sat; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net Saturday, February 22 – Sunday, February 23 Storytelling Festival: Tell Me a Story TBA; Free; Trinity United Methodist Church; 607 Airport Rd., Huntsville; (256) 883-3200; trinityhsv.org Sunday, February 23 Hertha Heller Forum: “Restless Alabama” 2:00pm-4:00pm; Main Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St.; (256) 532-5986; hmcpl.org Friday, February 28 – Saturday, March 1 Artist Market at Lowe Mill 5:00pm-8:00pm Fri and noon Sat; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net Ricky Nelson Remembered Featuring Matthew & Gunnar Nelson Fri 7:30pm; Sat 2:00pm and 7:30pm; From $33; 3320 Triana Blvd.; (256) 534-6455; merrimackhall.com

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scene James, Brian, Ellie, and Margo Alford

Servers with Santa

Aubrey Merry with Santa John Parker Christopher

Taylor, Kara, Nikki, and Kaylee Colwell with Santa

Fairee Bridges, Louis Logan, Jane Hancock, Shirley Holder, Brenda Courtney

Mikayla and Katelyn Black

Jack Bice with Santa

Above: EarlyWorks Society’s 11th Annual Supper with Santa

Below: Huntsville Botanical Garden Galaxy of Lights VIP Party

DECEMBER 2, 2013  EARLYWORKS MUSEUM, HUNTSVILLE

NOVEMBER 13, 2013  HUNTSVILLE B OTANICAL GARDEN

Paula Steigerwald, Peggy Gunter, and Melissa Riley Russ Russell and Gary Dobbs Gina DeMuro and Tony Osani Bob and Sandy Hovde

Jenny Edwards, Terri Edwards, Jerry Edwards, Jason Edwards, Lisa Edwards, and April Fairbanks

Cathy and Chris Robinson

* Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.

Tommy and Debbie Overcash, Jim and Dianne Reynolds

Jay and Penny Billings

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TEXT BY L AURA ANDERS LEE » PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

Three area couples sit down with No’Ala Huntsville to share the secrets of a decades-long marriage.

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Secrets of a Long & Happy Marriage

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THE ESTESES 55 YEARS Sallie and Joe Estes met in their early 20s at Camp Sumatanga. “I had actually tried to get out of going,” says Joe. “And then he tried leaving early, but there we were, having breakfast together that Thursday morning,” Sallie chimes in.

The two married not long after and once again found themselves at camp. “We actually spent two weeks of our honeymoon at Camp Sumatanga,” says Joe. “It was really romantic,” Sallie jokes. “I was in the girls’ camp, and he was in the boys.’ But they needed counselors, and we didn’t have any money or even an apartment, so it worked out.”

Since then, the couple has moved nearly a dozen times around North Alabama with Joe’s career as a Methodist minister, which was especially stressful with two small children.

“From the very beginning we’ve been able to talk about anything that comes up,” Joe says. “We’ve been able to share our thoughts. We don’t go to bed angry.”

“We might be kind-of irritated, but not angry,” Sallie adds.

“We also try to respect each other’s individuality,” Joe says.

“When we first got married we took this class that the wives of preachers had to take,” Sallie recalls. “It was awful. They told us to always wear a dress, and if someone knocked on the door, we had to throw on a skirt. It was ridiculous.”

“That class at seminary…it didn’t take,” Joe laughs.

Sallie adds, “When we first got married we had really different interests. It might not have been his favorite thing, being at art shows, but he participated. One of the things that Joe did for me, he knew how much I loved my job at CASA, and he gave up opportunities, moving somewhere with a raise, but he stayed because he knew our children and I were happy. I’ll never forget that.”

Today, the couple stays busy with church, their granddaughter, their supper club friends, and Sallie’s latest art venture.

“We enjoy and appreciate each other’s qualities,” Joe says.

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Secrets of a Long & Happy Marriage

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THE SOULÉTS 58 YEARS Betty and Levin Soulét got married in 1955 at Redstone Arsenal, the same place they met. While in the Army, Levin volunteered to be transferred to Huntsville’s Guided Missile School.

“I was spending the night in the nurses’ quarters on post, and my friend said ‘let’s go over and greet the new people,’” Betty recalls. “We ended up cooking breakfast for them.”

“We hit it off right away,” Levin says.

“He was clean cut and I thought he was pretty intelligent,” she says. “The first date we had, we went to church on post.”

“There was no telephone in Lacey’s Spring (Betty’s hometown), at the time,” Levin recalls. “The only time we could make plans was while she was at work.”

Levin proposed one night at Betty’s house. “We were probably smooching a little bit, and Betty said something that totally rang a bell with me. What she said told me what kind of a woman she was.”

After honeymooning in Chattanooga, the couple returned to the arsenal where they lived in a tiny apartment. “The first night I told Betty, we’ve got to get some curtains or shades in the bedroom,” Levin says. “They provided nothing.”

The couple has raised three daughters and has shared a lifelong interest in the Huntsville Ballet, where Betty helped found the organization 50 years ago and where Levin still operates the sound during productions.

As for how to make nearly six decades of marriage work, Betty advises, “When you get mad, don’t talk.”

“It’s more how you interact with someone than what you say,” Levin adds. “It’s how you sit down together, how you like doing the same things. There’s a feeling that you have with the other person.”

With five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, the couple has much to look forward to. “My goal in life is to live longer than my great-grandfather, who lived to be 96,” Levin says.

“I don’t think you’ll make it!” Betty teases.

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Secrets of a Long & Happy Marriage

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THE DILLS 51 YEARS For Peggy Dill, it was hardly love at first sight. “Larry came to my church to be the youth director and I couldn’t stand him,” she says. “He was just so smart.”

“A youth director is not supposed to date your youth,” Larry jokes. “But I only stayed a year. The only good thing about that job is that I took her with me. I had to work really hard to get her.”

“Well, he grew on me,” Peggy laughs.

The two married in Birmingham on an exceptionally cold day, where everything seemed to go wrong. “The ring bearer got chicken pox, the organist’s mother died, and it was four degrees above zero and the pipes had burst above the reception hall so we had big galvanized tubs catching the water,” Peggy recalls. “But here we are—it all worked out.”

Larry, who is a Methodist minister, and Peggy, who is a nurse, have shared in the responsibilities of raising their two sons.

“He was the one getting the two elementary school boys up and to school while I was at work early,” recalls Peggy, who also worked every other Sunday while Larry kept a close eye on his boys from the pulpit.

“That time with them was the best thing I could have done,” Larry adds.

“One of the most important things was we didn’t keep score,” Peggy says. “There is none of that ‘I did the laundry last week, you do it this week.’ Whoever needs help at the time, you get it done.”

The couple decided in lieu of gifts or a big party for their golden anniversary, they would spend time together traveling. Last year, they visited Charleston, Savannah, Asheville, New Orleans, Chicago, Seattle, and Canada.

“We had so much fun, we’re doing it again this year,” Peggy says.

Some of the couple’s fondest memories together have been traveling with their two boys. “We really didn’t have any bad problems,” says Larry. “I always kinda attributed that to the time we’ve spent.”

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Danielle Taylor & Ryan Box Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter Cincinnati, OH May 31, 2014

by Lauren Tomasella Photography The couple met at the Red Brick Tavern at Ohio University. Although they were in the same class in medical school for a year and a half, they first met over drinks at a local bar after a cardiovascular block test.

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Anna Lane & Zachary McKinnon Valley Hill Country Club Huntsville, AL June 21, 2014

by Sweet Roots Photography This couple met at Auburn University’s fitness facility and bonded over their shared love of basketball.

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Ashley Turner & Jesse Bates The Roundhouse at the Huntsville Depot Huntsville, AL October 12, 2013

by Lauren Tomasella Photography Ashley and Jesse wanted their processional music to be instrumental versions of their favorite songs, like “Sweet Child of Mine,” “Bittersweet Symphony,” and “Thrift Shop.”

Elizabeth Ke-a & Tyler McCormick First United Methodist Church & McCormick Home Athens, AL October 12, 2013

by David Phillips Photography The couple loves the outdoors, so an outdoor reception was a must. On the cool October night, guests fed horses in the pasture, took fun pictures at the photo booth in the barn, and then danced the night away.

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Christine McDaniel & Jon Quade Huntsville, AL September 28, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography Christine and Jon met when they were both working in the operating room at a hospital.

Kate Wood & William Messervy Burritt on the Mountain Huntsville, AL March 23, 2013

by Sweet Roots Photography It turns out these two were not the only William and Kate to get married recently. They are considering naming their next dog George to go along with the theme!

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Angela Hinton & Kevin Huff Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church & Von Braun Center Huntsville, AL July 12, 2014

by N’Sight Photography Both attended Tuskegee University— Angela was in the marching band, and Kevin was a quarterback on the football team.

Amanda Rutledge & Justin Laddie Cameron Oaks Farm Wilsonville, AL October 19, 2013

by Sweet Roots Photography Amanda and Justin met when they were 15 and 16, but didn’t reconnect until years later when Justin returned to the States with a Purple Heart after being wounded in Afghanistan.

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Felicia Gaston & Brian Johnson Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church & Huntsville Museum of Art Huntsville, AL March 8, 2014

by N’Sight Photography Both Felicia and Brian are huge sports fans and are always watching NFL, NBA, or college basketball games, but they never cheer for any of the same teams.

Ashley Baker & Benjamin Allen A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard Huntsville, AL June 20, 2013

by Lauren Tomasella Photography The couple incorporated many family items into their wedding, including a great-grandmother’s buttons on the flower girl basket, family wedding pictures on their guest book, and Ben’s aunt’s famous collard greens.

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Amber Smith & Alex Joiner Sweet Apple Farms Pell City, AL April 5, 2014

by Green Tree Photography On one of their first dates, a fishing trip, Amber and Alex got caught in the middle of the lake in a terrible storm. Waves crashed into the boat and lightning struck all around them. Fortunately, they lived to tell the tale on their big day!

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Christina McDonald & Maurice Walker St. Mark Baptist Church & Marriott Space and Rocket Center Huntsville, AL September 7, 2013

by N’Sight Photography This couple was set up by their professor at Alabama A&M University.

Rochelle Thomas & Blake Cantrell Willowbrook Baptist Church & The Ledges Huntsville, AL June 21, 2014

by Lauren Tomasella Photography This couple lives life to the fullest—they do everything from running with the bulls, cliff diving, and skydiving together.

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Michelle Fox & Daniel McGouyrk Burritt on the Mountain Huntsville, AL September 6, 2013

by Sweet Roots Photography Along with 680,000 other couples last year, Michelle and Daniel met on Match.com.

Katie Lee & Kyle Roden Winchester Manor New Market, AL May 17, 2014

by Sweet Roots Photography As a graphic designer, Katie had fun designing all of the paper goods for the wedding.

Caitlyn Sheehy & Jeffrey Ingram Kirby Woods Baptist Church Memphis, TN June 1, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios Caitlyn and Jeffrey shared their first kiss on their wedding day.

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Angelica Johnson & Ryan Lee Burritt on the Mountain Huntsville, AL April 12, 2014

by Sweet Roots Photography Angelica and Ryan share a love of traveling, cooking, and exploring local restaurants together.

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Cassie Stutts & Lucas Berry Ritz Theatre & Montgomery Place Sheffield, AL October 26, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios Lucas’s initial ideas for how to propose were inspired by Harry Potter, including renting an owl for the day. When those fell through, he used a geocaching hunt around Florence to pop the question.

Emily Gibb & Dan Moss Monte Sano Methodist Church Huntsville, AL April 12, 2014

by Green Tree Photography Emily and Dan met in a very unromantic, unlikely place—a Target parking lot.

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Michelle Vigo & Jason Gilbert Big Spring Park Huntsville, AL August 31, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios Both are engineers who met at their workplace. They say that after their first date, they knew they were a perfect match.

Joy Mathis & Jared Sorensen Alabama Theatre Birmingham, AL December 11, 2013

by Lauren Keeton After skydiving in New Zealand and hiking Mt. Doom from the Lord of the Rings movies together, a proposal in a hot air balloon only seemed appropriate for this couple.

Jennifer Hudson & Justin Daniels Hampton Cove Wedding Plantation Huntsville, AL October 26, 2013

by Sweet Roots Photography On the weekends, this couple loves to try out local breweries, new restaurants, and fresh markets.

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Katie Martin & Mark Allen First Baptist Church of Madison Madison, AL June 15, 2013

by Lauren Tomasella Photography Both Katie and Mark went to Bob Jones High School but never knew one another until college. Turns out, his dad had been her dentist since she was six years old.

Heather Beard & Robby Rogers Stone Bridge Farms Cullman, AL October 11, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography Robby proposed with some help from Heather’s second favorite boy, her French bulldog Timber.

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Kelly Salmon & Trevor Werline Mt. Zion Baptist Church & The Roundhouse at the Huntsville Depot Huntsville, AL September 14, 2013

by Sweet Roots Photography Trevor proposed in a courtyard in the Village of Providence. As soon as she said yes, 40 of their closest friends and family flooded the courtyard to congratulate them.

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Katie McDaniel & Joshua Carter Beechtree Farms Prattville, AL August 9, 2013

by Green Tree Photography All of the benches for Katie and Joshua’s ceremony were made by the couple and their friends out of recycled shipping pallets.

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Naomi Love & Mark McClain Gurley, AL September 28, 2013

by Bailey Eaves Photography This couple blended two families on the day of their wedding—Naomi jokes they are one child short of being the new Brady Bunch!

Kristin Conner & Stephen Davis II First United Methodist Church & Burritt on the Mountain Huntsville, AL August 17, 2013

by David Phillips Photography Stephen proposed to Kristin during her family’s grill-out, a weekly event they refer to as “Family Dinner”—Kristin’s father, of Bubba’s Silver Spoon Catering, serves as chef.

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Faren Mcelyea & Kenneth Condrey Tommy’s Lazy G Chapel and Cabins Union Grove, AL September 7, 2013

by David Phillips Photography Faren and Kenneth chose their location based on how perfect it would be for a beautiful fall day in September— fortunately, they were right.

Meredith Carr & Bradley Sides The Cedars 1859 Tanner, AL November 2, 2013

by Armosa Studios Meredith and Bradley met in graduate school while they were both pursuing their master’s in English, so it only seemed appropriate to scatter some of their favorite books throughout the reception area.

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Uchenna Ezeibe & Love Anani Huntsville, AL July 6, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography “Uche” and Love met at Howard University’s College of Medicine in Washington D.C. six years ago.

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Amanda Latifi & Benjamin Miller Burritt on the Mountain Huntsville, AL October 5, 2013

by Glass Jar Photography Amanda and Ben say their wedding represented a perfect blending of their families—a little Persian and a little country.

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Jordan Doran & Brett Welsh Stone Bridge Farms Cullman, AL August 4, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography

Courtney Underwood & Gavin Hallford Westin Hotel Huntsville, AL June 1, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography

Jordan and Brett were engaged at Samford Park on Auburn’s campus.

Courtney and Gavin met when they were both attending Jacksonville State University and playing sports—she was playing softball, and he was on the football team.

Anna Leigh Roberts & Mo Araiinejad Tate Farms Meridianville, AL June 1, 2013

by Eternal Reflections Photography The couple was married by Anna’s father under an arch Mo built.

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Valerie Styles & Michael Morard St. Joseph Catholic Church Huntsville, AL January 1, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography Valerie and Michael were elementary and middle school sweethearts, but separate high schools kept them apart for the next seven years. When they finally reconnected, they say it was love at first sight—again!

Sonya Moreno & George Soliman Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church & The Ledges Huntsville, AL May 11, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography Because George is originally from Egypt, the couple’s ceremony was a Coptic Orthodox Christian wedding, also known as Egyptian Christian Orthodox.

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Alisa Emerich & Luke Anderson Burritt on the Mountain April 13, 2013

by Simply Boom Photography Alisa and Luke had a very interesting and varied ceremony, including prayers from the Baha’i faith, poems by E.E. Cummings, a hand-binding ceremony, and music from some of their favorite contemporary artists, like Death Cab for Cutie and Ingrid Michaelson.

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Kristen Pegues & John Gibson Willowbrook Baptist Church & Huntsville Botanical Garden Huntsville, AL August 3, 2013

by Simply Bloom Photography Kristen lived in England for a few years and used her time there as the inspiration for her wedding—bunting, teacups, and Pimm’s cup drinks accented this theme.

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Erin Dalton & Matthew Bowman Monte Sano Lodge Huntsville, AL March 9, 2013

by Sweet Roots Photography They always claim to know what the other is thinking and can never surprise one another because of it. Knowing this, Erin had an inkling of what was going to happen on a casual river walk, so she decided to get her nails done ahead of time in case a ring was going on it!

Rebecca Frye & Shannon Sanders Von Braun Center Playhouse Huntsville, AL June 8, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios After their wedding, the couple honeymooned in New York City where they were legally married. Ten days later, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage.

Allison Haack & Jason Parcus Trinity United Methodist & Huntsville Museum of Art Huntsville, AL July 27, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography Allison wore her mother’s veil and her grandmother’s garter on her wedding day.

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Michaela Polemeni & Kyle Miller Promised Land Paint Rock, AL June 15, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios This couple’s wedding was a complete DIY event with handmade centerpieces, yard games, ceremony doors, bouquets, and boutonnieres crafted by family and friends.

Jessica Kruse & Bobby Mittiga III Creekside Plantation Mooresville, AL May 5, 2013

by Click Photo Designs by Sarah Brewer This couple is expecting their first child in February.

Dinah Williams & Martin Porch Quietdale Plantation Huntsville, AL July 28, 2013

by Digital Moments Photography The wedding was held at the Quietdale Plantation, the beautiful antebellum home of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Billie Jones.

Lauren Wallace & Robert Frey Wallace Home Huntsville, AL May 25, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography To ward off rain on the wedding day, Lauren’s mom told her to heed an old wives’ tale and bury a bottle of whiskey upside-down at the location of the wedding. It worked!

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Laura Register & Daniel Teague J&D Farms Southside, AL September 14, 2013

by Armosa Studios After months of hoping and praying for good weather, everything was perfect— except for the bee that decided to fly up Laura’s dress during photos!

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Elizabeth “Jeanie” Powell & Dr. Matthew Fitch Cross St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church & Valley Hill Country Club Huntsville, AL October 5, 2013

by Lauren Tomasella Photography Jeanie and Matthew share a love of the outdoors, their animals, traveling, and playing golf.

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Tori Luna & Drew Peele Southside Baptist Church & The Roundhouse at the Huntsville Depot Huntsville, AL March 23, 2013

by Lauren Tomasella Photography This couple had a very sweet wedding— a cheesecake bar instead of a groom’s cake and milk and cookies as guest favors.

Kylie Smith & Todd Reid The Roundhouse at the Huntsville Depot Huntsville, AL October 11, 2013

by Twelve31 Photography After combining households, Kylie and Todd now have four cats.

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Rachel Fears & Neil Dodson Burritt on the Mountain Huntsville, AL May 4, 2013

by Lauren Tomasella Photography This couple’s wedding decorations included vintage teacups and teapots, and the guest favors were tea bag cookies.

Natalie Pitts & Benjamin Barnes Gorham’s Bluff Pisgah, AL November 10, 2012

by Click Photo Designs If ladybugs are a sign of good luck, this couple should have a very happy marriage—unbelievable numbers of ladybugs could be seen by guests at their ceremony on the bluff.

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Jaime Isom & Jonathan Caldwell Kennamore Airplane Hangar Tuscumbia, AL September 20, 2013

by Bailey Eaves Photography Jonathan is a police officer, and Jaime is a cardiac nurse. The couple was set up by one of Jonathan’s coworkers who met Jaime at the hospital and decided they would be a perfect match.

Gaylyn Leach & Christopher Short Valley Head, AL May 18, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios Gaylyn and Christopher spent three months traveling the US before Christopher proposed at the Grand Canyon.

Laura Dalton & Kade Harris The Ledges Huntsville, AL August 3, 2013

by Lauren Tomasella Photography The couple’s wedding was very eventful: one guest’s hair caught on fire and another was rushed to the hospital with appendicitis!

Kristin Bramlett & Robert Shelton The Roundhouse at the Huntsville Depot Huntsville, AL February 23, 2013

by N’Sight Photography The couple wanted a relaxed wedding, so they had a cocktail hour before the ceremony for everyone to mix and mingle, including the bride and groom. At the end of the hour, Kristin slipped away, put on her gown, and everyone sat down for the ceremony to begin.

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Carissa Hearin & Benjamin Hughey First United Methodist Church & WindBrook Farms & Estates Cullman, AL April 6, 2013

by Spindle Photography Carissa’s father passed away when she was in high school. Before his death, the family promised to ring a bell at all special events to remember him. Shortly after the ringing of the bell on her wedding day—as Carissa walked down the aisle alone—the sun peeked out from the clouds.

Autumn Azizian & Christopher Kirchner Monte Sano Lodge Huntsville, AL June 1, 2013

by Nichelle Russell Autumn is of Assyrian descent and decided she wanted to incorporate cultural dancing into the reception—all guests agreed it was the highlight of the night.

Mary Stephens & Dustin Swysgood South Highland Presbyterian & Carraway Davie House Birmingham, AL March 9, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios After their wedding, the couple moved to New Orleans with the newest addition to their family, a Boxer rescue dog.

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Tina Mixon & Joseph Higgins Henagar, AL May 25, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios Their families worked for six months clearing trees and brush so the waterfall on the other side of their property could be seen during the ceremony. In the 1900s, this waterfall was used to supply power to a local saw mill.

Whitney Creekmore & Matthew Weigart The Buffler House Florence, AL September 21, 2013 Glass Jar Photography This couple set their date around the availability of their photographer, Glass Jar Photography, because they loved their work so much.

Melissa Hallman & Louis Sweet Old Brick Church Mooresville, AL December 29, 2012

by White Rabbit Studios Melissa and Louis were childhood sweethearts. Twenty-eight years later, when they saw each other again, they said they “just knew” and were engaged two weeks later.

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Jennifer Gamble & Justin Oliver The Winchester Manor New Market, AL July 26, 2013

by Marrow by Glass Jar Photography All decorations and centerpieces were family antiques. Special items included a flour barrel that belonged to Jennifer’s great-grandfather and a butter churn used by her grandmother.

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Loren Ashbaugh & Benjamin Heatherly Vinemont First Baptist Church Vinemont, AL March 23, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios After ordering Loren’s ring, Ben got a call that it was stuck on the eleventh floor of a flooded building in New York City during Superstorm Sandy. Thankfully, it eventually got to him safely!

Lauren Hendrix & Ryan Sprinkle Whitesburg Baptist Chapel & The Roundhouse at the Huntsville Depot Huntsville, AL October 20, 2012

by Eternal Reflections Photography Ryan proposed while the couple was hiking in Cades Cove in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

Lindsey Barrett & Andrew Brannen Burritt on the Mountain Huntsville, AL June 22, 2013

by N’Sight Photography Andrew proposed at the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Galaxy of Lights using a 15-foot snowflake that said “Marry Me, Lindsey.”

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Tina Sheppard & Johnny Johnson II New Beginnings Christian Church Huntsville, AL April 13, 2013

by Green Tree Photography For this couple it won’t be hard to remember birthdays—Johnny was born on January 10, Tina was born on March 10, and they are expecting their first child February 10.

Leslie Potts & Timothy McCarthy Huntsville Botanical Garden Huntsville, AL June 29, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography Tim asked Leslie to marry him on a bench that overlooks Lake Dillon in Colorado.

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Linzee Crunk & Benjamin Stevenson Hudson Family Barn Florence, AL June 8, 2013

by Sweet Roots Photography Instead of asking the bridal party to spend an arm and a leg, Linzee and Ben made sure all of their outfits were under $200.

Kari Allen & Clayton Usery Creekside Plantation at Colliers End Mooresville, AL April 13, 2013

by Lauren Tomasella Photography Kari and Clayton had a morning wedding, and their reception included all their favorite brunch foods: a Bloody Mary bar, shrimp and grits, mimosas, eggs, and French toast.

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Ashley Ball & Omar Rhodes Madison, AL March 16, 2013

by N’Sight Photography This couple knew love when they found it—they were only engaged for one month before they were married.

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Rachel Botts & Carl Schoenholz The Cedars 1859 Tanner, AL May 26, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios Rachel and Carl met while they were on a mission trip to Honduras.

Carly Melvin & Matthew Jones Sloss Furnaces Birmingham, AL May 11, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios When it started pouring just after the ceremony, Carly quickly changed into her “getaway outfit” (a short embellished white dress and sparkly Toms).

Kellie Munts & Justin Grammer Lyla’s Dance Hall Mooresville, AL May 4, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios When Kellie and Justin met at the University of Alabama, Justin didn’t text or have a Facebook page. They say they got to know each other the old-fashioned way—actually dating!

Samantha Watts & Daniel Kent Stone Bridge Farms Cullman, AL November 3, 2012

by Cindy Shaver Photography The couple says the highlight of their reception was watching Alabama beat LSU while surrounded by their closest friends and family.

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Katie McInnish & Phillip Deck Annabella at Cedar Glen Huntsville, AL August 17, 2013

by Eternal Reflections Photography Katie and Phillip had a “Beatles and Barbecue” theme wedding highlighted by great food, great music, and a yellow submarine piñata.

Morgan Peebles & Justin Henley Oakville Indian Mound Danville, AL July 27, 2013

by Erin Lindsey Images After this couple’s “fairytale wedding,” the two honeymooned at the Excellence in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

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Kaeli McCaghren & Kyle Jeter A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard Huntsville, AL October 12, 2013

by Sweet Roots Photography Kyle proposed at the top of an overlook on Monte Sano Mountain with some of the couple’s closest friends.

Amanda Johnson & Stephen Bowen Limestone Bay Trading Company Mooresville, AL September 21, 2013

by Twelve31 Photography Amanda and Stephen’s first official date was going turkey hunting.

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Jessica Robinson & Griffin Thomas Creekside Plantation Mooresville, AL May 25, 2013

by Green Tree Photography Though they both grew up in Alabama, this couple now lives in North Carolina, and thus had to plan their wedding from 400 miles away. They say they have their fabulous vendors and family members to thank for their beautiful wedding.

Ashley Phillips & Jeff Smith Burritt on the Mountain Huntsville, AL June 1, 2013

by Glass Jar Photography This couple booked their reception venue before it was even built, going off a sketch and a beautiful view of Huntsville.

Nicole Bentley & Daniel Kosmala Huntsville Museum of Art & The Summit at Big Spring Huntsville, AL September 28, 2013

by Green Tree Photography As the bridal party walked down the aisle, “La Cucaracha� began playing at the nearby festival. Fortunately, the music was stopped just in time for the Nicole to walk down the aisle and finish the ceremony.

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Britni Rickard & Matthew Syler First Presbyterian Church Huntsville, AL April 27, 2013

by Green Tree Photography

Bobbi Harrison & Matthew Webster Madison Bible Church & Athens State University Athens, AL November 17, 2013

by Sweet Roots Photography Both identify as ‘’old Southern souls.”

Their personalities shone through their wedding with a three-piece bluegrass band, rustic Southern decorations, and reception food including barbecue, mac-n-cheese, and Cokes in glass bottles.

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Lindsay Reynolds & Nathan Brian Roberts The Brazilian Court Palm Beach, FL July 13, 2013

by Glass Jar Photography Hurricane Chantel hit the day of the wedding. Everyone made it in before the rain began, and Lindsay says the soft pattering of rain around the covered patio made the ceremony even more peaceful and intimate.

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Megan Osmer & Joshua Laster A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard Huntsville, AL November 17, 2012

by White Rabbit Studios Megan and Joshua met at an open house hosted by Joshua, who is a realtor. They are now building a home with the same floor plan as the one in which they met.

Jessie Jenkins & Kit Williams Madelyn’s in the Grove Athens, AL May 5, 2013

by Eternal Reflections Photography Jessie and Kit are both musicians and play in bands around North Alabama, including Georgia Fli, of which they are both members.

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Eliana Teifke & Nathan Harless Twickenham Church of Christ Huntsville, AL August 3, 2013

by Cindy Shaver Photography Eliana is from Brazil. The wedding was streamed live on the internet and watched by friends and family in the U.S., Brazil, and Argentina.

Valerie Feathers & Adam Johnson Flint River Baptist Church & A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard Huntsville, AL October 19, 2012

by Armosa Studios Groomsmen wore pink ribbons on their boutonnieres in honor of Adam’s sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier in the year.

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Bekah Graham & Scott Reed Hampton Cove Wedding Plantation Huntsville, AL April 26, 2013

by N’Sight Photography Scott and Bekah met on a blind date eight years ago and have been together ever since.

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Natalie Smith & Gabriel Bolivar Smith Home Grove Oak, AL June 8, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography Natalie and Gabriel met in Birmingham after he competed in an FLW fishing competition on Lake Logan Martin. It only felt right to get married in a setting overlooking another lake, Lake Guntersville.

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Katie Lewis & Jeremy Vandiver Promised Land Paint Rock Valley, AL August 3, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography Both Katie and Jeremy are pharmacists and met while working at the same hospital.

They say dating a coworker can sometimes be worth the risk.

Anna Swain & Robert Goodin The Ledges Huntsville, AL May 24, 2013

by White Rabbit Studios Their relationship began over a conversation about their dogs.

She had a golden doodle, and he had a standard poodle, both of which are named after great literary characters, Aslan and Lysander.

Lara Lee Hood & John Bolton Trinity United Methodist Church Huntsville, AL July 20, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography Lara Lee wore a 100-year-old garter her grandmother and great-grandmother had also worn.

Marie Catherine Dwyer & Jeffery Huntley, Jr. Creekside Plantation Mooresville, AL May 18, 2013

by Kerry Brooks Photography This couple met on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2003, when they were 16.

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BY CLAIRE STEWART

© Glass Jar Photography

Details are the secret to a spectacular wedding. They can elevate an inexpensive event to something very memorable and special for your guests. We picked some of our favorites from this year’s weddings and asked wedding stylist Jordyn Dean, Chelsea Kennedy and Jessie Coates of Coates-Kennedy Event Planning, and No’Ala creative director David Sims to tell us how your details can make all the difference on your big day.

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“Your wedding décor should be a reflection of your own personal style. There is no right or wrong way to decorate for your special day. Just have fun with it!”

(Jessie Coates)

[A] Bright Table Runner from Amanda and Ben’s Colorful Wedding “Incorporating pops of color can transform any space into an elegant or fun atmosphere depending on your choices.” (Jordyn Dean) [B] Simple Décor at The Cider Barn in Virginia “Sometimes less is more. Adding fresh and natural elements to a big event space can save money while also brightening the atmosphere.” (Jordyn Dean) [C] An Aisle Lined with Baby’s Breath “Save the bulk of your floral budget for the reception, and consider using a relatively inexpensive filler flower like baby’s breath in large quantities. It lends a delicate, casual feel to the ceremony, but its impact is powerful.”

(David Sims) [D] A Grand Getaway “While most of your favorite photos from your wedding will be those captured from spontaneous moments, it’s also important to create a variety of planned photo opportunities. A vintage automobile, (especially a convertible), and a beautifully-rendered sign will make for an iconic ‘getaway’ photo you’ll treasure for many years to come.” (David Sims) [E] Departure Board Table Seating at Kari and Clay’s Wedding “Be personal. Your guests will enjoy personal touches and details that reflect your passions, interests, and jobs. In this wedding, the groom is a pilot, so a departure board for table seating was perfect!” (Jordyn Dean)

GIVE THIS SOME THOUGHT

© Glass Jar Photography

Sure, we love Pinterest, but…

The more you pore over these online resources, the better chance your wedding is going to look like everyone else’s. Remember all those Mason jars and hay bales? What started as a Pinterest-generated “good idea” is about to become an eye-roller. Instead, ask your parents to tell you about their wedding. Look through old photos from both sides of the family and try to incorporate details that will make your day unique. Give your guests a truer picture of what kind of couple you’re going to be. Make your own traditions. Then post it to Pinterest and see how many people copy you!

•••

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DECOR

© Glass Jar Photography

© Lauryn Galloway Photography

© Lauren Tomasella Photography

© White Rabbit Studios

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IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

© Anna Pociask Photography

© White Rabbit Studios

© White Rabbit Studios

© Glass Jar Photography

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FAVORS & GIFTS

“The favors and gifts should remind your guests of the memories they made on your wedding day. This is a time to be creative and put your special touch on a favor that truly shows your appreciation.”

(Chelsea Kennedy)

[A][D] “I Do Brew” and Sheep Soap from the Short Wedding “DIY favors can help you cut back on your budget as well as be a cute personal touch.

This wedding was on a farm surrounded by sheep, so these items were perfect!”

(Jordyn Dean) [B] Red Velvet Cake in Mason Jars as Favors “Who doesn’t love a yummy handmade favor?”(Jordyn Dean) [C] Personalized Jugs (Beer Growlers) from Ashley and Jeff’s Big Day “Gift your groomsmen with something they will truly enjoy. And these 64oz. jugs are refillable at some bars and specialty grocery stores!” (Jordyn Dean) [E] Wine Glass Favors at Shaw Wedding “Having favors that also double as glassware can consolidate expenses.”(Jordyn Dean) © Lauryn Galloway Photography

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“After all the planning for the wedding, the reception is a time to cut loose and celebrate.

Use your wedding theme as inspiration for activities. You should consider the atmosphere you would like to create, as well as entertainment for all age groups.” (Chelsea Kennedy)

[A] Ice Cream Truck Visiting Katie and Andrew’s Reception “Think outside the box! An ice cream truck at a wedding is very memorable.” (Jordyn Dean)

RECEPTION

[B] Faith and Billy Wood’s Tea Bar “This clever couple served their guests fun flavors like Orchard Peach, Sassafras, and Pumpkin Moonshine. Remember to give your guests food and drink options at the reception—and please even the pickiest of friends.” (David Sims) [C] Children’s Coloring Books “Don’t forget your young guests! This is such an easy and inexpensive way to keep the little ones entertained as well.” (Jordyn Dean) [D][F] Yard Games at Michaela and Kyle’s Reception “Entertaining your guests throughout the reception can be fun and easy while again adding personal details.” (Jordyn Dean) [E] Belly Dancers at Amanda and Ben’s Persian-Infused Wedding “Exotic and colorful, these belly dancers highlighted the Persian heritage of this North Alabama couple and provided plenty of entertainment and photo-ops.” (David Sims)

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© Armosa Studios

Eternal Reflections Photography by Alyson

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IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

© White Rabbit Studios

© White Rabbit Studios

© White Rabbit Studios

© Glass Jar Photography

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IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

© Lauren Tomasella Photography

© Kerry Brooks Photography

© Lauren Tomasella Photography

© White Rabbit Studios

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PAPER GOODS

“Your ‘Save the Dates’ and invitations are a hint of what’s to come. Let them set the tone and leave guests anticipating your big day.” (Jessie Coates)

[A] Programs/Fans at the Frey Wedding “Paper goods are the first impression for your guests before the wedding as well as when they arrive on the big day. They also double as keepsakes. Think of fun ways to incorporate your theme or colors.” (Jordyn Dean) [B][D] Rachel and Neil’s Teabag “Save the Dates” and Silhouetted Bridal Party Program “Whimsical and witty touches like these tea bags (which were included in the save-the-date announcements) and this pictorial wedding program take some of the stuffiness out of an otherwise solemn occasion.” (David Sims) [C] Peach Doily Invitations to Rachel and Carl’s Wedding “Nostalgic, classic, intricate, vintage— are all words that come to mind with these invitations. Your invitations are the first glimpse your guests will get of the style and setting of your wedding, so keep this in mind with your printed pieces.” (David Sims) © Lauren Tomasella Photography

[E] Airplane Tags “Clever little details like these glass tags are a perfect way to pepper your reception with your theme and colors in an inexpensive, but memorable way.” (David Sims)

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IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

SENTIMENTAL TOUCHES

© Create Portraiture

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© N'Sight Photography

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© Amanda Chapman Photography

B

“Your wedding is a time to think about the people you cherish the most. Think of creative ways to represent the special memories you share with your loved ones” (Chelsea Kennedy)

[A] Ashley Roper Recalling When She Met Her Bridesmaids “Your wedding day is the perfect time to be sentimental and incorporate your love for your family, wedding party, and of course your future spouse, through details that can be kept and remembered.” (Jordyn Dean) [B] Best Man’s Best Friend “Brittany and Brenton Mathews incorporated their beloved dog Simon into their special day.

If you decide to include your pet, just make sure it is socialized and well-behaved.”

(David Sims) [C] Blast from the Past “On the wedding day, Lindsey presented Andrew with a piece of a t-shirt worn on a mission trip they took together, with a special message written on it. No matter how crazy the wedding day became, Andrew had a reminder of why he was really there.” (David Sims) [D] A Photographic Guest Book “This might be my favorite detail—a wonderful memory. It would take some serious organizational skills (and a high perch for the photographer) but it would surely be worth the effort!” (David Sims) [E] Bouquet Made of Letters “Kristin made this beautiful bouquet from letters her husband Michael sent her throughout their courtship. Very special.” (David Sims)

E

© Abraham Rowe Photography

© Kerry Brooks Photography

D

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scene

Louise Reynolds and Lee Boyles Fran McFall, Sarah Thiemenge, and Ruth VonSaurma Jack Elam and David McDowell Ken and Pam Watters

Missy and Ginny Bouldin Jeannie Thomas and Jamie Wilson

Ken Watters Charles Vaughn and Karen Corp

Above: Pam Watters Artist Reception NOVEMBER 7, 2013 HARRISON BROTHERS HARDWARE, HUNTSVILLE

Below: Tie the Ribbons for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Research OCTOBER 24, 2013  JACKSON CENTER , HUNTSVILLE

Traci Tyree, Kay Swanson, Emily Hubbard, Cindy Jackson, Dean Mitchell, Emily Paula, and Kelli Pollock

Debbi Nerstad and Susy Thurber

Dorothy Davidson and LaFreeda Jordan

Kerry Fehrenbach, Deborah Ellis, Jennifer Kaplan, and Christie Swanner

Seated: Stacy Hill, Susan Stevens, and Mary Dominguez; Standing: Amber Flanagan, Megan Gentry, Joseph Kelly, and Mandy Phelps

Jodi Stephens and Pennie Keene

* Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.

Linda Finnell, Lynn Herrin, Liz Herrin, Betsy Lowe, Lynn Jones, Nancy Davis, and Brenda Titus

Betsy Estopinal, Ana Byrne, and Wendy Yang

Béla Fleck Banjo Concerto Saturday, January 11, 7:30 p.m.

Join the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra for something a little different — and a whole lot of fun!

Soaring Melodies Saturday, February 1, 7:30 p.m.

Brass Attack Sunday, February 2, 3:30 p.m.

Valentine’s Day The Music of ABBA Friday, February 14, 7:30 p.m.

Pixar in Concert Saturday, January 18, 7:00 p.m.

(Early start for families)

Tickets: 256-539-4818 or www.hso.org

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“Nydia”

by Adrián Villeta

Adrián Villeta a Fine Art Romance TEXT BY L AURA ANDERS LEE » PHOTOS BY ADRIÁN VILLETA PORTRAIT OF CHRISTOPHER MADKOUR BY PATRICK HOOD

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“For this year, we sat down and decided what is new and what is fresh for Alabama. We’ve reached out to the Met, the Guggenheim, and the Dallas Museum of Art to borrow pieces from their permanent collections.”

—Christopher Madkour Executive Director Huntsville Museum of Art

“Sonia”

by Adrián Villeta

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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Huntsville Museum of Art is exhibiting the enchanting works of Puerto Rican romantic artist Adrián Villeta, sure to win the hearts of North Alabamians.

Villeta considers himself more portrait artist than photographer. He studied at the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C., and over his 30-year career, his work has been part of many important private collections and exhibits.

“Villeta is not just the man behind the lens,” says Christopher Madkour, executive director of the Huntsville Museum of Art. “He creates every concept, every detail, and brings it to life.”

Villeta’s work is a labor of love. He first seeks out the perfect setting which serves as the canvas for his work. With the help of a floral designer, he embellishes the scene. Then he takes his subject, applying her makeup and dressing her in a couture gown and vintage jewelry, and waits for the perfect moment. Click. The shutter drops.

Once the scene is captured, Villeta prints the image on black and white fiber paper in sepia tones, and he hand paints the photograph in oil, accentuating the femininity of his subjects and creating a soft, romantic quality that is almost dream-like.

“In my work, I combine painting and photography to create a romantic vision that captures the grace and elegance of a bygone era, while celebrating the modern virtues of strength, independence, and self-confidence of my subjects,” Villeta remarks.

The exhibit is curated by designer and artist Gloria Vanderbilt, Christopher’s boss prior to his moving to Huntsville.

“I’ve known Gloria for 18 years and I worked, really delved into her work, for three years as her curator,” Christopher says. “I am thrilled I can bring some of my connections and contacts to Alabama.”

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Gloria Vanderbilt hosted a fund-raiser for the Huntsville Museum of Art in New York in 2012, and it was there that Christopher was introduced to Villeta and decided to bring his works to Huntsville.

“Gloria has gone through his portfolio and selected the pieces that best represent his style as an artist,” Christopher says. “For the exhibit, we narrowed it down to 30 pieces, both hand-colored photographs and sepia-toned photographs. They have this wonderful, old-world feel of elegance to them.”

Christopher says that the recession of recent years has forced the Huntsville museum and others around the country to take more control of their exhibits, relying less on the traveling shows that are both expensive and time-restrictive.

“For this year, we are curating all the shows here at the Huntsville Museum of Art,” he says. “We sat down and decided what is new and what is fresh for Alabama. We’ve reached out to the Met, the Guggenheim, and the Dallas Museum of Art to borrow pieces from their permanent collections. I’m also excited in May to be bringing in another artist, Janet Fish, who is one of America’s leading female artists working today.”

Self portrait by Adrián Villeta

Christopher took the job as executive director of the Huntsville Museum of Art nearly three years ago, after living in New York and Vermont and studying Islamic art and architecture at American University in Cairo, Egypt. He has worked in museum administration for 30 years.

“One of the major reasons I accepted this job was not just that Huntsville had a stellar art museum with a new expanChristopher Madkour sion of six galleries, it had a driving force of culture with the Broadway Theatre League, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Huntsville Community Theatre, the Botanical Gardens, and others,” he says. “To a museum administrator to be successful in the museum world, 80 percent of the time is making sure you have the support of the community. I knew there was a cultural anchor here. We are very blessed as a city of our size to have the cultural resources we do.”

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“In my work, I combine painting and photography to create a romantic vision that captures the grace and elegance of a bygone era.”

—Adrián Villeta

“Flora”

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The exhibit will run from February 2 to May 4 following a preview event on February 1 to introduce Villeta, along with his family and friends from Puerto Rico, to the Huntsville community. Patrons to the museum will also have the opportunity to see one of Villeta’s magical scenes first-hand.

“They will be creating this tableau designed by his floral designer inside the museum next to the photographs,” Christopher says. “They are very secretive about what they are doing and very excited about the opening.”

To correspond with the exhibit, the museum’s education department will offer a Drop In and Create event where children can hand paint photographs.

Christopher hopes one of the paintings, which are typically around two feet by three feet, will feature one Villeta did of Gloria while she was in Puerto Rico.

“Let yourself be drawn into these images where you will find the heart of Adrián Villeta,” says Vanderbilt of the exhibit, “and in so doing, discover a magical world—a kingdom heralding not only the beauty of men and women but revealing their most cherished hopes and dreams. And in so doing, perhaps discover secrets about yourself.”

For more information on the exhibit, please turn to page 10 in our Calendar of Events.

Portrait of Gloria Vanderbilt

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“The Baron”

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market » Claire Stewart » Photos by Danny Mitchell 1818 Farms Wedding Cake Shea Creme ($14) The Cupboard (256) 686-4500

For the Bridesmaids Lilly Pulitzer Clutch ($88) Pink Pelican (256) 882-1433 Lululemon Forme Jacket ($108) Pure Barre (256) 655-1544 Gruet Brut Rosé ($17.99) The Wine Cellar (256) 489-9463

Necklace and Earring Set ($21.50) Twiggie’s Boutique (256) 335-2213 Savannah Bee Travel Kit ($25) Harrison Brothers Hardware (256) 536-3631

Leopard Purse ($39.99) J Whitener Boutique (256) 885-2006

Capri Blue Candle ($21) Twiggie’s Boutique (256) 335-2213

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Pearl Earrings ($50 Grey, $100 White) Jamie Hood Jewelers (256) 686-2852

Imari Patterned Bracelets ($11.99) Josie’s at Burritt on the Mountain (256) 536-2882

Embroidered Bags ($19.95) Portobello (256) 489-9286

Initial Necklaces ($18) J Whitener Boutique (256) 885-2006

Redken Super Hold Hairsprays ($17, $20) Neomode Salon (256) 881-2364

David Yurman Amethyst and Topaz Bangle Sets ($375 each) Loring & Co. (256) 880-1909

Doeskin Microfiber Robe($100) Terrame (256) 319-3003

Tocca Parfum Viaggio ($47) Finery (256) 429-3429 J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2014 | NOALAPRESS . COM | 97

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market » Claire Stewart » Photos by Danny Mitchell

Kerastase Men’s Energizing Effect Shampoo ($34) Kerastase Men’s Densifying Effect Spray ($35) Kerastase Men’s Capital Force Gel ($32) Terrame (256) 319-3003

Pocket Watch ($46) Harrison Brothers Hardware (256) 536-3631

For theGroomsmen

Tie Frames ($37.95, $46.95) Portobello (256) 489-9286

State Traditions Cufflinks ($45) Pelican Joe’s (256) 517-8252

Woodford Reserve Bitters ($20.15 each) The Cupboard (256) 686-4500

Kershaw Knife ($89.95) Alabama Outdoors (256) 885-3561

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Glass Beer Stein ($10) Mint Julep Market (256) 270-9611

Burly 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($57.99) The Wine Celler (256) 489-9463

Billy Reid Handkerchiefs ($25, $36) Status (256) 585-2232

Pulsar Watch ($175) Jamie Hood Jewelers (256) 686-2852

Brackish Feather Bow Ties (Range from $125-$175 each) Finery (256) 429-3429

Men’s Tie Toiletry Bags ($17) Mint Julep Market (256) 270-9611

Shinola 41mm Runwell on Cordova Leather ($625) Loring & Co. (256) 880-1909

Granite Man Coasters ($42/set of 4) Little Green Store (256) 539-9699

Turtle Shell Wireless Water Resistant Boombox ($129.95) Alabama Outdoors (256) 885-3561 J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2014 | NOALAPRESS . COM | 99

TEXT BY CLAIRE STEWART AND DAVID SIMS

© Simply Bloom Photography

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Other than the toasts and the bouquet toss, it’s one of the high points of the wedding reception.

The Ancient Romans thought the breaking of the wedding bread brought fertility. In Medieval England, cakes were stacked as high as possible for the newlywed couple to kiss over, signifying prosperity.

And during the 17th century, it was believed that sleeping with a piece of wedding cake under your pillow would make you dream of your future spouse. No matter your superstitions, it is easy to see that wedding cakes have been very significant throughout history.

© Simply Bloom Photography

We’re highlighting some beautiful cakes that represent unique trends, from color to concept.

Maybe there’s a cake here that will fit your style perfectly or inspire you to make a unique statement at your celebration.

MULTIPLICATION TABLES Several cakes in various shapes, sizes, and textures are united by one color in varying shades— presenting the perfect opportunity to experiment with different flavors and combining the tastes of the bride and groom in one united presentation. Think of this as a wedding cake buffet.

© White Rabbit Studios

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GIVE ME SOME SUGAR—CAKES

OUT OF THE BOX Chocolate, Cheese, Rustic, and Raw—these cakes break away from the traditional, in favor of unabashed, highlighting the couple’s favorite interests and flavors.

© Lauren Tomasella Photography © Sweet Roots Photography

© Spindle Photography

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PETAL POWER Probably the most popular wedding cake is one adorned with flowers or petals. It is both romantic and sentimental and always presents the perfect opportunity to highlight the wedding’s unique color scheme.

© White Rabbit Studios © Taylor Haynie Photography

© White Rabbit Studios

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GIVE ME SOME SUGAR—CAKES

© N'Sight Photography

© Simply Blessed Studios

DON’T FORGET THE GROOM We think the best groom’s cakes are the ones that either honor his interests with a quiet sophistication (think stately college-or fraternity-themed cakes), or ones that are noholds-barred, irreverent and funny (think red velvet armadillo cake from Steel Magnolias).

© White Rabbit Studios

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the vine » Amy Collins “Technically and legally speaking, only sparkling wine made in the region of Champagne can be called ‘Champagne.’”

BUBBLES SPARKLING WINE IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL CELEBRATORY QUAFF, LADEN WITH INNUENDO AND EXPECTATION. We toast to the New Year, the new job, the newlyweds, and the long-haulers. Bubbles have a way of making us wake up and feel alive, refreshed. It makes us giddy and friendly, and the sensuality it invokes seems to promise memories in the making.

Some of my fondest bubbly wine memories are demonstrations of what not to do; a collegiate Korbel New Year’s that ended with an epic hangover; sabering practice with butter knives off the back of my aunt’s deck, resulting not with a clean swipe and expert removal of the bottle’s top, but with most of the wine poured out, wasted, and hunks of ragged glass shot into the Georgia woods; a wayward cork bouncing off the ceiling and two walls before landing beneath the table where Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman waited patiently for me, their red-faced server, to pour the wine into their glasses. There are ‘right’ memories, too, like drinking Cava from a porrón in Penedès, Spain, at 10 in the morning, and a recent bottle of 1996 Dom Pérignon shared with new friends. The Dom was nutty and delicate, with nuances that made me want to savor every sip, yet rush to the next one, not wanting the sensation to end. It was the kind of wine that reminds a person why she loves wine.

Missteps and romance aside, when it comes to sparkling wine, there’s a lot to know and a long list of intimidating factors. I hope some of these tips will help simplify the options and turn you on to something new and delicious.

All sparkling wines begin as still wine, called the base wine. Sugar and yeast are then added to start a second fermentation, the primary byproduct being carbon dioxide (aka bubbles). This happens in the bottle or in a fermentation tank. The other way to make bubbly wine is by injecting a still wine with carbon dioxide, the way soda is made. This is super cheap, low brow, and guaranteed to ruin the next day. You can tell a wine is made by the second method when the bubbles are big, dissipate within a few seconds, and costs less than the drive-thru. Alternatively, the tinier the bubbles, the higher quality the wine.

Champagne is the archetypal sparkling wine. Technically and legally speaking, only sparkling wine made in the region of Champagne can be called “Champagne.” Look for labels reading “Brut” or “Brut Nature” for the driest wines.

Crémant or mousseaux are sparkling wines made in France outside Champagne.

These wines can often be better values than traditional Champagnes.

Grower Champagne is tops. Most Champagnes are made with grapes bought from several different growers across the region. A Grower Champagne is made with grapes grown by the producer from estate-owned vineyards. This is akin to buying produce from your local farmer’s market.

NV stands for non-vintage and is the norm for sparkling wines, especially Champagne. Most are made from a blend of vintages in effort to maintain a consistent “house style.” Vintage Champagnes are only made in the very best years, typically three or four per decade.

Blanc de Blanc and Blanc de Noir indicate a wine made from only white grapes, or only red grapes.

Cava is Spain’s national sparkling wine. Usually dry and much less expensive than Champagne. Look for the small, familyowned labels.

Prosecco is the most popular Italian sparkler in the U.S. They range in style from very dry and elegant, which is rare, to creamy and off-dry, which is more common. Like Cava, Prosecco can be a good value.

New World sparkling wines are made from a variety of grapes in a variety of styles and countries, including the United States, Australia, and Argentina. Be curious, explore the options.

When opening a bottle of sparkling, try to avoid the clichéd “pop,” which too often ends in loss of wine. Throw a dish towel or cloth napkin over the cork and twist slowly. As the cork begins to move, angle it by pulling the cork slightly toward your body and easing it out of the bottle so that it releases a quiet hiss.

Each of the selections below are available at fine wine shops in North Alabama.

Beginner’s Sipper (Under $20) Raventos I Blanc Cava, Spain—Classic Cava with an approachable flavor profile, good with food and for toasting. Great reception pick.

Knows Just Enough to Make Trouble ($20-$35) Champagne Lallier, France—a little brioche, a little apricot, a beautiful, elegant composure. Think rehearsal dinner toast.

High Roller’s Cuvée ($50+) Dom Pérignon 2004, France—One of the premier Champagnes on the market, a near-perfect demonstration of what Champagne should be. For the bride and groom.

Follow Amy at www.pigandvine.com for more stories and wine suggestions.

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food for thought » Sarah Gaede

A THOUSAND WAYS TO PLEASE A HUSBAND THE MOMENT I HEARD MY DAUGHTER MARTHA WAS ENGAGED TO BE MARRIED, I sent her a reprint of A Thousand Ways to Please a Husband, With Bettina’s Best Recipes. It’s the perfect gift for every bride-to-be, although Martha’s intended was mightily disappointed when he learned it was only a cookbook.

But not just any cookbook. The original, by Louise Bennett Weaver and Helen Cowles LeCron, was published in 1917. I’m proud to own one, courtesy of my friend who passed his mother’s down to me. It offers vignettes with appropriate menus detailing Bettina and Bob’s first year of marriage, beginning with the hot and dusty travelers returning from their honeymoon to their cozy little house, already set up by Bettina, the überhousekeeper. No dinner in a hotel for them! And no taxi ride, either. The streetcar is just fine. As Bettina admonishes Bob, “Our extravagant days are over, and the time has come to show you that Bettina knows how to keep house. Now that you have to pay my bills, Bob, you’ll be glad I know these things!” Bettina turns to her emergency shelf and rustles up Creamed Tuna on Toast Strips, Canned Peas with Butter Sauce, Rolls with Butter and Strawberry Preserves, and Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows.

We follow Bettina through the year, with accounts of such events as Bettina’s First Guest, Bob Makes Peanut Fudge, Buying a Refrigerator (literally an ice box), celebrations of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Washington’s Birthday (thin bread and butter sandwiches cut in hatchet shapes, cherry ice, and tiny gilt hatchets stuck in treetrunks of fondant rolled in coconut and toasted brown), a suffragette porch party, and numerous bridal showers and wedding feasts.

I found a hilarious piece on Bettina in the Paris Review online, written by Sadie Stein. I’ve read Bettina from cover to cover three or four times. Sadie took it upon herself when she was 19 to cook her way through Bettina—not as satisfying an outcome as Julie Powell’s

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year-long marathon through Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. She writes: “‘Bettina’s Best Recipes’ would be enough to send Alice Waters [the mother of the locavore and seasonal food movement] into paroxysms of terror and pain,” filled as it is with canned and out-of-season ingredients, especially pimentos.

Bettina, starting out their first night at home as she means to go on, continues to lecture Bob on the superiority of her own housekeeping, and, Stein observes, to make all her friends feel inadequate—sort of a precursor to Martha Stewart. Stein writes: “After only a few dinners in her company, the reader is prepared to reveal state secrets of a sensitive nature rather than listen to a single additional lecture on the economic marvel that is the fireless cooker.”

Bettina was evangelical about the fireless cooker, a precursor of the Crockpot. It allowed a busy housewife to go about her day, confident that her hard-working husband would have a hot meal when he arrived home in the evening. As Bob exclaimed, “Well, that cooker was the neatest, stiffest-looking thing in the kitchen! I didn’t dream that it was busily cooking a dinner.”

Although I couldn’t bring myself to inflict an original Bettina recipe on my husband or my dear readers, I believe this recipe would certainly have met her approval. Knowing Bob as I do from my multiple readings of Bettina, he would have gobbled it up and asked for more—Bettina’s portion control tended towards the meager. Minute Tapioca was available in 1917, and was used for pudding and to thicken fruit pies. In this recipe, it serves as a gluten-free alternative to flour.

Slow Cooked Beef Stew • 4 pounds boneless chuck roast, trimmed of fat and cut in 1-inch chunks • 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice • 6 large carrots (1 pound) peeled and cut in large chunks • 4 medium yellow onions, peeled and quartered • 6 ribs celery, cut in large chunks • 2 large cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup Minute Tapioca • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 tablespoon salt • 2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram or oregano • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary • 1 cup hearty red wine • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine all ingredients except parsley in a large bowl. Place in a heavy ovenproof Dutch oven. Cook covered 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Stir in parsley right before serving. Serve with noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Serves 6-8; freezes well.

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scene

2013 Symphony Ball Committee

Dr. Mark and Katie Darden

Mr. Jerry Byrom, Jr., and Betsy Byrom

Dr. Peter and Kristyn Wilson

Mr. Mike and Caitlyn Tepool Dr. William and Carlie Chapman

Above: Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild’s 50th Annual Symphony Ball NOVEMBER 2, 2013  VON BRAUN CENTER , HUNTSVILLE

A.J and Ivy Albert

Mr. Timothy and Shelbie Cole

Dr. Steve Gardner and Ball Chairman Dr. Stacey Gardner

Dr. Robert and Anna Knowling All photos © Mark Jaeger

* Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.

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bless their hearts » Laura Anders Lee

“That was not the ideal start I had pictured in my mind. Of course every bride wants their big day to be perfect.

I was 23 when we got married, and I had high expectations about everything. I’m just thankful Pinterest wasn’t around yet or they would have been even higher.”

AT MY WEDDING, I WAS ONE HOT BRIDE. I don’t mean sexy-hot. I mean hot-hot. It was 90 degrees with 90 percent humidity. After all, it was an outdoor wedding in August in South Alabama. I know, I know. What were we thinking?

Well, for one, it was exactly one week before college football season. We didn’t want our guests distracted from our event with big plays and scores, and my husband Bryan certainly didn’t want to miss an Alabama game. Since we met on a blind date to my very first football game my freshman year, I felt obligated to keep that reverent.

VOW TO BE IMPERFECT Two, there is usually a lovely breeze off Mobile Bay on summer nights—just not our wedding night. It had rained twice that day, and the air was completely muggy and perfectly still. We had considered moving the reception to the town hall, but I wanted that authentic, Southern wedding under the oaks. At the reception, my dad and Bryan told all the men to remove their jackets, roll up their sleeves, and get a cool beverage, while our flower girls passed fans out to everyone—before they passed out from the heat.

The temperature wasn’t the only thing that kept our wedding from being perfect.

Our photographer came down with West Nile Virus, we had a beautiful cake with no way to cut it, and my high school science teacher crashed our reception. (I guess she felt running into me in Wal-Mart was practically an invitation. She did, however, bring a crock pot, and I still think of her each time I make pot roast.)

Eventually, everyone just wiped the melted make-up and sweat off their faces, drained their drinks, and got their groove on to the band. My own mother even jumped into the fountain

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(in her gown and all) to cool off—with the encouragement of her sisters and a little libation.

Then came our honeymoon. I had been saving money from my first job, (Bryan was a graduate student in the red), for our trip to Sandals. Upon arrival, our Jamaican shuttle bus driver informed us the resort where I had reserved several months prior was now overbooked. In the lobby of our Plan B resort, when all the honeymooners were herded into the orientation area to learn about group activities like Red Stripe Relay, my eyes filled with tears. “This is not what it was like in the brochure!” (I realize this was a little bratty and definitely a “first-world problem,” but I was a bride for goodness sake!)

But it didn’t take long for us to take advantage of the all-youcan-eat-and-drink perks of an all-inclusive resort, and life was good again. Well, until we left, and Bryan got the Jamaican version of Montezuma’s revenge, just in time for the non air-conditioned Montego Bay airport and flight home. We had been married six days, and “in sickness and in health” was already coming into play. Finally back in the US of A, anxious to get back to our new Huntsville home, our car battery was dead.

That was not the ideal start I had pictured in my mind. Of course every bride wants their big day to be perfect. I was 23 when we got married, and I had high expectations about everything. I’m just thankful Pinterest wasn’t around yet or they would have been even higher.

But now looking back some 10 years later, I can tell you our wedding and our honeymoon are indicative of our life together so far. There have been stressful times, unexpected let-downs, and trivial arguments. We’ve had 10 jobs between us, seven zipcodes, two children, and countless memories. Nothing has been what I’ve expected, but we’ve had the time of our lives.

Today people still come up to me and say, “I will never forget your wedding!” For a minute I’m flattered, until I remember what they’re going to say. “I’ve never been so hot in my life!”

I’m willing to bet your wedding will not be perfect either.

When your drunk relative makes an inappropriate toast; when your bridesmaid faints at the altar; when your new step-daughter throws up in church; when the groom arrives late because the game’s in overtime; when your dad decides your wedding is an ideal place to introduce his new girlfriend (all true stories, but thankfully not all the same wedding), remember those are the things you’ll laugh about later.

During all the planning, prepare yourself for a few things not going your way. Try not to stress over what color the bridesmaids’ toe polish should be or where the mac-n-cheese station should go. Instead, try to focus on the big picture. While your wedding day won’t be perfect, it’s sure to be a day you will never forget.

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parting shot » Kerry Brooks Photography

Mary Catherine Dwyer & Jeffery Huntley, Jr.—May 18, 2013, Creekside Plantation, Mooresville, Alabama 114 | NOALAPRESS.COM | J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2014

Now booking for weddings and special events! www.burrittonthemountain.com 256-536-2882

PHOTOS: Darla Hall, Authentic Photography, 256-651-8479; Liss Sterling, Liss Sterling Photography, 256-520-2167

It’s not too early to begin planning for your wedding at Baron Bluff at Burritt on the Mountain. Come look us over and let us show you how we can help you have an event of a lifetime with a fabulous view—at Burritt.

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