Originally from Albertville, Alabama, Michelle Key and her family moved to the Opelika-Auburn area in 2011 after her husband’s retirement from the U.S. Navy. She is a graduate of Troy University, and she joined the Observer in 2014 as an office administrator before assuming ownership of the newspaper in January 2018.
Steven Stiefel, LIVE Lee Bridal Issue Editor
Steven Stiefel is an award-winning digital photographer and copywriter based in Auburn. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and his master’s degree from Troy University. He is a former publisher of The Times-Journal newspaper in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Anita Stiefel, Key Media LLC Managing Editor
Anita Stiefel joined Key Media in 2023. A native of Fort Payne, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University and completed doctoral studies at the University of Southern Mississippi. She has decades of experience working as a journalist and college educator.
Robert Noles, Photographer
Robert Noles is an award-winning photojournalist who has been with The Observer for more than 10 years. Originally from Tallassee, he is a graduate of Alabama Christian College and Auburn University.
Letter From The Publisher
Weddings always make me cry. It does not matter if I am at a wedding in person for a reallife couple that I know and love or if I am watching a wedding in a movie or television show — I am going to tear up for at least a minute or so.
Joyful moments such as weddings are such wonderful, emotion-filled occasions that it should be no surprise that people often shed a tear or two for the happy couple. It is often a time to reflect upon one’s own life and relationships.
Marriage is a big deal and in my opinion should be treated as such. Couples are making a committment to love and support one another, in both good times and bad. Many times, these vows are being said in front of family
and friends as witnesses.
In today’s world, sometimes it seems that this committment doesn’t even last long enough for the marriage license to be filed with the appropriate legal authority. But for many, like myself and my husband, those words that flow so easy during the ceremony truly do mean a lifelong, until death do us part, committment. For better or worse right?
I have been married for 37 years and I still don’t have all the answers on what makes a marriage last a lifetime. Every couple is different and what works for one, might not work for another.
But here are a few things I have learned from my marriage.
- Make God the head of your relationship and strive to be the
partner He would have you to be.
- Work on making yourself better instead of trying to make your spouse better.
- Don’t make big decisions without discussing them with each other.
- Stand firm in your committment to each other, even when it might be easier to give up.
- Be quick to apologize for mistakes and quick to accept apologies from your spouse. Don’t hold grudges.
- Love each other, even when you might not like each other in the moment.
- Understand that loving your spouse is a decision — not just an uncontrollable feeling. So practice loving each other every day and strive to perfect it in a lifetime together.
Michelle Key | Publisher
Table Of Contents
Repurposings Blooms
Photos contributed by Lilies of the Field
by Heather Ledbetter
Flowers are an integral part of any wedding, but after the festivities are over, what happens to them?
Jenna Buffalo, a local mom with a background in interior decorating, has found a way to give old wedding flowers a new life and bring joy to others. Her mission, Lilies of the Field, is a charity that seeks to provide donated floral arrangements to individuals in assisted living homes, domestic violence shelters, addiction recovery centers and more.
Buffalo said she was inspired by a similar flower ministry based in the Tennessee area. When she moved here from Tennessee, she said she felt a pull to dive into the needs of her community. For a while, her focus was on the Little Red Pantry in downtown Opelika, making sure that it stayed stocked. She organized a lemonade stand for her son to participate in with the intent that all profits from the stand would purchase
food for those in need. She encouraged patrons to bring non-perishable items in exchange for a cup of lemonade. In the midst of this endeavor, the owner of Circles of Colors, a fresh-cut flower farm in Notasulga, offered to donate flowers to the stand.
After that, Buffalo joined forces with Circles of Colors as the first donor to make her vision of flower ministry possible.
Initially, she said she thought 20 to 30 arrangements per week was a reasonable goal. Now, less than a year after its inception, Lilies of the Field finished out the month of May with more than 500 arrangements to donate.
“I have never really liked flowers,” she said, commenting that flower ministry is not what she set out to do with her life. She credits God’s work in her life and in the lives of others for the impact each flower arrangement has made on the
community.
“We pray over each arrangement and ask that God would provide what each recipient needs,” Buffalo said.
She said her goal is to personally visit each person that receives an arrangement.
Buffalo relayed a moment of connection she had during the Mother’s Day season, where a young, single mother reached out to her the day after receiving an arrangement, saying the flowers reminded her of God’s love for her.
“Our mission is to have those moments of connection, not just drop off flowers,” Buffalo said.
Lilies of the Field’s one year anniversary was June 22, 2024.
Within the last year, flower donations from weddings and floral shops have grown. Buffalo said God provided everything the organization has needed
along the way. At this time, Buffalo and her family receive no profits through Lilies of the Field. However, there are multiple ways to support the charity. She said prayer, donations and spreading the mission through word-of-mouth are the primary avenues of support. Jars, teacups, vases, tea pots, ceramic containers or “anything that can hold water and flowers” can be taken to Vapen Jays on Opelika Road or Tiger Town Nutrition on Gateway Drive. Both businesses accept donations of all kinds for Lilies of the Field. Lilies of the Field also has a wish list on Amazon for anyone who wishes to financially support the mission by purchasing specific items, such as bouquet tape and flower food.
To contact Buffalo regarding wedding flower
donations, e-mail jbuffalo1116@gmail.com.
According to research from Rutgers University, 60% of nursing home residents do not receive visitors.
As Lilies of the Field expands, volunteers are welcomed and needed to bring flowers, conversation and cheer to each recipient.
To sign up as a volunteer, visit Lilies of the Field’s Facebook page. Buffalo provides Sign-Up Genius links. She said not every volunteer is outgoing, and that’s okay.
“Some volunteers pick up donated flowers and supplies and don’t do much face-to-face, but we still need those people. Everyone in this world has an impact to make.”
According to a study by Rutgers University, 60% of nursing home residents do not receive any visitors. Lilies of the Field recycles used wedding flowers as volunteers present them to cheer up each recipient.
Blessed with the Dress
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
You could say that Cheryl Trainham was divinely inspired to purchase Gabrielle’s (Formals and Events) in Opelika.
Despite having no experience at selling prom wear, she said she was felt called by God to pursue an opportunity to buy a formal wear business.
“But it was 2010, and I knew financing would be a little difficult,” she said. “So, my husband, daughter and I prayed about it and ‘I mean, God works fast, because within probably two or three weeks, we were able to purchase the store.”
She decided to rename the store after their youngest daughter, Gabrielle Gallatin who had just graduated from Smiths Station High School.
Trainham said that Gallatin was really excited at the opportunity.
Gallatin is the co-owner and manager of Gabrielle’s.
“We kind of stubbed our toes a little bit — learning by some of the mistakes we made in the beginning,” Trainham said. “But we have been truly blessed with
some phenomenal people that worked along side us, teaching us the ropes.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was an especially difficult time, and Trainham said it was “only by the grace of God” that they were able to remain open.
“We're now, I think, one of the largest formal wear shops in the southeast area, for bridal wear,” Trainham said. “We offer a wide variety of dresses. We do flower girl dresses, mother-of-bride dresses, bridesmaids dresses plus anything else the bride might need. We do tuxedos and wedding suits for the grooms and groomsmen also.
She said that their success has been through prayer. “While looking for a bigger location, we prayed about the need, found our current location and now we also have the room to offer an event space.”
Gabrielle’s features gowns designed by Casablanca, Alyce Paris, House of Wu, and Stella Couture among others. It also carries a lot of plus-size gowns because she said most actual women do not look like the
fashion models featured in magazines.
“The store carry sizes from a triple zero up to a size 40 for those curvier women, ” Trainham said. “We try to help pretty much everybody.
Customer Service
“A success story is leading someone to Christ,” Cheryl Trainham
can just add or take away. Designers are going back to a more vintage look, [with] a lot of lace, a lot of bling tulle with the cathedral veils, which they had kind of quit offering for a little while.
Trainham, Gallatin and their staff back up their strong faith in God by offering “really good customer service.”
Gabrielle’s offers alterations of the dresses and suits as well as referring clients to local vendors who can do the same.
“When [other vendors] get a blessing, we get blessed that our customers are taken care of,” she said. “If we can't help somebody, we call somebody else, because it is all about customer service.”
That service begins with listening to wedding customers as they share what they need.
“We sit down and we talk to them, asking when their wedding is scheduled, what it will look like, whether it is planned for indoors or outdoors, etc. We find out who they are, what they want, what they like, so that we can better serve them. We always feel like they come in as customers and leave as family.
Rentals
Gabrielle’s got into pagent gown rentals as another way to help people. Trainham said she understands that gowns can be prohibitively pricey.
“The dresses are so expensive. There are some little girls who only do one pageant a year. They do it for a fund-raiser for the school or for the band or whatever, and their little friends are in that pageant, and they look beautiful. Renting the gowns helps our customers out. Girls, you know, enjoy having a little Cinderella experience, right? We love it and that part of it’s fun.”
The business also rents (and sales) tuxedos.
Fashion Trends
Changing trends are part of the fabric of fashion. Trainham said she’s seeing gowns go in and out of style while new items regularly get introduced to the market.
“I think this year they are going a lot more bohemian, kind of fairy-ish gowns,” she said. “They are bringing in sleeves a lot more now, and those are the sleeves that you
“We’re seeing shorter veils, and designers are bringing back puff sleeves, which were really popular in the 70s. I think the fashion always kind of comes back around. We have destination wedding gowns, which a lot of people are doing now. More people are getting married outside instead of in a church, so they need more of a Boho-type dress, Bohemian in style.”
Appointment-based
The pandemic led Gabrielle’s to adopt an appointmentbased consulting system, which Trainham said improves the customer service provided.
“Offering appointment-based service has made it much easier to give people help while making sure we’ve actually got the manpower to serve them,” she said. “Trying on gowns is usually not a run-in and run-out quickly sort of task. Trying on different dresses to find the best one for a particular figure can be a lengthy process.”
Measure of success
Trainham said she tends to measure success a bit differently than other wedding vendors.
“To me, a success story is leading someone to Christ,” she said. “That's what it's all about. There are people that come in that just don’t really need a dress, they just need a prayer so maybe we end up praying with them.”
Gabrielle’s collaborates with a lot of different area churches and donates gowns for special purposes such as creating dresses for angel babies — babies that are born sleeping or pass away soon after birth.
Gabrielle’s offers more than simply special apparel. They leave guests — strangers, essentially — feeling more like members of the family when the visit ends.
To book an appointment to schedule a consultation, visit www.gabriellesformals.com/contact-us or email gabriellesformals@yahoo.com. They can also be reached at (334) 363-0824. The business is located inside the USA Town Center at 1220 Fox Run Avenue, Suite 106 in Opelika. Gabrielle’s closes on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Sourcing Spirits
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
Planning a wedding can be a complex process. Factoring in alcoholic beverages can be key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable event for all guests.
Aliceson LeCroy, the owner of the Tipsy Tiger Bartending service, shared some key considerations for booking bartenders and managing an open bar. She opened her Auburn-Opelika mobile bartending truck a couple of years ago.
“I was actually bartending for another company and I stopped, so I had my normal people that I usually do mostly football parties for, who contacted me and asked if I could return,” LeCroy said. “They said, ‘We know you no longer bartend for that company, but can you, like, maybe think about coming and just doing it?’”
Eventually, LeCroy said she decided to go ahead and just open up her own business.
Most of the couples whose weddings she serves opt to have open bars serving alcohol to their guests.
“Most of them do offer beer, wine and then they usually have a central cocktail
or two,” LeCroy said.
Tipsy Tiger includes LeCroy and four other bartenders. The set-up includes a portable unit with the alcohol taps and bottles, plus chairs for guests to get comfortable sitting. Tipsy Tiger can fit into a variety of settings where the catering is done independently.
“We can go to venues where there’s already a bar or we have this pop-up stand behind bar to offer options,” LeCroy said.
As far as advice for couples looking to get married, LeCroy said, “Go ahead and book your bartenders now because we are already booking events for 2025 and 2026.”
Planning a wedding can be a complex process, but there are some key considerations for booking bartenders and managing an open bar to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event for all guests.
Number of Bartenders: A general rule of thumb is to have one bartender for every 50 guests. This helps ensure that guests are served promptly and
reduces wait times.
Professional Services: Hire professional bartenders through a reputable service. They are experienced in handling large events and can manage various drink requests efficiently.
Specialty Cocktails: Discuss with your bartenders if you want to offer specialty cocktails. They can help create a unique drink menu that reflects the couple’s tastes and the wedding theme.
Experience with Weddings: Ensure the bartenders have experience with weddings. They should be able to handle the pace and understand the flow of a wedding reception.
Open Bar Considerations
Budget: An open bar can be one of the largest expenses at a wedding. Determine your budget early and discuss with your caterer or venue what packages are available. Some venues offer a flat rate per guest, while others charge based on consumption.
Tipsy Tiger’s top option includes two bartenders serving a full bar including
Photos by Steven Stiefel
Aliceson LeCroy, of Tipsy Tiger Bartending offers her own mobile pop-up bar with chairs available to help guests feel comfortable.
two signature cocktails from the pop-up bar for $1,000. Setting up the bar an hour before start time and breaking down for the clean-up crew does not count toward this.
Types of Alcohol: Decide whether you want a full open bar (including liquor, wine and beer), a limited bar (just wine and beer) or something in between. A full bar offers more variety but is more expensive.
Duration: Consider limiting the open bar to certain hours, such as during the cocktail hour and after dinner. This can help control costs.
Safety and Liability: Ensure the bartenders are trained to handle guests
responsibly. They should be prepared to cut off guests who appear intoxicated. Also, check if your venue requires event insurance that covers alcohol-related incidents. “I have the right to refuse service due to intoxication level, even though guests supply the alcohol,” LeCroy said. “This is for the safety of your guest and to keep my license and insurance.”
Non-Alcoholic Options: Provide a variety of non-alcoholic drinks for guests who don’t drink alcohol. This can include mocktails, sparkling water and soft drinks.
Tipping: Clarify with your bartending service whether tips are included in the contract or if a tip jar will be placed at
the bar. Some couples prefer to prepay the tips to avoid guests feeling obligated to tip.
Creating a welcoming environment for guests who do NOT drink alcohol is essential for ensuring everyone enjoys your wedding celebration. Here are some key considerations to make the bar more inclusive and enjoyable for all guests: Consider setting up a separate nonalcoholic beverage station to help ensure that non-drinkers have easy access to their preferred drinks without having to navigate through guests ordering alcoholic drinks. Clearly label all nonalcoholic options, possibly creating a menu board or signage that highlights the available mocktails and other nonalcoholic drinks.
Mocktails can be designed to match the theme or color scheme of your wedding and provide a festive alternative to alcoholic beverages. Weddings should also provide a variety of soft drinks, including popular sodas, sparkling water, flavored water and tonic water. Also great to offer are a range of fresh fruit juices, such as orange, apple, cranberry and grapefruit juice. Brides and grooms may consider having a station with different types of iced teas and lemonades, possibly with options for guests to add fresh fruit or herbs. If your wedding is during cooler months or in the evening, guests may appreciate you providing hot beverage options like coffee, tea, hot chocolate and specialty teas.
A stylish presentation of non-alcoholic beverages in an appealing way (using attractive glassware, garnishes and beverage dispensers) can make these drinks look just as special as the alcoholic ones.
During warmer months, consider placing water stations throughout the
LeCroy consults potential clients on how to go about setting up bartenders and deciding whether to offer signature cocktails.
Remember:
Not everyone consumes alcohol, so your bartender should offer some stylish non-alcoholic drinks to satisfy all of your guests.
venue. Offer infused water with fruits, herbs or cucumbers for a refreshing twist.
Toasting the couple is a key part of most weddings, so don’t forget to make these as inclusive as well, ensuring that non-alcoholic options are available for toasts. Sparkling water, non-alcoholic champagne, or a special mocktail can be used so everyone can participate. Offering a wide range of options ensures that everyone finds something they enjoy.
Be mindful of cultural or religious practices that may influence guests’ choices regarding alcohol. Providing non-alcoholic alternatives shows respect for these practices. Encourage bartenders
to engage with all guests, offering suggestions for non-alcoholic drinks and making sure non-drinkers feel included in the bar experience.
By taking these considerations into account, you can create a welcoming and inclusive bar experience that caters to all your guests, ensuring everyone has a memorable and enjoyable time at your wedding.
Final Tips
Plan Ahead: Book your bartenders and finalize your drink menu well in advance. This gives you time to adjust based on guest preferences and budget.
Communicate: Make sure all details are clearly communicated to your bartenders and venue. This includes the schedule, special requests and any specific instructions you have.
With careful planning and communication, you can ensure that the bar service at your wedding will be a highlight of the celebration. To learn more about Tipsy Tiger Bartending, contact LeCroy at (334) 740-6636 or by emailing her at tipsytiger92@gmail.com.
Finding a top-tier cake baker
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
When looking for a baker to make a wedding cake, couples should consider several factors to ensure they get the perfect cake for their special day. Here are some key considerations:
Reputation and Reviews: Research the baker’s reputation by reading online reviews, checking social media and asking
for references. Look for consistent positive feedback and satisfaction from previous clients.
Portfolio: Review the baker’s portfolio to see examples of their work. This will give you an idea of their style, creativity and skill level.
Tasting and Consultation: Schedule a tasting session to sample different cake
flavors and fillings. This also allows you to discuss your vision and preferences with the baker.
Customization and Design: Ensure the baker can create a custom design that matches your wedding theme, colors and personal preferences. Discuss any specific design elements, decorations and cake toppers you have in mind.
Photos contributed by JoAnn Hollingsworth
Research a baker’s reputation by reading online reviews, checking social media and asking them to provide references. Look for consistent positive feedback and satisfaction from the baker’s previous clients. Unhappy clients eagerly post their gripes, but delighted couples need motivation to praise.
Dietary Restrictions and Allergies: Check if the baker can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, such as gluten-free, vegan or nut-free options.
Pricing and Budget: Get a detailed quote that includes all costs, such as the cake itself, delivery, setup and any additional decorations. Ensure it fits within your budget and ask about payment plans or deposits.
Delivery and Setup: Confirm if the baker provides delivery and setup services on the wedding day. Ensure they have experience in safely transporting and assembling wedding cakes.
Availability: Verify the baker’s availability on your wedding date. It’s essential to book well in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons.
Contract and Policies: Read the contract thoroughly, paying attention to policies on
deposits, cancellations, changes and refunds. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions.
Communication and Responsiveness: Choose a baker who communicates clearly and responds promptly to your inquiries. Good communication is key to ensuring your vision is understood and executed.
Taste and Quality: Ultimately, the taste and quality of the cake are crucial.
Ensure the baker uses high-quality ingredients and delivers a cake that is not only beautiful but also delicious.
By considering these factors, couples can find a skilled and reliable baker to create a wedding cake that perfectly complements their special day.
JoAnn Hollingsworth is a professional baker who works out of The Galley on
McCoy Street in Opelika, a shared use commissary kitchen.
There, she creates beautifully decorated wedding cakes, groom cakes and any kind of deserts, such as tiramisu, pies, cheesecakes, banana pudding, bread pudding, petit fours and so forth.
“My advice is to have an idea of type of cakes, groom cakes, long before time of the wedding and to make contact with vendors early, as they may be booked or on vacation on that date,” Hollingsworth said.
“Also, a good reputable, professional baker is meticulous with their work, so cheaper less experienced bakers may have a leaning tower of cake. Ask about deposits to reserve a date on their schedule early.”
To contact Hollingsworth, call (334) 7507832 or email dentaljo91@icloud.com.
Creating a legacy through photography
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
Photography has gone through revolutionary changes in recent years — including the use of artificial intelligence, compact smartphones and use of colored filters for the “Instagram effect” — but the best look for weddings remains “timeless” according to Auburn professional photographer Cody Allen of Love & Legacy Studios.
“I definitely think, especially when it comes to photo editing, that more timeless look is going to serve the couples better,” he said. “Because with trends, like doing a super bright or super orange or any kind of photo filter, you’re going to instantly be able to tell what your photos would take and it really dates it. I do a more timeless approach with my photography, just kind of getting to know
the couple, capturing who they are.
“Photojournalism style is what every couple wants. They want the candid moments. Let’s just tell a story.”
Allen said it makes sense from a logistical angle to arrange a “first look” moment before the ceremony.
“It needs to be done for the efficiency of the day,” Allen said. “Just so you can plan it better and have more time to rest. You can go ahead and get the nerves out of the way. I always suggest doing the ‘first look’ if the groom is a little nervous about showing his emotions in front of 200 or 300 guests at a wedding. The couple, according to their values, can find a traditional way of just seeing the bride come down the aisle. You are showcasing those emotions in front of 300 people. If
a couple is okay with it, I say go for it.” Allen tells his clients that “wedding photography is about more than just a shot list. It’s a relationship so that I know who and what are the most important to you on your big day.”
Contemporary wedding photography trends focus on capturing the authenticity and emotions of the special day.
Here are some of the most popular trends in wedding photography for 2025:
Candid and Documentary Style
Candid Shots: Many photographers are moving away from traditional posed images and focusing on capturing genuine candid moments. This style emphasizes spontaneous expressions, natural
Images courtesy of Love & Legacy Studios
interactions and genuine emotions.
Documentary Approach: This trend involves telling the story of the wedding day as it unfolds, capturing the little details and candid moments that make the day unique.
“Photojournalism style is what every couple wants” Allen said. “They want the candid moments. Let’s just tell a story.”
Drone Photography
Drones are being used to capture breathtaking aerial views of the wedding venue, ceremony and reception. These shots provide a unique perspective and can highlight the beauty of the location.
Editorial and Fine Art Style
Editorial Style: Inspired by fashion magazines, this style focuses on creating stylish, high-fashion images with a touch of glamour. It often involves creative poses, dramatic lighting and carefully curated details.
Fine Art Photography: This trend emphasizes artistic composition, soft lighting and a timeless aesthetic. Photographers often use film or film-inspired editing to achieve a classic, elegant look.
Cinematic Videography
Cinematic Videos: Wedding videos are becoming more like short films, with professional editing, storytelling elements and high-quality production values. These videos capture the essence of the day in a compelling and emotional way. Allen pairs with his videographer Rico in this regard.
Personalized and Themed Shoots
Personalized Sessions: Couples are incorporating their personalities, hobbies and interests into their wedding photos. This can include themed shoots, incorporating pets or using unique locations that are meaningful to the couple.
Adventure Elopements: For couples who opt for destination weddings or elopements, adventure photography is on the rise. Photographers capture couples in stunning natural landscapes, creating dramatic and adventurous images.
Black and White Photography
Classic black and white photography is making a comeback. These images highlight emotion, texture and timelessness, providing a beautiful contrast to colorful wedding photos.
Creative Use of Lighting
Natural Light: Many photographers prefer using natural light to create soft, romantic images. This trend emphasizes the use of outdoor settings and minimal artificial lighting.
Night Shots: Capturing nighttime shots with creative lighting, such as sparklers, fairy lights and lanterns, adds a magical and ethereal quality to wedding photos.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Weddings
Eco-Conscious Photography: As more couples opt
for sustainable weddings, photographers are also adopting eco-friendly practices. This includes using digital platforms for sharing photos, minimizing waste and supporting environmentally conscious venues.
Instant Sharing and Social Media
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have transformed how photographs are shared and consumed. Professional photographers now focus on creating content that is visually appealing and easily shareable, often in the moment. Powerful mobile apps now enable even non-professional photographers to share high-quality images directly from their smartphones, making the editing process more convenient.
Instant Photos: Photographers are providing same-day edits or instant photos for couples to share on social media. This trend caters to the immediacy of today’s digital age and allows couples to share their special moments in real-time.
Social Media Integration: Creating Instagram-worthy shots and using wedding hashtags has become a significant trend. Photographers focus on capturing images that are perfect for sharing on social media platforms.
By embracing these contemporary trends, wedding photographers and guests with smartphones can offer a diverse and personalized experience while capturing the essence of the couple’s special day in a modern and memorable way. To learn more about Love & Legacy Studios, email cody@lovelegacystudios.com or call Allen at (334) 672-1876.
Photo booths like the one pictured, offer guests the opportunity to take candid photos during events.
Memories enjoyed again and again
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
Wedding days contain some of our most memorable moments. Video recording can help to make your special day even more enjoyable, again and again.
Videographer Micah Messer of Smiths Station, Alabama, is a professional videographer with years of experience capturing wedding footage. He said budget is key to arranging coverage of one’s wedding day.
“When shopping for videographers, you first need to determine what budget you have,” Messer said. “A lot of the higher-end videographers may not be in your budget if you go for a high-end photographer; but it all depends on how much you are going to spend on your wedding. Once you have determined what you can spend, start the search.”
He said he recommends looking at recent friends and family who have gotten married and using Google or websites such as Wedding Wire or the Knot to search for local providers.
“Get quotes from all of the vendors in your budget range and watch several of their videos and see if their style matches what you are looking for,” he said.
“Must capture moments” include both the bride and groom
getting ready, buttoning or zipping of the dress, first look if they have one, the entire ceremony, first dances, cutting of the cakes, any toasts and, of course, the exit.
Speaking of “first look” events (when the couple arranges for a private unveiling at a time other than their actual ceremony), Messer said he has no issue with someone who wants to do the traditional way and wait for the ceremony to see each other.
“However, if they are okay with not doing that, there are several advantages including allowing that time to be more private, doing most, if not all, photographs before the ceremony thus allowing the bride and groom to have a private dinner before arriving at the reception,” he said.
Messer said he and his wife average about three to four weeks for a highlight reel and four to six weeks for a feature (10 to 15 minutes, paired with music and captured words, typically shared only with the couple and their close family).
“Depending on the workload of the videographer, it will vary greatly,” he said. “We have found we are a little faster than most.”
Putting together the best type of layout can include deciding
Photos contributed by Micah Messer
what not to recall later.
“We traditionally do not use embarrassing moments in our footage, but depending on how the bride and the groom are, they may be used if it is for comedic affect,” he said.”None of our videos go out to the public without first passing the bride’s approval and that is crucial.”
Messer charges $1,000 for a wedding highlight, $1,500 for a feature, and $2,000 for both together in a package deal. He offers live streaming for $350 and rehearsal dinner coverage for $350.
Last year the Messers videotaped 18 weddings.
“This year we have 13 currently on the books, which will increase as the year progresses,” he said. “If at all possible, we do have a second camera operator. My wife and I do this as a side-job together but occasionally we will have to go to two different weddings the same day and at those times we usually hire second shooters [friends of ours] to help out.”
To learn more about this cinematic video experience, visit www.mmesser.tv.
Brides and grooms to be can also call Messer to discuss capturing their weddings on video at the office at (334) 4683205.
STONE & IVY helps make memories
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
Stone & Ivy opened in June 2023 after the previous building was removed at 2611 Columbus Parkway in Opelika.
Owner and founder Maggie Webb said she worked weddings all through high school and college, so it was not a giant leap for her. She always dreamt of operating an event venue where she could see someone’s fairytale day unfold from start to finish.
“I was a juvenile probation officer and still did weddings on the side, and God opened a bunch of different doors. This is kind of on a dream board for a long time,” Webb said.
The Tuscan-inspired venue has ample space to hold 200+ guests. The facility offers a bridal suite and groom’s room for preparation to walk down the aisle. Vendors have convenient set up with access to a warming kitchen until time to serve.
The lush green space surrounding the venue provides a picturesque setting for your outdoor wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception.
Rates are $300 per hour for 50 chairs and 10 tables. Friday or Sunday packages are $3,500 for 100 chairs
and 10 tables. For weekend access it is $6,000, including rehearsal dinner usage. Additional tables and chairs are available for an additional charge. Sleeping quarters are available for weddings.
To schedule a tour, fill out the contact form on their website at www. stoneandivyopelika.com/contact/ or call (334) 750-2973.
Photo by Steven Stiefel
LIVE with Simplie Kimmie
by Kimmie Bothwell
Today’s couples are looking for that breath of luxe fresh air and an opportunity to showcase their lovestory. Custom live wedding painting of your dream day by Kimmie Bothwell, owner of Simplie Kimmie, bridges that gap.
Your love story or celebration milestone is unique and the painting allows you to weave in many personal details of the day.
Not only will you leave with a custom wedding painting painted on site, live wedding painting becomes a unique experience for guests and sets your wedding apart.
Not only is live wedding ceremony paintings popular, so too are watercolor guest portraits. Guests swoon over handpainted watercolors painted of them at the wedding that they can take home as unique wedding favors.
Bothwell offers a few different packages that can meet your wedding day needs.
“Booking is easy and I would love to talk with you so that we can find which service is best for you. Visit my website simpliekimmieart.com and/ or send me an email to kimlayne7@yahoo.com. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @simpliekimmie.”
Photos contributed by Simplie Kimmie
29, 2023
Hannah Lester & Russell Goldfinger April
Images courtesy of Matthew Kendall
A Day on the Water
by Hannah Goldfinger hgoldfinger@opelikaobserver.com
The day didn’t go as we expected — but it was the day that we got married, and that’s always been more than enough.
Some people would consider that we had a short engagement, other people would consider it long.
For me, it was both.
I was very ready to be married to my fiancé, Russell, but at the same time, we only had six months to plan our wedding.
We also had a lot of responsibilities on our plate at the time, and Russell’s mom had just been diagnosed with cancer.
Despite the short time frame, I really did enjoy planning a wedding. My mom and I shared a Pinterest board, we looked at colors, flowers and venues.
My then-fiance was wonderful — he told me his biggest wish was to have all our friends there — his family — he said.
And so, we did. We didn’t leave hardly anyone off of our guest list. I wanted it to be a party. I wanted dancing and laughing and fun.
We both wanted to honor the Lord during our ceremony.
With these things in mind, we planned our wedding.
We were married on April 29, 2023, at Lake Martin, Alabama. Specifically, ar The Lodge at Cocktail Slough.
One of the hopes I had for our wedding was to be married on the water. And The Lodge at Cocktail Slough provided this, exactly. We had a beautiful view of the water as we were married, a dock to take pictures on, and our guests could enjoy the sunset.
The Lodge at Cocktail Slough also gave my family a place to stay. You see, the venue had 12 guest rooms available, in addition to space for our rehearsal dinner and reception.
So my immediate and extended
family, and Russell’s, got together to stay for a couple of days preceding the wedding.
It was wonderful to have everyone so close and spend time together.
We had help from family setting up chairs, rolling programs and any other odd task they hadn’t expected to help with.
My uncle made a big waffles-and-bacon breakfast for all of us, plus my five bridesmaids and Russell’s nine groomsmen.
We had a semi-untraditional wedding. We had an odd number of bridesmaids and groomsmen; they stood mixed on either side. I didn’t have a maid-of-honor. We prioritized sharing the gospel during our ceremony; we had two talented friends sing worship and we took communion together.
Russell’s dream came true and we had all the people important to us together, including his mom who would pass from cancer two weeks later. What a blessing the Lord gave us in that.
My dreams came true in that our friends danced so hard that they asked to stay, even after we had left. There were multi-colored glasses and glow sticks all around.
As with any wedding, there were mishaps.
A groomsman had to drop out due to a family emergency, another missed the rehearsal.
Our boat getaway had to be scrapped the day-of.
Rain started pouring down soon after our ceremony.
The DJ played the wrong song while we cut the cake. Etcetera., Etcetera.
But these also led to some of the best memories — we had our first dance in the rain.
Our friends moved the party indoors and we worried they would break the floor with their crazy dancing.
We had a getaway with a friend’s sports car, instead. See, the thing about a wedding is that it’s about marrying the person you love.
It isn’t about the flowers (which I loved, by the way); the music; the photos; the dancing or anything else.
It’s about making a commitment before God to love the person you’ve chosen for the rest of your life.
The rest is a bonus and a blessing.
Our family and friends stood by our side, supported us and loved us. We partied and laughed with them. But most importantly, we committed ourselves to one another — Russell and I.
The Lord brought us together. We’ve chosen to honor Him through our marriage and commit ourselves to one another for life.
That being said, I loved our wedding day too. The sunset on the water, the beautiful colors of my bridesmaids’ dresses, our florist who went above and beyond.
Our florist brought my dreams to life — greenery, flowers, citrus and more. As an avid plant lover, it was more than I could hope for.
Shoutout to Plant Calera.
If you’re planning a wedding, I’d recommend getting organized, keeping lists, making decisions, all the typical things.
But mostly, I’d recommend that you let the small things go. Enjoy your day. Enjoy the planning, even if it means those plans go out the window on the wedding day.
The most important thing is that you’re marrying the person you love!
I love you, Russell.
Wedding Party
Mary Emma Campbell
Hannah Blazer
Kristin Morrison
Marina Krause
Hannah Beebe
Justus Caldwell
Garrison Goddard
Muamir Chang
Thomas Lester
Daniel Doster
Will Tidmore
Andrew Cotton
Drew Porter
Nathan McDonald
Officiant - Mike Campbell
Wedding Vendors
Venue: The Lodge at Cocktail Slough
Dress: Imperial Formal Wear, Birmingham
Plants: Plant Calera, Calera
Photography: Matthew Kendall Photography www.matt-kendall.com
Videographer: Churmell Mitchell
Groom’s and Groomsmen Suits: Men’s
Warehouse
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Catering: Above and Beyond Catering
Wedding Cake: Myrissa Webb
Musicians: Will Tidmore and Janiee Rush
BUILT ON SERVICE
Greg Pettey, Tina Cook, Eddie Smith and Wanda McCaghren represent more than 100 years of banking experience. Working in the two Opelika branches of AuburnBank, they share the kind of financial expertise that our customers have come to expect since our founding in 1907. With strong ties to Opelika, all four give back to their community by volunteering and serving organizations that serve everyone— especially those in need. Opelika City President Eddie Smith says, “There is no greater calling than being in the position to help people.” We wholeheartedly agree. Member FDIC | AuburnBank.com
A Love Story a Decade in the Making
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
Ashared affection for a “hole-inthe-wall bar” eventually led to a beautiful wedding day for one bride and her new husband. Jessica Hawkins explained that her nowhusband Rodney Hawkins used to work at “The Strutting Duck” bar on Wire Road in Auburn.
“He made the best corn nuggets and wings, and I used to love to dance and listen to music there in my jean skirt and boots,” she said. “Since I was only 19 — he was 18 — you might could say we kind of ‘grew up’ into the beginning of adulthood there. I remember he had the cutest smile, and we ran with the same crowd, but were never super close.”
Jessica Mills & Rodney Hawkins October 21, 2023 Images courtesy of Leslie Leanna Photography
Eventually, the bar shut down and the building burned.
“Our old crew reunited to watch it go down in flames, but I couldn’t be there,” she said. “I asked a friend to get me a piece of memorabilia before it was all gone, so of all things, I was given the door. A door I entered so many times for nights of fun I’ll never forget. Not sure what to do with it, I tossed it in my shed.”
That door collected dust for a decade when “the same handsome, cute-smiled fella from the Duck messaged me on Facebook asking if I wanted to catch up,” she said. “After one dinner (on Sept. 1, 2023), I knew he was special. ... Seven months later, we were engaged.”
For their engagement photos, it only seemed fitting to dust off that door and wear her old jean skirt. The groom threw on his best Adam Hood shirt and they returned to their old stomping grounds where it all began. They also had the “Duck Door” at the wedding so their old friends could pose for their own pictures with it.
The Proposal:
Rodney said he intended to plan something to propose to her while she was away on a hike of the Arizona trail, but her trip got cut short and she flew home early, so there was no real plan when he proposed. A week or two after she returned, the couple went on a beach trip. Rodney had already purchased the engagement ring the summer before.
“He had it in his pocket while we went to dinner one night (April 24, 2023,),” Jessica said. “We ended up at the Destin Harbor Walk and were looking at all the boats. I noticed Rodney was acting weird and kept looking around. Then he hugged me and told me he wanted to spend his life with me — I said, ‘yeah, I feel the same way,’ so he kneeled down and said, ‘Well, then will you marry me?’ It was the easiest ‘YES!’”
Wedding Planning:
They initially weren’t in a rush to plan the wedding, but around June they decided they wanted a fall wedding and didn’t want to wait over a year. So, this left about four months to make it happen.
“Sure, it could’ve been less stressful if we had delayed to the following year, but it’s totally possible to pull together a dream wedding in just four months, and we planned everything ourselves,” Jessica said. “I do wish we had hired a wedding planner to help keep things running smoothly on the day of, but our photographer, Leslie Leanna, stepped up and was an amazing help.”
Wedding Vendors
Venue: Stone & Ivy
Florist: The New Blossom Shop
Photographer: Leslie Leanna Photography
Videographer: Rosie V. Nash
Caterer: Kelli Whatley
Cakes: Half Baked By Brandi
Bridal Gown: Bella’s Bridal & Formal
Seamstress: Mary Made It
Dress Cleaner: Downtown Cleaners (Had to purchase the dress off the floor so it was altered and then cleaned)
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair: Kelley Price
Makeup: Robbie Hart
Bride’s Ring: Minh Ngoc Jewelry of Norcross
Groom’s Ring: Ware Jewelers
Musicians: Tony Brook & Yve Mary Barwood
Brook
First Dance Song: “In The Candle Lite” by Tony Brook
Wedding Favors: D’s Bees
Registry: Traveler’s Joy
Bridesmaid: Rebecca Dorsey
Bridesmaid: Ashley Garfield
Junior Bridesmaid: Grayton Hawkins
Flower Girl: Kayden Standifer
Groomsman: Adam Griffin
Groomsman: Bill Levins
Ring Bearer: Fancy Mae (our dog)
Officiant: Gary Fuller
Maid of Honor: Montana Mills
Best Man: Pedro Quinones
The Wedding Party
“Our florist was amazing,” Jessica said. “Very easy to work with, fairly priced, and delivered a quality product at the perfect time. We had little knowledge of flowers, but with just a few questions, she was able to get a feel for our preferences and conjured up wonderful masterpieces with her experience and creativity. Very flexible up to the week of if little changes needed to happen.
“We also received so many compliments on the food. Very grateful for Kelli Whatley’s good cooking. Her bread pudding is to die for and is why we hired her, but she delivered well on the whole meal.”
Wedding Day:
Jessica said she is the more forgetful of the two, so Rodney texted Jessica the day of the wedding to ask her if she had remembered to bring his wedding band to the venue. She laughed and said, “Of course!”
When Rodney arrived to the venue not long before the ceremony, he said he realized he had forgotten Jessica’s ring. He asked his groomsman drive him back home and offered to pay his speeding ticket if he’d just drive fast.
A piece of Jessica’s shoe broke moments before she walked down the aisle, but her mom saved the day by having a hot glue gun on hand.
Guests and Ceremony:
About 100 guests showed up for the event.
“Many were local, but a good amount came from hundreds of miles away,” Jessica said. “Our guest who traveled the farthest was from Maine.”
Reception and Celebration:
Probably aside from the first dance, Jessica said the most touching moment was when the maid of honor (her sister) gave her speech.
“She’s not a super emotional type person and hates hugs, but she cried like a baby while talking,” Jessica said. “It’s like she saved up all of her tears for the past 23 years and let them all out at once. Rodney and his 10-year-old daughter Grayton dancing was also a special moment,” she said.
Jessica said that Rodney was surprised at how easily they were able to get everything pulled together in only four months. Things just seemed to fall into place naturally. Jessica said she was surprised at how fast the reception flew by and how little time the couple really had to spend with their guests.
The Honeymoon
While traveling to Costa Rica, the couple almost bought a rental car because they forded a three and half-foot river in a sub-compact car — twice.
“We tore something loose from under the car in the process. We had to stop on the side of the road and fix it, and the tag was bent horribly,” Jessica recalled.
“We met a really unique man at a roadside coffee shop in Costa Rica who was telling us all sorts of stuff about aliens, and Rodney was afraid we were going to be abducted,” she added.
Jessica said they were bitten by bed bugs while riding horses (assuming it was on the horse tack) on the honeymoon. When they returned home, she said, they “stripped naked on the back porch so we could run in and shower and left our bags outside and open in the sun for a few days. We didn’t want those kind of souvenirs!”
After the honeymoon, Jessica planned a whole day for writing thank you cards.
“It took me longer than I’d hoped to get them done, but they did finally get sent,” she said.
Despite the few less than ideal moments in the early days of their marriage, Jessica said, “Literally everything else has been perfect!”
Dec. 17, 2022
Paxton Maclane Hughes & Jeffery Dallas Nichols
Images courtesy of Miranda Beason
Finding Love on Auburn’s campus
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
Paxton Maclane Hughes and Jeffery Dallas Nichols exchanged vows on Dec. 17, 2022, amidst the serene, outdoor setting of Cypress Hill off Wire Road in Auburn backdropped by a cross adorned with flowers overlooking a pond.
Following the ceremony, the celebration continued inside the event space at Cypress Hill.
How They Met:
Their journey together began in 2017 at Auburn University. Hughes, an Auburn native starting her freshman year, crossed paths with Nichols, who had recently transferred from a community college in Monroeville, Alabama.
“After becoming friends during the fall of 2017 through Dallas’s roommate, John Tyler, we went to several game days, formals, and date parties together,” Paxton said. “I was a freshman and wasn’t ready to commit. Dallas says he knew right away that he would marry me. It took me a bit longer.”
Their connection deepened and over time it blossomed into a romance. The couple officially solidified it in June 2018.
The Proposal: Dallas’s proposal in June 2021 was
a big surprise.
Coordinated with the help of a mutual friend and photographer, Will Strohmeyer, the proposal took place on Samford Lawn, where Dallas surprised Paxton with a heartfelt proposal followed by a joyous celebration with their families and friends at Lucy’s restaurant.
“Paxton is so hard to surprise and I can’t keep a secret,” Dallas said. “I was so ready just to give her the ring. I had asked Will to tell Paxton that he wanted to take a few more grad pictures with me in them, since I couldn’t make it to the original shoot. While we took photos around downtown, I led Paxton to Samford
Lawn, where I got down on one knee and proposed. She was completely surprised.”
Wedding Planning:
During their year and a half engagement, Paxton and Dallas meticulously planned the wedding, securing vendors and navigating through decisions with enthusiasm despite the challenges of making final decisions.
Rehearsal Dinner:
The rehearsal dinner, hosted by the Nichols family at Cypress Hill’s newly added space, set the stage for a fabulous weekend.
The evening began with a runthrough and instructions for the actual wedding day.
This was followed by a meal catered by Ursala’s, touching speeches from the wedding party and a slideshow of their lives and relationship, blending humor and sentimentality.
Wedding Day:
On the morning of their wedding day, Paxton initially fretted over the weather, but by the start of the wedding ceremony time, nature cooperated, providing a picturesque backdrop for Paxton and Dallas’ special day.
Bridesmaids:
Piper Hughes (Maid of Honor)
The Wedding Party
Groomsmen:
Hayden Moye (Best Man)
Mary Claire Coleman (Matron of Honor)
Lauren Matheson
Anna Laura Held
Sammey Gorham
Maddy Taylor
Emma Wilson
Emily Foose
Ashley McInnish
Ansley Ayers
Blaine Lee (Best Man)
Cole Blackmon
James Buchanan
Robert Tutt
Mason Cannon
Ethan Roberts
Billy McInnish
John Tyler Fisher
Brock Hughes
Guests and Ceremony:
The most touching aspect of the wedding day was the overwhelming presence of friends and family who journeyed from near and far to celebrate, the couple said. Family flew in from Indiana, Texas, Tennessee and North Carolina and friends joined from across states like Florida, Georgia and Colorado making the day even more special with their presence.
Probably the most moving moment of the day was a story the officiant, Greg Crance, shared. Greg was not only the Matron of Honor Mary Claire’s father, but, also a cherished figure in Paxton’s life since sixth grade. He was known for his humor, wise counsel and his ability to always act with love and faithfulness. His bond with Dallas was instant, rooted in their shared passions for hunting, fishing and enjoying great grilled food. When it came time to choose an officiant, there was no doubt in their minds that Greg was the perfect person
to marry them. He modeled a marriage centered on Christ’s love, and that was the kind of marriage they aspired to have.
“We were so blessed to have Mr. Greg perform our ceremony, having lost his battle
to cancer shortly thereafter,” Paxton said.
“During the ceremony, Mr. Greg shared a touching story that he [said he] believed would resonate with us as we embarked on our journey together. It was about an elderly couple where the husband, when asked to choose a photo of his wife for an article, selected one from their early years of marriage. She was so angry to find that he had picked out a photo from right after they first got married of her laying on the beach. She was in a swimsuit and enjoying a sun tan. She said ‘Who in the world thinks I look like that?’ He replied, ‘I Do!’ Mr. Greg told us to ‘remember each other this day and always look this good to each other and to never let anything get in the way of that.’
This story moved us to tears and left a lasting impression on everyone present.
It’s a memory that I hold close to my heart and reflect on often, reminding us of the profound love and commitment we share.”
Wedding Vendors
Wedding Website/Registry: The Knot
Venue: Cypress Hill
Florist: Florista Designs – Michelle Held
Cake: Fischer Family Farmstead - Caleb Fischer
Catering: Ursula’s
Photographer: Miranda Beason
Videographer: Nostalgia Corp
DJ: DJ Mark Rose
Jeweler: Hutcherson’s in Monroeville, Alabama
Officiant: Greg Crance
Hair/Makeup: Kara Pettit
Ceremony Musicians: Elizabeth Hartfield (violin) and Vera Smith (harp)
Limo: Auburn Limo
Invitation Suite/Signs/Lettering: Kemp and Sons Printing
Cups/Koozies: My Wedding Store on Etsy
Monogram: Shuler Studio
Dress: Affair to Remember, Lagrange, Georgia
Tux: Men’s Warehouse
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Carolyn Starks and Thomas Munson June 10, 2023
Images courtesy of Godwin Photography
Happily Ever After
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
Carolyn Starks and Thomas Munson met on the dating app Hinge while both lived in Los Angeles just prior to the pandemic reaching American shores in January 2020. The pair wed on June 10, 2023, in her hometown of Auburn.
Tommy took Carolyn to visit Huntington Gardens in Pasadena, California. Once he dropped down to one knee and proposed to Carolyn, he surprised her with the presence of her mother, Donna Starks, and younger sister, Anastasia Starks.
This made the day extra special for Carolyn, who had no idea they traveled across the country to be there in the moment, the couple said.
Engaged for 14 months, the couple booked a venue, wedding planner, caterer and photographer. Carolyn had purchased her dress before Tommy proposed.
“We had been talking about getting married in Auburn and knew that the popular venues would fill up for the time of year we were looking for,” Carolyn said.
The couple held several events to celebrate the occasion with their friends and
family.
“A bridal shower was held in Los Angeles while a bachelorette party was in New Orleans,” Carolyn said. “A bachelor party was in Denver and they went ice fishing.”
By starting their preparations so early, the couple faced few challenges getting the select vendors they chose.
Carolyn said their wedding planner, Rebecca Nichols, was “vital in us having the wedding and reception of our dreams.
“Planning the wedding in Auburn while living in Los Angeles was super stressful at times, but she was so on top of everything. I trusted her wholeheartedly to make my vision come true.”
The bride’s mother hosted A Toast to the Bride with champagne and charcuterie on the Thursday before the wedding. Coffee Cat of Auburn hosted the rehearsal dinner.
The wedding officiant was Dr. Wayne Flynt, esteemed Professor Emeritus in the Department of History at Auburn University. A longtime friend from Auburn First Baptist Church, he became Carolyn’s god-grandfather following the sudden
passing of her father, Virgil Starks, in 2008. Carolyn said Flynt handled the ceremony perfectly.
In the leadup to the wedding, the wedding party arranged a visit to Auburn University’s Athletic Department, where Carolyn’s late father served as senior associate athletic director and assistant to the provost for Student-Athlete Support Services. The trip included a stop inside the famous Jordan-Hare football stadium.
For the ceremony, Carolyn carried something old (a photo of her late father on her bouquet), something new (her gown) and something borrowed (her mother’s earrings).
Carolyn said the the weather on their wedding day perfect.
“My mom said that she prayed every night for two months to have perfect weather and we did,” Carolyn said. “She proclaimed on the wedding day, ‘I prayed for this and my God controls the weather.’ It was mid-80s with almost no humidity.”
Despite ideal weather conditions, Tommy struggled with extreme nervousness as he readied himself from
Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Auburn Oaks
Florist: Rebecca Nichols of Tea Olive Designs
Cake: Bakery at Waverly Local
Catering: Ursula’s Catering
Photographer: Godwin Photography
DJ: YourTunes Pro DJs and Entertainment
Jeweler: Rodeo Jewelers in La Verne, Calif.
Officiant: Wayne Flynt
Hair/Makeup: Hair styled by MeAsia McCullough, Make-up by Aury Serrano
Invitation Suite/Signs/Lettering: Minted
the Hunting Lodge at Auburn Oaks Farm.
“Being an introvert, he really hated all of the attention he was getting,” Carolyn explained. Her bridal party prepared from the Cottage at Auburn Oaks Farm.
The couple arranged for a “first look” where the bride is presented to the waiting groom. Carolyn said that Tommy gave her the sweet reaction that every girl hopes for on her wedding day.
“We had a first look and an unveiling of the reception space,” she said. “Rebecca truly took my breath away.”
Guests traveled from as far away as California, Washington, Texas, Tennessee, New York, Washington D.C., Virginia, Maine, Illinois, Colorado, Mississippi, Ohio,
Georgia, New Mexico, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Alabama to share the special day with the couple.
Carolyn, who shares an alma mater with her late father at Rhodes College in Memphis, was joined by several of his college friends.
“They were all a part of my fatherdaughter dance,” she said.
Another special touch was a display of neon letters, saying, “I love you” and “I know” — lines from one of Tommy’s favorite movies, “The Empire Strikes Back.”
At the reception hall, the couple’s first dance was to Chase Eagleson’s cover of Electric Feel.
After the festivities, the couple arranged to bus guests to Skybar in
Auburn. Tommy and Carolyn were demanded to come to the stage by the band and they danced to the band’s rendition of “My Girl.”
“It was the perfect way to end the night,” Carolyn said.
The couple went on a mini-moon to Harpswell, Maine. This Christmas, they have planned a big honeymoon trip to Japan.
Today, the couple has settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
“We are so grateful for all the love we received throughout our whole engagement and wedding day,” Carolyn said.
“It’s been so amazing to keep growing in love with each other and being continually supported by those who were with us on our wedding day.”
Wedding Party
Bridesmaids:
(Maid of Honor): Anastasia
Starks and Victoria Starks
Annika Gage
Jack Behre
Kalen Axam
Mehvish Anwar
Rachel Giacobbe
Annika Munson
Groomsmen:
(Best Man): Alex Munson
Michael Leanse
Jonathan Champagne
Jon Reh
Tyler Newman
Cameron Williams
Jonathan Begley
Ring bearer: Wesley Reh
Flower girl: McLain Boykin
Flowers by Florista
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
Nothing brings Florista Designs Owner Michelle Held greater joy than using her abilities and talent to create eye-catching and personalized floral displays.
“I have always loved flowers and the feeling of creating, from building the structure of the design to brainstorming ‘out of the box’ ideas and watching them come to life,” said Held.
She started the floral company in 2020 to fulfill her passion for design.
She is joined by floral designers Angie Brown and Steven Sherrer, as well as design assistants Connie Pope and Karen Hughes. Throughout the year, the business will also have extra helpers on site with larger events and weddings. With more than 30 years of experience, they have arranged more than 3,000 bouquets for Florista clients, according to their website, www. floristadesignsauburn.com.
“Our team of highly-skilled designers combine their fun spirit and ‘spunky elegance’ with the client’s vision to create the perfect design,” Held said. “We are hands-on from the initial email contact to consultation and every step of the process. We believe in building relationships and creating beautiful displays to fit every need, every budget, and every vision.”
you meet with vendors, remember that some of them have a minimum or starting price.”
Held said she enjoys sitting down to educate people about her design work.
“ I like to just kind of talk through all the possibilities,” she said. “I suggest that couples have their budget in mind. When
She advises couples to be flexible when discussing their needs.
“Flexibility is a good thing,” Held said. “A box of flowers may get stuck somewhere in customs. That stuff happens,
and if it does, we’re going to do our best to be able to give you exactly what you want. But sometimes that’s just not possible — it may not be in season, or something may happen and we may just have to kind of pivot.”
The most popular flowers used are roses, with healthy orders of hydrangeas,
Sarah Street Photography
Sarah Street Photography
peonies and ranunculus arrangements.
Design inspiration for brides and grooms often comes from what they see on social media such as Pinterest. However, actual availability depends on what is in season.
“The social media channels don’t always tell brides that a flower is only available during certain months,” Held said. “If it’s something really exotic, I’m going to have work a little more closely with one of my wholesalers to get those flowers here.”
Florista serves not only wedding clients, but also small events, private events and corporate gatherings.
“From small centerpieces to large installations, we work with you every step of the way,” she said.
Floral arrangements are designed by the team in their workshop and then
Jorja Jones Photography
delivered to the venue for setup and installation.
“And then at the end of the night, once the event ends, we will pick our items up,” she said. “Candle holders, columns, large metal stands, or, whatever, if they’ve rented something from us.”
Held said they work closely with Lilies of the Field, a local group profiled in this issue which uses donated floral arrangements to craft small bouquets for senior citizens in nursing homes.
“We’ll always ask the bride if they would like their flowers donated because the last thing I want to do is have to bring those back here and then try to figure out what to do with them,” Held said. “Most of the time we pick up on a Saturday night or Sunday morning after a wedding. By then, we’re pretty much starting the cycle to get ready for that next week’s wedding or event.”
The Auburn-based firm does not offer packages. Wedding floral services start at $2,900. “Every bride we’ve had has been so different, so the packaging structure just doesn’t work easily for us,” she said.
Held advises couples to book as soon as possible.
“We’ve already booked up a few of the months for 2025. If there’s a florist you want to work with, you should reach out as soon as you can to make sure your wedding date is available. You don’t need to have all the details worked out yet, but just getting on the vendor’s schedule is so important because some of the best vendors are booking up quite quickly.”
To learn more from Held and to get a quote, visit www. floristadesignsauburn.com or email floristadesignsauburn@ gmail.com.
April Bagley Photography
Life Smells Good
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
The aroma of baking cookies or cakes filling the home creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Homemade baked goods make thoughtful gifts and are a way to share love and hospitality with friends and family.
Lani Marsh is the owner of Life Smells Good Bake Shoppe. Items sold include a large variety of cookies, brownies, cakes, breads and miscellaneous treats. Marsh allows customers to fill whichever box size they want with their selected items. She operates the business from her home at 88 Lee Road 499 in Smiths Station. She has been happily married for more than 10 years with four beautiful kids.
“I started my business three years ago in hopes to just help with bills,” Marsh said. “But God had other plans and has blessed my family and I with an amazing opportunity.”
Baking has always been something that she has loved doing.
“I never thought I would have grown up and opened my own baking business, but I’m so glad I did.”
Becoming a successful baker requires a blend of technical skills, creativity and personal attributes. These qualities include technical skills such as precision and attention to details, a knowledge of how different ingredients interact to create the perfect texture and flavor, as well as skills such as
Photos contributed by Life Smells Good Bake Shoppe
creaming, folding and tempering different recipes.
Baking often requires waiting for dough to rise or cakes to cool, so patience is essential. Beyond the kitchen, engaging with customers in a friendly and professional manner builds a loyal client base.
Marsh said she has grown over the past three years to be able to do the work full-time. Efficiently managing her time ensures Marsh can handle multiple orders and meet deadlines.
“I absolutely love what I do and couldn’t be more blessed,” she said.
She said everything she makes is homemade and from scratch. Homemade baked goods possess unique qualities that distinguish them from store-bought or commercially produced items. Unlike commercial products, homemade items don’t sit on shelves for extended periods, ensuring optimal freshness.
Baking homemade recipes allows for personalization, catering to specific tastes and dietary needs. Recipes can be adapted, if needed, but the core ingredients are traditional butter and sugar.
“I started out doing dessert boxes, homemade cakes, cookie cakes and have grown to wedding cakes, dessert tables for weddings, Employee Appreciation and business functions” Marsh said. “I have also started doing Breakfast Tables/Bars as well.”
She said she has particularly enjoyed merging into the catering portion of Life Smells Good Bake Shoppe’s business.
“It’s probably my new favorite part of my business. We offer many different packages for all size events,” Marsh said.
To learn more about Life Smells Good Bake Shoppe, call Marsh at (706) 304-8367.
Auburn Oaks rooted in tradition
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
The Auburn Oaks Farm stands as a special place to get hitched. The venue is a repeat winner in The Knot’s award for Best Wedding Venue.
Located at 230 County Road 57 in Notasulga, Alabama, Auburn Oaks will always enjoy an association with former Auburn University head football coach Pat Dye, who purchased the land from the Lowe family. Dye brought in several of his well-known maples and oak trees and planted them all over the property. He was an avid outdoorsmen who went wing-shooting and deer hunting. He would host the annual Blue Jean Ball at Auburn Oaks along with football related events and other social gatherings since 1985. The property has always been a place for friends, family and guests to come together to make memories and enjoy the outdoors.
The historic home at Auburn Oaks was originally part of Opelika’s Pepperell Mill Village housing employees of the textile mill. It was moved to Auburn Oaks in 1991 by the Lowe family. The village was constructed between 1925 and 1940. Today, the house offers space for brides and their
bridesmaids to get ready, with four bedrooms and three bathrooms overlooking the gorgeous views of the property. Up to 14 guests can sleep there, enjoying a fire pit and views of the pond.
In 2023, the Auburn University Real Estate Foundation (AUREF) and the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) accepted a gift of 415 acres of Crooked Oaks Farm, the legendary coach Dye’s homestead.
Auburn Oaks Event Coordinator Haley Clemons said Crooked Oaks neighbors Auburn Oaks, so she often fields questions from people wanting to know about Dye and the properties.
The legendary coach passed away in 2020.
Continuing his focus on hunting, Auburn Oaks includes a 12-station clay shooting course designed throughout lob-lolly pines & hardwoods. A membership is not required in order to come clay hunting, however, the cost of clays have increased so their price is $0.05/each, according to AuburnOaksFarm. com.
Clemons said the clay shooting is open to the public. She
Photos by Steven Stiefel
Above, Auburn Oaks offers serene settings for guests to relax before the ‘big day.’
said the amenity is popular with grooms and their groomsmen, who traditionally require less preparation time before wedding ceremonies than most brides and bridesmaids.
“They oftentimes will have their entire groomsmen party, as well as some family go shoot the morning of the wedding, because they take a little less time to get ready,” she said. “So they’ll come out and shoot that morning, and then they’ll go back and get ready afterwards. So they’ll also have just an extra little like moment amongst the groomsmen, because they have that little thing that they did in the morning of the wedding. A lot of grooms and groomsmen are a little more oriented towards hunting.”
Auburn Oaks also hosts monthly continental pheasant tower shoots, with information on wing shooting available from the Pro Shop at (334) 257-1210.
This beautiful property lies amongst 600 acres of pristine landscaping. A newly constructed event clubhouse allows space for up to 300 guests. Many wedding ceremonies are held on the greenspace, backed by a stunning view of a large
pond.
Clemons plays a role in booking all events at Auburn Oaks Farm.
“People choose this place because most of the time it does have to do with the actual venue itself, what they’re physically getting,” she said. “A lot of people really love being able to have both the bridal party and the groom’s party get ready on site. That’s a big like amenity to them, being able to not have to transfer everything back and forth.”
Auburn Oaks Farm tables and chairs for ceremony and reception are included within wedding packages. However, guests are responsible for providing all other desired resources from outside wedding vendors, such as decor, catering, planning, DJ/Band services and staging, etc. Auburn Oaks Farm does require both a licensed and insured bartender if alcohol is planning on being served during reception, as well as a licensed day-of-wedding coordinator.
One topic that may come up during a wedding consultation is the idea of the “first look.” This wedding tradition allows a
bride and groom to see each other in private before the official ceremony begins. This intimate moment allows the couple to share a private, emotional moment without the pressure of an audience. This can help calm pre-wedding nerves and allow them to express their feelings more freely.
It provides a perfect opportunity for photographers to capture genuine reactions and emotions.
These photos often turn out to be some of the most cherished images from the day. By seeing each other before the ceremony, the couple can complete most of their formal portraits beforehand. This can free up time after the ceremony for them to enjoy the cocktail hour with their guests.
Clemons said there are other advantages to arranging the “first look” before an actual wedding ceremony.
“Couples love getting sunset pictures in our green space, but they need to plan around whether or not they’re doing a first look,” she said. “This decision affects their timeline significantly. If they choose not to do a first look, the first time they see each other will be when walking down the aisle. This means they can’t take any family, bridal party, or groomsmen photos before the ceremony. As a result, they need a longer timeframe for cocktail hour, which can increase the bar tab. Additionally, they’ll have to schedule the ceremony earlier, reducing the golden hour for the actual ceremony, but
ensuring they have enough time for portraits afterward.
“Most people arrange the first look and stage it before the actual walking down the aisle,” Clemons said. “It’s really up to the individual couple, because it can be really personal for people, whether or not they want to do that. Either way, doing a first look can save them a lot of time and money in terms of the cocktail hour, how much they’re doing after the ceremony versus beforehand. But that’s something that we end up talking about a lot, because people will kind of ask about the general ceremony.”
Clemons said that with such great amenities and natural scenic beauty, Auburn Oaks Farm stays busy, but not always for weddings. This year, they hosted Auburn High School’s Prom.
She also said the owners are “very particular about making sure that, the venue is blocked off for certain days, so the staff are able to rest, and able to recuperate as well.
Clemons said that given the remote nature of the farm, some couples arrange for their guests to ride in on a bus.
“We obviously don’t just park in this parking lot because it’s not going to fit 300 people,” she said. “So we kind of kind of park all around this middle circle. We have people directing, and then we use our carts to shuttle people down to this concrete pad so they’re able to walk down to the
ceremony. Because, you know, heels and gravel do not always mix very well.”
Many brides and grooms have some past connection to the Auburn-Opelika community or to Auburn University. Many met while attending school together.
“A lot of the times the people that I’ve met, a lot of them went to school in Auburn. Honestly, I think majority of the time it’s they went to school in Auburn, more so than being from the area. But then there are also people who I honestly can’t tell you how they found us. I know we had a wedding out here in October, where both the bride and groom are from and live in California. I have no idea how they found us,”
said.
It is important to book your wedding far ahead given the popularity of the venue. Clemons said they have had a couple inquiries for 2026, with the summer months becoming mostly full.
For high school or college graduation weekend, the owners may reserve the farm with no weddings booked so that families can visit the area while in town to see their children graduate.
To schedule a venue tour, please feel free to email Clemons at: info@auburnoaksfarm.com with your event inquiry information and your desired tour dates.
Clemons
Pictured are Thomas and Carolyn Munson in a moment of joy captured by Godwin Photography.
Something Old, Something New
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
The Bottling Plant Event Center at 614 N. Railroad Ave. in downtown Opelika brings families together year to year, revitalizing a facility that first opened on May 26, 1938.
Coca-Cola used the plant to produce its popular soft drink, which had been introduced a half-century earlier in Atlanta. The secret syrup concentrate was diluted with carbonated water and bottled for distribution to retailers, soda fountains, and other outlets. In 1984, Coca-Cola executives decided to cease production at the aging facility, focusing solely on distribution. The plant closed in 2004, leaving locals to speculate about its future.
In 2008, Lisa Ditchkoff drove through Opelika and saw the “For Sale” sign.
“Coca-Cola had removed the production materials,” she said. “The buildings had rats, holes in the ceilings, and much of it was dilapidated. The problems were too many to name, but all I could see was people everywhere. I had the vision of a center that would grow with downtown Opelika. The
economy was terrible, but I was so determined.”
Ditchkoff shared an elegant vision for the facility, but convincing others took much effort.
“We were rejected for loans by multiple banks and the Small Business Administration in 2008 and 2009,” she said. “After about a year, we finally received a construction loan.
Following a year of renovations, we partially opened in 2010. I feel like this part of the city is a crown jewel, and The Bottling Plant provides the catalyst for the continued growth and development of historic Opelika.”
A year after purchasing the building renovations began, opening the 33,000-square-foot facility for its first event in 2010. Spaces were reconfigured to accommodate various events and new electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems were installed.
Renovations occurred in phases over several years.
Ditchkoff said she took special care to maintain the character and authenticity of the building by using its original elements in creative ways.
Photos contributed by The Bottling Plant Event Center
“The entire building was gutted with new systems installed,” she said. “We have had about five phases of renovations over the last 15 years and we’ve been open for over 14 years now.”
Significant renovations included adding a prep kitchen, restrooms and a parking lot. Some buildings in the back were demolished and the area was converted into an outdoor courtyard. Five years ago, a pavilion was added to the courtyard.
“We added two areas to the upstairs,” Ditchkoff said. “One is the meeting room behind the lounge, and the other is the rooftop terrace. We added new structural steel for the roof terrace. The courtyard is covered so events can be held outside even when it rains.”
The lounge upstairs retains the original flooring. Most of the brick walls and cinder blocks were preserved.
“We kept the building facade and the Coca-Cola sign on the front,” she said. “Our downstairs bar was built with bricks and wood salvaged from the demolition.”
The Bottling Plant offers a green room for event preparations, a bridal room and a meeting room.
The covered courtyard is popular for weddings. The interior includes a large ballroom that can be divided and a second floor with a lounge, roof terrace and meeting room perfect for smaller events.
“We can accommodate from 10 to 1,500 guests, depending on the setup and spaces used,” Ditchkoff said. “Arrangements are limited only by your imagination. We are very flexible in terms of décor and setup.”
Clients handle their own decorations, but the Bottling Plant Event Center provides tables, chairs, linens, china and silverware. The only external vendors not allowed are caterers, as the facility has its own in-house chef.
industries use the facility for training sessions, and it also hosts concerts and comedy shows.
The smaller spaces often host rehearsal dinners and birthday celebrations.
“We’ve had memorable events from fundraisers and charity events to weddings and receptions, graduation parties, galas and more,” she said. “Each event is unique and memorable.”
She said she credits her staff for their dedication.
“Many of our staff have been with us since the beginning, and others for more than three years,” Ditchkoff said.
Ditchkoff said her background in nonprofits inspired her to create a space that preserves hope. After her brother passed away in 2003, she pursued her dream of owning a unique event venue.
“Since I was young, all I ever wanted to do was help others,” she said. “My background and life experiences gave me a heart for helping others.”
“Guests typically bring their own photographers, music providers and florists,” Ditchkoff said. “We allow them to bring in their wedding cake. There are many excellent vendors, but we can provide a list of those who have used our facility.”
To reduce surprises, Ditchkoff’s staff meets with and regularly communicates with clients before events to discuss menu options and setup details. She said this ensures everyone knows what to expect.
About 70% of events held there are weddings. Local
Ditchkoff remains active in the Opelika community and has supported several nonprofits. She also contributed to the fundraising success of community projects like the Billy Hitchcock Miracle Field Complex.
Her 2013 memoir, “The Girl with the Caterpillar Eyebrows: Survival. Resilience. Triumph.,” tells her story of overcoming challenges and maintaining hope.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bottling Plant faced challenges but adapted by starting a wine shop and providing off-site catering after social and corporate bookings all but stopped.
“We have continued to have customers since we opened,” Ditchkoff said. “The upstairs lounge opens every Wednesday for Wine Down Wednesday. We are cautiously optimistic that the entertainment and service businesses will rebound.”
Ditchkoff emphasized the importance of maintaining the historic building.
“We are continuously updating and maintaining the property,” she said. We have an entire building used for storage that can be renovated for community use. As a business owner, I’m constantly thinking of how to progress my business. Rebranding was a process, and I am so appreciative of every single citizen for their support.”
To learn more about the Bottling Plant Event Center, call (334) 705-5466 or visit TheBottling Plant Event Center at www.bottlingplanteventcenter.com.
Destination Honeymoon
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
The honeymoon is a cherished tradition for newlyweds, allowing them to unwind and de-stress in a romantic and serene environment following all of the time and effort put into planning their wedding. Removed from everyday life, the time away allows them to strengthen their bond and create lasting memories. Many use their honeymoon as a chance to splurge, enjoying luxurious accommodations, fine dining and special experiences they might not normally indulge in, enhancing the romantic atmosphere.
That extra spending, however, makes newlyweds targets for scam artists preying on their eagerness to get away for a few days. Although many people these days simply book their trip online rather than through a formal travel agent, cruise planner Clarissa Ojeda-Winchester says there are a couple of smart reasons to hire an agent as their booker and advocate.
“Not only do we act as travel brokers that we can go in there and find the best deals — because we work directly with the vendors because of the relationships we have with them so you’ve got peace of mind that when you’re buying something, it’s a vetted product,” Winchester said.
Some scammers pose as guides and offer services at inflated prices without providing real value.
“These days anybody can throw up a photo and put it on social media, and a lot of companies are doing that for clickbait,” she said. “One thing that is unfortunate right now are travel agents that are actually con artists. What we recommend is you go to Google, you talk to actual people who have used that agent before. And ask ‘How long have they been in this business?’”
Winchester has been a cruise planner for nine years.
Couples should verify the credibility of travel agencies before making any bookings. Look for reviews and recommendations from trusted sources. Winchester said she recommends putting down deposits sooner rather than later.
“The travel industry is experiencing 12-20% inflation per year, so a good piece of advice is to go ahead and [put down a] deposit now to protect your honeymoon from inflation. The average honeymoon price is $6,000.”
When traveling, it’s always wise to book trips several months in advance to secure the best rates. To save money, consider traveling during off-peak seasons when flights and
Clarissa OjedaWinchester advises a bride about booking her honeymoon travel.
Photo by Steven Stiefel
Before leaving for your honeymoon, register with your country’s embassy or consulate in the destination country.
accommodations are generally cheaper.
As far as destinations, “St. Lucia is always popular with our brides, and all-inclusive products are also very popular,” Winchester said. “People are really loving our Royal Caribbean cruises, not just for vacation and the inclusions, but also for parties as well.”
Popular cruise lines include Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Virgin Voyages. Luxurious cruises include Azamara, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Explora Journeys, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Viking Ocean Cruises. River cruises are an alternative to oceanbound boat voyages.
Some tips that may prove useful to newlyweds:
• When deciding on destinations, choose a location that suits both partners’ interests, whether it’s a beach resort, a mountain retreat, or a bustling city, ensure it offers activities both will enjoy.
• Look for honeymoon packages that may include special amenities like spa treatments, candlelit dinners or complimentary excursions.
• For those who choose to book their own trip, use reputable websites for booking flights, hotels and activities. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Beware of unsolicited emails asking for personal information or payment details. Always book through secure, verified platforms.Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak and Google Flights compare prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies, helping to find the best deals.
• Couples who are planning an international honeymoon should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their planned return date. Verify if a visa is required for the destination and apply well in advance if needed.
• Travel insurance should be considered to cover potential
issues such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations or lost luggage. Ensure the policy covers all destinations and activities planned.
• Photocopy or digitally scan passports, visas, an itinerary and other important documents. Keep copies separate from the originals and leave one set with a trusted person at home.
• Notify banks of upcoming travel plans to avoid any issues with using credit or debit cards abroad.
• Consider carrying some local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival.
• Couples should not get lost in wedding preparations and forget to check the weather forecast and pack suitable clothing and accessories.
• Remember to include travel essentials such as adapters, chargers, toiletries and any specific items needed for the destination.
• Register with your country’s embassy or consulate in the destination country. Keep an eye on travel advisories and be aware of any potential safety risks.
• Know the local emergency numbers and the location of the nearest embassy or consulate.
• If traveling to a place where English is not the primary language, couples should consider learning a few basic phrases in the local language to help with simple interactions and show respect for the local culture.
• Install communication apps that work over Wi-Fi for keeping in touch with family and friends.
• Check if any vaccinations or health precautions are recommended or required for your destination.
• Schedule any necessary vaccinations and pack any prescribed medications.
By taking these steps, newlyweds can prepare for a hasslefree and enjoyable international travel experience. To book your honeymoon with Clarissa Winchester & Associates, call (205) 873-8621 or visit www.cooltravelmemories.com.
Brides-to-be share their expectations
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
On June 9, we spoke with three future brides at a bridal expo hosted by Stone & Ivy.
Carolyn Holloway of Wetumpka is planning for her April 19, 2025, wedding to fiancé Benjamin in Millbrook, Alabama. The couple has dated for four years. Her biggest concern since accepting his proposal in April was booking her desired florist.
Holloway said she’s been surprised by “hidden things” such as vendor costs that are higher than expected.
“Food, especially, is a lot of money that you don’t know about until you want to get married,” she said. “I didn’t really know how much flowers really cost and how much food costs… I did not think it was as expensive as it is now.”
When LIVELee spoke to her in June 2024, her guest list contained 220 names. Her venue of choice at that time was The Elms of Coosada.
Lucia Carias, a native of El Salvador, is planning a January 2025 wedding in Auburn, where she is studying for her PhD in polymers and fibers. She and her fiancé, Sergio Volanos, have
a small ceremony planned in South America in December, but she said it just feels right to hold an event locally because of their friends in southeast Alabama.
Carias and Volanos have been engaged for more than two years, saving money for their events since he presented his proposal.
“We’re just wanting to put together something really nice here,” she said.
Stone & Ivy’s expo was the first she had attended but she said she plans to go to more to figure out everything.
Bride-to-be Kaylie Lodahl of Opelika, also attended the bridal expo. She’s been engaged to Ian Costello since last September. The couple met in junior high and plan to wed before 150 invited guests at a venue in Warm Springs, Georgia.
“You’ve got to go ahead and book vendors early because they go quick,” she said.
When asked about her fondest desire for her dream day to come true, Lodahl said, “I just hope the family that I want to be there [shows up].”
Carolyn Holloway
Lucia Carias
Kaylie Lodahl
Be charmed by Charmly + Co.
by Steven Stiefel LIVELee@opelikaobserver.com
Weddings are stressful because it’s very rare for any event to go perfectly. Whether it’s a guest at risk of overindulging at an open bar, tension between divorced parents or a bride’s dress ripping — all while family and friends are watching — there’s plenty for couples to worry about.
Charmly + Co. Events LLC founder and executive producer Morgan Huggins uses her team’s expertise in event marketing to plan details so brides and grooms can try to relax instead of spending the final month of engagement stressed out. Their efforts set these couples up for success.
“About three weeks before the wedding, our couples are relaxing and enjoying the rest of their engagement instead of hustling to do all the last-minute things that come with it,” she said. “You’ve got guests coming in town and a lot of other things you want you to enjoy. So many people get wrapped up in the last month of just panicking about all the things they need to do. We make sure that that’s all done ahead of time, so that last month is enjoyable, rather than this, like giant stress ball that you can’t wait to get over with.”
Prior to taking on clients, Huggins said she asks them to point out anything they experienced at a friend’s wedding that they don’t want to happen at their own.
“The most frequented cited thing is the awkward cocktail hour,” Huggins said.
Her solution is to give guests something to eat, drink and fun things to do.
“Everybody talks about that weird pause while waiting for the couple to come back, because they’re elsewhere taking lots of wedding photos,” she said. “If you haven’t planned a real cocktail hour, your guests are going to get bored and confused, and then sometimes they start leaving before you’ve even gotten to the meal or the reception.”
Rather than offering signature cocktails that quickly add $2,000 [or more] to a couple’s budget, guests may compare their favorite childhood drinks or favorite gas station snacks.
“Activities can be something as basic as an interactive guest book,” Huggins said. “Or a guest book with photos that you can take, or just something for guests to have to engage with other vendors. We can make sure guests are entertained
Hollie Autrey, Morgan Huggins and Dominique McKee. Photo by Love & Legacy Studios at Auburn Oaks.
during that time while the couple is taking photos.”
Huggins said she worked in experiential event marketing for over a decade, which required full time travel.
“When I had a kid, that lifestyle was no longer an option,” she said. “For years, I’ve helped out friends with their weddings. After I did so many, I was like, well, maybe, maybe this should be a thing.”.
Charmly + Co offers a unique perspective for events because they are in logistics.
“First and foremost, our events are going to be safe, but they’re going to be smooth,” she said. “We’re looking for all the potential problems, then we go into the making sure everything looks pretty.”
Many couples opt for a wedding planner who shows up the day of the wedding.
“I strongly believe you need more time than that to familiarize ourselves with the event and to fix the problems ahead of time,” Huggins said.
Charmly + Co couples are paired with their wedding producer three months before, “and from that point on, we
help fine tune and make sure you actually planned a full wedding.
A lot of people will think they’re done, but at that point we’ll start looking through and we’re like, ‘Oh, well, you didn’t add flowers to your you didn’t have flower girl flowers to your package,’ just little things. We tie all the loose ends.”
Checklists aide couples in developing a plan with realistic timelines after the wedding producer consults with each individual vendor.
“We are really, really big believers that our role is to work with all the other vendors to make things run smoothly and work better together,” she said. “We’re big believers in community over competition. We started a wedding Facebook group for our local wedding community between Auburn, Opelika and Columbus. We run that with another wedding photographer in the area. We’re trying to really, change the tone in this area and create more of a community around weddings. We want to always make sure that everybody needs some kind of help on their wedding day, no matter what your budget is.”
Hollie Autrey with Flowers from Florista Designs.
Morgan Huggins photographed by Love & Legacy Studios.
Morgan Huggins photographed by Love & Legacy Studios.
Photo by The Rose Reflective
Charmly + Co is a veteran-owned business and advertises itself as LGBTQ+-friendly. Huggins has workshopped with area photographers so they understand the dynamics of capturing events with two brides or grooms as the focus.
“We are known for our ‘Oh S*** Kit’ containing everything you can imagine for crisis moments on a wedding day,” Huggins said. “It’s this really important tool that we bring with us. From booty tape to screwdrivers to any type of adhesive you can
imagine. Zip ties and first aid kits and, you know, liquid hydration.”
Trend-wise, she notes that the days of expecting 10% of your invited guests not to attend are over now that the pandemic has eased.
“Attendance and consumption are both up, so if you invite 120 people, you plan for 120 people,” she said. “We’re not there because everything runs smooth; we are there to make it run smooth based on what you tell us you want.”
Morgan Huggins photographed by Milton Photo with Florist Intrigue Designs at Venue Spanish Hills Country Club.
Photos by The Rose Reflective with flowers by Blue Rooster Farms + Venue Clubhouse on Highland.
