31 minute read
WE’RE ON VACATION! We’ll return with our next issue July
by Judy Butler
There’s Never Time for Rehab
Most times one of the first reasons for not going to drug and alcohol treatment is TIME. “I can’t leave my business, children, or pet for 30 days”. We totally get it. However, we also remind the person with this excuse that if they don’t take the time to end the addiction, there can be much worse consequences than just a temporary absence. Examples are hospitalization, incarceration and, perhaps, even death.
At Bayshore Retreat we understand these concerns and try to help clients with some of the reasons. Work, for example, can be handled while at Bayshore if it can be done via telephone, email or faxes. Childcare; parents are able to ‘tuck their children in at night’ via phone or face time… likewise they can help children with issues that might come up while mom or dad are away.
Unlike many drug and alcohol treatment centers who believe that isolation is the best answer to “getting into oneself”, Bayshore Retreat believes that life goes on while in treatment, just as it does outside of rehab. Allowing clients to ‘stay in touch’ helps families and individuals deal with the absence while also dealing with the addiction.
The bottom line is “no one plans on becoming an addict” so why let that define who you are? At Bayshore Retreat it’s about helping our clients regain physical health and deal with the underling reasons for the addiction from life issues that haven’t been addressed to current issues that may be a problem.
There might never be a better time to call… it’s not that difficult and might be the best call you’ll ever make.
Stephen, Nora, Olivia and Holly Gunn
S’mores and Pours
BridgeWays Event Greets Summer With Brews, Tacos and Music
Bade and Hudson Schnurr
The 10th annual S’mores and Pours took place at Avondale Brewing Co. on June 9 to benefit BridgeWays.
Those who attended the event said hello to summer with a feast from Taco Mama, a selection of Avondale’s brews, as well as a silent auction and raffles, pop-up shops from local businesses, local artists and live music from T.U.B – The UnKnamed Band.
BridgeWays sponsored the event to support its mission to instill hope, purpose and self-worth by connecting young people to their peers, their schools and their families. ❖
Carol Chandler, Cathy Busby and Beeson Warren Kristin Snowden and Raegan Spencer
Ella Nadal and Tyler Whitten Mary Landers and Ashley Tiedt
Matt and Janet Lusco, with Melanie Hill Doug and Kathryn Eckert Dr. Seth Landefeld Brooke and Daniel Coleman
Rey of Hope Holy Family Cristo Rey School Raises Money in Annual Gala
The Rey of Hope Gala, held April 21 at The Club, raised money to support Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School’s work to prepare economically challenged students to graduate high school and perform well in college and in their careers.
Corporate Work Study Program partners, donors, volunteers, board members and staff gathered for the event, which included silent and live auctions, as well as an end-of-event paddle raise.
To date, more than $780,000 has been raised in critical operating funds for the school.
Altec Inc., Regions and Vulcan Materials Corporation were presenting sponsors of the event and founding corporate partners. They have employed HFCR students for the past 16 years. Additional event sponsors were Hoar Construction, Medical Properties Trust, Nelson Brothers, Tractor & Equipment and UAB Department of Medicine.
The Rev. Joe Moons, CP, provincial superior of the Passionist Western U.S. Province, provided the invocation. Members of the local Passionist community who attended included the Rev. Phil Paxton, CP, pastor at Holy Family Catholic Church and board member of Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School. Margaret DuBose, superintendent of schools and chair of the Catholic Schools Office, also attended and recently joined the school’s board. Melanie Hill, board member, served as auction chair.
A team led by Kathryn Eckert created floral arrangements for the tables. Annie Butrus, Francie MacDougall and Heidi Teter served in a variety of volunteer capacities leading up the event.
Jack Granger of Granger, Thagard & Associates was the auctioneer.
The high school is in Titusville and is a member of the Cristo Rey Network, composed of 38 Catholic, college and career-preparatory schools.
HFCR integrates four years of rigorous college preparatory academics with four years of professional work experience through the Corporate Work Study Program. For information on the Cristo Rey Network, go to cristoreynetwork.org. ❖
Jessica Powers
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The Camellia Court is a service organization that seeks to give 17- and 18-year-old girls experience assuming civic responsibilities.
The Second Annual Camellia Court presentation was held May 11 at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
The presentees were dressed in Kentucky Derby-style hats and the dress of their choice in the Camellia colors of white and shades of pink.
The Camellia Court is a service organization that seeks to give 17- and 18-year-old girls experience assuming civic responsibilities. The girls gain knowledge about their community while they are volunteering.
The Camellia Court will make a donation to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and a Camellia
A Bouquet of Kindness
Camellia Court 2022 Members Presented in Event at the Botanical Gardens
tree will be planted in the Camellia Gardens in honor of the Camellia Court of 2022.
The 2022 members are:
Julia Fletcher Abele, Harriet Huntress Crommelin Adams, Caroline Grace Allen, Elizabeth Legrand Amberson, Ellen Kendall Anderson, Anna Elise Andrews, Julie Marie Barnes, Nelle Kylie Bashinsky, Anna Caroline Bates, Mallory Drennen Baxley, Julia Elizabeth Bedingfield, Eloise Katherine Berte, Gracyn Olivia Black, Elisabeth Wynne Blackwell, Hagen McKenzie Blackwell, Amelia Hayes Brown and Sara Allen Brown.
Olivia JoAnn Burgess, Alice Caldwell Byars, Bentley Collier Carroll, Margaret Elaine Clanton, Sara Bennett Coker, Mary Drennan Cooper, Elizabeth Locke Coppedge, Sarah Elizabeth Cushman, Isabella Boehm Donner, Sarah Welles Edwards, Ann Sutherland Elliott, Mollie Patton Ellis, Anna Camille Emblom, Ella Dethalia Emblom, Lucy Broadwell Evans, Grace Leigh Gardner, Lucy Bankston Garner and Lilla Rallis Gaylard.
Mary Dawson Gladney, Rebecca Greer Golden, Elizabeth Pierce Grisham, Lauren Catherine Grubbs, Catherine Marie Guilsher, Cameron Cookson Hahn, Rebekah Elizabeth Hamer, Caroline Cross Hellums, Hannah Lane Hitson, Welden Williams Holman, Chloe Athanasia Hontzas, Carson Paige Horn, Clara Davis Howell, Ellie Strickland Ingram, Marion Alden Johnson, Lauren Elizabeth Johnston, Mary Lawson Jolly and Virginia Grace Knight.
Kennedy Anne Knight, Elizabeth Wilds Kohn, Margaret Cater Kracke, Ellen Annette Laney, Mary Frances Little, Katherine Walker Methvin, Emily Page Moore, Ann Winston Morano, Margaret Lovett Nichols, Sadie Ann Patton, Ashley Lynn Pitts, Margaret Louise Rainer, Mary Lucy Redden, Mary Chandler Robinett, Carson Worthy Rogers, Olivia Frances Rome, Ann Louise Rowe and Margaret Louise Russell.
Jane Morgan Knight Sauls, Katherine Carter Savage, Eleanor Devereaux Segers, Caroline Louise Skelton, Beatrice Dearborn Spencer, Juliet Emmaline Stewart, Lillian Tanner Still, Frances Braswell Vandevelde, Adele Sauls Vinson, Lillie Kate Walthall, Anne Adams Ware, Kathleen Whitfield Webb, Ann Derby Welden, Margaret Cameron Windle, Addison Elaine Wint, Ann Hines Woodke, Lillian Grace Wright and Alexandra Kate Yearout. ❖
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Treat yourself To: Mary Charles Robbins to a trip to From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: May 2010 Attic Antiques To: Tues.-Sat. 10-4:00 5620 Cahaba Valley Road Mary CharlesThis is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the From: 991-6887Over the Mountain Journal June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. 823-9646 ph, 824-1246 fax Date: Nov 2018 Please make sure all information is correct, This is your ad proof for the OTMJ for the November 15, 2018issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as including address and phone number! possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246. To: Mary Charles Robbins Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. 205-824-1246, fax If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. Thank you for your prompt attention.Date: May 2010 Thank you for your prompt attention.
2820 Petticoat Lane Mtn. Brook Village 870-5544 Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm Share Your Good News! To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you, call 205-823-9646.
Passing the Gavel
Antiquarian Society Hosts May Installation Luncheon
Members of the Antiquarian Society gathered at the historical home of member Susan Dasher to formally conclude the 2021-2022 year with a spring luncheon and installation of new officers.
President Amy Tully greeted guests and thanked the executive board for its leadership. Member Rebekah Taylor presented the following officers for the 2022-2023 year: Janet Krueger, president; Kay Clark, first vice president; Lucianne Pugh, second vice president; Carla Roberson, corresponding secretary; Susan Dasher, recording secretary; Rebecca Mason, treasurer; and Annalisa Jager, historian.
President Tully then passed the ceremonial gavel to Krueger.
Attending the May luncheon were Amanda Adams, Julia Anderson, Cary Baker, Emily Blount, Redonda Broom, Stephanie Byrne, Kirke Cater, Elaine Clark, Mary Lynda Crocket, Martha Lee Culp, Carolyn Delk, Lesley DeRamus, Cece Dillard,
Courtesy
Outgoing president Amy Tully, right, passed the ceremonial gavel to Janet Krueger, right.
Carolyn Drennen, Vickie Drummond, Marsha Duell, Carolyn Featheringill, Fran Fendley, Marjorie Forney, Kay Grayson, Charmion Hain, Judith Hand, Jean Hendrickson, Vera Henley, Sandra Holley, Dottie Hoover, Rosemary Jager, Nancy Jones, Becky Keyes, Barbara Kylce, Elizabeth Koleszar, Audrey Lindquist and Cookie Logan.
Also attending: Judy Long, Terri Lyon, Tainey Marcoux, Gina Martin, Mary Jean Myers, Betty Northen, Meridith Peoples, Helen Pittman, Kathryn Porter, Margie Preston, Gail Pugh, Lucy Richardson, Phyllis Russell, Ann Sanders, Janeal Shannon, Nan Skier, Nancy Skinner, Jan Smith, Linda Stewart, Rhetta Tatum, Nan Teninbaum, Nancy Terrell, Carole Thomas, Diana Turnipseed, Barbara Wall, Elizabeth Wallace, Laura Wallace, Liz Warren, Jeanna Westmoreland, Lynda Whitney, Eloise Williams and Margie Williams.
The Antiquarian Society was formed in 1944 by a group of women who shared an interest in antiques, heirlooms and architectural elements, and it has continued with a focus also on historical study of decorative objects and their place in culture. ❖
The Art of the Garden
Frank Sinatra Collection
5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 111 980-9030 southeasternjewelers.net (1/4 mile off 280)
The Riverchase Women’s Club mixed gardens and artists in its May 19 The Art of the Garden event. Members of the club toured three gardens and met artists at each location, followed by the group’s end-of-season luncheon.
One of the gardens featured mature plantings in expansive shade beds and sunny gardens. Club members visited with artist Anita Bice, who has been an architectural illustrator for more than 30 years and has been painting fine art for about 15 years.
At another stop on the tour, the area was designed as a cutting garden with a mix of roses, shrubs, trees and perennials, plus colorful plantings around a pool and lakeside space. The artist in that garden was Marla Hope Kenney, a Hoover-based artist specializing in mixed media and layered paintings.
The third garden featured native plants, bonsai trees, paths lined with plants and a koi pond. Birminghambased artist Hunter Bell, who creates art from found objects, met with club members in that garden.
During the luncheon that followed, donations were made to Hoover Helps, Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, two scholarships, Riverchase Elementary School, Berry Middle School, Charlie Jean Foundation, Unless U, Wings of Hope, Oak Mountain Missions and Aldridge Gardens. ❖
Courtesy
MAKE SURE DAD HAS A BLAST
To: Renee ON FATHER'S DAY! From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: June
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the June 16, 2022 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
Above, Cherie Season, Susan Schmidt and Anita Bice. Below, Jessica Chernausek, Pam Roberts, Jolee Giadrosich, Kelly Miles and Robin Minor.
Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
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Creative Couple Celebrates Marriage at The Barn at Shady Lane
By Maggie gove
Michael and Linda Adler have been creating memories together for more than 42 years, and now each year they help hundreds of brides and grooms make their own memories at The Barn at Shady Lane.
Running a wedding venue was not always the couple’s dream. It came along after years of serving and singing alongside one another. Michael has been serving at Shades Mountain Baptist Church as the worship pastor for 22 years, and Linda has been teaching voice lessons all the while.
Their vision to open a wedding venue came together over a series of years in which they were helping with marriage conferences.
Seeing great successes from these conferences sparked the thought in them, “Perhaps we could do this on our own property,” – a property they did not yet have and did not have the means to purchase.
Before finding their home at Shady Lane, Michael and Linda and their sons lived in Vestavia Hills for nearly 14 years. During their time in Vestavia, they sang and officiated at many weddings, which allowed them to see first-hand the inner workings of most of the area’s finest venues. Over the years, they gathered many ideas of ways they could bring their own venue to life if it were to become a reality someday.
The Barn at Shady Lane
Michael and Linda Adler, above, met in Hollywood in the 1980s while singing on the Oral Roberts television show. They spent three years in and out of Hollywood filming weekly specials while they both studied to receive bachelor’s degrees in music education.
Bringing the Dream to Life
Michael and Linda rely greatly on their Christian faith, and they believed owning and running a wedding venue was the right step for the next chapter of their life. Finding their land was not a quick and easy task; they spent four years searching for the right property on which to build.
In 2012, the couple leveraged their home in Vestavia to buy what they call an “8-acre slice of paradise” nestled between the Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort and Lakeshore Parkway. They named their new home and future venue location Shady Lane, inspired by the gorgeous Bradford Pear trees that line the driveway on the property.
In early 2014, it was finally time to start building. With the help of their team and Linda’s eye for design, the couple crafted gorgeous indoor and outdoor venues within the year.
“We also had the consistent guidance of our contractor, Myrick Gurosky and Associates, and landscape (architect), Don Jones. They went
See ADLERS, page 21
Birmingham Museum of Art
The Birmingham Museum of Art is an elegant and modern venue, suited to host any wedding event, such as engagement parties, bridal luncheons, teas and showers down to the ceremony and or reception.
“If you choose the Museum for your wedding, you can utilize all of our public spaces – Oscars Café, with the dramatic spiral staircase; the Eighth Ave. Lobby, which has the colorful blown glass art created by Dale Chihuly adorning the wall; and the multi-level Charles Ireland Sculpture Garden outside,” said Special Events Manager Jestina Howard, above.
“You can have the Museum art galleries open for your guests to tour and we only book one private event after 5:00pm when we close to the public. So, you and your guests will have the entire Museum to yourselves,” Howard added.
Howard’s Wedding Planning Tips
“One: Consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. They can make the process of planning your wedding stress free. Planners handle all of the details from beginning to end such as logistics, event design, contract negotiations, booking vendors and the day-of execution of your event. Coordinators handle some day-of logistics, but on a shorter timeline. They usually begin helping you prepare a week or month before the wedding and function as your day- of point person.”
“Two: Think about the three most important aspects you want for your special day. Are those aspects the food, specialty drinks, decor or entertainment, etc.? Prioritize the three things and stick to them.”
“Three: Decide on your wedding style/ theme - is it traditional, contemporary or rustic? Focus on this so you stay aligned with your complete event vision.”
Birmingham Museum of Art is located at 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., 205-2542681 or email plananevent@artsbma.org
There is an art to creating the perfect wedding. Let us be your canvas.
Image courtesy Eric & Jamie Photography
Bromberg’s
Wedding season is here, and many wedding planning experts are predicting record breaking numbers for weddings in 2022. If you’re tying the knot this year, we invite you to create a wedding registry at Bromberg’s! Bromberg’s wedding registry has become an Alabama tradition for many generations of brides and remains a delightfully easy part of the wedding planning process.
While you can create an online registry, nothing compares to the helpful service you will receive working with our expert bridal consultants. With an unmatched selection of fine china, casual dinnerware, crystal, silver, and home décor, every couple that registers at Bromberg’s will be expertly guided to set a table that will be the focal point of cherished memories for years to come. Additionally, your guests will appreciate the ease of selecting from a wide variety of gift choices.
Bromberg’s Gift Letter program reduces the amount of returns and duplicate gifts. For each gift purchased from a registry, a beautiful gift letter is sent to inform the couple which gift was picked out for them and whom it’s from along with a personalized message. After the wedding, the couple can redeem the total value of the gift letters they have received for anything they want in the store, allowing them to take advantage of special offers, including a free place setting with the purchase of seven place settings or our seasonal sales. Other benefits of registering at Bromberg’s include discounts for attendant and hostess gifts and 20 percent off on wedding bands.
Bromberg’s is located in Mountain Brook Village, The Summit, and BrombergsBride.com.
JB & CO JB & CO
Private Jeweler, John Bromberg maintains a return to an old-world artisan approach to fine jewelry. In an industry that is increasingly focused on mass production, JB & CO chooses to focus on the unique, with specialties that include bridal, custom and estate jewelry.
At a time when individual service and privacy is of the utmost importance, Bromberg personally works with his clients to select or create just the right piece for the occasion, always adhering to their style and budget. Whether it is a diamond engagement ring, a micro-mosaic necklace or a special piece for your day, JB & CO can help you with your jewelry heirloom. His collection of estate jewelry comes from the finest jewelry houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, Verdura, Buccellati, Bulgari, as well as, designers Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany, Ilias Lalounis, Pierre Sterle’, Elizabeth Locke, Katy Briscoe, Chopard and Ippolita. John also has a select
Private Jeweler, collection of coveted John Bromberg main- watches from Cartier, tains a return to an Patek Philippe and old-world artisan Rolex. approach to fine jew- John Bromberg is elry. In an industry a sixth-generation that is increasingly GIA trained jeweler focused on mass pro- with memberships in duction, JB & CO the prestigious chooses to focus on Diamond Dealers’ the unique, with spe- Club of New York cialties that include and The American bridal, custom and Society of Jewelry estate jewelry. Historians. John’s
At a time when longstanding relaindividual service tionships offer the and privacy is of the unique opportunity utmost importance, for his clients to purBromberg personally chase fine jewelry at works with his clients an exceptional value. to select or create JB & CO was named just the right piece “The Best Jeweler” for the occasion, in the About Town always adhering to magazine 2021 their style and bud- John Bromberg is a sixth-generation Readers’ Poll! get. Whether it is a GIA trained jeweler with memberships in For the full JB & diamond engagement the prestigious Diamond Dealers’ Club of CO experience, we ring, a micro-mosaic New York and The American Society of recommend making necklace or a special Jewelry Historians. an appointment. piece for your day, “Collect with us,” JB & CO can help you with your jewelry heir- says Bromberg. loom. His collection of estate jewelry comes JB & CO is located at 1 Office Park Circle, from the finest jewelry houses such as Van Suite 201, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. 205Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, Verdura, Buccellati, 478-0455. Bulgari, as well as, designers Jean Website: www.JBandCoJewelry.com Schlumberger for Tiffany, Ilias Lalounis, Pierre Instagram: @ Sterle’, Elizabeth Locke, Katy Briscoe, JBandCoJewelryMountainBrookAL Chopard and Ippolita. John also has a select Facebook: JBandCoJewelry
collection of coveted watches from Cartier, Patek Philippe and Rolex. John Bromberg is a sixth-generation GIA trained jeweler with memberships in the prestigious Diamond Dealers’ Club of New York and The American Society of Jewelry Historians. John’s longstanding relationships offer the unique opportunity for his clients to purchase fine jewelry at an exceptional value. JB & CO was named “The Best Jeweler” in the About Town magazine 2021
John Bromberg is a sixth-generation Readers’ Poll! GIA trained jeweler with memberships in For the full JB & the prestigious Diamond Dealers’ Club of CO experience, we New York and The American Society of recommend making Jewelry Historians. an appointment. “Collect with us,” says Bromberg. JB & CO is located at 1 Office Park Circle, Suite 201, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. 205478-0455. Website: www.JBandCoJewelry.com Instagram: @ JBandCoJewelryMountainBrookAL Facebook: JBandCoJewelry
SHOW HER HOW TRULY BRILLIANT YOU CAN BE BRILLIANT YOU CAN BE
JohnBromberg@JBandCoJewelry.com
205.478.0455 | JBandCoJewelry.com JohnBromberg@JBandCoJewelry.com One Office Park Circle | Suite 201 205.478.0455 | JBandCoJewelry.com Mountain Brook, AL 35223 One Offi ce Park Circle | Suite 201 | Mountain Brook, AL 35223
Charming Scribe
“Charming Scribe began as Weddings Etc, a stationery and gift store that was located ‘on the curve’ of Downtown Homewood for 25 years,” owner Melissa Abele (right) said. “After owning it for 10 years, I moved the business online and narrowed the focus to the best selling products, our cake charms and the wedding books we call the Beloved Book. My most favorite aspect of the current business is the design work. I love designing monograms, guiding brides in selecting fab- Courtesy rics and thread colors, as well as photostyling all of the products.”
According to Melissa, here in the South, a wedding essential that every mother has insisted her engaged daughter get is a book that has been known by several titles - a bride’s book, wedding book, or a memory book.
“I love a little romance, so I gave our books the romantic title of a Beloved Book,” Melissa said. “A Beloved Book is your family heirloom that tells the story of how your family first began. It is a shower guest book, rehearsal dinner guest book, wedding guest book, and a photo album. It has a place for your engagement photos, baby and current photos, save the date, shower invitations, THE BELOVED BOOK your family heirloom wedding and shower guest book charmingscribe.etsy.com
rehearsal dinner invitation, wedding invitation, and wedding program. The Beloved Book chronicles your engagement memories from proposal to the honeymoon. There are 19 different designs for the Beloved Book, with an additional option for custom art. “My favorite design is Genevieve because of her beautiful details, 3 thread colors, dot details inside the middle letter and accent dots that flank the side letters,” Melissa said. “The Genevieve monogram is very dimensional when embroidered. I also love embroidering customer’s unique custom art. It is always a little creative adventure that brings a thrill when I see it completed.” Beloved Books are handmade with beautiful linen or silk dupioni, the finest embroidery threads, By June Mathews and a lot of TLC. Each book’s foundation is a sturAn engagement is announced, the planning begins. And almost before a bride can blink, the wedding is over. But if she made preserving the dy, custom made three-ring binder that allows for easy removal and addition of pages. The pages are heavyweight, acid-free card stock printed in charcoal ink. Beloved Books are available for local pickup. memories part of her plans, the entire wedding To learn more about Charming Scribe or conseason, from the moment an engagement ring is tact Melissa Abele visit charmingscribe.etsy.com slipped on her finger through the last day of the honeymoon, is documented.
Filling a bride’s book, also called a wedding book, plays an important role in keeping the memories alive. It provides a treasure to be enjoyed for many years to come. Much like a photo album or scrapbook, a bride’s book is specially designed to chronicle the details and organize the keepsakes of a wedding.
According to Beloved Books creator and designer Melissa Abele of Homewood, the concept of a bride’s book is not new.
“It’s a timeless tradition that many generations have enjoyed,” she said. “It chronicles the beginning of a family and becomes an heirloom to be shared with children and grandchildren.”
Abele’s interest in bride’s books began when she purchased Weddings Etc. in 2004. A stationery and gift store on the Curve in Homewood for 25 years, Weddings Etc. carried a selection of wedding books, which Abele learned were popular items with brides-to-be.
“As I saw the popularity of the concept, I began listening to brides to see what they loved and didn’t love about the books,” she said. “Over time, the books have continued to evolve into what they are today.”
In 2015, Abele closed the brick-and-mortar store, moved online and renamed the business Charming Scribe in deference to the Beloved Books and Cake Charms she offers.
Wedding books, she said, hold invitations to
Beloved Books
Wedding Books Keep Memories Alive Long After the Ceremony the wedding and associated occasions such as the engagement party, showers and dinners. There are also pages for guests to sign, as well as places for photos and keepsakes. The items build throughout the wedding season, ultimately providing a complete record of a special time. As with many elements of modern weddings, Beloved Books have widened their focus to become more inclusive of the groom. “Today’s couples want to chronicle their wedding together and to share all the love and all the magic in a special and elegant manner,” “It chronicles the beginning Abele said. “Pulling invitations, photos and memorabilia from an old shoe box does not of a family and becomes an have the same reverence as a wedding book, heirloom to be shared with considering all the hard work put into planning such a special time.”children and grandchildren.” Beloved Books are handmade with linen or MELISSA ABELE silk dupioni with acid-free cardstock pages printed in charcoal ink. The clean, well-edited pages are straightforward and easy to complete. They can be found on Abele’s website CharmingScribe.com. “Brides don’t need more items on their to-do lists,” said Abele.
What to Include in Your Wedding Book
No two weddings are alike, so every wedding book and the items in it will be different. But in case you need a little help getting started, here’s a list of items you might want to include with the keepsakes in your wedding book: • Your love story • Engagement announcements • Invitations to parties and bridal showers • Thank you cards • Wedding save-the-date card • Complete wedding invitation, including enclosures • Information about the wedding party • Ceremony program • Copy of vows • Dried flowers from wedding and other gatherings • Copies of reception menus • Place cards • Copies of speeches/toasts • Plenty of photos
ADLERS
The Barn at Shady Lane is a rustic, elegant venue that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
From page 18 above and beyond to keep us in budget while helping to create such a magical space,” Michael said.
They spent the spring and summer hard at work and the venue was up and running in a matter of months. The Barn at Shady Lane’s first event was held Sept. 24, 2014, when Michael and Linda hosted their granddaughter’s first birthday party.
Having four sons, three daughtersin-law and a growing list of grandchildren, the couple could not think of a better way to open their venue.
“Three of (our boys) are married and have chosen such great wives that they are like the daughters we never had,” said Michael.
All of Michael and Linda’s boys supported their parents’ dreams to have their own wedding venue.
“They have watched us produce big events and large-scale productions all of their lives,” Michael said. The boys loved the property and the
potential for something big for their parents, he said.
The two youngest sons and third daughter-in-law were invested in the first several years of Shady Lane. Michael said, “It was actually a large percentage of their BirminghamSouthern and Samford University friend groups that became our initial workforce and helped us establish an immediate reputation for cleanliness, efficiency and a staff that works hard to make every event a win.” Michael and Linda’s mission at Shady Lane is to be dedicated to creative excellence and stellar service, use their gifts and life experience to benefit those who come their way and cultivate a space where marriage is held in the highest esteem.
They also are dedicated to each other. The couple said they always have had a blast being together, sharing in their love for music and people, as they still do today.
The two met in Hollywood in the 1980s while singing on the Oral Roberts television show. They spent three years in and out of Hollywood filming weekly specials while they both studied to receive bachelor’s degrees in music education.
Today, Michael and Linda still serve at Shades Mountain Baptist Church and teach voice lessons while running The Barn at Shady Lane. Michael has picked up a new creative hobby in woodworking, and Linda loves getting to do “girl things” when she spends time with her daughtersin-law. They are grateful for their four sons and their families and their support over the years as they have brought this dream to life.
There are no animals or hay bales at The Barn at Shady Lane. “We do have one freerange chihuahua and a gorgeous ragdoll cat named Mr. Bingley,” Michael said.
LUCY WANTS YOU
To: thecookstore@msn.com From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Date: December This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Jan. 14, 2021 issue.
TO COME IN AND REGISTER!
2841 Cahaba Road Mtn. Brook Village • 879-5277 M-F 10-5 • Sat 10-4 www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com
A Look at Shady Lane
The Barn at Shady Lane is a rustic, elegant venue that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its peaceful atmosphere suits any kind of wedding – from a small, intimate wedding to a large, extravagant one. Shady Lane seats up to 300 and is complete with an antique-furnished bride’s loft, cool rustic-modern groom’s cottage and stunning indoor and outdoor spaces.
While the word “barn” is in the title, that is about as country as it gets. There are no animals or hay bales at The Barn at Shady Lane.
“We do have one free-range chihuahua and a gorgeous ragdoll cat named Mr. Bingley,” Michael said.
There is always something exciting happening at Shady Lane. Michael and Linda are continually working to make improvements to their venues. A recent addition includes a shimmering fountain in the center of the pond that anchors the property at the Sunbelt Parkway entrance.
Their passion builds with every update they make. The couple’s youngest son, Brady, explained that his dad gets so excited with every improvement.
“We recently had a fountain installed… and he hasn’t stopped marveling over it since,” Brady said. Their love for people and dedication to serving to the best of their abilities are qualities that can be consistently found both behind the scenes as well as in the public eye.
Shady Lane brides have access to a preferred vendors list as well as tables, chairs and wood pews, along with lanterns to pillars, or even a wall of lights.
The Barn at Shady Lane has
received the Couples Choice Award from Wedding Wire every year since 2016 and has been awarded Best of Birmingham by Birmingham Magazine in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Michael and Linda often have people tell them, “You two are living our dream!” to which Linda laughingly replies, “So, your dream is janitorial service?” The couple loves running the venue, but it is a lot of work. “The standards must stay high for every single event, and that takes work,” explained Michael. But he said it is all worth it in the end. Barely a week goes by without one looking at the other and saying, “Not everyone gets to do this.”
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1678 Montgomery Highway, Hoover, AL 978-5880 • www.shaysjewelers.com
