Bridal Issue 2016 by RSVP Montgomery

Photo Credit: Credit: Shae Shae Owens Owens Photography Photography Photo Photo Credit: Shae Owens Photography Photo Credit: Kim Box Photography

PERFECT SPACE PERFECT PLACE

The perfect venue for any event! Wedding Reception Rehearsal Dinner Engagement Parties

the 

Modern and vintage coexisting in perfect harmony.

the   Stunning sky and city views.

Bridesmaid Luncheon Rustic, elegant and unassuming. 334.277.1077 | A L L E Y S TAT I O N . COM     

You want every little piece to be perfect and special. Formal Outings has the largest selection of luxury mobile facilities for your wedding. Lavish and elegant, with every amenity available for you and your guests.

Visit formaloutings.com for more information and to view our facility options. 334-288-1500

12 Style for the Aisle

26 Bridesmaid Diaries: Part 5 30 Diamond : Impossible

34 Venue 411 45 Ideas that Inspire:

Love al Fresco Plum Perfect Deerly Beloved Love en pointe

54 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your taste? 60 Engagements 64 Weddings

82 Behind the Scenes 86 Something Old, New Borrowed & To Do!

96 Resource Directory

ON THE COVER Cover Photo by: Brooke Glassford / Colorbox Photographers Calligraphy by: Kara Anne Custom Paper & Lettering

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from the GIRLS The River Region Guide for All Things Social BRIDAL ISSUE

Photo by Brooke Glassford • Colorbox Photographers

Photo By Callie Starkie / Lex and Lee Photography

very bride wants a special wedding—one that is different from any other. She wants a wedding that inspires and moves guests while creating lasting memories for both her and the groom. We have created another stunning bridal issue filled with creative ideas, stories, photos and advice for these discerning brides and grooms. Over the past few years, we have come to know many of the talented florists, event planners, jewelers, caterers and photographers who not only help to make beautiful successful weddings but also contribute to our bridal issue, and we are thrilled to present their work to you. If you have feedback or ideas for future bridal issues, don’t keep them to yourself. Share them at editor@rsvp-montgomery.com. After all, most of our great ideas come from our readers! Congratulations! And happy planning.

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RSVP Montgomery, Inc. 505 Cloverdale road, Unit 104 montgomery, al 36106

25,000 acres

of unspoiled forest

Unique Venues Extraordinary Service Southern Hospitality

40,000 acres

of pristine lake

To see and hear more, call 256.794.1397 or visit www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com or www.RussellCrossroads.com

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HENIG FURS 4135 CARMICHAEL RD. MONTGOMERY, AL 36106 SHOP HENIGFURS.COM

Bridal gowns and accessories: I Do Bridal & Formal Makeup: Rebekah Edwards/LUSH Makeup Art Hair: Jamison Alexander Venue: The Oaks Plantation

STYLE for the AISLE Photos by Aubrie Moates

This beautiful all-over lace, fit-and-flare wedding gown by Essence of Australia features sparkling Diamante beading throughout and romantic cap sleeves. This dress also comes with sash.

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This beautiful Stella York gown features a skirt with three layers of elegant corded lace and a pretty sweep train, while the bust boasts a plunging neckline. The back zips up with ease under lace-covered buttons.

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This Justin alexander Venice and Chantilly lace, fit-and-flare dress is emphasized with a jewel neckline and beautiful back detail.

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e (retail 50). nd cents 5). The nds The ings

This ball gown by Justin Alexander features a softlace, Sabrina neckline and is cinched in at the natural waist by a classic Mikado cummerbund. The pearl and bead trimmed neckline and sleeves, pocketed Mikado skirt and v-back give this gown a classic 1960s feeling.

kim box photography

w w w. k i m b ox p h o t o g r a p hy. c o m

334.491.0409

i n fo @ k i m b ox p h o t o g r a p hy. c o m

Josh Moates of Kim Box Photography | kimboxphotography.com

A Unforgable Sein for Your Evt HAMPSTE A D L A K E • L I D O P O O L & G R E AT L AW N • H A M P ST E A D PA R K & TOW N C E N T E R From Weddings and Parties to Dinners and Special Events, Hampstead Offers Montgomery’s Most Unique Setting

FO R E V E N TS I N FO R M AT I O N AND AVAILABILITY, CALL 334.356.4598 Town building, design and contruction are an evolving process. The Hampstead master plan, features, ﬂoor plans, and pricing may change without notice due to a variety of considerations. Any illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. This is not an offer to sell real estate property. Information is correct but not warranted. Void where prohibted by law. Equal Housing Opportunity. © 2016.

HAMPSTEADLIVING.COM

Elegant glamour is found in this stunning Maggie Sottero ball gown featuring a voluminous tulle skirt, romantic sweetheart neckline and lace bodice. It is accented with metallic embroidery and glittering Swarovski crystals and is finished with pearl buttons over the zipper and inner-corset closure.

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This designer wedding dress from Stella York takes illusion lace to a new level with illusion-lace detailing on its bodice, low back and sleeves. The ethereal skirt is made from fine French tulle over rich, matte-side Lustre satin. A thin band accentuates the waist, and the back zips up with ease under pearl buttons.

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THE BRIDESMAID

Volume 5 DIARIES

10 Don’ts before the I Do’s by Mallory Anderson • Photos by Josh Moates / Kim Box Photography Dress provided by Welle Studio Being a bridesmaid can seem a little overwhelming at times, but let’s be real- it is a breeze compared to what the bride goes through. It is always nice (and humbling) to be reminded that the world doesn’t always revolve around me. As bridesmaids, this is something we lose sight of during the time leading up to the bride’s special day. Here are a few “don’ts” to keep yourself in check and remind the bride why she picked you to be a part of her squad.

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4. Don’t complain about expenses. It is no secret that being a bridesmaid can cost some money. If you are not in a good place financially, be honest with the bride. She will appreciate your honesty. Instead of complaining about the price of the bridesmaid dress, use your powers for good and come up with creative ideas to save money on a shower or the bachelorette party.

5. Don’t forget about your responsibilities following the “I do’s.” This is probably the most common mistake made by the bridal party. The ceremony ends, and everyone thinks it is time to party. Make sure the bride and groom have a full cup, don’t let the newlyweds get stuck in a long conversation with Great Aunt Ethel, and bring everyone together for the cutting of the cake and the bouquet/garter toss.

1. Don’t question deadlines.

6. Don’t be late for the rehearsal.

The bride sets these dates for a reason. You may think it’s okay to wait until the last minute to order your bridesmaid dress, but you probably aren’t considering that it usually takes five months for the dress to ship, which can leave little time for alterations. While we’re on the subject of alterations, don’t order a smaller dress with the intentions of losing weight. I have seen this in almost every single wedding that I have been a part of, and it does nothing but stress out the bride. It is not worth it. Suck it up and order the size that actually fits!

Going back to number one, the rehearsal time is set for a reason. Don’t get there when you feel like it. This is the last opportunity that the bride will have to smooth out the final details of the big day. It is a big deal.

2. Don’t gossip about the other girls in the bridal party. There is absolutely no good that comes from talking about the other bridesmaids. The last thing the bride wants is drama between the women she loves most. Remember, it is still not about you!

3. Don’t repeatedly ask the bride about the same details. Confession: This one used to be tough for me. I realized that if I entered dates and times in my calendar on my phone from the beginning, I didn’t have to keep asking or searching through old emails to find the information needed. The bride has much bigger things to worry about, she ain’t your mama.

7. Don’t upload pictures of the bride to social media. I truly believe this is done with good intentions, but why run the risk of the groom seeing his beautiful bride before she walks down the aisle? Not worth the 134 likes you might get on Insta. Post your pictures after the reception.

8. Don’t make the bachelorette party about you. Don’t assume that the bride wants to go to Vegas, ask the bride about where she would like to go! Talk to her about some of the activities you are planning because this is ultimately about her having fun.

9. Don’t slack on responding to important communication. Reassure the bride that her message was received and heard. Reply all! Motivate others to respond. It is little things like this that can bring a bride’s stress level down a notch or two.

10. Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your toast. It is no secret that women are emotional beings. Show the bride how much you care by preparing your speech in advance. If speeches aren’t your thing, team up with some other bridesmaids and write a cute poem or song to share with everyone at the rehearsal dinner. It will mean the world to her.

Another chance to make her glad she said

“yes”.

Before you tie the knot, get the perfect tie and tux for the big day. Rent your tuxedo and suit from one of Jim Massey’s five convenient formalwear stores. • All tuxedos and suits in-stock • Choose style, fabric, and color • Last-minute orders

MONTGOMERY: Westminster / Sturbridge Norman Bridge PRATTVILLE / AUBURN Tel: 334-262-8855 jimmassey.com/formalwear

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DIAMOND:IMPOSSIBLE

By JS Brian Carney

our mission, should you choose to accept it: collect three months of hard-earned salary, go down to your local jewelry store (preferably one of our advertisers… shameless plug) and purchase that 1-billion-year-old lump of coal that makes every women glee with excitement…. sounds simple, huh? Yeah, just as simple as golf… just take that metal stick and hit that small dimpled sphere into that hole 500 feet away… Get my drift? Not so simple, my friend. In picking out the right engagement ring, there are a lot more steps to the process that separate you from a

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bogey to a par…. (ok, last golf reference). To preface, I should first tell you I’m no expert, but I did spend five excruciating years in the jewelry industry as a manager for a large chain of jewelry stores; so I guess you could say I come from the school of diamond hard knocks. Your first task is to discretely acquire your future bride’s likes and dislikes and convert that information into the perfect diamond. To do that, we should start with the shape of the stone.

SHAPE Round

Round *Represents 75% of all diamonds sold. This shape will fit a wide variety of mounts and are generally superior at the reflection of light. More light equals more sparkle, and sparkle wins the day.

Princess

Princess *One of the most popular “fancy” shapes and lends itself to a wide variety of mounting options. Oval

Oval *Due to its shape, it can often give the illusion of a larger stone. Marquise *Football shaped stone that, like an oval shape, can also give the illusion of a larger stone. Look for symmetry and make sure the tips are robust. Just because it’s a diamond doesn’t mean a thin point won’t chip. Marquise

Pear *A combination of a marquise and round shape with a tapered point at one end. Again, you should look for symmetry and integrity of the pointed end.

Pear

Emerald *Rectangle shaped stone with a large table surface. A beautiful shape but often inclusions or imperfections are easier to discern. Emerald

Radiant *Square shaped stone, similar to a princess cut with more facets or cuts in the stone. Heart shape *Please don’t do this….

Radiant

Heart

Now we get to the hard part. The ominous 4 C’s…. no, I’m not referring to your first semester of college.

CARAT WEIGHT 1 carat equals 100 points. The larger the carat weight the more expensive the diamond, because the larger the diamond the more rare it is. But bigger doesn’t always mean better. Two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values (and prices) depending on the three other factors of the diamond 4 Cs: clarity, color, and cut.

CLARITY Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth, and process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called inclusions and external characteristics called blemishes. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes then the higher its value.

COLOR - OR LACK THEREOF The diamond color evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and consequently, a higher value. GIA’s D-to-Z diamond color grading system measures the degree of colorlessness with D as the best color rating a diamond can have.

CUT Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit light and sparkle. We often think of a diamond’s cut as shape (round, emerald, pear), but a diamond’s cut grade is really about how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. Diamonds with the best proportions, symmetry, and polish will deliver a magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond.

Legal disclaimer: This article won’t get you a “yes” but it may save you from years of embarrassment. Every diamond is unique, much like a fingerprint, so make sure your diamond is as unique as the woman you love.

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411

He proposed, you posted pictures of the ring sharing the exciting news, and now you need to pick a venue and set your date. Whether you decide upon an elegant evening gala or a festive afternoon soiree, an indoor ball or a southern-style outdoor affair, deciding where to hold your event will be one of the most important decisions of your entire planning process. We have included some information on a few of our favorite venues as well as some tips to consider when selecting your ceremony site.

A & P SOCIAL

A d d re s s : 5 0 3 C l o ve rd a l e R o a d C o n t a c t : Tay l o r H a rd y, t ay l o r @ t h e a p s o c i a l . c o m , 3 3 4 . 3 5 6 . 3 8 1 4 Re s t a u ra n t o R e n t a l P r i c e : Va r i e s u p o n d ay, c a l l f o r f o o d a n d b eve r a g e m i n i mu m s o Indoor space o C a p a c i t y : 1 2 5 - re c e p t i o n s e a t i n g ; 9 0 - b u yo u t p l a t e d s e a t i n g o Catering Services: In house P ri v a t e E ve n t S p a c e / C o u rt y a rd o Rental Price: $200 o Indoor and outdoor space o C a p a c i t y : I n s i d e - 6 5 re c e p t i o n , 5 0 p l a t e d ; o u t s i d e - 2 0 0 o C a t e r i n g S e r v i c e s : $ 6 5 0 f o o d a n d b eve r a g e m i n i mu m f ro m A & P S o c i a l o r Ku d z u N o o d l e B a r. N o o u t s i d e fo o d a l l o we d . O u t s i d e c a ke s a re a l l o we d , b u t i n - h o u s e c a ke s a re av a i l a b l e . B a r p a c k a g e s av a i l a b l e u p o n re q u e s t .

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A L L E Y S TAT I O N

Many venues might showcase images on their websites from a beautiful season, like spring when the flowers are blooming, so be sure to ask to see pictures from the season you intend to get married. When trying to choose among several venues, think about how you felt when you first walked in, because that is likely how your guests will feel. Make sure the room is large enough to accommodate the number of people on your guest list. The space may look enormous when it’s empty, but wedding essentials can take up a lot of space.

o o o o o o

A d d re s s : 1 3 0 C o m m e rc e S t re e t , M o n t g o m e r y R e n t a l P r i c e : Va r i e s , c a l l f o r p r i c i n g Indoor and outdoor space Capacity: 700 C a t e r i n g S e r v i c e s : S e l e c t yo u r o w n ; k i t c h e n a c c e s s av a i l a b l e C o n t a c t : Je n ny S m i t h , 3 3 4 . 2 7 7 . 1 0 7 7 o r w w w. a l l ey s t a t i o n . c o m

T H E WA R E H O U S E AT A L L E Y S TAT I O N

Consider requesting a sample invoice so you can see every single item that you will be charged for to ensure there are no surprises. Ask about any potential restrictions, such as a specific closing time, accommodations for a DJ or band, whether or not you are able to bring your own caterer or cake designer and where guests will be allowed to smoke… because there is always that someone. Since environment and ambiance will help set the tone of your wedding, ask yourself if the location will accommodate the desired mood you want. Make sure your venue matches the color and style you’ve already selected for your wedding. If you envision an outdoor wedding where your guests will enjoy the beauty of the spring or summer, find out what options for a backup plan the venue may have in the event of inclement whether.

o o o o o

A d d re s s : 1 3 0 C o m m e rc e S t re e t , S u i t e 8 0 0 , M o n t go m e r y R e n t a l P r i c e : Va r i e s ; c a l l f o r p r i c i n g Indoor space Capacity: Seated- 325; Reception- 600 C a t e r i n g S e r v i c e s : S e l e c t yo u r o w n , a l c o h o l mu s t go t h ro u g h t h e i r l i c e n s e d ve n d o r o C o n t a c t : Je n ny S m i t h , 3 3 4 . 2 7 7 . 1 0 7 7 o r w w w. a l l ey s t a t i o n . c o m

Choosing a wedding location involves more than what location looks best. The small details of your wedding venue will make a big difference. Happy site seeing!

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VENUE 411 C A P I TA L C I T Y C L U B

o o o o o o

A dd re s s : 2 0 1 M o n ro e S t re e t , S u i t e 2 1 0 0 , M o n t go m e r y R e n t a l P r i c e : R e c e p t i o n - $ 2 , 0 0 0 ; C e re m o ny - $ 1 , 2 0 0 I n d o o r a n d u n c o ve re d o u t d o o r s p a c e C ap a c i t y : 5 0 0 C a t e r i n g S e r v i c e s : I n h o u s e ; o u t s i d e c a ke i s a c c e p t e d C o n t a c t : N i c ko l e M a r t e l , 3 3 4 . 8 3 4 . 8 9 2 0 o r w w w. c ap i t a l m o n t go m e r y. c o m

CENTRAL / 129 COOSA

A dd re s s : 1 2 9 C o o s a S t re e t , M o n t g o m e r y C o n t a c t : 3 3 4 . 5 1 7 . 1 1 2 1 , eve n t s @ c e n t r a l 1 2 9 c o o s a . c o m , o r w w w. c e n t r a l 1 2 9 c o o s a . c o m 129 Coosa o R e n t a l P r i c e : R i ve r S o u t h R o o m - $ 6 0 0 ; R i ve r N o r t h R o o m - $ 5 0 0 ; B o t h s p a c e s - $ 1 , 2 0 0 o Indoor & outdoor space o C a p a c i t y : B a n q u e t - 1 5 0 ; C l a s s ro o m - 1 0 0 ; Reception- 300 o Catering Ser vices: In house; outside cake is accepted

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R i ve r R o o m o C ap a c i t y : S e a t e d - 4 8 ; R e c e p t i o n - 1 0 0 o P r i c e : Fo o d m i n i mu m s : L u n c h - $ 6 0 0 ; D i n n e r- $ 1 , 0 0 0 The Cellar o C ap a c i t y : B o a rd ro o m - 1 6 ; B a n q u e t - 2 4 ; R e c e p t i o n - 3 5 o P r i c e : Fo o d m i n i mu m s : L u n c h - $ 2 0 0 ; D i n n e r- $ 6 5 0

HAMPSTEAD o A d d re s s : 5 2 5 1 H a m p s t e a d H i g h S t re e t , M o n t go m e r y o C o n t a c t : R S V P M o n t g o m e r y, 3 3 4 . 3 5 6 . 4 5 9 8 B o c c e Pa v i l i o n s o Rental Price: $1,200 o Outdoor space o Capacity: 300 o C a t e r i n g S e r v i c e s : s e l e c t yo u r o w n T h e G re a t L a w n a t H a m p s t e a d L a ke o Rental Price: $1,000 o Outdoor space o Capacity: 400 o C a t e r i n g S e r v i c e s : s e l e c t yo u r o w n T h e Tow n C e n t e r C l u b ro o m o Rental Price: $500 o I n d o o r S p a c e w i t h o u t d o o r o ve r f l o w o Capacity: 40 (indoor) o C a t e r i n g S e r v i c e s : s e l e c t yo u r o w n

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C H A P E L AT T H E WAT E R S

T H E OA K S P L A N TAT I O N

o o o o

Address: 500 Avenue of the Oaks, Pike Road Rental Price: $3,500 (includes Fri-Sun) Indoor & outdoor space Capacity Indoor : Seated- 200; Reception- 250; Outdoor - unlimited o Catering Ser vices: Select your own o Contact: Alice Sherbett, 334.260.8116 or www.theoaksplantation.com

R A I LYA R D B R E W E RY E V E N T S PAC E

o o o o o o

A d d re s s : 1 C h a p e l H i l l S t re e t , P i ke R o a d Rental Price: $2,800 (includes Fri & Sat) Capacity: Chapel- 250; Outside- unlimited Indoor & outdoor space C a t e r i n g S e r v i c e s : S e l e c t yo u r o w n C o n t a c t : N i c o l e S a l t e r, 3 3 4 . 2 9 6 . 9 7 5 7 o r w w w. t h e c h a p e l a t t h ew a t e r s . c o m

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T h e Po rt e r C l u b o Rental Price: no charge with a catering minimum of $500 (weekday) or $750 (weekend) o Indoor space o Capacity: Seated-60; reception style-90 o Catering Ser vices: In house T h e Ta ve r n o Rental Price: no charge with a catering minimum of $500 (weekday) or $750 (weekend) o Indoor Space o Capacity: Seated-60; reception style- 90 o Catering Ser vices: select your own

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VENUE 411 W I N D C R E E K M O N T G O M E RY- R A M B L I N ’ H A L L

o Address: 1801 Eddie L. Tullis Road, Montgomer y o Rental Price: Call for a quote o Indoor space o Capacity: Theater style – 500; Banquet style - 250 o Catering Ser vices: full-ser vice , in-house catering and beverages available; outside cake is accepted o Steffanie Sutherland-Immerfall, 334.202.1065 or sales@windcreekmontgomery.com

D R E A M F I E L D FA R M S o o o o o

Address: 6376 US Highway 82, Fitzpatrick Rental Price: varies, call for pricing Capacity: Barn - 400; Outside- unlimited Indoor & outdoor space Catering Ser vices: full-ser vice event planning and catering options available or select your own catering, full caterer’s kitchen available o Contact: Cathy Ellis or Ashley Tompkins, 334.534.6976, www.dreamfieldfarms.com

U N I O N S TAT I O N T R A I N S H E D

o o o o o o

Address: 300 Water Street, Montgomer y Rental Price: $1,500 Covered outdoor space Capacity: 1,500 Catering Ser vices: Select your own Contact: Denise Welch, 334.625.2100 or www.funinmontgomer y.com

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VENUE 411 R I V E R F RO N T PA R K o o o o o

Address: 350 Coosa Street, Montgomer y Rental Price: $1,250 - $3,500 Outdoor space Capacity: up to 6,000 Catering Ser vices: Select your own; alcohol must be purchased through their licensed vendor o Contact: Denise Welch, 334.625.2100 or www.funinmontgomer y.com

RU S S E L L L A N D S O N L A K E M A RT I N o Address: 2544 Willow Point Road, Alexander City o Contact: Emily Spink o Catering Ser vices: Preferred use of on-site restaurants (4 choices: Catherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market, Kowaliga Restaurant, SpringHouse , Willow Point Countr y Club) T h e S t a bl e s o Rental Price: Star ts at $6,000 o Outdoor space o Capacity: Seated- 250; Reception- 350 T h e L o d g e a t C o c k t a i l S lo u g h o Rental Price: $5,000 o Indoor & outdoor space o Capacity: Seated- 200; Reception- 400 G ra n d O a k o Rental Price: Star ts at $500; additional rentals required o Outdoor space o Capacity: Seated- 300 H e a ve n H i l l o Rental Price: Star ts at $500; additional rentals required o Outdoor space o Capacity: Seated- 300 S p ri n g H o u s e Re s t a u ra n t o Rental Price: Star ts at $3,000 o Indoor and Outdoor Space; on-site catering o Capacity: 250

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I do. I do. Honea Ins and Fin Svcs Inc Breck Honea, Agent 61 Market Place - Atlanta Hwy Montgomery, AL 36117 Bus: 334-272-8423

1311005

Your new life together starts now. Protect each other from this day forward. Get the life insurance thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for you. We put the life back in life insurance. CALL ME TODAY. â&#x201E;˘

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI), State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI), Bloomington, IL BRIDAL RSVP 43

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Ideas that Inspire

Flowers

Amanda

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Love al Fresco

Plum Perfect

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Deerly Beloved

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Stylist and Floral Design | Flowers by Amanda Photos by | LeaNicole Photography Venue | White City Weddings Attire |Bride and Bridesmaids-Prattville Bridal Boutique; Groom and GroomsmanJos A. Banks on Zelda Rd. Makeup | Jessica Tinsley/Beauty by Jess Hair | Kerrie Leavitt/The Collective Cake | Ashlyn’s Cake Cottage Catering | Chick-fil-A Premier Place in Prattville Pecan Pies| Wood Pecan Company Calligraphy – Emi K. Mason Models| Antione Grace, Lelah Vay Kelly, Hannah Tierce, SaVanna Shaw and Jayla Nix

Love en Pointe

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What’s Your Taste…

pleasing palates one party at a time By: Angela Hardgrave • Photos by: Josh Moates/Kim Box Photography

eddings can be wonderful and memorable events, but wedding planning can sometimes turn even the most levelheaded brides into Bridezillas. Between choosing the location, dress, guest list and more, couples have a whirlwind of decisions leading up to the big day. One of those crucial choices revolves around food, because, as well all know, wedding guests like to eat—and eat well. If you live in the River Region, your wedding menu will be the least of your worries, with the area boasting several topnotch caterers ready to meet your needs. Whether you want steak, chicken or vegetarian offerings, you will find it here. The hardest decision will be which one of the region’s caterers to use.

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Filet & Vine 431 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery

| 334-262-8463 | info@filetandvine.com

Filet & Vine Market, Deli and Bottle Shoppe first began in 1997 by partners Derk Lyerly and Jud Blount in Old Cloverdale. By 1999, they had received the Emerging Thirty award from the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, and since then have expanded twice, now occupying over 6,500 square feet with seating for 140, as well as employing eighteen people. In addition to their market, which features hand-cut steaks, Boarshead meats, fresh produce, salads and casseroles, they also offer full-service catering, from low country boils to fine dining. Co-owner Jud Blount said, “We

do about 12-15 weddings a year and hundreds of events. We do custom menus—any food choice the wedding couple prefers. We offer food tastings and will do packages and themes customized to the bride’s and groom’s requests.” Filet & Vine also provides servers and cleanup service for wedding events. Blount recommends that couples contact them at least three months in advance to book their services. They will certainly go the extra mile to make sure each event is a joyous occasion. He said, “Remember it is YOUR day. Do what makes you happy!”

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Pepper Tree Steaks N’ Wines 8101 A Vaughn Road , Montgomery | 334-271-6328 | peppertreesteaksandwine@yahoo.com PepperTree Steaks N’ Wines, owned by Kathy Holmes and Jeff Verner, has several specialties, all rolled into one unique business. They feature a food store, wine shoppe and a complete catering service specializing in weddings, receptions and corporate events. They are known locally as the “River Region’s premier neighborhood specialty market offering a variety of culinary experiences,” with one of those “culinary experiences” being a butcher shop with fresh cuts of angus and prime beef and on-site grilling. Chantel Bass, the general manager and marketing director, said, “We cater about 36 weddings each year—our favorite locations being Alley Station and The Warehouse. They are great, beautiful spaces! We offer steak, chicken, fish, carving stations, action stations, as well as themed weddings such as Cajun, Italian, or classic American and all-inclusive bridal packages with cocktail hour, carving station, salad or potato bar, and dinner. As soon as you

know you need a caterer, it is the best time to book with us, but we have also been known to pull off some of our best work with last-minute notice.” PepperTree also offers complemintary food tastings with their award-winning on-site Chef Drew, cleanup service, and a reliable and friendly staff of servers. Bass said, “I feel like these services are a must! I like to see my weddings from beginning to end.” When asked if she had any piece of wisdom for a bride and groom, Bass said, “While you want to impress your guests, remember that life goes on after the wedding. Set a reasonable budget and stick to it.” Whatever your budget, menu preference or catering needs may be, you can find what you are looking for without ever leaving Montgomery. With all the excellent choices available, your special day will be just what you dreamed it could be.

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A Catered Affair 9559 Vaughn Road, Montgomery

| 334-312-1475 | tammy4catering@yahoo.com

Owner Tammy Griffin started A Catered Affair in 2001 after having been in the restaurant business for six years. She is located at Pike Road Butcher Block, which is owned by her brother, Walter Rotton. The company caters around 35 to 40 weddings each year. Griffin said, “I cater mostly corporate lunches, weddings, rehearsal dinners and parties. I love catering weddings. It allows me to express my creative side! My daughter, Jessica, helps me full time and manages weddings by herself. I have several servers, so we can split them between two weddings.” A Catered Affair offers a variety of foods, including vegan and vegetarian, and every menu is custom-designed for each bride and groom. They have also worked several different venues across the

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region—The Oaks Plantation, The Chapel at the Waters, The Warehouse and Alley Station being among Griffin’s favorites. Griffin recommends booking as early as possible. “For weddings, [book] at least ten to twelve months in advance. Sometimes I book weddings sixteen months in advance. If I have it available, I can book a wedding two months in advance,” she said. When asked what advice Griffin would give to a newly-engaged couple, she said, “After choosing a date, I would get the major items done as quickly as possible—location, caterer, band, florist, baker, photographer and event planner. After that, I would enjoy the rest of the planning and not stress too much. It will all come together! Enjoy being engaged!”

ENGAGEMENTS

Woodard-Dunaway Engagement Lindsey Woodard and Luke Dunaway crossed paths while interning at the Church of the Highlands in Auburn, AL. After working together in the fall, the two continued their relationship while attending school at Auburn University where Lindsey, a student in the school of nursing, is a junior, and Luke, who is studying nutrition, is a senior. After the two had been together for some time, Luke surprised Lindsey in Franklin, Tennessee on New Years Eve. He got down on one knee and proposed to her in front of a historic church building while plenty of friends and family stood nearby and witnessed the romantic event. The couple cannot wait to be married on August 13, 2016 at The Chapel at the Waters in Pike Road.Â P h o t o by : L e a N i c o l e P h o t o g r ap hy

Mashburn-Camerio Engagement Steven and Jan Mashburn of Dothan, Alabama would like to announce the engagement of their daughter, Mallory Michelle Mashburn. Mallory met the love of her life, Zachary Camerio, through the popular dating app known as Tinder. The two hit it off in no time, and they knew they were meant to be together. During Thanksgiving weekend of 2015, Zachary proposed to Mallory in Atlanta, Georgia. Foshee Management Company employs Mallory here in Montgomery, and Zachary works with the Alabama Supreme Court and State Law Library. The two are excited to wed at an intimate family ceremony on November 12, 2016.Â P h o t o by : B ro o ke G l a s s fo rd / C o l o r b ox P h o t o g r ap h e r s

Wilson-Hendrick Engagement As the age of technology is moving forward, online dating is becoming more successful. Deena Wilson and Rick Hendrick found their fairytale ending through christianmingle.com. It would seem unlikely that Rick, who is originally from Madrid, Spain, would cross paths with Deena from Montgomery; however, they were considered a match on the site, and the rest is history. Deena, daughter of Randy and Bennie Thrash and also of Harvey and Linda Brown, works with Physicians Professional Management. Rick, son of the late Reverend Milton and Paula Boyd, enjoys his career with 95.1 the fox and also works as the voice of the Biscuits at Riverwalk Stadium. Deena and Rick both agree that no matter the circumstance, meeting online or in person, when it comes to meeting your soul mate you will know without hesitation. The two plan to be married at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2016. P h o t o by : B ro o ke G l a s s fo rd / C o l o r b ox P h o t o g r ap h e r s

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ENGAGEMENTS

Johnson-Flintroy Engagement

Photo by:

Rashad Flintroy and Lanecia Johnson have been together since their senior year of high school. They went on to attend Auburn University in the fall of 2007, and their careers following Rashadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduation led to a long-distance relationship. For three years, Rashad worked in Houston, Texas, while Lanecia stayed behind in Alabama to finish obtaining her degree and gain experience in her career field. After years of taking turns visiting one another, making sacrifices and facing the great distance between them, the two are stronger than ever. In April of 2015, Rashad and Lanecia boarded a cruise in the seas of Cozumel, Mexico, where Rashad surprised Lanecia with a proposal. The happy couple has decided to live in Houston and will be married on June 11, 2016.Â P h o t o by : D a n i e l T. D av i s

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ENGAGEMENTS

Griffin-Katechis Engagement In April of 2014, Gus Katechis and Nicole Griffin first met. The two crossed paths at the “Dude Looks Like A Lady” cancer benefit event. It didn’t take long for Gus and Nicole to become best friends and to eventually become a couple. On September 28, 2015, Gus took Nicole to Cloudland Canyon. The happy couple spent the day finding waterfalls, hiking and camping. At the end of the last hiking trail, there was a breathtaking view overlooking the canyon. The sun began to set and Gus handed Nicole his GPS. The screen read the coordinates of their exact location and below it laid a note that read, “Forever Begins.” Nicole, from Montgomery, is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Griffin. Costas Theophilos Katechis, or Gus, also from Montgomery, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Theo Katechis. Nicole works as a hair stylist at Seville Beauty and Barber Shop. Gus enjoys working as the manager and owner at Chris’ Famous Hotdogs. The happy couple will be married on October 9, 2016 at Chris’ plantation. P h o t o by : A l a n E v a n s

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Smith-Tate Wedding July 18, 2015

n July 18, 2015, Rachel Marie Smith was married to the man of her dreams, Samuel Giddens Tate. The wedding took place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Carlowville, Alabama. Rachel was thrilled to be married in the church where she was raised. Reverend George Lee Tate III of Benton Baptist church, who is also the father of the groom, had the honor of performing the ceremony. The church was bursting at the seams with friends and family members who were excited to support the couple on their special day. As two strongly convicted Christians, it was important to them that Christ was at the center of their special day. They wanted to make it known to friends and family that they desperately needed God to be the focus of their marriage if they hoped to have a longterm future. Rachel said, “Our biggest hope in our wedding ceremony and in our marriage is that Christ’s love and faithfulness be proclaimed so that He might receive the glory due His name.”

As the ceremony concluded, the two turned to face the church as they all sang the Doxology together- one of their favorite parts of the day. Several friends from Auburn University played music and sang at the reception, which made the day even more special for Rachel and Samuel. The reception was held in the side courtyard of the church and in the church Parish Hall. The food was served outside in the courtyard under a large white tent where the music and dance floor were also set up. Inside the Parish Hall was the bride’s cake and the groom’s seven different types of cakes, which included caramel, strawberry, chocolate, hummingbird and carrot cake. Guests enjoyed brunch food with tea and lemonade to drink. The bride’s attire included a French, reembroidered Alencon lace gown by Atlanta designer Anne Barge. The dress had a bateau neckline and cap sleeves and a deep V-back neckline. The pearl lace was laid over pearl silk charmeuse and was fitted to fingertip then flared and flowed to a chapel-length

train. Completing her ensemble was a chapellength veil of ivory illusion. The veil was sewn by the bride’s mother and was edged with lace from her mother’s wedding gown. The bride carried a large bouquet of a variety of pink roses, garden roses and white hydrangeas with various types of greenery. Two maids of honor, a matron of honor and eleven bridesmaids preceded Rachel down the aisle. The bridesmaids wore Greek-inspired grey dresses and each carried a unique floral bouquet. Sam was surrounded by two best men and twelve groomsmen. The groomsmen wore black suits with white shirts and green ties. Rachel is now employed with Rock Quarry Elementary of Tuscaloosa City Schools. Samuel works with The Westervelt Company. After their wedding, the couple moved to Tuscaloosa. This summer, the couple will move to Statesboro, Georgia for the groom’s job with The Westervelt Company.

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Denton-Peacock Wedding October 31, 2015

n October 31, 2015, Robyn Alexandra Denton and David Allen Peacock, both of Montgomery, exchanged wedding vows at 129 Coosa in historic downtown Montgomery. A personal friend of the couple, Paul Lammon of Grace Light Bar Church, conducted the ceremony with traditional readings from the King James Bible Catholic version. Robyn is the daughter of Sandra Barnett Leser of Montgomery, and the late John Gordon Leser of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. David is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Joe Peacock of Montgomery. A gathering of almost 300 family and friends, including children in their Halloween costumes, joined in the untraditional wedding of the evening. The wedding party entered the ceremony to an incredible rendition of Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” sung by the bride’s niece, Miss Margaret Cody of Cookeville, Tennessee. Miss Kayla Peacock, the groom’s niece, wore a black princess dress and carried a handmade, orange-paper flower as she served as the flower girl; she was escorted by Nicholas Denton. The bride wore a black, strapless ball gown of taffeta and crinoline and was given in marriage by her three sons, John, Collin and Nicholas Denton. The groom and sons were all dressed in black on black tuxedos. As Paul pronounced them husband and wife, they turned for their first dance, and Margaret flawlessly performed Etta James’ version of “At Last.”

Unique decorations of nuts and bolts, and orange and black accents transformed the hall along with caldrons of traditional trick or treat candies provided for the children. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks, catered by Central, joined the two wedding cakes as the focal point after the service. Of particular interest was the four-level Oreo cookie cake, containing over 2,000 Oreos, made by the groom, along with the more traditional and delicious groom’s cake by well-known baker Peggy McKinney. DJ 1Up Josh Summerlin outdid himself accompanying Margaret and in his selection of music that had adults and children crowding the dance floor. Throughout the evening, Jon Cook and Barrett Bailey of High 5 Productions professionally photographed everything from the beginning to the end for the happy couple. It was a magical evening, one not usually seen as a Halloween celebration, but all would say it was an evening of great fun with a lot of special memories for the couple and all who attended. A special thanks to Mrs. Amy Cantey for interpreting from beginning to end, even the songs! She made it possible for all to enjoy the special day. Robyn is spa director at the Renaissance Hotel & Spa and David is employed by Child’s Performance Exhaust in Montgomery.

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Courson-Adams Wedding November 21, 2015 Robinson, and her updo by Sarah Garner and Madison Cothron. At her side was her sister, Millie Courson, as her maid of honor; Molly Bower as her matron of honor; and Macy White, Laura Harris, Madison Cothron, Stephanie Barger, Ashley Salter, Sarah Garner and Elizabeth Parker as her bridesmaids. They donned silver V-neck dresses and jewelry from Therapy Boutique in Auburn. Lilly Ann Bower, the bride’s niece, served as flower girl and wore a handmade heirloom dress made by the bride’s aunt, Sandra Courson Perdue. The groom’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel Adams of Millbrook and Ms. Risa Adams of Montgomery. The groom’s best man was his brother, Brett Adams. His groomsmen included Tyler Courson, Josh Hill, Caleb Hill, Jeremy Gober, Jonathan Gober, Chris Myles, Will Cothron and Josh Apperson. They all looked dashing in their steelgrey tuxes from Men’s Wearhouse. Jackson Barger had the important job of ring bearer throughout the ceremony. The traditional ceremony was accompanied by music performed by family friends, Dan and Morgan Holder. Kara walked down the aisle to two Bible verses instead of music – Proverbs 31:10-30 and Ruth 1:16-17. At the reception, guests enjoyed food catered by Eastside Grille and music by Accent. As a special twist, the bride’s sister, Millie, sang the first dance song.

s pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, Austin David Adams of Millbrook, Alabama hit a home run when he married Kara Hardy Courson of Montgomery on November 21, 2015. They were wed at First Baptist Church with the groom’s uncle, Bryan Williams, officiating. Following the ceremony, they celebrated with family and friends at a reception at The Warehouse at Alley Station. The bride was given away by her parents Mr. Mark Courson of Montgomery and Ms. Julie Courson of Chattanooga, Tennessee. She stunned guests in her gorgeous gown, a custom-made Winnie Couture. Her dress was complemented by her makeup, done by Dawna

All florals were done by Kristen Cohen, Capital Trailways provided trolley transportation for the bridal party from the ceremony to the reception, American Tent & Rental handled the rental items, and the wedding invitations were made by the groom’s cousin, Jill Henderson. The beautiful day was captured by Natalie Norris Photography and Brenda Davis Art was on hand as a live artist to paint the scene and provide the couple with a canvas of their wedding day. Following the wedding, the happy couple honeymooned in Playa Mujeres, Mexico at Excellence Resort. Mr. and Mrs. Adams now reside in Millbrook.

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Hamilton-Norris Wedding June 20, 2015

ristin Hamilton and Tyler Norris dreamed of a wedding that would be unique to their personalities. Instead of following suit of common wedding trends, the two added a touch of their personalities to each component of their special evening. By the end of the night, the two were sure their unique spin on the celebration made it all the more special. Kristin, daughter of Kathy and David Hamilton, and Tyler, son of Sheila and Joseph Norris, were married on June 20, 2015. The wedding took place at Montgomery’s Union Station, and Pastor John Schmidt married the happy couple. The bride described the event as a simple evening wedding, and it’s obvious the wedding was nothing short of a loving affair. Two matrons of honor accompanied the bride, Mrs. Meagan Hill and Mrs. Lauren McKinnon, who are two of Kristin’s childhood friends. She was also surrounded

by three other close friends as bridesmaids Laura Parrish, Cameron Norris and Elizabeth Hancock. Each bridesmaid was able to select their own style of navy blue Jim Hjelm dresses, and their looks were completed with bouquets of white hydrangeas and iron plant. Tyler selected his father, Joseph Norris Sr., to be his best man. Joseph Norris Jr., Ramsey Ashmore, Matthew Tanaka, Jake Knott and Bo Hancock also accompanied the groom. The men were dressed in gray suits with navy ties and were adorned with boutonnieres of white rose and seeded eucalyptus. The happy couple was fortunate to celebrate with a few precious children who played an important role on their special day. Grace Smith and Emily Wiggins served as flower girls, and Gaines Daniel, Payton Hamilton, Wells Norris and Lakemon Hancock had the privilege of being ring bearers. The bride’s cousin, Addy Hamilton, introduced Tyler and Kristin. Four years ago, P H OTO S B Y: TO R I L A S S I T E R

Addy passed away suddenly due to brain cancer. The two decided to honor Addy’s memory by naming her the maid of honor. Kristin also wore a charm on her bouquet with Addy’s name on it, and the charm doubled as her “something blue.” Adding to the sentimental touch of their evening, the groom built the arbor under which the two were married. Since Tyler and Kristin both love pizza, they had a pizza buffet for their guests, catered by Pizza Perfect. They had a popcorn and candy bar, arranged by Popcorn Pizzaz, where the groom chose to feature cupcakes, cookies and candy rather than a groom’s cake. Flowers were designed by Brittany Daniel, and The Union Road band played as the bride, groom and guests danced the night away. Kristin says that planning the event herself down to every last detail made the night even more special for the newlyweds. Kristin and Tyler have happily started their lives as a married couple here in Montgomery.

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Gulati-Sanders Wedding September 5-6, 2015

n a two-day celebration with family and friends, Sanya Gulati and James Sanders married at the gorgeous Fountainview Mansion in Auburn, Alabama with a Christian ceremony on September 5th and a traditional Sikh (Hindu) ceremony on September 6th. Sanya was given away by her parents Manu and Robin Gulati of Prattville (originally of New Delhi, India). The groom’s parents, Tina and Joe Sanders, are also of Prattville. The Hindu ceremony boasted beautifully vibrant colors and honored traditions, such as a Mehndi ceremony, where the bride’s hands are adorned with intricate henna designs. Courtney Holmes, best friend of the bride, served as maid of honor, and Harpreet Arora, cousin of the bride, served as matron of honor. The bride’s wedding dress for the Christian ceremony was from Bella’s Bridal in Hoover, Alabama and the bridesmaids wore dresses from Weddington Way. They carried bouquets by Crazy Daizies in Prattville, and the

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P H OTO S B Y: K I M B OX P H OTO G R A P H Y

bride’s gorgeous bouquet was designed by Dana’s Floral Design, also of Prattville. Abhi Gulati, the brother of the bride, served as the best man to the groom. The men were well dressed in attire from Men’s Wearhouse. Prince Louis, the bride and groom’s dog, served as the adorable ring bearer. Dr. James Troglen officiated the ceremony after which guests enjoyed a Roaring Twenties and Gatsby-inspired reception at Fountainview Mansion. The delectable food was catered by Taste So Good Catering, and family and friends danced the night away to tunes provided by Top Tier Entertainment. Following the wedding celebrations, the happy couple enjoyed a seven-night cruise to Jamaica, Haiti and Mexico aboard a Royal Caribbean ship. The bride works as a finance manager at Republic Finance and the groom is a special education teacher. Together, they live in Prattville but will soon move to Houma, Louisiana.

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Cobb-Wright Wedding March 21, 2015

aybrielle Cobb and Jason Denard Wright, both of Montgomery, were wed on March 21, 2015 in a beautiful ceremony in Montgomery. The bride’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Walter and Shirley Cobb of Montgomery, and the groom’s parents, Dr. James and Catherine Wright, are also of Montgomery. The Reverend Mark L. Cooper officiated the ceremony at First Baptist Church on Ripley Street. The bride wore a gown from David’s Bridal and carried a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, designed by Flowers by Rhonda. Miss Daniela Cobb, sister of the bride, served as the maid of honor. Bridesmaids included Tamara Cobb Stinson, Angela Cobb Ellison and Katrina Allen. Lauryn Stinson served as a junior bridesmaid, Ja’Moria Denee Wright as little miss, and Layla Stinson and Eden and Hannah Jemison served as flower girls.

Walter P. Cobb III, Christopher Caver, James Cooper, Anthony Sullivan and Tredell Sims. They were all looking dapper in attire from Men’s Wearhouse, complemented with boutonnieres by Flowers by Rhonda. The ring bearer was Tommy George Jr. The reception was held at The Montgomery Country Club, where guests enjoyed a delicious meal and decadent cakes by Cake Designs. Music was provided by the Cobb sisters and Souled Out’s very own Terrence Baldwin as well as DJ Boosie. Following the reception, the happy couple enjoyed a honeymoon at The Marriott Legends in Prattville. The bride is employed with Montgomery Public Schools and the groom works at J.F. Ingram State Technical College and together they reside in Montgomery.

At the groom’s side was his best man and brother, Jeffrey Darnell Wright. Accompanying him were his groomsmen: P H OTO S B Y: DA R R E N F R E E M A N P H OTO G R A P H Y 74

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Waites- Brasington Wedding April 25, 2015

he marriage of Brittney Lauren Waites and Charles Leslie Brasington, III took place on April 25, 2015. Brittney, daughter of Jeff and Dianne Waites and Julia Huff, and Charles, son of Charles and Ann Brasington, are both from Montgomery. The two hosted a beautiful ceremony at The Lodge at Cocktail Slough located at Lake Martin. Reverend Phil Bevilacqua performed the ceremony, and a lovely reception was held following the event. The bride was dressed to perfection in an Italian-designed dress made with vintage lace and jewels. Her look was completed with a bouquet of peonies and ranunculus designed by her stepmother. Brittney selected several close friends and family members to accompany her on her special day. Mrs. Karilyn Repec of Charleston, South Carolina, and Mrs. Britton Sansone of Tallassee, Alabama were both chosen as Brittney’s matrons of honor. Following, she chose Morgan Waites, sister of the bride, Brittany Brasington, cousin of the groom, Summer Hennington, Holly Trydell and Tori Finlayson, childhood friends, Summer Parker, sister-in-law, and Shay Rogers, friend of the bride, as her bridesmaids. Each bridesmaid chose her favorite style dress in a perfect hue of pink or neutral from Bridesmaid Inc. in Homewood, Alabama. Charles, having a large family, selected several cousins to be a part of his special day. His groomsmen included David Gulino, Matthew “Boomer” Gulino, Nik Hall, Marc Hall, Austin Brasington, Phillip Corley and John Corley. His two best men were his brother, Bryan Brasington, and his son, Colt Brasington. The bride added a unique touch as she asked her grandmothers, Billie Turner and Julia Wilson, to be her flower girls. Valorie Rylander and Jacqueline Pruitt, dear friends of the bride, directed the event. All flowers and decorations were done by Brittney’s stepmother- including a custom-made arch. The reception took place at the same venue as the wedding and was filled with delicious desserts made by the bride’s grandmother. Desserts included cheesecake, key lime pie, red velvet cake and more. JT & Leanne provided the music and led the crowd in dancing while guests enjoyed glow sticks, Jenga and scratch-off party favors. Brittney enjoys working as a nurse for Dr. Steven L. Mackey in Montgomery, and Charles is a brave Montgomery firefighter. She is currently attending CACC furthering her degree in nursing and plans to attend AUM for her bachelor and master’s degree in the future. The two live in Prattville and look forward to taking their honeymoon for their one-year anniversary.

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P H OTO S B Y: H E AT H & A M Y S TO N E O F S TO N E I M AG E S

Irvin-Parrish Wedding January 9, 2016

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n January 9, 2016, Alissa Meghan Irvin and Slade Rutherford Parrish, both of Montgomery, tied the knot at First Baptist Church. Dr. Jay Wolf served as the officiant as Alissa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Irvin, and Slade, son of Mrs. Marsha Parrish and the late Mr. Jack Parrish, were married. The bride’s gown was breathtaking: a Private Label by G gown with all-over Chantilly lace purchased from Bridal Bliss in Birmingham. The dress featured a fit-and-flare silhouette consisting of off-theshoulder beaded accents and was paired with an illusion back with covered buttons. Six close friends and family members surrounded the bride on her special day. Mrs. Nikki Darley, Alissa’s sister, was named matron of honor, and Maryanna Jackson, Aimee Mills, Laura Parrish, Jenna Walker and Brittney Ziemba were bridesmaids. The lovely ladies were dressed in taupe-colored A-line gowns with halter necklines and lace backs. The dresses were bought from Bridesmaids Inc. in Birmingham. Each woman carried a beautiful bouquet of ornamental cabbage, white hydrangeas, white spray roses, Vendela roses, cream stock and seeded eucalyptus.

The groom was also accompanied by a special group of friends and loved ones. Will Jackson served as the best man, and Win Auerbach, Drew Brendle, Beau Darley, Robyn Harris, Herbert Stevenson and Wes Thomas, all of Montgomery, followed close behind him. The men looked sharp in black tuxedos with seeded eucalyptus boutonnieres. Beth Edwards and Company, located in Montgomery, provided the stunning flower designs. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests headed to The Warehouse at Alley Station where they dined on delicious food by King’s Table Catering and danced the night away to the tunes of The Park Band, out of Troy. Cake Designs made the bride’s cake, and the groom’s cake was created by Peggy McKinney. A special touch was added by the artist in attendance, Barbara Davis, who painted a live portrait of the event. The two send a special thanks to Penni Lauren Photography, Jeff Bush videography, and to Kelly Freeman and Cortney Jones for hair and make up. The happy couple threw a wedding to remember. After a departure underneath a canopy of sparklers, the two headed to the Caribbean for a honeymoon in St. Lucia. The happy couple now resides in Pike Road.

Cousins-Smith Wedding February 6, 2016

They were each dressed in a Jasmine Bridal sage-green, floorlength dress with a flowing chiffon skirt and ruched V-neck bodice from Denson’s of Montgomery. They carried bouquets similar in style to that of the bride’s, but smaller in size and wrapped in ivory.

sabella Victoria Cousins and Brandon Smith were married on February 6, 2016. The beautiful ceremony was held at The Oaks Plantation in Pike Road. Reverend Allen Newton had the pleasure of performing the ceremony, and it was certainly one to remember. The outdoor ceremony took place underneath an arching branch of a grand oak tree flanking The Oaks Plantation. The bride was dressed in a stunning Maggie Sottero diamond-white, floor-length, A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline and corset-closure back with covered buttons. The dress featured a heavily-pleated, satin-fitted bodice with a billowing tulle skirt. The gown was embellished with floral petal accents and lace, crystal, and pearl beading. The gown’s hem and chapellength train were finished with delicate, scalloped-lace edging. She carried a stunning bouquet of soft pinks and whites. The arrangement was wrapped in a handkerchief and given to the bride by her sisters of Chi Omega Sorority. Emily Cousins, sister and maid of honor, closely accompanied Victoria. Jen Prater, the groom’s sister, Betsey Jennings, Angela Gallodoro, Sara Patrick and Emily Reiss served as bridesmaids.

The best man, Stephen Bisbee, is a close friend of Brandon. Groomsmen included Austin Yost, Slade Meriwether and Jeremy Frasher. The men were dressed to the nines in Vera Wang black tuxedos and vests with champagne-colored ties. The wedding party also included ring bearers Carter and Caleb Ingram, cousins of the bride, as well as Aubrey Smith, the groom’s niece, as flower girl. The reception was held indoors throughout the beautiful and historic Oaks Plantation home. Jennie Weller Catering provided the food, and Cake Designs deliciously created both the bride’s and groom’s cakes. Guests spent the evening socializing and enjoying music by Montgomery’s own The Blackbird Pickers. LeaNicole Photography took striking pictures of the entire event that the couple will cherish for years to come. Videography was done by Luke Lindgren. Southern Posies served as the wedding planners and created all the beautiful floral designs. Victoria works as a first grade teacher, and Brandon will graduate in May 2016 from Auburn University with a degree in accounting and finance. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon at a villa in Callaway Gardens and now reside in Troy, Alabama.

P H OTO S B Y: L E A N I C O L E P H OTO G R A P H Y

BEHIND THE SCENES... the RSVP team in action!

MONEY WHEN

YO U

S AY I D O

Something Old, New, Borrowed & TO DO! By Crystal Strickland

How is wedding planning coming? You hear this question over and over but feel compelled to answer with, “I have so much to do and don’t know where to start!” Well, I’m here to help. When asked to write this article, I was ecstatic to share with you my handy dandy list that I began when I got married. I hope you find it useful in getting ready for your big day. So sit back, relax and happy planning!

Basic to do’s: Publish engagement announcement if you’re planning on doing this Book event designer/planner who will handle directing of ceremony, setup of ceremony and reception, takedown, etc. Start compiling guest list and addresses Work on save-the-dates to be sent out 4-6 months before the wedding (optional) Register, register, register! Purchase thank you cards with current initials and future initials for gifts you will receive at showers and after the wedding Book honeymoon and flight (be sure to book the hotel you are staying in after your wedding also) Make sure passports are up-to-date Get wedding license Determine rehearsal dinner location as well as your bridal shower luncheon Determine getaway (birdseed, lavender, sparklers, shakers, etc.) and getaway car

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Something Old, New, Borrowed & TO DO!

Bride Dress (after purchasing, be sure to schedule alterations with plenty of time left) Shoes, jewelry and undergarments Garters (yes, you need two—one to keep and one to throw) Sixpence (for good luck!) Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue Schedule salon appointments for nails, eyebrows, etc. Pick out and order groom’s ring Determine bridesmaids attire, and make sure they order everything in time Purchase gifts for bridesmaids (to be given at bridesmaids luncheon or rehearsal dinner) Purchase honeymoon attire and wedding dress undergarments Send out an itinerary to the entire wedding party highlighting the weekend’s events (including luncheons, where to be and what time, etc.)

Groom Purchase or arrange a rental of wedding attire (suit or tux, tie, shoes, etc.) Determine attire for groomsmen, and make sure they order in time. Order bride’s wedding band—also be sure insurance is covered for both of your rings (the Caribbean is full of newlywed bling!) Purchase groomsmen gifts (to be given at rehearsal dinner)

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Something Old, New, Borrowed & TO DO!

Ceremony Needs: Guest book (You will need to order this before your showers so you can include pages for guests at showers. Also, be sure to order extra pages if necessary.) Reserve minister/officiant - Schedule a meeting with him before wedding to discuss ceremony and any special things that must be done - Also, book any pre-marital counseling (if doing) Reserve ceremony musicians (pianist, organist, violinist, soloist, etc.) Determine ceremony music and order of service Determine and order ceremony programs

Reception Needs: Cake knives (one for yours and his) Goblets or toasting flutes (be sure to get a bottle of champagne or sparkling grape juice to toast with) Guest gifts (optional but can be anything from personalized cups, koozies or candy bars) If having a formal seated dinner, be sure to include seating arrangements and place cards

For Mom (MOB) and Dad (FOB): Pick dress for mom and suit/tux for dad. Pick shoes Gift or sweet letter thanking for a wonderful day

RSVP BRIDAL

Something Old, New, Borrowed & TO DO!

Venue: Determine type of venue and begin calling to check availability (a lot of venues begin booking more than a year in advance, so be sure to schedule yourself tentatively if you are very interested) Discuss what is included with the venue, room capacity, available rentals, catering options and room regulations with venue coordinator Be sure to ask how long your rental is (a weekend, 4 hours, etc.)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;you also need to find out when your vendors may begin decorating If serving alcohol, be sure to ask if you are allowed to bring your own and if ice is provided Purchase event insurance/liquor liability through your venue or insurance agent (most run around $150) Ask about clean up responsibilities and the return of a security deposit if one is in place

Caterer: Book caterer and schedule meeting with him/her to discuss menu options and the style of food you are wanting (having a headcount at this point in time is important) *Remember, if allowing guests to bring a date, a wedding of 100 quickly turns to 200â&#x20AC;&#x201D;it is important to determine this early on because caterers normally place a dollar amount per head you expect Determine style of reception (buffet, formal dinner, etc.) Determine who is responsible for: -Bringing plates, forks, spoons, knives, cups, napkins, cake stands, etc. -Bringing trash cans and handling removal of trash at end of the night -Getting ice and coolers -Providing bartenders and/or servers *If serving alcohol, it is important to ask about who will handle serving it -Cleanup

RSVP BRIDAL RSVP 89

THE PER F E C T M A T C H .

Something Old, New, Borrowed & TO DO!

Caterer (continued):

TRAVEL + EASY

See if your caterer can pack you a picnic basket of things from your reception to take with you after the wedding (My husband and I definitely enjoyed this since we were not too worried about eating at our reception!)

Photographer: Book photographer Schedule engagement pictures if doing Schedule bridal portrait date if doing (set this around 1-2 months from wedding) -Remember to let your florist know so she can have a bouquet for you -Schedule hair and makeup artist -Remember to have all jewelry and shoes at this point for the shoot -I suggest bringing a white sheet so your dress does not get dirty when you stand and so you can wrap the bottom of your dress in it when moving from location to location If wanting specific pictures on your wedding day, be sure to give your photographer a list of photo “must-haves” with certain family members and friends

Videographer: Book videographer

DREAM BIG. FLY EASY.

Make sure you give him/her a list also if wanting specifics—it is also great to ask if he/she can get the guests involved by asking them to share a special time they had with the couple or even just a simple congrats! You will love watching it over and over re-living your special day!

Flowers: Determine colors, style and who is handling your flowers Sit down with florist and determine ceremony and reception décor (including centerpieces, altar, aisle markers, runner, bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, etc.)

RSVP BRIDAL

Something Old, New, Borrowed & TO DO!

Entertainment: Book band, DJ, acoustic musician, etc. for reception -After booking, make sure you have all information in the contract including set-up time, break-down time, length of play, break music, equipment and be sure they include the number of band members included because their rates may change year-to-year (you need to get exactly what you are contracted to pay for) Find out what equipment the entertainment is responsible for and what you are responsible for (i.e. speakers, lighting, microphones, etc.) Determine wattage and amperage needed to make sure your venue can handle it (if it is an outdoor reception, you may have to rent a generator for power) Compile a list of ‘must play’ songs and ‘do not play’ songs Send the band your introduction (Mr. and Mrs. …), first dance song, bride/father dance, groom/mother dance, garter toss and bouquet toss songs

Cakes: Determine bride’s cake and groom’s cake (feel free to do what you want! Anything goes nowadays!)

Rentals: Depending on the venue and what is included, you may have to rent a good number of items (tables, chairs, linens, tents, draping, chandeliers, dance floor, staging, lighting, cooling units, heaters, etc.). Remember, unless you are having a full seated dinner, a chair is not necessary for each guest at the reception. Determine delivery and pick-up

RSVP BRIDAL

Wedding Printing & Planning CHECKLIST

Enjoy your day!

o Order and send save the dates o Order wedding invitations and begin addressing o Order other printed items: table number cards, place cards, menu cards, coasters, napkins, favors, koozies o Order and mail rehearsal dinner invitations o Create wedding day schedule for bridal party and vendors o Order wedding programs

334|244.0444

kelli@kwikkopyshop.com 4148 Carmichael Road www.kwikkopyshop.com

Something Old, New, Borrowed & TO DO!

Specialty Lighting: Book lighting company if using Determine if you want up-lighting, monogram lighting, gobos, spotlighting, etc. As with the entertainment, make sure the venue has enough amperage to handle your lightingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;if not, you may have to rent a generator

Hair/Make-up Artists: Schedule hair and make-up artist if using for wedding and bridal portrait (your bridal portrait is a great trial session, so it is important to have them scheduled then so you figure out exactly how you want your hair and make-up done for the wedding) Ask about doing hair and make-up for your bridal party so you can give them an option to have theirs done as well Finding pictures of hair and makeup that you like is a great way to show exactly what you want

Invitations: Compile addresses onto an excel spreadsheet Be sure to get formal names and visit Peggy Postâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website for etiquette on addressing if doing it yourself If interested in hiring a calligrapher, make sure you ask the cost of inner and outer envelope addressing as well as the return address Be sure to ask invitation designer/company the weight of the invitation and if extra postage will be needed Mail invitations 4-6 weeks prior to wedding

RSVP BRIDAL RSVP 95

resource directory 129 Coosa/Central, p. 37 334.517.1121 central129coosa.com A&P Social, p. 87 334.356.3814 theapsocial.com

David Bromley Ice Sculptures, p. 96

205.914.4527 chefdavecarvesice.com

Dreamland, p. 85 334.273.7427

A Catered Affair, p. 25

Filet & Vine, p. 62 334.262.8463 filetandvine.com

Alley Station, p. 2 334.277.1077 alleystation.com

Flowers by Amanda, p. 33

334.281.4747 acateredaffair.info

American Tent Rental, p. 93

334.590.5095

Formal Outings, p. 3

334.277.6443

334.558.3389 formaloutings.com

ASE Credit Union, p. 83

Gray Lillies, p. 61

yourasecu.com

Bailey & Poague, p. 29 334.567.9569 baileypoague.com

Bella, p. 84 334.272.8116 Budweiser, p. 4

334.263.1681 anheuser-busch.com

Cake Designs, p. 92

334.288.6900

334.462.8113 graylillies.com

Hampstead, p. 20 334.270.6730 www.hampsteadliving.com Hello Baby Photography, p.

17 hellobabyphoto.com

Henig Furs, p. 11 334.277.7610 henigfurs.com

I Do Bridal and Formal, p. 14

Capital City Club, p. 24

334.272.6027 idobridalformal.com

Colorbox Photographers,

334.354.4028

334.834.8920 capitalmontgomery.com

p. 98 334.491.0409 colorboxphotographers.com

Darren Freeman Weddings,

p. 89 334.215.7827 darrenfreemanphotography. com

Jamison Alexander, p. 40 Jessie Barksdale, p. 10 jessiebarksdale.com

Jim Massey Formals, p. 28

334.262.8852 jimmassey.com

Kara Anne Custom Paper & Lettering, p. 33 Karaannepaper.com

RSVP BRIDAL

Kim Box Photography, p. 19

The Chapel at The Waters, p. 63 334.834.7790 334.491.0409 334.272.3200 memoriesinmotionphotobus. 334.356.5154 kimboxphotography.com purebarre.com/al-montgomery thewatersal.com com purebarre.com/alKwik Kopy Shop, p. 94 The Oaks Plantation, p. 88 Montgomery Museum of eastmontgomery 334.244.0444 334.260.8116 Fine Arts, p. 92 kwikkopyshop.com theoaksplantation.com Renaissance/Spa at 334.244.5700 Montgomery, p. 44 mmfa.org Kynard Korner Vintage Two Hawks- Videography, 334.481.5210 Boutique, p. 7 p. 43 spaatmontgomery.com Montgomery Regional 334.277.4027 334.281.5850 Airport, p. 90 twohawksproduction.com Riverfront Park, p. 97 334.281.5040 LeaNicole Photography, flymgm.com 334.625.2100 p. 86 Ware Jewelers, p. 100 funontheriver.net 334.221.3715 334.386.9273 Nick Drollette, p. 39 leanicole.com warejewelers.com Russell Lands on Lake nickdrollette.com Martin/SpringHouse, p. 9 Luke Lindgren William Mason Salon, p. 61 256.749.1397 Peppertree Steaks Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cinetography, p. 91 russelllandsonlakemartin.com 334.285.7200 Wines, p. 56 330.289.5036 williammasonsalon.net 334.271.6328 luke-lindgren.com Southern Posies, p. 95 steaksnwines.com Wind Creek Montgomery, 334.391.3651 Lush Makeup Art, p. 94 p. 99 southernposies.com Plastic Surgery 334.315.2863 866.946.3360 Associates, p. 59 lushmakeupart.com windcreekmontgomery.com State Farm Insurance 334.284.2800 - Breck Honea, p. 43 psaom.com Mary Me, p. 91 334.272.8423 334.391.7427 breckhonea.com marymebrides.com Memories in Motion, p. 22

Pure Barre, p. 88

w w w. c o l o r b o x p h o t o g r a p h e r s . c o m

bro o k e gl assfo rd

At Wind Creek Montgomery, we do it all. From the rehearsal dinner at Itta Bena, to the big event in our spacious Ramblin’ Hall ballroom, to lodging for your wedding party, all you have to worry about is saying “I do.” Call (866) WIND-360 to book your event. 1801 Eddie L. Tullis Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117 WindCreekMontgomery.com | Sales@WindCreekMontgomery.com © 2016 Wind Creek Hospitality.

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The Shoppes at EastChase 334.386.9273