A BITE OF ALABAMA BISCUIT CO. • CALLIGRAPHY BY GRACE • ARTISTS INCORPORATED'S BARN RAISING
2018
WEDDINGS 10 REAL WEDDINGS LOCAL REGISTRY IDEAS BE THE BEST DRESSED GUEST
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com Volume Two | Issue One $4.95
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M O D E R N N E W B O R N + C H I L D + FA M I LY P O R T R A I T U R E INFOAPEPPERMINTPHOTO.COM | 205.807.6431 H E I R LO O M A L B U M S | A R C H I VA L Q UA L I T Y P O R T R A I T S
W W W . A P E P P E R M I N T P H O T O . C O M 2 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com
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WEDDINGS 56
GOODYEAR & CASTRO 58
MCDANIEL & CHESEBRO 60
SINK & CHITWOOD 62
SCHMARKEY & COBB 64
HAN & CROWDER 66
SIMS & DUNSON 68
VINSON & ELDRIDGE PHILLIPS & FREEMAN 72
BASS & WALD 74
AMMONS & WILLIAMS 6 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com
PHOTO BY BE LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
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66
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PHOTO BY MARY FEHR
ARTS & CULTURE
17 Barn Raising: Artists Incorporated from the Start
FOOD
& DRINK
23 The ABCs of Alabama Biscuit Company 32 Cocktail: Twisted Root Creme de Menthe Custard Shake
VESTAVIA HILLS WEDDINGS 35 Calligraphy by Grace’s Signature Style 42 Top Picks for Your Registry 47 Couture Cuts: Bridal Fashion Trends
IN EVERY ISSUE 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 8 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 9 #VestaviaHillsMag 10 The Question 11 The Guide 76 Out & About 86 Marketplace 88 My Vestavia Hills
52 What Not to Wear: A Style Guide for Wedding Guests
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CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL
Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Amalia Kortright Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner
Stephanie Gibson Lepore, Writer
Stephanie is a freelance writer and editor who has worked for Southern Living, Coastal Living, Country Living and Williams-Sonoma. Her passions include UGA football, grammatically correct text messages, Chick-fil-A and Gilmore Girls (Team Logan!). She is married to Matthew, a realtor, and together they have a one-year-old daughter, Harper. They are on a never-ending family quest to find the best tamales in Birmingham.
CONTRIBUTORS
Mallory Barry Alisha Crossley Kristin Entler Mary Fehr Stephanie Gibson Lepore Jackson Ross Emma Simmons Lauren Ustad
DESIGN
Lauren Ustad, Photographer
Lauren lives in Birmingham with her husband, Joe, their two daughters Pepper and Joie, and their 2-pound Yorkie they refer to as “Boobie.” She spends her professional time posing itty bitties and chasing little munchkins, and as a result having baby fever (number 3 is on the way!). In her free time you can probably find her slaving away at their most current renovation project or building Legos with her self-proclaimed super heroes.
Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan
MARKETING
Kristy Brown Matthew Gibson Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Katie Krouse Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Ashley Murphy Ashley Petrus Viridiana Romero Kerrie Thompson
ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Katie McDowell Stacey Meadows Tim Prince
Mallory Barry, Photographer
Mallory Barry is a Vestavia Hills High School student who has avidly enjoyed photography since she first got her camera in 2012. She is currently taking a digital imaging class in school and also enjoys being a part of her high school’s track and field team, going on adventures with friends, and traveling with family.
Emma Simmons, Writer and Photographer
As a wanderluster with a serious addiction to her parents’ cooking, Emma is thrilled to be in the ‘Ham, only a short drive away from their dinner table in Vestavia Hills. When she’s not plugging away as the evening web girl at ABC 33/40, she’s probably scheming up ways to turn her black thumb green or make her dog Mazzy Insta-famous. Some of her favorite things include: sunshine, long baths, fuzzy socks and conversations with strangers.
Vestavia Hills Magazine is published bimonthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Vestavia Hills Magazine is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Vestavia Hills Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Vestavia Hills Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Vestavia Hills, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit VestaviaHillsMagazine.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $16.30 for one year by visiting VestaviaHillsMagazine.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@vestaviahillsmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.
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FROM THE EDITOR
To the mountains we went for my friend Megan’s wedding.
ON THE COVER
Jordan & Mason
Jordan Bass and Mason Wald first met at Pizitz Middle School and, after 10 years of dating, said “I do” in May 2017. Design by Jamie Dawkins Photo by Emily Dean Photography
I
I turn 32 this year, wrapping up what will likely be the weddingest (yes, I made that word up) decade of my life. I’ve been to the beach and to the mountains, to the backyard and to the country club, to East Coast and West, and I have a giant file folder of invitations and programs to remember them by, because wedding paper is just the loveliest. Speaking of lovely, when we started collecting weddings to feature in this issue, I found myself lost in a sea of pretty. Dresses, flowers, cakes, invitations (did I mention I like paper?)—the photos seem to say it all. But then I had to edit down all the fun details the bride or groom sent to fit the space on page, which in the end made those most meaningful details and moments pop out the most. The intimate stairwell ceremony with amazing acoustics, the moment the microphone malfunctioned and it felt like the bride and groom were the only ones at the ceremony, the hanging cake the bride had envisioned looking just right, the sunset arriving just in time for the ceremony, the bride’s childhood art teacher capturing their first dance live in watercolor, eating the pound cakes baked by the bride’s grandmother. Which reminded me how my file folder really takes the back seat to those golden moments I have witnessed. The Elton John-style song about the couple’s story a friend surprised them with at the reception. Watching a usually not-emotional bride ugly cry her way down the aisle. The Latin American-style “crazy hour” on the dance floor that had my grandmother dancing to pop music. The bride hopping into a canoe, wedding dress and all, and paddling her way down river with her groom. When the garter got stuck on the ceiling beam. Voices filling the chapel with an acapella round song many of us learned on the spot. And always, always the groom’s face as his bride approaches. A decade of weddingness means something else for me too, though— walking with friends as life’s ups and downs ebb and flow, as marriage’s joys and sorrows ebb and flow. And it’s not all flowers and paper and dresses pretty. When their anniversaries come, it’s not so much the paper we harken back to as the moments burned in their minds, the joy they invoke, and the love and commitment it reminds them of. And that is what seems to truly be the weddingest of all. Clearly I’m a bit excited about our wedding features, but also be sure to check out the back stories of Alabama Biscuit Company’s multigrain goodness in biscuit form (Side note: They are opening a second location on Rocky Ridge soon.), and of Artists Incorporated’s barn beginnings. And I always welcome your ideas for stories, so please do send them my way. Cheers!
madoline.markham@vestaviahillsmagazine.com
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VestaviaHillsMagazine.com
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
H O O V E R ’ S H O M E TOW N
HOSPITALITY
Expert Calligraphy Tips for Brides
Find timeless advice for wedding—and paper—planning from calligrapher Grace Davis Hall online, and be sure to find her story on page 35 of this issue too. vestaviahillsmagazine.com/wedding-calligraphy-bride-tips PHOTO BY ALISHA CROSSLEY
@vestaviamag
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From Our Inbox “The Mannequin on Canyon” may have been my favorite story because I know Gary Diggs. I was a client at Gary Anthony salon for years. Gary is a very, very kind man. Bless him, he also bought ads in the Vestavia Hills High School paper. The artwork on the opening spread for this story is fabulous and the photography stunning! And I loved the quote about the “red teddy.” -Candis Hacker
RIVE HIGHLANDS O F
CORRECTION
“When Dreams Come to Life” in our December 2017/January 2018 incorrectly listed a few facts regarding The Magic City Nutcracker. They should have read that Jamie Grimes serves as ballet mistress, Stephanie Rangle serves as artistic director, and The Magic City Nutcracker uses Vestavia Dance studios but it is its own entity.
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1851 Data Drive | Hoover, AL 35244 | RiverHighlands.com
Assisted Living | Memory Care | Short Term Stays
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@VestaviaHillsMag
Tag us in your Vestavia Hills photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.
@jhaglerphotography Over the hill lay a blanket of white. #snowfall #vestaviahills #winterwonderland
@varsity_rebelettes Very successful Saturday!! Thank you @ndadance!! Also, congrats to @jv_rebelettes
@lishamariephoto @andrewrpatterson Margaret loves the dessert station at Sunday brunch!
Light at the End of the Tunnel #vestavialibraryintheforest #themountainsarecalling #alabamaphotography #naturephotography #explore #adventure
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“ ” THE QUESTION
What’s the one sentence version of how you and your spouse met?
We met on my doorstep when he came to buy Iron Bowl tickets 17 years ago! - Cinnamon Walker McCulley
In a college physics class, he got an A and I got a C, so I climbed over a seat and sat next to him so he could help me! We celebrated our 20th anniversary this summer! - Hayes Williamson Johnson
I met him on a Friday at Louie Louie where he was a bouncer. I was trying to leave with a beer and he would not let me leave with an open container. First date was to church on Sunday.
He owned Sneaky Pete’s in Hoover and I worked at Golbro. I would walk down for lunch every day. We were married 17 years before I lost him to cancer.
Met first day of school in the seventh grade. We became a couple in the eighth grade. We have been married 51 1/2 years!
I bought him for a starting price of $10 to “clean my house” at a UAB charity auction when we were in college.
I was leaving an engagement party to make it to another party and he asked me where I was going. I told him “a place called Slice” for a surprise birthday party...turned out he and his brothers own Slice.
I met my husband when I was 5, he is standing behind me in our kindergarten picture; he was my best friend until we decided to date at the age of 25. We will celebrate 20 years married this May.
- Aimee Robbins Nichols
- Alta Faye Watson Fenton
- Bradley Bajalieh 12 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com
- Kerry Tohill D’Amico
- Karla Johnson Thomas
- Melissa Moody McMurray
THE GUIDE
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA MARCH 30 10:30 a.m. Vestavia Library in the Forest Bunnies, and the Easter Bunny, will all make their way to the library for this Easteriffic event. Kids can visit a baby petting zoo, take pictures with the Easter Bunny, make an Easter craft and find a prize egg. It’s geared for ages 18 months to first grade. Be ready to take some cute pictures! VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 13
THE GUIDE WHAT TO DO IN VESTAVIA FEB. 2 & MARCH 2 First Friday Fiber Arts Adults/Library in the Forest 10 a.m. FEB. 5-9 Red Ribbon Week Vestavia City Schools FEB. 5 & 19 Adult Genealogy Series Adults/Library in the Forest
FEB. 11
aTeam Heart2Heart Gala 6-9 P.M.
aTeam’s goal of support and encouragement for these brave children. BRIDGESTREET GALLERY AND LOFT 2018 professional artists are Melony Allen, Kristin Blakeney, Ann Harper, Kasey Hope, Auctioned art takes on special meaning Ashley McCullars and Lauren Woods, and this night. Children with pediatric cancer patient artists are Sam Cunningham, Davis are paired with a professional to create art Hartsell, Camp Hendrix, Kathryn Marbutt, and express their journey with cancer, an Shepard Nations and Kenna Parramore. important part of their healing process. To make reservations for the event, visit The professional artist partner also creates ateamministries.org. a work inspired by the child — all a part of
FEB. 15
Samford Legacy League’s 2018 Scholarship Luncheon FEATURING ANGIE SMITH 11:30 A.M. While pregnant with her fourth daughter, Audrey, Angie Smith found out that her little one would not survive after childbirth, and she started a blog, Bring the Rain (angiesmithonline.com), as a way to share her heart and struggles honestly. Today she writes books and Bible studies to “share my stories and my love of God in the hopes that they will inspire you, make you feel like we’re friends, and hopefully, give you some really good laughs in the process.” This Nashville mom of five girls is also coming 14 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com
to town to speak at this annual luncheon to help make it possible for students with significant financial need and challenging circumstances to attend Samford University. Make your reservations at samford.edu/legacyleague.
FEB. 13 Vestavia Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon Vestavia Country Club 11:30 a.m. FEB. 13 Love is Ugly Teens/Library in the Forest 4 p.m. FEB. 14 Love Begins with a Book Children/Library in the Forest All Day FEB. 16 Sadie Hawkins Dance Vestavia Hills High School 8 p.m. FEB. 19 Professional Development Day Vestavia City Schools Closed FEB. 20 Family Night with Dr. Magical Balloons Children/Library in the Forest 6 p.m. dinner, 6:30 p.m. show FEB. 22 Friends of the Library Hosts Vestavia Hills Police Sergeant Eddie Crim Adults/Library in the Forest 10 a.m. FEB. 23 Super Smash Bros. Tournament Teens/Library in the Forest 4 p.m.
THE GUIDE FEB. 28 Rebelette Friends and Family Showcase Vestavia Hills High School 6 p.m. MARCH 5 Knit Night in the Forest Adults/Library in the Forest 6 p.m. Treehouse MARCH 6 Teens/Library in the Forest The Escape Room 4 p.m. MARCH 9 Upcycle City: Zentangled Cross with Darla Williamson Adults/Library in the Forest Registration Required 7 p.m. MARCH 10 ACT Workshop Teens/Library in the Forest Registration Required 1 p.m.
MARCH 17
Purple People Run 9 A.M.
VESTAVIA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL Get your preparty on for this year’s Relay for Life on April 14. Vestavia Hills High
MARCH 13 Vestavia Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon Vestavia Country Club 11:30 a.m.
FEB. 24
MARCH 20 Family Night with Magician Kevin Sanderson Children/Library in the Forest 6 p.m. dinner, 6:30 p.m. show
BENEFITTING VESTAVIA HILLS CITY
MARCH 22 Friends of the Library: Get Ready for Spring Gardening Adults/Library in the Forest 10 a.m. MARCH 26-30 Spring Break Vestavia City Schools Closed MARCH 26-29 Spring Break Staycation Various Children’s Programs Library in the Forest
Dinner and Diamonds SCHOOL FOUNDATION 7-11 P.M. REGIONS FIELD
The evening is sure to shimmer and sparkle with dinner, entertainment, and silent and live auctions—all to benefit academic “extras” such as professional development, technology and classroom enhancements for Vestavia City Schools. Props to VHHS student Gracie Corcoran for creating this year’s invitation art. Tickets are $80 each and available at vestaviafoundation.org.
School students organize the Purple People Run to benefit Open Hands Overflowing Hearts, an organization dedicated to raise awareness and funding for childhood cancer. Register at runsignup.com.
Children’s Consignment Sales Spring is (almost) in the air. Stock your kids’ spring and summer wardrobe at one (or all) of these sales. Better yet, consign some of their clothes from last year, and you can shop early to call dibs on the best items.
MARKET ON THE MOUNTAIN Mountaintop Community Church Feb. 23-24: Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHALE OF A SALE
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Feb. 22-23: Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. whaleofasale.blogspot.com VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 15
THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN JAN. 25-FEB. 11 Chicago Virginia Samford Theatre FEB. 9-10 O’Reilly Auto Parts Wold of Wheels Custom Auto Show BJCC FEB. 10 Regions Superhero 5K Linn Park FEB. 11 Mercedes Marathon
NONPROFITS
RUN FOR THE KIDS The new BHM26.2 marathon on April 15 will be a particularly special day for two local students. Phillip Moss, a Pizitz sixth grader (left), and Emme Nichols, a Vestavia Hills Elementary Central fifth grader (right), have received Magic Moments, and funds raised that day will allow for more wishes for children in Alabama with chronic lifethreatening illnesses. It all kicks off at Railroad Park and also benefits the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama. Runners can pick their race of choice—full marathon, half marathon, team relay or fun run—and sign up at bhm262.com.
RESTAURANTS
A DELICIOUS 2018 THEATRE
INTO THE WOODS Once upon a time in a far off kingdom, there lay a small village at the edge of the woods… and so begins this beloved Stephen Sondheim musical, coming to the Vestavia Hills High School stage. A modern twist on Brothers Grimm fairy tales, this musical format follows Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and more. Save the date to come out to see it on stage Friday, April 27 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 16 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com
Here are some highlights of to taste this year: Fresco Mexicana Moderna is now serving up inventive, farm-to-table Mexicaninspired cuisine in Cahaba Heights at 3144 Village Circle. On Tap Sports Café is opening a new location in Liberty Park, as is Big Sky Bread Company, which previously has a bakery in Mountain Brook Village. Lakeview favorite Slice Pizza is moving to the neighborhood across from Life Time Fitness. Cahaba Heights will be welcoming bagel baker Crestline Bagel, with a new Latin American concept from Becky Satterfield called El Zunzun next door.
FEB. 14 Casablanca Alabama Theatre 7 p.m. FEB. 15-16 The Jungle Book Virginia Samford Theatre FEB. 15-18 Birmingham Home Show BJCC FEB. 17 Widespread Panic BJCC FEB. 17 Birmingham Does Broadway Alabama Symphony Orchestra Samford University Wright Center FEB. 21-25 Silent Sky Morris K. Sirote Theatre UAB FEB. 23-25 RV Super Show BJCC FEB. 23-25 The Illusionists—Live on Broadway BJCC FEB. 23 Dvorak’s New World Alabama Symphony Orchestra Alys Stephens Center
THE GUIDE FEB. 25 Michael McDonald Alys Stephens Center MARCH 1-4 STARS Presents: The Wizard of Oz Virginia Samford Theatre MARCH 2-4 Alabama Ballet Presents: Swan Lake BJCC Concert Hall MARCH 2-4 Cottontail’s Village Arts, Crafts & Gifts Show BJCC MARCH 8-11 Maggie’s Perfect Match Virginia Samford Theatre MARCH 10 Gershwin in Hollywood Alabama Symphony Orchestra Alys Stephens Center MARCH 16-APRIL 1 Disney’s The Lion King BJCC MARCH 16 Ron White Alabama Theatre 8 p.m. MARCH 17 Marc Broussard Alys Stephens Center MARCH 24 Rumpshaker 5K Regions Field 8 a.m. MARCH 24 2018 Spring Walking Tour Series: Historic Loft District VisitVulcan.com for Tickets 9 a.m. MARCH 25 The Jerusalem Quartet Alys Stephens Center MARCH 30 Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn Lyric Theatre
SCHOOLS
A CHANGE IS GONNA COME Vestavia Hills City Schools are going to look a little different come the 20192020 school year. Most notably, the ninth graders will move from VHHS to their own campus at the current Pizitz Middle School building, and the former Berry High School will house sixth to eighth graders instead. Plus, Gresham Elementary School will take K-5 and all elementary schools will be K-5 too. The plan is still contingent upon the federal court’s final approval of the purchase of Gresham Elementary School from the Jefferson County Board of Education, but here’s what the shifting of student populations would look like if all
goes according to the current plan: Vestavia Hills High School: 10th - 12th grades Pizitz campus: 9th grade center Former Berry High School campus: 6th - 8th grades Liberty Park Middle School: 6th - 8th grades Gresham Elementary School campus: Kindergarten - 5th grades Vestavia Hills Elementary East: Kindergarten - 5th grades Vestavia Hills Elementary West: Kindergarten - 5th grades Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights: Kindergarten - 5th grades Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park: Kindergarten - 5th grades
EDUCATION
HIT THE BOOKS Looking to learn something new in 2018? Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of Greater Birmingham (OLLI) provides mature adults 50+ with social, education and travel opportunities—including many courses taught just down the street. To learn more, visit olli.ua.edu or call 205-348-6482. Here are a few of the upcoming offerings:
GREEK AND ROMAN CLASSICS
Tuesdays, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 1:30 – 3 p.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center Instructor: Shannon Flynt, Assistant Professor of Classics, Samford University
ANCIENT AMERICAN CIVILIZATIONS March 6, 13, 20, 27 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. (with break for lunch) Vestavia Hills Civic Center Instructor: Richard Diehl, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, UA
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&CULTURE
ARTS
BARN RAISING
How Artists Incorporated’s gallery got its start in an unlikely spot. BY KRISTIN ENTLER PHOTOS BY MARY FEHR VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 19
T
Mary Jean Henke
Today, there’s no doubt the building that houses Artists Incorporated is an art gallery. Art hangs or rests in as many places on the paneled walls as the workers there can fit pieces, showcasing the talents of more than 50 artists. But it wasn’t always this way. In the late ’90s, a group of nine people with a dream of opening an art gallery first found the old dairy barn built around 1928. At the time, the space, not far off Rocky Ridge Road, was storing maintenance equipment for other buildings. The landlord also owned horses, meaning there was horse feed being stored in the place as well. “One of [the girls scouting it out] called me and [told me] to meet them over at this address,” Mary Jean Henke recalls. “I walked in the door and thought ‘You’re joking, right?’” “The two that looked at the building first had a vision that I didn’t have,” she says. “Because all I could think is, ‘Are you kidding me? Who’s going to clean this up?’” Mary Jean, now the vice president of the gallery’s Board of Directors, got her answer: they were going to clean it up. The group starting the gallery hired people to do electrical work and other things they couldn’t do, but if they could do it themselves, they did it. “We hung the sheet rock in here. Dr. Lowell Vann, who was the head of the art department at Samford, came up with the hanging panels, and he and I actually
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“
The two that looked at the building first had a vision that I didn’t have. Because all I could think is, ‘Are you kidding me? Who’s going to clean this up?’
”
-Mary Jean Henke
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 21
hung them.” It wasn’t all hard labor, though. Mary Jean and another original member and current president, Pat Dicas, had a special trick up their sleeves—they had planned to paint their version of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. “We would leave in 4 in the afternoon, when everyone was working, and we’d sneak over to her studio and wonder where we were going because we were leaving early,” Mary Jean recalls. “We would have already made up something like, ‘We’ve got to go look at something,’ and we’d sneak over there and we’d paint until late hours of the night until we finished that. And then we’d come over here when they weren’t here on a Sunday, and she and her husband and I came over here and hung it.” When the rest of them came in Monday morning, they were 22 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com
amazed at the work the two had put in, and had finally realized why they had been leaving early so often. Eventually, the transformation was complete, and the gallery opened its doors on Nov. 22, 1999, with a simple goal: make art more accessible to everyone. “The gallery is staffed by artists who provide expertise regarding the diverse inventory, assuring an enjoyable experience for both the inexperienced and the seasoned collector.” Eighteen years into their venture, they take this diversity seriously. Currently, 56 local and regional artists
feature work in a wide array of mediums, including: oils, acrylics, encaustic wax paintings, glass, wood art (both sculptural and functional), metalwork, stone pieces, and handcrafted jewelry. And the board is picky about who they let join the gallery and show their work. “We screen artists and they go through a pretty tough little screening,” Mary Jean explains. It’s all to the benefit of the artists as well as the patrons. “If somebody applies that’s doing work that looks like someone’s work we already have, we’re not going to take VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 23
31st Annual Magic City Heart Ball EPICUREAN HEARTS HONORING
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond & Kathryn Harbert HOSTED BY THE HEART GUILD OF BIRMINGHAM LEGACY SPONSOR
them because that would be unfair to both of those artists.” Screening also ensures that the gallery is stocked with highquality, original work. Today there’s no sign of dairy cows in the Artists Incorporated building, unless they are the subject of a painting, but the exterior is still distinct. Their website identifies their location as the “Little Red Barn on Morgan Drive”—the space where an art gallery dream lives on. Artists interested in joining the gallery can stop by and pick up an application or visit artistsincorporated.com for an online application.
SEE THE GALLERY YOURSELF SIGNATURE SPONSOR
Reserve your seat today at: BirminghamHeartBall.heart.org
Artists Incorporated 3365 Morgan Drive
First Friday Receptions- First Friday of the Month 4:30-7:30 p.m. Regular Hours
Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Saturday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 24 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com
&DRINK
FOOD
ALABAMA BISCUIT ABC’S
The whole grain goodness is all about experimentation. BY EMMA SIMMONS PHOTOS BY MARY FEHR
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 25
J
Jonathan Burch has his wife’s experiments in breadmaking to thank for the droves of regulars that file into Alabama Biscuit Company each morning. “It’s crazy. My wife made these biscuits out of spelt flour one time, and they were the ugliest things I’ve ever seen. But the flavor of the flour was intense,” he recalls. After she left town one weekend, Jonathan decided to conduct some experiments of his own. “I just stayed home all day making biscuits, testing out different proportions and such, and that’s when the biscuit was developed.” There’s no secret recipe behind Burch’s nutty, buttery biscuits. In fact, there’s no recipe at all. “It’s an artistic
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process; it’s not the same every time.” This is, in part, due to the trickiness in working with whole grain. Jonathan’s homemade biscuits are 100 percent spelt flour, an ancient grain unaffected by modern wheat processing. “If the grain is browner, or the buttermilk is too thin, or the humidity is too high, we make certain adjustments.” When it comes to ingredients, he settles for nothing less than the finest. He sources all of his spelt flour locally from Montgomery’s To Your Health Sprouted Flour Co. Their product is a huge part of the ABC’s business plan, he says. Not interested in the nutritional
philosophy behind his unique, spelt-grain buttermilk biscuits? He doesn’t care, he just wants you to enjoy them. “It’s my passion and drive to provide something excellent. You don’t have to know how awesome it is; you just have to know that it tastes good. And that’s the main thing: it’s hospitality.”
Jonathan’s appreciation for the good stuff comes from time well spent—with family. When he was young, he stayed at his grandfather’s home after school, where they’d spend the afternoons flipping through various cooking channels. At only 8 years old he put his newly learned skills to the test in
“
It’s my passion and drive to provide something excellent. You don’t have to know how awesome it is; you just have to know that it tastes good. And that’s the main thing: it’s hospitality.
”
- Jonathan Burch
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 27
Biscuit with sweet potatoes and pecans
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Jonathan Burch
what became a yearly tradition of cooking his parents’ anniversary dinners. Growing up around his grandmother’s scrumptious Southern cuisine was equally formative for the budding gastronaut. “The memories I have of my grandma’s cooking are powerful because those foods were really humble. They weren’t like fine-latticed pies; they were just really flavorful.” While cooking has always been second nature for Jonathan,
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Croque Madame biscuit
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SEASON BY SEASON These bis-cakes are topped with seasonal fruit, vanilla mascarpone cream and spiced maple syrup. DECEMBER - JANUARY: Apple FEBRUARY: Carrot Cake MARCH/APRIL: Rhubarb and Strawberries MAY-JUNE: Blueberry JULY-AUGUST: Blackberry, Peach SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER: Pear
it wasn’t until his landscaping company took off that he found time to indulge his culinary curiosities. “There would be days I’d be done and home around lunchtime, so I’d text my wife and say, ‘Want to go by Whole Foods? I don’t cook a lot of lamb, so I want to give it a shot.’” In his quest to become a better chef, Jonathan realized he could forgo a formal culinary education with a little selfdiscipline—and help from the internet. A lust for learning fueled his independent study of culinary ‘greats’ like renowned chef Thomas Keller and Cajun TV cook Justin Wilson. “I think the people who can really cook are those who can take everything they’ve learned from others, take a step, and create something that’s totally unique but also connected to the past.”
As Jonathan continues to tweak his ever-evolving product, his customers know one thing for certain: it’s only getting better. “The biscuit is still being perfected. What we have now is better than what we had when we opened—it’s a natural product.” Since setting up shop in Cahaba Heights four years ago, the Alabama Biscuit Company has nestled into its second location at the Pizitz Food Hall downtown. But the ABC’s newest venture is the one with the most potential, Jonathan says. Housed in the former Serendipity Sweets building on Rocky Ridge Road, the third location will boast grit bowls and fried chicken, in addition to its classic offerings. “I can see our new location at Rocky Ridge becoming our home base.” Juggling parenthood, lawn emergencies and three restaurants, the Burches are a busy bunch. But they’re determined to make their mark in the Hills—one biscuit at a time.
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FOOD & DRINK
Creme de Menthe & Chocolate Chip
CUSTARD SHAKE
TWISTED ROOT BURGER CO. PHOTO BY EMMA SIMMONS
Twisted Root Burger Co.’s homemade shakes are so darn good, you might just skip the burger. The chain’s mint chocolate chip-inspired custard shake tastes just like you’ll remember, but it ain’t for the kiddos. Deceivingly boozy, this adults-only frozen treat is just as thick and velvety as they come.
WHAT’S IN IT 5 ounces vanilla custard ¾ ounce creme de menthe ¾ ounce chocolate vodka Chocolate syrup drizzle Dash of chocolate chips 34 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com
A GUIDE TO ALL THINGS WHITE, BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL PHOTO BY ERIC & JAMIE PHOTOGRAPHY
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F
For Grace Davis Hall, success lies right at—or in, rather—her fingertips. Her work is the first glimpse most wedding invitees get, setting the tone for formal events in her home state and beyond to places such as Seattle and New York. And for Grace, that first glance should be as beautiful as what is inside. “As a little girl, I would get so excited when wedding invitations would arrive in the mailbox,” says Grace, a Sylacauga native who now calls Vestavia Hills home. “I have vivid memories of poring over the beautiful hand addressing and wondering how on earth anyone could write so beautifully!” That fascination never left Grace, even as she went on to the University of Alabama to secure a degree in the not-so-artsy-but-still-creative field of advertising and public relations. Following college, Grace’s curiosity was piqued when she heard word of a calligraphy class being offered by local calligrapher Deb Warnat. Immediately she signed up to try her hand at the art. “I took a handful of lessons covering how to hold an oblique pen and the basic strokes that make up the letterforms,” she says. “From there, I practiced for hundreds of hours during a solid year before feeling like I was ready to show anyone my work.” As they say, practice makes perfect, and Grace’s flawless work soon caught the discriminating eyes of brides, Southern—and not so Southern—via an Etsy shop, her initial marketing effort of choice. “To my surprise and delight, I quickly had client requests flowing in from all over the country,” she says. Her calendar filling up quickly thanks to her old-school technique and unwavering commitment to the fine details, she became a familiar face at the post office as she shipped envelopes back and forth to brides on a regular basis. It wasn’t long before Grace became the go-to calligrapher for a paper boutique in Los Angeles. No stranger to the pomp and circumstance of a southern wedding, expanding her business into other parts of the country taught Grace a little about regional wedding etiquette customs too. “East coast brides plan seated dinner receptions,” she says, “so they need escort cards and place cards in addition to my envelope addressing service.” She notes that Texas brides opt for bigger-is-better buffet-style receptions—the same style
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PHOTO BY ERIC & JAMIE PHOTOGRAPHY
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A CALLIGRAPHER’S BIG DAY You may wonder, with all of the weddings her timeless work has graced over the years, what Grace chose for her own wedding to husband O.Z. “We planned an elegant, traditional, Southern wedding,” says Grace, who is drawn to old South heritage. She and O.Z. exchanged vows during a late morning ceremony at Samford University’s Reid Chapel, followed by a brunch reception at the Florentine Building. Friend and fellow Vestavia Hills resident/artist Erin Hardin painted the chapel for the couple, which became the inspiration for the color palette as well as the focal point of the paper suite. “For the Save the Date card, we incorporated the painting with my calligraphy,” says Grace. “And then when it was time to design the invitation, we used the painting of Reid Chapel again on the back of the reply card. The invitation suite consisted of an invitation, reply card, reception card and a double envelope set. I am a firm believer that the invitation sets the tone for the wedding. It is your guests’ first impression of your wedding. Knowing that we were planning a traditional wedding, I chose to use black ink on a very thick and soft luxe paper.” PHOTOS BY SIMPLE COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
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WEDDINGS brides to which Alabama and Georgia brides gravitate— so place cards aren’t typically a necessary element. Grace’s business continued to grow organically, sets of envelopes at a time, before eventually drawing attention from Birmingham-based wedding planners, stationers and local brides, of whom there were plenty. In addition to her now-closed Etsy shop—traded in favor of an elegant professional website at gracecalligraphy.com—several planners and paper boutiques requested samples of her work to keep handy for potential clients. In addition to her online presence, local brides can check out Grace’s work at Annabelle’s in Vestavia and The Scribbler in Homewood. While she is formally trained in pointed pen
calligraphy—specifically Copperplate and Spencerian styles—and uses a wooden oblique pen holder, metal nibs and an inkwell to produce script styles that date back centuries, Grace has taken her traditionalist foundation and developed a style that is uniquely her own. Showing no signs of slowing down—she averages 1,000 envelopes per month—Grace is currently designing a line of semi-custom wedding invitations as well as a collection of scripture prints that can be framed for home use. And she recently collaborated with Sugar B Designs, licensing her signature lettering for use on baby shower invitations, birth announcements and Christmas cards you can find on sugarbdesigns.
“
I have vivid memories of poring over the beautiful hand addressing and wondering how on earth anyone could write so beautifully!
”
-Grace Davis Hall
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WEDDINGS com. “Carrie Beth Taylor of Sugar B Designs is a phenomenal watercolor artist and stationery designer,” Grace says. “She pairs my calligraphy with her art to make gorgeous invitations and stationery.” Recently, recognition of her timeless calligraphy style hit an all-time high, as Grace was nominated by a publication as “Best of the South.” She finished in the top three. Ever humble, she simply says, “I always feel honored when my work is recognized.” (Add to that coverage in several national magazines and on prominent wedding websites, and Grace has collected enough honors to be considered wedding royalty.) She stays on top of her craft with participation in the International Association of Master Penmen Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH) and a commitment to traveling to continuing education conferences and seminars. She’s also made it her mission to be under the tutelage of top calligraphists. “Calligraphy is an old, traditional art but because of evolving technology and the many applications for calligraphy, it offers the opportunity to be a lifelong learner. There are currently eight calligraphers in the world who have attained the title of Master Penman, and I have been fortunate to learn from four of them,” she says. Interested in seeing more of Grace’s work? Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @gracecalligraphy.
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TOP PICKS FOR YOUR
R E G I ST RY PRODUCED BY MADOLINE MARKHAM & EMILY SPARACINO | PHOTOS BY LAUREN USTAD
1. SUSAN GORDON POTTERY ABSTRACT BOWL
Edged in 22-karat gold, this handmade bowl is crafted in Birmingham and can be used for serving food or styling on a bookcase, or all of the above. The line of serving pieces and china is available in 25 colors, including this dark grey. $182 Chickadee, Cahaba Heights
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2. GOLDEN AGATE PITCHER
Beautiful but not breakable, this brass pitcher boasts a stunning stone on its handle to serve up beverages with on-trend style. $110 Lamb’s Ears, Crestline Village
3. INTERTWINED HEART ENGRAVED SERVER SET
Make not just your wedding cake cutting special but also future cake-worthy celebrations with this elegant personalized set. $130 plus engraving fee Things Remembered, Riverchase Galleria
4. WHITE HYDRANGEA CREAM AND SUGAR SET
More and more brides are registering for this everyday pattern by MudPie. They love its versatility. After all, white goes with anything. $42 Davis Drug Gift Shop, Columbiana
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WEDDINGS 5. JCHARLES CRYSTALWORKS MONOGRAMMED GLASSES
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Pick your glasses of choice and make them your own with an etched monogram with a font of your choosing. The most popular are the old fashioned, beer mugs, whiskey decanter and wine decanter. Highball Glass $31.96-$52.95, Whiskey Glass $35.95-65.95 The Blue Willow, Cahaba Heights
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6. MUDPIE MONOGRAMMED INITIAL BLANKET
Test out your new last initial with this cozy blanket. The neutral pattern goes with just about any color scheme you might have in your new home. $40 Gifted, Pelham
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7. TINA FREY ICE BUCKET AND SCOOP
Not your typical ice bucket, this one is handmade of resin in San Francisco and has a modern flair. You can also put a champagne or wine bottle in it, or buy a larger champagne or double champagne size with the same look. $127 bucket, $44 scoop A’Mano, Mountain Brook Village
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8. COOL GREY GOURD LAMP
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In addition to more traditional items, brides often like to register for several lamps to furnish their homes. This neutral-colored model, also available in sandstone, comes with an affordable price tag. $128 The Dande Lion, Mountain Brook Village
9. CALLISTO CREAM DECORATIVE PILLOW
Brides like to mix and match bedding ensembles for their registries and tie together the look with a fun accent pillow to go front and center. $372 Three Sheets, Homewood
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10. ROUND BREAD BOARD
This oversized piece makes a statement on your table and gives you an excuse to fill it with breads and cheese—or lots of other entertaining ideas you can find inspiration for in the book Bites on a Board ($24.99). $35 At Home, Homewood
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WEDDINGS 11. OVAL POTTERY TRAY
This serving piece by potter Jessie Schroeder Voss is like having a piece of art in your home that you can also serve chips and dips or cheese balls on. Plus, it’s safe for the microwave, dishwasher and oven. $45 The Cook Store, Mountain Brook Village
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12. EST. 2017 PICTURE FRAME
When those beautiful wedding day photos come in, you’ll have a piece of art ready for your wall with this shiplap-style frame. Bonus: You won’t forget your anniversary year. $54 Magnolias, Chelsea
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13. SILVER WINE AND CHAMPAGNE COASTER
This antique English piece will never go out of style. Setting your wine bottle in it adds elegance to any table or party. $285 Henhouse Antiques, English Village
As you prepare for your wedding day, don't forget to consider where you will live to start your new life together! If buying your first home is in your near future, check out my tips for a smooth transaction: Decide what you can afford. It’s no secret that one of the first steps in the home-buying process is deciding what exactly you can afford in a home. Don’t consider what you may be able to afford in the future. Research the neighborhood. If possible, drive or walk through the neighborhood you’re considering to determine if you can see yourself living in this area. Remember that photos will always show a neighborhood in its best light, so don’t blindly trust what you see on the screen. Get a home inspection. Evaluating needed repairs and renovations raises the need for a professional inspection. While you may be able to determine surface issues, an inspection can get down to the root of any potential problems
Cindy is without a doubt the best realtor we could have worked with. She helped us every step of the way and we would have been lost with out her help. She's a fantastic communicator, and truly put our needs and desires at the forefront of our home search!
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Cell: 205-229-2774 cedmunds@arcrealtyco.com www.cindyedmunds.com
WEDDINGS 14. BEATRIZ BALL ANTLER PLATTER
Make a southern statement with this wood-and-silver design. Antlers are not just trending in wedding decor but also in home décor. $129 Busy Hands, Columbiana
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15. PHILIPPE DESHOIULDIERS ARCADES GREEN PLATES
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Brides often select a white china set with a patterned salad plate like this French porcelain design as an accent for their table settings. $95 dinner plate, $85 salad plate Bromberg’s, Mountain Brook Village & The Summit
16. ALICE AND EVANS OYSTER NESTING BOWL AND SERVING PLATE
Made in Maine, these unique entertaining pieces add flair to pair with your everyday white. Pictured are the small bowl in the Abelone and Tortoise pattern and the large plate in Mint and Charcoal. $80 bowl, $98 plate Table Matters, Mountain Brook Village
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Couture
CUTS
What’s Trending in Bridal Fashion BY EMILY SPARACINO & MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
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WEDDINGS Rivini Classy
3D Floral Embellishments
Cathy Kelley says she saw a lot of cut fabric, embroidery and other florals in a 3D format while at market in New York City in October. Trends she sees at market typically take a couple of years to trickle down to Birmingham, but she’s ordered some dresses in this style for 2018. She also sees light applique beading coming back on trend but that it’s distinct of the other 3D florals. Cathy Kelley The White Room, Mountain Brook Village
Anne Barge Camelot
Off-the-Shoulder Silhouettes
This feminine neckline creates a minimally sexy look and gives a more open style than V-neck or strapless. Interest at the neckline helps make a dress feel distinctly bridal on styles with clean lines. Sloane Jones Ivory & White, Crestline Village
No Lace, Please
Instead of lace, brides are favoring bead work or plain crepe chiffon and satins, with sleeker clean lines and materials that hug a bride’s body nicely. Many still have more traditional long trains and pretty buttons. Danielle Spiller Bridal Bliss, Homewood
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Pronovias Palencia
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Boho Beautiful
Brides are often drawn to the carefree and simplistic feel of the style with their signature sleeves.Often they boast interesting back details and soft, lightweight fabrics perfect for brides wanting a casual yet elegant outdoor wedding. Colleen Hopwood Bella Couture, Mt Laurel
Heidi Elnora Keeley
Horsehair
Okay, it’s not really horsehair—it’s a braid of synthetic fibers woven together that gives more body and shape to the hem. At Heidi Elnora’s shop, they say it gives the skirt a “whoosh whoosh” effect. Elizabeth Singleton Heidi Elnora, Downtown
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WEDDINGS Heidi Elnora Mary Jane Darling
Heidi Elnora Shelby Rae
Nude Underlining Lining a dress with a nude color adds interest to a traditional white or ivory dress, with the extra layer of dimension making the details of the lace/beading overlay pop. Heidi Elnora’s Shelby Rae similarly shows off its Swiss dot overlay and lace applique details, and Mary Jane Darling’s nude base underlay showcases the intricate details of its corded lace. Elizabeth Singleton Heidi Elnora, Downtown
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What Not to Wear
A Style Guide for Wedding Guests BY MADOLINE MARKHAM
Style coach Megan LaRussa Chenoweth frequently gets asked for advice on what to wear—and not wear— to weddings.
Follow the Dress Code
What do I wear to a barn wedding? How do I dress up for a black tie affair when it’s cold outside? We’re always asking friends and Google what we should wear to weddings, so we turned to style coach Megan LaRussa Chenoweth for some answers and style inspiration for our 2018 weddings. We like her perspective: “The whole point of fashion is to have fun so when you are getting ready for that event, you are excited to go and feel festive and enjoy yourself more.” Read on for more tips and ideas from Megan on how to dress to feel comfortable and confident.
One of the biggest things I see is clients wondering how dressy they should be for a cocktail or a black tie wedding because things have gotten so much more casual. I know it’s so easy to wear something that’s not quite black tie, but stick to the dress code.
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Style Rules Leave White for the Bride
Forget the Pantyhose
I think the rule not to wear white still applies. I still don’t think it’s ever appropriate unless the bride requests everyone to wear white because it’s her special day to do so. If your dress has white in the print or texture, that’s okay.
Hose are dated, and unless you are Kate Middleton, it’s not necessarily your friend. A lot of my clients say, “But my legs are pale or have spider veins,” so I recommend using a sunless tanner or a spray tan if that makes you feel better.
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But what do I wear to THIS wedding? Time of Day Afternoon
I think a nice church kind of dress is typically appropriate, unless the invitation states otherwise. A great nude pump is always good, or a sleek wedge.
Venue
Early Evening
This is typically cocktail attire. You don’t have to go full bedazzled and sequined, but definitely wear a nice cocktail dress and a strappier sandal heel.
Barn or Farm
Go with a dress that’s more relaxed looking, maybe it’s a floral or flowy. A block heel sandal or sleek wedge works well because it won’t sink into the ground.
Modern Venue
Wear something that’s sleek and chic, fits that vibe and is a nod to the venue. It will help you feel more confident when you get there because you will fit in more.
Country Club or Similar Venue
Black Tie
I really encourage people to go long. But you can also choose a really dressy cocktail dress, maybe one that’s tea length to elevate it.
Do something that suits your personal style. You can think outside the box so it’s not just your same black lace dress.
Essentials for Your Wardrobe Keep these dressy staples on hand so even if you wait until the last minute to pick out a dress, getting dressed for an event is so much easier.
Evening Shoes
I love to get my clients one evening shoe they can wear with everything, typically a strappy muted metallic because it will really go with every color. If you have basics like a nude pump on hand, when a wedding or special event arises, you aren’t asking, “What shoe am I going to wear?” You already have one.
Pashmina Wrap
One of my favorite tricks for colder weather is a black cashmere pashmina. It’s something great to have on hand to keep you warm, and it’s also good for travel.
Clutch
It’s important to leave our everyday bags at home and invest in one clutch or small shoulder bag. It pulls your whole look together and can really elevate it. A black or muted metallic color and a clean and minimal design are typically the most versatile. VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 55
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1. How do I keep from freezing when it’s cold outside? If it’s an afternoon wedding or outdoors, black opaque tights can be totally fine if it’s the right dress. Pair it with a closed-toe black shoe to continue that vertical visual line. For cocktail and black tie unless it’s an outdoor wedding, I think it’s best to wear a coat and go from the car to the venue and grin and bear it. A lot of my clients have really loved doing a cape, maybe with a fur trim.
2. What are some ideas to try a different look? A jumpsuit can be a really fun wedding alternative. Maybe it’s sequined or velvet,
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FAQs That Keep Us Wondering maybe it’s a thicker silk. Rent the Runway, an online fashion rental company, is a great opportunity for experimenting because you can do something you wouldn’t necessarily buy or want to wear one time.
accessories and dress it up or dress it down. Maybe you can put a great pendant necklace with it, maybe a statement earring and cuff, maybe fun shoe—things that will make it feel fresh so you are not wearing the same thing to every wedding.
3. If I’m going to try to only buy one or two dresses, what should I look for?
4. Can I re-wear a dress around a similar crowd?
I have a lot of clients who will go with a black cocktail dress that is a medium/ all-season fabric so they can wear it all year round. Or it could be navy or a beautiful fuchsia. Picking a seasonless color and material can give you that one-and-done dress if you don’t go to that many weddings. You can change up the entire look with
It depends on how long it’s been and how big of an event it is. If it’s a memorable dress and the same group of people a month apart, it’s nice to have two options, or to have one and rent the other. If you are going to a wedding in November and another one in May and it’s an all-season dress, then by all means wear it again.
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Goodyear Castro MAY 20, 2017 PHOTOS BY ALISHA CROSSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
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How We Met: When I (Kristie) started working at ARC Realty in 2014, Brad would stop by the office because his company owned the building, and we would find ourselves chatting. I recall telling a friend about Brad and how I wanted to get to know him more (and about how cute he was)! The timing wasn’t right for anything to happen then, but fast forward a year when I noticed a change in Brad. Thanks to a slight nudge from my boss, Brad asked me out! The Proposal: We are crazy dog people who love our dogs, Jasper and
Noah, dearly. We had been talking about getting a pop art painting of our dogs for a few weeks when Brad suggested that we go to the park to get photos of the dogs to give to the artist. My brother is a photographer, so we naturally asked him to tag along to get a few pictures. While we were taking photos, Brad had attached a note to Jasper’s collar. When Jasper ran up to me, I noticed the note and opened it to find a note saying, “Mom, Dad has a very important question to ask you.” The next thing I knew, Brad was in front of me asking me
WEDDINGS to marry him. Favorite Moment: An hour before our outdoor ceremony and reception it started pouring down rain—and by pouring down rain, we are talking flash flooding! Thanks to our amazing day-of coordinators, they pulled together a backup plan. We ended up having a very intimate stairwell ceremony—the only one to ever happen at The Donnelly House—with our family and friends close by. Our close friends sang during the ceremony. The acoustics in their performance was stunning and filled the entire inside of the house.
MEET THE TEAM VENUE: The Donnelly House DAY OF COORDINATOR: M. Elizabeth Events FLORIST: Ricky Whitley CATERER: The Donnelly House CAKE: Edgar’s Bakery INVITATIONS: Vistaprint
WEDDING DRESS: Bella Couture BRIDESMAID DRESSES: David’s Bridal HAIR AND MAKEUP: Studio A GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Men’s Wearhouse DJ: Southeastern Attractions
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McDaniel Chesebro MARCH 25, 2017 PHOTOS BY ERIC & JAMIE PHOTOGRAPHY
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How We Met: Cooper and I (Elizabeth) met at the library at Auburn. We spent most of the night talking about many shared memories of our fun summers growing up “among the pines” of Camp Mac. Favorite Moment: Swing dancing during our four years at Auburn (and still to this day) has always been our favorite thing to do together. Our first dance as husband and wife was so special! Cooper’s favorite was the first look. We exchanged letters, and I gave him a journal that I had been keeping for the past three years.
Favorite Details: Allison Banks Designs created a custom monogram for us that we used for the invitations, embroidered on pillows for the reception and more. My grandmother gave me her original diamond engagement ring, and I had Cummings Jewelry in Cahaba Heights take the diamond and create a custom setting for a necklace for me to wear on my wedding day. Sheri Arias taught me and my three siblings art growing up at Liberty Park Elementary and did a custom watercolor painting of our first dance during the reception. We
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had a Jameson Whiskey bar that featured a custom bottle I brought back after I had a marketing internship in Dublin. It was labeled “F. Cooper Chesebro,” and my parents later got one with our hashtag “Cheers to the Chesebros” on the bottle. The McDaniel and Chesebro Mac and Cheese Bar featured three mac and cheeses and was a play off our last names. Reagan of ReaBakes made cookies with the Birmingham Rotary Trail sign for our welcome boxes; she and her husband Colin went to VHHS with me and Colin was a groomsman.
MEET THE TEAM VENUES: Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, Vestavia Country Club WEDDING PLANNER: M. Elizabeth Events FLORIST AND DECOR: Hothouse Design Studio CAKE: Barb’s Cakes VIDEOGRAPHER: Main Street Productions INVITATIONS: Allison R. Banks Designs
WEDDING & BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Bella’s Bridal and Formal RECEPTION MUSIC: City Heat Band BAGPIPES: Kathleen Ryan CEREMONY ORGANIST: Dr. Rachel Julian BRIDAL PARTY TRANSPORTATION: Rare Transportation LIVE EVENT PAINTING: S.Arias Creates ITALIAN ICE: Doodle’s Italian Ice
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Sink
Chitwood
JUNE 10, 2017 PHOTOS BY ERIC & JAMIE PHOTOGRAPHY
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How We Met: Paul and I (Brittany) were paired together for a group project for a leadership program at the University of Georgia, and I had a crush on him almost immediately. Paul made a bold move for our first date by driving me to his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina, to have dinner at his family’s steakhouse. The Proposal: Three and a half years later, Paul orchestrated the most perfect proposal where we met on UGA’s campus, and our closest friends and family were there to celebrate, including our professor
from that first group project. Paul chose the prettiest spot on North Campus, the fountain on Herty Field, but on the day of the proposal, the fountain had been turned off. Although we did not get our ideal proposal backdrop, I (of course) said yes, and we now have a funny story to tell. Her Favorite Moment: During the wedding ceremony homily, Pastor Wade Griffith asked Paul and me to turn around and see everyone who was there to support us, pray for us and celebrate with us on our wedding day and for the years
WEDDINGS to come. It was truly humbling and encouraging to see hundreds of our closest friends and family from all stages of our lives there to cheer us on. His Favorite Moments: Without a doubt, my (Paul’s) favorite moment was when I saw Brittany for our “first look.” I could not believe someone so beautiful had chosen to spend forever with me. At the reception, my favorite moment was when Brittany and I “called the dawgs” immediately after the band played “Sweet Home Alabama.” We couldn’t let anyone forget our allegiance to the dawgs and UGA!
MEET THE TEAM VENUES: Bluff Park United Methodist Church, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa WEDDING PLANNER: A.K. Brides FLORIST: HotHouse Design Studio CATERER: Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa CAKE: Sweet Magnolia’s Cakes GROOM’S DESSERT: The Heavenly Donut Co.
VIDEOGRAPHER: Hampton Road Studios INVITATIONS: Annabelle’s Birmingham CALLIGRAPHY: Carol Faust WEDDING DRESS: The White Magnolia Bridal Collection BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Bella Bridesmaids OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST BOX GOODIES: Weezie’s Candy Emporium
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Schmarkey Cobb OCTOBER 29, 2016 PHOTOS BY KEVIN ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY
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How We Met: While attending Vestavia Hills High School, Anna had a secret crush on Alex when she was a freshman and Alex was a senior. Nearing the end of Anna’s time at Cumberland School of Law, she received a “like” on one of her pictures on Facebook on Easter in front of the cross at Trinity United Methodist Church with her mother. Anna was surprised that Alex liked her picture, as she had not heard from him in several years, and she proceeded to message Alex on Facebook to see how he has been since they last spoke years back. Alex responded
with a request for lunch, and the rest was history! The Proposal: After a company Christmas party, they went to Star Lake, and Alex walked Anna out onto the pier where he began with a speech and ended with a proposal. Alex then took Anna to his house in Vestavia Hills where their moms congratulated them with champagne and a toast. The Dress: During law school, Anna worked at Bridal Bliss of Homewood, and their team helped craft her vision for a perfect wedding gown. They ordered
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select French laces from the designer Allure, had the veil hand crafted by a professional with matching lace from the designer, and perfected the look with an accented belt and cap sleeves. Favorite Moment: The first look. In Alex’s words, he “was blown away at how beautiful Anna was, and could not believe that God picked her for his wife.” In this moment, Alex felt nervous and excited at the same time. For the couple, this was a very special moment for the two to calm their nerves before walking down the aisle in front of their family and friends.
MEET THE TEAM VENUE: Cypress Inn, Tuscaloosa WEDDING PLANNER: Carole Hawkins, Whirl Events & Creative FLORIST: Amy’s Florist, Tuscaloosa CATERER: Cypress Inn Restaurant CAKE: Edgar’s Bakery INVITATIONS: Pretty Little Papers (Etsy) WEDDING DRESS: Designer: Bridal Bliss BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Bridesmaids Inc.
HAIR AND MAKEUP: Nancy Taylor Day Spa & Salon GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Bridal Bliss MUSIC: Feel the Beat Entertainment Inc. TRANSPORTATION: Vintage Auto Wedding Chauffeur PIANIST: Russell Blackburn CALLIGRAPHY: Susan Davis Holmes
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Han
Crowder
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 PHOTOS BY ERIC & JAMIE PHOTOGRAPHY
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The Proposal: Chris put together a scavenger hunt, complete with riddles for each place. We visited five different places, each of which was significant to our relationship. After dinner, we went to set off fireworks, which has always been something that we have traditionally done together. While we were setting off the fireworks, Chris got down on one knee and popped the question. Obviously, I (Emily) said YES and things haven’t slowed down since! Favorite Details: The red and gold was chosen with inspiration from my
Chinese heritage, and the combination really popped when pink (my favorite color) was added to the mix. We even extended the red and gold to the stationery where we had red envelopes with gold calligraphy, and the invitations themselves were red with a gold pressed seal. We also wanted to incorporate the Double Happiness symbol, red silk fans for guests during the ceremony out on the golf course, and red Chinese lanterns in the entry hall to help welcome guests to the reception. A carpet of rose petals down the aisle
WEDDINGS led to the wedding arbor. The view from the country club of the mountains was beautiful, and it was amazing to have that as our backdrop when exchanging vows while framed by the beautiful arbor. The flowers turned out amazing with a commanding head table that simply drew the eye, beautiful florals around the base of the hanging cake, and even lotus blossoms with floating candles at some of the guest tables. I had envisioned a hanging cake from my first meeting with Becky of Becky’s Brides, and it turned out more beautiful than I had imagined.
MEET THE TEAM VENUE: Vestavia Country Club WEDDING PLANNER: Becky’s Brides FLORIST: HotHouse Design Studio CAKE: Magic Muffins VIDEOGRAPHER: 65 South Productions INVITATIONS: Empress Stationary CALLIGRAPHY: Deb Warnat WEDDING DRESS: Diane’s Formal Affair BRIDESMAID DRESSES: David’s Bridal HAIR AND MAKEUP: Rawwbeauty
GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Mr Burch Formal Wear MUSIC: WellDunn Entertainment TRANSPORTATION: Coats Classic Cars ALTERATIONS: Hollow to Hem GETTING READY LOCATION: Ross Bridge Gold Resort & Spa CAKE HANGING: Design Productions PROPS: PropHouse Birmingham RENTALS: Décor to Adore
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WEDDINGS
Sims
Dunson
MAY 13, 2017 PHOTOS BY BE LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
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The Proposal: Matthew proposed to me (Haley) on a family skiing trip in March 2016. We were at Steamboat Springs, Colorado, when we had a date night planned at Saddleback Ranch. When we showed up, Matthew had planned for a red sleigh to bring us through the snowy hills, and it was gorgeous. When the rancher pulled up to an alpine building for dinner, Matthew got down on one knee in the snow and asked me to marry him. I couldn’t say yes
fast enough! The Dress: I have always loved lace wedding gowns, but never thought I would have chosen the style I did. The off-the-shoulder lace sleeves and the deep back were the perfect touches. It is an Allure gown, but I had a rhinestone belt added to the waist. Favorite Moment: Our wedding ceremony was in the evening, so when our reception came, so did the beautiful sunset. The reception was held
WEDDINGS
in a tent outside similar to the movie Father of the Bride. It was the perfect setting as we walked in to share our first dance with close friends and family. Our first dance song was “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle. Favorite Details: Our wedding venue looked more like Seaside than Montgomery, so naturally our summer wedding was filled with pastel pinks from the flowers to the bridesmaid dresses. The florals were filled with roses, hydrangeas and peonies.
MEET THE TEAM VENUE: The Chapel at the Waters, Montgomery FLORIST: Melissa Kendall CATERER: Full Moon BBQ CAKE: Vikie Kyser VIDEOGRAPHER: Matt Landrum
INVITATIONS: Shine Wedding Invitations WEDDING DRESS: Bella Couture BRIDESMAID DRESSES: David’s Bridal HAIR AND MAKEUP: Olivia A Salon GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Men’s Wearhouse
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WEDDINGS
Vinson Eldridge JULY 22, 2017 PHOTOS BY REBECCA WESSON SINGLETON
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How We Met: I (Caroline) had always wanted to go to a fraternity formal, so I asked my friend Ryan if he knew any guys who needed dates. He asked some guys in his fraternity and two guys responded. My roommate Ruthie went with one, and I went with Caleb. It was a wonderful night, and it led to the beginning of our wonderful friendship and relationship. The Proposal: I (Caleb) had been planning out a proposal with Ryan to take pictures for me. The ring came in on a Thursday. Caroline had gone to
dinner that night with some friends, and I was getting fast food at a drive thru and decided that I could not wait to give her the ring. It worked out perfectly that Ryan was available that night, so we planned out the proposal on the phone. I picked up Caroline from dinner. We started to walk through the Village on Auburn’s campus where we had first met, and that’s where I asked her to marry me. She said yes, and after we sat on a bench and talked to family and prayed over our future marriage.
WEDDINGS Favorite Details: Music is important to both of us, so we worked hard to pick out the perfect music for the ceremony. Caleb and I (Caroline) both love traditional hymns, so we wanted that to be the focus of our prelude. My violin teacher, Layla Humphries, and our family friend Lynda Little, a pianist, helped make the prelude and my entrance everything that I had dreamed of. They never missed a note, and it was such a reverent time of worship throughout the entire ceremony. I also loved having both of our families come up as my grandfather led us in prayer.
MEET THE TEAM VENUE: Dawson Memorial Baptist Church WEDDING PLANNERS: Miriam Vinson and Gem Beaty FLORIST: Lindsey Keith Kessler CATERER: Amy Turnbow, Dawson Memorial Baptist Church BRIDE’S CAKE: Victoria Turnbow
GROOM’S CAKE: Edgar’s Bakery INVITATIONS: TheMint.com WEDDING DRESS: Bridal Bliss HAIR: Heather Smith GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Belk MUSIC: Layla Humphries and Lynda Little WEDDING DIRECTOR: Betty Blackburn
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WEDDINGS
Phillips Freeman JULY 9, 2016 PHOTOS BY ONCE UPON A CLICK
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The Proposal: Morgan and his cousin Addison planned a surprise girls’ day for me (Abbey) and Lauren, Addison’s wife. After lunch and a spa day, Lauren had to “run an errand” at Leaf N Petal at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. When we pulled up, I was handed a handwritten card that said, “Follow the arrows,” and was told to get out of the car. Morgan had set up light up arrows all down the walkway to the Hill Garden where he was waiting to propose. Favorite Moments: All I envisioned when planning our reception was one big
party with everyone we cared about, so I focused on making things fun instead of focusing on the details. We had an amazing band and such fun guests; we even had a huge conga line going! Morgan’s favorite moment was our private dinner after the ceremony. We went in to the bride’s loft at the barn and had time to ourselves to reflect on the day. Favorite Details: A lot of our wedding details had sentimental value to us. The diamonds in the necklace that I wore as well as the buckle bracelet were family heirlooms passed down from a
WEDDINGS
great aunt. The something blue was a handkerchief from my paternal grandmother, Pat. Some of the flowers used in the bridal bouquet and in some of the arrangements were dahlias grown in honor of our late neighbor, Don Ehrett, who was a close family friend. The pound cakes on the bride’s cake table were baked by my maternal grandmother, Myrtle, using a family recipe. My veil was worn by my mother, Carol, on her wedding day. We also used the cake toppers from both of our parents’ weddings to decorate our cake tables.
MEET THE TEAM VENUE: The Barn at Shady Lane FLORIST: Susan Milner Designs CATERER: Bryon Rickard Catering CAKE & PIES: Magic Muffins Bakery POUND CAKES: Lake Family Recipe VIDEOGRAPHER: Reel Magnolia Media INVITATIONS: Occasions by Debbie Ross WEDDING DRESS: The Something Blue Shoppe
BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Bella Bridesmaid HAIR AND MAKEUP: Holly Craft GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Jos. A. Bank CEREMONY MUSIC: Logan Creasy, Amia Bolin, Kaylie Franklin RECEPTION MUSIC: Just a Few Cats Entertainment
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WEDDINGS
Bass
Wald
MAY 12, 2017 PHOTOS BY EMILY DEAN PHOTOGRAPHY
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How We Met: Mason and I (Jordan) are high school sweethearts. We first met at Pizitz Middle School. We began dating the summer before our junior year at Vestavia Hills High School and have been together ever since. The Proposal: Mason proposed on our 10-year anniversary (yes, 10 years) at Ross Bridge. I was completely surprised because Mason tricked me into thinking we were on our way to play golf. Our family was there to celebrate with us afterwards.
The Wedding Dress: Daria by Theia Couture purchased from Village Bridal of Homewood. Buttons were added down the train for a customized feel by Hollow to Hem. Favorite Moment: When the microphone malfunctioned during our ceremony and it turned out to feel so special and intimate because it felt like we were the only people there. Favorite Details: I have always loved hanging flowers and dreamed of incorporating them into my wedding day.
WEDDINGS Thanks to BK Wed, dancing the night away under the romantic hanging flowers and greenery from the ceiling was by far my favorite wedding detail. We also loved celebrating with our families the night before at the rehearsal dinner at the Hoover Randle Home. What You Are Doing Now: After our honeymoon in an over-the-water bungalow in Jamaica, we bought our first house in Hoover. Mason works as a regional manager for Red Mountain Medical, and I work as a family nurse practitioner at MedCenter Hoover.
MEET THE TEAM VENUE: Park Crest Event Facility WEDDING PLANNER: BK Wed FLORIST: BK Wed CATERER: Darryl Borden, Park Crest CAKE: Cakes by Audrey VIDEOGRAPHER: Four10 Films INVITATIONS: Simply Stated Paperie WEDDING DRESS: Village Bridal of Homewood BRIDESMAID DRESSES:
Amsale Bridesmaids HAIR AND MAKEUP: Beth Russell GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Jos. A. Bank MUSIC: Fountain City Players PHOTO BOOTH: The Slow Motion Booth MINISTER: Andy Cartee STRING QUARTET: Birmingham Chamber Ensemble: Jinsong Gao, Serghei Tanas, BJ Cheek, Clayton Vaughn
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WEDDINGS
Ammons Williams JUNE 10, 2017 PHOTOS BY RACHEL COFFEY PHOTOGRAPHY
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How We Met: Back in 2009, I (Sanders) twirled baton in high school and was a majorette on a competition team with girls from other schools. A girl from Pelham High School told me about her friend named Jake and said that I would really like him. So, she convinced me to go to a baseball game. After the game, we met and it was an instant connection. Jake says to this day when he saw me that he almost fell out. We I became best friends from that day forward. Favorite Moment: My favorite part
of the big day was putting on my wedding dress and the veil with my mother and sister. Those special moments reminded me that the day was so precious and something I would never forget for the rest of my life. Another one of my favorite moments was when I got up to the altar with Jake, and it was just me, the preacher, Jake and God. It really felt like it was just us four as we were uniting as one with Christ. Getting on the trolley after the ceremony with all of our close friends and family was a memory that I will cherish forever. Knowing that we
WEDDINGS
had friends and family who supported us on the journey in itself was a blessing. Favorite Details: The organ is one of my favorite things to hear during a wedding ceremony. We wanted the organ to be played because we think it brings so much energy to the ceremony. We went with more traditional music for our ceremony: “Canon In D Major” by Johann Pachelbel, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach and Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus.” The flowers were absolutely stunning. Our wedding cakes were another favorite of ours.
MEET THE TEAM VENUES: Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, The Club Inc. WEDDING PLANNER: Christina Sloan, Christina Sloan Events FLORIST: Lillie Jane’s CATERER: The Club Inc. CAKE: Magic Muffins VIDEOGRAPHER: Jason Morales, A Morales Production
INVITATIONS: Annabelle’s WEDDING DRESS: Bustle BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Bridesmaids Inc. HAIR AND MAKEUP: Gypset Beauty Co. GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Mr Burch Formalwear MUSIC: On Site Productions TRANSPORTATION: Jerry Haynes, Rare Transportation
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OUT & ABOUT
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VESTAVIA HILLS TREE LIGHTING
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PHOTOS BY JACKSON ROSS
The annual tree lighting was held at City Hall with festivities for all. 1.
Tait Davidson, Camille Davidson and Robin Davidson
2.
Mary Jo Carson
3.
Mary Morgan Trowbridge
4.
Cassandra Johnson, Derrius Clark, Laya Clark and John Clark
5.
Amber Maniscalco
6.
Steve McTyeire
7.
Maggie Hargrow, Chloe Sellers, Clare Promer and Joey Compton
8.
William White
9.
Beth White, Robyn White and Misty Searcy
10. Roy Brooks 11. Jules Faught and Grace Belcher 12. Jeff Prior
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OUR NEW LOCATION AT
1694 MONTGOMERY HWY HOOVER, AL 35216 STE 200 205 822 3012
MON THUR: 11AM 8PM FRIDAY: 12PM TO 5PM
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OUT & ABOUT
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CHRISTMAS PARADE
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PHOTOS BY MALLORY BARRY
The city’s annual parade took the streets of Liberty Park on Dec. 10. 1.
Amiaya and Marcus Garth
2.
Daniela Reimann and Nick Voorhees
3.
Allen and Libby Porter
4.
Sewell Family
5.
Chu and Ying Family
6.
Lauren, Levi and Brayden Gravett
7.
Janet Hyatt and John Jay
8.
Emma and Katie Culhane
9.
Liles and Cosby Family
10. Manogues and Richter Family 11. Mariah, Javier and Sandra Jurado 12. Stevie, Luke and John Michael Jones 13. Anne Lucas and Christina Bayne
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OUT & ABOUT
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Children’s of Alabama is ... l The
third largest pediatric hospital in the United States
l Licensed l The
for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets
first LEED-certified hospital building in Alabama
l One
of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state
l The
pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB
l Home
to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually
l Site
Russell Campus
205.638.9100
of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country
1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
l Home
Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Lowder Building McWane Building Children’s on Third Outpatient Center Children’s Park Place
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Children’s South
1601 5th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1208 3rd Avenue South 1600 5th Avenue South
to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast
of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama
l Provides
care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders
205.638.4800
1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services and specialty care clinics
Vestavia Pediatrics
205.978.3200
1936 Old Orchard Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
www.ChildrensAL.org
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OUT & ABOUT
FAMILY NIGHT WITH SANTA
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PHOTOS BY MALLORY BARRY
Jolly Old St. Nick visited the Library in the Forest for Schaeffer Eye Center Family Night with Santa on Dec. 12. 1.
Audrey and Mason Smith
2.
Alex and Riley Hake
3.
Sayoko Ballard with kids
4.
Ryan, Leslie and Isabella Duke
5.
Leah, Armari and Bryanna Davis
6.
Michael, Sarah Grace and Pat Mizerany
7.
Sydney, Parker and Wyatt Owens
8.
Wenxia Ma and kids
9.
Rusty, Cohen and Gina Pickering
10. Margaret, Asmara, Darius and Darrell Waseka
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OUT & ABOUT
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COMMITMENT DAY 5K
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PHOTOS BY MALLORY BARRY
Runners kicked off 2018 with a frigid run from Life Time Fitness on New Year’s Day. 1.
David and Tamara Moser
2.
Michael Connors and Matt Casey
3.
Simon Mcvey and Terry Gray
4.
Frank Barry and Davis Sarrett
5.
Alejandro Bello and Alexandra Mejia
6.
Johnny and Joanna Hawkins
7.
Allen and Joe Jones
8.
Micki Haralson, Jessica Jeffcoat and Brooke Weaver
9.
Ronald Whitten, Michael Whitten, Chris Whitten and Andy Brown
10. Suzette and Karissa Krause 11. Jake Contorno and Ngar Deighton 12. Pamela Harman and Simon Mcvey
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OUT & ABOUT
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IS PROUD TO WELCOME INTO OUR EXPERT TEAM OF PHYSICIANS
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OUT & ABOUT
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POINSETTIA BALL
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PHOTOS BY MADOLINE MARKHAM
The Ballet Women’s Committee hosted the 50th annual debutante ball at Vestavia Country Club. 1.
Sharon Maddox, Melissa McMurray, Don Mosley and Kelley Brown
2.
Liz Guest and Erin Burton
3.
Steve, Rachel and Lisa Lebo
4.
Bonnie DeCarlo and Bennett Searcy
5.
Chip and Melissa Welch
6.
Barrett and Dan Moran
7.
Morgan Brown, Gary Hoffmann and Marison Brown
8.
Olivia Hall and Lauren Thackerson
9.
John, Gina, Lily and Katharine Henley
10. Melissa McMurray, Michelle Thackerson and Rebecca Brooks 11. Jayna Sutherland and Anna Scott Welch 12. Robert Maddox and Taylor Burton
7
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Marketplace Vestavia Hills Magazine • 205.669.3131
INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $17.68 hour + production & safety $$$ incentives. Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets. PART-TIME TRUCK DRIVER- CLASS A Average $0.53 per mile deliver palletized loads to grocery stores within 300 mile radius. Work available 7 days/week. Can lead to full-time employment. Clean MVR and 2 years minimum tractor-trailer experience required. Paid vacation & holidays. Blue Cross health & dental insurance. Matching 401k plan. Apply online at AGSOUTH. COM or call Charlie Seagle at (205) 808-4833 Pre-employment drug test required.
A to RN In Home Care Office Locations •Alabaster •Columbiana •Hoover •Birmingham Elizabeth Cruce C.E.O 205-789-4355 Staff Bonded For your in home care needs: •Sitters •Aides •Nurses •Caregivers •Daycare •Live-in services •No minimum hours •No long term contracts •Lowest staffing prices around! Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774. B & J Metal Fabricators Offering more than roofing! •Metal roofing •Portable metal buildings •Custom sizes available Customize your own!! Montevallo (205)665-4687 (205)296-9988 NOW HIRING DRIVERS •Dump Truck Driver needed for utility contractor. Also needed: •Fuel Truck Driver, HAZ-MAT required. Apply in person: 276 Snow Drive Birmingham, AL 35209 Call: (205)942-1095 Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Bent Creek Apartments. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom. Onsite Manager. On-site Maintenance. 3001 7th Street. North Canton, AL
35045. TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) 800-548-2546(T/A) bentcreek@morrowapts.com Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer Birmingham Hide & Tallow Immediate position for CLASS-B ROUTE DRIVERS FOR LOCAL ROUTE. WELL-ESTABLISHED 100+ YEAR COMPANY NOW HIRING ROUTE DRIVERS. HOME NIGHTS/ WEEKENDS. LOOKING FOR HARD WORKING DRIVERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. CLEAN MVR/BG CHECK REQUIRED. COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS: BCBC, 401K, PAID HOLIDAYS/VACATION, COMPANY FURNISHED UNIFORMS. CALL 205425-1711 OR EMAIL: adria.lupien@bhtonline.com Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions. Starting pay $13/hour. Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at www.bc.com Borden Dairy of Alabama, LLC NOW HIRING for Class B CDL Delivery Drivers at our Irondale, AL Branch. Six Months verifiable experience driving a Commercial Vehicle. Experience in customer service preferred. Go to www. bordendairy.com to apply. (Careers, select location) Borden Dairy of Alabama, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. BRIARWOOD APARTMENTS Now Leasing! Beautiful 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments. Mon & Wed 8:30am4pm. 535-A Hicks St. Montevallo • 205-665-2257 • TDD #’s: (V)1-800548-2547 • (T/A)1-800-548-2546. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Over-the-road positions available. Dry vans. No hazmat. Must have one year overthe-road. Experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package. Good home time. Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2 Chandler Health & Rehab in Alabaster Alabama Now accepting applications for CNA’s, RN’s, LPN’s, and RN House Supervisor Call Linda White 205-663-3859
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Seeking two qualified individuals to fill two part time driver vacancies for Chilton County Transit. Applicants must meet the following qualifications: must possess a valid Alabama driver’s license, a high school diploma, extensive knowledge of Chilton County Roads, clean driving record, and good math skills. No phone calls, please. Applications are available at the Transit office at 508 Enterprise Road, Clanton between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Applicants should send application or resume to: Employment Opportunity P. O. Box 1245 Clanton, AL 35046 Chase Learning Center & Day Care is Pelham is Now Hiring • PT Nursery • PT After-school. $8/ hr. 5 days/week. Great for college students! 205-620-1616
Comfort Caregivers • Now Hiring Caregivers New Positions Available Full-time & Part-time •Non-medical Care •Companion/Sitter Services •Personal Care •Homemaker Services View jobs and apply online: www.comfortcarehomehealth.com 205.730.2358 Coosa Valley Medical Center NOW HIRING! •RN Med/Surg, 7am-7pm •RN Labor & Delivery, 11pm-7am 7-on/7-off •LPN CVMC Nursing Home, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am •RN ICU, 7am-7pm Email resume to: Blaine.Green@cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net Full Time and Part Time RN’s Needed for home health in Bibb, Shelby and Chilton counties. Excellent Salary and Benefits. Please send resumes to jobs@rubic. com or call 866-273-3984 DCH Health System Caring. For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.Miller@dchsystem.com. Apply online at: www.dchsystem.com Homewood Area Package Store. Day Shift (10am-6pm) Clerk/Stocker. Must be 21, have retail experience, be able to multi-task, able to work any shift. Good pay. Call (205)585-8900
Heavy Construction Equipment Dealership In need of an experienced Service Technician to troubleshoot, test, and repair equipment. Preferred ability to read electrical and hydraulic schematics, must own tools, drug free, valid drivers license, CDL preferred. Offer competitive wages and benefits. Email resume to info@ditchwitchal. com or apply in person 2200 Corporate Woods Drive Alabaster, AL 35007 D & G Plumbing Service 2003 4th Ave South Irondale, AL 35210 •Plumbing •Drain Cleaning •Gas Lines 10% Senior Citizen Discount 10% off any service call Call Us Now!! •205-603-7768 • 205-503-6000 •205-531-8519 Edgar’s Bakery Interviewing candidates for cake decorators, front counter associates, bakery production workers, packagers, and drivers. Apply online: edgarsbakery. com or at your nearest Edgar’s location. Job Posting: Human Resource Manager Full-Time File Clerk/Data Entry Clerk Part-Time Please email resume: Oacinc5@yahoo.com Or mail to: Post Office Drawer 559 Clanton, Alabama 35045 EnviroCare- Homewood. Lawn, Termite & Pest Techs. Dependable, motivated hardworkers needed. Experience not necessary. Clean MVR, drug screen & background check required. Call 205-940-6361 for Cindy. Welder Training. Short Term Licensing . Call for Details . 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com $2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have Class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316. First Heritage Credit of Alabama, LLC has come to town! Come meet your local agents, Leigh Warren, Ashley Traywick, and Karly Reinhardt for loans of all types;
•Personal Loans - Consolidation Loans •Auto Loans - Consumer Retail Loans “Excellence is our Standard” Located at 8919 Hwy 119, Suite 109, Alabaster AL 35007 Call or Apply Online @ 205-6200664 1stheritagecredit.com •All loans are subject to our normal credit criteria Local Company in Childersburg, Alabama is looking for local drivers, home daily and off most weekends For more information please contact Chad at: 256-404-7478 NOW HIRING Local Class A & B, CDL Drivers Please call for more information at: 205-352-0524 ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions.com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc. Jack F. Granger #873 LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045 Looking for a wonderful place to live? NEW Meadow View Village Apartments. Columbiana, AL. Now Pre-leasing 2&3 Bedrooms. Great Amenities Provided. Call 256-5600821. 99 Eagle Lane. info@hollyhand.com. Equal Housing Opportunity. DRIVERS NEEDED J & M Tank Lines, Inc. Sign On Bonus Full time. Local & Regional. Consistent Home Time. 18 mo Tractor Trailer Experience. jmtankjobs.com or call Carlos Coleman @ 205-769-3536 CDL TRUCK DRIVER For Tree Service. Also hiring for other fulltime and part-time jobs. Drug Test Required. 205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144 Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring! •Substitute teachers •Aides •Cafeteria •Clerical •Custodial positions Shelby County School District & Alabaster City Schools. Please call 205-870-7154 -Equal Opportunity Employer-
Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com Now Hiring- CDL Drivers Class A or B. Full & Part-time. Tri-axle dump truck experience helpful. Must pass background check/drug screen. Lake Mitchell Construction 205-755-7264 NOW HIRING Haul Truck Drivers with 3-5 years experience in medium to heavy duty diesel trucks, 50 hour work week, Competitive bonus structure, Plus benefits Email or Call Nick at: 607-972-3205 ngregg@stny.rr.com M&D Mechanical Contractors Inc. • Hiring Craft Professionals: •Commercial Plumbers •Sheet Metal Workers •Helpers Hours: Monday-Thursday (4/10s) Apply Now: mdmechanical.com/careers Location: Birmingham, AL. Competitive Pay, Robust Benefits, Pre-Employment Drug Screen Required. Questions? Call HR @ 256.350.6568 Service Technician. Top Pay, Benefits & Commission! Mainline Heating & Air. 400 Hillwood Park S, Alabaster, AL. Or email resume to: ashley@mainlineheating.com (205)664-4751 Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) • 800-548-2546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer MedHelp Clinics Now Hiring FT Certified X-Ray Tech for our 280 location Experience Necessary Email your resume to: deanna. booth@medhelpclinics.com We have 4 locations in the Birmingham area and we’re always looking to hire qualified personnel for each of our busy practices. We’re open 7 days a week 8am-8pm Monday thru Friday 8am-6pm Saturdays and 1pm-6pm Sunday Qualified applicants should apply at: www. medhelpclinics.com Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205-755-3430 Hiring CDL-A Drivers! Sign-on Bonus, Great Benefits, Local Domicile Work. Apply online at: MerchantsFoodService.com/Careers
Shake up your career!!! Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers.com 280 Location Opening Now Hiring 3 shift Managers. Pay Rate $9-$11. 20-25 Employees. Pay Rate $7.75-$8.50. Must have own transportation and flexible schedule. Apply at recruiting. talentreef.com/momma-goldbergsdeli (205)503-6190 Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 NOW HIRING Part-Time Sales & Admin Position Knowledge of the Automotive Industry a plus Flexible Schedule Competitive Pay plus bonus structure Call Jeff to Apply at: 205-564-8660 Production Jobs. Willing to Train. AAM in Columbiana is HIRING for multiple shifts. Email resume to dcurtis@grede.com or apply in person: 130 Industrial Pkwy, Columbiana, AL 35051 INDUSTRIAL CLEANING IN VANCE Requirements: •18 Years Old •HS Diploma/GED •Able to work variable shifts/weekends/ holidays •Able to lift up to 50lbs constantly, stand on your feet for 8hrs •Able to pass drug screen/ background check Complete your application on line at www.naonsite. com Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr. • Have 2 years+ Production/Manufacturing experience. • Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years. • Have A High School Diploma or GED. • Are at least 18 years old. Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Odyssey Early Schools. Birmingham’s Best Daycare/ Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers. 4 Year Degree Preferred. Full-Time. BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays). Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039. Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas. Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic. Serious inquires only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.Oxfordhealthcare.com
Parts / Warranty Clerk Needed. Peach Automotive & Outdoor in Clanton is a thriving company in need of an individual able to process parts orders and warranty claims for farm equipment. Knowledge in the farm equipment industry is a plus. Excellent pay, BC/ BS Insurance, paid vacation. Please send resume to: peachautomotive@ gmail.com We are a Christian faith based private duty care -Up to 24 hours- Looking for someone to care & give lots of love to your loved ones? You have just been blessed! I am the one! 10 years experience, UAB graduate, Certified CNA Will clean, cook, shop, travel with you on vacations and etc. References Available Owner:Robin Coowner:Pearl (646)770-7859 Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251-470-0355 Private preschool in Helena, Alabama has full time and part time positions available, Experience a plus, dependable, individuals needed. Send resume to: kwilson@ primroseriverwoods.com Move in Special! 3/2 Garden Home w/garage. Dishwasher, Fenced backyard, Great Room w/ vaulted Ceiling. Calera Schools. Rent $1150. FLAT SCREEN TV!! (205)433-9811 ROSS NEELY TRUCK LINES •NOW HIRING• TRUCK DRIVERSOTR If you are a professional CDL A Driver, have two years experience, a good safety recrod, and want to GET HOME ON THE WEEKENDS apply online at www.rossneely.com or apply by email at jeff@rossneely.com The Salvation Army, Alabaster, is hiring (Seasonal) Angel Tree Coordinator • Kettle Coordinator • Required Skills: Driver, databases, computer, physical abilities. Email resumes to: Rufus.McDowell@uss. salvationarmy.org 205-663-7105 Order Selectors Food Dist. Center in Pelham Day-Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/week 10:00AM until finished (varies). Salary: $16-20/ hr after training. Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k. Requirements: •Reading & math skills •Lift 40 lbs. repetitively •Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@southeasternfood.com
Speedy Tire & Service NOW HIRING •Auto Technicians •Tire & Lube Technicians Apply in person at: 3149 Pelham Parkway Pelham, Al 35214 205-664-0810 Immediate Positions!!!! Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service. Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available! Company vehicles to qualified individuals! Call Andrew 9am-7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/Pelham. Call Stephen (205)663-2822 Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectric-al. com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327. TARGET AUCTION Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division! BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc.com Terrace Oaks Care & Rehab in Besemer is hiring 3pm-11pm LPN Charge Nurse & Staff Education Coordinator RN Please contact: Letetia Whitt, RN,DON at 205-428-3249 Learn a Skill & Begin your Career! Earn $50,000 & More First Year. Hiring Hard Working Insulation & Afterpaint Installers! •Immediate Openings •We Train you to Succeed. Requirements: •Valid DL •Drug Test •MVR •Background Check. www.truteam.com/careers or 205.428.9381 The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters. Must be able to speak English. Call 205-995-5559
NOW HIRING The Restaurant at Fox Valley •All Positions •Kitchen•Waitstaff•Bardenders Experience a plus, but will train Call Nasser:205-520-6350 or stop by: 6745 Hwy 17, Maylene Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started! WCA • Roll Off Drivers needed for our Alpine, AL location. Class A or B CDL is required along with one (1) year of verifiable equivalent commercial truck driving experience. Must have a valid and safe driving record. We offer competitive wages & a comprehensive benefits package which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Paid Holidays and PTO. Please apply through our website at www.wcawaste.com EOE M/F/D/V WARRIOR MET COAL NOW HIRING Located in Brookwood, AL Immediate need for experienced: •Underground Miners •Electricians •Maintenance Foreman •Supervisors Apply online: www.warriormetcoal.com Tree Nursery Worker Needed Responsible w/mechanical skills, to operate forklift/farm tractors/ equipment/welding/ ground maintenance/service equipment/ check fluid levels/clean after use. Maintain safe/clean area. Requires valid-DL/reliable transportation. 334-365-2488 Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc $1,000 SIGN-ON-BONUS DRIVER PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE JUNE 2017! Longevity-Bonus. Quarterly SafeDriving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package. PAID Orientation. NEW Fleet of Trucks. Call 1-855-777-9785 & ask for Dale or Brandy. Nights/ weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-3725049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803 Wiregrass Construction Company is seeking experienced asphalt CDL TRUCK DRIVERS. Must be dependable. Excellent benefits. Interested applicants may apply: 951 Dow Street. Pelham, AL 35124. (205)620-4132 or 151 Piper Lane. Alabaster, AL 35007 (205)605-0753. 8AM to 5PM, M-F. WCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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MY VESTAVIA HILLS Katherine McRee
The Lili Pad Owner + Cahaba Heights Merchant Advocate
Happy Hour
FoodBar I like to come after work for drinks and appetizers (and boiled peanuts!). Their off-the-menu hamburger and crab claws are amazing.
Green Thumb
Leaf N Petal I got big into gardening because my mom was a big gardener, and when she passed away, I picked up that passion. At Leaf N Petal, they are extremely helpful not just for my plants for outdoor gardening but also for tablescapes.
Home Sweet Home
River Run Neighborhood We have lots of fun in this hidden gem of Vestavia Hills! We have monthly Bunco, Halloween hayrides, and Christmas and spring socials, so there are a lot of things the neighbors all do together.
My Favorite Waitress
Harrison McRee at Bistro V Whenever my husband and I go to Bistro V, we always request Harrison—who just so happens to be our daughter. They have great food too.
Shop Small
Vestavia Hills Small Businesses Small businesses contribute to a community with not just sales tax dollars but also donating to sports teams or the high school. When you shop local, that goes back into the schools and the community. Many of the business owners here live in Vestavia, too.
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