V3 July 2023

Wedding Compendium

With a stylish, eclectic sensibility, The Vogue, on Rome’s Broad Street provides a venue that will make any wedding a magical experience.

P HOTOGRAPHER

The Morgan Lee Photography

C OVER PHOTO C ONTENTS PHOTO

P HOTOGRAPHER

Andy Calvert

STAFF

OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin

MANAGING PARTNER

Chris Forino

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Childers

WRITERS

Karli Land

Nina Lovel

Paul Moses

Oliver Robbins, Jr.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Andy Calvert

SALES

Chris Forino

Ian Griffin

PUBLISHER

V3Publications

WWW.READV 3 .COM

Congratulations on your Engagement!

This season of your life is so special and unique – you’ll be planning the first day of your marriage with the help of family and friends, plus a few amazing professionals we hope you will find in this issue of V3.

As a wedding professional who has been working with brides, grooms, and their families for 16 years, we know a few things about the engagement season. There’s a lot of voices to listen to and a lot of people willing to give you advice. I would encourage you to listen to it all, but give yourself time to make your own decisions knowing that the people who love you truly want you to have a wonderful wedding day.

Your wedding should be a reflection of your personalities, your story, your family, and the future you are creating. This magazine is filled with ideas and photos from reallife weddings in our community – use this issue to inspire you. The professionals who have chosen to showcase their products and services in this issue want to take care of you and your fiancé to help you create a very special wedding day.

Besides reading and referencing this issue of V3, I would also encourage you to make a list of your priorities for the big day. Is the band more important to you than having a lot of flowers? Would you be just as happy with a less-expensive DJ and having a larger meal for your guests? Knowing what you are most happy with will help you guide your decisions and keep you on task and within budget.

Lastly, have some fun! These months (years!) that you spend planning your wedding are the last of your single days and a preparation time for your married years. Ask your parents and grandparents about their wedding traditions.

I’m always amazed at how large bouquets were at the time when my grandparents got married in the 1930’s. Laugh at past trends for weddings, like the puffy sleeves on gowns in the 80’s or the colored tuxedos from the 70’s. Take the time to enjoy the traditions of your family before creating new traditions with your spouse.

So again, I offer you my congratulations! You’ve made a wonderful decision to spend the rest of your life with the person you love. As you make plans, bring along this issue for all the inspiration it can provide.

All the best to you and your fiancé!

Holly Lynch

HOLLY

AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology

Coming July 2023

The Cardiologists You Know in the Community You Love

Residents of Northwest Georgia can easily access expert heart care provided by AdventHealth Medical Group’s elite cardiology specialists that you know and love. AdventHealth Medical Group is pleased to announce the opening of three new locations:

Cardiology at Calhoun 109 Hospital Drive Calhoun, GA 30701

Cardiology at Rome

7 John Maddox Drive NW Rome, GA 30165

Cardiac Electrophysiology at Rome 100 John Maddox Drive NW Rome, GA 30165

Learn More: GeorgiaHeartExperts.com

Schedule an Appointment: 706-237-9451

Chas Jackson, MD

Spencer Maddox, MD

Andrew McCue, MD

Chris Merritt, MD

G. Hunter Myers, MD

Himanshu Patel, MD

Kipp Slicker, DO, FACC

Robert Styperek, MD, FHRS, FACC

G. Justin Tanner, MD

J. Michael Ware, MD, FACC

This Made Me Think of You

Here and Now with Nina Lovel

Did it give you a little gasp, perhaps even a quick vision of that friend?

Did it make you promise yourself to reach out to that friend? Did you follow through and let them know that “this made me think of you”?

A moment like this can call forth an old friend or a very new one. It might bring nostalgia for someone with whom you’ve had a deep relationship, or it can reflect lightly on someone you’ve recently met. It has power for you both because you know them well enough to notice, and they’ll be glad to know you thought of them. I treasure these fond thoughts of a friend, and I try to let them know.

To be clear, I’m not talking about when a Facebook memory pops up and you share it, or when you get a clever text meme and forward it to whoever comes to mind. Facebook memories are nice (unless you’re an ex), and if you forward messages, that’s not wrong, but that is a shallower level of connection than what I’m talking about here. I’m pondering mutual, contemplative connections that can’t be powered by some algorithm. I’m talking about knowing a person well enough that when you encounter something

When was the last time you read an article, heard a strain, smelled a fragrance (looking at you, patchouli), or found yourself in a place that evoked a fond thought of someone?

that reminds you of them, they’re suddenly in front of you. It’s a little tug on your heartstrings.

Naturally, this works both ways, and I love being on the receiving end, when someone has told me “This made me think of you”. I’ve even journaled these through the years; please indulge me as I share a few; hopefully that you’ll remember a few of your own.

Things that made them think of me

Over fifty years ago, a college friend gave me a small print she found at a museum; she said it reminded her of me. I didn’t get what she meant, but it was a sweet picture from a sweet friend, so it’s been framed and hanging in my house ever since.

It wasn’t until I was making notes for this column that I realized it is a Picasso (thank you, Google Lens!) It is from his 1905 Rose Period and named “The Three Dutchwoman”. (Notwithstanding my raging compulsion to proofread, this does seem to be the accepted spelling.) It depicts three standing women, two of whom are clearly piqued. One of them glares at the other and that one looks away with an unmistakable expression of “Harrumph!” The third lady, dressed in blue and in the forefront, stands with a calming hand laid on one shoulder of each of them. She gazes at the glaring one with a gently admonishing look, and it is clear that she is trying to engender a truce.

OK, that’s all the art history I know…onward!

Camille said the blue lady reminded her of me because she was fostering a connection between the other two. She told me I bring people together like that too.

I’ve never set out to bring people together, but in a way, the connection-fostering thing has been with me through the years. Today I am given (and happily accept) credit for five marriages! Garnering more than 100 combined years of togetherness by now, these were all mutual friends of mine who would not have otherwise met. That picture sometimes gives me pause.

Other happy notes have arrived from friends who know much I love kayaking. I’ve recently received photos from friends who were fishing on the Etowah, showing me their catch, and another view of a beautiful sunset over a coastal bay, shot from their kayak, visible in the foreground. What a gift that these friends paused long enough to let me know that their beautiful surroundings made them think of me.

Another friend was in a museum gift shop and saw a beautiful cherry wood crepe spatula. It reminded him of a paddle, so he bought and sent it to me. What a special gift! This same friend has very occasionally sent me links to stories he knew I would love. I say “very occasionally” to

say that he doesn’t just randomly send me links to stories. The one he sent about vernal pools took my breath away.

My last example is from a friend who sent me a message that had appeared on their bulletin board at work. She said it made her think of me. You may have seen it before; it’s a piece by Sandra Thurman Caporale describing the way that God’s name, YHWH, is in every breath we take. It is powerful and she was right, I loved it. I’m not sure why she thought of me, but I’m glad she did.

This cannot be a one-way story; let’s advance to things that have made me think of others.

Things that make me think of them

Let’s talk about gifts for a minute. There are gifts for occasions (birthdays, Christmas, etc.), and there are gifts that come out of the blue, just because someone wanted you to have them.

What comes to mind are the gifts of crystal bowls that my friend Marsha and I received decades ago, from the Thompson sisters. You’ll need to be an old Roman, and as old as I am to remember these ladies; they were large in my life from birth. Three well-educated spinster sisters, they were career women before it was in style. One was the registrar at Shorter, one taught math at East Rome High (and wrote the Alma Mater) and Berry Academy, and one worked for my dad for decades in his Broad Street office. They lived on the corner of Fifth Avenue and East First Street in their ancestral home (which is now a parking lot), and we all visited often.

I have vivid Christmas memories from my teen years when they would have my bff Marsha and me over to make decorations and eat spaghetti. When I say make Christmas decorations, I mean that they worked for weeks, gathering materials, and cutting out little circles with pinking shears from old Christmas cards that would find a new life glued together and glittered as balls for the tree. While Louise cooked the spaghetti upstairs, Mabel, Ruth, Marsha and I would labor away in the basement, producing countless ornaments, centerpieces with candles surrounded by magnolia and spruce, and my personal favorite, the outside door wreath featuring greenery, ribbons, and apples. It was my favorite because the birds always pecked holes in the apples.

The miracle is that we all lived to advanced ages, because in that basement workshop where all the magic happened, we unleashed dozens of cans of spray paint on the decor every year. Some greenery became gold, some silver, and some was just preserved with clear spray. I can still hear the little balls rattle inside those spray cans, but most of all, I can still smell the fumes. I mean, it is a miracle that nobody got sick on Spaghetti Night! That basement was quite an enclosed space; it

only had those little high-on-the-wall-tilt-out basement windows, and they were stuck closed.

Maybe we survived because the spaghetti got ready in time for us to go upstairs to eat just before being completely overcome.

They gave us their crystal bowls one night. Lovely, heavy, leaded crystal bowls. Well-used crystal bowls. Marsha and I each have one, and we remember the night they gave them to us. Those bowls were more than their Christmas presents to us; they were (and still are) The Thompson Sisters immortalized. When I look at my bowl, I hear the laughter, smell the paint, and taste the spaghetti. It always makes me think of them.

It’s also okay to ask

Because I know the joy of a thing that brings memories, I’m now assertive in the pursuit of them. No longer content to wait around and hope that someone will give (or leave) me something special, I recently made a proactive ask. An older couple whom I love were downsizing, and I just came right out and asked their daughter if she would find something that would remind me of them. Nothing large or dust-gathering, but I gave her free rein after that to decide. There now lives on my counter a beautiful small turned wooden bowl, regularly oiled and loved. It was one of her mom’s favorites. It perfectly reminds me of them.

You know how I love quotes; I leave you with this verse from my life poem, The Fool’s Prayer:

The ill-timed truth we might have kept–

Who knows how sharp it pierced and stung?

The word we had not sense to say–

Who knows how grandly it had rung?

–Edward Rowland Sill

To have friends who think of us and let us know, friends of whom we also think fondly, is to be reminded of who we really are. I hope my words have evoked some memories of your own and perhaps even choked you up a bit (like it did me while writing). My wish for you is to always have friends as great as I have, moments that make you think of them, and that you’ll always let them know. You may never know how much it means: Who knows how grandly it had rung?

It means vacation is over and it’s time to return to a stricter, more disciplined schedule. On the other hand, it brings new adventures in learning, both academic and social, to the lives of children. Negotiating these twists and turns is not always easy, so Harbin Clinic Pediatrics is here to help children and parents navigate the transition.

GOOD HEALTH: A TOP PRIORITY

The start of a new school year is often a frenetic experience, with each activity demanding the student’s attention. It’s easy for health concerns to take a backseat to more immediate issues. Harbin Clinic pediatricians Dr. Melissa Davis and Dr. Todd Kelley offer solid advice for making good health a high priority.

Dr. Davis says, “Prioritizing the health of ourselves and our children means that it’s important at all times.” She goes on to say, “As school starts back, it gives all of us an opportunity to get organized, get some final end-of-summer tasks accomplished, and really set our hearts and actions on making our health a true daily priority.”

“Families want to get their school year off to a good start, and that means we want to help make sure our patients are healthy and able to attend,” says Dr. Kelley.

BEFORE GOING BACK

There are things parents should be mindful of before sending their children back to school. Dr. Kelley says, “Parents can get their kids in for their well-check appointments and sports physicals before the school year starts. Also, it’s important to get back in the routine of going to bed on time and getting up on time.”

He explains, “And that can go into the question of screen time as well. A lot of parents are more lenient about that during the summer, but no more than one or two hours of screen time per day—excluding homework—are recommended during the school year.”

“With each new school year or school change,” says Dr. Davis, “there are vaccine requirements in the state of Georgia of which parents may not be aware. Parents need to ensure the yearly well visit is completed for each child, making sure vaccines are up to date. Vaccines are safe; vaccines are effective; vaccines save lives. It may be a good time of year to schedule a visit to discuss any challenges in academic performance before the next year starts. We want those kids off on the right foot!”

FORCE OF HABIT

There is no substitute for good habits, especially when established early in life. Dr. Melissa Davis says, “Healthy habits for school-aged children include washing

hands, eating healthy foods, enjoying exercise, getting proper sleep and treating others with respect – both physically and emotionally.”

Dr. Kelley agrees. One habit he stresses the importance of is a return to a consistent sleep schedule. “As children enter the teenage years, their bodies begin to want to stay up later and sleep in later,” he says, “but teens need adequate amounts of sleep. Because of puberty and growth spurts, they need at least eight hours a night – and some studies show they should aim for ten."

GROWING KIDS, CHANGING NEEDS

As children mature in body and mind, the care they need changes too. “Physical activity is important for all children, whether small children or adolescents. We recommend at least thirty or sixty minutes of physical activity each day,” says Dr. Kelley. “We try to encourage parents to

TYPICALLY, FOLKS HAVE MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT THE WANING DAYS OF SUMMER AND THE APPROACH OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR.

Dr. Todd Kelley, Harbin Clinic Pediatrics Rome

be active with smaller children and find activities they can do together, especially outside. For our older children, we encourage them to participate in activities like school or recreational sports or going for walks with their friends.”

“For older children and teens, consistency with rules is equally important,” says Dr. Davis. “Parents also

need to be open to listening and validating their teen’s feelings, not making judgments. This is a powerful way to connect with and show respect for your teen. Helping them know it’s safe to talk about harder topics like relationships, choices, and school makes it more likely you will be included in important decisions that your teen makes.”

PEDIATRICIANS PARTNERING WITH PARENTS

The pediatricians at Harbin Clinic offer great advice to help parents this time of year. For instance, Dr. Davis says, “I would advise that parents set firm guidelines for younger children on their expectations for being prepared, getting schoolwork accomplished, and helping with chores. Children feel safe when everyone understands and consistently

follows the rules, including any possible consequences ahead of time. Then a behavior becomes that child’s choice, for which he can take responsibility. If your child feels that he is punished frequently and unfairly, I suggest you reexamine you and your family’s consistency on rules and consequences.”

“We try our best to make sure our patients have all their appointment needs met,” says Dr. Kelley. “Sometimes people call in at the last minute to get a sports physical, and we take care of them. We also have the Patient Portal, which is very helpful for them to send in questions and concerns without them necessarily having to come in for an appointment.”

The medical staff at Harbin Clinic Pediatrics consider it a privilege to help children and their parents pursue better health during these important times of change in their lives. They are grateful to be allowed to help. As Dr. Davis puts it: “Thank you to our community for giving us the opportunity to care for your child!”

For more information go to HarbinClinic.com/pediatrics.

Dr. Melissa Davis, Harbin Clinic Pediatrics Rome Davis Sabino

Generations of Confidence

LONG AFTER THE MUSIC STOPS AND THE GUESTS GO HOME, a couple is left hand-in-hand with a beautiful reminder of the day’s purpose, well represented by rings that will forever adorn their fingers. Wedding rings represent a lifelong and unbreakable bond between two people. This vision of forever is well understood by Greene’s Jewelers of Rome, Georgia, whose goal is to make sure their clients walk away with exactly what they envisioned.

Greene’s Jewelers was started by P.H. Greene, Sr. in Fairmont, Georgia in 1905 and continues as a family business today. “My grandfather, George Greene, apprenticed under his father and opened his own store in Rome on Broad Street in 1948,” says owner Elaine Abercrombie. While her grandfather wanted to open a store in Elijay, her grandmother wanted to open it in Rome. “My grandparents flipped a coin to decide where to open their business. Thankfully, the coin chose Rome!” And Greene’s convenient, downtown location on Broad Street makes for an easy and fun ring-shopping experience.

So, what can you expect on the day of your consultation? We asked!

“Meeting with engaged couples is always a treat,” says Abercrombie. “We explain the complexities of diamonds and the many ways that they can be set. Usually, they have a style or shape in mind, so our selection includes different styles, different metals, different shapes, and even different gemstones.”

And anyone familiar with diamonds has probably heard of the 4 C’s; cut, color, carat weight, and clarity. Working with an expert to understand the 4 C’s ensures you are making a solid purchase and helps relieve any anxiety that a bridal couple might have. “Using magnification can reveal all aspects of a diamond which brings up the 5th "C", confidence,” says Abercrombie. “Our clients are then confident in our abilities, our products, and our service. We enjoy spending time with our engaged couples. And in a way, we are helping to create a new family!”

Already have a specific design in mind? Greene’s specializes in taking your ideas and creating the perfect custom piece. “To create or recreate a ring from an idea that we have, or our client has, is one of the things that we like most to do,” says Abercrombie. “Gold, being a precious metal, can be used over and over. We can take our clients' jewelry and have it redesigned into just

about anything. The possibilities are endless.”

It isn’t just the gold that is precious but the commitment that is displayed in client satisfaction. There is something quite special about this business to Abercrombie. Being able to walk into work every day in a building that adorns her family name is something she takes seriously. Having worked in the store since she was a child, she has seen many clients come and go and has the same drive to make sure each one of them leaves feeling confident in their purchase. The bond Abercrombie feels with her grandparents

spills over into each client she works with. You can know without a doubt that at Greene’s, you will be treated like family.

A Memento for Years to Come

The standard delivery for wedding dresses is four to six months, plus time for alterations, so you will want to book your appointment sooner rather than later. Appointments are scheduled for one and a half hours. When the bride arrives, they take the time to discuss her vision and her expectations. After a look around their incredible gallery, she is encouraged to select five dresses she wants to begin with. An expert is there for her throughout the try-on process with extensive knowledge of the different types of dresses, flattering fits, and popular designs. After trying on her dresses, the bride then has the option to select new dresses to try. However, if she loves one of the original five, the fun really begins with accessorizing.

“We allow the bride to lead the experience while providing her with information, suggestions, and support along the way,” says Smith. “We feel that the most important part is to listen to what they are telling us and provide them with a fun and relaxing environment. This is a very exciting time in their life, so we want nothing but a stress-free experience.”

A-LINE, BALLGOWN, MERMAID, COLUMN - no matter what fit one prefers, a wedding dress will become a memento that serves as a reminder of that special day for years to come. Perfect Dress of Rome takes the stress out of dress shopping, ensuring that you have only happy memories of finding your perfect dress.

Perfect Dress of Rome is an appointment-only bridal gallery that gives each bride the attention and the experience they deserve. Located on Shorter Avenue, this shop has won Best of Rome seven different times. Their staff is well-trained and ready to answer any questions you have. A lot of information and education is given during these appointments so that brides can make the best decision. “We limit the size of the party to the bride plus four guests and do not allow children,” said Alison Smith, owner. “While we get questioned about guidelines occasionally, we want all of our brides to be able to focus and have the experience be all about them without any distractions. If you have a larger party joining you, private appointments are available for a fee.”

But this isn’t the only area that Perfect Dress of Rome offers assistance. Bridesmaid dresses, mothers’ dresses, and tuxedo/suit rentals are a few of the other areas they’ve got covered. “We offer separate appointments for all of these needs,” said Smith.

Whether you are looking for the traditional, Cinderella-esque dress, or something big on sparkle with lots of edge, schedule your appointment with Perfect Dress of Rome! Visit

THE WORD “VOGUE” REFERS TO A PREVAILING FASHION OR STYLE AT ANY GIVEN TIME IN HISTORY, as in “Miniskirts were in vogue in the 1960s.” It has a sort of sophisticated connotation and is perhaps most often associated with clothing, as with the glossy magazine that takes the word as its name. In Rome, Georgia, “vogue” relates to an eclectic confluence of the past and present, thanks to a charming event venue at 247 Broad Street: The Vogue.

The Vogue is one of the event spaces owned by Harvest Moon Café, a restaurant located catty-corner across Broad Street. The Vogue has two expansive rooms for rent, one upstairs and one downstairs. Whatever the customer needs lots of room for—dancing, music, performances, ceremonies—The Vogue is the place to make it all happen.

The Vogue

Tracy Hellriegel, of Tracy Slack & Associates, is the marketing director for Harvest Moon Café, and she recently rebuilt their website (see below), where potential customers can go for further details. Hellriegel used to do event planning for Harvest Moon, but now she strictly does their marketing, focusing on the internet, social media, and magazine advertising. Singing the Vogue’s praises, she says, “You can have your wedding ceremony on the second floor and your reception downstairs, then go back upstairs for your after party. It’s really the perfect place for those special celebrations.” She goes on to explain, “Harvest Moon does all the catering and bar service for The Vogue. We’ve hosted New Year’s Eve parties and Mardi Gras parties. We can hold concerts upstairs.” There’s plenty of room; the ground floor

has a capacity of 125 seated guests or 300 if they’re standing.

The venue’s website shows photographs of The Vogue’s tastefully decorated public spaces. It’s clear that a lot of attention was paid to every detail. Hellriegel says, “The décor has a beautiful industrial feel—warehousey—where they left all the brick and used modern but industrialtype fixtures.” During the extensive renovation process, the vintage building was reinforced with the insertion of beams and steel posts, adding not only structural strength but also visual interest. The original stamped tin ceiling and hardwood floors were kept. Also, the eyecatching chandeliers on the first floor were made from the gears of the building’s old elevator.

As with many downtown buildings of a similar vintage, The Vogue’s site has been home to various enterprises over the years. “In the late 1800s, the building was a furniture company,” says Hellriegel, “and in those days if you built furniture, you also made caskets. So, this building held a casket and furniture manufacturer.”

In more recent years, the building housed Ginger’s Dollings & Cattywags, a store that sold gifts and collectibles. Then it was purchased by local entrepreneur Wayne Robinson. Originally, he planned on turning the 4,000-square-foot second-floor space into apartments, but instead, he renovated the entire two floors and rented it to the owners of Harvest Moon.

The naming of the venue was the result of a happy coincidence. Hellriegel says, “When they took the Ginger’s sign down from the front of the building, the name ‘The Vogue’ was already on the wall.” For over 50 years after the furniture and casket shop closed the building housed a clothing store of that name. The vintage lettering of the neon sign perfectly suited the venue’s aesthetic. The sign was restored, and the new business had a name that connected it to the long commercial history of Broad Street.

For more information, call 706-291-4224 or go to MyHarvestMoonCafe.com

Eclectic industrial setting with upscale urban feel

Two spaces, perfect for Wedding Ceremony, Reception, Charitable Event, Live Music, and other special events

Maximum capacity 125 seated guests or 300 standing guests

For more information about The Vogue, please contact the catering department of Harvest Moon at 706-291-4224

'Tis the Season for Planning

EXPERIENCED. PROFESSIONAL. DETAILED. PERSONAL.

The Season Events takes wedding planning to a new level by combining over a decade of experience with Southern hospitality, humor, and charm.

It all started in 2007, after Owner and Wedding Planner, Holly Lynch, saw a need for professional event planning in the Rome, Georgia area. “There was a need for a professional level of event planning, and since I come from a background in marketing, with experience in corporate event planning, I knew I could help fill that gap,” explains Lynch.

Now, as a certified wedding planner, The Season Events plans around 40 weddings a year, caters an additional 30-ish weddings, and still has the time to cater and help plan another 100-plus events each year. In just 16 years, Lynch and her team have helped orchestrate over 500 weddings.

Thankfully, Lynch doesn’t have to do all this alone. She has amassed a strong and willing team over the past years, with 15 permanent employees and another 50 contracted employees, all proud to help make each event both professional and personal, as only The Season Events can do.

“Every family that comes to us for their wedding is special to us. We become very protective of them, their plans, and strive to make all their expectations become reality,” Lynch says.

Lynch often speaks with the “we” pronoun, because she credits her amazing team with growing and challenging the business to always improve. One such key member is wedding planner and Vice President, Nicole Williams.

After working as a teacher for 17 years, while working part-time at The Season Events on the side, she joined the team full-time six years ago. “She’s changed everything about the way we’ve grown in these past few years,” says Lynch. “She is truly made for this job, and her clients love her!”

“Clients become family” she continues. “As wedding planners, we’ve learned that families are letting us into their lives on one of the most important occasions. Many times, this means a client will share personal details...we become their confidant.”

Williams adds “One of my favorite moments was having a bride’s mother reach out to me one year after her daughter’s wedding and tell

me how she still felt like the whole weekend was a dream. She was so happy and so relaxed during the wedding that her memories of the day continue to give her such joy! That’s why I love what I do!”

Whether working with Williams or Lynch, clients can expect nothing short of the best wedding planning services available. Whether they are hired for full wedding planning or an all-

inclusive package, The Season Events is prepared to help fulfill their clients’ dreams. The team is equipped to manage everything from catering the event, to getting the bride down the aisle, to planning the honeymoon.

Find The Season Events at theseasonevents.com or call to set up a consult at 706.234.2244

Seasoned to Perfection

AFTER 16 YEARS AND OVER 500 WEDDINGS, The Season Events knows a few things about what to serve to wedding guests to keep them happy and well-fed. Starting with hearty classics like double battered chicken tenders and branching out into specialty items, like individual charcuterie cups, guests are sure to come back for seconds!

The Season Events is known for delicious food that is as pleasing to see as it is to eat. Following the traditions and standards set forth eight years ago when catering services were added to the business, the team has been able to adapt and innovate new recipes and new service styles to accommodate large and small crowds. Over the last several years, The Season Events has adapted traditional catering styles to meet their client's needs for excellent food and beautiful presentation while also meeting the safety standards required.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Elizabeth Hernandez Lanham, wedding catering has never been better. Brides and grooms have an almost unlimited selection of menus to meet just about every budget. Clients work with their wedding planner, or directly with the chefs, to create the perfect menu. The Season Events has added fun touches like late-night snacks, preceremony treats, and dessert bars featuring cakes, cobblers, cookies and pies. Wedding catering has taken on more fun, interactive elements with many hand-passed appetizers and chef-attended stations such as oyster shucking and build-your-own taco bars.

Elizabeth leads a team of cooks who have been cooking with The Season Events for many years. Their background includes experiences from across the United States, the Caribbean and Mexico, but they continue to focus on elevating our Southern classics with modern touches. Working with the catering team at The Season Events means clients can have their favorite foods at their wedding, or try something new and exciting. Brides can always expect delicious food at their events that will keep the guests happy and ready to celebrate all night long!

Creating Memories, One Petal at a Time

Bussey’s Florist & Gifts was founded in 1976. While the flagship shop is located in the heart of downtown Cedartown, Georgia, in 2010 the Bussey family opened a second location in Rome, Georgia. The demand for Bussey’s unique floral design style was growing in the area and it made sense to open a location to serve the Rome market in a more comprehensive way. The original Rome layout was unique in that Bussey’s, Riverside Gourmet, and The Season Events operated from one prominent building in downtown Rome. However, as the business grew, Bussey’s Rome eventually relocated to a larger, more efficient location in Central Plaza.

“At Bussey’s, our mission is to bring beauty into all life's moments. This is never more true than in creating dream weddings for our clients,” says Kim Bussey, who co-owns the business with her husband, Todd Bussey. And at Bussey’s, they have truly perfected the art of creating beautiful designs with flowers and do so by focusing on personalization. “We prefer to schedule a time when the bride can focus solely on putting all of the details of her wedding flowers and decoration together,” says Kim.

At Bussey’s, each wedding is unique, and they design weddings in all budget ranges, from extravagant to intimate. “Flowers come in all varieties and price ranges, from premium to relatively inexpensive," says Kim. “Our goal is to work within your budget to create the wedding of your dreams.” No matter what the budget, there are two elements that are essential in creating a memorable wedding —color and style— both of which they have perfected in their 46-year span of serving the community in such a beautiful way. Stop by sometime to meet this special team; they would love to meet you!

Find Bussey's Florist at busseysflorist.com or call at 706.234.1040

THERE ARE MANY CHOICES THAT MUST BE MADE WHEN IT COMES TO WEDDING FLOWERS. Flower packages vary greatly, and while a bride might have her colors in mind, the many other options can leave your head spinning. Types of flowers can drive a theme and range from simple and traditional, to more sophisticated and designer. While a bridal bouquet is often what comes to mind when we think of wedding flowers, there are many other options to bring intricate design into your special day. From boutonnieres, flower girls, parent, and grandparent arrangements, to arbor or altar designs and pew markers. And don’t forget the reception. There are many styles of table arrangements and other floral enhancements that best complement your theme and pull together a storybook scene.

Need help? There is a well-established business in downtown Rome that has years of experience guiding brides through these choices.

A consultation typically lasts an hour but before you even enter the store, they provide a customized form that helps them to fully understand the bride’s vision and style. In addition, they ask the bride for her top ten inspirational photos which helps them to offer suggestions that are customized to the bride’s unique wedding style. At the consultation, they begin by discussing the bridal bouquet and the attendants’ flowers. “This helps us to create a style or theme that can be carried through to the ceremony itself and the reception — the celebration that begins their life together,” says Kim.

GONE ARE THE DAYS WHEN TRADITION OVERRIDES A BRIDE AND GROOM’S DESIRE to create a magical experience for their guests and leave the altar with the sweet taste of love on their lips.

A local specialty shop in Rome, Georgia is now offering Northwest Georgia the chance to customize treats that not only are yummy but also can stand in for the bubbles, sparklers, and rice normally thrown as the happy couple hops in the car and heads to the honeymoon.

Whether butter, caramel, or Oreo flavored, gourmet popcorn may be the go-to option for something tasty your guests will remember for a lifetime.

Mahli Cooper and her mother Nika Cooper are the proud owners of Mahli’s Uni-Pop gourmet popcorn. They have a few things they would like couples who are planning to tie the knot to consider when planning to jump the broom.

“We can create party favors, like mini bags of specialized popcorn flavors, that we customize with a picture or graphic of your choosing,” Nika explains. “We can work with the bride and groom to match any theme they have for their wedding.

Nika says that while working with past couples, white cheddar has been a popular flavor, but they can also match the color palette associated with the big day. And for those who may have taste buds that defy the norm, dill pickle

A Lovely Treat

will ensure that Mahli and Nika can get your wedding favors prepared before the walk down the aisle.

“We have actually had a person call who ordered several pounds of popcorn to throw as the bride and groom left the wedding venue. We can also accommodate that request,” Nika recalls. “We leave the popcorn plain. We don’t even add salt, because we don’t want salt to get into a person’s eyes or anything like that. We also don’t add any colors to protect your guests’ clothing. You can order plain popcorn in bulk, and the good news is that it is not expensive.”

As couples make plans, order the dress, and hire a photographer, why not add a special treat for your guests to the list? It helps to know that Mahli and Nika are passionate about what they do and hope to pass their love for gourmet popcorn on to every person who walks through their door. “I love making different flavors for people. I think they will enjoy them all,” Mahli says.

“Weddings are a special day,” Nika adds as she hands her daughter a sticker to put on a freshly flavored bin of crunchy goodness. “Mahli’s popcorn is special, too. We hope we can help make your day unique and wow your guests with our flavors.”

Visit Mahli's Uni-Pop at 9 E 2nd Ave, or follow them on Instagram @mahli's_unipop

is also on the menu with many other delicious options to choose from.

“They don’t have to just get one flavor,” adds Nika as she points to the walls of options in her store. “If you want ten of each one of our flavors, we can do that, too. We try to make sure all of a couple’s family and friends have something special.”

Depending on the quantity of popcorn and specialized bags they will need, a couple should give the Coopers about two weeks’ notice to complete the order. However, just like all wedding planning, placing your order early in the process

MAHLI'S UNI-POP • TEXT OLIVER ROBBINS, JR. • PHOTOS ANDY CALVERT

ANDREA

Picture Perfect

WEDDINGS, AND ALL OF THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE WALK DOWN THE AISLE,

are filled with opportunities to capture the memories shared when two families join to celebrate the union of a couple in love. So, it helps to be prepared to document these times by enlisting the help of a professional trained to frame your memories in picture-perfect fashion. Andrea Kelley, owner of Andrea Kelley Photography, says that taking the best photos possible is her goal when couples book her for a wedding or special event. However, the bonus for her is relationships that last long after the limo has left with a happy couple headed for honeymoon bliss.

“I have been a professional photographer since 2017,” Kelley says when speaking about her love of photography. “I target Northwest Georgia, Atlanta, and western Alabama when booking clients. I try to emphasize to my client that I want to offer an experience from the beginning until the end of their event. It is very important for the couple to get to know me. Trusting the person who is shooting your wedding is honestly the most important part of the process for me.”

Kelley says that the reliability of a professional who is seasoned and has been in many different situations that arise during a wedding makes your special day worry-free. Wedding days can get hectic. Having someone behind the camera who can deal with schedules and can accommodate requests is imperative when documenting a day couples will remember for a lifetime.

“I work to keep a level head so that the bride and groom can be calm,” she explains. “They need to focus on each other. I want them to rely on me during times that can be a bit chaotic.”

With professional gear and a process to store photos forever, families can be comfortable knowing they are in good hands when a photographer approaches each job with a solid level of expertise.

“Most of my couples have found me through previous clients or by Instagram. Instagram has become my biggest marketing tool,” Kelley says when explaining the booking process. “When there is an inquiry, usually submitted via my website, the couple will receive an online brochure that outlines my general process. They will find pricing information there

and I usually ask for a phone call. One of the most important parts of the consultation for me is forming a relationship with my couples.”

When the bride and groom are comfortable and feel that Kelley will be a good fit for their wedding, she can also meet in person if it is requested or connect using an online conferencing service like Zoom.

Kelley recommends booking at least a year in advance so that she can work to iron out important details and make the photography experience seamless.

When the booking process is complete, her clients receive a magazine in the mail that Kelley says will explain her process further. As a bonus, this magazine outlines an engagement session that is included when booking a wedding with Andrea Kelley Photography. From the first look to other options a couple can explore, Kelley gives the Mr. and Mrs. a roadmap she uses to make their day one to remember with photographs.

“This is great for brides who may not know where to start and are super new to the wedding process,” Kelley says. “Or, they may be nervous about their big day, so I work to calm their nerves by letting them know exactly what my role will be in capturing their wedding.”

After they say “I do” a couple is likely off to a tropical destination to rest and enjoy being married. Kelley says that she delivers a teaser before processing all of the photos from the day so that they can share the pictures with family and friends.

“I remember how much I was looking forward to seeing my wedding photos, so I try to get them one or two photos the day of or one day after their wedding. I also get them around 100 photos in about two weeks and the full gallery will be delivered through a private online service. I do not restrict how or who they can share these photos with,” explains Kelley.

Additional services include the option for buying prints or having a personalized album designed by Kelley created with direction from the bride and groom. Again, the personal touch is why Kelley has been successful in booking clients who also come back in all seasons of life.

Find Andrea on Instagram @andreakelleyphoto or andreakelleyphoto.com

At Stonebridge Golf Club, Launchbox features covered bays with state-of-the-art technology to help perfect your golf game. By utilizing Top Tracer shot tracking, as seen on the PGA Tour, Launchbox provides instant feedback on every shot with results sent directly to your phone!

Launchbox offers a variety of games that players of all skill levels can enjoy. You can kick back and have a fun time playing “Go Fish” or play 18 holes on famous golf courses including Pebble Beach. No matter which game you choose, Launchbox is sure to take your golf experience to the next level.

Bring your group out to enjoy bays that are designed for comfort with outdoor furniture, televisions, music and wonderful food and beverage services. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, Launchbox is built for everyone to enjoy at an affordable price (as low as $5 per person).

romestonebridge.com/launchbox

The Art of Expressive Play

Let Loose at

5 TIPS TO INCREASE MUSCULAR ENDURANCE

1. Increase the rep count. Aiming for 15-20 reps for 3-4 sets will keep that rep count high and keep the muscles working longer.

2. Lower the weight. If you have a max squat of 200lbs, cut that weight by at least 50% to meet the higher rep goal.

3. Decrease rest time. No more 30-60 second rest times, aim for 15-30 second rests between sets.

4. Regress the exercise. If you can’t get to 15-20 reps on an exercise, make it easier to finish off. Lose the weight, change the range of motion to meet that number.

5. Active rest. Perform an easier exercise during your rest times; planks, wall sits, bodyweight squats, etc. to keep the muscles working.

Levi Munyon - Functional Trainer, CPT, TRX, RFT

19A John Maddox Dr • (706) 235-5899

Official Dentist of the Rome Braves

At Harbin Clinic, we have big hearts for the people of Northwest Georgia!

From pediatric cardiology to complex cardiovascular conditions, our patients receive the most comprehensive heart care in the region. Harbin Clinic’s expert providers and staff utilize the latest technologies and clinical therapies to improve patient quality of life and overall health.

Experience seamless, coordinated care across other Harbin Clinic specialties and uninterrupted heart treatment in a trusted clinical environment. Rest assured, your heart’s in the right place at Harbin Clinic.

Exquisite Events and Culinary Delights

Harvest Moon Cafe, a premier Catering and Event Planning business located in the picturesque city of Rome, Georgia, offers an extraordinary culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. With a perfect blend of creativity and professionalism, we curate memorable events tailored to your unique vision and preferences. Our team of seasoned chefs expertly crafts delectable dishes, using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, to ensure a farm-to-table experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the region. Whether you're planning an intimate wedding, a corporate gala, or a social gathering, Harvest Moon Cafe provides impeccable service, attention to detail, and a warm, inviting ambiance that will exceed your expectations.