NW GEORGIA’S PREMIER FEATURE READER / Special
Edition
HOW a walk down the aisle at
BELLE ERRA T
M AG A Z I N E
CAN HELP YOU LOOK THIS STUNNING
WEDDING 2011 OMPENDIUM C
$4.00
GIVE A GIFT THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
HOME DECOR, ARTHUR COURT, GREETING CARDS, COLLECTIBLES, MARTHA JANE’S FUDGE
P
the
EDDLER 706.777.8608
EMAIL: THEPEDDLER13383@BELLSOUTH.NET 22 ALABAMA STREET CAVE SPRING, GA. 30124
2011 W
EDDING OMPENDIUM
C
M AG A Z I N E
CONTENTS 5 THE JEWELER Greene’s Jewelers
7 THE PLANNER The Season
8 THE DRESS Perfect Dress of Rome
11 THE BAKERY Heaven Scent Cakes
12 THE GIFT REGISTRY Room Service
15 THE CATERER Wildflower Cafe
16 THE VENUE Belle Terra
19 THE SALON Wiyanna’s Salon
20 THE CALLIGRAPHER Script by Anita
21 THE PHOTOS Foxworthy Studios
22 THE REHEARSAL DINNER La Scala
25 THE BACHELORETTE PARTY Pure Romance 26 THE GUEST STAY The Tumlin House
29 THE LINGERIE Entice Couples Boutique
Special Edition Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF+PRODUCTION MANAGER Neal howard ART+DESIGN Brittany howes+Neal Howard FEATURE TEXT Brian Foster+Neal Howard PHOTOGRAPHY Derek Bell MANAGING PARTNER Ian Griffin ORIGINAL AD DESIGN Brittany Howes CHIEF SALES REPRESENTATIVE Shadae Yancey. CONTACT V3 One West Fourth Avenue, Rome, Ga. 30161. Phone 706.235.0748 / Email v3publications@gmail.com
v3visualconcepts.com
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GROOMS GIFTS PERSONALIZED GIFT WRAP M O N O G R A M M I N G | E N G R AV I N G C O M P L E M E N TA R Y G I F T D E L I V E R Y
ONE•OF•A•KIND
F
THE JEWELER
DESIGN
or over 62 years, thousands of excited, nervous, clueless young men have walked through the doors of Greene’s Jewelers to make one of the most important purchases of their lives. Choosing an engagement ring is a process fraught with decisions—the gemstone, the cut, the metal, the style. It’s a daunting task for someone who may never have even before in a jewelry store. But whether shopping solo or as a couple, you can count on Greene’s decades of experience and time-honored service to be with you every step of the way.
•
Established in 1948 by P.H. Greene, Sr., Greene’s Jewelers is now in its fourth generation as a family business that has been serving many Northwest Georgia families for just as long. “We are your grandfather’s jewelry store, and we take pride in the service that entails,” says Elaine Abercrombie, a fourthgeneration Greene and one of the store’s two full-time, graduate gemologists. Much of the success witnessed by Greene’s can be directly attributed to its experts’ ability to design and construct the exact pieces that its customers want, a skill set often overshadowed in the age of
GREENE’S JEWELERS • internet retail. A trip to Greene’s means never having to settle on what you see in the display case; the store’s employees can help you create a one-of-a-kind ring that’s just as exceptional as the woman who will wear it. “We are a custom jewelry store. We are our own designers,” says Abercrombie. “We can tailor an engagement ring to get exactly what a couple wants, something that truly symbolizes their relationship. We want brides and fiancés to be able to show off their rings and to tell people that it was designed just for them.” Greene’s customer service and expertise don’t necessarily stop there, either, even after she has said yes and that perfect ring is secure on her finger. “We offer full bridal service,” says Abercrombie. “It begins with the engagement ring, but we also can provide the wedding bands, bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts, as well as gifts for the bride and groom to give one another. We can do all of that and anything for flower girls and ringbearers, too.” For many this wedding season, a first trip to Greene’s Jewelers won’t be their last. The downtown staple at 328 Broad Street also does watch and jewelry repair, custom design work, pearl and bead stringing, and engraving. So walk into Greene’s a nervous bachelor, gentlemen, and leave a lifelong customer, just as generations of Romans have before you. VVV
For more, visit greenesjewelers.com vini vidi vici / v3 magazine
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If you dream of the perfect wedding, we’ll help make it come true.
Jerrod Brown Photography
“Holly Lynch is the most creative, hardworking, and enjoyable wedding planner in the business. She shouldn't be the last decision you make, she should be the very FIRST decision you make for yourself. Holly and her team made sure there was not one detail out of place during our Big Day.” -Lauren Rogers Gilbert
“Holly and the staff at The Season were extremely energetic and focused on our wedding. She made our dream wedding come to life.”
Katherine Birkbeck Photography
Eric Little Photography
“Besides marrying my husband, hiring The Season was the best decision I made for my wedding. Holly completely alleviated the stress and allowed my mom and I to actually enjoy the planning process." -Jordan Cole Hickman
Holly Lynch,
-Corie Dempsey Swan
Professional Bridal Consultant
www.theseasonevents.com
706-767-0606
THE PLANNER
WOMAN WITH A
PLAN • THE
SEASON SPECIAL EVENT PLANNING •
H
olly Lynch truly loves her career. Aside from the high stress levels that often come with being a wedding planner, what’s not to love about choreographing the most memorable day in a couple’s new life as one? “I absolutely love wedding day. It’s our game day and it’s extremely exciting,” says Lynch, owner of The Season Special Event Planning. “My favorite part of the day is the ceremony itself. There is something about those first strains of ‘Trumpet Voluntary’ that make your eyes well up, whether you know the bride or not. And I have usually gotten to know the bride pretty well by the time her wedding day has come along. It’s that moment when those chapel doors close behind her and she is on her way to the groom, and it’s just magic knowing that all of the pieces are in place and from that moment forward it will become part of a once-in-a-lifetime, special memory.” The Season provides full ceremony and rehearsal direction, management of all vendors and deliveries, and the coordination of site set-up and decorations. Ensuring
that those precious few moments go off without a hitch, however, often takes hundreds of hours packed with behindthe-scenes planning and on-the-ground hustle from a dedicated team. “Logistics and details are my specialty,” says Lynch. “It’s those last-minute—and sometimes random—details families forget that are the things we really do well and really focus our attention on.” In combination with a wealth of experience and a network of the area’s top vendors, Lynch’s meticulous aptitude for scheduling and coordination have turned The Season into a one-stop destination for brides in search of a full-service planner. Just knowing that Holly Lynch and The Season are with them every step of the way is a major relief for couples, all of whom want to enjoy this special day to the fullest. “Hiring a wedding planner is not just for the elite,” adds Lynch. “Every one of our
Photos by Jerrod Brown
brides, when all was said and done, has remarked that hiring a wedding planner was the best money they had spent. A planner saves not only time and money, but often a major headache.” Now located at 250 Broad Street, a space shared alongside Bussey’s Florist and Riverside Gourmet, The Season has continued to steadily expand its services in wedding and event planning since its establishment in 2007. VVV
For more on The Season Special Event Planning, visit theseasonevents.com
vini vidi vici / v3 magazine
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THE DRESS
SAY YES TO THE
DRESS
C
hoosing her perfect groom is surely the most crucial decision a bride must make before her wedding day, but if that’s not at the very top of her list, it’s bound to be number two behind picking the perfect gown. From girlhood on, most women dream about what they’ll be wearing down the aisle long before Mr. Right even makes his introduction. And for the lady who’s lucky enough to have that first piece set in place, a visit to Perfect Dress of Rome is the next logical step in making her dream wedding a reality. Formerly known as The Wedding Belle, Perfect Dress was acquired by Alison Smith in August 2010. Since then she has expanded both the interior size of the store, located at 2013 Shorter Avenue in West Rome, and its retail selection. Offering five different lines of bridal gowns and six lines of bridesmaids dresses, Smith and staff can now cater to any style sought by any style of bride. One of the more recent lines introduced by Smith, for example, is Essence of Australia, a company whose high-end chic can be found nowhere
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else in Rome. “Whether it is for an informal destination wedding, like a beach or a mountain wedding, or for a much more formal ceremony, we have a lot to offer,” says Smith. Perfect Dress’s welcoming atmosphere and superior customer service are two of the top reasons it has preserved the spotless reputation established over three decades by its Wedding Belle predecessors. And according to Smith, this is a particularly personal source of pride. “Once a bride has been in our shop, experienced our personalized service, and has seen what we have available, she always brings in her bridesmaids for their dresses and the guys in for their tuxedos.” Smith and company say they want brides to stay über-excited about this über-important life experience, and to leave Perfect Dress knowing that they received
•
PERFECT DRESS OF ROME •
the attention such a time deserves.In addition to carrying beautiful selections of both bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses, Perfect Dress of Rome also carries mother-of-the-bride dresses, flower girl dresses, reception-friendly attire, and other wedding day accessories for the bridal party. And though his bride’s search for her fairytale gown may take precedence during a visit to 2013 Shorter Avenue, the groom and his ragtag groomsmen haven’t been completely overlooked. Alison Smith’s shop offers a variety of traditional and stylish tuxedos for retail or rental, too. VVV
If you can’t make it to the store in person, find your perfect dress today by visiting perfectdressofrome.com
Let us help you find your
perfect dress.
New Name, New Owner, New World of Bridal (Formerly The Wedding Belle)
2013 SHORTER AVENUE ROME, GA. 30165 | 706.234.5532 | ALISON SMITH, OWNER
WWW.PERFECTDRESSOFROME.COM
For a more personal touch, add embroidery
Rebecca has a variety of items to embroider, or bring your own! 404.890.0117 | 706.766.5749 | reb.garrett2@gmail.com
“There are no words. Amy was absolutely AMAZING! I could not have asked for a more thoughtful and creative stylist; she made the whole wedding day hair process easy with no stress! And though I had very few ideas about what I might like going in, I gave her a description of my dress and our vintage wedding theme and somehow she was able to top it all off so beautifully with an elegant hair style she created. My hair looked like it came straight from a magazine and complimented my dress and my veil perfectly. I was receiving compliments on my hair for weeks following the wedding. I’m not going to lie, I was a little emotional taking it down!” -Lauren Rogers
THE BAKERY
A LITTLE SLICE OF
HEAVEN • HEAVEN SCENT CAKES •
W
hat started in August 2009 as a home kitchen operation has blossomed into one of Northwest Georgia’s sweetest success stories. Heaven Scent Cakes, located on Henderson Drive in Cartersville, may have launched in an economic downturn, but you’d be hard-pressed to find any negative impact the recession has had on this small, family-run outfit. “I just can’t believe how successful we’ve been,” says owner Tera Gore. “We’ve been busy since we started and, for the most part, due to word of mouth.” And when you’re in the business of creating beautiful, delicious cakes to be enjoyed by hundreds of wedding guests, word of mouth spreads quickly— particularly in a small town that prides itself on successful homegrown business. For Heaven Scent, all praise has been high praise. In light of the fast-spreading notoriety, Gore says, “It’s exciting that after only oneand-a-half years of being open, brides are starting to walk in with pictures of cakes that we have made, asking if they can get something similar. I often expect to see photos from wedding magazines like The
Knot, so when I have a look at the pictures and see that it’s our cakes they want, it’s definitely a pleasant surprise.” Gore believes her homespun ingredients and “from-scratch” approach are what have lured so many brides to her door in so little time. “A lot of high-end bakeries and cake shops will talk about how they use the best chocolate from France or how they have the world’s best ingredients, but I started this out of my house, and I’ve used the ingredients and products that I know, and there is a lot to be said about something that is homemade. It doesn’t cost as much, and if you put our cakes or cupcakes up against the expensive shops with expensive imported ingredients, you will find that ours are just as good—if not better.” As one might expect, winter is characteristically the slowest season for America’s wedding industry. Not for Heaven Scent. Winter 2010, in fact, was great for sales, a promising indicator that a busy spring and summer lie ahead. Future brides are busy parsing all the details and assuring everything is in proper order for their wedding days, just months, even weeks, away. A visit to Heaven Scent Cakes will be both an exhilarating and pressure-free experience during this hectic time. “We provide every bride and her family a special tasting,” Gore explains. “We offer them two cakes, free of charge, where she can pick out the cake flavor, her filling and her frosting. If she would like more than two, we can do that for a very…reasonable fee.
After that, we offer consultations to go over what they want and how they would like it designed.” Gore and her team offer both delivery and setup on the day of the wedding as well, in order to make the process that much easier. “I love seeing the finished product,” Gore says, “and though we don’t always get to see their reactions on wedding day, it’s a great feeling to see their responses through e-mails, letters and photos after their receptions.” No matter how elaborate or laid-back, Heaven Scent Cakes is the down-home shop that loves to create the best cakes a frugal dollar can buy. VVV
For more on Heaven Scent Cakes, visit mycustomcake.com
vini vidi vici / v3 magazine
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THE GIFT REGISTRY
registry. Room Service carries a number of different items now, many of them practical and fun, not just your typical bridal registry items.” Offering gifts that young couple will actually put to use is one of the most attractive aspects of Room Service’s bridal registry service. While delicate fine china is a welcome gift, it often gathers dust in storage during the first few years of a marriage. To counter this trend, Room Service has a creative range
engagements, showers, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, et al—Room Service stocks a wide variety of announcement and invitation designs. “Our invitations have been extremely popular since we began carrying them last year,” says Griffin, “and not only do we do a lot of invitations for weddings, but we also can provide ‘thank you’ note cards, wedding programs, custom napkins, custom glassware and ‘save the date’ announcements. We hope to be the place that couples can come for a long time for such events.” Room Service is a great one-stop shop for many of your wedding needs, and as an added perk, brides are given a gift certificate of 10% off the total registry sales. This, Griffin says, is a token of the store’s gratitude. “I love the excitement [I see in] the couples when they come in; they are young and in love,” she says, cracking a gentle smile. “Getting to work with them, to know them, and to share in their excitement is a wonderful thing.” VVV
SHARING THE
LOVE • ROOM SERVICE •
R
oom Service, Rome’s go-to registry location for soon-to-be brides, is now in its nineteenth year of operation and is hard at work expanding its diverse range of retail products and services. In addition to its extensive assortment of registry gifts, the shop at 500 Second Avenue (Central Plaza) in East Rome now houses one of the region’s best selections of personalized invitations and announcements. From a couple’s engagement straight through to the graduation of their first-born child, owners Lynne and Paul Griffin and their staff hope to be part of your family’s proudest moments by providing beautiful and creative ways to help celebrate and share your new life together. “I’ve been in business for 25 years, but in this actual storefront for 17,” Griffin says. “We started out doing custom design work and window treatments. Our store was half this size…and we began to see the need to add additional product categories. We started to offer a lot of bedding and then added our children’s items. “When our gifts started to expand from there, that’s when we developed a bridal
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For more on Room Service, visit shoproomservice.com
of functional, yet classy, dishware that is certain to find daily use in the kitchen/ dining room. Other popular registry items found displayed throughout Griffin’s shop include glassware, formal and casual silverware, and a host of other thoughtful gifts for not only bride and groom, but for members of the wedding party as well. And since Room Service prides itself on its inhouse embroidery, the personalization of a couple’s tote bags, bedding and linens has also become a popular option. For any event associated with weddings—
th
Juliska ceramics are guaranteed for use in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer and oven.
We offer Bridal Registries! Register with us and receive a gift cer tificate for 10% of your total registry sales. 7 Central Plz Rome, GA 30161
Phone:706-236-9675
COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
TONY E. WARREN, M.D. CANCER CENTER
Please Join Us for the Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren, M.D. Cancer Center Community Open House Sunday, April 10, 2011 Noon - 3:30 p.m.
Spread the word! The time is right for a girls’ night. Get ready to laugh, learn, and reconnect with your best girlfriends at a Pure Romance Party. Having a party is easy and completely free, plus you get free gifts for hosting! Our Pure Romance Consultant will give you and your friends tips and techniques for enhancing your relationship with your partner — or with yourself! Go ahead — book a party. You deserve a girls’ night in.
255 West Fifth St., Rome, GA 30165 www.harbinclinic.com/cancer
Want to host a party? Contact your local Consultant:
Ashley Ellis Brown 404.786.8406 www.PRbyAE.com ashleyellis@pureromance.com
By Ashley Brown
pureromance.com
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THE CATERER
A MATCH MADE IN
MENTONE • THE WILDFLOWER CAFE •
“
High on a mountaintop / We live, we love, and we laugh a lot / Folks up here know what they got / High on a mountaintop…” Loretta Lynn must have been referring to the good folks of Mentone, Ala. when she penned these lyrics. If not, it’s a pretty darn accurate account of life on Lookout Mountain for this small, extremely close-knit community. And at its heart is Wildflower Cafe and Country Store, a thriving business born of true love and a mutually shared passion for quality food and natural living. In 2007, the husband and wife team of Benjamin “Chef Ben” Keener and L.C. Moon opened their joint venture shortly after they merged their lives and families in marriage. The current incarnation of Wildflower Cafe is a combination of Ben and Moon’s love story and their previous businesses; Chef Ben’s smaller Wildflower Cafe and Moon’s natural food store, which sold products by L.C. Moon Herbals and local art. Ever since, Moon and Chef Ben opened the mountaintop location it has been a popular, enchanting destination for locals and out-oftowners alike. Wildflower also has a growing a reputation as one of the region’s hot new options to cater your special day, as well as hosting the rehearsal dinner and reception that bookend it. The experience is said to be fresh, fun and bursting with flavor. Located in a restored home originally constructed 1887, Wildflower seats up to 90 guests (60 indoors and 30 on the patio, which may also include a white wedding tent). The shabby-chic interior of the
restaurant/retail space provides a perfect complement to the classic Southern wedding, and Chef Ben’s catering menu charms the spirit with options galore, including items for restricted diets (such as diabetic, vegan, gluten-free) and hormone-free steaks, chicken, and wild-caught salmon. Wildflower’s cuisine covers a wide spectrum, from traditional to elegant, with a creative mix of natural, local, organic and exotic flavors. Dish names like “Mediterranean Crab-stuffed Mahi Mahi”, “Fresh Roasted Prime Rib”, “Salmon Wellington”, “Sushi Zen Bites”, or more traditional options such as “Chicken Salad Wedges”, “Prime Rib Sliders” and “Raspberry Chipotle Quail or Chicken”—are but a sampling from the laundry list of tastebudwetting delectables to be found in Mentone. Wedding parties may also team up with Chef Ben and Moon to tailor their own special dishes. And for larger parties and/ or those hosted offsite, Wildflower Cafe will bring their homespun creations to most any venue, anywhere. Though, keep in mind, they also have first class venues locally where they can cater for 50 to 400 guests. “We really enjoy cooking fine food here,” says Chef Ben, “and for [catered events], we can offer people our high-end dishes, a great picnic barbecue, and anything in-between.” Chef Ben’s chicken and sausage gumbo, creamy shrimp polenta grits, sweet potato bread pudding and tomato pie are all touted fan favorites. Wildflower in Mentone is also home to the popular Country Store wing of its operation, which retails many of L.C. Moon’s organic and gluten-free natural foods and products, as well as work from local artists. Wildflower’s great selection of earth-friendly goods are not only a sound option for everyday living, they’re also a killer gift idea for the bride, groom, or anyone else in the wedding party, for that matter. Among them are organic herbal teas, aromatherapy oils, bath and body products, gourmet chocolates, handmade jewelry and
local honey. The list of local and natural goods for both home and health goes on and on, making Wildflower one of the region’s best locales for these products; not to mention art and alternatives to day-to-day ingredients. High on the mountaintop, there sits a place that offers its customers a more conscious way of dining in a more kickedback atmosphere, complete with live music on the weekends. But that sense of inner peace, paired with deliciousness, can just as easily be brought to whatever venue you have chosen for your friends and family to celebrate this exciting new chapter in your life. After all, the establishment of Wildflower Cafe and Country Store helped seal the marriage of Chef Ben and Moon, so why not yours? VVV
For more on the Wildflower Cafe and Country Store, please visit mentonewildflower.com and check out the V3 feature, “Wild at Heart”, in our December 2010 issue.
THE VENUE
BELLE OF THE
BALL • BELLE
T
TERRA •
There’s no need to book a costly trip to the Lake District or to Northumberland if a storied English countryside wedding is what you desire. Tucked away in Floyd County’s beautiful Vann’s Valley, located between Rome and Cave Spring, is an idyllic country estate that offers the same picturesque landscapes and amenities as its many British counterparts some 4,000 miles away. Windswept lakes and ponds, paths and gardens, rustic lodges, and a Tudor-style manor: Belle Terra brings
the romance of traditional English weddings here to the green valleys of Northwest Georgia. The shaded drive that leads to Belle Terra is the perfect prelude to the grand scene that awaits visitors
just ahead. As the canopy of trees opens up, a landscape, both natural and man-made, is revealed; one that calls to another place and time. Amongst the tapestry of flowers and chorus of falls, it is easy to imagine Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet strolling through the gardens or across the bridge as they make flirtatious small talk. Belle Terra, at more than 400 acres, offers couples a host of options when planning for their wedding day. Amid the two 20-acre lakes that flank Belle Terra are a number of intimate locations to exchange vows before family and friends. For
Belle Terra owner, Latrelle Jones, it is the variety of settings the historic property provides that really excites couples and their families when they first visit. “Sometimes they are overwhelmed by the number of options that they have here,” says Jones. “Each place that I take them to is better than the last, but eventually they find the right setting for them.” The gardens surrounding the 80-year-old, Tudor-style Manor House, especially the Water Garden, have proven to be the most popular locations for wedding ceremonies. The Water Garden is, perhaps, the centerpiece of the Belle Terra estate. It is surrounded on three sides by water and offers one of the most comprehensive views of Belle Terra. A wrought iron arbor is just feet from the water and provides the ceremony site with a romantic canopy that also frames the pond, waterfall, and hills in the distance. A terrace of roses, along with daffodils, camellias, daises, rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, crape myrtles, and dozens of other annuals and perennials provide a spectrum of color and aroma during spring, summer, and autumn.
A short distance from the Water Garden is Belle Terra’s Reception Hall which offers ample space for the bride, groom, and guests to dance and mingle. Attached to the reception hall is Belle Terra’s newest addition, a large garden conservatory that provides not only additional space during the reception, but can also act as an emergency location for the ceremony in case of inclement weather. The conservatory is one of the most popular places at Belle Terra. Friends and family truly enjoy themselves in this floral cathedral of light that fits perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Havenshire House with its lakeside gardens is yet another beautiful location for couples and their wedding parties to spend a weekend to remember. Havenshire House can accommodate rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies, receptions, and lodging for the bride and groom, as well as their guests. Purchased by J.P. Jones in 1918, Belle Terra has remained in the Jones’ family for almost 100 years, with the Manor House serving as a hunting and fishing lodge for much of its history. Latrelle Jones and her husband, Jim, have used this family property for weddings for the past five years. “My husband and I were married on the property. I thought that using the property for weddings would be a great business for me after I retire,” says Jones. “Well, I haven’t retired yet, and Belle Terra is my second fulltime job. It’s perfect, though. I am an avid gardener. I have a passion for creating gardens and landscape spaces. I love anything to do with a big production, too. I used to work for a theatre in Guntersville, Ala., and I have done everything from directing to costumes. Weddings are big productions, a lot like the theater, so it wasn’t, in that sense, anything new to me. My husband is a builder, so with his love of designing and building new things, it has been a great combination.” During these five years, Belle Terra has transformed with the addition of the reception hall, the conservatory, and Havenshire House, as well as yearly updates to the gardens and grounds. “With the
amount of acreage that we have, we are always thinking of new ideas for weddings, and we listen to the brides and grooms on how we can create an even better wedding experience,” says Jones. “That is how Belle
Terra has and will continue to transform.” VVV
For more on Belle Terra, visit belleterraweddings.com
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This is the beginning of a lifetime of love. Make it spectacular.
328 Broad St.
Rome, Ga. 30161
706.291.7236
www.GreenesJewelers.com
THE SALON
WIYANNA’S
WILD RIDE • WIYANNA’S SALON •
A
s owner of the aptly named salon, Wiyanna’s, Wiyanna Blalock is no stranger to hard work. Perhaps the swift success of her eight-month-old venture can largely be attributed to her upbringing in the rough and tumble wilderness of Alaska. “I was raised for the first 10 years of my life on a mountain with no running water or electricity,” says Blalock. It appears the Alaskan environment has made her a much stronger individual. In turn, she adds, “Wiyanna’s is also a laid-back place. We love to cater to people, regardless of who they are or where they may come from. And that is something I feel has been influenced by how I was raised.” Blalock’s professional acumen is the product of eight years experience with King & Queen Salon. To boot, she has surrounded herself with a staff not only full of talent, but also one that acts as a like-minded unit of stylists who share Blalock’s philosophy of providing clients with a fun and welcoming, yet purposeful, atmosphere. “Our staff has an American board-certified haircolorist,” she explains, “and we also offer advanced haircutting techniques, principal-based haircutting, advanced techniques for formal occasions, up-styling and finishing, brow tinting, facial waxing and makeup, in
addition to a number of other services.” This combination of a relaxed environment and excellent service is the reason Wiyanna’s Salon at 6 East Third Avenue in Rome is quickly becoming a popular stop for local brides. “We offers a relaxing and stress-free location for bridal parties,” says Blalock. “And we shut down the shop for the day so that the bride and her bridesmaids have it all to themselves. It can be a celebration with… appetizers, wine and mimosas.” Wiyanna’s stylists are dedicated to providing their clientele with expert cosmetology as well, often appearing at the wedding venue to ensure that the bride and her bridesmaids are fresh for the ceremony. Blalock books bridal parties 60 days in
advance, and asks that clients stop in for a consultation/prep session at least two weeks prior to their wedding day. “We want brides to know that when they come to us they can get exactly what they want,” she says. “I love seeing the before-and-after and the look of excitement on a bride’s face when she sees how beautiful she is. There is also a sense of relief that a bride feels knowing her hair is finished and that it looks great.” So feel free to sit back, relax, enjoy yourself as you let Blalock’s crew do their thing. For a bride, perfect hair is extremely important. At Wiyanna’s, it’s one less thing you’ll have to worry about. VVV
To discuss setting an appointment with Wiyanna’s, call 706.232.4247
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THE CALLIGRAPHER
FLIPPING THE
SCRIPT • SCRIPT BY ANITA •
T
he hand-written letter, once the world’s primary form of interpersonal, non-spoken communication, has been all but replaced by email and short bursts of SMS text. And with the demise of the written letter, so too has waned the once cherished art of calligraphy. Anita Stewart of Rome, however, is one of the few master scribes who still practices this lost form of art, and through her company, Script by Anita, she works to produce beautifully crafted, calligraphic documents to those who need both a personal and elegant touch. Script by Anita is a respected purveyor of hand-written wedding and party invitations, reception place cards, birth announcements, wedding vows and certificates. Its namesake,
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who is skilled in any style of script that a client may request, says that a few wellplaced strokes of the pen can really set the tone for a wedding. “I tell brides that the first thing your guests see regarding your wedding is the invitations,” Stewart says. “It gives them their first impression as to the style of the wedding, whether it be a formal ceremony or something more casual. Hand calligraphy sends a special message to your guests and really adds a bit of elegance to your invitations.” With Script by Anita, each invitation is hand-written in a style chosen by the client couple, and each envelope is personally addressed by Stewart’s own ink. It was in third grade that Stewart first discovered her talent for calligraphy, and ever since, she has been passionate about sharing her art with others. “I have always taken pride in my handwriting,” she says. “I’m a little bit of a perfectionist, and through the years I developed my own style of calligraphy. “When I was principal [at McHenry Elementary] I used to do the certificates for the children at the end of the year. And when
I retired from education, calligraphy was something that I knew I could do from home. It was something that I had done for friends in the past and it has slowly turned into a successful home business.” After only three years in operation, Script by Anita has become a popular place to turn to for brides seeking the right vendor for a very personal expression. In addition to Stewart’s skill with a pen, she also designs hand-stitched silk garters, a trade she learned from her 93-year-old mother. With a lacy elegance, Script by Anita’s delicate penmanship and uncanny needlework add an extra touch of handcrafted romance to any wedding. VVV
For more about Script by Anita, please visit scriptbyanita.com
THE PHOTOS
T
hough Foxworthy Studios has only had a physical residence downtown for 11 months, the decades of photography and design experience shared between husband-and-wife duo Stan and Sharon Foxworthy have quickly placed it among Northwest Georgia’s premier photography studios. Utilizing and renovating one of Rome’s once bustling cotton warehouses, the Foxworthy’s have created a high-end studio space to cater to a vast, and often unique, demand for photographic and cinematic services. And with in-studio and onsite capabilities that include, among many others, wedding photography, commercial product shoots, executive portraiture, professional head shots, and live action photography and video, Foxworthy Studios is up for new and exciting creative challenges. In his 35 years as a professional photographer, Stan Foxworthy has shot over 1,000 weddings, each requiring a unique approach to capture the unique essence of a particular bride and groom. “I try to look for the things that make a couple tick,” says Foxworthy. “It’s not the same thing with everyone. Some couples go duck hunting together, some love travel and food, some love 1940s films. “What is it that gives them that twinkle in their eye and what presses their buttons? If we can get to that place, if we can figure these things out, it will really allow us to take their photos to the next level. We want to create an intimacy with the bride and groom that really shows.” No two weddings are alike. Some are very traditional and by-the-book, while others are much more laid-back and carefree. But no matter the style of wedding, Foxworthy is always looking to capture in a couple the romantic chemistry that, more often than not, resides just below the surface. From Stan’s experience, it’s these moments of openness and passion, preserved in a photograph, that truly create a lasting memory; one that will always lure couples
• FOXWORTHY STUDIOS •
FANTASTIC MR. & MRS.
FOXWORTHY back to the magic of that special day. Foxworthy Studios’ wedding packages start at a relatively modest $1,700, and include consultations, a bridal (or engagement) sitting, rehearsal and rehearsal dinner coverage, and full-day coverage of
all wedding day activities. “After this, our clients have an opportunity to purchase whatever photographs they want,” Stan explains. “If they want to have an album, if they want large canvas prints, coffee table books, we can provide the best for them. We
can even build a custom viewing website in which photos can viewed—and ordered— from anywhere in the world.” Before the wedding, during the service and after the guests have all left for home, Stan and Sharon Foxworthy say they’ll work their hardest—both in and out of the studio—to capture your most precious moments and create a romantic fairytale to stand the test of time. VVV
For more on the Foxworthys’ work, please visit foxworthystudios.com
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THE REHEARSAL DINNER
T
his month marks the fifteenth anniversary of La Scala Italian Restaurant, home to one of Greater Rome’s finest dining experiences. The restaurant seats hundreds of satisfied patrons per month, and continues to build its reputation as an excellent venue to host both rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions. At La Scala, rehearsal dinners are a highly personalized exercise for each unique wedding party and its guests. “Given almost any budget, La Scala can continue to give you the same level of service and quality of food that we’re known to provide,” says Anthony Barba, owner and executive chef. “Whether it’s portion control or being more selective on what items are offered, we can stay consistent—regardless of how much you want to spend. We sit down with our clients, talk to them about what they are looking for, and we can pretty much offer them anything that they want for their specific occasion; be it recreating the dining room or recreating the menu.” Though La Scala has one of the most extensive wine and liquor selections in all of Northwest Georgia, Barba and company are fully capable of bringing in your drink of choice if it isn’t already on the menu. The space is plenty accommodating, to boot, Photos by Mala Hyder
seating up to 125 for rehearsal dinners. But if the dining room fails to provide adequate room for your guests, La Scala has another ace up its sleeve: Its team has partnered with a number of offsite locations, including the Rome Area History Museum’s new secondfloor event space, to see that parties big
PRIDE AND
GLORY • LA
SCALA •
and small are given ample elbow room in a refined setting. For receptions, the La Scala can service seated dinners and dining stations at both the restaurant and its sister locations. In the days preceding a wedding, this surprisingly stressful event can be a monkey on the backs of any anxious couple. The La Scala team believes it can relieve some of this burden via exceptional customer service.“You can come to us with a blank page and we’ll help you write the story of the perfect rehearsal dinner,” Barba says. “People feel secure when they host an event here. Once we finalize a proposal, we stay on top of what needs to be done, making follow-up calls and working with our customers to make it an amazing night.” In a perfect world, the rehearsal dinner should be a gathering during whichf a bride and groom can relax and reflect. Through the diligence exhibited by Barba’s crew,
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couples can expect just that—and only that—when they sit down to dinner on the eve of the big day. “The success we have created at La Scala is due to an extremely talented and tenured kitchen,” says Barba. “When you have that kind of staff consistency, you can maintain consistency with quality and product, and provide a great experience for everyone. We all take pride in our work and we think it shows.” VVV
To reserve a time for your rehearsal dinner or event, call La Scala today at 706.238.9000
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706-777-0523 vini vidi vici / v3 magazine
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THE BACHELORETTE PARTY
GIRLS JUST WANNA
HAVE FUN
I
nspiring women to explore their inner tigresses, Ashley Ellis Brown of Pure Romance has educated hundreds about sexual intimacy and has helped dozens prepare for the most anticipated wedding event of all: the honeymoon. Set in the privacy and comfort of either your home or that of a trusted friend, a Pure Romance party is designed for adult ladies to highlight ways in which they can add that special spark to • their new marriages. Billed as the “The Bachelorette Party Specialist,” Ashley brings an element of excitement and a wealth of knowledge to any bridal party looking for something different than the average night out with the girls. “Parties can be hosted for any reason,” says Brown. “For girls that want to get together and just have a girls’ night, bachelorette party or suddenly single party, it’s a great idea. It’s a chance for a group of women to get together at one of their homes, have a good time, and learn about how some of our products and educational material can enrich their lives.” Though many companies offer “relationship enhancement” products, some women may be uncomfortable purchasing these items in a retail store setting. Pure Romance by Ashley allows friends the chance to
relax and feel comfortable while learning more about these products. “When my party is for a bachelorette, she is rewarded with a [veritable] free shopping spree,” says Brown. “I have the bride make a wish list during the party, and then each of her guests have the opportunity to purchase a gift for the bride so that she’s fully stocked for the honeymoon.” Brown arrives at each party with a full inventory of intimacy items, allowing each of her guests to take home anything they’d like for the evening. Women who host a Pure Romance party also receive a few freebies of their own, receiving 10% of the total party sales in free products. For Brown, though, it is really a chance to enjoy spending time with diverse groups of
brides and bridesmaids who are interested in learning how to better themselves in the bedroom. “I love being able to connect with women and to help them reconnect in their relationships. It’s just fun spending time with a group of girls and helping to educate them in a fun, party atmosphere.” Pure Romance by Ashley offers at-home, ladies-only parties in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. Brown is a director with Pure Romance and is also a company leader for the state of Georgia. VVV
For more information, contact Ashley Ellis Brown at 404.786.8406 or visit PRbyAE.com
PURE ROMANCE •
Photos by Studio 124
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THE GUEST STAY
A
long with its natural charm and rurally refined aesthetic, historic Cave Spring is home to one of Floyd County’s most comprehensive and accommodating special events destinations. The Tumlin House, built in the 1860s and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, is an old-fashioned bed and breakfast situated just two blocks from downtown; a building simply oozing with Southern hospitality that often serves as a cozy respite for road-weary travelers and out-of-town antiquers. It does, however, comfortably host a number of other types of special guests, including those looking to run the full gamut of celebrations surrounding a friend or loved one’s wedding day. With ample seating for guests to dine on the dishes prepared by its in-house chef, special dinners and luncheons are also a common sight here. “Rehearsal dinners are
very popular [at the Tumlin House],” says Nancy Boehm, who, along with husband J.C., has owned and managed the property since 1998. “We also host many bridal showers and bridesmaids luncheons.” On many weekends over the course of a given year, the Tumlin House sees weddings in its front parlor and receptions in its backyard. And during the height of the summer swelter, guests find themselves overwhelmingly lured to the cool shade of its 1,400-square-foot, wrap-around porch, as well as the lush gardens that surround its crystal blue pool. Functioning as a classic American B&B, Tumlin is also a well-known destination for brides and grooms to spend their first night in wedded bliss before jetsetting off to wherever their honeymoon awaits. “We can provide a romantic package
Tumlin House is a true family heirloom both exquisitely preserved and expanded over the years. All visitors are invited to share in its majesty, and to begin their own tradition anew within its historic graces. VVV
CAVE SPRING
FLING • THE TUMLIN HOUSE •
for a visiting wedding couple that would include champagne, flowers, or whatever else they would like,” Nancy says. As many in Cave Spring already know, the Boehms also host weekly, reservation-only dinners. “Every Saturday night that we don’t have a special event or private party taking place, we serve dinner,” the lady of the house explains. “The homecooked meal is $40 a person and it is a six-course dinner that includes appetizer, soup, salad, sorbet, and then your choice of entrée and desert.” Having been in Nancy’s family for several generations, dating all the way back to its 19thcentury construction, the
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For more information on booking a stay with The Tumlin House, visit the Boehms on the web at
tumlinhouse.com
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Belle Terra
Truly Memorable
The
Belle Terra is set amid the picturesque scenery of Vann’s Valley in Rome, Georgia. romantic gardens, beautiful lakeside ceremony sites, and vast private estate accommodate truly memorable weddings. Our facilities include Belle Terra Manor and Cottage Garden, The Conservatory and Water Garden, and Havenshire House on Lake Havenshire.
You may use your favorite vendors or our all-inclusive packages with a professional wedding coordinator to take away the stress of planning and ensure your wedding-day dreams become a reality. We look forward to helping you make this special day everything you’ve ever dreamed!
Call to set up your site visit today! 4432 CAVE SPRING ROAD | ROME, GA. 30161
www.belleterraweddings.com | 706.234.1980