Your Williamson Winter 2017

CITY FARMHOUSE HOLIDAY POP-UP FAIR

THE PINK GALA

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE WINTER 2017

FEATURING: DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN

Wedding FOR THE MIDDLE TENNESSEE BRIDE

COMMUNITY PARTNER Gifts of the Heart

KEEPING SCORE Super Bowl Sunday Fun Day

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Every day I get to go to a birthday party.

That’s a pretty special job.

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–Susan Alexander, RN, labor and delivery nurse

2017

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YOUR WILLIAMSON | WINTER 2017 . VOLUME V – ISSUE 55

F E A T U R E S

27 Distinctively Southern Wedding All Things Wedding Planning for the Middle Tennessee Bride

54

FASHIONABLE YOU 2017 Wedding Fashion

30 The Lady Entertains with Krista Ehret

33 Days Gone By with Ryan Baker

42 Eat, Drink & Be Merry with Chef’s Market

70 Styling Your Everyday with Katie Jacobs

72 A Spirited Conversation with City Winery

75 Your Kids

with Ginger Jones

76 Up the Road Party With Your Pals at a Destination Celebration

88 Come Fly With Me Tie the Knot With A Destination Wedding Location

92 Your Charitable Self Wish Upon a Wedding

ON THE COVER Rebecca Ozols and Avery Fisher are stunning in bridal fashion at the beautiful Graystone Quarry chapel with a backdrop of the first snow of 2017.

Photograpby by Melissa DelRossi

We live to give the extraordinary in all we do as we serve our clients, our community and world in the the real estate arena. It is our goal to achieve success through living and being a relationship based company.

We believe it is all about our clients.

FRANKLIN• EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY 3 Acre Lake •7 Pastures • 2 Barns www.1702OldHillsboro.com 1702 Old Hillsboro Road | $4,250,000 Donna Tisdale, 615.202.8799

MIAMI, FLORIDA • TURNBERRY OCEAN CLUB 3 – 6 Bedroom Residences With Direct Ocean & Bay Views | 5-Star Concierge Services Available From 3.9 Million | Under Construction Pam Klos, 615.509.1616

NASHVILLE • HOUNDS RUN In-law/Teen Suite |2+ Acres | Private Setting 7,116 SF | 6 BR, 6 Full BA, 1 Half BA 1908 Edenbridge Way | $925,000 Angela Wright, 615.406.3212 Lawrence M. Lipman, 615.364.3333

BELLE MEADE Lovely Gardens • Open & Spacious 8,505 SF | 6 BR, 5 Full BA, 3 Half BA 624 Westview Avenue | $3,485,000 Lawrence M. Lipman, 615.364.3333

HENDERSONVILLE • OLD HICKORY LAKE Lake Estate • Boat Dock Permit • 1.3 Acres Privacy • Shared Private Road 193 Inlet Drive | $2,900,000 Lawrence M. Lipman, 615.364.3333

NASHVILLE • FOREST HILLS Priceless | 6.33 Acres | Privacy 5,912 SF | 5 BR, 4 Full BA, 2 Half BA 5906 Hillsboro Pike | $2,595,000 Emily Lowe, 615.509.1753

thelipmangroup.com 2002 Richard Jones Road Suite C-104 | Nashville, TN 615.463.3333 Each office is independently owned and operated.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the Publisher

LIFESTYLE

25

18

14 Your Social Secretary Socially Yours

130

111

Your “Bone” Vivant with Ollie Pup

Did You Know?

Beauty Junkie with Julie Jorgensen

22 Your Health & Wellness

American Heart Month 24 Your Best Self

with Connie Haley 106 Welcome Home

108 Patricia Lee Court 112 Keeping Score

Super Bowl; Sunday Fun Day

18

114 A Southern Gentleman Is Resolutions for the Southern Gentleman

COMMUNITY

10

20 Your Community Partner

Gifts of the Heart 110 In Your Backyard

Black Tie Affair 127 Your Education

with Williamson County Schools

128 Arts & Culture Mardi Gras

SOCIAL

116 Read Between the Lines Romantic Reads 16

Dickens of a Christmas

19

Martinis & Mistletoe

26 The Pink Gala 100 City Farmhouse Holiday Pop-Up Fair

24

102 PARKS Realty Holiday Party 113 Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade

124 Giving Thanks for Friends 125 Nolensville North Pole Experience

106 6 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

126 Franklin Christmas Parade 128 A Season of High Hopes 129 BrightStone Christmas Program

BUSINESS

122 Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting 102 Your Real Estate

with WCAR 118 Scoop

Williamson County in the News 119 We’re In the Money

with Guardian Financial 120 Your Business Partner

with Williamson, Inc. 121 Ribbon Cuttings

Welcome New Business

Welcome, we’re glad you’re here.

At Rhapsody Spa, we have time for you. Time to escape, retreat and enjoy.

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YOUR STAFF YOUR Williamson & YOUR Sumner are publications of: Shelly Robertson Birdsong CEO & PUBLISHER

Johnny Birdsong PRESIDENT SALES & DEVELOPMENT

Anna Robertson Ham

Ron Cheatham

VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Robertson Media Group, LLC 436 Main Street, Suite 205 Franklin, TN 37064 Office: 615.979.1548 yourwilliamson.com yoursumner.com

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

Catherine Royka

Tracey Starck

MANAGING EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Andrea Davis CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER

Hollie Deese

EDITOR IN CHIEF SUMNER COUNTY

Caitlin Daschner

CREATIVE CONTENT EDITOR

Annie Osteen COMMUNITY EDITOR

Morgan Teller COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

Please send all content & coverage requests to: info@robertsonmediagroup.com

Krista Ehret LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Steve Absher, Account Exec.

Kingery Printing Company YOUR Printing Partner 615.828.8661 stevea@kingeryprinting.com quotes@kingeryprinting.com

K York

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CONSULTANT

Anjeanette Hoer PHOTOGRAPHER

Adam Sanner

Rachel Cunningham

Haley Anthony

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

Erica Brown

Melissa DelRossi

Braden Winfree

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

Your Williamson is a publication of Robertson Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or whole, without written permission from the publisher, is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Your Williamson or Robertson Media Group, LLC, its employees, and/or it’s representatives. All information printed in this publication or online, is compiled in such a way as to insure accuracy.

However, Your Williamson and Robertson Media Group, LLC and its agents, assume no liability and/or responsibility for the accuracy of claims in advertisements, articles, photographs etc. published directly or submitted.

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MONTHLY | Publisher’s Letter

What’s Love Got to Do With it?

Dear Readers, Am I the only one floating around in a state of shock that we are in a new year and the holidays are over? Feels like 2016 was a blur and the holidays, well they were barely a blip on the radar! Time flies – faster and faster they say, the older you get. But seriously, this year for some reason I am feeling even more like I’m chasing the proverbial bus of life!

I shouldn’t say the holidays were a blip. Actually, our holiday was pretty spectacular and so full of precious memories I can hardly take them all in. As I have said on more than one occasion, and all parents agree, Christmas with a child is an experience like no other.

Especially a younger one. My threeyear-old truly appreciated Christmas this year and was in that phase of pure magic, wonder and delight at every moment. And that wonder and magic poured into my adult soul, to where I too, was experiencing Christmas again, giddy as a child. To say that Christmas and all its blessings has given my heart an over abundance of love carrying me into the new year, is an overstatement.

The new year, for many, is that time of resolutions of course; be better, make more, blah blah… I for one, now that I have passed that oh, you know, mid-life mark, have given up on setting myself up for failure. Of course I am not going to give up chocolate or wine

or reality TV… but I am always going to try to be a better person. A better mother, a better friend, daughter, wife, boss. Better? Or really am I just saying; I’m trying everyone.

Giving it all I have with forethought and desire for being the best I can possibly be.

But I will fail. I do fail. Even in the simplest things. So allow me some grace and I will allow you the same. That’s what compassion, empathy and being human is all about.

“Have love for everyone, no one is other than you.”

–Ramakrishna The older I get the less I feel compelled to perfection and the more I feel like just being okay with who I am and who you are and who the guy down the street is. Love in a spiritual sense is something we are taught to have for all of those around us. And that basis of love for me, means we are tolerant of people’s differences, their shortcomings, their failures, much as we would like them to be for us. It’s hard though, isn’t it? We all seem as a society so fixated these days on pointing out and projecting everyone’s perceived negative attributes, or what they may or may not have done wrong in our opinion or perspective. But that’s all it is – our opinion – and you know what they say about opinions. We even want to degrade and belittle people and their beliefs. Honestly, who am I, who are you, to question anyone’s beliefs? Acceptance people. Tolerance of differences. Grace. Love. Just love people for who they are; human just like you.

Anyway, I guess my point is love is something that should flood our hearts all year and everyday, as should that innate grace, at the very least, keep our judgments, insults and derision to ourselves. Not everyone wants to hear it. Despite many who think they have been given forums like Facebook and Twitter as their own personal bully pit where they alone know all the answers, can say whatever they think and no one is smart enough or capable of contradicting them, the reality is, no, not so much because ,wait… whoops… hold on… that person we are criticizing also has an opinion… and you know what they say...Right?

Love – the greatest of the four letter words.

In every form, in its true form, it is THE great emotion, mental state, feeling, verb, adjective, and noun, whatever you want to call it, that was ever created. It enables all the others to exist.

Our Winter issue is full of Love. We are celebrating weddings and Valentines and the heart itself! Love is all around – all you have to do is resolve yourself to let it pour into you! Remember, in the words of the Beatles – “All you need is love.”

Shelly shelly@robertsonmediagroup.com

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MAKE A FRESH START Keep that resolution for a new you this new year.

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DEPRESSION • ANXIETY • RELATIONSHIP CONCERNS STAGE-OF-LIFE ISSUES • GRIEF AND LOSS

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Stephanie Insko, PhD Licensed Psychologist

YOUR CONTRIBUTORS

ALYSSA DICICCO

KRISTA EHRET

JENELLE ENGLESON

Nashville Bride Guide NashvilleBrideGuide.com

The Lady Entertains yoursouthernsoiree.com

A Spirited Conversation citywinery.com/nashville

Alyssa is the owner and blogger for Nashville Bride Guide - a wedding blog dedicated to helping Nashville brides plan their weddings. You can visit the blog at NashvilleBrideGuide. com or contact Alyssa at alyssa@ nashvillebrideguide.com.

Krista is an event designer and co-owner of Southern Soiree, a full service event and wedding planning company. She also enjoys bringing beauty into everyday life.

Jenelle is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and earned an Advanced Certificate of Wine & Spirits. She’s an active member of the Nashville Wine Guild and offers 10+ years of wine sales and service from all over New York City, Los Angeles and Nashville.

KATIE JACOBS

ALEX JONES

GINGER JONES

Styling My Everyday stylingmyeveryday.com

We’re in the Money Guardingthepath.com

Your Kids jonestherapyservices.com

Katie is a graphic designer, photographer and stylist. She is the art director and creator of stylingmyeveryday.com, a food and lifestyle blog with a focus on styling, entertaining and DIY.

Alex Jones is a Certified Financial Planner with Guardian Financial passionately helping people retire comfortably and stay retired. Alex lives in Franklin with his wife Amber and two daughters and is part of the Dave Ramsey SmartVestor program.

Ginger is a Speech-Language Pathologist and the owner of Jones Therapy Services, which provides speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy in 7 locations across Middle and East Tennessee.

MISS DAISY KING

SUZIE LIND

DOUG REGEN

Eat, Drink & Be Merry missdaisyking.com

Your Business Partner suszilind.com

A Southern Gentleman Is dougregen.com

Tennessee’s “First Lady of Southern Cooking,” Daisy was the founder and chef of the renowned Miss Daisy’s Tearoom and is now the proprietor and executive chef of Miss Daisy’s Kitchen.

Suzie Lind is a blogger, public speaker, and the Director of Membership Development at Williamson, Inc., the community and economic development organization that builds the economy in Williamson County.

Suzie enjoys telling stories about the Williamson County business community and stories that capture the human spirit.

Doug is a former advertising agency partner turned sitespecific furniture designer, working with reclaimed materials.

He is also a Professor of Practice at O’More College of Design.

12 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

LAURYN GILLIAM 5 Sense Living

Lauryn is a seeker of fun, student of life and lover of exploring mindful ways to enlist the 5 senses in all her experiences. Her column takes us on a sensory tour of all things arts, culture and dining.

JULIE JORGENSEN Beauty Junkie

Julie is our go-to gal for all things beauty - She scouts out the best deals and the best beauty tricks around. She treats readers to some hilarious insight into the world of what it takes to be fabulous!

KATIE RUSHTON

CONNIE HALEY

Your Best Self conniehaleylifecoaching.com Connie is a certified life coach that specializes in helping people love the life they have and from there, create the life they always envisioned. She will show readers ways to find peace and calm.

ALISON KANABY Let’s Get Physical runningmama2016. wordpress.com

Alison is a family practice physician, marathon runner, swimmer and a fun-loving mother of three. Alison will be bringing advice and tips on health and fitness.

LISA WURTH

Effortless Style effortlesstyle.com

Your Real Estate benchmarkrealtytn.com

Katie is a fashion stylist and owner of Effortless Style, a personal shopping and wardrobe consulting company.

She provides a variety of services including Closet Audits, Styling Sessions and Personal Shopping.

With more than 25 years of business experience in marketing, negotiating and customer service. Lisa has been an active member of WCAR since becoming a member in 2007. She is currently a Managing Broker with Benchmark Realty, LLC.

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MONTHLY | Your Social Secretary

YOUR SOCIAL SECRETARY

FEB 3-5

FEB 4

FEB 9

Here are just a few events to add to your Social Calendar this month. Visit YourWilliamson.com for more events.

Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville

GET CONNECTED Ollie Pup and his big sister, Lady, love playing in the snow together!

Music City Center | Friday & Saturday 10am- 7pm, Sunday 11am-4pm | antiquesandgardenshow.com The 27th Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville will feature more than 150 antiques, art and horticultural dealers, magnificent gardens, a cocktail party or two – and some of the most renowned design, landscape and architectural speakers in the world. The show has raised nearly $7 million for Cheekwood and charities supported by the Economic Club of Nashville (ECON).

Black Tie Affair Embassy Suites Cool Springs | 7pm | 615.243.7751 The 16th Annual Black Tie Affair is a fundraiser that supports the McLemore House Museum and African American Heritage Society. This year’s theme is “Courage, Faith and Commitment.” Annual awards will be presented and there will be music and dancing by Julius Fisher and the Genius Band.

City Winery provided the perfect backdrop for our bride and groom.

Your Williamson & Your Sumner Winter Mixer City Winery Nashville| 5:30-7:30pm facebook.com/yourwilliamson Join Robertson Media Group for their Winter Mixer hosted by City Winery Nashville. Guests will enjoy a private lounge, butler passed hors d’oeuvres, live music and giveaways. Bring your friends and come celebrate our Distinctively Southern Wedding launch in Your Williamson and Your Sumner. RSVP to our Winter Mixer event posted on facebook.com/yourwilliamson or to info@robertsonmediagroup.com.

COMING NEXT ISSUE

The March issue shines the spotlight on all things edible; Eat, Drink & Be Merry with the Annual Food & Spirits Issue.

CONTENT DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15 Contact sales@yourwilliamson.com to advertise 14 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

The beautiful, frozen waterfall at Graystone Quarry set the scene for one of our bridal shoots.

GLOBAL MOTORSPORTS

NASHVILLE TENNESSEE

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lobal Motorsports Inc. is a luxury car dealer that specializes in a wide range of import and domestic vehicles including Mercedes Benz, BMW, Lexus, Audi, Porsche, Cadillac, Jaguar and more. Our dealerships are centrally located in the Middle Tennessee area. Before you buy anywhere else, stop in and discover for yourself why we are the top pre-owned luxury auto dealer in the mid-south region. One of our salesmen at our Belle Meade or Cool Springs location will be happy to help you.

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SOCIAL | Dickens of a Christmas Photography by K. York Victorian-era characters from the Charles Dickens classics A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist, returned to downtown Franklin for the 32nd Annual Dickens of a Christmas festival presented by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County. Fagin, Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim Cratchit and his parents along with Mother and Father Christmas, could be seen strolling along Main Street. More than 70,000 people enjoyed musical performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo and plenty of shopping with numerous arts and craft vendors.

Dickens is like stepping back in time and is always a treat for the holiday season. For more information and to learn about future events, visit historicfranklin.com.

Jean Hill, Sophie Little & John Hill

Linda Stubblefield & Judy Cool

John Fraser & Sara Starnes

Jamie & Ashton George

Atticus Braud, Jack Perry & Max Haseltine

Jackie & Robert Catalano, Shane & Kimi DeCillo

Stephanie, Jake, Maddie & Brad Kerr

Sean Petty, Jason & Jenise Burris, Elle Petty 16 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

Ben Gregory, Taylor Chew, Annie Adams & Michael Schwalbe

Haniel

Maia, Aima & Micah Nottidge

Casey Stephens & Eric McElroy

Owen Cadaret, Carla & Corry Alan

Jessica Sheridan & Stacey Watson

Hazel, Alicia & Elsie Blake

LIFESTYLE | Beauty Junkie

“For Better or for Worse…”

BY JULIE JORGENSEN

Happy New Year, y’all! Additionally, best wishes to all of the gorgeous girls who got something sparkly for their respective left hand from Santa for Christmas! Being engaged is such a fun, joyous time. That said, once you set the date, the clock is ticking. It seems like a million things await any time a bride consults her to-do list. But I’m here to help with at least a couple of those. Break out the thick bridal magazines and pour a glass of bubbly. Let’s do this.

The notion of wedding hair and makeup can be daunting, to say the least.

So let’s start at the beginning. If you’re the blushing bride, think about the look you want to project on your big day: sweet and demure? All-out glamorous? Bold lips versus smoky, sexy eyes? Once you narrow it down, you can start to research either makeup artists in your area who specialize in that particular look or, alternately, online and local makeup counters (and hair salons) for ideas and tips. My humble-as-ever advice: Don’t try to be someone you aren’t - on all days - but especially on your wedding day. If you’re the least bit uncomfortable in your appearance, the entire world will know it. If you’re by nature a wash-and-go gal, don’t choose your big day to greet the world with dramatic, screen-siren eyes and a full face of contour. Think about who you are as your most naturally beautiful and confident, not something forced or fake. This notion also applies to your hair. Consult your stylist, visit local blow-dry bars, check out pictures on Pinterest, whatever it takes to find a ‘do that’s fitting as opposed to overdone and uncomfortable.

The same can be said for the gals who you love enough to choose as your bridesmaids. The days of cookie-cutter makeup and hair looks are o-v-e-r. Your girlfriends aren’t all exactly the same, so why force them to look the same? Your wedding party loves you and your groom just for who you are, so give them the same love and grace - within reason, mind you. I will never forget the tale of the bridesmaid of a friend of mine who, let’s just say, is a very free spirit. She didn’t feel the need to shave under her arms for the big wedding weekend until the bride casually mentioned something about it. Note: If you’re a bridesmaid, do your part. Get your roots done, hit the spray tan, put your face on, and for heaven’s sake - shave. It’s a fun indulgence to hire hair and makeup artists for your wedding party for the big day. If that’s not an option, play “beauty shop” with each other before everyone dons their wedding garb. A glowing complexion with strategically-placed highlighter (think brow-bones, the bridge of the nose and the top of the cheeks and across collarbones), is always on-trend and photographs beautifully. Emphasize one feature or the other. This is not the time for screaming red lips AND smoky dark eyes. Make sure to keep a travel-sized version of your lip gloss and highlighter in your “party purse” for photo-op touch-ups.

The weeks before your big day will actually provide the biggest payoff, so stay focused. Always wash your face at night, find and stick to a skincare regimen that best suits your needs, break a sweat as often as reasonably possible, drink lots of water and take ample time to rest and rejuvenate. Get a massage, schedule a series of facials leading up to your wedding day, go take a walk, whatever it takes. Once you’ve assembled your glam squad to handle you and your party’s hair and makeup (even if it’s a friend), relax and trust that you’ll be putting your absolute best face forward when it counts. At the end of the day, the blush of happiness and excitement can never be replicated with makeup. So take a deep breath, smile, and take in every glorious step down the aisle knowing that you look and hopefully feel, absolutely gorgeous. Cheers!

Love,

The Beauty Junkie 18 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

SOCIAL | Martinis & Mistletoe

Photography by K. York Martinis & Mistletoe, a benefit for the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee was held at Cheekwood’s Botanic Hall in December. Guests entered the enchanting grounds of Cheekwood amidst the trees lit with over a million twinkling lights, to celebrate this annual fundraiser. Inside the hall, guests enjoyed festive cocktails, delicious food, live music and dancing. For more information about the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee, visit hsmtn.org.

Ricco & Brooke Rosini, Carissa Boone & Trae Patterson

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COMMUNITY | Your Community Partner

GIFTS OF THE TACKLING HEART DISEASE ONE WEDDING GIFT AT A TIME

Heart

BY HOLLIE DEESE

When Tennessee Titans player Justin Staples asked his college sweetheart to get married, her decision to say yes was about as easy as it was for them to ask their guests to make a special, personal donation to an organization dear to both of them.

“In a moment that people typically use for themselves, we saw it as an opportunity to do something for others,” Amber said in a release.

Instead of buying them wedding presents at their June 2016 Chicago wedding, guests were asked to make a contribution to the American Heart Association (AHA).

Justin’s father died in 2010 from heart disease, and Amber’s grandfather died after a stroke in 2015. So in honor of the memory of their lost loved ones, the pair made their unique request.

“This wasn’t a generic donation for us, as it really hit close to home,” said Justin. “Both of our families have been affected by heart disease and stroke, and it really meant a lot to donate to their cause.”

Staples was signed to the Titans practice squad in September 2014 and most recently promoted to the active roster in December 2016.

Prior to playing professional football, Justin received a scholarship to play football at the University of Illinois in 2007 but was a redshirt freshman. Justin’s father, Lenson, had also played college football and advised his second oldest of nine children not to transfer.

“My father was able to invoke my competitive nature by reminding me that I had never quit on anything prior to what I was experiencing, which gave me a renewed motivation for that season,” Justin said.

And Amber still sees the incredible example his father set for Justin.

20 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

“Since we were freshman in college, Justin always spoke very highly of his father and talks about how much he looked up to him,” she said. “There was not a big decision made without Justin consulting with his father about it first. Justin truly leaned on his dad as his mentor and confidant; especially when it came to football.”

The Staples also support the annual American Heart Association’s Greater Nashville Heart Walk to continue the fight against heart disease and stroke, the nation’s #1 and #5 killers. Funds raised at the Nashville Heart Walk contribute to American Heart Association research, education and community health programs.

“The American Heart Association is an organization that works to advance the studies of heart health and promote the preventative measures against heart disease,” Justin said. “No family should have to experience the pain of losing a loved one prematurely.”

For more information on the annual Nashville Heart Walk, visit NashvilleHeartWalk.org. The Nashville Heart Walk is nationally sponsored each fall by Subway Restaurants and locally presented by Vanderbilt Heart.

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

NEW YEAR NEW YOU Start the New Year right at the Franklin Family YMCA. Make your health a priority this year and enjoy everything the Franklin Y has to offer:

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LIFESTYLE | Your Health & Wellness

CARDIAC ARREST VS. HEART ATTACK THEY ARE NOT THE SAME THING! COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, HEART.ORG

February is National Heart Month, so make sure you know the symptoms and the difference between these two heart issues to stay informed.

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. Cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem and is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). With its pumping action disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Seconds later, a person becomes unresponsive, is not breathing or is only gasping. Death occurs within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment. Cardiac arrest can be reversible if it’s treated within a few minutes.

• First, call 9-1-1 and start CPR right away.

• Then, if an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, use it as soon as possible.

section of the heart. If the blocked artery is not reopened quickly, the part of the heart normally nourished by that artery begins to die.

• If two people are available to help, one should begin CPR immediately while the other calls 9-1-1 and finds an AED. Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death. Each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States.

Most heart attacks do not lead to cardiac arrest, but when cardiac arrest occurs, heart attack is a common cause. Other conditions may also disrupt the heart’s rhythm and lead to cardiac arrest. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked and becomes a “circulation” problem. A blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a

Symptoms of a heart attack may be immediate and may include intense discomfort in the chest or other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and/or nausea/vomiting. More often, though, symptoms start slowly and persist for hours, days or weeks before a heart attack. Unlike with cardiac arrest, the heart usually does not stop beating during a heart attack.

The longer the person goes without treatment, the greater the damage. The heart attack symptoms in women can be different than men (shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain).

Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number. Every minute matters! Fast action can save lives.

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LIFESTYLE | Your Best Self

PLANNING A WEDDING?

Don’t Forget to Plan the Marriage!

BY CONNIE HALEY LIFE COACHING

BRYAN WHITE

AN INTIMATE ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE

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“Happily ever after is not a fairy tale. It’s a choice.” ~ Fawn Weaver The ring. The dress. The perfect venue. Creating the ideal wedding takes time and energy. Unfortunately, planning the big day often overshadows planning the actual marriage. For most couples the idea of future conflicts and disagreements isn’t even a consideration. As any non-newly wedded couple knows, however, it will become a reality. It’s inevitable and normal. The key is to have a plan for the challenges. The overall health and happiness of the long-term relationship rides on how couples consistently handle difficult times.

There are numerous books and ideas on this topic, but these three guiding principles are key: YOU’RE A TEAM. Remembering this when your spouse’s behavior is not amusing helps keep your thoughts and behavior in check. It helps prevent “I’m right; you’re wrong” syndrome. Remind yourself that you genuinely care about your partner’s well-being.

Recall the vows and the commitment you made to each other.

Anyone can honor a commitment when things are going well. True commitment is honoring that promise when you really don’t feel like it. This does not mean you can’t make requests of each other, ever get annoyed, or that you put up with truly bad behavior. It just means you temper your reactions to reflect that you are a “we.”

You’re in this marriage together.

COMMUNICATION IS CRUCIAL. This may seem obvious, but very few couples practice good communication skills in the heat of the moment. Actively listening, instead of reacting, goes a long way in conflict resolution. Tone of voice, timing and body language are areas any couple can improve on. The biggest obstacle to effective communication is knowing what you are trying to express. Anger that the garbage wasn’t taken out most likely stems from a feeling of not being appreciated. Ask yourself what is really going on before you confront your spouse. Frame the conversation to reflect why you’re upset to create understanding and resolution.

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CONNECTION HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER. Maintaining emotional connection is vital to a marriage. If there is frequent conflict, work on this first. You may have great communication skills, but if you aren’t emotionally connected, the marriage will unravel. This isn’t difficult, but it takes planning and consistency.

Have regular date nights, talk about your day, have fun together.

Make your marriage and your partner a priority to preserve this fundamental connection.

Marital challenges, like personal ones, are unavoidable but can be used in the same way to strengthen and galvanize the relationship.

Give your marriage as much time and energy as you gave to planning the wedding and make “Happily Ever After” a reality!

MONTHLY | Socially Yours

Be Socially Sweet This Valentine’s Day COURTESY OF EMILYPOST.COM

Just when you navigated the Christmas card pressure, here comes Valentine’s Day. How does one ensure they do not fail at expressing love and endearment even for the kindergarten crew?

Here are Ms. Post’s thoughts on perfect Valentine etiquette: Q: My daughter’s kindergarten class is huge. Does she have to give a valentine to every kid?

A: Yes. Explain to your daughter that it’s important to give valentines to all her classmates so that no one feels left out. If she wishes to send cards or treats to a few select friends instead, she could mail them, deliver them personally, or even have a Valentine’s Day party after school.

Q. I’ve been dating a man exclusively for the last couple of months. We talk a couple of times a day and see each other at least once on the weekend. With Valentines coming, what is an appropriate Valentine gift?

A: Valentine’s Day can strike terror in the heart of the newlydating, for the anxiety is that a gift might be too personal or inappropriate, yet it is impossible to let the day go by without doing something! Remind yourself, this is an opportunity. In this case, great gifts can be a favorite food treat you believe he’d like, or a DVD of a favorite movie. It can be a classic personal

accessory, or a book you think he’d like to read. Any of these would be accompanied by a valentine card that was not too personal, yet still expresses your affection. Next Valentine’s Day with him will be much easier!

Q: My single friend always buys her girlfriends presents on Valentine’s Day, since she jokingly considers us her valentines. Do I have to buy her a gift in return?

A: You don’t have to reciprocate when someone gives you a gift. A gracious thank-you is all that’s required. However, many single people feel left out on Valentine’s Day. If a small gift or card might lift your friend’s spirits, why not make the effort?

“The standards of etiquette that Emily Post established with her seminal book Etiquette in 1922. Though times have changed, the principles of good manners remain constant. Above all, manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others.

Being considerate, respectful, and honest is more important than knowing which fork to use.

Whether it’s a handshake or a fist bump, it’s the underlying sincerity and good intentions of the action that matter most.” - The Emily Post Institute

Socially Yours is Your Magazine’s monthly column with advice, tips and tricks for staying polite, socially acceptable and always mannerly for the busy community socialite, from the expert on all things mannerly.

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SOCIAL | The Pink Gala Sponsored Event

Photography by Anna Robertson Ham The highly anticipated Pink Gala returned for the third year on New Year’s Eve. Guests enjoyed a silent auction, delicious dinner and drinks and kicked up their heels to Burning Las Vegas. This party for a cause was a fantastic way to ring in the new year! The event, which was envisioned by Kelly Spalding, brings awareness and raises funds for the Breast Health Center of Williamson Medical Center. Learn more at thepinkgala.com.

Terri & Steve Harrison

Colleen & Toby Perry

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Bev Frey, Karen Baker & Melody Reeves

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26 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN

Wedding

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Welcome to our first Distinctively Southern Wedding - a special feature as part of our Winter issue.

Weddings are a big deal. Not only for those who are getting married, but family, friends and all those fabulous vendors you will need to pull off and put on that incredible Distinctively Southern Wedding! Our goal is to provide a guide for the middle Tennessee Bride, that will offer tips, trends, go-to resources and of course, plenty of fashion, honeymoon and venue ideas!

The best part of all, although we celebrate this issue in print - Distinctively Southern Wedding will be available year-round, twenty-four hours a day, now on both yourwilliamson.com and yoursumner.com websites.

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If you are planning a wedding, in a wedding, paying for a wedding or have a wedding service business - you will want to stay in the know with all the continually updated information as well as advertising and vendor profiles available here. We are excited to expand our annual bridal coverage to include an exclusive online magazine featuring everything Distinctively Southern Wedding!

But in the meantime, enjoy this beautiful issue. And may your day of a lifetime become a lifetime of happiness and love!

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | The Ring

THE SYMBOL OF LOVE GUIDE TO BUYING THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING COURTESY OF KING JEWELERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANJEANETTE ILLUSTRATION PHOTOGRAPHY

“Diamonds are one of the only wedding expenses with long-term value.”

Every proposal is unique, but the goal is universal.

You want to choose a ring that suits her and one she’ll love. This guide is designed to give you clear, useful information about engagement and wedding rings, diamonds and hints for the proposal itself.

Most men shop one to three months before buying the engagement ring. And usually for them, the budget is key. But remember gentlemen; the engagement ring will be the most significant gift you ever give her. We recommend various reputable sites online to research rings: adiamondisforever.com and gia.edu are good sources for diamond information, while preciousplatinum.com provides platinum specifics and gives an overview of popular ring styles.

As part of the King Jewelers experience you

size, quality, clarity and cut of the gemstone determine the ring’s price and value.

will receive a lesson in diamonds and how to choose and design the perfect ring. Here are a few factors that are extremely important to have some understanding of going in. Knowing what to look for before you set foot in a jewelry store will make it much easier to walk away with a ring she truly wants. Start by knowing the basic components: CENTER STONE: The center stone

typically accounts for an overwhelming majority of the price of the ring. The

SETTING: Usually platinum or gold, the setting holds the stone/ stones and gives the ring its unique design.

THE 4C’S OF DIAMONDS

The gemstone is the centerpiece of the ring, and the first thing people notice. Eightythree percent of all engagement rings have a diamond center stone. The quality, value and cost of a diamond are determined by “the 4Cs.” 1. CUT: The cut of a diamond refers to the angles, shapes and proportions of each diamond. A nicely cut diamond optimizes its natural radiance and brilliance by reflecting and refracting light back through the top of a diamond.

Pictured: Platinum 3-Stone Diamond Ring with 1.5ct Round Center Diamond and 1.93ct of Side Stone Diamonds from King Jewelers

28 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

2. CARAT: The “carat” is a unit of

measurement used to weigh diamonds.

Although a higher carat weight may increase its rarity and value, the cut, color and clarity of the diamond greatly impact the price.

3. COLOR: Diamonds are judged for their color, or lack thereof. In most cases, the whiter the diamond, the more valuable. The color of a diamond is classified and rated using a color scale, the most popular of which is from GIA, which proceeds in alphabetical order from D to Z, with D standing for “colorless” and Z for near-colorless with slight hints of yellow or brown.

4. CLARITY: A diamond’s clarity is rated by the number, size and position of inclusions (or flaws) it has. Inclusions, which give each diamond its uniqueness and are sometimes referred to as “nature’s fingerprints,” are usually not visible to the naked eye unless magnified. The fewer the inclusions, the more valuable the stone.

DIAMOND SHAPES

Diamonds come in six basic shapes, although your jeweler may carry asscher, radiant or cushion shapes. A solitaire setting has a single center stone or diamond. It can be surrounded by other diamonds or precious gemstones, called side stones. Side stones can take the same six basic shapes, as well as Baguettes (rectangular) and Trillions (triangular).

SETTING MATTERS

An engagement ring and wedding bands are subject to constant wear. These rings will be exposed to stress, chemicals, bumps and bangs. Therefore, choosing an enduring metal that holds stones securely and protects your investment is crucial. Platinum, white and yellow gold are the most common.

WHAT SHE WANTS

Armed with the basics of gemstone, setting and finish, it’s time to create a blueprint for exactly which engagement ring will make your fiancée-to-be happiest. Obviously, the easiest way is to ask. But if you are set on surprising her, here are some foolproof ways to get

PLANNING THE PROPOSAL FOR A WOMAN, THE PROPOSAL IS A MOMENT SHE’S DREAMED OF AND IMAGINED. FOR A MAN, IT IS IMPORTANT TO GIVE HER THE PROPOSAL SHE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER. WHETHER YOU PLAN SOMETHING SPECTACULAR OR SOMETHING QUITE INTIMATE, THE FOLLOWING TIPS WILL HELP YOU CRAFT A VERY PERSONAL ENGAGEMENT. • WHAT IS MOST MEMORABLE ABOUT YOUR FIRST DATE? USE YOUR FIRST DATE, YOUR KISS OR THE FIRST TIME YOU SPOKE AS A BASIS OR THEME. • WHAT ARE HER FAVORITE THINGS? THINK OF PLACES, FOODS, COLORS, FLOWERS,

ACTIVITIES, MUSIC, MOVIES SHE LOVES AND INCORPORATE A FEW SPECIAL TOUCHES TO SHOW HOW WELL YOU KNOW HER. • INCLUDE LOVED ONES OR CLOSE FRIENDS.

measurements, preferences for stone and ring styles, and ideas for the overall design.

HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR GIRLFRIEND’S RING SIZE

If you don’t know and don’t want to ask, try these suggestions.

• Trace the inside of one of her rings onto paper.

• Borrow one of her rings.

• Put one of her rings on your finger and mark where it rests with a pen.

• If her family members or friends can be discreet, get one of them to ask her.

A jeweler can calculate ring size from any of these methods.

TALK TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Women notice what other women like.

Female friends and relatives are a good source for suggestions.

WATCH FOR HINTS

Women often give clues about their preferences. Does she: • Admire someone else’s ring while you’re in earshot? (Or alternatively, does she dislike a specific style?).

• Linger in front of jewelry store windows?

• Leave magazines with jewelry pictures lying around?

• Draw your attention to a ring in some off-handed way?

Chances are, she’s subtly communicating what she has in mind.

• KEEP IT SIMPLE, MAKE IT FUN. SOME OF THE BEST PROPOSALS AREN’T ELABORATE. THEY INVOLVE AN INSIDE JOKE, A PAST EXPERIENCE OR A PRIVATE MEMORY THAT IS MEANINGFUL TO THE COUPLE.

CONSIDER HER TASTE

• Is she more traditional or modern?

• Is she more “girly” or outdoorsy?

• What kind of jewelry does she already own?

Putting together a quick style profile and discussing it with a jeweler is a great way to focus on the right choices.

DETERMINE A BUDGET

Most men research online. This allows you to cover a lot of ground, select styles and get a good idea of what your budget will buy.

Generally, men spend about two months of their current salary. Most retailers provide financing. Ask what plans they offer. Or investigate specific loans for wedding and jewelry purchases offered by banks or credit unions. Your jeweler should provide warranty information. Generally, this includes a guarantee that the ring will maintain its shape and is free from any manufacturing defects, as well as a regular cleaning schedule.

Ok, so you have made the purchase and you are guarding that small velvet box like Wells Fargo. Now its time to get down on one knee and pop the question!

At the end of the day all that matters is that two people have committed to one another and joined their lives together. Let the ring be the symbol that completes a love story.

“Our diamonds celebrate your sign of commitment,” King Jewelers.

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING| The Lady Entertains

Why A Wedding Planner Should Be the First Vendor You Book

BY KRISTA EHRET

Wedding planning is a whole new ball game for most engaged couples. There’s a great chance that you’ve never planned a party for 100+ people. Even if you have, you probably weren’t personally attached to the day like you will be for this one. The stakes are high financially, mentally and emotionally. While most checklists will tell you a venue or a photographer are the first vendors you should book, I’m going to explain why a wedding planner should actually be number one.

WE’VE DONE THIS BEFORE. Just as you typically wouldn’t attempt to cut your own hair or fill that pesky cavity by yourself, why not let a professional guide this process for you. There is a misconception that a planner will “take over” the day. Not the case. They are there to make the process less stressful, save you time and basically do the things you’re not interested in doing.

WE KNOW OUR CITY. Middle Tennessee has become a huge destination wedding hot spot. This is great as it means there are tons of options for venues, caterers, florists, etc. However, lots of options

can become overwhelming. Planners have experience with vendors and can easily help weed through the masses and find your best fit. More importantly, they can advise you on the ones to stay away from.

WE SERVE AS COUNSELORS. I’m not joking that the top thing we hear after a meeting with a bride is, “I feel so much better.” Stress comes with the territory. Then you add some meddling family members and it spikes to an all-time high. Sometimes you need a third party to tell you if your ideas will work or to help walk you through a decision.

Mother-in-law insisting on bringing a slide show of her baby boy to play during the mother-son dance? Let us break the news to her it won’t be able to work and save you face.

WE SAVE YOU MONEY. Hiring a wedding planner may seem like a frivolous expense at first sight. We’re not the least expensive vendor you’ll contract, but we may actually make up for it in the long run. The first thing we do is identify your top priorities. Whatever these items may be: food, entertainment, etc., this is how you will start

designating your budget. This keeps you from throwing money at a million things at once and not having a cohesive vision. When the budget gets tight, we start making suggestions of ways to make things work while keeping your priorities and finances intact.

WE ALLOW YOU TO ENJOY YOUR DAY. Out of all of the above points, this is my top one. You get one day to be a bride or groom.

You deserve to relax and take it all in. I have been to way too many weddings where the bridal party and family are running around like crazy. Don’t do this to yourself! We are there to block all elements of stress and take care of any issues that arise. Your job is to sip champagne and make memories.

When searching for a wedding planner, make sure they offer free consultations, and interview a few options. You will work closely with this person for the next several months and want to make sure you enjoy their company. Many planners offer their pricing options online. If they don’t, ask them before the meeting to give you a range so neither one of you waste any time. Happy planning!

Happily Ever After Begins Here...

Ceremonies L Receptions L Rehearsal Dinners L Showers Nestled on the shores of Old Hickory Lake in Gallatin, Tennessee with all the charm the south can offer.

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | Days Gone By

ROCK CASTLE

Sumner’s Historic Sites as Wedding Venues

BY RYAN BAKER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SUMNER COUNTY MUSEUM

So, your significant other has popped the question and you are gearing up to start planning your ‘best day ever.’ One of the most important decisions you and your spouse-to-be will make, other than the dress of course, will be the venue. And yes, gentlemen, your bride-to-be wants, and will value, your input throughout the wedding planning process.

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One of the many wonderful aspects of living in Sumner County is its deep, rich history. Sumner County is home to many historic sites, with several of them also serving as wedding venues.

Cragfont, Historic Rock Castle and Rose Mont are ready to meet all your wedding needs along with Stonewall, property of the Sumner County Museum, coming soon!

Cragfont will always have a special place in my heart as it hosted the ‘BakerBash’ in May 2016. My wife, Kim, and I chose a historic property to serve as our wedding site. Cragfont was built between 1798 and 1802 by General James Winchester, who was a Brigadier General in the War of 1812. The home was built overlooking Bledsoe Creek in Castalian Springs. Cragfont is known for its beautiful gardens and gazebo where many ceremonies have taken place. Brides have been known to arrive to the ceremony on a horse-drawn carriage. There is a permanent concrete floor that was installed just for a tent and reception area, but if you ask grounds-keeper Lowell he will tell you, “It just doesn’t rain on a bride at Cragfont.”

Next stop is down Indian Lake Boulevard in Hendersonville. There you will find Historic Rock Castle, former home of Virginian surveyor, Daniel Smith. Construction began in 1784 and is one of the few waterfront venues in Middle Tennessee. The home and

STONEWALL

property is perfect for weddings as it sits on eighteen acres right by Old Hickory Lake.

The sunsets are breathtaking. The Visitors Center has rooms for both bridal parties to get ready in. The ceremony can take place at several beautiful locations on the property including the front steps, down by the lake, or even in the woods. You can finish off your day with your reception on site at the Artisan Pavilion, complete with caterer’s kitchen, fireplace, ceiling fans and restrooms.

The next site is just a mile from downtown Gallatin’s historic square. Rose Mont was built in the 1830s by Josephus Conn Guild.

The name Rose Mont stems from the once exquisite rose garden that was located on the north side of the home. The home is a blend of Greek Revival and Palladian design.

ROSE MONT

The private bridal suite overlooks a smaller replication of the original rose garden and the judge’s office is available for the groom and his men. The reception hall and ballroom can accommodate up to 175 guests and includes a kitchen and covered porch.

Historic Rose Mont is another perfect venue for your special day.

The final historic wedding venue is also located in Gallatin. Stonewall is the former home of John B. Garrott and was built in 1831 by Dr. Levi D. Ring, the headmaster of Transmontania Academy. Ring also built the Carriage House, which stands next to Stonewall, in 1939. Garrott, known for his dedication to historic preservation, founded the Sumner County Museum in the early 1970s. In 2015, he raised the funds

CRAGFONT

to purchase the Carriage House to serve as the future home of the museum, along with donating his home to the museum as well. Stonewall has the potential to host a variety of events. Its façade includes four gorgeous white pillars, a front porch, and a veranda whose look is perfect for a wedding ceremony. Behind the home, you will find a garden area fit for a reception.

These historic sites are all unique and each has something that distinguishes it from the others. They are very affordable, great for weddings, located near hotels for friends and family coming to town. So, before you go out looking elsewhere, check out these great venues and plan your ‘best day ever,’ right here, in Sumner County.

Reader’s Choice Best wedding venue 2016

Landscaped grounds on Old Hickory Lake Private Woodlands Founded 1784

Our Miiion: Making bride's dreams become reality Weddings ~ Rehearsals ~ Receptions Artisan Pavilion

www.historicrockcastle.com • (615) 824-0502 • Call for an appointment to reserve your place in history.

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | The Design

Add Style to the Aisle RENOWNED EVENT DESIGNER TARA GUÉRARD SHARES HER EXPERTISE ON CULTIVATED STYLE Recognized as one of the nation’s leading tastemakers, Tara Guérard of Tara Guérard Soirée has earned a widespread reputation for her ability to create spectacular settings to celebrate life’s most anticipated occasions. Whether it’s a prominent CEO in New York or Southern Belle below the Mason-Dixon Line, brides have turned to Guérard for her understated elegance and impeccably executed events for more than fifteen years.

Now she’s coming to Nashville to share her expertise with local bridesto-be at the Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville. This February, Guérard will join a slate of other well-known designers including interior designer and author Nate Berkus, the show’s keynote speaker this year, at the Music City Center, February 3-5, to present her take on the show’s theme, “Cultivated Style.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: SQUIRE FOX

Guérard will take the stage on Saturday, February 4 with her tips on entertaining and event styling using a blend of antique elements, flowers, rich fabrics, the beauty of natural surroundings and a little oldfashioned set-design magic.

“To me, Cultivated Style means integrating special personal touches throughout an event space that show a couple’s personality and life together,” Guérard said. “That’s the key to any successful event – incorporating a personal story into traditional design elements to create an environment that is uniquely you.”

Guérard started her career designing parties for friends with no real intention of sticking to weddings. But after taking on a few brides she fell in love with every aspect of wedding design, from the logistical planning to working with the couple to share their love story through the event’s scenery.

“Every year, we have brides from all over the country come to the show to draw inspiration from our antiques and horticultural vendors, gardens and design lectures,” Graham said. “So this year we wanted to cater to those attendees and have an expert in the event and wedding design industry speak, and Tara is just that. Her events are nationally recognized for being perfectly executed and chicly designed.”

Following her Event Planning & Design lecture at the show, Guérard will sign copies of her books for guests. Her debut book, Southern Weddings: New Looks from the Old South, was published to rave reviews in 2007, and her second volume, Weddings by Tara Guérard, premiered in early 2010, further establishing her as an authority on gracious entertaining.

Guérard has been featured in Southern Living, Town & Country Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings as well as on The Martha Stewart Show, The Nate Berkus Show and the Style Network, among other media outlets. Additionally, Guérard is a regular on the blog and speaking circuits, dispensing tips and advice on an array of design related topics.

Guérard takes special care to coordinate all of her clients’ wedding elements in-house and with every detail in mind, even designing some of Hollywood’s chicest nuptials.

With a core business in event design, Guérard has also expanded her brand to include furniture design for Frank and Lane, as well as custom invitation suites and printed pieces through Lettered Olive.

Interior design services are a recent addition to Guérard’s empire, a natural extension of Tara Guérard Soirée as both are principally about creating a special environment that reflects the client’s lifestyle.

Chairs for the 2017 Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville, Mary Smith and Linda Graham, said they asked Guérard to speak at the show this year because of her ability to seamlessly integrate vintage, personal items into event design.

To see more of Guérard’s work, visit taraguerardsoiree.com.

General tickets to the Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville and the Event Planning & Design Lecture can be purchased at antiquesandgardenshow.com.

34 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

Distinctive Weddings

TM

Photo: Abby Weeden Photography Dress: Fabulous Frocks Nashville Flowers: Belles Fleurs Model: Olivia McCoy Hair: Mobile Beauty By Jessie Makeup: Primp This - Jessica Vaughn

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | The Budget

Wedding Budget Blasters AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

BY KRISTA EHRET

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After the glow of becoming engaged starts to wear off, there is a universal shift to a slight amount of stress in the form of, “a wedding costs HOW much?!?” It can be quite a shock to someone who has never planned a wedding, or hasn’t planned one since 1984. The average cost of a wedding in Middle Tennessee is around $25,000.

While this seems like an exorbitant amount of money for one day, it actually can go quicker than you think. This is why it pays to be savvy with your decision making.

Here are some details that can easily blow your budget and how to get around them.

Guest Count

Your guest list is the number one thing to consider when looking at your budget.

This affects the obvious things such as invitations, food and alcohol. But this also will determine how many chairs you have to rent, how many centerpieces you need, and how large your cake will have to be. A great rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t invite them over to your home for dinner, don’t invite them to your special day.

Flowers

You’ve seen pictures of that harmless barrel with flowers cascading down it, or that garland centerpiece stuffed with peonies.

Pinterest is a blessing and a curse and way too often brides are disappointed to learn that their must-have hanging chandeliers will cost more than their dress.

Flowers are gorgeous, but expensive.

Mostly because of the manpower that goes into creating them. Let me follow that by saying I will never suggest that you DIY your own flowers. It’s more stress than it’s worth. However, there are ways such as bringing in candles, using the bridesmaids’ bouquets for centerpieces, and minimizing the ceremony décor that will help.

Food and Alcohol

Being the newly evolved foodie town that Nashville is means that catering has soared way past the expectation of a banquet dinner. Couples are wanting unique menus with local flavors and beautiful presentations. Not only that, but open bars that serve top shelf concoctions. If you can swing it, go for it. If not, it’s ok! My husband made a great point by reminding me that a wedding meal is probably not the best meal our guests will ever have. Simply because it’s being served in large quantities.

Light bulb! Make sure the menu is food that you enjoy and don’t get too wrapped up in the flashiness of it all.

In lieu of an open bar, consider serving beer and wine with a signature drink or champagne.

Photography

Wedding pictures have evolved into a whole new animal over the last decade.

Gone are the days of the stuffy family church pictures and a few newlywed shots.

Today’s bride wants a magazine-worthy editorial with artistic and flawless images.

The great news is that most photographers are aware of this and will deliver.

The biggest tip no matter what amount your doling out is to make sure you know what you’re getting: rights to the photos, number of hours of shooting, an engagement session, etc. Skip things like the album as they are pricey and you can have one made later on.

Remember that no one knows what you almost did, they only see what actually is done. Don’t beat yourself up if every detail isn’t exactly as desired. Guests will remember the mood and if they had a good time. They will not remember the centerpieces or china.

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | The Details

5

Ways to Personalize Your Wedding

AMANDA MAY PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ALYSSA DICICCO OF NASHVILLE BRIDE GUIDE

227 Franklin Rd. | Franklin, TN 37064

How do you make your wedding stand out? By adding personalized elements! Think about what elements would represent the two of you and don’t leave them out of your wedding.

Here are some questions to think about: Where did you meet?

What is your favorite food?

What are your hobbies or things you like to do together?

Do you like to party or are you bookworms?

What is your general vibe as a couple?

These initial questions will help you pick out some personalized items to make the day truly yours! Here are my picks for five ways to personalize your wedding day:

1

FAMILY HEIRLOOMS Did your great grandmother keep her wedding veil? Does your mom own a sought-after pearl necklace? If family is really important to you, then it’s really important to utilize family heirlooms that will make your wedding one-of-akind! Have fun perusing through your mother’s jewelry box to get the most out of melding your taste with those priceless treasures.

Also, honoring loved ones who have passed away by framing a photo of them on your gift table or even tying a photo locket to your bouquet can make sweet sentiments on your big day.

WEDDING FAVORS Do you have out-of-town guests traveling to your wedding? Introduce them to Nashville’s culture through your wedding favors! From Goo Goo Clusters to personalized cowboy boot koozies, brides have made their guests feel at home (away from home) at their Music City wedding.

REBECCA DENTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Always in Bloom 615.591.7990 www.alwaysinbloominc.com

Hooray - you’re engaged! It’s seriously one of the best times in your life, so don’t let it be stressful. I know, from booking your venue, to creating your guest list, to picking out the perfect dress - the to-do list seems endless. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in checking off the boxes, but the most important part is to not lose who you are as a couple in your wedding.

After all, this is the one day you get to do YOU and make your wedding stand out in the best way possible.

2

3

CREATIVE GUEST TABLES If you’re numbering your guest tables, this is the perfect way to get a little creative! What are your favorite places you like to go? Name each table after one of those places Puckett’s, Sevier Park, the possibilities are endless!

A local calligrapher can also create custom signage for your wedding - from thank you letters to menu cards, there are so many ways to get creative at your guest tables.

FAVORITE FOOD Did you grow up eating a certain type of ice cream in the summer? Were you born in a coastal city where fresh seafood is a huge hit? Then you’ll want to be sure these food items are added to your menu. Late night snacks like Chicago-style hot dogs or specialty ice cream are perfect for guests to get an unexpected treat before they leave!

4

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS Are you an expert in cross-stitch? Sew something fun for your guests to enjoy or stitch a hidden message under your dress to add some personality to your day. Bonus points if you bedazzle or craft something cute and fun on your wedding shoes!

If you’re artsy, add some pizzazz to your reception with a unique photo booth backdrop or art installation to add a focal point your guests will not forget.

JUSTIN WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

5

SHEA PHOTOGRAPHY

Beautiful times ahead

All in all, your day is about you. It’s your one chance to show your personality through the biggest party you’ll ever throw. Your guests will truly appreciate the charming, small details of your day that will give them something to talk about for years to come.

Alyssa DiCicco Owner | Blogger NashvilleBrideGuide.com 815.861.7431 alyssa@nashvillebrideguide.com

347 MAIN STREET | FRANKLIN, TN | 615.595.2323 WWW.THEREGISTRYFRANKLIN.COM

FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL WALLEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN & ALAINA PHOTOGRAPHY

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | Eat, Drink & Be Merry

The Process of Planning Your Wedding Menu

BY JIM AND CHERYL HAGY, OWNERS OF CHEF’S MARKET

Every wedding is unique, and the task of catering to different palates, wedding sizes and guests’ dietary restrictions can seem daunting. Gone are the days of pre-packaged menus and three-option choices. Couples today want a unique and tailored menu that speaks to their personality and taste. You don’t have to purchase an album just to get your new favorite song, so why should you have to get the cupcake tower that’s pre-packaged with your favorite slider station? Yeah, it doesn’t make sense to us either. That’s why our top priority for our wedding couples is to get to know the bride and groom, ask the right questions, and customize a perfect menu to fit their venue, budget and culinary expectations.

This month, we are sharing an inside look to that process with details from a wedding we recently catered at The Parthenon for Jena Locke and Josh Thomas. We’ve known the Locke family since our grown-daughter Mary was in Jena’s mom’s second grade class, so needless to say, we had a bit of insider 42 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

information on their style and taste. Nonetheless, we started the process with this happy couple the way we would with anyone – a sit down conversation about the look-and-feel of the wedding and the ideas the couple had about the food that would be served.

When talking with Josh and Jena, we learned a few specifics about the couple that we worked into our menu. We discovered the couple’s favorite date spot is at Lockeland Table where they always start with the empanada of the day and that the groom was a Memphis native, home of all the best barbecue. They had selected The Parthenon as their venue, which we felt set the stage for a lavish display of fruits, cheeses and charcuterie that would do the Greek goddess Athena proud. The fall season of the wedding also played a role in determining side dishes, such as our autumn roasted vegetables and our signature superfood salad. With this insight in our pockets, we went to work to develop a custom menu for the couple’s first meal as Mr. and Mrs. Thomas.

Once the menu was determined, we invited the couple back to Chef ’s Market for a formal tasting of the final selections. Chef Bill was on hand to take note of any tweaks or requests, as well as the event captain assigned to the wedding to ensure each detail discussed would be accounted for on wedding day.

barbecue sliders on Silver Dollar rolls; herb-encrusted beef tenderloin with horseradish crème fraiche and béarnaise; and autumn-roasted vegetables. In addition to the traditional wedding cake, our team passed white chocolate banana pudding shots – a nod to the groom’s favorite dessert.

On wedding day, our team transformed The Parthenon’s Treasury Room into a double-sided X-shaped buffet, featuring a grand display of hearty hors d ‘oeuvres to keep guests fueled for the dance floor.

Our in-house event stylist Ricky Carroll styled the details, at one point joking that he had developed the Greek mythological Midas touch for the grand affair, as everything he touched seemed to turn to gold – the wedding color the couple selected inspired by The Parthenon’s forty-two-foot gold Athena statue.

If your invitation to this wedding was lost in the mail, we’ll share a few of our favorite recipes from the menu. Or better yet, come visit us at our restaurant in Goodlettsville and let us create a tasting catered for you. For additional recipes from this wedding, visit yoursumner. com and yourwilliamson.com.

Thankfully, his touch didn’t turn the food to gold, as guests enjoyed a menu that included a charcuterie display; fresh shrimp cooked with champagne and herbs presented with cocktail sauce and horseradish; smoky chicken empanadas with a chimichurri sauce; our super food salad with baby spinach, feta, five grain, blueberries and an agave herb vinaigrette; mini stuffed potatoes; Memphis-style pulled pork

Chef ’s Market Catering & Restaurant is a full service catering company that continues to be celebrated as a leader in culinary skill and presentation, voted as Best Caterer in Nashville for the past five consecutive years. Chef ’s Market offers catering and take-away options for both large and small events, from formal corporate galas to casual in-office get-togethers and outdoor affairs. Its Goodlettsville, Tennessee restaurant serves customer favorites for lunch and dinner Monday – Saturday. Visit chefsmarket.com for more information and menu selections.

Chef ’s Market’s Champagne Shrimp Serves 8 Ingredients 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter 1 shallot, peeled and finely minced 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper 1 sprig fresh dill 2 cups champagne or sparkling wine 24 shrimp (16/20 count) Drizzle of olive oil Instructions In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and minced shallot and garlic and cook until translucent.

Add the cracked pepper and sprig of dill to the pan and cook for one minute.

Add champagne to the pan and bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer.

Add the shrimp and poach for four minutes until the shrimp turn pink and begin to curl. Be sure to keep the heat at a low simmer.

When the liquid and shrimp are cold store in the refrigerator overnight.

Transfer the contents of the pan (shrimp and liquid) to a medium-size bowl and place the bowl in a larger mixing bowl of ice. Stir the liquid and shrimp with a spatula to chill as quickly as possible.

Before serving drizzle the shrimp lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch black pepper. Garnish with dill. Serve with your favorite cocktail sauce.

WINTER 2017 | YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 43

Chef ’s Market’s Super Food Salad Serves 4 SUPER FOOD SALAD Ingredients 8 cups baby spinach 1 cup fresh blueberries Winter Five Grain Salad, recipe follows 2 avocados, diced 8 ounces agave herb vinaigrette, recipe follows In four separate serving bowls, place 2 cups of baby spinach, top each with a 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries and a half diced avocado. Scoop half of the Winter Grain Salad on each bowl, then drizzle each with 2 ounces of agave herb vinaigrette.

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WINTER FIVE GRAIN SALAD Ingredients 1 cup cooked quinoa 1 cup cooked brown rice 1 cup cooked wild rice 1 cup cooked bulgur wheat 1 cup cooked couscous 2 cups chopped celery 2 cups chopped tomato 3 cups chopped parsley 2 cups dried currants 2 cups toasted chopped pecans 1/4 cup tamari 1/4 cup olive oil

AGAVE HERB VINAIGRETTE Ingredients 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup agave nectar 3/4 cup canola oil 1 Tablespoon diced shallot 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1 dash Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped parsley

1/4 cup canola oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/8 teaspoon cayenne 1 Tablespoon brown sugar In a large bowl, toss together the first ten ingredients. In a small bowl whisk together the remaining liquid ingredients and spices. Mix together the grains and dressing. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

1/2 teaspoon finely chopped sage 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped tarragon 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped thyme Mix everything but the oil in a small mixing bowl. Slowly add the canola oil and mix briskly.

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | Happily Ever After

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ANDREA DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY AND K. YORK

Anna S tuart Robertson Christopher Michael Ham

&

Franklin is where they met, where they fell in love and where they married. Anna and Chris’s wedding ceremony took place at the Historic Courthouse on the Square in downtown Franklin at five o’clock in the evening of October 1, 2016 – kicking off Anna’s favorite season of fall. Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson officiated their wedding, as he had also done for Anna’s mother and stepfather when they were wed, and around one hundred of their close friends and family attended. The beautiful and historic building offered the perfect setting to say their vows to one another. After the ceremony, they posed for photos with the family and wedding party, which seemed to be quite the show for those dining on the Mellow Mushroom patio! They then proceeded to the home of Marty Ligon for some fun and festive photos with the wedding taking place in her own front yard – the skeleton wedding, that is! The reception followed 46 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

OCTOBER 1, 2016 at the historic home of Anna’s sister and brother-in-law, Shelly and Johnny Birdsong, on West Main Street in downtown Franklin. The back yard was transformed into a celebratory venue with rustic whiskey barrels, draped white lights and farm tables adorned with colored mason jars, magnolia and vibrant flower arrangements

by Always In Bloom, bringing in the colors of the season. Wedding guests dined on a delicious barbecue dinner catered by Famous Dave’s, giving a nod to Chris’s hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. Anna and Chris’s family and friends love to dance, and that is exactly what they did for most of the evening to The Electric Time Machine. They honeymooned in Montego Bay, Jamaica, which they were worried was going to be a bust due to Hurricane Matthew – but the Caribbean waters were just as blue as they expected them to be and they had a wonderful time. Anna and Chris are so delighted to have had such a wonderful celebration on their special day in the city they love with the ones they love.

LIFESTYLE | A Little Something Extra

THE MARRIAGE LICENSE LADY OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY

BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM

Marriage license. Those two words are part of a very exciting moment for engaged couples. It is that moment where you receive a piece of paper that makes everything seem so official… feel more real… and make you realize that it’s really happening.

was elected as the County Clerk in 1998. It is her signature at the bottom of that important piece of paper that makes it official. Elaine says she has issued tens of thousands of marriage licenses since she began working in the county clerk’s office. She loves helping engaged couples get that next step checked off the list of reaching their goal of marriage. She also loves serving the community and enjoys working with her fellow employees, who serve our county.

All engaged couples must get their marriage license within thirty days of their wedding ceremony. Thirty days out, the couple is usually full of joy, enthusiasm, and maybe even a little bit of stress leading up to their big day. Those working with the county clerk’s office can help make things a little easier because, let’s face it, they have seen it all. There is one lady in our community who has definitely seen it all, as she has been in the business for almost fifty years.

Elaine Anderson, who has lived in Williamson County her entire life, has been working with the Williamson County Clerk’s office since July 1, 1967, and

From Elaine’s seat, she sees couples come in and get their marriage license and greets them with a warm smile and words of humorous wisdom. I know this personally, as my husband and I saw her in September when we walked in as an engaged couple to get our marriage license. Her humor and love for her job is evident as she sits behind the counter helping gather the information. She is one of the memories that stands out in my mind from our wedding planning. My husband and I walked out of the Williamson County Clerk’s office thinking that she really must love what she does to be there for almost five decades serving our community’s citizens.

Luckily for Williamson County, Elaine has no plans of retiring from the workplace and job that she loves.

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING| Happily Ever After

Bonnie Kearns Jordan McNichols

&

OCTOBER 29, 2016

Bonnie Kearns and Jordan McNichols were introduced in 2013

by Bonnie’s sister and Maid of Honor Taylor, who worked with Jordan. He was looking for a condo downtown and Bonnie is a real estate agent. What started as a business relationship soon blossomed into more.

After meeting with Bonnie’s parents to ask for her hand, he planned the perfect surprise engagement. Bonnie disclosed her childhood desire to be married at the First Methodist Church Historic Sanctuary in downtown Franklin where her family had been a member for twenty years. A carefully planned mid-week trip to Franklin in December 2015 with accomplices who made sure the doors were unlocked and a photographer was in the loft.

The couple walked in all alone, down to the altar where he knelt on one knee and surprised her.

The reception began with a cocktail party in the Garden at the Historic Carnton Plantation. Record warmth and a cloudless sky made for a perfect fall evening. The 200 guests were then ushered in the tent to the couple’s first dance, “Take the World” by Johnnyswim. A southern dinner served by Bacon & Caviar Caterers was followed by dessert with a beautiful wedding cake from Dessert Designs. Friends and family danced into the night with Every Day People Band. The wedding planner, Donna Daniel made the night one to remember. Photographer Richard Sparkman captured the entire day beautifully. The couple left their reception in a chauffeured Vintage Rolls Royce Silver Cloud.

After a week in at a resort in the Dominican Republic, they returned to Nashville to complete the full renovation project on a home they purchased together in Wedgewood-Houston. Jordan, a University of Kentucky graduate, returned to work as Senior Account Executive for HCTec Partners. Bonnie, a University of Tennessee graduate, is an Agent for PARKS in the Gulch.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD SPARKMAN

Bonnie and Jordan were married in that same sanctuary on October 29, 2016, with Rev. Thomas Tyndall officiating. The ceremony music was a combination of piano and violin.

The bride wore a gown made by Martina Liana from White Dresses in Germantown. Her bouquet and those of her nine bridesmaids were made of three kinds of roses, peonies and calla lilies.

48 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

S helby Lee S hacklett

&Grayson Waldron Adkins OCTOBER 22, 2016

On a perfect fall day last October, Shelby Lee Shacklett and Grayson Waldron Adkins were married at an outdoor ceremony at The Grove at Williamson Place in Murfreesboro. The couple wanted a wedding as unique as their love story. Originally from Nashville, Shelby and Grayson met in July 2013 in Hong Kong, while Shelby worked as marketing intern and Grayson vacationed with friends. Shortly after their first date, Grayson moved from Phoenix to San Diego to attend grad school, and Shelby soon followed and started her marketing career there. They became an ‘official’ couple on November 9, 2013, and Grayson proposed to Shelby on that same day in November 2015.

Shelby had always dreamed of a fall southern wedding, and the couple agreed that the wedding would be at home in Middle Tennessee. They quickly set the date and secured their venue.

While home for Christmas, Shelby found her wedding dress and veil at Olia Zavozina’s Nashville

boutique, selected bridesmaids’ dresses, a wedding planner and florist. Shelby wanted her southern wedding to be very personal and to include elegance and sparkle. With that in mind, Lisa began collecting mismatched vintage china, glasses, and flatware from estate sales and antique stores for the

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDEN INGLE PHOTO

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING| Happily Ever After

Venue - The Grove at Williamson Place | Photography - Eden Ingle Photo | Caterer - The Blue Porch | Cake – Alana Taylor Donuts – Fox’s Donut Den | Vintage Tableware - The Wedding Plate | Wedding Planner and Florals - Julie Fletcher Bride’s Dress and Veil – Olia Zavozina | Makeup – Annalise Carey | Hair – Jo Smith | Band – Matt Mackey and the Loveseats Ceremony Musicians - Crystal Plohman, Leah Gray and Rich Moore | Photo Booth Fan Faces - Shindigz Limousine – Matchless Transportation wedding. The collection continued to grow, and Lisa and Shelby created The Wedding Plate, a rental boutique featuring mix-n-match china, goblets and flatware for weddings and other memorable events.

The wedding day started with the wedding party getting ready in the house located on The Grove’s property. While makeup artist, Annalise Carey, and hairstylist and maid-of-honor, Jo Smith, attended to Shelby, wedding planner Julie Fletcher kept the whole day running smoothly and also provided the flowers. The ceremony included live music by fiddlers Crystal Plohman, Shelby’s fiddle teacher, and friend Leah Gray, and guitarist Rich Moore. The wedding party included six bridesmaids and groomsmen and the bride’s cousins as flower girl and ring bearers.

The bride’s youth minister, Rob Touchstone, officiated the wedding and the couple recited their own vows.

Following the outdoor ceremony in the grove of trees, guests walked to the loafing barn for hot cider, games, and photos at the photo booth while photographer Eden Ingle captured sunset pictures with the bride and groom. Breakfast was served for dinner in the main barn on tables set with mismatched china, lanterns, burlap table runners and greenery. The wedding cake was cut and served along with donuts from Fox’s Donut Den, and toasts were given by the fathers, best man, and maids-of honor.

The band, Matt Mackey and the Loveseats, entertained the crowd, but guests especially enjoyed when the bride picked up her fiddle, joined the band and played a few tunes. The guests were encouraged to take home a pint jar of homemade peach, strawberry or pear jelly, made

by Shelby’s grandmother, as their gift.

The night ended with a sparkler send-off as the couple climbed into Waylon Jennings’ 1962 Cadillac limousine and headed off to the Opryland Hotel. The couple honeymooned for two weeks in Dubai and Maldives before returning to their home in San Diego.

WINTER 2017 | YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 51

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | The Terminology

Wedding Terminology

Give a unique Baya Design creation as a bridesmaid gift or find a pretty piece to wear on your special day!

A wedding glossary can come in handy as a precautionary measure, if something goes wrong on the big day; then blame will surely be placed somewhere, and if you find yourself not knowing what’s what, then that somewhere might just be you! Make sure you are up to speed with all the wedding terms you should and need to know!

BLACK TIE: a semi-formal dress code;

men wear tuxedoes, while women wear cocktail dresses or gowns.

BLACKOUT DATES: dates unavailable for events, either due to holidays or a venue’s lack of availability.

BLOCK OF ROOMS: a group of rooms reserved at a hotel for guests, often at a discounted rate. The block is usually held in the couple’s name, with guests paying for the reservations themselves.

BLUSHER: a

short, single layered veil that covers the bride’s face before the ceremony.

BUSTLE: a type of framework used to expand the fullness of the back of a woman’s dress.

Many modern gowns contain hidden strings and buttons made for tying up the bustle after the ceremony so the bride can dance more freely at the reception.

EMBELLISHMENTS: these are extra

adornments either sewn or glued onto a bridal gown. The additions may include; embroidery, lace, glass or crystal beads, ribbons, bows, sequins, fringes and pearls.

EMBOSSING: process of creating a

three-dimensional image or design, such as a monogram, on wedding invitations, programs, menus and thank-you notes.

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EURO TIE: a long tie with a square bottom that is a cross between a regular necktie and the more formal ascot.

GROOM’S CAKE: a smaller, second

cake that may or may not be included in the wedding ceremony.

If it is, then it is often served at the rehearsal dinner.

JUNIOR BRIDESMAID: a female

who is too old to be a flower girl and too young to be a traditional bridesmaid.

Often participates in the bridal shower, ceremony rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and the ceremony processional but not the bachelorette party.

NOSEGAY: a small bouquet or flower

arrangement usually given as a gift to the mothers of the bride and groom before the wedding ceremony.

PLACE SETTING: the table service for a single diner: a napkin, salad fork, dinner fork, dessert fork, service plate, soup bowl, bread and butter plate, butter spreader, dinner knife, soup spoon, water goblet, red wine glass and white wine glass.

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL: a specialty

cocktail chosen by the bride and groom or caterer to be served at the reception.

It can either be a traditional drink that has personal sentiment to the couple or a new drink created for the couple.

TABLESCAPE: another word for table

arrangement or centerpiece. It is most often used when each table has multiple components.

TULLE: a fine mesh, netted fabric used

for bridal veils, tutus, or gowns.

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | The Gifts

GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR

WEDDING PARTY

Ladies: • Pearls or stud earrings • Monogrammed robes • Dainty bracelets • Engraved pendants

Presenting gifts to your wedding party is a long time tradition, not just in the south! For many, it is a personal and intimate way of saying “thank you” to those special friends and family members for being a part of your big day. Whether personalized or funny, this gift should be tailored to your special wedding party. Here are some of our favorite wedding day gift ideas.

• Tote bags or make-up bags • Personalized wedding hangers Men: • Cigars • Personalized cufflinks • Engraved pocket knives • Groomsmen “survival kit” with the perfect mix of goodies for your guys • Personalized flasks or beer glasses

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | Fashionable You

J ’adore TRINITY KELM & SHAE WATSON Trinity is wearing an Ella Rosa fit and flare full lace gown with illusion back and cathedral train available at Fabulous Frocks Bridal.

Shae is wearing a black slim-fit Ike Behar tuxedo jacket with coordinating slim-fit pants, a classic black satin cummerbund and a black satin bow tie available at Street Tuxedo.

L’ amour STYLED BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM

Bridal fashion has had its transitions over the years, but in 2017 we are seeing a trend – elegant and regal. Gowns are flowing with statement fabrics and designs that make an impression. The trumpet look is strong, the sheath is more daring, and the ball gown is a classic. However, the ball gowns have also transitioned into their own show stopping statement pieces. Tuxedos are another way to make a statement at the wedding – with color branching out into rich cobalt navy, shades of gray, the formal off-white dinner jacket – while also keeping the classic black. Wedding flowers are ranging from stunning whites and pale hues to dramatic and bold colors, setting the tone for your special day. Here are some of this year’s most stunning looks for the Distinctively Southern Wedding, all modeled by soon-to-be wed, Sumner County and Williamson County couples.

Historic Elegance

56 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

TRINITY KELM Trinity is wearing the White by Vera Wang Organza Rosette Wedding Dress with 100 yards of tulle, combined with cascading horsehair trim, two rosettes designed into the skirt and crystal-encrusted bodice available exclusively at David’s Bridal.

TRINITY KELM & SHAE WATSON Trinity is wearing an Ella Rosa fit and flare full lace gown with illusion back and cathedral train available at Fabulous Frocks Bridal.

Shae is wearing a black slim-fit Ike Behar tuxedo jacket with coordinating slim-fit pants, a classic black satin cummerbund and a black satin bow tie available at Street Tuxedo.

Location: Historic Rock Castle in Hendersonville, Tennessee Photography: Anjeanette Illustration Photography Gowns: David’s Bridal and Fabulous Frocks Bridal Tuxedos: Street Tuxedo Hair & Makeup: Andrea Hale, Robyn Schorsten and Rhonda Clelland-Payne of Blownaway Salon Suites & Beauty Bar Bridal Flowers & Boutonnières: OSHi Floral Design

WINTER 2017 | YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 57

City Elegance

TRINITY KELM Trinity is wearing the Bacall gown by Anne Barge with embroidered bodice, bateau illusion neckline and tulle skirt with a sweep train available at Fabulous Frocks Bridal.

The look is completed with Kwiat Diamond Chandelier Earrings - 18k white gold with 3.53ct of diamonds and an A.Link Diamond Mesh Bracelet - 18k white gold with 27.70ct of diamonds available at King Jewelers.

SHAE WATSON Shae is wearing an Ivory Dinner Jacket with black slim-fit pants, a classic black satin cummerbund and a coordinating black satin bow tie available at Street Tuxedo.

Adding to the look is an IWC Portofino Men’s Watch - 40mm stainless steel automatic watch with date function paired with black leather alligator strap and a pair of King Jewelers Diamond Cuff Links - 18k white gold with 2.81ct of diamonds available at King Jewelers.

TRINITY KELM Trinity is wearing the Calista gown by Theia with French Chantilly Lace over nude lining with cascading Spanish tulle skirt available at Fabulous Frocks Bridal.

Her wrist is adorned with a Mikimoto Multi-Strand Pearl & Diamond Bracelet - 18k white gold with 8.5x8mm Akoya pearls and diamonds on clasp and King Jewelers Engagement Ring - Platinum 3-Stone Diamond Ring with 1.5ct round center diamond and 1.93ct of side stone diamonds. Available at King Jewelers.

TRINITY KELM & SHAE WATSON July 4th is one of Trinity’s favorite holidays. She loves the memories she has from her childhood with sparklers in her hands. With that in mind, Shae took Trinity to a fireworks stand on the afternoon of July 4, 2016, and of course they bought at least five boxes of sparklers.

“When I use them all up, I always wish I bought more!”

Trinity says. At the end of the night, Shae handed her a sparkler box and told Trinity, “There’s one more thing in this box that’s sparkles.” She tipped open the box and out came a diamond ring! “I was screaming yes before he could even finish his proposal! What’s crazy is that two days before, I caught the bouquet at my best friend’s wedding,” she says. Trinity and Shae will be married on June 25 in Gallatin, Tennessee.

Trinity is wearing a Sapphire & Diamond Ring - 18k white gold with 2.28ct of blue sapphires and 0.56ct of diamonds, Sapphire & Diamond Earrings - platinum set with 3.48ct blue sapphires and 2.05ct of diamonds, and a Diamond Cuff Bracelet - 18k white gold with 3ct of pave diamonds available at King Jewelers.

Location: City Winery in Nashville, Tennessee Photography: Anjeanette Illustration Photography Gowns: David’s Bridal and Fabulous Frocks Bridal Tuxedos: Street Tuxedo Jewelry: King Jewelers Hair & Makeup: Andrea Hale, Robyn Schorsten and Rhonda Clelland-Payne with Blownaway Salon Suites & Beauty Bar Bridal Flowers & Boutonnières: OSHi Floral Design

Winter Elegance

60 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

DESTINY LEE & HARRISON CHEATHAM Harrison and Destiny met at the University of Memphis. Without ever having spoken to her, Harrison knew they would get married someday. He would contact her occasionally, asking questions about class (even though he already knew the answers). Destiny was convinced he only wanted the test answers because he was “way too handsome to actually be smart.”

After a year of Facebook exchanges and her friends’ endless pleas to give him a chance, she finally agreed to a date...A date that lead to five years of cross country road trips, European adventures, cat adoptions and loyally following every Arsenal FC game. It is undeniable that their mutual weirdness is true love.

Knowing Destiny’s passion for art, Harrison proposed in front of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The two recently moved to Brentwood, Tennessee, with the love and support of their cat-daughters, Katniss and Jazz. They are excited to marry in October 2017 and honeymoon in England.

Location: Graystone Quarry in Franklin, Tennessee Photography: Melissa DelRossi

DESTINY LEE & HARRISON CHEATHAM Harrison is wearing a modern-fit cobalt Moda three-piece suit with an ivory bow tie available at Street Tuxedo.

Destiny is wearing a fitted embroidered gown by Christos with tulle pickups on the skirt available at Fabulous Frocks Bridal.

Gowns: David’s Bridal, Olia Zavozina and Fabulous Frocks Bridal Tuxedos: Street Tuxedo Hair: Jackie McCall and Verna Gabbard with Origina Salon Makeup: Jessica McCall with Origina Salon Bridal Flowers & Boutonnières: Belles Fleurs Designs

DESTINY LEE Destiny is wearing the Anastasia beaded French lace sheath gown from the Olia Zavozina Spring 2017 Collection with criss cross straps available at Olia Zavozina Boutique.

HARRISON CHEATHAM Harrison is wearing a modern-fit cobalt Moda three-piece suit with an ivory bow tie available at Street Tuxedo.

DESTINY LEE Destiny is wearing a fitted embroidered gown by Christos with tulle pickups on the skirt available at Fabulous Frocks Bridal.

DESTINY LEE Destiny is wearing the White by Vera Wang Collection Plunging Sheath Wedding Dress covered in hand-placed pearls with plunging illusion V-neckline, an open back with grosgrain tie and airy tulle skirt available exclusively at David’s Bridal.

KATELYN COBEN & LUNDEN AELVOET Katelyn is wearing the White by Vera Wang Collection Lace Trumpet Wedding Dress with hand-beaded appliqués delicately veiled with tulle on the champagne bodice with split-front skirt available exclusively at David’s Bridal.

Lunden is wearing a modern-fit steel Moda three-piece suit with a coordinating steel bow tie available at Street Tuxedo.

64 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

KATELYN COBEN Katelyn is wearing a Lazaro Chantilly lace trumpet gown with embroidery detailing at the waist with a double keyhole back available at Fabulous Frocks Bridal.

Rustic Elegance

REBECCA OZOLS & AVERY FISHER Rebecca is wearing the Taylor fit and flare lace gown by Anne Barge with sweetheart neckline with Sara Gabriel rhinestone and pearl earrings and bracelet available at Fabulous Frocks Bridal.

Avery is wearing a modern-fit Heather Allure tuxedo with coordinating Heather vest and petal pink neck tie available at Street Tuxedo.

66 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

REBECCA OZOLS Rebecca is wearing the Candy silk satin chiffon A-line gown from the Olia Zavozina Classics Collection with floral applique straps and bodice available at Olia Zavozina Boutique.

REBECCA OZOLS & AVERY FISHER Avery took Rebecca to Napa, California for a long weekend. At the Golden Gate Bridge, he planned to stop at the scenic overlook and propose. Unfortunately, the bridge was fogged over so it was onto Plan B. He figured he’d stop at one of the hundreds of wineries and propose there. Instead they ended up in the parking lot of the Napa River Inn. Rebecca ran inside to change for lunch while Avery planned re-hiding the ring.

Rebecca returned sooner than expected and as the trunk to the rental car swung fully open Avery spastically bent one knee onto the hot, black asphalt asking, “Rebecca-Ozols-willyou-marry-me?”

She said, “Are you...proposing to me!?” followed moments later by “in a parking lot!?” And, then she shouted “Yes!” The bellhop snapped their photo and they were off to the most perfect engagement lunch at The French Laundry. Avery was relieved like so many other times when things haven’t gone according to plan, improvisation let them come away with a better, more memorable story. They can’t wait to spend their lives together improvising. They plan to marry in Stiges, Spain later this year.

KATELYN COBEN & LUNDEN AELVOET Katelyn is wearing the Angel hand beaded mermaid gown from the Olia Zavozina Spring 2017 Collection with a sweetheart neckline available at the Olia Zavozina Boutique.

Lunden is wearing a modern-fit steel Moda three-piece suit with a coordinating steel bow tie available at Street Tuxedo.

KATELYN COBEN & LUNDEN AELVOET Lunden and Katie met at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. It did not take long for these two to fall in love with each other. After college graduation, the two moved back to their hometowns in order to pursue their professions. In August of 2016, Lunden and Katie’s families went on vacation together to St. John U.S.V.I. During one of their nightly walks on the beach, Lunden got down on one knee and asked Katie to be his wife.

Soon after their engagement, Lunden couldn’t stand being away from Katie any longer and started looking for a job in the Nashville area, and relocated to Brentwood. The two can’t wait to get married in September at the Schermerhorn Symphony Hall, and are thrilled to start their lives together.

68 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

REBECCA OZOLS

Thank you to all of our fashion vendors and partners for helping us create such beautiful looks, and to City Winery, Historic Rock Castle and Graystone Quarry for allowing us to shoot in such stunning Middle Tennessee locations.

Belles Fleurs Designs 217 2nd Avenue South | Franklin, TN | bellesfleursdesigns.com Blownaway Salon Suites & Beauty Bar 1050 Glenbrook Way #210 | Hendersonville, TN | blownawaybeautybar.net City Winery 609 Lafayette Street | Nashville, TN | citywinery.com David’s Bridal Cool Springs Crossing 1728 Galleria Blvd #101 | Franklin, TN | davidsbridal.com David’s Bridal Northside Marketplace 2321 Gallatin Pike North | Madison, TN | davidsbridal.com David’s Bridal Murfreesboro 2615 Medical Center Pkwy #100 | Murfreesboro, TN | davidsbridal.com Fabulous Frocks Bridal 1000 Meridian Blvd #104 | Franklin, TN | fabulousfrocksbridal.com Graystone Quarry 4520 Graystone Quarry Lane | Franklin, TN | graystonequarry.com Historic Rock Castle 139 Rockcastle Lane | Hendersonville, TN | historicrockcastle.com King Jewelers 4121 Hillsboro Road | Nashville, TN | kings1912.com Olia Zavozina Boutique 2002 Richard Jones Road, Suite B-104 | Nashville, TN | oliazavozina.com Origina Salon 443 Cool Springs Boulevard # 105 | Franklin, TN | originasalon.com OSHi Floral Design 215 6th Avenue North | Nashville, TN | oshinashville.com Street Tuxedo Cool Springs 216 Seaboard Lane | Franklin, TN | streettuxedo.com Street Tuxedo Berry Hill 2532 Bransford Avenue | Nashville, TN | streettuxedo.com Street Tuxedo Green Hills 2209 Bandywood Drive Suite E | Nashville, TN | streettuxedo.com Street Tuxedo Murfreesboro 536 North Thompson Lane | Murfreesboro, TN | streettuxedo.com

Rebecca is wearing the Ontario Silk Mikado dress by Pronovias with a bateau neckline, full skirt with button detail down the train with Sara Gabriel rhinestone and pearl earrings and bracelet available at Fabulous Frocks Bridal. Gown featured on the cover.

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | Styling Your Everyday

Ladies that Brunch

BY KATIE JACOBS

STYLINGMYEVERYDAY.COM

A BRIDAL BRUNCH THAT SATISFIES ANY SWEET TOOTH WHILE CELEBRATING THOSE CLOSEST TO THE BRIDE The celebrations surrounding a wedding are memorable occasions that not only honor the bride and groom, but also praise loved ones the couple holds dear. Bridal showers are the perfect opportunity to up the girly factor and choosing a theme is imperative. A bridal brunch or afternoon tea is a perfect get-together for ladies to socialize and shower the bride with love and gifts.

Brunch is an especially easy affair to pull off. Putting together a menu of brunch favorites like scones, waffles and donuts is fun. Guests are usually available and happy to attend an event in the late morning and they won’t arrive starved (like if you were having lunch).

When my cousin Julianna got married, we threw her a bakery-themed bridesmaids’ brunch decorated with hot pink bakery boxes and garden roses. Because the brunch was limited to bridesmaids (twelve guests total), we were able to do over-the-top invitations: hand delivered tiny bakery boxes filled with cupcakes and mini macaroons with the brunch invitations attached. A little taste of what was to come!

For the party, we decorated a long farm table with pink bakery boxes, vintage cake stands and hot pink garden roses. Height and drama was added with two 36”white balloons anchored by satin ribbon. The cake stands were adorned with brunch favorites - a huge tower of waffles, homemade biscuits with jam, and a big stack of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Brunch consisted of ham and cheese croissants, mini frittatas and fruit-and-granola parfaits served in pink depression glass. Guests enjoyed homemade cranberry-orange and cheddar-dill scones with mimosas, tea and coffee as they arrived. We used the bakery boxes that had been used as decorations to pack up the left over baked goods to send home with guests as favors.

CHEDDAR DILL SCONES 4 cups, plus 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour 2 Tablespoons baking powder 2 teaspoons salt 3/4-pound cold unsalted butter, diced 4 large eggs, beaten lightly 1 cup heavy cream 1/2-pound extra-sharp yellow Cheddar, small-diced 1 cup minced fresh dill 1 egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon water or milk, for egg wash Preheat oven to 400˚F. Combine 4 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is in pea-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs and heavy cream together. Add it all at once to the flour-and-butter mixture and mix until just combined.

Toss together the cheese, dill, and 1 Tablespoon of flour and add them to the dough. Mix until they are almost incorporated. Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it for 1 minute, until the Cheddar and dill are well distributed. Roll the dough 3/4inch thick. Cut into 4-inch squares and then in half diagonally to make triangles. Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 20 to 25 minutes, until the outside is crusty and the inside is fully baked. Makes 16 large scones.

HAM AND SWISS CROISSANTS WITH POPPY SEED MUSTARD

Your Vision, Your Style,

Your Day!

Gorgeous farm for outdoor weddings and events with southern charm and an elegant venue. Sit back and lounge around the beautiful “Rock Creek” pond, relax and watch horses grazing or enjoy the party and dance the night away. We offer All-Inclusive Wedding & Reception packages or let us create a “Custom” package specifically designed for you!

3/4 cup melted butter 1 1/2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 Tablespoons poppy seeds 12 croissants 1 pound thinly sliced deli ham 1 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of butter, Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Slice the croissants, separating the tops from the bottoms. Layer ham onto the bottom of croissants.

Arrange the Swiss cheese over the ham. Slather the slice-side of each top with mustard sauce and place the tops of the croissants onto the sandwiches and place onto the baking sheet (the croissant sandwiches can be put close together on the baking sheet, even touching). Pour the remaining melted butter evenly over each croissant and sprinkle with poppy seeds.

Bake in the preheated oven until the croissants are browned and the cheese has melted, 10 to 12 minutes.

If tops start to get too brown, cover with aluminum foil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Rock Creek Farm 475 Dry Fork Creek Road | Gallatin, TN 615.451.6811 rockcreekfarmnashville.com

CHICKEN This is a versatile wine and incredibly aromatic. With strong floral notes of violet, this Pinot noir is ripe and ready to drink. Chicken courses tend to require a sauce,

Wedding Season WINE PAIRING WITH CITY WINERY NASHVILLE

This wedding season, impress your guests with seamless wine pairings for every entrée you serve!

City Winery Nashville’s Beverage Director Jenelle Engleson breaks down three of her favorite wines from City Winery for the most popular wedding entrée options.

City Winery is Nashville’s only urban winery, concert venue, restaurant/bar and private event space. Whether your guests are being served beef, chicken or fish, there’s a wine pairing for all. City Winery produces locally-made wine right in the heart of downtown Nashville and even sells wine on Sundays!

and pinot is always a welcomed addition of acidity, adding body to the dish. Grown in the warm climate of Santa Barbara County, this wine is fruit-driven, like a burst of strawberry and blackberry. The subtle tannin structure offers great texture and a smooth finish. This wine is easy enough to drink on its own and complex

2015 MUSIC CITY PINOT NOIR

enough to enjoy with food.

Awarded 92 Points & Gold Medal “Exceptional” Ratings

by Tastings.com

BEEF This Petite Sirah is as uniquely bold as its namesake, “Pedal Steel.” The deep structure of this wine will hold up well to any cut of beef, and the fattiness of the meat will help soften the tannins in the wine. Blackberry, lavender and eucalyptus on the nose. Extreme dense purple hue, big and round on the palate with cherry, raisin and sage flavors. Densely packed tannins with a bang of oak on the finish. It is a perfect match for grilled meats and marinated Portobello mushrooms and easily accommodated with most sauce and vegetable

2014 PEDAL STEEL PETITE SIRAH

combinations.

FISH This wine has seen both barrel-age and stainless steel and won’t have an overly oaky quality to combat with the high protein of fish like salmon, seabass and tilapia.

Lemon peel and stone fruit aromas lead this wine, balanced by a bright acidity and a juicy mouth-feel.

Because of the natural creaminess of this wine, it lends well to serve with soups, crab and lobster dishes, and butter cream sauce.

2015 CENTENNIAL CHARDONNAY NOTE: For wedding guests requiring a vegetarian option, the 2015 Centennial Chardonnay is perfect for lighter vegetables, like kale or spinach salads.

The 2014 Pedal Steel Petite Syrah and 2015 Music City Pinot Noir pair well with heartier dishes, potatoes and beets.

JANUARY 18 - FEBRUARY 22 - MARCH 15 - APRIL 12

Vine to Glass: Wine Bootcamp 2017 Join our City Winery Wine Team for four informative and explorative courses that will broaden your understanding of wine. $35/class or $120/package. Each class includes tastes of 4 wines and light cheeses.

Be sure to check out all the upcoming concerts and other wine-related events at citywinery.com/nashville.

SUPPORT LOCAL WINE AT YOUR WEDDING! CASES OF CITY WINERY WINE ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CASE PURCHASES, CONTACT RYAN JOHNS AT: RJOHNS@CITYWINERY.COM

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING| Happily Ever After

Rachel Diane Weishaupt Christopher Lawson Cunningham

&

OCTOBER 8, 2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSIE LOPEZ

On October 8, 2016, Rachel Diane Weishaupt and Christopher Lawson Cunningham were married on a beautiful fall evening at The Barn at Sycamore Farms in Arrington, Tennessee, with Matt Hastings officiating. The outdoor wedding took place on a picturesque island surrounded by a fresh water lake, fountains and a lush wooded backdrop. The rustic-chic country décor consisted of cascading eucalyptus garlands, antique blue mason jars, wood elements and vibrant cranberry, blush and cream flower arrangements by Geny’s Flower and Bridal.

The aisleway was decorated with wood stumps, tall lanterns and arrangements of vintage lace, flowers and candles. Rachel wore a head-to-toe lace gown with a champagne underlay. Christopher and his groomsmen sported navy suits with cotton boutonnières. The bridesmaids looked stunning in different shades of cranberry, burgundy and deep reds. All was captured by the talented Cassie Lopez.

74 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

The wedding transitioned onto the lakeside veranda for cocktail hour where guests cheered on the University of Tennessee Vols and snacked on homemade pimento cheese and smoked sausage appetizers from Martin’s Bar-B-Que. After sunset, the reception was held inside the elegant cedar barn where Rachel and Christopher danced to Clay Walker’s “What’s It To You” which was deemed “their” song back in 2008. The nakedstyle cake, done by Chelsea Griffith of Poppy & Co. Bake Shop, was decorated with mini flower arrangements similar to the bride’s bouquet. The remainder of the evening was filled with dancing, laughter and well wishes for the bride and groom before their sparkling send-off. The couple honeymooned on the beautiful island of St. Lucia and now reside in Franklin, Tennessee.

LIFESTYLE | Your Kids

TIPS TO A

Kid-Friendly Wedding

BY GINGER JONES

There are a lot of decisions that a bride has to make about her wedding day. Choosing flowers, bridesmaids and the perfect dress can bring on a lot of stress, and deciding whether or not to have children can add a whole other layer of worry. If you do decide to make your big day kid-friendly, here are a few simple tips to help: If you’d like to keep it a mostly adult wedding but there are a few little ones who are special to you (a niece or nephew, maybe a goddaughter or godson), there’s an easy solution to include just them: Give them a job! Make your nephew a ring bearer or your best friend’s daughter your flower girl. That way you can have those kids who are special to you there on the day without other parents wondering why they had to find a sitter.

Are you opening up your wedding to all of your guests’ kids?

Try having a kids table. Kids won’t be impressed by your fancy buffet or your elegant meals, but they will be entertained by a table that has grilled cheese and coloring books! Kids love treats, so you could make goodie bags for them to take home at the end of the night. The parents may not appreciate the sugar rush, but the little ones will!

You could also get a few on site nannies. This could be older kids that you know, or someone you hire from an agency. They could sit with the kids at their table, or you could have a separate room for the kids to go to, like a built-in daycare at your wedding. Your

venue should be able to help you here – ask them if they have any rooms that would work for a daycare!

The same nannies could watch the kids during your ceremony to keep the crying and squirming to a minimum while you say your vows.

Is your wedding going to be outside? You could have an area with fun games like corn hole. The bonus to this is the adults will enjoy it, too! You should also inform your DJ that the wedding is going to include kids, so they may need to alter the playlist for the reception.

There are a lot of ways to accommodate having kids at your wedding, and parents are always understanding when a wedding is off-limits to their kids. They may appreciate a night out on their own! Whatever you decide, it will be the happiest day of your life.

Ginger Geldreich Jones, M.A., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert AVT Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Auditory Verbal Therapist Founder, CEO | Jones Therapy Services, LLC | 615.614.8833 jonestherapyservices.com

Exquisite florals for your perfect day

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | Up the Road

Party with Your Pals at a

Destination Celebration

BY HOLLIE DEESE

Destination bachelor and bachelorette parties are on the rise, but with Nashville’s downtown pedal taverns filled with plenty of out-of-town partiers, 2017 is the right time to consider taking your own celebration on the road. From all-inclusive beach resorts to downtown distilleries, there’s sure to be just the right place to celebrate saying goodbye to being single with your squad.

SUN, SNOW AND MOUNTAINS MAKE AN EXHILARATING MIX. Round-trip flights from Nashville starting at $142, prices subject to change.

Denver, Colorado

For bachelors: Book the group at The Curtis Hotel (thecurtis.com), right downtown, maybe in the Ghostbusters or Star Trek themed rooms before heading out to one of the Centennial Specialty Tour (centennialspecialtytours.com) bus tours of area distilleries, possibly taking in the area ghost lore and other history with the cocktails.

Freeman’s Flowers and Gifts 188 Front Street, Suite 112 Franklin, TN 37064 615.794.6880 freemansflowers@att.net

For bachelorettes: For some of the city’s best live jazz and craft cocktails every night, The Crimson Room (thecrimsonroom.com) does the trick with low lighting, fresh-squeezed juices and even house-made bitters. The service is so great the group may not want to leave, but if so try grabbing a meal at Linger (lingerdenver.com), with global fare and one of the best views of the city.

Toronto, Canada

EXCEPTIONAL NIGHTLIFE COMBINES WITH CULTURE. Round-trip flights from Nashville starting at $214, prices subject to change.

For bachelors: Battle Sports (battlesports.ca) is the epitome of maleness, with an archery range, a NERF gun battle arena, archery dodgeball and a myriad of other ways to

beat each other up. After that drinks will be in order, so take the gang to Carbon Bar (thecarbonbar.ca) for Southern-inspired barbecue and cocktails.

For bachelorettes: Grab the group for Manis and Mimosas at Elmwood Spa (elmwoodspa.com), or even get the full treatment with snacks in between a massage or facial. Then, instead of going out to one of the many amazing restaurants, try booking a food tour through the Culinary Adventure Co. (culinaryadventureco.com). Early birds will love the VIP Early Access Tour of the iconic St. Lawrence Market, with roasted coffee, fresh croissants and the area’s legendary Peameal sandwich.

SOUTH BEACH CLUBS AND HOT BEACHES MAKE THE PERFECT COMBO. Round-trip flights from Nashville starting at $97, prices subject to change.

Miami, Florida

For bachelors: Carts and carts of dim sum serve short rib dumplings, steamed buns, local root tartar and so much more is there for the taking at The Sarsaparilla Club (sarsaparillaclub.com), created by Top Chef alums Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis. Once fortified, hit STORY Nightclub (storymiami.com), one of the wildest in a city of wild clubs.

For bachelorettes: Post up all your pals at Royal Palm South Beach Miami (royalsouthbeach.com) with oceanfront views, luxurious suites and a private hot spot called the South Shore that is just the right place to prepare for the last night on the single circuit. Dinner? Can’t go wrong with the Yardbird Southern Table & Bar (runchickenrun.com) for a plate of deviled eggs, blistered heirloom tomatoes and any number of signature biscuits.

san francisco, California

BOND OVER CULTURAL AND NATURAL EXCURSIONS. Round-trip flights from Nashville starting at $239, prices subject to change.

For bachelors: Start the evening at Woodbury (woodburysf.com) for everything from Natty Light in a can to fifteen-year-old El Dorado Rum. Once warm from all the whiskey – and filled with Mahi Mahi fish tacos, beef sliders with bacon and Brie and hangar steak skewers, head over to the Occidental Cigar Club (occidentalcigarclub.com) for an even bigger selection of spirits and one of the last places to legally smoke.

For bachelorettes: Start off the trip with an epic spa day at Cavallo Point’s Spa (cavallopoint.com), ranked No. 4 Top Hotel Spas in the U.S. by Travel and Leisure in 2014. The ladies will never want to leave with spa treatments that range from Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, Thai compression and even a two-hour infrared salt ritual. Once pampered and pretty have a chef come visit from Cozymeal (cozymeal. com) to teach everyone how to prepare a delicious course, or to make a private meal while you sip cocktails and reminisce about all the best single moments spent together.

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING| Happily Ever After

Caroline

Cole

WALKER

WIGGER

JUNE 11, 2016 Cole and Caroline were high school sweethearts and had been dating since senior year, 2010. Cole proposed five years later on July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, where they went to college. Caroline and Cole were married on June 11, 2016, at the historic First United Methodist Church in Gallatin, which has sentimental meaning to Caroline and her family.

She has attended the church since she was born. Since Cole is Catholic they also had a priest assist the preacher, which made their service unique.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HALEY GEORGE PHOTOGRAPHY

The music, directed by James Story, and band The Beaters, kept the crowd of 300 of their closest friends and family entertained throughout the reception at Bagsby Ranch in Gallatin. The energetic band kept the guests dancing well into the evening as the couple shared the best night of their lives with the people they love the most. The décor was rustic yet traditional, with lace, classic silver trays and soft colors.

The beautiful venue was not overly decorated, the natural wood enhanced by delicate string lights hung across the ceiling. Carolyn Barry catered the delicious meal while Patty Cakes made the couple’s six-tier wedding cake. The wedding photos were taken by Haley George who captured some of Caroline and Cole’s most precious moments. It was a special day they wish they could live over and over.

78 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

LIFESTYLE| Your Education

A Little Emily Post Never Hurt Anyone

BY ANNIE OSTEEN

Here we are. It’s 2017 and now that the holidays are behind us it’s time for planning of other things such as springtime and summer weddings. The months and days pass by so quickly it’s hard to believe that wedding and springtime topics abound.

As many ladies in the area are talking with local florists, event planners and dress designers about planning their perfect day, the topic of whether or not to invite children to their big celebration can be a heavy one. If the answer is yes, then the responsibilities of the children maintaining proper and respectable behavior during the occasion now rests in the laps of their parents.

When a parent opens their mailbox to find a wedding invitation and sees their children have also been invited, it can either leave them feeling excited or daunted. If teens are the

children in question, most often it shouldn’t even arise as an issue on whether they will follow the rules and show respect to the bride and groom. On the other hand, if the children are under the age of perhaps eight or nine years old, the parent may feel more inclined to call a babysitter, unless of course, it’s family, and there are no other options but to bring the children along for the ride.

Teaching children how to behave at the grocery store, let alone a wedding can be challenging. In the store the parent may bribe the screaming toddler with a piece of candy just to get through the checkout line. What are the options at a wedding? Well, there aren’t many other than physically leaving the ceremony to take the child somewhere else, in which case, the parent misses the special moments they came to see.

In order to make the day (and night) go smoothly, a child should know some basic manners and etiquette. Nothing too “Emily Post,” but enough to keep the parents, guests and especially the bride and groom less anxious.

While etiquette as a whole has seemed to take a downward turn in our society, there are some things that shouldn’t disappear, such as the basic “please and thank you.” And while that won’t be enough to get a young child safely through the reception without accidentally bumping into the cake table, it’s one of those things adults will notice about them and the parents they belong to. Manners are most often developed from their parents and will generally show up when they’re needed most, such as a wedding.

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However, many parents struggle with the consistency of teaching good manners. Living a busy life is the norm and sometimes basic etiquette takes a back seat behind baseball and cheerleading. There are organizations, such as the National League of Junior Cotillions (NLJC) that can help teach a young child (or teenager) simple, everyday manners that will do more for them in the long run than a charged-up resume.

The National League of Junior Cotillions is a three-year curriculum designed to coach young people in the gentilities that make life more enjoyable for them and those around them. Through the NLJC, children in grades 5-8 are offered the opportunity to exercise these skills at parties, events and dinners.

They are taught how to properly acknowledge a gift that has been given to them, dress codes for different occasions, sports etiquette and how to make a good first impression.

Topics such as having honor, dignity, respect, honesty, fairness, accountability, having a caring attitude as well as citizenship are also thoroughly covered through cotillion.

The organization also offers a program for children in grades 1-4. The Pre-Cotillion, as it’s called, offers instruction that encompasses simple etiquette such as being introduced to someone, shaking a hand, paying and receiving compliments and basic table manners.

While joining a cotillion organization may not be a quick fix for teaching children manners to use at an upcoming wedding, it does prepare them for future weddings, which will be plentiful. Even without the cotillion, lessons in manners and basic etiquette at home can help a child rise to their fullest potential as they grow. And while Emily Post’s teachings aren’t as popular as they once were, the simple premise of what she was known for can always bind a society together.

While etiquette as a whole has seemed to take a downward turn in our society, there are some things that shouldn’t disappear, such as the basic “please and thank you.”

To find a National League of Junior Cotillions near you, visit nljc.com.

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | The Inspiration

ICONIC DUOS

Make Their Home in Middle Tennessee

BY HOLLIE DEESE ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF CMA

TRUE LOVE HAPPENS EVERY DAY IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE, EVEN FOR THOSE IN THE PUBLIC EYE. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE FAMOUS LOCAL COUPLES LIVING LIFE HAPPILY EVERY AFTER.

GARTH BROOKS & TRISHA YEARWOOD Home base: Goodlettsville Wedding date: December 10, 2005 How they did it: At home in Owassa, Oklahoma Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood first sang together on the duet “Like We Never Had a Broken Heart” from her self-title debut album in 1991. A good team, they did it again on “In Another’s Eyes” in 1997.

Married to other people, the two remained friends though he admitted there was always chemistry between them. After she divorced in 1999 and he in 2000 they immediately began dating. He proposed very publicly in May 2005 in front of 7,000 people at the unveiling of a bronze statue of himself at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California, but their wedding was much more low-key.

AMY GRANT & VINCE GILL Home base: Belle Meade; a Williamson County farm Wedding date: March 10, 2000 How they did it: A rainy hillside ceremony in Williamson County Rumors began swirling as soon as the couple first met and began working together in 1993. Their chemistry was undeniable, but they were both married to other people – he to singer Janis Oliver and she to TV host and Christian singer Gary Chapman, with whom she had three children. Grant asked Gill to sing on her new song “House of Love,” and the accompanying music video is a testament to that chemistry, which only grew as they did shows to promote the song. He divorced in 1997, she followed suit two years later and it wasn’t long before they were together. She was barefoot when they married, as bagpipes played just outside Nashville.

NICOLE KIDMAN & KEITH URBAN Home base: Nashville Wedding date: June 25, 2006 How they did it: A lavish Sydney, Australia affair It may seem odd to have two Aussies – one a glamorous Hollywood icon, the other a country singer – living among the rest of us in Green Hills but somehow the two of them are as natural in Nashville as they can be. The longtime pair first met in 2005 at the G’Day USA gala honoring Australians in Los Angeles, but it took months for him to gather the courage to call her. Once he did, he had the Oscar winner hooked pretty quickly. They got married the following year at a fabulous Sydney ceremony back home, and are now the parents to two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret.

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TIM MCGRAW & FAITH HILL Home base: Franklin Wedding date: October 6, 1996 How they did it: In his aunt’s backyard in Rayville, Louisiana Tim and Faith first met in Nashville at a radio station event, but Hill was engaged to someone else and their relationship ended with being acquaintances. But when she became the opening act on his 1996 tour just after McGraw had ended his own engagement their attraction was undeniable. Hill soon left Hendricks and has been with McGraw ever since. They have three daughters together – one in college! and recently celebrated their 20th anniversary by watching television together in their sweats.

MARTY STUART & CONNIE SMITH Home base: Hendersonville Wedding date: July 8, 1997 How they did it: In a small ceremony in Pine Ridge, South Dakota after three years of dating He is a five-time Grammy winning singer, songwriter and photographer while she has had eleven Grammy nominations, 20 Top 10 Billboard singles and three No. 1 albums of her own. Together they are not only outrageously talented, but had an unusual love story to tell. Stuart is seventeen years younger than Smith, just eleven years old when he first met his future wife through after his mom after she took her son to see Smith, her favorite singer, in concert. He got an autograph and picture with her, and told his mom he would marry her one day. And twenty-five years later he did after working together professionally.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD & MIKE FISHER Home base: Nashville Wedding date: July 10, 2010 How they did it: At Georgia’s Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Plantation resort Introduced by Carrie’s bass player Mark Childers, it actually took some convincing for the singer to go out with the hockey player who at the time lived in Canada. She finally gave in to meeting him at one of her concerts so she would have a non-negotiable excuse to escape but instead was instantly smitten. They began chatting on the phone and it would be months before their schedules freed up enough for them to meet.

When they did, their first real date was New Year’s Eve 2008 and by the end of 2009 they were engaged.

Today they continue to build their careers while raising their first child, born in 2015.

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | Happily Ever After

&

James Bascom Creason OCTOBER 29, 2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLISON VAUGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Jeremy Pickens Creason

Coronado Island, off the San Diego Bay, was the perfect spot for this fun and eventful destination wedding for Jim Creason and Jeremy Pickens. A small group traveled to San Diego from Nashville the last weekend of October to celebrate the marriage of these two men after a seven-year courtship.

The celebration started on Thursday after their flight arrived, checking into the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. The couple visited the San Diego County Courthouse where they obtained their marriage license and a dinner was held at II Fornaio on Coronado Island that evening, with a tour of San Diego the following day on a trolley bus visiting various tourist destination sites throughout the city.

The evening before the wedding, a dinner was held at Searsucker restaurant in the Gas Lamp District. The day of the wedding, October 29, 2016, the wedding party brunched at The Historic Del Coronado to kick off the festivities. Guests began arriving for the wedding ceremony at five o’clock in the evening with music from Angelica Strings Music playing. They gathered on the Sunset Terrace of the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in anticipation of the ceremony that began at half after five o’clock. After a brief ceremony and cocktail reception, the couple hosted guests to a sit-down dinner overlooking the San Diego Bay. The couple vacationed in Puerto Vallarta before returning to Nashville, where they now live. Jim is a lifelong resident of Williamson County and he and Jeremy both have been involved in several community organizations.

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | Happily Ever After

Cameron Nicole McBride William Reid Anderson

&

JANUARY 9, 2016

Reid and Cameron Anderson were married January 9, 2016, at Christ Community Presbyterian. It was an intimate wedding with only close family.

The following weekend was planned to be the reception, welcoming friends and family to celebrate on the grounds at the O’More College of Design. Unfortunately, an ice storm hit and collapsed the tent and they had to postpone the reception to the following week.

The reception began with a beautiful drive up to the main Abbey Leix Mansion at O’More, where guests were greeted by family, friends and a storyboard with pictures of how Reid and Cameron met. Out the back of the house, a tunnel led to the main reception tent. Inside, it was decorated with white, silver and light blue decor. Outdoor seating of sofas, chairs and tables allowed guests to sit comfortably and enjoy the evening with a drink from one of the four bars.

Flavor catered the event with elegant southern food options - everything from filet and shrimp to broiled Brussels sprouts and kale salad.

Nashville Tent and Awning created the outdoor structure that accommodated more than 300 guests. Everyone enjoyed dancing and singing along with Eric Heatherly’s Goats of Kudzu. The night concluded with a crowd favorite, the doughnut cake - individual-size boxes of doughnut holes, in the shape of a cake, for everyone to take home.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOOBIE’S PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES

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The newlywed couple was blessed by the company that evening and couldn’t have asked for a better way to start their marriage.

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING| The Honeymoon

BY AUTHOR NAME

FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN COMES MARRIAGE, THEN COMES THE

Honeymoon Franklin Travel Services

After all the planning, stress and chaos that goes into the big day... you deserve a vacation! Well, it’s called the honeymoon. Don’t miss this chance to get away with your new spouse for needed R&R, romance, or a big adventure. Just as a wedding coordinator can make the wedding go off without a hitch, so can a professional travel planner insure that your honeymoon is a dream come true.

As your travel agent, Franklin Travel Services offers you: Convenient one-stop shopping: As travel professionals with all the information at our fingertips, we can save you time and money..

Unbiased information: Agents work for you, not for a travel supplier. We want you to be happy, and a happy customer will be a repeat customer.

Expert guidance: We, unlike instructions on a web page, are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad of travel information and codes out there. That is how we have been trained and we do it every day.

Personalized service: Instead of an impersonal voice thousand of miles away, we are your neighbors. We know what you want and what you value in your travel experience.

Franklin Travel Services values your business and is committed to meeting all your travel needs as if they were our own. We take pride in your selecting us to serve as your objective travel consultant.

It is our ongoing mission to sort through the vast options to find you the best prices and best value for your airline tickets, car rentals, hotel accommodations, and all our other travel needs.

It is our pleasure to handle every step of the travel transaction for you, saving you from the stress, uncertainty, and inconvenience of having to do it on you own.

FRANKLIN TRAVEL SERVICES 214 East Main Street | Franklin, TN 37064 615.791.4690 | franklintravel@yahoo.com franklintravel.net We will be happy to meet with you and make your honeymoon the memory of a lifetime.

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | Come Fly With Me

knot

Tie the at a Top Destination Wedding

BY HOLLIE DEESE

A

Location

As Middle Tennessee becomes harder and harder to book because of its “It City” status, engaged couples are looking to other locations to tie the knot before returning home to start their lives together as newlyweds.

From tropical beaches to rustic vineyards, there’s a location perfect for any wedding vibe. And since they are all in the states the best part is no one will even need to renew their passport.

Aspen, Colorado

The gorgeous Rocky Mountain range is just one reason to choose Aspen, the luxurious amenities are definitely another. High-end shops and swanky restaurants can keep the non-skiing and snowboarding guests occupied, especially if the event is booked during the high winter season of November through early March. Still, even without the snow the landscape is stunning, so consider a summer or fall wedding as well.

One to try: HOTEL JEROME hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com The luxurious resort is right in the heart of everything, offering an elevated experience that will be hard to top anywhere else. One of the city’s major landmarks, it was built in the 1880s by the owner of Macy’s, Jerome Wheeler.

Hotel Jerome is also home to one of Aspen’s best nightlife options, the Western-themed J-Bar that operated throughout Prohibition.

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Tucson, Arizona

Known for its turquoise jewelry and deep orange sunsets, Tucson offers couples a gorgeous, rugged Southwest landscape to tie the knot. The weather is typically mild all year long, so weddings at any time work, and guests can immerse themselves in the local culture while in town, checking out the many galleries full of Native American and Mexican textiles and jewelry.

One to try: HACIENDA DEL SOL GUEST RANCH RESORT haciendadelsol.com The historic Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort has some of the most amazing views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the very same views that drew some famous fans from Old Hollywood like Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn and John Wayne. Recently renovated, everything is updated and modernized without losing any of the original fireplaces or hand-painted tiles.

Las Vegas, Nevada

With drive-through chapels and Elvis officiants, weddings can be over-the-top fun, but with elegant ballrooms and sophisticated menus nuptials can be upscale traditional affairs too. Guests will never lack for entertainment options - beyond the casinos there are Elvis and Liberace museums, even roller coasters at the Stratosphere Tower. The food is top-notch too.

However, the hottest months of the summer may be too much when considering guest comfort.

S t. Augustine, Florida

One to try:

For sunny beaches in the southeast, Florida is filled with options from coast to coast. There’s hardly a bad time to have a wedding in Florida, though it all depends which part of the state has your eye. North Florida’s high season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, while southern Florida’s busiest time is December through April. If you don’t mind the heat summer is an option too. Just be sure to avoid party hotspots during peak spring break season.

ARIA RESORT & CASINO aria.com

One to try:

Couples can choose to get married at the hotel’s on-site chapel, poolside veranda or fireside lounge.

But for a truly breathtaking backdrop there is even the gallery featuring the contemporary glass art of internationally-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Couples are able to get married in that unique space with up to seventy guests, or access it during cocktail hour.

History buffs will love tying the knot in one of the country’s oldest cities, and Casa Monica’s breathtaking architecture, lush tropical gardens and flowing fountains are like paradise. Casa Monica features enchanting ballrooms, adorned with gilded mirrors and brass chandeliers, and the outdoor Sultan’s Pavilion complete with a sparkling pool is Moroccan inspired.

CASA MONICA RESORT & SPA casamonica.com

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Napa Valley, California

For some people the epitome of romance includes a backdrop of rolling hills, lush valleys and wine. Lots and lots of wine. Napa offers all of that and more, including world-class restaurants, indulgent spa services and charming boutiques, galleries and gourmet stores. Golf lovers will embrace the world-class courses, and adventure-seekers must try a hot air balloon ride. Summer and October are the best times to visit but can be hard to book because it is peak season for harvest.

One to try: SILVERADO RESORT silveradoresort.com Start with the stunning views at Silverado Resort and the benefits just add on from there. Guests will dine on fresh farm-to-table catering from reception to rehearsal dinner to post-wedding brunch – all in idyllic settings – with tons of personalized touches to make everything perfect.

T I C K E TS : ANT I Q U E SA N D G A R D E N SH OW.CO M

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is a charming mix of old-fashioned glamour and rustic seaside community with huge mansions lining the cliffs, built at the turn of the century by the rich and famous. Still a favorite summer destination for the numerous activities from sailing to shopping, it is warmest then but also the busiest.

May and September still offer good weather while being easier to book, and evenings will always offer something to do, especially for fans of music thanks to the many live blues, jazz, or rock venues.

One to try: ATLANTIC RESORT atlanticresortnewport.com The brand new Atlantic Resort has begun hosting events and will be open full-time spring 2017 for weddings, offering three different venues that can be used all together if needed. With views of the Atlantic Ocean and Easton’s Pond, each banquet room offers couples elegance and New England charm.

One to try: 1812 FARM the1812farm.com Atmosphere is everything at the 1812 Farm with its soaring ceiling, rustic beams and over-the-top chandeliers inside the restored 18th Century barn. The bridal suite alone offers a quiet oasis for the ultimate in pre-wedding prep – there are even salon chairs on site for the whole party.

BRIDE: RACHEL YAZDIAN

The East Coast’s northernmost state is filled with natural beauty, including the 35,000-acre Acadia National Park with its awe-inspiring mountains, woodlands, lakes and oceanfront coastline. For those who prefer the indoors, there are plenty of antique stores to poke through and a wide selection of art museums and galleries. Late summer pulls the most visitors, but weddings in September are amazing too thanks to the fall weather foliage. Just make sure everyone indulges in at least one lobster roll and slice of blueberry pie.

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | Your Charitable Self

GRANTING A MEMORY TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH Everybody deserves to have the wedding of their dreams, even if the future they have is uncertain because of a terminal illness. At least that is the idea founder Liz Guthrie had when she founded Wish Upon a Wedding in 2010.

Wish Upon a Wedding is a non-profit organization that provides weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation. It was founded by Guthrie in Santa Clara, California, as a way to celebrate the courage, determination and spirit of couples where one – or both – are facing a terminal diagnosis by granting their dream-wedding wish.

Qualified wish recipients must be diagnosed with less than five years to live, be a U.S. citizen and at least eighteen-years-old. The charity also grants a limited number of special circumstance wishes for individuals who have endured serious life-altering circumstances based on current available resources.

Wish Upon a Wedding

BY HOLLIE DEESE

The charity also grants “Urgent Wishes” for individuals who are imminently ill. These smaller, intimate ceremonies may take place in a couple’s home, hospital or hospice facility within a few weeks after their wish is approved by the charity.

Since its inception the charity has provided more than 100 weddings.

Weddings are completely free for the individuals and most include a wedding planner, venue, caterer, rentals, photographer, videographer, cake, officiant, florist, stationary designer, DJ/musician, transportation and hair and makeup. Other items may be included depending on available resources and couple requests.

Though there is currently no Tennessee chapter, the organization is always open to Middle Tennessee wishes, and working with local vendors to make magic happen for couples facing a terminal illness.

FROM FIRST COUPLE TO 100TH In 2009 Guthrie was producing a large-scale wedding giveaway in San Francisco when she realized that there were so many couples in need, and so many business owners willing to offer their time and services to couples, she wanted to expand the idea of donating dream weddings to couples across the country.

Out of the 350 couples that entered the giveaway, one bride-to-be stood out to Guthrie. She was battling Stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma while her fiancé, an officer in the U.S. Air Force, was deployed overseas. The couple won their dream wedding through public voting, and it was the success of that event that caused

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ABOUT WISH UPON A WEDDING

Guthrie to launch Wish Upon a Wedding. In 2014 the charity expanded to all fifty states.

Last fall, Wish Upon a Wedding was able to help their 100th couple, Anne and Jon, get married at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago among their closest family and friends.

Anne and Jon first met online in 2008 after Anne had undergone a mastectomy to treat breast cancer. Anne was worried no one would ever want her in her post-treatment state, but Jon accepted her and her children.

Bianca Hall of Estera Events Chicago led Anne and Jon through their big day.

“Working with Anne and Jon has reminded us exactly what true love and marriage is all about,” Hall said of the experience in a release. “Hearing them recount their story thus far and recognizing their strength as a couple is simply something you don’t see every day. When things get hard, they pull each other

Wish Upon a Wedding is a 501(c)(3) organization overseen by a national board of directors. It relies on local volunteers, wish granters and wish ambassadors to help provide services and goods for the weddings. Professionals in the wedding and hospitality industries who want to provide goods and services to help make weddings possible can submit their information online at wishuponawedding.org.

closer, and truly, that is a lesson we could all take notes from.”

Though Anne’s cancer has returned, the couple continues to have a positive outlook that has impacted everyone who worked to make their wedding possible.

“The day of the wedding, the look on Jon’s face when he saw Anne walking down the aisle brought us to absolute tears, and watching the two of them dance with their sons at their wedding reception was the most profound thing we’ve been able to experience in our career,” Hall added. “We are truly humbled and inspired by such a lovely couple who demonstrates raw love and the strongest of bonds.”

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | Happily Ever After

LEE

Ellen OLIVER

MICHAEL

Davi d MARTIN

OCTOBER 10, 2015 Michael and Lee met during their first year at Nashville School of Law. Through classes and countless hours studying, they became more than study partners.

As soon as Michael and Lee became engaged, they knew they wanted the rich history and southern traditions of their families woven throughout their special day. They decided to get married at Hendersonville’s First Presbyterian Church and have their reception at Hazel Path Mansion. As a lifelong resident of Hendersonville, both locations held a deep, personal significance to Lee. The church is the same that Lee’s parents, Linda and Louis Oliver III, were married thirty-four years prior. Due to the size, they decided to have a small ceremony with a larger reception. The historic church was decorated with white pumpkins, magnolias, romantic flowers and lanterns. The thing they loved most about the church was the size.

They could see every face when looking at the audience. During the final prayer, Michael and Lee were in for a BIG surprise. Lee’s father, who serves as Chancellor and Chancery Court Judge for Sumner County, quietly put on his judicial robe and pronounced them “husband and wife.” Upon their exit, they left the church in a red 1920s Model T to travel to their reception at Hazel Path Mansion.

Guests were greeted on the porch of the mansion with their signature drink, “The 1010.” Like their wedding ceremony, they personalized the reception by choosing foods that represented their Tennessee and Texas roots. Upon entering the mansion, guests were offered a tasty array of passed hors d’oeuvres with southern influences they both grew up loving that were provided by Chef ’s Market. Guests dined on fried green

PHOTOGRAPHER: MICHAEL GUSTAFSON, M.G. PHOTOGRAPHY

tomatoes with pimento cheese, caramelized bacon bites, curried chicken salads in edible cones along with Michael’s favorite, the mini crispy chicken and waffle cones.

The autumn theme from the wedding ceremony was carried into the tent using a mix of round and farmhouse tables adorned with white pumpkins, lanterns, flowers, magnolia leaves and armillary sphere’s. Guests had their choice of a variety of food stations which were set up around the tent including a carvery station and an interactive pasta station. Michael and Lee worked with their planner, Carol Norfleet, to offer a craft beer station at the reception that allowed their guests to try different local beers. To keep everyone on the dance floor, the entertainment for the evening was a well-known local Hendersonville band, the Garage Band Revival.

As a Hendersonville native, Lee wanted to use as many local vendors as possible. Every vendor from the photographer and caterer to the invitations were local. Being from the south, they wanted southern touches woven throughout the weekend. One way they achieved this was to use a custom monogram throughout the weekend’s festivities that incorporated both of their families. Once they decided on the custom monogram, with the help of local company Nashville Wraps, they used it everywhere to personalize their day. The monogram was used on the wedding programs, guest book, napkins, bags and a banner that hung over the balcony at Hazel Path.

Vendors

Photographer: Michael Gustafson, M.G. Photography Planner: Carol Norfleet, Destination Nashville Caterer: Chef ’s Market Cake Designer: Martha Demonbreun Invitations: Impressive Printing Linens: Liberty Party Tents: Grand Central Party Rental Wedding Music: Craig Duncan Music and Entertainment Reception Band: Garage Band Revival Videographer: That’s Classic Media Hotel Bags and Favors: Nashville Wraps

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DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING | The Trends

BY KRISTA EHRET

As with fashion and home décor, there are definite trends that emerge each year in the world of wedding planning. Some trends stick for a few years (burlap, anyone?) while others fade after a season or two (looking at you mint and coral). Scouring through Pinterest and blogs will enable you to pick up fairly quickly on what the new must-have ideas are, but I have saved you the trouble.

Here are the top wedding trends you’ll see emerging in 2017.

COLORS. Pantone announced that “greenery” will be the color of the year. Metallics will remain big, but you may notice a switch from a vintage gold to a pewter, copper, or rose gold. Look for these shiny elements to be paired with more stark backgrounds such as white to create a pop of bling.

2 •0 • 1•7

BRIDAL FASHION. Chiffon mismatched bridesmaids’ dresses will still be the top choice. Bridal gowns aren’t afraid to show some skin with low necklines and sheer panels. Gentlemen will find themselves in tailored dark-colored suits with less of a casual influence.

Wedding Trends

VENUE CHOICES. Couples want to do something unexpected.

While the boho trend of 2015 and 2016 had guests concerned they would find themselves sitting on a log in the middle of the woods with no public restroom to be found, 2017 will bring us back indoors. Think industrial lofts or warehouse vibes.

Southern Splendor Rippavilla Plantation in Spring Hill is a picturesque setting for your special day.

Exchange your vows in this stately 19th century, Greek revival antebellum mansion.

In addition to the statuesque brick mansion, the site features 100 acres of beautiful settings for the perfect photo backdrop for any couple looking for breathtaking scenery. The site can also be rented for rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, bridal showers, and other events.

PHOTOS BY NIKKI HOLLIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Rippavilla Plantation 5700 Main St P. O. Box 1169 Spring Hill, TN 37174 +1.931.486.9037 rippavilla@bellsouth.net

FLOWERS. Your staples will stay pretty much intact: peonies, roses, ranunculus, etc. Anything that offers a really soft and full look. Greenery centerpieces will make a move from woodsy to elegant with more eucalyptus and succulents and less moss. Hanging floral chandeliers will stick around for another year. Also keep an eye out for those tall glass trumpet vases to make a comeback.

MENU. Alcohol and food pairings are starting to make their way into the wedding industry. This is such a great way to personalize your reception and dinner. Make sure your caterer is able to help make suggestions for what drink should be offered with what course. This can be carried into cocktail hour and dessert as well.

CAKE. The naked cake has been going strong in 2016 and I don’t foresee it fading out just yet. Sorry, frosting lovers. Another new trend is to offer several passed options. Sort of an after dinner cocktail hour, but just for sweets. Dessert bars will remain king, but you’ll likely notice a transition from the casual cake pops and s’mores to more upscale offerings.

PHOTOGRAPHY. Group pictures will become a staple. This will include all of the guests and is usually taken during cocktail hour. Photo booths will fade for a more modern fad such as custom wedding Snapchat filters.

While there is no surefire way to keep your wedding from looking dated in twenty years, your chances are better if you mix a healthy balance of classic and trendy. Don’t forget to add lots of personal touches to make your day special as well. Cheers!

Bring Love to the party Don’t just plan an event. Plan an experience. Loveless Events offers flexibility and versatility no ma er how large or small, formal or casual! Our catering team will create the perfect menu for your event in the Barn, the Harpeth Room, at your home or another venue in the Nashville area. Contact our professional events team today…you’ll love what we can do for you.

lovelessevents.com

(615) 794-7415 • TENNESSEEVALLEYHOMES.COM

SOCIAL | City Farmhouse Holiday Pop-Up Fair Sponsored Event

Photography by K. York The City Farmhouse Holiday Pop-Up Fair was held at Liberty Hall at The Factory for a unique two-day shopping event. Kim and David Leggett welcomed holiday shoppers to browse for those one-of-a-kind gifts from the thirty handselected exhibitors from across the United States. Early bird passes were available which included admission for both days of the event and a special meet and greet with Flea Market Style Magazine editors, Ki Nassauer and Celest Shaw.

Whitney Miller, season one winner of MasterChef, signed copies of her new book and Steve McLellan of Garden Delights Floral and Garden, conducted a holiday tablescape demonstration. For more information on City Farmhouse and their pop-up fairs, visit cityfarmhousefranklin.com.

Kristal, Alexa & Ben Lambert

Hannah Hafley & Claire Drake

NiCo

Lauren Hacock

Georgia Kate, Lindsay Griffy & Aneece Wilkerson Glendra Thompson & Jane Smith

Theresia Burchett & Terri Saldana

Harper, & Lauren Roach, Bill Beasley, Kara Turner

Mark & Shannon Cox Kayleigh & Logan Adams

Taylor & Brandon Huffman

Ali, Sophia & Chandler Forrest

Glenda Miller & Barbara Paslay

100 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

Debbie Colson

Riley Taylor & Kim Leggett

Jason Parker Counce & Emily Morrissey

The ArT

of

355 Jones Parkway

Living Beautifully

221 Governors Way

Annandale | $2,598,000

7 Camel Back Court

The Governors Club | $1,985,000

The Governors Club | $1,347,000

SOLD

1 Tradition Lane

6024 Bresslyn Road

925 Waterswood Drive

The Governors Club | $375,000 Lake View Building Lot

West Meade | $947,000

Oak Hill | 1,249,000

Coming Soon 25 Governors Way

✦

151 Governors Way

Warren Bradley Partners www.WarrenBradleyPartners.com | 615-794-0833 Marty Warren 615-973-8757

Nancy Warren 615-300-8663

Matt Warren 615-300-7974

Wendy Warren Bradley 615-566-6930

Doug Bradley 615-566-0007

SOCIAL | PARKS Realty Holiday Party

Photography by K. York The PARKS Realty office in Franklin held their annual holiday party to kick off the season in early December. Guests enjoyed scrumptious foods and festive cocktails and mingling with fellow business associates and friends. For more information on PARKS Realty, visit parksathome.com.

Dan & Janis Gaudette, Marie & Bob Parks

Bryon & Lisa Carson

Richard & Michelle Wouters, Jennifer Bickerstaff

BUSINESS | Your Real Estate WILLIAMSON COUNTY HOME SALES BREAK CLOSING, PRICE RECORDS IN 2016 DECEMBER WRAPS UP ROBUST YEAR FOR RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET

Total number of homes closed in Williamson County set an all-time record in 2016, according to the monthly market report released by the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCAR). Total home closings in Williamson County for 2016 were 5,709, an increase of 2.8 percent over the previous record of 5,551 closings in 2015. December wrapped up 2016’s record-breaking year with a total of 481 home closings for the month. Although the total monthly home closings were 500 in 2015, single-family home closings in the month of December set a new monthly record with 457 closings.

“2016 marked a record breaking year for Williamson County’s real estate market,” said Lisa Wurth, President of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS®. “The robust market, despite challenging inventory levels, saw the greatest number of homes sold in a year. Additionally, it provided a great return on investment for sellers as the median sales price rose to record breaking levels several times throughout the year.” The median sales price for a single-family home also set a new monthly record in December 2016. December also marked the tenth consecutive month the median sales price for a single-family home surpassed $400,000.

“It can be easy to take for granted all of the work that goes into a successful closing. These new records represent hours of professional support from REALTORS®, along with mortgage bankers, title attorneys, appraisers, inspectors and others involved in this complicated process,” added Wurth.

Total available residential inventory in Williamson County stood at 1,369 units at the end of December 2016, indicating a less than three-month supply of available homes.

Mary Catherine McAnulty, Teresa & Danny Anderson

Ali & John Reynolds

Amy Hirt, Amy Shelton & Eunetta Kready

Amilea Tackett, Scott Frasier & Karen Mason

102 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

The month of December, single-family home inventory declined 17 percent from 1,563 in 2015 to 1,298 listed homes in 2016.

Condominium inventory increased by 18 percent.

“As we head into 2017, the residential real estate market is primed to continue contributing to the success of the community,” said Wurth. “While the lack of available inventory continues to be a limiting factor, the strong schools, continued job growth and ample attractive lifestyle activities Williamson County offers show no signs of diminishing, which should continue the positive momentum of the housing market.”

With more than 2,400 members, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® provides support and services for area real estate professionals and is the leading voice in the community for its members, as well as residential and commercial property owners.

REALTOR® is a registered trademark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Learn more at wcartn.org.

Welcome

TO YOUR NEW HOME IN THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY AREA

108 PATRICIA LEE CT. $2,500,000

• 6 BEDROOMS • 6 FULL & 2 HALF BATHS • 6,967 SQ FT FRANKLIN • CAROLINA CLOSE

33 GOVERNORS WAY $1,999,900

• 6 BEDROOMS

1017 BUENA VISTA DR. $1,369,900

• 5 BEDROOMS

7 FULL & 2 HALF BATHS • 8,593 SQ FT

5 FULL & 2 HALF BATHS • 5,367 SQ FT

BRENTWOOD • GOVERNORS CLUB

FRANKLIN • HILLSBORO COVE

218 EVERBRIGHT AVE. $917,500

• 5 BEDROOMS

119 HARLINSDALE CT. $1,575,000

• 5 BEDROOMS

5 FULL & 2 HALF BATHS • 3,823 SQ FT

6 FULL & 1 HALF BATH • 5,314 SQ FT

DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN

FRANKLIN • HARLINSDALE MANOR

209 BELGIAN RD. $689,900

• 5 BEDROOMS

204 EVERBRIGHT AVE. $935,000

• 4 BEDROOMS

3 FULL & 1 HALF BATH • 3,927 SQ FT

4 FULL & 2 HALF BATHS • 3,895 SQ FT

NOLENSVILLE • BENINGTON

DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN

LISA CULP TAYLOR Lisa@LisaCulpTaylor.com www.LisaCulpTaylor.com (615) 300-8285 License #262332

8119 Isabella Ln., #105 Brentwood, TN 37027 (615) 370-8669 #262887

LIFESTYLE | Welcome Home

WELCOME HOME TO

108 PATRICIA LEE COURT LISTING BY LISA CULP TAYLOR - $2,500,000 This magnificent six-bedroom home located in the heart of historic Franklin, is perfection personified. While extolling the virtues of classic architecture and timeless beauty, the home is also a modern showplace; featuring an impeccably designed floor plan, lavish upgrades, state of the art technology and stunning millwork and masonry. For discriminating home buyers, this property is a dream come true in every way.

Entry Foyer When you start with impressive limestone steps, a shady, covered porch outfitted with rocking chairs, lanterns and ceiling fans, then add a touch of whimsy with red farmhouse style French doors, you know you’re in for something extra-special. Gorgeous hardwood floors laid in an elegant herringbone pattern, crisp crown molding and white wainscoting greet you as you enter.

Dining Room You set the table; we’ll set the stage for outstanding celebrations in this formal dining room. Fashionable and dramatic gray walls make all that true white wainscoting, crown molding and the outline of the tray ceiling pop. Installed audio speakers allow you to pipe soft music into this lovely memory-making space.

Living Room Invite friends to sit a spell. Be warned, they might never leave!

Why would they when they’re surrounded by the beauty of this room? The coffered ceiling, dramatized by a rich paint scheme and an elegant crystal chandelier, elevates the senses 106 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

while a ventless gas fireplace with Carrara marble surround provides a warm welcome. Builtin bookshelves allow you to display curated collections and treasured tomes. Open to the foyer and great room, this introductory space establishes your home as an elegant, sociable and inviting place.

Family Room The soaring, vaulted ceiling accented by shiplap and beams ensures the room feels open and airy while the impressive vent less fireplace with natural stone surround and artisanal mantel grounds the room and ensures a cozy appeal. Built-in cabinetry flanks the fireplace and provides a sleek, yet chic entertainment center, large enough for multiple components. Designed for entertaining, this stunning space opens to the backyard-covered porch and to the gorgeous gourmet kitchen.

Kitchen Its show home ready, featuring a beautifully upholstered banquet and table, lighted with a fantastic ceiling mounted fixture, centers the room and provides the perfect spot for casual dining. Opposite the banquet is a large island topped with leathered granite, providing tons of space for food prep and storage. The island contains a vegetable sink with garbage disposal and a

Viking drawer style microwave. A dazzling farmhouse sink is situated under a huge picture window that overlooks the backyard while two stainless steel Viking dishwashers make clean up a breeze. It also features a Viking six burner, gas range with griddle, large and small gas ovens and an additional Viking wall oven and warming drawer.

Chic subway tiles provide the perfect backsplash and coordinate beautifully with the white cabinetry, and especially with the Dorian gray accent cabinetry that showcases seeded-glass doors.

Master Bedroom This exquisite master suite featuring a stunning, twostep tray ceiling, a fantastic chandelier and best of all, a vented gas fireplace with shiplap accents above the mantel.

Built-in shelves and cabinets flank the fireplace, while bay windows provide stunning views of the park-like backyard and pool.

Master Bath Straight from the pages of Architectural Digest, this swoonworthy bathroom exceeds every expectation and is almost astonishing in its grandeur. With miles of sparkling Carrara marble, this spa-like space includes heated marble floors; double vanities topped with inset mirrors and sconce lighting, a makeup desk and a private commode room with a self-cleaning Brondell toilet. The true star of the room, though, is that incredible walk-in shower featuring mosaic bordered tiles installed in a dazzling herringbone pattern, built-in shampoo niches and bench and dual rain head, standard and handheld sprayers.

Recreation Room Is it fair to call a space this fabulous space a “rec room?” Certainly, it was designed for recreation, but with an incredible bar area with raised seating, a wet bar with an awesome rectangular sink, leathered granite countertops, seeded glass cabinetry and stainless steel under-cabinet refrigerator and beverage center, we don’t think the designation of a “rec room” is quite enough.

Wine Room We’ve mentioned this home was designed as an entertainer’s dream space, so it’s fitting it should include a wine room and wet bar. With storage for 122 of your favorite vintages and more open shelving for a complete bar set up, this room is conveniently located off the kitchen, ensuring libations are steps away.

Outdoor Living The stunning covered porch that features brick pavers laid in a herringbone pattern and a shiplap-covered ceiling that holds fans, installed audio speakers and recessed lighting. At one end, lies an outdoor kitchen with a built-in stainless steel grill, vented hood, sink and stainless steel cabinets. At the other end, a gorgeous brick fireplace with raised hearth and rustic woodbeamed mantel helps take the chill out of lovely fall evenings.

Pool Limestone steps lead from the covered porch and an equally outstanding sundeck that wraps around a remarkable selfcleaning, pebble floored saltwater pool with planter style and in-wall fountains. A large covered cabana provides a cool and shady spot to dry off after a dip or leisurely afternoon nap. The more information side cabana includesFor ceiling fans, installed audio speakers and electric ceiling shades that allow you to control and ambiance contact Lisa the or atmosphere visit of this space that is perfect for an outdoor dining and living room. The entire property has been professionally landscaped and maintained and www.LuxuryHomeInFranklin.com is surrounded by gardens, mature trees and plantings. The rear yard features a brick wall/fence to ensure privacy in this alfresco paradise.

LISA CULP TAYLOR Lisa@LisaCulpTaylor.com www.LisaCulpTaylor.com (615) 300-8285 License #262332

WINTER 2017 | YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 107

FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

A NEW BRAND - SAME FACES PARKSATHOME.COM

FRANKLIN

Danny Anderson 615.790.7400

Reid Anderson 615.406.3426

Michelle Arnold 615.579.8139

Jennifer Bickerstaff 615.504.2118

Darci Caesar 615.947.6038

Christopher Close 615.490-2004

Cindy Garner 615.587.0366

Loy Hardcastle 615.948.3704

Kim Henderson 615.881.9053

Scott Hudson 615.403-1055

Caroline Jackson 615.587.6209

Sarah Beth Litzenberg 615.712.4312

DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN OFFICE 415 MAIN STREET, FRANKLIN, TN 37064 PHONE: 615.790.7400 FAX: 615.790.7413

BRENTWOOD OFFICE 8119 ISABELLA LN #105, BRENTWOOD, TN 37027 PHONE: 615.370.8669 FAX: 615.370.8013

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Peggy Mather 615.533.0376

Brent McLay 615. 426.3075

Margaret Orton 615.604.2590

Kymberly Petty 615.428.2574

John Reynolds 615.426.4343

Marnice Smith 615.403.6568

Lauren Sullivan 615.2898610

LeAnne Vandekamp 615.557.8552

BRENTWOOD

Tim Bozeman 615.497.4272

Shaun Larson 615.513.1577

Kim Day Shacklock 615.838.8850

Lisa Culp Taylor 615.300.8285

COMMUNITY | In Your Backyard

AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE The African American Heritage Society’s Black Tie Affair is back for its 16th year.

The fundraiser supports the McLemore House Museum; home of former slave Harvey McLemore, who built the home as a free man and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Additionally, the event supports the African American Heritage Society, whose mission is to chronicle the lives and contributions African Americans have made in our community. This year’s theme is “Courage, Faith and Commitment;” mindsets and character strengths that African American’s had to possess to survive and become successful in a world that gave them so many challenges in past history.

State Senator Thelma Harper was named honorary chairperson for this exciting event.

Senator Harper also happens to be a native

of Williamson County, born in Brentwood.

She has made history in Tennessee as the first African American female Senator in the history of the state and was also the first female to preside over the Senate. She has received many honors, awards and accolades for her accomplishments and is very deserving of the honor to serve as Honorary Chair for the society’s annual event. Connie Kinnard, a well-known Franklin native, previously Senior VP of Multicultural Tourism at the Greater Nashville CVC and successful in her career here and who is now the VP of Multicultural Tourism and

Fairfield Four Development in Miami, Florida will be serving as Mistress of Ceremonies. Kinnard is a cousin of Senator Harper and graciously agreed to come in honor of the Senator.

The legendary Fairfield Four will be in attendance with a performance during the event. The group is famous for their great a capella singing and for keeping the traditional African American a capella gospel singing style that is a vital part of America’s history and culture. Other awards will be given to outstanding families in our county.

Date & Time: Saturday, February 4th, 7-11 p.m. (social hour at 6 p.m.)

Where: Embassy Suites Cool Springs Tickets: Individual tickets are $60 per person or $600 for a table of 10 Contact: Table Host Chair, Paulette Johnson at 615.243.7751 for tickets

Bryana Aguilar Bryana@FranklinREALTORS.com

Chris Horrell Chris@FranklinREALTORS.com

SimmonsRidgeTN.com

WOOF GANG BAKERY & GROOMING

MONTHLY | Your “Bone” Vivant

FRANKLIN Your Neighborhood Pet Store.

Offering the very best Organic, Grain Free Dog and Cat foods, Fresh Baked Treats, Wellness Products, Toys, Grooming and more!

Bone

Vivant

Healthy You, Healthy Pup Hello there, WC Dog Lovers!

Everyone is kicking off their new year with goals, goals, goals. Are you already finding yourself in that New Year, New You rut? Well, I wanted to let you know some fun ways to get motivated with the help of your four-legged friends. Get back into the health gear by getting out and about with your pups! Exercise is needed not only for the humans, but for the dogs, too. And it is so much more fun to get our exercise in together. Having a companion – even a non-human one – while you exercise makes it more fun.

So, here are some ways to be healthy with your doggies:

Make your pup part of your special day. Stop into Woof Gang Franklin for the latest in Dresses, Tuxedos, Bow Ties/ Ties and accessories. We can accommodate many sizes, styles and colors.

• Take us pups on daily 30 minute walks.

• Take us for a run (if we are fit enough and do not have joint issues). Some of us pups can definitely keep up!

• Run around the yard or take us to the dog park and play fetch and chase with us.

• Take us for a hike.

• If you don’t have your own dog to exercise with, volunteer to walk dogs at a local animal shelter. Shelters need people to interact with their dogs, walk them, socialize them and keep them fit and healthy, too.

So, get those feet – and paws – moving for the new year and set some new goals with your doggies to help keep you both healthy for 2017.

Wiggle bottom and slobbery smooches to you and yours!

Ollie Pup See more of Ollie and his adventures at facebook.com/OlliePupBoxer, on Twitter @OlliePupBoxer, and follow OlliePupBoxer on Instagram.

NEED AN EXERCISE COMPANION?

LONDON

CLYDE

Adopt one of these adorable dogs from Snooty Giggles! Go to snootygiggles.com for more information on London and Clyde, or check out the other pets that are available for adoption.

1001 Westhaven Blvd.

Franklin, TN 37064 Contact us at 615.721.5172 or franklin@woofgangbakery.com @WGBFranklin Open Monday- Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-5 Grooming By Appointment

FRANKLIN

LIFESTYLE | Keeping Score

SUPER BOWL SU N DAY FUN -DAY

BY MORGAN TELLER

During the last weekend of January, the top two teams of each conference, AFC and NFC, will play each other to battle for the coveted spot at the National Football League’s Super Bowl LI. The 51st Super Bowl game will begin at 5:30 p.m. on February 5th. It will be held in the NGR Stadium in Houston, Texas, home of the Houston Texans NFL team.

The Super Bowl was created to merge the National Football League with the American Football League, which were rivals back in the late 1960’s. The two leagues are now considered “conferences” under the National Football League. The first Super Bowl was held in 1967 after the 1966 regular season. The conferences are neck and neck with number of Super Bowls won – National Football Conference with twenty-six wins and American Football Conference with twenty-four wins.

Super Bowl Sundays have an average audience of 114.4 million viewers each year. NFL football fanatics, sports fan in general and those not even remotely interested in sports gather to watch this game. The half time show is always a big name performer and the set is always above and beyond any normal performance. Another reason people love to watch this game is because of the hilarious commercials. Advertisers pay millions to have a thirty second spot during the Super Bowl game.

Not so surprisingly, the Super Bowl has become a sort of American holiday called “Super Bowl Sunday.” Super Bowl Sunday is the second largest food consumption day in the United States next to Thanksgiving. Tickets to the game are very pricey, so many people host their own Super Bowl tailgates and watch parties with tons of food, beverages and betting games!

Lots of beer, barbecue and dips will be consumed at many Super Bowl parties. One of my favorites is Buffalo Chicken Dip. 112 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP Ingredients 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 cup cooked chicken breast 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese salad dressing 2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese French bread baguette slices, celery ribs or tortilla chips Heat chicken and buffalo sauce in skillet over medium heat, until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing (or blue cheese). Cook, stirring until blended and warm. Mix in half of the shredded cheese and transfer mixture to a slow cooker. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover and cook on low in a crock pot until hot and bubbly.

It is always a fun idea to name different dishes after each of the teams playing for the title of Super Bowl Champions. For example, Buffalo Bills Chicken Dip or Tennessee Titan Trail Mix. If you want to spice things up a bit at your Super Bowl party, set up a betting field of “Scoreboard Pool.” To play, draw 100 squares on a poster board and each party-goer buys a square for a chosen price, i.e. $1 a square. After all squares are purchased, numbers 0-9 are randomly written over each column of squares to represent the last digit of a team’s score at the end of each quarter/half/3rd quarter/final. The winner each quarter receives a percentage of the pot. The percentage can go up with each quarter with the final score winner being the winner of the largest percentage. Use your imagination to make the pool as interesting and fun as you can. Whether your party is made up of hard-core NFL fans, or those who watch only for the commercials, you can be assured everyone who buys a square will be paying close attention to the game when the quarters come to a close.

SOCIAL | Leiper's Fork Christmas Parade

Photography by K. York The Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade may be the most unique parade one will ever see.

Antique tractors, a drill team, pot-bellied pigs and goats dressed in their best holiday attire. The parade takes a lot of pride in its quirkiness and has become known as the “Almost World Famous” parade. Aside from the parade action, attendees brought donations for the Williamson County Animal Shelter and several dogs had the most special Christmas of all - by getting adopted.

For more information on events around Leiper’s Fork, visit leipersforkcountry.com.

Cross & Nathan Tutor, Scott Gouge Virginia Kweller, Mark & Jodi Gillman, Catherine McEwen & Mark Whaley

Daniel, Todd, Laurie, Charlie & Eliza Landon

Jackson, Jill, Brooks & Bradon Gibbs

Jeff & Madeline Crowe

Meet me a t Jonathan ’s!

Sophia & Krystal Brown, Brian Russell & Alayna Brown

FOOTBALL LIVES HERE!!!

BEST HAPPY HOUR ANYWHERE! • #1 Sports Grille in Tennessee • 33 drafts and 32 bottles • 48 televisions • Watch every game!

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LIFESTYLE | A Southern Gentleman Is

2017

RESOLUTIONS FOR SOUTHERN MEN COURTESY OF ONESOUTHERNMAN.COM

This article was originally published at D’Marge.

It’s the same each year; January 1 is a magical time, especially for those lucky enough to live in the South. For a blissful, brief moment, we live in a world where everything seems possible. We’re going to get healthier, wealthier and happier. We’ll work harder and play more. We’ll manage our money wisely. We’ll read. We’ll learn a new language and spend more time with our loved ones. The coming year is our oyster and we’re going to gobble it down with champagne.

Fast forward a few weeks, and the painful truth sets in: making New Year’s resolutions is easy. Keeping them is hard. In fact, more than 90 percent of us will give up, meaning all we are really resolving to do in the New Year is feel guilty and disappointed. The grass on the other side of midnight doesn’t get greener on its own. The grass is only greener where you water it, so commit to keeping 2017 soggy by nourishing it with resolutions that actually matter.

REVIEW DISTRACTIONS AND CLEAR THE CLUTTER You’re no paragon of productivity. You’re distracted by your social feeds.

Or by news websites. Or by your favorite blogs. Or by your phone, your email, the chores you have to do, and that sick song Spotify put in your Discover Weekly playlist. Whoever you are, whatever you’re into, you have distractions and they’re only getting worse as we get more connected. Make it your aim to clear out the mental clutter and find focus in 2017. Be brutally honest in identifying the trivial things that sap your energy and attention. Then mute that noise. Agree to turn off the phone 30 minutes before bed or only check email twice a day. With fewer diversions fighting for a limited supply of brainpower, you’re free to apply yourself fully to the thing that matter most – then the next thing that matters most, then the next, then the next. Take breaks when you need them, but always return to your focus.

TRAVEL SOMEWHERE NEW “Travel more” is hardly an original New Year’s resolution, but how many actually stick to it? It’s not enough to vaguely state your intention to see more of the world – be specific. Commit to exploring somewhere new, whether it’s three hours away or thirty hours away. Better yet, pick an exact destination. It’s easier to figure out how you’ll get there if you know precisely where “there” is.

CROSS SOMETHING OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST Your bucket list contains everything in the world that excites you most, whether it’s skydiving or gambling in Las Vegas or learning to knit your own jumpers. Stop making excuses for why you can’t accomplish what’s on it. Find at least one item that tickles your fancy right now and commit to doing it in 2017. It’s an easy way to make sure the new year 114 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

looks nothing like its predecessors. Let’s call it the lazy man’s New Year’s resolution.

CREATE A MORNING ROUTINE Hitting snooze three times, fumbling your way into yesterday’s wrinkled pants, and wolfing down a burnt piece of toast as you bolt out the door is not a morning routine. The world’s most successful men know that a good day starts with a great morning, whether that means a workout, a healthy breakfast or quality time with family. Develop a structured routine for yourself that gets your mind and body primed to have the best day possible. Start here.

SAY “YES” MORE Really want to shake things up this year? Make a point of saying “yes” more often. A simple, three-letter word can open the door to all kinds of new opportunities, new experiences, and a whole new path for 2017.

That doesn’t mean you have to say yes to everything – skip anything that makes you unhappy or uncomfortable – but if it excites you, even if you’re not quite sure how you’re going to pull it off, whip out that yes and see where it leads.

SAY “NO” MORE On the flip side, say “no” to things that don’t serve your greater vision for yourself. Say no to things that are boring, stressful, a waste of time, and counterproductive to your health or personal growth. Say no to things you’d usually say yes to (even though you never wanted to do them in the first place). Practice welcoming the positive and banishing the negative from your life.

MASTER THREE JOKES / PARTY TRICKS You can take or leave the “guitarist” at the party who insists on playing everyone “Wonderwall” – but the guy with the good jokes? Or the man with card tricks so inscrutable you’d swear they’re actually magic?

He’s truly the life of the party, and in 2017, he could be you. Master a handful of infallible jokes or party tricks that can be whipped out at any time, any where. These dependable favorites will have your back whenever you’re feeling speechless but still want to leave an impression.

PAY IT FORWARD Why stop at changing your life? Why not change the life of a stranger? Why not change the world? Make an effort to pay it forward more often in 2017. And here’s the real challenge: don’t post about it on social media. Do good just for the sake of doing good, with no one around to hit a “like” for your efforts.

CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION You’re not an old dog, so embrace those new tricks. Look into classes offered by local universities, libraries, businesses and social organizations. Take an internet course if you prefer to learn remotely. Pick up a book if you’re an autodidact. You could resolve to explore a new passion, return to a beloved old hobby, or learn that essential thing from childhood you somehow skipped over (a grown man should be able to ride without training wheels, don’t you think?). There are endless ways to keep learning and improving in 2017, and depending on the method you choose, you’ll get both the gratification of expanding your skill set and the chance to meet interesting people along the way.

VALIDATE PEOPLE MORE OFTEN It’s easy to take important people in your life for granted, especially if you see them every day. Make it a goal to show more appreciation. You don’t have to dissolve into a slush puddle of emotion every time you’re together, but even an occasional compliment or acknowledgment of their importance in your life can have massive positive effects. Heartfelt validation makes both the giver and the recipient feel good, strengthens their relationship, and if you’ll excuse us for getting a little sappy over here, isn’t the world a nicer place for everyone with more goodwill going around?

OWN EVERYTHING Imagine what could happen if everyone took responsibility for their lives. Imagine a world in which Tinder dates never ghosted, in which we could always be honest about our feelings, in which people could say sorry when they screw up and actually mean it.

You can’t be responsible for “everyone” but you can be responsible for you. Own everything in 2017 – your flaws, your mistakes, your wants, your needs, your strengths, your successes.

Gentlemen’s Grooming Done Right.

1844 W McEwen Dr #110 Franklin, TN 37067 Phone:(615) 219-0188

eighteeneight.com

LIFESTYLE | Read Between the Lines

T H E U LT I M AT E

LOVE STORIES

BY SHELLY ROBERTSON BIRDSONG

Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte 1846 Searching for peace and recuperation, Mr. Lockwood rents Thrushcross Grange from Mr. Heathcliff, who lives in a remote moorland farmhouse, Wuthering Heights. Lockwood is grudgingly shown to his room and notices books and graffiti left by a former inhabitant named Catherine. Lockwood asks the housekeeper, Nelly Dean, about the family at Wuthering Heights and she tells him the tale of heart breaking love that knows no bounds of time. The book’s core theme is the destructive effect of jealousy and vengefulness both on individuals and on their communities. The moors themselves, are a character, in this brooding tale of love and heartbreak.

The English Patient, Michael Ondaatje 1992 The novel traces the intersection of four damaged lives in an abandoned Italian villa at the end of World War II. The nurse Hana, obsessively tends to her last surviving patient.

Caravaggio, the thief, tries to re-imagine who he is. The Indian sapper Kip, searches for hidden bombs in a landscape where nothing is safe but himself. At the center of his labyrinth lies the English patient, nameless and hideously burned, a man who is both a riddle and a provocation to his companions – and whose memories of suffering, rescue, and betrayal illuminate this book.

116 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

Roses are red, violets are blue… as far as love stories go, these ten are must-reads for you! Okay so I may not be a poet, but I do love a romantic story. I scoured the Internet for a multitude of lists on the best romantic novels of all time. There were titles that appeared over and over, some obscure tales, some classic, some modern, but in the end I created a list for you – my lovelorn readers - to enhance your Valentine’s Day fervor. Enjoy turning the pages of some of my favorite fictional love stories. With the exception of Love in the Time of Cholera, (now promptly ordered from Amazon), I have read and re-read them all. The great thing about all of these is the language and depth of the writing in all of these is as colorful, complex and heart rending as any romance. So if your love affair is with reading – Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

A Room with a View, E. M. Forster 1908 Set in Italy and England, the story is both a romance and a critique of English society at the beginning of the 20th century. The story begins describing a young woman’s first visit to Florence, at a time when upper middle class English women were starting to lead independent, adventurous lives. Their primary concern is that although rooms with a view of the River Arno have been promised, the rooms instead look over a courtyard. A Mr. Emerson offers to swap rooms as he and his son, George Emerson, look over the Arno. Thus begins an unlikely romance between Lucy and George captured, in one breathtaking scene, amidst the poppy fields of Italy.

The Notebook, Nicholas Sparks 1996

Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare 1597

The Notebook is a celebration of how passion can be ageless and timeless, a tale that moves one to laughter and tears and makes one believe in true love all over again. Noah Calhoun, back in coastal North Carolina after World War II, is haunted by images of the girl he lost more than a decade earlier. At twenty-nine, socialite Allie Nelson is about to marry a wealthy lawyer, but she cannot stop thinking about the boy who stole her heart.

William Shakespeare’s tragedy tells the tale about two young starcrossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare’s most popular plays during his lifetime and one of his most frequently performed plays. Today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers.

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen 1813

Anna Karenina, Fyodor Dostoevsky 1877

The story follows Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of the British Regency. Pride and Prejudice tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s five unmarried daughters after the rich and eligible Mr. Bingley and his status-conscious friend, Mr. Darcy, have moved into their neighborhood.

Anna Karenina tells of the doomed love affair between the sensuous and rebellious Anna and Count Vronsky. Tragedy unfolds as Anna rejects her passionless marriage and thereby exposes herself to the hypocrisies of society.

The seven major characters create a dynamic imbalance, playing out the contrasts of city and country life and all the variations on love and family happiness.

Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia Marquez 1985 In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall in love. When Fermina chooses to marry a doctor, Florentino is devastated. As he rises in his career, he whiles away the years in 622 affairs – yet he reserves his heart for Fermina. Her husband dies and fifty years after Florentino first declared his love for he, he will do so again.

The Princess Bride, William Goldman 1973

Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell 1936

William Goldman’s modern fantasy classic is a simple, exceptional story about quests – for riches, revenge, power, and, of course, true love – that’s thrilling and timeless.

The romance of Westley and Buttercup, rich in character and satire, the novel is set in 1941 and framed cleverly as an “abridged” retelling of a centuries-old tale set in the fabled Florin.

Heralded by readers everywhere as the Great American Novel since it was first published, Gone With the Wind explores the depths of human passions with an intensity as bold as its setting in the bluff red hills of Georgia.

A superb piece of storytelling, it brings the drama of the Civil War and Reconstruction vividly to life.

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OUTLOOK WILLIAMSON 2017 Williamson County leads the U.S. in job growth for the past three quarters. Come learn why Williamson County is Tennessee’s fastest-growing county at this half-day economic forum focusing on the latest business trends and statistical data. Outlook Williamson 2017 takes a deep dive into why corporations and small businesses choose to call Williamson County home and the factors that drive these business investment decisions. Hear from industry-leading experts and walk away with a new copy the 2017 Williamson County Trends Report.

APRIL 11 | 7:30 - 11:00 AM | THE FACTORY Tickets available at williamsonchamber.com 2017 Sponsors:

BUSINESS | The Scoop

IF YOU OR YOUR COMPANY HAS COMMUNITY OR BUSINESS NEWS TO SHARE, SEND TO INFO@YOURWILLIAMSON.COM

FIRSTBANK PROMOTES LANKFORD TO FRANKLIN CITY PRESIDENT Veteran banker Mary Lankford has been promoted to Franklin City President for FirstBank. Lankford previously was Vice President and Manager of FirstBank’s downtown Franklin financial center. In her new role, Lankford will take on additional responsibilities for business and relationship development, as well as enhancing community partnerships in Williamson County. Nashville-based FirstBank, a wholly owned subsidiary of FB Financial Corporation, (NYSE: FBK), is the third largest Tennessee-headquartered bank, with forty-five full-service bank branches and mortgage locations across the Southeast. The bank serves every major metropolitan market in Tennessee and, with approximately $3 billion in total assets, has the resources to provide a comprehensive variety of financial services and products.

For more information, visit firstbankonline.com.

FIRST CITIZENS NATIONAL BANKS ADDS MARKETING PROFESSIONAL Sydney Ball has been named Business Development and Public Relations Representative in the Middle Tennessee market at First Citizens National Bank. Ball will help coordinate the marketing efforts for the bank’s Middle Tennessee region.

First Citizens National Bank operates from twenty-three locations in Tennessee. Established in 1889 in Dyer County, the bank today has approximately $1.7 Billion in assets and serves markets throughout ten Tennessee counties. FirstCNB is a full service community bank offering deposit, lending, wealth management, cash management, trust, insurance, and investments.

For more information, visit firstcnb.com.

BATTLE OF FRANKLIN TRUST CEO PRESENTED WITH TENNIE PINKERTON DOZIER AWARD Battle of Franklin Trust CEO Eric Jacobson received the Tennie Pinkerton Dozier award from Save the Franklin Battlefield organization. The award is presented annually to an individual who has made a long-term, compelling commitment to battlefield preservation efforts in Williamson County. Save the Franklin Battlefield, Inc. is a non-profit organization consisting of volunteers from across the world who are dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of Civil War sites in Williamson County. Jacobson is the CEO of The Battle of Franklin Trust and helps to lead nonprofit organization in its continued preservation of the Franklin battlefield. For more information, visit boft.org.

BUSINESS | We’re in the Money

YOU WILL SPEND UPWARDS OF TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH, TILL DEATH DO US PART

BY ALEX JONES

Congratulations! You’ve found the love of your life, joyfully cried through your wedding vows and look forward to a lifetime of wonderful experiences together. As anyone will tell you, marriage changes your life. But maybe a little less obvious is how marriage changes your financial picture and need for life insurance.

45 YEARS

working to support your lifestyle, provide for your family, and set aside money for retirement.

With all your hard work you Deserve the Opportunity to Retire Comfortably, and Stay Retired

When you first get married, the last thing you want to think about is death. However, a premature death can leave your family in a catastrophic financial position. According to the Life Insurance and Research Association (LIMRA) and nonprofit Life Happens, more than 40 percent of Americans have no life insurance. Among twenty-five to forty-four–yearolds, nearly 50 percent have no life insurance.

The purpose of life insurance is to protect your loved ones by replacing the lost income a death would create. A drastic loss of income can bankrupt a family and destroy the financial progress that you have worked so hard to achieve.

In marriage, your financial picture becomes more complex and the need for income is vital. Couples often use their combined income to take on larger financial obligations such as buying a new home, cars, student loans and possibly having children. In many cases, debts of spouses may be passed on to the remaining loved one.

Two common types of life insurance policies are available for purchase, term life and permanent life.

Term life insurance guarantees to pay out a set amount of money if you die while the policy is in effect. Common time frames of coverage range from ten to thirty years with some policies offering a convertibility feature to a permanent life insurance policy. Term insurance is generally the most affordable and cost effective type of life insurance and premium payments are locked in.

Permanent life insurance lasts your entire life and builds cash value. Because you can take a loan against the cash value, these policies can also be used as a source of funds later in life. However, the cash value is often kept by the insurance company in the event of death with the beneficiary only receiving the death benefit. And permanent life insurance policies may be cost prohibitive.

Many newlyweds will find that level term insurance is a suitable strategy to protect their financial goals. A general rule of thumb is to purchase ten times your annual income in coverage. If you earn $50,000 a year you would want to purchase minimum coverage of $500,000. However, this amount may vary depending on your age and any dependents.

For those planning on having children, it may be ideal to purchase an additional twenty or thirty-year term policy specifically to cover college costs.

Avoid rushing to buy the lowest cost policy. It is important to consider the financial strength of the insurance company, convertibility rights and available riders on any policy. An independent insurance agent can provide you with comparisons from several “A” insurance companies. Remember your insurance coverage is only as good as the claims paying ability of your insurance company!

Don’t wait to take the important steps of protecting your family. Call us today to discuss insurance strategies for you and your loved ones.

Our LPL Financial Planners are independent and solely focused on your holistic goal-based financial plan.

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Contact our office today to schedule a complimentary financial planning session with one of our experienced planners.

(o) 615-333-7653 (f ) 888-681-1972 www.GuardingThePath.com Alex.Jones@lpl.com The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. Dave Ramsey’s SmartVestor Pro is a directory of investment professionals. Neither Dave Ramsey nor SmartVestor are affiliates of Guardian Financial or LPL.

BUSINESS | Your Business Partner

WOMEN IN BUSINESS WILLIAMSON COUNTY’S LEADING LADIES TO FOLLOW IN 2017

BY SUZIE LIND, DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, WILLIAMSON, INC.

Behind every great community, there are dedicated men and women who lead it. As the leading U.S. county for job growth in 2016, Williamson County continues to foster a booming business climate for small and large organizations alike. Williamson, Inc., the county’s chamber of commerce and economic development organization, is at the heart of creating a thriving business community with the help of dynamic women who give their time to serve on the Women in Business steering committee.

Women in Business is Williamson, Inc.’s premiere program that brings together professional women of all ages to address issues - via educational luncheons and after hours networking mixers - related to professional development and leadership with the aim of creating a robust mentoring and support network that fosters success in both careers and community engagement.

Leigh Bawcom Development Director Bridges Domestic Violence Center

Now in its sixth year, the Women in Business steering committee is led by Williamson Medical Center’s Director of Marketing and Development Stephanie Clark. Along with twenty-two powerhouse women spanning different life stages and professions in Williamson County, Clark is ecstatic about their plans to help women in Williamson County reach their highest potential in 2017.

“Women in Business is a fantastic group of thought leaders with a clear goal of changing business in Williamson and surrounding counties,” said Clark.

“We bring in the best speakers who challenge us to grow both personally and professionally.”

Stephanie Clark Director of Marketing and Development Williamson Medical Center

Clark is part of the leadership team in the largest hospital in Williamson County. The in-house marketing and business development team handles all creative, public relations, advertising, community outreach and the physician liaison program, Williamson Medical Group. Clark is among a rising number of hard working women in the workforce who are raising families, deeply involved in their communities and seek that everelusive work-life balance.

“The number of personal and professional connections I have made through this group has been incredible. It’s truly inspiring to work with so many talented leaders and see the impact we can make on our community when we work together,” said Clark.

120 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

Elaine Wells Founder and President Well Planned Events

Clark takes the leadership reigns this year from Leigh Bawcom, development director with Bridges Domestic Violence Center. Under Bawcom’s leadership in 2016, Women in Business gained more momentum than ever before with an increase in engagement and attendance, seeing record audiences of more than 200. Not only does Bawcom have a critical role at Bridges, she is an entrepreneur. Following her passion for events and weddings, she launched Leigh Bawcom Events in 2014, birthed during her tenure as marketing officer for Bancorp South. Through her attention to detail and creative mind, she makes her client’s stories come to life. Bawcom remains on the Women in Business steering committee because, for her, it’s essential to building her business.

“Women in Business has encouraged me to view things from different perspectives,” Bawcom said. “You might be hearing from a speaker that is at the pinnacle of her career while sitting next to someone who is just starting in their field. To be a good leader, you have to understand and appreciate people, where they come from, what drives them and what they value.”

Elaine Wells, founder and president of Well Planned Events, has been a part of Women in Business since its inception. Wells has more than twenty-five years of experience planning corporate and special events on a global scale and appreciates the value in attending Women in Business events.

“Tennessee is among the top ten states in the country for women-owned businesses. As a female small business owner, it is great to have a resource for meeting other business leaders in a non-competitive environment,” said Elaine.

Women in Business kicks off its first luncheon of 2017 on January 24 with life coach Mridu Parikh from Life is Organized to discuss strategies and tools to lead a more productive lifestyle. Future topics will cover strategic growth, making valuable connections and leadership. At these luncheons, attendees find themselves engaged in conversations revolving around family, football, the arts, philanthropy, faith, and, of course, how great of a place Williamson County is to work, live and play.

To learn more about Williamson, Inc. Women in Business and to register for 2017 events, visit williamsonchamber.com or connect with them on Facebook at facebook.com/williamsonchamberwib.

BUSINESS | Ribbon Cuttings

Ribbon Cuttings Congratulations to these new Williamson County businesses and Chamber members!

Back 2 Wellness 400 Downs Boulevard Franklin, TN

Danita’s Children Hope for Haiti Children’s Center 201 5th Avenue South Franklin, TN

Dree’s Home 1651 Westgate Circle Brentwood, TN

First Advantage Bank 101 International Drive Franklin, TN

Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa 201 Franklin Road, Suite 170 Brentwood, TN

Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary 545 Beech Creek Road South Brentwood, TN

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SOCIAL | Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting

Photography by K. York The start of the holiday season brought crowds to the streets in downtown Franklin to watch the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. Local professional theatre company Studio Tenn performed songs from A Studio Tenn Christmas. Choirs from Freedom Intermediate and Centennial High School led the signing of everyone’s favorite Christmas carols. Santa Claus joined Mayor Ken Moore, and other local dignitaries, for the official countdown to flip the switch lighting the forty-foot Christmas tree. Local shops kept their doors open later for holiday open houses and shopping. For more information on Franklin events, go to visitfranklin.com.

Savannah & Kim Ramhoff

Lawrence Sullivan & Mark Schweer

Tyler Evick, Claire Boling, Sarah Bailey & Brian Schwartz

Hendrix, Adreanna, Lennox & Presleigh Harvey

Maddie, Lucy, Rocky & Kate Cowan

Lesa Pearce & Brenda Harrison

Olivia & Peyton Pullin

Brent, Thatcher & Sarah Hill

Livianna, Alaia Anthony & Krista Gutierrez

122 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

Milo, Eddie, Otis & Beth Anderson

Savannah, Danielle & Marcel Rivers

Clair Carter, Courtenay & Damon Rogers

Jim Johnson, Logan Treadway, Stacie Vining & Jenny Stika

Rhett & Caroline Dumke

Lily Rippy & Anna Pearl Garrett

Jacob & Kate Williams

Henry Webber & Jennifer Parker

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SOCIAL | Giving Thanks for Friends Photography by K. York My Friend’s House hosted their annual Giving Thanks for Friends dinner at their facility in Franklin. The interim director, board of directors, staff and several of the young men who live at the facility, use this annual event to thank supporters, friends and donors for all they do for the organization. The mission of My Friend’s House is to serve at-risk male youth in need by offering a home-like environment with a balance of structure, support, nurturing and expectations.

For more information about the organization, visit myfriendshousetn.org.

Vincent Baker & Kiley Maupin

Courtney Williams, Kevin Hacker, Angie Langford & Kevin Townsel

Linlee & Brandon Allen

Edward Theis, Therese Fleetwood & Brad Langford

Dianne & Frank Chambers, David & Katie Burt

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SOCIAL | Nolensville North Pole Experience Photography by Haley Anthony The Nolensville North Pole Experience was a night for the whole family to get in the Christmas spirit with crafts, hot chocolate, treats, live music and Santa in a Winter Wonderland set up behind Town Hall. Guests were able to make their own ornaments and holiday crafts and enjoy Mama Java’s hot chocolate while listening to music provided by Life Community Church. The evening was topped off with the official reading of A Christmas Story by the town’s mayor from the balcony of Town Hall, followed by caroling with the Nolensville High School band. The finale of the evening was the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree by Bill Harlin. To keep up with events in Williamson County, go to visitfranklin.com.

Kevin & Mae Ramsey

Emily, Keller & Jason Putty

Lindsey & Sarah Kate Miller, Amelia Teasley

Sharon & Heather Boyle

Nancy, Deana, Ruby & Frank Douglas

Laney Lamberth, Angie Hane & Mark Duke

Ryan, Reagan & Shannon Hill

Micah, Veronique & Oliver Florez

SOCIAL | 32nd Annual Franklin Christmas Parade Photography by Braden Winfree The Kiwanis Club of Franklin, along with sponsors Monroe Carell Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital at Williamson Medical Center and Ruud Air Conditioning Products, kicked off the Christmas season with the 32nd Annual Downtown Franklin Christmas Parade.

The parade was led by Grand Marshal Ben Zobrist, the Chicago Cubs’ MVP in the World Series victory against the Cleveland Indians. The parade’s theme this year was “No Place Like Home for Christmas” and featured more than fifty floats and performances by marching bands from Franklin High School, Freedom Middle School and Centennial High School. Holiday spirits were bright as parade-goers had the chance to donate toys to the Franklin Firefighters Association's efforts to provide gifts for needy local children. To learn more about the Kiwanis Club and its annual Christmas Parade, visit kiwanischristmasparadefranklintn.org.

Ben Zobrist& Ken Moore

Lyla Husband, Sophie Yount, Kingston Dealy, Abby Yount, Dash Husband & Sammy Yount

Sharon Roewart & Carol Marks

Robertson Media Group

Emily Pearl, Robin & Jamie Santini

Stephanie Ibarra & Austin Ferrell

Kayla, Bella & Trisha Carson

Angie, Megan, Justin & Ethan Wilson 126 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

Olivia Kate Jadofsky, Delayna Bridges, Caitlin & John Ryan

Rusty & Robyn Evans

Linda Gosey Johnson & Roberta Baskette Bradley

Mandy, Layna, Pax & Eliza Wiemers

Wendy, Millie & John Heineman

COMMUNITY | Your Education

GOOD NEWS ABOUNDS FROM WILLIAMSON COUNTY SCHOOLS MAYOR PROCLAIMS JANUARY WILLIAMSON LOVES LIBRARIES MONTH Williamson County is demonstrating its love for libraries and dedication to developing student resources by proclaiming January, 2017 Libraries of Williamson County Month. During the month of January, libraries will offer activities to highlight the various services they offer to students and teachers. “We commend our librarians for devoting the month of January to celebrate libraries and design special activities which will encourage students to be excited about Back row: Rogers Anderson, County Mayor; Laura Kleman, Sunset Middle Library; books and reading,” said Starra Withers, Kenrose Elementary Library WCS Literary Curriculum and Susan Earl, Brentwood Library. Front Specialist Cassandra row: Dolores Greenwald, Williamson Harrington. “We County Public Library. appreciate everyone who will be participating in this celebration.” Sunset Middle Librarian Laura Kleman said the proclamation shows Williamson County’s commitment to improving student resources. “You can just look at the libraries in Williamson County and see the commitment,” Kleman said. “It’s a coming together of our schools and our public libraries. We’re really fortunate to have everyone excited and supporting our students.”

ACADEMIC ALL-STAR – ALLENDALE ELEMENTARY The Academic All-Star award is given to students who exhibit a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Each Academic All-Star is chosen by his or her principal and receives a framed certificate, free food from Chickfil-A and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

He has only been a student at Allendale for a few months, but fifth grader Alex Alford is already making a name for himself at the school.

The eleven-year-old is earning praise from teachers and students alike for his positive attitude and determination to succeed, making him the perfect choice for this year’s Academic All-Star. “Alex is such a hard-worker, and he doesn’t let himself get discouraged,” said Allendale Elementary Teacher Carolyn Allen. “Alex is always cheerful, polite and treats everyone with respect.” Alex’s favorite subject is math, and he said he finds multiplication particularly easy. When he’s not in school, Alex can often be found playing basketball or computer games. “Alex is always positive, and he faces any challenge like a champ,” said Allen. “He is always on task, gives 150 percent and embodies the county’s BE NICE way of life.”

For more school news visit, wcs.edu.

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LIFESTYLE | Arts & Culture

MARDI GRAS The Ultimate Arts and Culture Festival There is no other event in our country that more encapsulates all things art, music, food, costumes and celebration than New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. This year Mardi Gras falls on February 28th and will no doubt prove to be the epitome of a cultural phenomenon for the Big Easy. Whatever your view – it’s truly a ‘must do’ at least once. You will never experience anything else like it – from the Krewe parades to the king cakes to the jazz musicians in every alleyway and on every corner – it is so much sensory overload – you will be ready for Lent! Here are a few fun facts about this distinctively cultural holiday.

And remember: laissez les bon temps rouler!

MARDI GRAS IS ALWAYS THE TUESDAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French.

With Ash Wednesday marking the beginning of Lent, a forty-day period of fasting before

Easter, Mardi Gras is the “last hurrah,” with participants indulging in their favorite foods and drinks before giving them up.

MARDI GRAS MARKS THE END OF CARNIVAL SEASON Countries around the world celebrate Mardi Gras as the last day of Carnival season, which starts on January 6th, ‘Twelfth Night.’

KING’S CAKE King’s Cake, is eaten throughout the world during carnival season. In the U.S., it is traditionally purple, green and gold, with a trinket baby Jesus inside. Whoever gets the baby Jesus is said to have good luck all year.

THE FIRST NEW ORLEANS MARDI GRAS PARADE WAS 177 YEARS AGO New Orleans has been celebrating Fat Tuesday with parades since 1837. The first

floats appeared in the parade in 1857.

PARADES ARE PLANNED BY ‘KREWES’ Krewes are organizations that put on a parade or a ball for Mardi Gras/Carnival. Krewes are responsible for selecting carnival royalty, such as ‘Rex,’ the king of Mardi Gras.

MASKS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW It’s illegal to ride on a float without a mask.

The original purpose of the mask was to get rid of social constraints for the day, allowing people to mingle with whomever they chose.

MARDI GRAS IS A STATE HOLIDAY Fat Tuesday is an official state holiday in Alabama, Florida and parts of Louisiana.

For more Mardi Gras facts and to plan your trip, go to mardigrasneworleans.com.

SOCIAL | A Season of High Hopes

Photography by Rachel Cunningham High Hopes Development Center hosted their festive songwriters' night at the Franklin Theatre. The intimate concert featured country artists Lee Greenwood, Tim Nichols, Billy Dean, Jamie O’Neal and Bradley Walker, who shared some of their favorite stories and songs of the Christmas season. This Franklin Christmas tradition highlights the amazing work of the High Hopes staff. The proceeds from the Christmas concert benefit the High Hopes children and families. The development center has a pediatric therapy clinic and preschool which provide services that nurture and educate children with and without special needs. For more information, visit highhopesforkids.net.

De & Jackie Thompson, Brenda & Doug Hale 128 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | WINTER 2017

Tim Nichols

Elaine Ryder, Ilse Garcia & Cynthia Shearer

Rory Feek, Tonya & Kevin Stout

Kathy Morrison & Cheryl Dean

SOCIAL | Merry BrightStone Christmas Program Sponsored Event

Photography by Rachel Cunningham The Merry BrightStone Christmas Program got everyone in the holiday spirit. The event held at The Factory, featured a heart-warming performance by the BrightStone adult singers who dressed like cowboys and cowgirls for this year’s country theme. Guests were treated to refreshments following the show and everyone had the opportunity to purchase holiday items made by BrighStone students, before the program. The Christmas performance is an annual event that is free to the community. For more information about BrightStone, visit brighstone.org.

Josie Havens & Denise Flagg

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Jake’s Women Neil Simon

BY

SHOW RUNS JAN. 27 - FEB. 11 PURCHASE TICKETS NOW! Go to www.pull-tight.com any time, or call 615-791-5007 Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm.

FEBRUARY 14-19

On Sale Now! TPAC.ORG/SoundofMusic • 615-782-4040 GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE CALL 615-782-4060

Discover a treasure.

112 2nd Avenue, South • Historic Downtown Franklin

www.pull-tight.com Broadway Series sponsored by TPAC.org is the official online source for buying tickets to TPAC events.

JAKE’S WOMEN (NEIL SIMON) IS PRESENTED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

TheSoundOfMusicOnTour.com

MONTHLY | Did You Know?

DID YOU KNOW? MARDI GRAS FACTS More than 500,000 king cakes are sold each year in New Orleans between January 6th and Fat Tuesday and another 50,000 are shipped out-of-state.

Many historians believe that the first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699, when the French explorers Iberville and Bienville landed in what is now Louisiana.

The largest of about one dozen Mardi Gras supply houses in New Orleans sells an estimated one billion pairs of beads for a Mardi Gras season.

For Denmark’s

Louisiana is the

Fastevlan, children

only state in

dress up and collect

which Mardi Gras

candy in a similar manner to Halloween.

is a legal holiday.

ALL W ILLIAM S O N. ALL T H E T IM E .

Williamson County isn’t just a place

it’s a lifestyle!

YourWilliamson.com explores everything that makes this such a wonderful place to live • • • • •

Your Your Your Your Your

Community Lifestyle Business Social Williamson

In Italy, tourists flock to Venice’s Carnevale, which dates back to the 13th century and is famous for its masquerade balls.

BUILDING A LUXURY HOME SHOULD BE A LUXURY EXPERIENCE

DISCOVER HILLSBORO COVE Legend Homes is proud to offer an exceptional living experience in a bucolic, pastoral setting just minutes from historic downtown Franklin. Hillsboro Cove is a 34-acre community of graceful and luxurious homes that blends with and enhances the natural beauty and rolling landscape of the site.

HILLSBORO COVE - Lot 105 Legend Homes is currently offering a move-in ready beautiful American classic with 5 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half baths.

This 5,367 stunner is located on 1.7 acres and features an open floor plan, two bedrooms on the first level and an oversized covered porch with fireplace.

Priced at $1,369,900.

BRENTWOOD: Valley View from $1.2 million Avery (Coming Soon) Witherspoon (Opening 1/28/17) WILLIAMSON COUNTY: Hillsboro Cove from $1.2 million NOLENSVILLE: Benington from the $700s

ARRINGTON & COLLEGE GROVE: The Hideaway at Arrington from the $900s The Grove from the $900s FRANKLIN: The Preserve at Echo Estates from $1.2 million Westhaven from the $900s Downtown Franklin/Everbright from the upper $800s

For more information visit:

legendarylifestyles.com or call 615.376.9354

Grande Reverso Duo watch Eduardo Novillo Astrada, polo Champion, Winner of the Argentine Triple Crown.