V3Wedding2010

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MAGA Z I N E

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2010eddingompendium Perfect Day AN ALL-IN-ONE GUIDE

TO PLANNING YOUR

azine2010eddingompendium

7 the lorist

8 the aterer

11 the ridesmaids

12 the akeup

15 the lanner

16 the ocation

19 the hotos

20 the ideo

23 the ehearsal inner24 the ifts

27 the airstylist

28 the avors

31 the akery

4 the eweler

ompendiumSpecialEditionStaff

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF+ PRODUCTION MANAGER+ ART&DESIGNNeal Howard

FEATURE TEXTBrian FosterNeal Howard

PHOTOGRAPHYMala HyderTracy Page

CHIEF OF ADVERTISING+ OFFICE SALES DIRECTORIan Griffin

CHIEF SALES REPRESENTATIVEJeff Miller

ORIGINAL AD DESIGNBrittany Howes

PUBLISHERv3publications, llc

CONTACTOne West Fourth Avenue

Rome, Ga. 30161phone: 706.235.0748

email: [email protected]

v3visualconcepts.com

NW GEORGIA’S PREMIER FEATURE READER / SPECIAL EDITION

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MAGA Z I N E

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2010eddingompendiumPerfect DayAN ALL-IN-ONE GUIDE

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MAGA Z I N E

� vini vidi vici / v3 magazine

the eweler

s one of the most tenured residents of Rome’s business community,

Ford, Gittings and Kane Jewelers (FGK) have seen thousands of nervous young men walk through their doors in search of the perfect diamond. Owner Joe Gittings co-founded the company in 1958, carrying on a family trade that dates back to his father’s service in World War I, as an Army watchmaker.

“I grew up in the business,” says Gittings, who began his own career as a jeweler in the 1940s, while working at his family’s shop in Roanoke, Ala. “That’s all I’ve ever known.”

At age 84, still spry as can be, Joe continues to put his years of experience to work, repairing watches, rings and necklaces, in addition to imparting his vast knowledge upon the dozen employees that currently—and proudly—call FGK home. “He’s the

patriarch, and the reason why we carry on the [FGK] tradition,” says store co-owner Jan Fergerson. “That’s what has made us successful over the years, and [we] continue to grow.”

A major source of FGK’s success over the last 52 years has been its dedicated, professional approach to guiding grooms and brides of all ages through the nail-biting excitement of the engagement process. Jan Fergerson and Alice Herring, two of the only six certified gemologist appraisers in the state, are on hand every step of the way to better educate grooms on the complexity of diamonds and gems, and to help them choose the right stone (and setting) for their future brides. “Ford, Gittings and Kane are known for the having most ideal cut diamonds,” says Fergerson, “and when customers come

in looking for the right diamond, they can expect only the best.”

Among the many designs found in an FGK showcase are featured selections from industry giants including Gottlieb, Simon G and Hearts On Fire. And however long the diamond selection process may take, Jan and Alice assure they will provide you with the necessary info to make that single, most crucial of decisions.

To boot, if the right ring cannot be found within the store’s extensive inventory of gold, silver and platinum settings, in-house design and goldsmith tandem, Jerome Thomas and Pat Coffey, will just as happily fabricate your family’s next treasured heirloom.

The newly engaged can also find some of the area’s finest selections of china, crystal, flatware and casual dinnerware. Sets include offerings from Wedgwood, Waterford, Strasbourg and Towle, among others. “A lot of brides and grooms come in and don’t have [any] idea about table setting and crystal,” Fergerson says. “This is the first time, for many, that they have ever had to even think about setting the table, because mom always told them where to put it and when to do it. This is when the brides and grooms get to pick what suits their personalities.”

Among the several additional registry items and services that FGK offers, we see casual kitchenware, vases and other small household decorations, and custom etching and engraving.

So, whenever choosing the right ring to ‘make it official’ or selecting the ideal place settings for years of entertaining family and friends, the crew at FGK’s wealth of collective experience, as well as the their fine selection of jewelry and gifts, should be the first stop for couples who will settle for nothing less than the best. VVV

A

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vini vidi vici / v3 magazine �

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the lorist

ith a mixed color palette and varying dimensions, the flowers displayed at your wedding

add more flavor than any other main ingredient. From bold and bright to soft and subdued, floral arrangements allow for a vast range of expression, matched only by a bride’s gown. As vetted experts in setting the right mood for your wedding ceremony, Bussey’s Florist in Cedartown brings a team of artists

who help couples create the perfect aesthetic for that perfect day.

Since first opening its doors in 1976, Bussey’s has grown to become one of Northwest Georgia’s most trusted and called upon florists, helping customers express themselves in just the right way, regardless of location or circumstance. “Weddings are

something that we specialize in, and it has been a growing part of our business,” says second-generation owner, Todd Bussey. “We service the entire region and can travel over an hour away for weddings if need be.”

Bussey’s extends its daily services across the region, making frequent deliveries to Cedartown, Rome, Cave Spring and Rockmart. In addition, they also offer in-store bridal registries for home accessorizing and dinnerware.

Regardless of the size and scope of your wedding ceremony or its subsequent events, Bussey’s stands firm on the claim that it can cater to any and every couple’s expectations. “We provide as much or as little as our clients need,” says Bussey. “Full-service events, engagement parties prior to the wedding, the rehearsal

dinner the night before, the day of the wedding—options for the ceremony may range from simple altar arrangements to a completely decked out church. What we can provide runs the gamut.”

Pinning down the smallest of details for one’s wedding day can be a daunting task for both the bride and her planners. From the flower girl bouquets to grandmother’s corsage, from the intricate arrangements to the centerpiece at the head table, there are endless choices to make. This is why Todd Bussey and his shop’s head wedding consultant, Jan Price, say they can work with the most discriminating of clients to get those details just right. “We try to get to know the bride,” Todd says. “We look at lots of images together so that we can begin to know what her style is, what her likes and dislikes are, and from there we will start to put together a unique wedding collection for her.

“It comes together because of the service that we provide, and not just on the day of the event, but the planning process as well. I think that brides appreciate the sense of style [we help] bring to them. We try to help them to create [floral arrangements that evoke their own personalities].”

A lush garden of fresh flowers, all displaying their unique aromas and vibrant colors, can only serve to brighten an already joyous day. According to Todd Bussey, that’s the mission of his experienced team as they look to set the stage for one of your life’s most important events—“as if it all came together by magic.” VVV

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FLOWERS EQUAL

Bussey’sFloristPOWER

� vini vidi vici / v3 magazine

the aterer

n its near decade-long residence at 234 Broad Street in downtown Rome, Harvest Moon Cafe has managed quite

well in solidifying itself as one of the top culinary destinations in all of Northwest Georgia. Known for its unique take on traditional Southern fare, it typically attracts diners in search of a fresh approach to grandma’s home-cooked comfort food. Then, fusing modernity and aesthetic, “The Moon” (as it is often referred to by regulars) makes frequent patrons of first-timers with an eclectic menu that reflects the quirky, country-styled surroundings from which the restaurant draws its inspiration. Whether feasting on a Cajun grilled tilapia sandwich or a fat bowl of collard greens, big-city visitors and country cousins alike feel right at home when pulling up a chair here.

Yet, Harvest Moon is defined by so much more than its popular downtown location. Since its humble beginnings as a bread and sandwich shop in Cave Spring, owner Ginny Kibler and staff have been bringing their kitchen creations directly to the people, and now have even grown to become one of the area’s premier wedding caterers. “A lot of people may get the impression that we can only do the things that we do here in the restaurant, but that’s not the case,” says Harvest Moon catering director Brian Lanhan. “We can do very upscale receptions and events.”

Not limited to their cafe menu, Harvest Moon’s caterers can bring any style of dish to any style of reception. Drawing upon their combined skills in concocting both traditional and highly imaginative servings, chefs Juan Lara and Dorothy Foster are the perfect complement to one another in the kitchen, and have become pivotal in the restaurant’s ability to cater to the specific wishes of their customers. “We can adjust [our dishes] to fit anyone’s tastes,” says

Lanhan. “Our menus are a good starting place, but our kitchen can do so much more, depending on what is asked of us. We can mix and match and customize in any way to give our customers what they want.”

Any diner lucky enough to have lost his or herself in a mouthwatering meal at The Moon instantly recognizes the level of forethought that has gone into its preparation. However, the fresh, homemade ingredients that go into manifesting these from-scratch meals stand out in particular. “The quality of the food is something that everyone recognizes locally—that homemade, handmade aspect,” says catering assistant Haley Eberhart. “There are so many specialty items, like our breads and our pimento cheese spread, that are unique to Harvest Moon, and a lot of people come to us because they are sure that their weddings are going to

have those items. They know what to expect from us.”

“We have a very established catering crew in regards to planning, setup, preparation and presentation,” Lanhan adds. “They have years of experience working with one another at hundreds of events.”

Receptions, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, you name it; if it demands the freshest, best prepared food in town, Harvest Moon is willing to devote its years of experience via success to you and your loved ones.

Charmingly enough, the establishment is also housed in a large, renovated historic building replete with unique spaces (i.e., spaces that can serve as the perfect location for any pre-wedding event). An elevator ride to the second floor reveals two choices of venue for private parties. The large “Mezzaluna”, for example, located in the rear of the building, has played host to dozens of bridal showers and wedding brunches over the years. And “The Apartment”, a recently

opened, luxurious second-floor space, is now available to customers as well.

“The Apartment is the perfect setting for champagne and hors-d’œuvres, engagement parties, bridal showers and brunches,” says Eberhart. “It’s great for events where you aren’t necessarily looking for a sit-down dinner.”

So, whether looking to recreate the ambience of a barbequed reception behind your grandma’s barn, an elegant sit-down at your aunt’s antebellum manor, or just a casual Monday lunch on

Broad, with Harvest Moon you can expect nothing but the best in Southern-inspired service and cuisine. VVV

I

FLY ME TO THE

HarvestMoonCafeMOON


Proctor FarmWeddings & Special Events

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Whether your style is elegant or casual, Proctor Farm has everything you need to create the ultimate outdoor

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he Hearn Academy and Inn are located in the beautiful city of Cave Spring, Georgia. If you are looking for tranquility, history and elegance, then this is the place for you..T

vini vidi vici / v3 magazine 11

ay ‘Alabama Crimson Tide Football’ and several thoughts

spring to mind: 13 national titles, the wily and willful Joe Namath, an SEC championship rivalry with the Gators renewed, cutting-edge fashion…

Whoa, whoa, back up. What was that last one again?

That’s right, folks, if you had never before thought of Tuscaloosa, Ala. as a hotbed for style—let alone legendary head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant as a trendsetter—think again. Turns out this university town of approximately 180,000, best known for cranking out top-round NFL talent while scaring the bejesus out of opposing squads on the gridiron, has a flair for contemporary chíc as well.

Says Lauren Leonard, a 2006 University of Alabama alum and owner-creator of the South’s hottest upstart clothing line, Leona, “I focused [my first collection] towards the Alabama fans and doing game-day dresses for the girls there. I was doing everything in houndstooth (the jagged, black/white pattern made famous by Bear Bryant’s signature sideline fedora), and this was back before anyone was really wearing houndstooth… So I was trying to tap into a market that people hadn’t paid much notice to…

“We got an insane response.”Insanely good, that is. Even

current head coach Nick Saban’s own daughter is reportedly a “big supporter,” and with as many as 90 retailers across the U.S. now carrying Leonard’s unique design aesthetic and entrepreneurial vision, including Mel & Mimi on East Eighth Street in Rome, the Leona train doesn’t look to be slowing anytime soon.

As for brides and bridesmaids across Northwest Georgia, in 2010, this vaunted success is translating into the most fashionable walk down the aisle this side of the Mason-Dixon. No, Leona’s leading lady doesn’t do wedding dresses. She’s not so keen on the highly customizable market, she says. Leonard does, however, put together one banger of a bridesmaids’ look.

“We are sold in [approximately 90] retail stores all over the country, but about 85 percent of those stores are located in the Southeast,” she explains. “So, I really cater towards the Southeastern customer and their client needs.

“I take the same approach with the bridesmaids dresses. While I’m working with the bride and what she wants, I also try to steer her in the direction of doing something that is really practical and versatile. Something that the girls can absolutely wear again; colors that complement all skin tones; things that fit nicely and fit a large variety of body types; things that they’re going to be

comfortable in… We really try to think about all of those little aspects, because it’s all eyes on [what the bride and her bridesmaids are wearing].”

When asked about the process involved in having Leona design a look for your day at the altar, the Tuscaloosa native, who moved her operation from Atlanta to Nashville in April, breaks it down like so: “If you’re local, you can come in, look at samples, try things on... But if you’re not, I can send pictures, you can say [which are your] favorites, then I can mail you samples to try on for sizes or just to feel something.

“As far as colors are concerned, we can custom design fabric to a specific color, or I have a library of just thousands of different colors and fabrications to choose from.

“…Most of the weddings I’ve done have been brides that were out of state, and we just communicated through email and postal mail, sending things back and forth. It works

S

TAPPING THE “BEAR”

LeonaByLaurenLeonardMARKET

out beautifully, and we’ve never had an issue as far as sizing is concerned. We try to make sure the bride has as little work to do as possible.”

Plans set to manifest for Leonard and Leona in the coming months include opening a flagship store, so while she assures us no wedding order will be delayed due to an increasingly hectic schedule, it may still be in a prospective client’s best interest to place her order sooner than later. Or, perhaps, at least before Kristen Saban has the chance to wear Leona at the Tide’s 2010 home opener versus San Jose State. VVV

For a closer look at Leona and/or contact information, visit www.LeonaCollection.com.

the ridesmaids

Leona’s “Dorothy Dress”, featured here, can be worn in four distinct ways, which allows bridesmaids to show their own personalities and/or accommodate different body types.

12 vini vidi vici / v3 magazine

the akeup

elebrating its two-year anniversary in May, Stella Blu owner Brandy Patel says her growing cosmetic shop

is the realization of something she “always wanted to do.” And with wedding season launching into full swing, the 31-year-old entrepreneur is adamant that she and her team of youthful, stylish skin care specialists are revved and ready to begin beautifying Northwest Georgia’s brides for the most anticipated day of their lives.

“I moved [to Rome from Greenville, S.C.] three years ago, and…my whole concept was a cosmetic boutique, skin care—just a focus on that aspect of women,” Patel explains. “I didn’t really know how it would do, because I didn’t know anyone here, and I had heard that Rome was a really ‘word-of-mouth’ kind of town. But that has turned out to be a really good thing…because I have met so many great people and [everyone] here is just wonderful.”

At a more than reasonable rate of $65 per bride (as well as any additional wedding party

member), it isn’t difficult to see why Patel is likely to add scores of Northwest Georgia women to her burgeoning friend list in the months to come.

“We have five different makeup lines and five different skin care lines, and an esthetician who does facials, eyebrow waxing, et cetera,” she says. “…And it’s an education process, so when we have

someone come in, we want them to be able to understand what [it is that] we do.

“We sell Bare Minerals, and the closest place [outside of Rome to buy the brand] is in Kennesaw. I have new customers every day who come in just for that makeup line.”

First, says Patel, she believes a consultation between her team and the bride is imperative in rendering the best possible result, and therefore offers this free-of-charge service not as a seasonal gimmick, but rather as an assurance that Stella Blu takes as much pride in its work as you should in your wedding photos. “The bride would come in and we would do the makeup start to finish, so she can see what it’ll look like on her wedding day,” she explains. “Then, if it needs to be fixed in any way, she can come in as many times as she needs to.”

Patel adds that her team is now able to accommodate larger and larger parties, and asserts that the difference between her product and others found in Rome-Floyd County boils down to customization, a mindfulness regarding skin care, and a true makeup regimen for women to benefit from down the line. Plainly stated from the expert herself: “[Our customers] come in, we do a skin analysis, and we put them in the product that will work for them.” VVV

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1� vini vidi vici / v3 magazine

’TIS THE SEASON FOR

TheSeasonSpecialEventPlanningCOHESION

vini vidi vici / v3 magazine 1�

etails, details, details. It’s all in the details. But, while

trying to relish one of the most momentous occasions of your life, the weight of keeping everything organized and running smoothly can be a considerable burden. That said, the last thing you need to worry about as you begin your walk down the aisle is whether or not the cake is going to be delivered on time.

Holly Lynch and The Season Special Event Planning are just the folks to help bear the load. Since its establishment in 2007, The Season has helped to plan and coordinate scores of beautiful weddings—both large and small—across Northwest Georgia, making sure that the bride, groom and their families can enjoy the big day to its fullest potential.

Be it the 40-hour work week, a fully-loaded semester, or just the fact that you live hundreds of miles away from the wedding location, many brides-to-be find it

incredibly difficult to dive headfirst into the lengthy planning process. In turn, Lynch’s comprehensive wedding planning offers the right dose of desperately needed support. Budgeting, vendor selection and negotiation, developing a timeline, invitation design, bridal shower scheduling—The Season will work with each client-couple to ensure all the details are spot on.

“We want to be the one who is there when the tents are being installed and later when they are

D

’TIS THE SEASON FOR

TheSeasonSpecialEventPlanningCOHESION

being taken down,” says Lynch. “We want to be the one who is picking up the key to the reception hall; the one who makes sure everything is set up the way you want it to be.”

For those who would like to be more hands-on with the process, The Season’s wedding weekend coordination may very well be the right fit. “Sometimes, with budget being a consideration, many brides want to do a lot of their own planning,” says Lynch. “But come the weekend of the wedding, they need somebody to step in and just take over.”

Many couples may need a basic primer on the wedding planning process (i.e.,

an answer to Where do I begin?), should they decide to do the organizing themselves. For these ambitious planners, The Season offers per-hour consultation to set them on the right path. “It is very collaborative and transparent,” says Lynch. “They make the decisions, I’m just guiding them along the way in terms of what is going to fit into their budget, what is going to fit into the overall design experience, and making sure that their wedding has a cohesive feel.”

No matter the level of involvement, Lynch and The Season take pride in helping lovebirds pull off their own incarnation of the “perfect day”. “I just love helping to bring people together,” she says. “Being able to stand at the back of the reception hall, watching people enjoy themselves and watching two families come together, that’s the best part of my job...” VVV

the lanner


n the 1840s, English-American businessman Godfrey Barnsley traveled to western Bartow County from his

home in Savannah with one goal in mind: to save the life of his ailing wife, Julia. With a fortune amassed in the lucrative cotton trade, Barnsley ambitiously set out to build for Julia a tranquil estate in the foothills of North Georgia, which he regarded as a safe respite from the sweltering temperatures and muggy air that typically enveloped the coast.

Julia, sick with tuberculosis and in need of repose, followed Godfrey to the scenic 10,000-acre property, then known as “Woodlands”. Before the manor was finished, however, she tragically succumbed to her illness, leaving a heartbroken and haunted

I

husband to complete the home and gardens in her honor.

Today, more than 140 years after the devastation of war that would later ravage the property, the ruins of Woodlands and the Barnsley Mansion serve as an idyllic backdrop to Barnsley Gardens Resort, voted one of the world’s top resorts for 2010 by readers of Condé Nast Traveler. And in the 20 years since the restoration of its grounds, Barnsley Gardens has blossomed into a getaway deserving of this acclaim, attracting visitors from around the world.

Horseback riding, seasonal hunting packages, hiking, canoeing and kayaking are among the dozens of activities this 1,400-acre resort offers its patrons. But it is perhaps best known for its golf course, “The General”, which too has garnered attention from national publications including Golf Digest, Golf Week and Golf Magazine, as one of the premier places in America to tee it up.

More importantly, Barnsley’s origins and the rural beauty in which it is set

are not lost on the hundreds of couples who visit its expansive gardens, tragic ruins and luxurious cottages each year to say “I do.” In fact, according to marketing director Sharon Ordoño, you’d be hard pressed to find a more charming ode to love and sacrifice, a more romantic landscape, than that found nestled among these rolling Georgia hills.

“What better place to get married than Barnsley, with its romantic beginnings and its history?” Ordoño marvels rhetorically. “It is a meaningful destination, [where brides] feel connected to something bigger than themselves. It’s not just a place, it has this wonderful past and it is so enchanting. Couples just become connected to the property.”

Options for wedding events at Barnsley are near limitless, and with an array of intimate locations scattered across the property, couples can design and arrange the perfect wedding for their own “perfect day”, be it a low-key afternoon gathering or a whimsical, weekend-long affair. Wedding weekenders are encouraged to take full advantage of the day spa, riding trails and greens; while nights are often shared in the cozy comfort of one of the resort’s lavish cottages. “We try to tailor a package to the couple’s needs,” says wedding and events coordinator, Beth Elinsky. “We have a number of packages at different price points that we offer, but it is really up to you in the end. We can accommodate parties of up to 300, and we get a lot of smaller weddings for 25 to 30 people.

“We have actually had a number of weddings consisting of just the bride and groom, no guests. They come in for two days, spend two nights, have a wedding ceremony, dine privately at the ruins, and take part in a number of our activities here.”

Large or small, winter or summer, Barnsley Gardens offers a fantastical setting for couples to enjoy family and friends as they join together in holy matrimony. Popular locations for ceremonies and receptions include the Perennial Lawn, the historic Manor House Ruins, and the Fairy Godmother’s Garden.

And, yes, there really is a Fairy Godmother on staff. To hear Elinsky tell it, this fairytale-character-come-to-life, in fact, sets the stage for many of the events and ceremonies scheduled here. “She truly works her magic through the engagement,” says Elinsky of this mysterious string-puller. “She is so creative in helping to come up with just the right approach and setting [for each couple], whether it be during a picnic or during a horse ride.”

As the heartbeat of Barnsley, the Fairy Godmother can even arrange the rendezvous point for the important proposal from the groom-to-be, casting love spells in her secluded garden, flowering rooms with rose petals, calming the nerves of anxious fiancés. At Barnsley, the Fairy Godmother has been the maestro behind countless romantic evenings, accepted proposals, small wedding ceremonies and anniversaries.

In choosing Barnsley Gardens Resort as the venue for one of life’s most ‘magical’ events, couples can expect a storied landscape dotted with reminders of the power of love, and how stories—including that of Godfrey and Julia Barnsley—can echo that love through the centuries. A perfect blend of nature’s beauty and man’s architectural ambitions, Godfrey Barnsley’s masterpiece was designed to save the love of his life, but in a strange twist of fate, has brought together thousands of fellow lovers instead. VVV

DO YOU BELIEVE

BarnsleyGardensResortIN MAGIC?

the ocation

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the hotoshough your kids may laugh at them one day, your wedding photos—for

better or worse—will certainly provide you and your loved ones with lasting memories. Looking back some years from now, you may long for the days of that slimmer waistline, that fuller head of hair, that flawless skin. And though you may very well question your misguided taste in color for your bridesmaids, you can always rejoice in the images that forever etch into time your very special day.

Photographer Mala Hyder has captured these treasured moments for dozens of couples and their families since 2007, the time at which she decided to transform her

love of picture-taking into a lasting career. And now, after a number of certified classes and years spent honing her craft, the largely self-taught proprietor of Mala Hyder Photography, based in Canton, has quickly blossomed into one of the region’s most sought after professionals.

“I’ve had a passion for photography my entire life,” says Hyder. “When I graduated from Georgia State in 2002, I had a psychology degree and went into bank management. Pretty far from photography career-wise,

but I still kept it up as a hobby and continued to improve.

“When I had my daughter in 2007, I decided to make a career out of it. I slowly started to build a portfolio, and since then it has just been crazy.”

Crazy busy, to be more precise. Matter of fact, free weekends for Mala have become incredibly scarce, as she finds herself on-location for a variety of photo shoots week in and week out. “Weddings are absolutely my favorite events to shoot,” she notes. “I truly love working with brides and their families. I try to be very laid back and unobtrusive with the wedding party.”

According to the blossoming phenom, she takes an approach to her artistry similar to that of a photojournalist—documenting, as opposed to directing, the events that unfold before her lens. “I try to let people

be themselves, especially at engagement shoots. I’m not going to say ‘One-two-three!’ or tell couples when to smile. I just let them interact and have fun, and I try to capture the moment.”

Remarkably adept at making ambient light work for her subjects, as well as using her creative instincts to frame the perfect shot, Hyder has managed to amass a portfolio of varying angle and style. “I have been blessed with some great clients,” she says, “who have either given me an idea of what they would like [or have trusted] me to allow the scenes to develop as we go.”

The result: work that speaks for itself, via photos that portray Mala’s incredible sense of versatility, irrespective of subject or location.

For the 2010 wedding season, Mala Hyder Photography is offering its services à la carte, allowing clients to pick and choose what wedding events to shoot and on what scale. “There are a variety of print packages that you can choose to add on,” Hyder explains, “as well as a number of album options—a traditional album, a coffee table album, a flush mount.”

However you choose to display these precious moments in time for your children and grandchildren to chuckle over, Mala Hyder’s work will wonderfully convey the timeless beauty of true love, family solidarity and joyful laughter. But just remember, even in black and white, powder blue tuxes are never a wise choice. After all, these images are meant to last an eternity. VVV

T

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the ideo

ooking back, be it days or decades, couples love to be reminded of how special the big day was. And

now, thanks to one videographer based in Northwest Georgia, all the smiles, laughter and tears that may have been missed while the bride and groom were busy exchanging vows don’t have to remain unnoticed.

Precious Images Videography, based in Cave Spring, has been in the business of capturing and preserving these moments for the past 17 years. “So much is happening on the wedding day,” says Precious owner and manager, Phil Davis, “that without a video to look back on, it will be almost impossible to see all the friends, family and guests that witnessed your special day. Many brides don’t remember all the events that occurred until they relax and look at their wedding video.”

Davis and his son, Clay, founded Precious Images in 1993 with the following goal in mind: to provide top-quality, professional filming and editing services at an unbeatable price. Today they offer multiple, and often customizable, packages, and say they can film any size wedding on any budget.

Each of the Davis’ affordable plans provide the happy couple with pre-ceremony, ceremony and reception footage, all on your choice of DVD or VHS. And using top-of-the-line “3-chip” video, mixing and editing equipment,

Precious Images’ dual-camera coverage promises to capture and preserve your wedding from every conceivable angle.

“Customer services and our welcoming prices are no accident,” says the elder Davis. “These are things that we pride ourselves in as a family business. If you’re not happy, we’re not happy.”

Encouraging creative input and ideas from the bride, groom and their families, Precious Images strives to go the extra mile in ensuring both the production and finished video are just right.

“Weddings are very special to me,” Davis adds, “and I take great pride in making sure every detail is exactly what the bride and groom requested.”

So remember, lovebirds, the sights and the sounds of that special day don’t have to be a fading memory. Put the Davis boys and Precious Images to work, and give yourself a top-notch wedding film that will allow you and yours to revisit these

treasured moments every day of your life—if you so choose. VVV

www.videothewedding.com

L

NOW ISN’T THAT

PreciousImagesVideographyPRECIOUS

Johnny On The Spot’s full-featured trailer units provide all the comforts of home in a portable package. Restroom inconvenience is a thing of the past when you have sinks, showers, vanities, lights and heating and air on site. Our units’ extensive features make them ideal for any situation where full-feature units are needed.

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Deluxe Restroom Units For Special Events


ruly setting the standard for fine

dining in Rome and Northwest Georgia, La Scala Italian Ristorante and Bar brings to your plate the traditional flavors of the old world, coupled with a creative, contemporary zest. For La Scala general manager, Kenny Tribble, and executive chef, Zane Nicholson, providing their diners with excellent service and the utmost quality is the end-all-be-all every night the restaurant opens its doors.

“The level of the food quality and the service that we provide is the best, bar none,” says Tribble. And wedding parties seeking the right locale for an upcoming rehearsal dinner can expect no less from the Broad Street mainstay.

However, that is where all expectation should take a back seat. Both versatile and creative in its preparation and execution of the perfect rehearsal dinner experience, La Scala offers wedding parties a host of unique dish options and dinner services. “We want to make your event special, regardless of how much you want to spend,” Tribble says. “There’s no limit to what we can do with food variations, and it coincides with the different types of service. If there is a specific type of service that you want it, we can provide it.”

Among this host of services are hors d’oeuvres, plated dinners and, most recently, a popular “family-style service.”

“Family style,” explains Nicholson, “is a lot more informal [than our usual approach] and people really love it. It takes away from the traditional buffet and makes it a little more personal, but remains informal at the same time. Everyone gets served the same food, but with multiple courses...in smaller portions. It’s like mom is behind you serving you dinner, and when you need seconds, you just ask.”

A rehearsal dinner with La Scala isn’t confined to its elegant downtown dining room, either. “The party doesn’t have to be here,” Tribble notes, as La Scala can also help interested parties scout out the perfect

T

NO LIMIT

LaScalaItalianRistorante&BarSOLDIERS

spot, then send in its top-tier team of chefs and servers to cater the event. “People sometimes have the misconception that everything we do is either expensive, or that we can only provide a certain type of food. But we build everything from the ground up on an individual, party-by-party basis.” Capable of tailoring their pricing and menu options, La Scala brings

its lofty standard to any style of event. “You are going to get the same quality food and service, regardless of how much you want to spend,” says Nicholson. “And we wouldn’t have it any other way.” VVV

the ehearsal inner


the ifts

ella Luna in downtown Rome should be one of the first stops made by any bride, as she begins to plan that

perfect day. “At Bella Luna, we offer full-service bridal,” says owner Lee Ann Dempsey, who bought and revamped the shop at 514 East Third Street in 2008. “We work with brides from the very beginning of the process, helping with the wedding invitations and save the date cards—anything that is done preliminarily.”

Sitting down with the newly engaged in Bella Luna’s cozy bridal loft, Lee Ann and staff help the soon-to-be betrothed grasp the exciting, yet busy road ahead. “We will

go through a pre-planning checklist with the bride, covering things that she needs to be aware of, what she needs to have in mind, and the unexpected expenses that may come

up,” Dempsey explains. As brides consult with

Dempsey, discovering the perfect wedding invitation among Bella Luna’s hundreds of in-stock designs, they can also browse through the shop’s extensive line of registry options. The store houses one of the region’s most complete selections of flatware, everyday dinnerware, fine china and crystal, from such notable names as Gorham, Haviland, Vietri, Jars, Juliska, Skryros, Lenox and Richard Ginori. Other registry gifts available include items such as small furniture, lamps and decorations.

Dempsey adds, “What I believe has been helpful for people in Rome is that they can call up and say, I need a wedding gift for so-and-so who is getting married, and

I want to spend approximately this amount. What do you have registered for her? We’ll tell them the items the bride has picked out, and they can

choose one that fits their budget. Then we can have it wrapped and ready to go.”

A particularly unique feature of Bella Luna’s registry program is the percentage of sales-based gift certificate given to the bride and groom following the wedding, a perk that allows the happy couple to complete the purchase of registry items they may not have already received. In addition, Dempsey offers couples the chance to choose gifts for

bridesmaids, groomsmen and hostesses.

But, Bella Luna’s headmistress makes it a point to note, her store is far more than a one-stop shop for bridal. “The store was purchased [18 months ago], and since then we’ve brought in Vera Bradley, we’ve expanded the gift line for everyday gifts, as well as the number of in-shop invitations for any occasion…” (A growing stock of 500 plus invitation lines, that is.)

Bella Luna has also expanded to offer baby gifts for new or expectant mothers, all the while continuing its tradition of providing its customers with cute and creative gifts, as well as accessories and decorations fit for any home.

From designing the save-the-dates to putting the finishing touches on your first home as newlyweds, Lee Ann Dempsey will help

to ensure that each step of the process is a truly memorable experience. Second only, of course, to those steps made walking down the aisle. VVV

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t’s the morning of your wedding day, and as the hours of being a single woman

slowly tick by and the anxiety begins to creep in, it is important to bear in mind one of the last great bastions of female refuge: the salon. Surrounded by your closest friends in the world, your girlhood dreams of the big day are finally being realized, and it is here you will begin your transformation into the beautiful bride you have always hoped to be.

Sheila B’s Salon & Day Spa, located at 209 Broad Street in Rome, is proud to guide you through this once-in-a-lifetime process. Offering numerous pre-wedding and wedding day services, Jana Scott (seen right) and her friendly crew promise to invest their many years of experience into making sure you are as gorgeous as can be prior to taking the big plunge. “It’s important for brides to look and feel their best on their very special day,” says Scott, “and we make it our priority to make sure we do just that for them. We set up the salon for the bridal party before they come in, and they have the place to themselves. It’s a fun time for everyone [to relax].”

With mimosas in-hand and your favorite music playing throughout the salon, a more personalized experience would appear difficult to come by. And to help minimize any added stress a bride may feel as she prepares for this highly eventful day, Scott says she will make it a point to ensure that each and every client knows just what to expect before she and her Sheila B’s staff begin crafting that head-turning, wedding-day look. “We can do as many practice runs as the bride would like,” Scott adds, “which I believe is pretty important. Hair does what it wants to do, so it’s a good idea to know what we are working with and what is possible before wedding day.”

And if an unforeseen emergency should happen to arise just minutes before you walk down the aisle, no big whoop. Scott and

company say they specialize in on-site hair rescue and taming out-of-place locks in the nick of time.

Jana, a 2006 graduate of Coosa Valley Technical College’s cosmetology program

and winner of several awards in her field since, joined an already talented staff at Sheila B’s when the salon made the move to its current location last fall. Along with Scott, the veteran hands of

Lisa Horvath, Sheila Busby, Jessi Cordle, Sherica Bailey and Sonia

Martinez provide every player on the altar’s stage with a number of services. Color, design cuts, eyebrow waxing and DreamCatchers hair extensions, to name a few, are popular treatments available prior to the big to-do.

I

JANA SAYS

SheilaB’sSalon&DaySpaRELAX

“I, as well as the other stylists, stay up to date in the latest bridal styles, as well as everyday hair styles,” Scott assures us. “Brides are more than welcome to bring in pictures, as we also offer our artistic suggestions. Self-expression is important to every person and we encourage it to be expressed in every type of style.”

It goes without saying that on your wedding day, all eyes are on you, the lovely star of the show, as you stand before the altar and your husband-to-be. And though he will surely love you no matter how your hair may look, that’s no excuse for entrusting your body’s most crucial accessory to anyone other than the best. VVV

the airstylist


the avors

ccolades are a mere afterthought for Zelma Yancey, as she describes

the passion that goes into every jar of her homemade jams, jellies and preserves. “This is about carrying on a tradition,” says Zelma, a lifelong resident of Chattooga County. “I grew up on the mountain in Cloudland and I stayed with my grandmother a lot. She was always working in the kitchen, or the garden, or in the orchard—always working with fruits and vegetables. It’s just something that’s a part of me, and picking it up from my grandmother and mother is something that I have really enjoyed.”

These days, having now carried her family tradition down from the mountaintop, hundreds of customers have been fortunate enough to indulge in Yancey’s sugary sweet Blue Ribbon Jams & Jellies. And as the winner of dozens of first place and best in show awards, including a top prize at the well-known DeKalb County Agricultural Fair in Fort Payne, Ala., Zelma and her jarred treats are quickly becoming a hot ticket across the region.

“[People are] always surprised to find me behind the jarred jams and jellies,” says Zelma.

Why, you ask? Well, according to Blue Ribbon’s creator, high heels aren’t exactly what you expect to see on a master of the old-time art of canning. But if one thing is certain, it is that footwear hasn’t stopped Zelma from knowing her fruit, as well as how to best prepare it.

In fact, the majority of the fruit that goes into Yancey’s jams, jellies and preserves is grown naturally on her own property in Cloudland. No Californian fruits here; if Zelma doesn’t grow it, an intrigued local will often offer up his or her goods to go in the mix. “There have been many local folks who will come up to me and say, Honey, I have a pear tree that’s just loaded and you are more than welcome to the fruit,” Zelma says with a laugh.

With an extensive list of flavors from strawberry to muscadine, kudzu to autumn olive, Blue Ribbon Jams & Jellies are a great choice for made-to-order baskets and wedding favors. “It’s a great gift, regardless of age,” says Yancey. “The kids say it tastes like candy, and wedding parties, especially in the South, love to pass them on as gifts or have them out at all the tables. People really love the homemade aspect.”

Homemade indeed, as Yancey has fully embraced her family’s generational tradition with the same passion as those who developed it before her. And through the hours that she spends concocting her delectable delicacies, younger generations will no doubt come to see that convenience isn’t necessarily king, and rarely is it of Blue Ribbon caliber. VVV

AA FAMILY

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Visit our Bridal Gallery today. 110 BROAD STREET ROME, GA. 30161 706.291.8596

You can make her wishes come true.


magine, just minutes before the bride and groom share that special moment carving out their first ceremonial

piece of cake, you suddenly notice your youngest child licking his fingers clean in a far corner of the reception hall. Chocolate icing dripping from his devilish grin, it’s a parenting nightmare staring you directly in the face.

Sure, it’s an almost impossible job to keep a firm eye on your kids at a wedding, especially if they are wide-eyed sugar fiends bound and determined to dip their dirty little fingers in the wedding cake—someone else’s wedding cake, mind you.

Well, you can rest assured, if Colette Mosley and her My Tiers of Joy (MTOJ) team are supplying a reception with one of their vividly colored, deliciously crafted delicacies, your role as patrolman for the toddler police has just become even more difficult. Come to think of it, you may even be the one who ends up embarrassing yourself, having fallen victim to your own premature cravings.

Colette Mosley and her team of bakers at MTOJ are becoming well-known for their beautiful and downright delectable wedding cakes and pastries. With an old-fashioned approach to preparation and a wildly creative mind for design, MTOJ offers couples a familiar taste in a one-of-a-kind creation. “We don’t use anything from a mix,” says Mosley. “It’s all from scratch; it’s buttermilk, butter and eggs, and all the essentials. Even the icing that goes on top is real cooked caramel and real white chocolate... You want that [real] taste, and people know what it is.”

Colette also has an unabashed penchant for the decadent and ornate, and says she really looks forward to working with her customers in hopes of collaborating on a new, truly awe-inspiring creation. “I’m really a non-traditional baker,” says Mosley. “I like wild colors and crazy ideas, and that is something I really feel comfortable with. I’m excited when a project like that comes about.

I

“If it’s traditional or original, My Tiers of Joy’s plan is to create exactly what the bride or the groom are looking for in their first indulgence as a married couple. We create cookies, pies, cupcakes, tartlets, and pretty much any type of pastry that one could want [served at] their wedding.”

An initial visit with MTOJ will no doubt be the foundation of a fun and mutualistic design process, as aforementioned by Colette. “We end up taking different things the bride or groom like, from various sources, and combine [those things] with their personalities, taking into account the numerous options for flavor,” she adds. “We rarely make a decision right away, and in the end, it’s all about what they want. It’s a great process, and seeing the final creation is very fulfilling.”

In addition to providing cakes and other fine pastries for hire at weddings, MTOJ has recently opened a storefront bakery at its new 1501 North Broad Street location in Rome, tempting passersby of all ages with a lip-smacking variety of baked treats. If a wedding is in your near future, stop by and see what Colette and her people can do. And if you are planning to attend a sugar-riddled reception in the coming weeks, bring the kids along and let Mosley help get the icing bug out of their systems. VVV

the akery

TRACKS OF

MyTiersOfJoyMY TIERSMASSEY’S

T h e D i a m o n d S t o r e

Visit our Bridal Gallery today. 110 BROAD STREET ROME, GA. 30161 706.291.8596

You can make her wishes come true.

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