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ACNE BREAKING OUT REGULARLY?
TRY CHANGING PILLOWCASES DAILY.
PLACING YOUR PHONE IN A GLASS CUP WILL AMPLIFY THE SOUND. THIS
Not sure what the expiration date is on your eggs? If they float in a glass of water, they’re expired.
Do you cry when cutting onions? Chew some gum while you cut. Chewing helps diffuse odors.
Hiccups? Eating a spoonful of peanut butter can help alleviate them.
CAN’T OPEN A STUCK JAR TOP? PUT ON RUBBER GLOVES THEN TRY AGAIN.
Use empty toilet paper rolls to help keep your cables and cords organized.
A DASH OF SALT ON A NAPKIN WILL KEEP YOUR CUP FROM STICKING TO IT.
PLACE A WET PAPER TOWEL OVER ANY PASTA, RICE, MEAT DISH OR PIZZA WHEN REHEATING IN MICROWAVE. IT KEEPS THE FOOD FROM DRYING OUT.
NEED A LONG LIGHTER TO START A FIRE? LIGHT THE END OF A PIECE OF SPAGHETTI.
PACK ONE SET OF CLOTHES IN YOUR CARRY-ON IN CASE YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE GETS LOST BY THE AIRLINE.
Too much salt in your sauce or soup? Add cubed potatoes to it; they’ll absorb the salt.
Like a Glove Aeyde
Gemma Heels $315 at SSENSE Slim Sneakers
Mj Shoes
at Adidas
at Anthropologie
Backless Loafers
Rhinoplasty
Facelift
Rhinoplasty
Eyelid
Fat
Skin
Hair
Botox
BY: SAYLOR HANSEN
Dance builds functional, full body strength through lots of controlled, repetitive movement. Years of training have developed stability, mobility, and muscular endurance that give you support for both performance quality and longterm joint health.
This is so important in a dance mindset. Dance offers a very powerful outlet for stress relief, and a mental reset. The combination of music, focus, and physical exertion increases mood, concentration, and emotional regulationsupporting mental well-being along with physical fitness.
The dynamic nature of dance improves cardiovascular fitness while elevating coordination, balance, and body awareness. This mind-body connection translates into more efficient movement patterns that flow in and out of not just the studio, but everyday life.
Regular movement through dance builds endurance, strength, and mobility over time while reinforcing healthy routines. Maintaining consistency supports physical resilience, mental well-being, and sustainable progress, making dance a lifelong approach to overall wellness rather than just a short-term fitness goal.
Prioritizing rest, fueling your body with the proper nutrients, and injury prevention supports consistency while protecting both physical and mental well-being. These practices allow dance to remain a sustainable form of movement that promotes strength, balance, and overall wellness over time.
Consistent dance training builds up confidence by strengthening posture, coordination, and body awareness. This physical confidence carries into everyday life, supporting mental resilience, self-worth, and a positive outlook on movement.
Saylor Hansen is a collegiate dancer at UAB from St. George Utah. She’s trained for 19 years in dance and has been a contender on the popular show “Dance Moms”, has a large following on instagram as a part-time Model/Influencer, and being a C5 Alumni Model for the popular dance company “Five Dancewear”. She’s won four state titles for her high school dance team. She then danced for two years on the spirit squad at Utah State University, and decided to carry on her talent to UAB. After she graduates she plans to dance professionally in the future. She quotes, “Dance is my constant—it challenges me, grounds me, and gives me a way to express what words can’t.”
believe that Amazon’s Choice is always better. It’s based on an algorithm that ranks things like price and availability to ship.
waste money on cage-free eggs. The hens could still have been packed into a building with thousands of other birds. And there’s no nutritional difference between them and regular eggs.
trust all online reviews. Bots can get into reviews and write what looks like a legitimate review.
protect yourself from Google. The Android collects a surprising amount of data, even if you opt out of sharing. Gmail may scan your emails to collect data about you, and Google Chrome collects your search history and details about your browsing.
lower your monthly bills with a phone call. Companies that bill regularly have protocols for giving customers a better deal. Don’t talk to customer service. Ask for the retention department.
stop pumping when the fuel pump clicks off. Topping it off is a bad idea because it could damage a critical piece of your tank called the ‘onboard refueling vapor recovery’ (ORVR) system.
by Christen Bond at Ray & Poynor
By early spring, there’s a shared sense of relief in the air. Days stretch a little longer, social plans start to reappear, and many women feel drawn to a fresh start—not through dramatic overhauls, but through small, thoughtful upgrades. Right now, wellness isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing things better, and more often, at home. Today’s most intentional homes are quietly becoming wellness spaces. These aren’t clinical or flashy setups, but calming environments where modern wellness tools blend easily into everyday life.
Where Wellness Begins Each Morning
The kitchen supports more than meals. Filtered, mineralized, or hydrogen-rich water systems are becoming common, and some homes now include oxygen concentrators once reserved for clinics. Morning rituals might be as simple as warm lemon water, adaptogenic coffee, or a few minutes of oxygen to support energy and focus before the day begins.
A Daily Reset Space
Bathrooms are no longer just practical—they’re personal recovery zones. Infrared saunas are showing up in primary baths or nearby rooms, valued for stress relief, circulation, and overall wellness support. Cold plunge tubs, now designed to look sleek and intentional, help regulate the nervous system and build resilience. Even a regular shower becomes a ritual with calming scents, soft towels, and time to slow down.
THE BEDROOM:
Where Rest Does the Heavy Lifting
Wellness starts and ends in the bedroom. Along with quality linens and phone-free nights, many women are adding red light therapy to their routines for skin health, muscle recovery, and better sleep rhythms. Small panels or portable devices used for just a few minutes morning or night can turn rest into something restorative. Add blackout shades, warm lighting, and a consistent wind-down routine, and the bedroom becomes a true place to recharge.
Where Calm Fits In Naturally
Living rooms are where wellness blends into real life. Red light devices, grounding mats, or discreet oxygen setups can exist without disrupting the look of the space. This is where stretching, breathwork, or evening meditation happens, supported by soft lighting and comfortable textures.
More homes are creating dedicated wellness rooms for saunas, plunges, yoga, or recovery tools. These spaces aren’t about excess—they’re about consistency. When wellness has a place, it becomes easier to show up for it.
This spring, wellness doesn’t need an appointment. With intention and rhythm, your home becomes the foundation for feeling your best. if you’re looking to renew your space, give me a call at 205.612.9432
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The Ballet Women’s Committee 58th Annual Poinsettia Ball took place at Regions Field. Twenty-one junior debutantes were introduced to the ballroom before the debutantes’ entrance. Each young lady was introduced on her father’s arm and then seated. After their presentation, the debutantes continued the evening with the traditional Father-Daughter Waltz, followed by a party and dancing with friends. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.
Looking toned isn’t about chasing a “quick fix” or fitting into a seasonal trend — it’s about feeling strong, confident, and comfortable in your body year-round.
Most people are already doing the right things: eating well, staying active, and making healthier choices. But even with consistency, stubborn areas of fat and muscle tone can be frustratingly resistant. Genetics, hormones, pregnancy and surgery can all play a role in how our bodies respond.
That’s where today’s body-contouring technology can help. Rather than replacing healthy habits, modern treatments like EmSculpt Neo and PHYSIQ are designed to enhance your efforts — helping tone muscle, reduce stubborn fat, and improve strength in ways that workouts alone often can’t.
The best results come from combining healthy habits with treatments that support your goals. These technologies are not about perfection — they’re about helping you feel stronger, more toned, and more confident in your own skin.
If you’ve been putting in the work but still have areas that won’t budge, a personalized consultation can help determine the right plan for you.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Gunn Dermatology at (205) 415-7536. gunndermatology.com Follow us on Instagram @gunndermatology.
This device contracts your abdominal muscles more strongly than it is physically possible for you to do on your own. It is excellent at targeting stubborn areas while helping you tone and tighten.
• Treats abs, buttocks, hips, flanks, lower back, thighs, calves, arms
• Equivalent of 24,000 painless crunches in a 30-minute session
• Burns fat and tightens skin with radiofrequency
• Builds muscle with HIFEM technology
• Typically recommend a series of 6 for best results
By pairing EmSculpt with PHYSIQ, you are able to treat multiple areas at once. This device uses both heat and energy to get rid of fat, tone your muscles, and tighten your skin for next-level naturallooking results with no downtime.
• Treats abs, flanks, arms, legs, thighs, banana rolls, buttocks
• Decreases crepey skin on the body
• Immediate and long-term results
• Multiple areas, even small body parts, can be targeted
Young’s interest in sports medicine comes from his background as a former athlete.
Dr. Young received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, graduating in the top 10 percent of his class. He completed an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Mississippi in Jackson and a fellowship in sports medicine at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham.
Dr. Young is a very professional and caring doctor. The surgery that he has performed on me was flawless, with a short and complete recovery. - Joseph O
I went to see Dr. Young in the spring due to a torn rotator cuff injury. He did the surgery and after healing, my shoulder has never felt better. He and his staff are absolutely the best. - Margaret L
Dr. Young is an amazing doctor that I have been seeing since 1996 and now my family uses him. - R Smith
Dr. Young is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. His professional memberships include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, Alabama Orthopaedic Society and AOA Honored (top 10% of his medical class). He has participated in numerous clinical trials researching the effects of pharmaceuticals during orthopedic surgery procedures.
2308 1st Ave South Unit 102 - Downtown 659-279-7475
When done right, Middle-Eastern food has a clean fresh appeal, and it’s no wonder it’s a preference for the diet conscious. Epice is specifically Lebanese and presents an incredible herbaceous menu with plenty of lemon.
Epice is a new Lebanese Bistro and Bar that opened last spring in The Hardwick in front of Rotary Trail on 1st Ave South. Epice serves lunch daily (closed on Sundays) from 11am to 3pm. Brunch is served Saturdays 11am to 4pm, and dinner from 4pm to 9pm. The menus have some consistencies, but the bigger entrées are available for dinner only. Owner, Maher Fawaz and his team—partners Andrew Fawaz, Bradley Ryan and Gabe Reyes opened the first Epice in Nashville in the trendy 12South neighborhood in 2014. In 2021, it was announced they would be one of The Hardwick’s early tenants, sitting next to Ballard Designs. Epice has been crowded and reservations are usually recommended. We were there in that nasty cold spell, so the crowd was softer. Our server said it was as slow as he’d seen it.
The Food & Drink
We started with the Hummus Beyrouti ($17), the Arnabeet ($12), the Grape Leaves ($9), the Spinach Fatayer ($13). The Hummus had ground sirloin, which sounded a bit unappetizing, but the beef was actually shaved or sprinkled on the top, and was perfectly balanced. It came with house vegetables, soft and crispy pita. The Arnabeet was a grilled cauliflower dish with beet tahini and dukkah, which is a MiddleEastern condiment consisting of a coarse mixture of toasted hazelnuts, seeds, and spices. We agreed this may have been our favorite dish.
The Grape Leaves were good, but nothing too memorable. They were very lemon flavored forward which gave them a very light bright profile. The Spinach was also good, but would have preferred a less pastry, more spinach proportion. Both it and the Roz Be Haleeb (rice pudding dessert $11) are made from scratch by the owner’s sister on a limited basis. It’s amazingly light because it’s made with coconut milk substitutes for the traditional whole milk or cream. It comes with a cinnamon crisp on top. Kind of like a fried cinnamon chip. The kitchen prides itself on scratch-made selections which work for guests who may have allergy sensitivities. We ordered a green sauce (mint and parsley) in place of the tomato sauce that came with the Lamb Meat Balls ($29) and it was great. The Sayadeya ($31) is aromatic barramundi fish grilled along with vermicelli rice and grilled vegetables. Barramundi is an Asian sea bass, which is mild white flaky fish common in Middle-Eastern waters. The Epice Salad ($16) is worth putting their name on. The greens had apricot, almond, goat cheese with a fig vinaigrette. The Shawarma ($17) is lunch item, which was a bit skimpy but fine, did come with fries. And they’re worth asking for. Like everyone, we’ve had a million fries from a million places, but none quite like these. While not super crisp, they’re seasoned with Middle-Eastern spices and lots of lemon. The wine selection includes several Lebanese wines that have similar flavor profiles to Spanish and French varietals.
The decor plays off The Hardwick’s historic exterior with exposed brick walls and concrete floors. The interior walls are lined with wood planks that compliment the predominately wooden furniture and marble table-tops. Natural light illuminates the dining hall while the bar in the back is darker and cozy. It was a lively vibe with good acoustics.
Parking is no problem. There’s limited street parking but there’s a well lit spacious parking lot behind the building.
Between walking the Rotary Trail, the charming decor and the fresh menu selections, Epice makes for a great night.
Welcome to Stirring the Aesthetic Pot, where beauty trends get questioned - and occasionally roasted.
By Nancy Higginbotham COO, Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery
I’m not a doctor. But I spend every day with two of the best in the business-and a team of master estheticians who live, breathe, and lose sleep over skin health. What I bring to the table is honest curiosity, lived experience, and a front-row seat to what actually works… let’s stir, shall we?
By now, you have seen the videos. A polished thirty-something describes her “preventative” facelift between clips about cold plunges, infrared saunas, peptide stacks, lymphatic drainage, and Pilates reformer sessions. The lighting is flawless, the tone is effortless, and the message is subtle but clear.
Everyone in the comments seems convinced this is simply what aging responsibly looks like now.
Somewhere along the way, aging well stopped meaning patience and started sounding a lot like scheduling intervention before anything had actually gone wrong.
That is the narrative online. Inside experienced facial plastic surgery practices, the reality is far less dramatic, and considerably less sponsored by wellness culture.
Most patients in their thirties are not candidates for a facelift. The face is still evolving at this stage of life. Fat compartments shift, skin quality changes, and underlying structure continues to mature. Surgically repositioning tissue before true descent occurs can create imbalance over time, with parts of the face aging on different timelines. And while modern techniques hide scars beautifully, they are still permanent.
Five second TikTok clips tend to skip that part.
Dr. Austin Adams
The recent rise in this conversation is closely tied to rapid weight loss associated with GLP-1 medications and the emerging idea of metabolic aesthetics, the recognition that metabolism, weight fluctuation, inflammation, and body composition, influence how the face ages. Significant weight loss can reveal hollowing or laxity earlier than expected, leading younger patients to assume surgery is the logical next step.
In many cases, however, the issue is deflation rather than structural aging. Most patients in their thirties still retain strong skin elasticity, meaning that once weight stabilizes, the skin often rebounds on its own.
Time is not viral content. It remains a very effective treatment.
There are exceptions. Dr. Austin Adams with Rousso Adams Facial Plastics explains that patients who have lost very large amounts of weight, often over one hundred pounds, may develop genuine excess skin at a younger age. In select cases, surgical removal can be appropriate, similar in concept to body contouring after major weight loss. The decision is always individualized and based on anatomy, not age, and certainly not on what someone’s algorithm served them last week.
There is no magic number on the scale that determines when facial surgery becomes necessary. Surgeons are not measuring pounds lost, so much as they are evaluating skin behavior after weight stabilizes. In younger patients, elasticity often allows the face to recover naturally over time. When true excess skin remains despite stability, surgery may be appropriate. The deciding factor is anatomy, not urgency.
For most thirty year olds, the smarter approach is preservation. Neurotoxin treatments, conservative filler when indicated, and consistent medical grade skincare can address early changes without permanently altering facial structure.
The goal is support, not a premature reset button. Surgeons will tell patients when a facelift is truly indicated, and equally when it is not.
As Dr. Adams often emphasizes, timing matters as much as technique. The right procedure performed too early is still the wrong decision.
The trend is not facelifts at 30. The trend is the conversation about them and the growing intersection of wellness culture, metabolic aesthetics, and surgical decision making. In a world obsessed with doing something early, the most powerful answer a surgeon can give is still the simplest one: not yet.
Every year, in conjunction with Mardi Gras, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary hosts the Jazz Cat Ball, the social event of the season. Jazz Cat Ball is one of the largest animal rescue fundraisers in the South, including a blacktie gala, seated dinner, music, casino, and huge online and live auctions! To see the rest of the pictures click the code.
Sponsored by Fi Plan Partners, BourbonHam is Birmingham’s premier Bourbon and BBQ fundraising event. Whether you are a bourbon aficionado or novice, BourbonHam is definitely a mustdo in the Magic City. Bourbon accompanied by award-winning BBQ and live music, all benefitting the National MS Society make for a great Southern event. Attendees had the opportunity to taste a selection of over 50 different bourbons/whiskeys and sample awardwinning BBQ while listening to live music and watching football. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.
4/12
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Covenant Presbyterian Church, Country Club of Birmingham
HONEYMOON: Antigua
GOWN: Sarah Nouri
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Lulu Kate, Bella Bridesmaids
MUSIC: Music Garden, Five Star Funk Lounge
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: Country Club of Birmingham
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Mary Donald
CAKE: Magic Muffins
PHOTOGRAPHY: Abby Lee
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Carol And Leslie Artistry
JEWELRY: Jennifer Behr
WEDDING PLANNER: Megan Wyatt Events
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Country Club of Birmingham
HONEYMOON: Four Seasons Bora Bora
GOWN & BOUTIQUE: Sassi Holiford, Ladies of Lineage in Charlotte, NC
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Lula Kate, Bella Bridesmaids
MUSIC: Big Nite Dynamite via Music Garden
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: Country Club of Birmingham
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Prophouse, Inkhous, Unique Element Events, Stradley Davidson, Nuage Designs, Mary Donald
CAKE: Magic Muffin Birmingham
PHOTOGRAPHY: Heather Durham Photography
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Styled by Sellers, Meredith Castleberry
JEWELRY: Family pieces
WEDDING PLANNER: Anna Wynne Event Designs
10/18
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: The Church at Liberty Park, Private Residence
HONEYMOON: Tuscany, Italy
GOWN: Anne Barge
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Lulu Kate, Bella Bridesmaids
MUSIC: Ready or Knot
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: Savoie Catering
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Lillian Poje Floral Designs
CAKE: Telia Johnson
PHOTOGRAPHY: Rachel and Noah Ray
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Alex Smith, Louise Robertson
WEDDING PLANNER: Kalee Baker Events
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church, The Country Club of Birmingham
HONEYMOON: Exuma, Bahamas
GOWN: Lela Rose and Antonio Gual
3/29
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids
MUSIC: Norris Dates & Power Surge
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: The Country Club of Birmingham
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Flowers - Alli J. Creative, Stage Facade: Prestley
Bramlett Photography
CAKE: Magic Muffins
PHOTOGRAPHY: Prestley Bramlett Photography
JEWELRY: Shashi
WEDDING PLANNER: Jane Dickens Events
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Lake Martin – Church in the Pines and SpringHouse
HONEYMOON: Antigua
GOWN: Sareh Nouri
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids
MUSIC: Azz-Izz Band
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: SpringHouse
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Marigold Design, PropHouse Rentals, Mayker Events, Nuage Designs, Atlanta Tent Company, See-Hear Productions
CAKE: Barb’s Cakes
PHOTOGRAPHY: McSween Photography
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Abby Moorer
JEWELRY: JB & Co.
WEDDING PLANNER: Mariee Ami
4/12
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Santorini, Greece; Canaves Epitome
HONEYMOON: Greece
GOWN: Custom Anne Barge
10/22
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Jenny Yoo & AM
MUSIC: Pianist: Markos Chaidemenos
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: Canaves Epitome
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Manfler
CAKE: Canaves Epitome
PHOTOGRAPHY: Rachel Santos
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Caitlyn Moreno
JEWELRY: Tiffany & Co
WEDDING PLANNER: CONFERO
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: The Club Ballroom
HONEYMOON: Punta Cana Dominican
GOWN: Allure Bridal Madison James
MUSIC: The Buics
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: The Club
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Candice Stewart CS Floral design
CAKE: DeDe Merk
PHOTOGRAPHY: Abigail Grillo Photography
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Melissa Bogardus
WEDDING PLANNER Lauren Combs
5/23
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Mountain Brook Baptist Church, The Club
HONEYMOON: Excellence Oyster Bay, Jamaica
GOWN& BOUTIQUE: Antonio Gual
5/31
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Lula Kate, Bellas Bridesmaids
MUSIC: Christopher Henley & Julianne Steele, Ready or Knot, Music Gardens
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: The Club
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Lisa Bailey, Cross & Co Designs, AG Lighting, Patrick Diggs, Stradley Davidson, BBJ La Tavola
CAKE: Pen & Pastry
PHOTOGRAPHY: Leslie Hollingsworth
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Make-up Mel
WEDDING PLANNER: Ashley Macoy, Kaylee Baker Events
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Seaside Chapel, Bud and Alleys
HONEYMOON: St. Lucia
GOWN: Sareh Nouri
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids
MUSIC: Big Bling and the Funk Machine
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: Bud and Alleys
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Liza Qvermyer - Infiore
CAKE: Sweet Henrietta
PHOTOGRAPHY: Heather Durham
JEWELRY: Pearls from Ware Jewelry in Auburn
12/20
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: St. Helena’s Episcopal Church, The Beaufort Inn Tabby Gardens
HONEYMOON: Cap Juluca Anguilla
GOWN: Paloma Blanca
4/26
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids
MUSIC: First Generation Band
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: Capital City Catering, Two Pour Girls
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Sparkles Events
CAKE: Goudie Two Shoes
PHOTOGRAPHER: Meredith Campbell
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Bangs Salon and Spa
JEWELRY: JB & Co.
WEDDING PLANNER: Sparkles Events Decor and Design
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Holy Trinity + Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Hoover Country Club
HONEYMOON: Oyster Bay, Jamaica
GOWN: Custom Lazaro
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Dessy Group, Bella Bridesmaids
MUSIC: Monochrome
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: Hoover Country Club
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Wild Things Flowers
CAKE: Pen & Pastry
PHOTOGRAPHY: AL WEDDINGS - Alex & Sara Lucas
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Holly Craft
WEDDING PLANNER: Vivian Drew
1/25
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church
HONEYMOON: The South of France (Cannes, Eze, and Monte Carlo)
GOWN: Gonzalo Calderon Ortiz
5/3
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Lula Kate, Bella’s Bridesmaids
MUSIC: The Underhills
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: The Country Club of Birmingham
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Mary Donald Florals, White Door Events, Design Productions.
CAKE: Olexa’s
PHOTOGRAPHY: The Film Collective
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Celine Russell, Louise Robertson
JEWELRY: JB & Co.
WEDDING PLANNER: Lisa Jernigan Bruhn and Symone Shaw
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Ocean Reef Club
HONEYMOON: France
GOWN: Lela Rose, Dress Change: Victoria Beckham
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: They each chose their own.
MUSIC: Libido Band (Reception), Jake Matthew (Country music artist also performed at the wedding), Baby B Strings (Ceremony)
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: Ocean Reef Club
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Parrish Designs of London
CAKE: Cloud 9 Bakery
PHOTOGRAPHY: P|S Photography + Films, Videographer: Tostada Films
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Daniela Gozlan
JEWELRY: Rings: The Clear Cut, Earrings; Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers
WEDDING PLANNER: Andi Soirées
6/14
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Church in the Pines at Children’s Harbor, Willow Point Country Club at Lake Martin
HONEYMOON: Sorrento, town of Todi in Tuscan Region, and Rome, Italy
6/14
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Lusana
MUSIC: Trotline Band
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: Willow Point Country Club
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Marigold Designs
CAKE: Barb’s Cakes
PHOTOGRAPHY: Hannah Miller
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Hair and Make Up By Nat
WEDDING PLANNER: Handley Breaux Designs
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Independent Presbyterian Church, Vestavia Country Club
HONEYMOON: St. Kitts, Nevis
GOWN: Jesus Peiro, Caroline Castigliano lace bolero and veil
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & BOUTIQUE: Lula Kate, Bella Bridesmaids
MUSIC: Rhythm Nation, Atlanta (East Coast Entertainment)
CATERING/FOOD & BEVERAGE: Vestavia Country Club
DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Garden Party Designs
CAKE: Pen & Pastry
PHOTOGRAPHY: Leslie Hollingsworth Photography
JEWELRY: Family Heirlooms
WEDDING PLANNER: Jenny Dansby, Threefold Events
KC PROJECTS PUBLIC RELATIONS
“From
day one, our mission has been to help brands tell their stories in ways that truly connect and drive meaningful results. As we celebrate 15 years in business, our commitment to strategic storytelling, trusted relationships, and impactful communications is stronger than ever.”
-Krista Conlin Robinson, President and Founder of KC Projects PR
KC PROJECTS PUBLIC RELATIONS is an award-winning, full-service communications firm with a national footprint and deep Alabama roots. Founded in 2011 by President and Founder Krista Conlin Robinson, KC Projects has built a reputation for delivering strategic, results-driven public relations that move businesses forward.
KC Projects offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to each client’s needs. The firm specializes in public relations, brand messaging, digital communications, social media management, crisis communication, community engagement, and integrated campaigns that blend traditional and digital channels. The firm also provides creative consulting, campaign analytics, and media training, ensuring that businesses are positioned to tell their stories effectively and consistently. With an all-female team and a collaborative, client-first approach, the agency works as a true extension of the client it represents.
In 2025 alone, KC Projects generated more than $4 million in PR value for clients across industries, executing high-performing campaigns, company and product launches, and media strategies that delivered measurable effects. The firm’s success was further validated on the national stage when KC Projects was named a finalist in PR Daily’s Media Relations Team of the Year awards in the boutique agency category, recognizing the team’s strong media relationships, well-planned execution, and consistent placement in top-tier outlets.
Over the past decade and a half, KC Projects has amassed an impressive track record, including more than 6,500 press placements, over $40 million in calculated media value, and 350-plus client campaigns, launches, and events. From local market leaders to nationally recognized entities, KC Projects has played a pivotal role in shaping narratives, increasing visibility, and driving growth for clients throughout Alabama and across the country.
In 2026, the firm will celebrate its 15th anniversary by spotlighting its legacy of performance while continuing to evolve alongside the modern media landscape. With national recognition, expanded offerings, and a proven history of success, KC Projects Public Relations remains a trusted partner for companies seeking intentional communications with lasting impact.
For more information about KC Projects, its services, and client successes visit kcprojectspr.com.
* PR value represents the estimated cost of earned media exposure if the same visibility were purchased through advertising, factoring in audience reach, impressions, and placement quality.
The Gaieties Christmas Ball returned in grand style, transforming the Country Club of Birmingham into a festive Highland celebration. This year’s Christmas Ball Co-chairs were Cindy Barr and Elizabeth Outland. This year’s event embraced a warm and spirited Scottish feast theme, with the club adorned in lush greenery, gleaming brass accents, and elegant red plaid that set a richly traditional holiday atmosphere. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.
Imperial Club, Inc. presented its 74th Debutante Ball at the Harbert Center. Imperial Club is one of the oldest civic clubs in Birmingham that sponsors African American young ladies, and the second oldest debutante ball in Birmingham. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.
This Mistletoe With a Mission VIP Party is a heartwarming way to celebrate donors who contribute to helping Hoover City Schools students in need.
In 2018, Tahara Evans, Director of Hoover-Randle Home & Gardens, set out to open the historic home to the community — offering tours, showcasing its charm, and encouraging locals to host events. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.
Felicia Ludlum Fi Plan Partners
FINDING BALANCE
Balance isn’t about perfection, but about being purposeful and present in each moment. Much of how I approach leadership and life was shaped by serving eight years in the military, where I learned discipline, accountability, and the importance of strong systems. Those lessons help me prioritize what matters most by setting clear priorities and leaning on a trusted support team at work and at home. I am grateful to have a career I truly love, while protecting space for the people and moments that matter most to me. Above all, being a wife and mother is at the heart of who I am. Making time for self-care and personal interests allows me to recharge, so I can show up with energy, purpose, and gratitude, both in my career and at home.
At Fi Plan Partners, our commitment to the community is rooted in genuine relationships and a desire to help people live a Better, Richer, Fuller® life. We believe that financial confidence creates stability and opportunity that extends far beyond the numbers. We also believe in supporting the causes and interests that matter most to our clients, which is why our team is proud to support local organizations and events such as BourbonHam, benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Glenwood, which empowers individuals with autism and behavioral health needs, March of Dimes, and much more. Giving back is one way we put our values into action and strengthen the communities we serve.
Tabitha Dailey Bodewell Legal Group
FINDING BALANCE
I try to be really intentional about my time by blocking my calendar, keeping a running priority list, and setting boundaries when I can, so work does not spill into everything. When it is a heavy week, I reset by spending time with my people and my dog, staying active, and getting outside for a bit.
At Bodewell Legal Group, our work is grounded in service—being responsive, communicating clearly, and standing strong for our clients when it matters most. We believe the legal process should feel accessible and transparent, so our clients feel confident and supported every step of the way. We are proud to serve Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi and remain engaged in our communities because the people here aren’t just clients, they’re neighbors.
Crystal Mullen-Johnson, LICSW-S, PIP, RPT™
Strive Couneling Services & Nurture of Alabama
FINDING BALANCE
I prioritize worklife balance by exercising four mornings a week, practicing meditation, journaling, and intentionally spending quality time with family and friends. I practice strong boundary-setting by limiting television, ending my workday at 6 p.m., and turning on “Do Not Disturb” so I can fully disconnect, recharge, and protect my peace.
Strive Counseling Services, LLC is a therapeutic private practice located in downtown Birmingham, dedicated to meeting clients exactly where they are on their wellness journey. The practice thoughtfully tailors its services to address each individual’s presenting concerns and unique mental health needs, ensuring personalized, clientcentered care. Rooted in evidence-based practices, Strive’s mission is to deliver the highest quality mental health counseling while empowering individuals to build resilience and establish a strong foundation for a healthier, more balanced life.
Nurture of Alabama, Inc. is a mental health nonprofit organization committed to advancing mental wellness, prevention, and education across Alabama. Its mission is to cultivate healthier communities by increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and expanding access to mental health resources—particularly in underserved populations. Through community events, educational workshops, and collaborative partnerships, Nurture of Alabama provides outreach and supportive programming designed to strengthen resilience and promote emotional well-being.
Ellen Coleman Alexander Edwards Chevrolet / Honda
FINDING BALANCE
Balancing work and life can definitely get tricky in this industry, but I try to carve out time for myself and not let work get too overwhelming. Staying well-rounded is so important! For me, that means everything from maintaining my prayer life to spending time with family and friends. When you prioritize, it’s amazing how much you can fit into the day!
At Edwards Automotive, we’re passionate about giving back to our community! Each month, we support and donate towards a charitable organization (sometimes even more than one). We kick off the year with cancer-focused events like Art Blink and wrap up the year with our biggest celebration-the Sugar Plum Shop at Children’s Hospital. During this special event, over 300 children in the hospital during Christmas receive bicycles from us. It’s truly magical!
Throughout the year, we support more than a dozen other amazing organizations, including Restoration Academy, United Way, the Reed Foundation, Brother Bryan Mission, and many others. Helping our local community is something we feel deeply called to do, and we are honored to contribute in any way we can.
Sara Williams
Singleton Schreiber
I let go of the pressure to achieve work/life balance because I realized it is a myth and an unrealistic goal for the profession I have chosen. The reality is there are going to be times as a busy professional wife and mother that my family needs more of my time, the reverse is true as well. I have been a lot happier after releasing myself from the expectation of being on a constant journey to achieve the unachievable.
At its core, Singleton Schreiber is driven by the belief that communities are strongest when people feel protected, empowered and supported. This core value was a huge motivating factor when I decided to join the firm in September of 2025. We are committed to providing fearless advocacy in the courtroom for people who have found themselves in their most vulnerable circumstances. Beyond the courtroom, our lawyers are active in various organizations including serving organizations that serve those who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries and supporting organizations that provide assistance and resources to women and children who are victims of abuse and trafficking. As our firm continues to grow, we are excited to continue expanding our support of local organizations.
MaryDee Snow
MaryDee Travel
FINDING BALANCE
I had a passion for travel before it became my business, so talking travel never really feels like work! I have developed an outstanding support team, and dedicated supplier network, that gives me the ability to shut my laptop, but still have my clients served. The biggest challenge is having clients who are friends, and we all text. I try to move work conversations to email to avoid losing travel directives through text.
Each year MaryDee Travel donates to outstanding local charity events like the Robert Reed Foundation, The Hope Gala and other worthy causes. MaryDee enjoys speaking to local groups about international travel and has been an active voice in the Birmingham Airport Travel Advisory meetings.
Olivia Jones I am a local wedding and portrait photographer, born and raised in Birmingham, who absolutely loves making authentic connections within this community to provide a sense of peace and trust when working alongside my clients as co-creators. I believe when my clients truly trust me as their photographer with the telling of their perfectly imperfect life story, it allows them to fully embrace the moments we are documenting with arms wide open. Whether it’s celebrating their dream wedding day, welcoming their newborn baby, or photographing a growing extended family, it genuinely fills my empathic heart with joy to capture each unique love story. One of my favorite parts of my job and my commitment to our community is the building of real, authentic, lasting relationships with my clients who I have the pleasure of serving year after year. When we started out photographing their wedding celebration, and now their growing children not only recognize me, but run to give me hugs… that is priceless to me.
Olivia Jones
FINDING BALANCE
Whew! That’s an ongoing challenge as a single mom to 3 young girls. I have found being a meticulous planner, knowing my worth, setting strict boundaries, and being very intentional with my time to ensure my family is cared for and my clients are satisfied is the best way to make the most of being both a mother and business owner! Sometimes we have to say “no” to good things in order to say “yes” to the right things, even for just a season.
Lisha Graham
Graham Neal Seal & Bell, Law Partners
FINDING BALANCE
I’ve learned that work–life balance isn’t about splitting time evenly. It’s about understanding that some days work will win, and other days life will—and trusting yourself enough to offer grace instead of guilt.
Community involvement is integral to who we are at GNSB. As a law firm, we are committed to service beyond the courtroom and are proud to support local nonprofit organizations, including Libby’s Friends. Our attorneys also give back individually by serving on boards such as the YWCA and Legal Aid of Birmingham. In addition, they volunteer their time coaching local youth sports and supporting children’s ministries. We believe meaningful community engagement is an essential part of strengthening the community we proudly call home.
Peeples Law is a boutique practice dedicated to family law and assisted reproductive technology, areas that directly impact the foundation of our community… the family. Beyond our legal work, our attorneys are actively involved in civic, philanthropic, and professional organizations throughout Birmingham. We believe serving our community extends beyond the courtroom, and we are committed to using our time, talents, and resources to make a meaningful difference where we live and work.
Balancing work and home life in a litigation-focused family law practice requires intentionality. Family law is an inherently intense and emotional area of law. At Peeples Law, we are deeply committed to our clients, but we are equally committed to protecting time for our own families. I have learned over the years that balance is less about equal hours and more about clear priorities, strong systems, and protecting meaningful time outside the office. By building a team that shares our values and by being disciplined about boundaries, we are able to deliver exceptional representation while still being present at the moments that matter most.
We balance work and life by leaning on each other as a team, sharing responsibilities, communicating early, and planning ahead. That support helps us stay fully present for clients and for each other, while also protecting our time outside the office.
The Welch Group’s commitment to the Birmingham community is personal because this is our home. It’s where our firm was founded, where we have built lasting relationships, and where we’ve had the privilege of serving our neighbors for more than forty years. Staying true to our founding mission, our team remains dedicated to helping individuals and families throughout the community navigate meaningful financial decisions with clarity, care, and steady guidance. We will also continue to prioritize serving and supporting local non-profit organizations whose work strengthens our community, expands opportunity, and meets real needs across our city, helping Birmingham thrive.
Krista Conlin Robinson KC Projects Public Relations
FINDING BALANCE
Balance is a moving target that’s rarely hit. Some days work takes more, some days life does. The key is being fully present where you are, enjoying the ride, and accepting the tradeoffs along the way.
At KC Projects Public Relations, our commitment to the community is at the heart of everything we do. We partner with a wide range of industries from hospitality and retail to healthcare and construction helping our clients not only tell their stories but also make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve. We actively support charitable initiatives and communityfocused efforts, from organizing and promoting giveback,s to amplifying service campaigns and philanthropic projects. For us, community engagement isn’t just part of the work, it’s part of our mission. By combining strategic communications with a dedication to giving back, KC Projects ensures every campaign strengthens both the businesses we serve and the communities they call home.
Beth Doyle (right)
The Collective
As a single parent and business owner, finding balance can be challenging. Building a strong leadership team has been invaluable. Having people I can rely on when I’m on mom duty is a relief.
The Collective Salon Salons are often a conduit in a community. I say we were social media before social media. Celebrating Birmingham and supporting local organizations has been a part of our mission from the beginning.
Healthcare
LLH Healthcare is committed to supporting the Birmingham community and the State of Alabama by empowering companies with affordable, accessible healthcare resources. We partner locally with respected institutions such as the University of Alabama, Auburn University, UAB, and Children’s Hospital to advance health equity and provide educational initiatives that strengthen organizations and the broader community. Through these efforts, we aim to create lasting, positive impact and expand access to quality healthcare across the region.
Jessica Kirk Drennan
Kirk Drennan Law
FINDING BALANCE
It really varies day-to-day based upon my obligations at home and at work. I calendar everything-even my personal time like working out, hair appointments, nail appointments, travel etc. and I do it all on the same calendar. I have learned that for me, if it isn’t on the calendar then it isn’t going to happen. I also have a hard stop each day and I do my best to protect that stop because it gives me a space to enjoy a nice dinner or relax with my family at the end of each day.
Kirk Drennan Law * is actively involved in the Birmingham community. We frequently use other local businesses to dine, receive medical care, shop for special gifts or just go to the grocery store or pharmacy. We also make referrals to other professionals when needed. Recently, we had a lot of fun collecting children’s books for Better Basics. This is a giving community and we are proud to be a part of it.
Ryan and Hillary Weiss hosted their annual holiday celebration, bringing together clients, friends, neighbors, and community partners for an evening of festive cheer. The event served as both a heartfelt client appreciation gathering and a joyful kick-off to the holiday season. Guests enjoyed warm hospitality, great conversations, and a relaxed, elegant atmosphere—celebrating another wonderful year with Ballast Wealth and ARC Realty. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.
By: Scott Atkinson , Wine Manager at PIGGLY WIGGLY IN CRESTLINE
“This is a man’s, man’s, man’s world. But it wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.”
- James Brown, The Godfather of Soul – 1966
All of the best winemakers, man or woman, I’ve had the good fortune to meet will reflect upon a certain, guaranteed truth when we discuss their wines. The truth is this; they wouldn’t have succeeded without support from others, usually family, and especially their mothers. The men might be “in charge” of the winery in some respects, but there is often a matriarch that is really making everything possible. The wines we are featuring in this edition of About Town couldn’t have flourished without their respective matriarchs.
Diana and David Lett founded The Eyrie Vineyards back in 1965. They had two young sons, David was a traveling school textbook salesman, and there was no (and we mean zero) wine infrastructure in Oregon. In the face of some hilariously absurd odds, the Letts made Eyrie into a world-class winery. Not only that, but their rising tide also lifted the ships around them to the point that some French legends (see next entry) actually invested in Oregon to follow the lead of the pioneering Letts. Although famous for their Pinot Noir, one shouldn’t sleep on their Chardonnay. Now run by their son Jason, Eyrie is still rising in quality and profile. Jason will quickly correct anyone who omits Diana from the Eyrie story. To this day, she still has a say in the winery. And we are all the more fortunate as a result.
The French winery Maison Joseph Drouhin was founded back in 1880. This esteemed winery was always looking for opportunity and in 1987 Domaine Drouhin Oregon was created. It was the result, in part, of the 1979–1980 Paris Wine Olympics where David Lett’s The Eyrie Vineyards (see previous entry) of Oregon took second place behind a 1959 Drouhin wine. The French obviously know a thing or two about wine, and they know a thing or two about progress. The current generation at Drouhin is led by Veronique Drouhin who learned not only from her father, but also from “what I believe to be the first female hired as head winemaker in Burgundy,” when Veronique was ten years old. After graduating from the Oenological program in Dijon as the only female in her class, she immediately took over in Oregon. She has helped propel the Drouhin operation in Oregon to the highest echelons of the wine world.
The winery is literally named after a man, but the eponymous Robert will be the first to tell you that his parents laid the foundation. Aldo and Clementina were making wine during Prohibition and selling it on the “Party Line.” Don’t know what a Party Line is? Ask your grandparents! Or we can try to explain. In some rural areas a phone line would be shared by many neighbors. The Biale family shared a party line where Clementina would take the calls and, through code words, sell bootleg jugs of delicious Zinfandel. Clementina, until she passed in 2017, would be at the winery practically every single day checking in, to make sure that everyone was fed, things were running smoothly, and (most explicitly) that the books were balanced. She was a matriarch straight out of central casting and Clementina was a Nonna who made it happen.
Gotta finish with a touch of sweetness. After watching generations of men in their family make Moscato, Elenora decided to strike out on her own and take the ladies of the family with her. Their winery, Centorri, is fully owned and managed by women: estate manager and winemaker Eleonora Brangero, along with her mother Emiliana and grandmother Camilla—known as the “ladies of Moscato.” They make some unashamedly delightful Moscato. Treat yourself.
