About Town Magazine: Dec/Jan 16/17

#a bou t t o w n m a g

DEC/JAN 2016/17

COMPLIMENTARY

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Gifts! page 15

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BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM

THE SUMMIT | 209BLVD. SUMMIT BLVD. | BIRMINGHAM, AL205-970-9758 | P: 205-970-9758 E SUMMIT | 209 SUMMIT | BIRMINGHAM, AL | P:

Monday–Friday 1–9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

7191 Cahaba Valley Road Hoover, AL 35242 205-408-2366

stvurgentcare.com

• OPEN AFTER HOURS • • 7 DAYS A WEEK • • NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED •

Dec/Jan

abouttownsite.com

INSIDE 15 Gifts 26 Come Celebrate Our Big 3 - Hosted by Owens Hudson 28 BMSS 25th - Hosted at The Florentine 30 Smart Party 5.0 - Celebrating the Women’s Fund 34 Taste of the Magic City 36 Birmingham Finest - Benefiting Cystic Fibrosis 38 Sperry Snow Charity Event - Supporting Children’s Harbor 40 Toast to Strength - Benefiting MDA 42 Harvest of Hope - Hosted by Cornerstone Schools 44 Art Party - Benefiting the Bell Center 46 Wine Auction - Supporting TumTum Tree 48 Wine and Craft Beer Showcase - Supporting the Daniel Project 50 Sportsman Social 52 Grand Opening - Lane Parke 54 Opera Shots - Benefiting Opera Birmingham 56 Ducks Unlimited - Annual Fundraiser 58 Raise the Roof for Rhett - SUKI Foundation 60 Children’s Ball - Supporting Children’s of Alabama 62 Real Men Wear Pink - Wrap Up Party

COVER Jordyn Clark, Caroline Beauchaine, Caroline Hubbard, Caroline Driggers at Smart Party 5.0 ABOUT

3 TOWN

ANSWER :::

QUESTION :::

WHAT ARE THE DOS AND DON’TS FOR A CHRISTMAS PARTY?

Do make sure you attend. Not showing will be recognized. Don’t get wasted. This one seems obvious, but once that buzz kicks in, you may take it too far without realizing it. Know your limit before you arrive. Do keep conversations positive and friendly in all subjects. Remember, it’s work. You’re not hanging out with all your buddies, so it’s not the time to let off some steam. Don’t wear anything out of character.

An office party is not the time to experiment with your wardrobe and show up making a scene. Do avoid conversations on politics, sex and religion. If your coworkers don’t know where you stand politically, that’s a good thing. Don’t monopolize people or conversations.

A simple social rule is to make sure you’re talking less than you’re listening. That being said, do be involved in conversations. You don’t have to be the life of the party, but standing there not saying a word can be creepy. Do be yourself. Everyone there knows you, so now is not the time to try to be someone you’re not.

Our Favorite Christmas Movies That Aren’t Christmas Movies So, we all know about It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas Vacation and Elf. And we all know they’ll be on cable every day for the next month.

But what about the movies that can put you in the holiday spirit that only have a related Christmas theme? Here’s some of our favorites.

SMOKE (1995)

This independent character-driven movie stars William Hurt as a broken Brooklyn writer and Harvey Keitel (Auggie) as a cigarette and tobacco shop owner with a fascinating daily hobby. The story is a slice of life that centers around the smoke shop, and the real-world characters that frequent it.

TRADING PLACES (1983)

Eddie Murphy’s follow-up to 48 Hrs helped launch him to super-stardom.

His street-con artist character Billy Ray Valentine gets thrown into the world of the stuck-up, yuppie partner at Duke & Duke Investments, Louis Winthorpe (Dan Aykroyd). As the polar opposites switch positions in their lives (arranged by the Duke’s arrogant “science experience,”) the comedy platform unfolds.

CHRISTMAS THEME: There’s not much in the setting that has a holiday theme, but

Paul (William Hurt) gets a freelance job from the NY Times to write a Christmas story.

Drawing a blank he asks Auggie if he knows any. Auggie tells him a “true story” that connects to the holiday spirit in a heart-warming but different way.

CHRISTMAS THEME:

Set in Philadelphia from November to January, the story has a revealing Christmas party, and the movie’s climax centers around the New Year’s crop report.

MOVIE TAGLINE: The most precious things in life are lighter than air.

YOU’VE GOT MAIL (1998)

Meg Ryan’s locally owned, struggling bookstore is threatened by the evil megabookstore owned by Tom Hanks. Through anonymous online flirting the two enemies don’t realize who’s who. A classic chick-flick that works so well due to the chemistry between Hanks and Ryan.

BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY (2001)

The story of the modern female singleton set in London.

Lonely, depressed Renee Zellweger finally finds true love in Mark Darcy through the ups and downs of player Daniel Cleaver.

CHRISTMAS THEME: The movie bookends with Christmas parties hosted by the Darcys. Included is Mark’s ridiculous Christmas sweater at the beginning, and his hideous Christmas tie at the end.

BEST LINE: Tom: “Well done Bridge, four hours of

careful cooking and a feast of blue soup, omelet and marmalade.”

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990)

This unique, warm, dark, romantic comedy is a Tim Christmas in New York as far as backdrop.

Burton original.

Fantastic sets dot BEST LINE: Kathleen: “People are always telling you that change is a good thing. the entire film, But all they’re really saying is that something you didn’t want to happen at all... has where the awkward, happened.” not quite human Edward (Johnny Depp) falls for Kim (Winona Ryder) the Bruce Willis’s John McClane saves his wife, his marriage, good girl dating the bad guy Jim–played surprisingly perfectly by Anthony Michael Hall. countless office workers, and single-handedly annihilates a dozen The supporting cast steals the show with the seductive unfaithful housewife, Joyce, and or so terrorists in one of the greatest action movies ever.

Kim’s over-the-top stereotypical loving parents.

BEST LINE: Billy Ray: “I’m a sexy man.

I’m very sexy. People come up to me and say ‘Billy Ray you’re so sexy,’ and not understand my sexuality.”

CHRISTMAS THEME: It’s tough to beat

CHRISTMAS THEME: Run DMC’s Christmas in Hollis

opens the movie, and it all goes down at the fictious Nakatomi Corporation during their Christmas Party.

BEST LINE: John to the 911 supervisor: “Does it sound like I’m

DIE HARD (1988)

ordering a pizza!?”

ABOUT

4 TOWN

CHRISTMAS THEME: As the movie reaches its climax, the crazy suburban

neighborhood is setting up its Christmas décor.

BEST LINE: Kim’s mom: “Damn those TV programs.” Kim’s Dad: “Damn them all to hell.”

A perfect day at The Summit Choose a festive outfit at Saks Fifth Avenue, pick up hot cocoa bar essentials at Sur La Table, browse gifts for Dad at Orvis, grab a Secret Santa gift at Paper Source, stock up on party décor at West Elm, visit Santa at the North Pole in Saks Plaza, indulge in cookies and cocoa with Santa, find the perfect gift for Mom at Bromberg’s, enjoy drinks and appetizers with friends at Seasons 52. Don’t forget: American Threads is now open, and Arhaus home décor is coming soon!

THESUMMITBIRMINGHAM.COM

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WHAT YOU GET Follow each issue of About Town as we feature four properties at a particular price point in various neighborhoods.

Mountain Brook

Riverchase

$2m

WHERE: 2924 Southwood Rd WHAT: 5 Beds, 3 Full Baths/1 Half HOW MUCH: $1,995,000 SETTING: Stately Southern Colonial home, built in 1928, is located in the most desirable area of Old Mountain Brook, within walking distance to schools and shopping.

INDOORS: The interior features tall ceilings, custom millwork, graceful arches, 4 fireplaces and leaded glass windows.

OUTDOORS: The extra deep lot has a 40’ pool, a screened pool house, two bedroom guest house above the 3 car garage, formal gardens, and wooded privacy with trails in the adjoining woods.

WHERE: 7319 Wakefield Rd WHAT: 5 Beds, 4 Full Baths/1 Half HOW MUCH: $1,980,000 SETTING: Outstanding design and unsurpassed construction with fantastic views. Original design by Henry Sprout Long. Exquisite addition reminiscent of the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch.

INDOORS: Inside are a chef’s kitchen, expansive master suite and spa, four fireplaces, elevator to additional parking, custom wood and stonework.

OUTDOORS: Outdoor entertainers will love the multi-level terraces, multiple decks & porches and courtyard space overlooking a koi pond with waterfall feature.

WHERE: 1107 Kari Knoll Cir WHAT: 5 Beds, 5 Full Baths/1 Half Bath HOW MUCH: $1,950,000 SETTING: This authentic Mediterraneanstyle villa has exquisite detailing.

INDOORS: A gourmet kitchen with 3 1/2 hand hewn Travertine countertops, LaCornue stove, marble and copper sinks, twin Asko dishwashers, pullout rolling serving tables. All floors throughout are Travertine laid by European artisans. Heated indoor lap pool, and complete gym.

OUTDOORS: Sits on 2.16 acres.

Vestavia

Cherokee Bend

WHERE: 4111 Old Leeds Ln WHAT: 5 Beds, 7 Full Baths/2 Half HOW MUCH: $1,995,000 SETTING: Custom built with careful attention to detail, it has every amenity you can expect for gracious living.

INDOORS: Interior features include tall ceilings, hardwood and brick flooring, custom millwork, two fireplaces, exposed ceiling beams, French doors and floor-to-ceiling windows.

OUTDOORS: Exquisite gardens, stone terraces, brick and stone walkways, wrought iron gates and fences, lush lawns, wooded pathways, landscape lighting and a gorgeous 40-foot heated swimming pool.

ASK AN EXPERT

Housing inventory is so low right now. Is this a normal fall/winter cycle or something more significant?

And what are the housing forecasts for the beginning of 2017?

“Low inventory pushes sales prices higher, but September to October numbers differed only slightly, showing that the market has continued its 2016 trend of 6 months of inventory. The forecasts for 2017: waves of Gen Y-ers are ready for home ownership, 1.5 million new homes predicted for construction, and a hot forecast of 6 million in existing home sales. The new word and watch for 2017: SURBAN - areas that offer that blend of urban and suburban living.”

ABOUT

6 TOWN

Robin Edmondson

“Marcus Kennedy made buying our first home easy.”

When Tommye and Jake Headrick decided to look for their first home, they didn’t know what area of Birmingham would best fit their budget and active lifestyle. “Marcus was very patient with us” says Tommye. “He showed us homes from Gardendale to Pelham, and found a home we love in an an ideal Hoover location.” Jake, who played basketball with Marcus when they were students at the University of Montevallo, said his friend offered great advice throughout the process. “A lot of people were interested in the home we wanted,” says Jake. “Marcus rearranged his schedule to get us in first and that meant we got the house.”

“Helping friends like the Headricks find a home is rewarding ,” says Marcus. “And being part of the ARC Realty team provides me with the best training and support in our industry.”

For more information on Marcus Kennedy and ARC Realty, visit www.arcrealtyco.com.

A Relationship Company 4274 Cahaba Heights Court, Suite 200 • Birmingham, AL 35243 205.969.8910 • www.arcrealtyco.com Marcus Kennedy • (205) 356.3291 • mkennedy@arcrealtyco.com

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Welcome to Mountain Broo A’MANO

Welcome to Lane Parke!

Since opening their doors in 1998, their desire has been to create a welcoming, creative community where everyone who walks through the doors (or visits their site) is encouraged to celebrate life and art in beautiful ways. A’mano is committed to supporting, promoting, and showcasing art and artists through various mediums, including glasswork, pottery, furniture, wearable art, and specialty gifts. amanogifts.com 205. 871.9093

B. PRINCE B. Prince is an upscale apparel, shoe and accessory boutique. For 34 years B.Prince (formerly Betsy Prince) has set the standard for high fashion in the Southeast. Bezshan regularly travels to Paris and New York in search of unique designs. Their dedicated team of sales associates specialize in an individual approach to fashion and strive to provide exemplary customer service. betsyprinceboutique.com 205. 871.1965

CHARBAR NO.7 “Come for drink, stay for while” is Charbar No. 7’s attitude, and it has shaped them into what they are today... a relaxing, no hassle, neighborhood spot. While we do take our food seriously, we strive to offer a welcoming feeling in our restaurant. Whether it is with family, friends, or by yourself, we invite you to come enjoy some good music, eat a big meal, and stay for a drink. charbar7.com Coming Soon

GRAND BOHEMIAN HOTEL This upscale boutique hotel evokes a Southern Bohemian renaissance with interior twists of color inspired by the natural landscape. The vibrant rooftop restaurant and bar overlooks the beautiful Botanical Gardens while serving up farm-to-table dishes sourced with regional ingredients.

grandbohemianmountainbrook.com 205. 414.0505

THE LOCAL TACO Known for fresh, diverse flavors, from the Tequila Lime Chicken, to the Portabella with Sage Goat Cheese, to the Korean Short Rib, The Local Taco menu has been described as “tapas on a taco.” The full bar features fresh Hand-squeezed Lime Margaritas and daily happy hour specials.

Whether stopping by for a quick lunch, bringing the family for dinner, or taking time to enjoy a pitcher of Fresh Fruit Sangria on the patio, The Local Taco will be a neighborhood favorite. localtaco.com

KINNUCAN’S SPECIALTY OUTFITTERS Founded in 1987 by Charles Anthony Kinnucan, and originally known as “On Your Feet,” the original store was located in Auburn and concentrated on running footwear. Several years later, the store was renamed “Kinnucan’s” and grew into a store with a vast selection of products including footwear, but with the addition of cold and warm weather apparel, sunglasses, collegiate goods and women’s fashion.

kinnucans.com 800.687.7217

M&S INTERIORS From casual décor to custom designs, M&S offers you fantastic selections of living room, dining, and bedroom furnishings, as well as accessories and fixtures. You can design every room in your home and you won’t have to spend a fortune to get the look you want, or the quality you deserve.

The wonderful thing about shopping with M&S is there is no pressure; they want you to feel at HOME.

interiorsbymands.com (205) 582-9393

PLATINUM PILATES The Pilates method of body conditioning is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises developed nearly 100 years ago by Joseph Pilates. Exercises are taught with a unique and dynamic rhythm and progression occurs as mastery of the exercises can be done with control and precision. Pilates is ideally taught in private lessons, or in classes with very small groups. The instructors teach by verbal cues and instruction only, never by doing the class with the students. p2platinumpilates.com 205-730-1290

REVELATOR COFFEE Revelator believes in cultivating meaningful experiences. We design our shops to embody this belief. They are bright and open, with stay-awhile appeal. We train our staff to put service first. They are committed to a culture of Southern hospitality. We work with partners to root ourselves in the communities where we operate. Each shop features food and goods from local purveyors that complement our coffee. revelatorcoffee.com

WESTERN SUPERMARKET The Western has served our community only the finest products for the past 65 years. They are one of Birmingham’s largest locally owned supermarket chains. They’re the type of market that still offers real hands-on service with custom-cut meats, local brands, top floral designers and the best wine selection in town. westernsupermarkets.com (205) 879-1746

K EK E L AL ANNEE PPAAR R

R e l e S t r e e t, M o u n ta i n B r o o k V i l l a g e l a n e pa r k e .i n f o L e a s i n g : B e a u Y o u n g | R e ta i l Sp e c i a l i s t s

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5 Things

By: Iron City’s in-house wedding coordinators Michelle Langdon & Ashley Gonzalez

BEFORE THE RING

The season is here, Holiday music is playing in the stores, and your family and friends are making plans to celebrate together. 40% of couples get engaged between the months of November and February.

Your loved one may not have popped the question yet, but for many couples, engagement is right around the corner. We’ve created a preengagement checklist to help you be proactive in your wedding plans, so you can relax and enjoy just being engaged.

1

Drop hints about the bling on the ring.

You’ve had the “marriage talk,” and you may have given your significant other hints about what kind of ring style you love. Ask them to visit some jewelry stores with you around town, or show them some styles you like. This way you’re sure to get the ring that you love almost as much as them!

2

Talk it out together.

Get educatedfind out what you like.

It’s good to be on the same page about what you want for you big day. If you know engagement is coming soon, go ahead and start discussing the big picture for your wedding.

Some points to consider are: Do you want a big, or small wedding? What’s your budget?

Do you want a destination wedding? Is dancing your style, or would you rather have a sit down dinner? Narrowing down what you like now will help guide you once the planning begins.

4

Iron City is the premier venue for downtown Birmingham weddings.

Complete with a dance floor and stage, Iron City is the perfect combination of polished and party for your big day! Call us today to make a reservation! Phone: (205).202.5483

5

3

Once you’ve established the big picture of what you and your other half want for your wedding day, it’s time to start educating yourself about what’s out there. Get a Pinterest account and start collecting ideas on your board. Flip through some wedding magazines, and get online on the best wedding websites.

Collect all the ideas and details you like in one place, so you can refer to them when the big planning begins.

Get the low down from your friends.

Connect with your married friends and ask them about their experiences. Ask them what worked and what didn’t work. What was the best part of the day, or what would they have done differently? Your friends can give you honest insight to help you untie the wedding planning knots before you tie the knot!

Do some shopping, window style.

The first things to mark off your planning list are the venue and the dress.

Don’t be afraid to make some appointments at different venues before you actually get engaged. Wedding locations tend to book up about a year out, so having an idea about the venue before you are engaged will speed up the planning and help guarantee you get your top choice!

Photos by Jett Walker Photography, Leslie Hollingsworth, Rob and Wynter Photography

WHAT WE’RE DRINKING

WINTER BREWS

New Belgium/Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale

Founders Breakfast Stout

Sierra Nevada Celebration

Einstok Doppelbock

($12.49/4pk)

($9.49/6pk)

($12.49/6pk)

($8.99/6pk)

This decadent collaboration between New Belgium and Ben & Jerry’s is a golden ale inspired by one of Ben & Jerry’s best-selling ice creams. Big doughy sweetness melds with milk chocolate flavors that fade into a nice clean finish.

This brew is rich without becoming cloyingly sweet.

Pair this beer with desserts such as tiramisu, raw chocolate mousse, and of course Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

Dark, heavy, roasted coffee notes are up front and personal in this beer.

A lightly tan head grips the edges of the glass. This beer is a coffee lover’s dream. It is brewed with bitter and imported chocolates along with two types of coffee. This beer is made for chocolate desserts, as the coffee will come forward and really complement the dish.

ABOUT

12 T O W N

This is a beautiful fresh hopped ale from California. One of the few IPAs that come out this time of year, The beer has a stunning red hue that reminds you of all the red of Christmas.

But don’t wait too long on this beer because it is meant to be drunk fresh.

Citrus and pine dominate the aroma and the taste.

This beer will go great with turkey, dressing, and manchego cheese.

Based on the German doppelbock style nicknamed “liquid bread” for its heartiness, the Icelandic brewery Einstok releases this dark amber lager once a year to warm you up in the winter months. Sweet toasty malt dominates the aroma, with notes of toffee, molasses, and subtle chocolate in the flavor. Pairs well with short ribs, marinated duck, and creamy cheeses such as gruyere and brie.

Josh Terrell, beer & wine manager at Hop City Craft Beer and Wine

by Pepper Place on 3rd Ave South.

Yellowhammer Frankenhammer

Shiner Cheer

St. Bernardus Christmas

Stone Xocoveza Stout

($9.99/22oz)

($8.99/6pk)

($23.49/4pk or $12.99/750ml)

($16.99/6pk)

Frankenhammer is a highly limited release from the Huntsville brewery, Yellowhammer.

This brew is a riff on their Belgian strong dark ale, Dark Hammer, whereby they take the finished beer and additionally age it in charred cherry wood barrels. Huge notes of vanilla, dark fruit, and oak flow into a smooth boozy warm finish. This brew goes great with plum sauce pork chops, roasted rib, creme brulee, and bold cheeses such as smoked gouda, Limburger, and havarti.

Hailing from Belgium, this beer is perfect for the cold nights of winter. A quadrupel-style beer with a hint of a spicy, mint-like flavor. You will get notes of alcohol warmth, licorice, and almonds. This beer is complex, and weighs in at a hefty 10% ABV. Great for sipping by the fire.

Pairs well with Trappiststyle cheeses, or game hen with wild rice.

One of the most popular beers of the winter, this is a holiday “no brainer.�

This beer is brewed with Texas peaches and pecans. The style is a dunkelweizen, which is a dark German wheat beer, and is great for cold nights. This beer is an easy sipper, and pairs well with ginger salmon and pork tenderloin.

ABOUT

13 T O W N

This winter seasonal is another of the most popular beers of winter. Inspired

by Mexican hot chocolate, it combines chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, peppers, coffee and cocoa.

The beer has aromas of roasted coffee and a slight hint of the spices and peppers. The pepper is present but not too hot. The spices dance on your palate as the beer finishes. This beer will go well with bacon-wrapped figs, lamb chops, and ice cream (some in the ice cream and some to sip).

@meganrunionmcr

FOR THE FEATURING COLLECTIONS FROM

e May w that up e i z o o Sw ou? for y

FOR THE

FOR THE LOL FUN, STANDOUT TECH ACCESSORIES, IMAGINATIVE GIFTS & MORE!

SHE’LL BE KNOWN FOR THROWING THE BEST PARTIES - ALL BECAUSE OF YOU!

FAMOUS GIFT WRAP SERVICE No matter where you purchase your gifts, will professionally wrap them! Simply purchase your paper and we’ll do the rest. and ribbon from The best part — the service is FREE!

AT THE SUMMIT 305A Summit Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35243 P: (205) 968-3458 E: birmingham@swoozies.com Mon-Thur 10-8; Fri-Sat 10-9; Sun 12-6

NOW - DECEMBER 31, 2016 Coupon valid for one transaction. Offer not valid with other promotions or discounts.

Gifts!

ABOUT

15 T O W N

GIFTS!

The Outdoorsman

Bamboo Bike Frame Kit

$189 bamboobikesupplies.com

If you’re looking for a bike that will turn heads, this is for you. No experience or specialty tools necessary, just industrialgrade materials and Ikea style instructions to guide you through the magic of creating a bike that is uniquely yours.

Matador Pocket Blanket

$30 matadorup.com

Unfolds to reveal a blanket fit for two for the moments when an urgent picnic is necessary, or something else.

The Gentleman’s Gundog Price Available Upon Request Wildrose Kennels uklabs.com

Wildrose Kennels specializes in the breeding, training and importation of fine Labradors of British and Irish influence for the selective wingshooter. Our Labs, whether they are puppies, started or finished retrievers, are best categorized in character, temperament and ability as a Gentleman’s Gundog.

Mon Oncle V2 Barbecue $375 aplusrstore.com

You can never be too prepared….be sure to arm yourself with one of these grills on the go. Travels like a briefcase, performs like spontaneous burger cooker should. Duh.

Walkable Sleeping Bag

$130 Poler Men’s Napsack amazon.com

For the dad who has convertible pants to shorts, we give you: the sleeping bag that lets him stay mobile and cozy, allowing him to never have to take his clothes off for the entire camping trip with such seamless transition from day to night.

African Safari

$18,025 per person onsafari.com

If you’re feeling just a tad more generous, take your buddies on this once in a lifetime African Safari and find yourself thinking this is the height of luxury.

j b a n d c o j e w e l r y. c o m

N OW O P E N WE INVITE YOU TO DISCOVER AN OLD-WORLD ARTISAN A P P R O A C H T O F I N E J E W E L R Y.

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shop: 2 0 5 / 8 7 4 . 9 9 1 9

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alabama 3 5 2 2 3

chat: 2 0 5 / 4 7 8 . 0 4 5 5

GIFTS!

Foodie Creyente Mezcal

$50 ABC Beverages Have you heard? Mezcal is the next big thing. Tequila’s smoky cousin isn’t always easy to find, but some ABC stores have started carrying this Creyente, which is much better than Monte Alban.

Bordeaux 3 Piece Wine Kit $20 peaceandriot.com

Bear Paw Meat Shredder

Wine kit disguised as a bottle of wine, so you’ll never have to go searching for a bottle opener again.

$15 bearpawproducts.com

If you smoke a lot of pork and want it shredded restaurant style, this will make things much easier.

Joe’s Stone Crab Prices Vary joesstonecrab.com

World-famous stone crab restaurant in Miami, Florida, will ship you THE best stone crabs you have tasted overnight complete with bibs, mallets, mustard sauce, the works! The key lime pie is killer too!

Magic Soap $11 peaceandriot.com

Stainless steel sphere that magically removes pesky smells like garlic, onions and fish by just washing your hands with it for 30 seconds. Voila!

Whiskey Snifter $25 for set of 4 amazon.com

Whiskey glasses for your bro who thinks he’s a whiskey collector.

Mushroom Knife $30 opinel-usa.com.com

Something they’re almost guaranteed to not own.

This knife makes it easier to cut and prepare mushrooms. This tool has a thin, curved blade with a serrated back, for easy removal of the cuticle. Its durable oak handle incorporates a genuine boar’s hair brush for easy removal of soil.

Whiskey Wedge

$20 Swoozies

A new slant on enjoying a whiskey drink. The Whiskey Wedge makes ice that chills a drink without diluting it.

GIFTS!

Techie

Michael Kors Smartwatch $350 michaelkors.com

BioLite SolarPanel

Personalize the touchscreen to match your mood, receive updates from your social circle and track your fitness goals.

$80 bioliteenergy.com

Power your phone, tablet or BioLite gear with your very own lightweight and portable solar panel.

Personalized Mobile Charger $40 Swoozies How often have people walked off with YOUR charger?

iPhone Fan $10 Swoozies

Zoom Cellphone Camera Lens

A mandatory Southeastern Accessory.

Ringly Smart Jewelry $160 ringly.com Ringly bracelets and rings connect to your phone via Bluetooth and let you receive customized mobile notifications through vibration and a subtle color-coded light.

$20 amazon.com Capture close-up shots from distances smartphone photographers never dreamed of, with this detachable 8-12x optical zoom lens boasting a few extra-special effects as well.

InstaLover

Available Seasonally manservants.co

Sign your girl up for a ManServant to show her some #instalove with constant likes and showers of comments. This will really go far during the holiday season making her feel #blessed.

Polaroid Zip Mobile Printer $130 Academy Sports Polaroid, the brand that created the first social network by enabling people to instantly print and share images, is now offering that same sharing experience to today’s mobile generation.

YOUNG CHOI, MD INNOVATIVE REFRACTIVE SURGEON

INVISION OPHTHALMOLOGY

Retroactive and Cataract Surgeon

Contact Us: www.choieyemd.com | info@choieyemd.com | 205.879.2221 Mountain Brook Center | 2700 Highway 280 | Suite 212

GIFTS!

Kids

Adopt a Pet FREE! Birmingham and Shelby County Humane Societies This one needs no explanation and is guaranted to be the most popular gift of the year!

Museum Membership $110 McWane Family Membership These memberships are fun, helpful and not just your normal sweater you buy when you can’t seem to figure out what’s their style. For example, the McWane Science Center always has activities going on, it’s great for a rainy day to keep the kids active and out of your hair but also contained in a fun environment for everyone! Most membership fees are tax-deductible so we would say that’s a present to yourself! (Check out the respected museum’s website and you’ll find a tab for memberships.)

Let’s Go Fishing $10 amazon.com The original is making a comeback! Great for boys and girls and very economical!

Krink Permanent Paint Stick $11 krink.com AKA what not to give your child -a marker that draws and adheres to any and all surfaces including underwater. We repeat-what NOT to get your kid. You’ve been warned.

Smart Barbie Hello Dreamhouse

$300 barbie.mattel.com

Interactive Barbie Dream House for the kid who doesn’t have enough technology in their life. Wi-Fi enabled speech recognition makes Barbie respond to over 100 commands. Other interactive features include an automatic elevator, transforming staircase, chandelier (you can’t have an elevator and not at least have a chandelier, amiright ladies?) and a crackling fireplace. Plus there’s a Hello Dreamhouse companion app.

Good luck getting your daughter to ever leave her room.

World’s Largest Scrabble Board $1,200 hammacher.com Spanning over 49’ sq.-nearly 5x the size of the original-this is the world’s largest wallmounted Scrabble game. One of only nine in existence, it is handmade by John Kahn, renowned mixed media artist and creator of colossal pop art.

Air Hogs Star Wars Remote Control Millennium Falcon Quad Drone $100 amazon.com For the aspiring young Han Solo, let them be the captain of this foam kid, and furniturefriendly Millennium Falcon.

The Athlete

GIFTS!

One-day Private Quarterback Camp with Joe Montana $65,000 call 1.877.966.4438 Personal training in the San Francisco Bay area with three-time Super Bowl MVP. Best wife for life award right here.

Cryotherapy

$35 for your first session Cryotherapy Birmingham

This three-minute session of freezing your body is a technique becoming more and more popular especially by athletes to help everything from tightening collagen, to increasing the metabolism to rejuvenating aches and pains.

Hydration Tracking Water Bottle $13 amazon.com

It’ll withstand falling off the treadmill and never lose count of your water intake. Take that midworkout sip why don’t ya! It can take it.

Boxfit Class at Champions

Oster Blend-N-Go

championsfreestylefitness.com Champions Freestyle MMA boxfit class has been voted the Best Cardio Class in Birmingham. Their unique brand of kickboxing features an intense class taught by real fighters and should not be confused with “cardio kickboxing” found at corporate “big” gyms.

$25 oster.com Blends your smoothie or protein shake right in the self contained bottle.

Headphones That Keep Your Ears Warm $35 180s.com Great for joggers or anyone exercising outdoors in the winter. Available wireless as well.

Word Lock $10 wordlock.com

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. How hard is it to remember your combination? This makes it simple.

GIFTS!

Local

Event Tickets starting at $25 Let your friends or family pick the show! Gift certificates to other local venues do the same thing. A great way to support local businesses and give your friends and family the freedom to go to what they want they want to go to, when they want to go.

MAKEBhm Gift certificates range from $25-$180 makebhm.com You can buy them a membership to any of their metal, print, wood and ceramic studios, or buy a few classes or one of their package deals. Give them an experience that lets them get dirty and creative!

Oh So Merry in AL Beverage Napkins & Beverage Hugger

Local T-Shirts $25 local-hunt.myshopify.com Super soft next level poly-cotton blends with a modern cut are super comfy. All representing local pride, including the Birmingham Stallions.

$6.95 (set of 20) Napkins $5.95 Beverage Hugger Swoozies Perfect for holiday parties!

Charitable Donation Any Amount Your Favorite Charity Having a hard time deciding on what to give someone that’s tough to shop for? What non-profitare you most passionate about? Make a donation in your friends’ or family’s name in any amount.

T. Cain Chicken Sausage $5 for 10-14 oz or $38 for 1/2 case Piggly Wiggly Yes. We’re recommending sausage, but this stuff is really good! Never been a big fan of sausages that weren’t pork, until we tried T. Cain’s.

Zyp Bike Share Gift Cards Gift certificates range zypbikeshare.com Prepay for a Zyp Bike Share card.

Good at all locations. Perfect for the upcoming spring weather.

Turenne and Andrea Newell, Kassady Gibson, Gwen Newell, David Newell

Wendi Miller, Tommy Owens, Andrea Newell, Adam Hudson John Brad Morrow, Tommy Owens

COME CELEBRATE OUR BIG 3!

This event was centered around Owens Hudson’s 1-year Beth Doyle, Stephanie Howard

Cece Martin, Leslie Bashinsky

anniversary, holiday open house and celebratory ribbon cutting with the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce. There was food and drinks, a raffle and door prizes.

Overall, it was a great night for them to celebrate with everyone

Jacqueline Beadore, Parker Gresham

that helped make Owens Hudson Salon possible.

Julie Bush, Tommy Owens, Lea Renfroe

Priscilla Curtis, Kelly Elkins

Lisa Sharp, Jimmy Taylor

Andrea Newell, Yvette Weaver, David Newell

Anna Thomas, Lauren Seal, Cristy Sautter

Emily Hefty, Brandi Melton

ABOUT

26 T O W N

Kelli Bell, Lynn Bridell, Matt Robinson

Lee and Meagan Kennedy, Ashley Caldwell

Don Murphy, Keith Barfield, John Shank, Steve Smith

Buddy Riles, Emily Espy, Tyler Riles

BMSS 25 TH

Abigail Missildine, Dana Marshall

Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, the largest local accounting firm, kicked off their 25th anniversary by inviting clients, employees and friends to a celebratory event at the historic Florentine Building in downtown Birmingham. Don Murphy, Cheron Sibley, Debra Dunn, Wendy Luciano

John Shank and Keith Barfield founded

Cliff and Tiffany Campbell

the firm in 1991. Steve Smith joined in

Collin and Michelle Newberry

1994 and rounded out the firm’s name.

Known for being different from the typical accounting firm, they also used the event to debut the music video “CPAs On Fleek: XXV,” which was written by and starring two of the firm’s CPAs.

Nilam and Margi Patel

Michael Earnes, Myra Roberts, Karen Poist

Daniel and Maggie Whitaker

Daryl and Elizabeth Compton

Brad and Cara Brown, AJ and Peyton VanderWoude, Mark and Kayla Underhill

Olivia and Mitchell Barfield, Jillian Barfield, Heather Russel

ABOUT

28 T O W N

Merrill Johnston, John Sutton

Jeremy and Hannah Piper

Amy Benson, Mary White, Katherine Berdy Kyndall Waters, Kristin Sullivan, Katie McCormack

SMART PARTY 5.0

Allison Stephens, Avani Patel

Smart Party, presented by EBSCO Industries, Inc., was a live and online event benefiting The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham. This hightech cocktail party allowed guests Taylor Cooper, Lora Terry

Lucas and Talia Pepke

to create awareness, raise funds, and win great prizes. 100% of Smart Party proceeds went to The Women’s Fund programs that support a two-generation approach to ending poverty and connect mothers and their children to the pieces necessary for economic security.

Kelly Calderone, Natalie Pruitt

James and Danielle Roberts Katie Robinson, Cathy Nagi, Lindsay Russell

Karla Lawrence, Helen Anderson

Emily Naman, Kayla Clay

Daniel and Lauren Schwartz ABOUT

30 T O W N

Anne Knox Averitt, Libby Matthews, Dominique Linchet

Caroline Penfield, Kat Walton Kate Birchall, Emily Heide, Allison Gregg

Drew and Julie Phillips

Margaret Arendt, Leslie Kelly, Linda Holman

Kim Jackson, Jaclynn Maxwell Hudson, Judy Crittenden Lucy Marsh, Ann Blair Gribbin

Kirby Crutchfield, Web Walters, Anne Frazier

Amy Miller, Donna Schiff Scott and Bethany Frescette ABOUT

31 T O W N

Christianna Denelsbeck, Jennifer Commander, Kate Hawley

See why the Gusty Gulas Group is the #1 Recommended and Reviewed Realtor in Birmingham according to Zillow.com and Trulia.com

GUSTY GULAS 205-218-7560 gustygulas@brikrealty.com Realtor

www.gustygulasgroup.com

KRISTEN MCGEE 205-907-3390 kristenmcgee@brikrealty.com Realtor

SARAH FISK 205-937-1567 sarah@gustygulasgroup.com Realtor

LAUREN MURPHREE 205-826-8962 bham4sale@gmail.com Realtor

“

After meeting Gusty for the first time, we knew that the sale of our home was in good hands. Gusty acted quickly and professionally throughout the process and was helpful in the negotiation process. Gusty sold our home for full asking price within days of the initial listing. We would highly recommend his services to others!

- Camilla & Walker Moss

”

BRITTANY HAMMOCK 205-907-8713 bhammockrealtor@gmail.com Realtor

Corey Parker

JENNIFER GROSTICK

First time home buyer!

205-747-6021

jennifer@gustygulasgroup.com Realtor

LEIGH DANIELS MARTIN 205-230-7645

leighdanielsmartin@brikrealty.com Realtor

ANGELA STEVENS 205-907-8915 angelastevens@brikrealty.com Realtor

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS: Call to find out how the Gusty Gulas Group can represent you for FREE when buying a home!

“

Lender Kristin Longoria, Stephanie & Bryan Phillips, and Agent Kristen McGee

“

Angela was very attentive to my needs and gave great advice on how to get my condo ready to be listed. She made herself available to all of my questions, no matter the time of day.

- Andrea Swann

Lindsay and Josh Tavel

” ”

LAURA GULINO

Angela was a pleasure to work with. She has an upbeat personality and was always willing to help!

- Sarah Maloney

CHRISTY SIMPSON

RICHARD DANNER

205-317-9466

205-492-3981

205-937-1019

christysimpson@brikrealty.com Realtor

richarddanner@brikrealty.com Community Liaison

lauragulino@brikrealty.com Transaction Administrator

“

Lauren has been, and continues to be, an exceptional agent. She has fought for us every step of the way. She has always been honest and professional in every interaction. We could not have asked for a better agent!

- Jennifer & John Campbell

”

Agent Kristen McGee and Gloria Free

Agent Jennifer Grostic, Buyer Ben Burtram and Andy Traywick with TJC mortgage

“

”

Kaitlin Baker & Jake Friers and Agent Kristen McGee

“ Jerry and Barbara Bridges

We thought Kristen was wonderful! We were pleased with every aspect of our experience with this team! We have always sold by owner in the past, so this was a new experience for us, which Kristen helped to make a pleasant one.

- Kitty Taylor

”

ALEX GOGOL

STACY WARD

850-238-1177

205-206-4321

256-348-5847

alexgogol@brikrealty.com Listing Coordinator

stacyward@brikrealty.com Realtor

bradley@gustygulasgroup.com Administrative Specialist

We were very impressed with our experience. Kristen was very helpful and attentive to our needs, but realistic in managing our needs, but realistic in managing our expectations at the same time.

- Jay & Amy Shei

Agent Kristen Mcgee and Melissa Scott

“

Everyone at Brik has been wonderful! From listing to closing, everyone has been professional, helpful, and quick to respond.

Thank you so much to everyone!

- Melissa Scott

”

BRADLEY FRANKLIN

Welcome to the Birmingham Family!

Brandon Neal, Addie Phillips, Alexas Neal

Cristina Woods, Katrina Pacensa, Audrey Pannell, Claire Per-Lee, Katie Beck

TASTE OF THE MAGIC CITY

Gerald and Mary King

Phillip, Kathy, and Hunter Houston

M-POWER Ministries hosted Taste of the Magic City at MAKEbhm. The event featured some of Birmingham’s best culinary experts and restaurants providing bite-sized fare, as well as live music and craft beer and wine tastings, along with a drawing where attendees had the opportunity to win great prizes. This event invited Birmingham Cindy Bremby, Holly and Richard Simmons, Dalton Smith

Glenn and Maraget Murdoch

residents to enjoy a taste of the Magic City while giving back to the community and supporting the efforts of M-POWER, a nonprofit located in Avondale helping to break the cycle of poverty by providing education and health services.

McKenzie Dove, Megan Houston

Marcy Tozzi, Scottie Lanier

Craig and Jenny Freihage

Bill and Susan Holden, Jouisa Smith, Leigh Anne Gilbert, David Wilkerson

ABOUT

34 T O W N

Mark Globetti, Katie Esters

Parker Bembry, Jason Beck, Joel Beck

Stan and Mariya Breaux

Jackson and Katerina Stewart

Marlo Frantz, Holly Barton

Julie Carpenter, Jennifer Fields

Cody and Caitlin Owens

Natalie Lowrey, Kristy Smith, Ali Wilburn

Halli Willamson, Anne Madison Esdale Rachel and Bryan Noland

BIRMINGHAM’S FINEST Birmingham’s Finest honors top young professionals for their outstanding contributions to their profession and the community, and for their commitment to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This cocktail event featured great food, dancing, fabulous auction items, and culminated with the awarding of the top “Finest”.

Mike Stalvey, Richard Danner, Ashley Ivey, Oliver Newton

Degee Rawls, Jennifer Garrison

Katelyn Armstrong, Brent Taylor

Trevor and Megan Cobb, Coley Smythe, Lesley Lukinovich Linsay and Jonathan Handey, Daniel Dean ABOUT

36 T O W N

Karissa Cooley, Emily Baergen Allison Carpenter, Caine Hill

Elizabeth and Bryan Mullins

Kristina Palangi, Maggie Leeds, Ali Wilburn, Sloan Stevens

Heather Hale, Rachel Donald, Kate Stephens

Sarah Beth Hagler, Amy Irby

Kate Lipscomb, Aurrie Hicks, Drea Harbin

John Petricevic, Laurel Newport, Brittney and Joseph Knight

Maggie Cornelius, Hannah Benak

Matt Laird, Tom Douglas, Ashley Laird, Keri Peterson Hillary Carnel, Margaret Smith

ABOUT

37 T O W N

Kenny Baker, Elene Baker, Porter McCollister, Gia McCollister, Tammie Cooley, Lisa Hicks, Jim Cooley

Telma Reece, Becky Tracy, Connie Nelson, Lina Sink, Cheryl Mullen, Sandy Berglund, Susie Martin John Fogelgren, Joseph Heckel

SPERRY SNOW CHARITY EVENT Connie Nelson and friends wanted to celebrate their dear friend Sperry Snow and his passion for Children’s Harbor.

Linda Brantley, Renee Bass, Elinor Mackin

The event included a performance

Jeff Baggett, Diane Baggett, Tiffany Black, Josh Baggett, LaDonna Baggett, Chris Baggett

by platinum recording artist Taylor

Phillip and Cindy Moon

Hicks, fire dancing by Erynias Tribe, silent auction including CMA tickets, fine jewelry, Birmingham Wholesale Furniture makeover and much more.

Jeff Smith, Natalee Hinz, Geoff Rey Fourqurean, Connie Nelson, Tammie Cooley, Jim Cooley, Jerome Fiorella

Sandy Smeraglia, Mark Giorgi, Cheryl Wakeford

Fred Foster, Taylor Hicks, Ed Foster

Nicole Lamberth, Chris Roby

Edward and Elizabeth Ceron

Lisa Hicks, Taylor Hicks, Connie Nelson

Richard Storm, Betty Larkin, Floyd Larkin, Claire Larkin, Eric and Maria Wood

Geoffrey Fourqurean, Connie Nelson, Tammy Hammond, Randy Roberson ABOUT

38 T O W N

612 Wena Ave

4 BR/5.5 BA – 80 acres Calera $3,800,000

4 BR/3 BA – Homewood $719,900 COMING SOON

4150 Montevallo Road

~1 acre lot in the heart of Mountain Brook $635,000 UNDER CONTRACT

405 Yorkshire

1050 32nd Street

2545 Fleetway Dr

4 BR/3 BA – Homewood $450,000

3 BR/2 BA/2 half BA – Highland Park $475,000

3433 Stoneridge Dr

3 BR/3 BA – Vestavia $285,000

4010 Meadowood Dr

5 BR/3.5 BA – Mountain Brook $499,900

2525 Arlington Crescent

4 BR/2 BA – Oak Mountain $259,900

4 BR/1 BA, 2 half baths – Redmont $249,900

UNDER CONTRACT

5104 8th Avenue South

4126 Redwing Circle

1113 Inverness Cove Way

3 BR/2 BA – Crestwood $239,000

4 BR/2.5 BA – Altadena $249,000

3 BR/2.5 BA – Hoover (Townhouse) $199,900

welcome home!

584 Meadowlake Farm Road

follow us

SOLD

on instagram

@HomeBham

1003 30th St S

3 BR/2 BA – Highland Park $199,900

246 Creekside Lane 3 BR/2 BA – Pelham $194,900

the jamie goff team 205.296.2323

www.JamieGoff.com

Erin Franklin, Katherine Shivers, Terri Wendell

Sarah Tait Kelly, Carrie McMahan

TOAST TO STRENGTH

Charlotte Farrah, Victoria Morris, Anne-Louis Simmons, Rachel Riesdorff, Marley Barnett

The Toast to Strength Gala is a social event to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. MDA’s mission is to fight to free individuals and the families that love them from the harmful effects of muscular dystrophy, Courtney Jones, Carlton Klein

ALS and related muscle-debilitating

Greg and Kelly Neal

diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life. The Toast to Strength Gala was open to the community, where guests were able to meet and mingle with MDA families, Katie and Michael McNeil

friends and key corporate and business community leaders.

Melissa and Drew Waggoner Valerie Ramsbacher, Erin Donohoo

Davis Kelly, Brian Garret, Angel Garrett Jennifer Underwood, Nancy Faulkner

Charles Daniel, Emmett McLean

Beth Rowell, Jen Hood

ABOUT

40 T O W N

EN P O W O Formerly N Short ‘n Sweet Consignment Boutique

Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

their healthcare is.

Healthcare as amazing as their potential

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

AboutTown_COA_JudgmentAd.indd 1 Meredith and Fletcher Brown

5/16/16 4:26 PM

Kristin and Chandler McGarrah

sash and beau children’s boutique

Kristin Milling, Haley Bishop

Retail & Consignment Clothing Monogramming - Melissa & Doug Toys Tween & Adult Jewelry - Original Art Stationery - Free Gift Wrapping and More!

803-3289

934 Oxmoor Rd in Homewood Harlan, Charlotte and Gina Winn

Mon-Fri 9:30 - 5 Sat 11 - 4

Lisa and Andy Hernandez, Brian Varmowich, Susan Conboy

Katie Tooker, Tom Bradford

Tommy Mayfield, Drayton Nabors, Nita Carr, Jay Mitchell

HARVEST OF HOPE Cornerstone held its 13th annual Harvest of Hope fundraising event at Regions Field. With about 400 people in attendance, they enjoyed drinks Maggie Elliott, Beth Moody, Callie Jowers

Meriwether and Andrew Martin

and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on auction items. Cornerstone honored Jay Mitchell who is a shareholder with the law firm of Maynard, Cooper & Gale. Jay founded the Cornerstone Junior Board over 10 years ago, after recognizing that Cornerstone had a need for committed service from

Emilly Pilling, Haig Wright III

Birmingham young professionals.

Melinda and Bubba Helveston, Mary Mattingly

Rich and Heather Anthony Jerod and Allison Sinclair

Austin Smith, Edward O’Neal

Shelly Fagg, Laurie Rapier

Chris and Mary Comptom

ABOUT

42 T O W N

Liz Guest, Julie Blumenthal, Whitney Lidimsky, Candace O’Neil, Madison Imbush

Eryn Smith, Donlencia Sills, Joseph Turner, Eryka Smith, Angelique Adams, Sarah McGinnis, Star Corder Benton Pitkanen, Cecile Brigham, Cecile-Gray Pitkanen

Addie Kattman, Ashley Burrell Clair Hanson, John Hanson, Victor Hanson

David and Andrea Snyder, Dedrick and Stephanie Agee

Doug, Ashley and Nick Guest

Jennifer and Jimmy Ard Karie Mitchell, Laura Blake, Tyrenda Williams-Reed

Andy and Pam Autrey, Ronny and Marie Baynes, Allen Baynes

Kyle and Maggie Cornelius, Dan Johnson

Hannah Slamen, Sarah Pikal, Megan Trolard

ABOUT

43 T O W N

Foster Hyde, Michael Wagner, Brent Gillis, Clint Spears

Griffin Thornbury, Ryan Hughes, Jay and Mary Potts, Jason and Kathryn Simmelink Phillips and Blair Crabtree, Anil and Jennifer Chadha

THE BELL CENTER ART PARTY

Sam and Fontaine Haskell

Guests enjoyed special brews from TrimTab Brewing Company, ate great food from Local Taco and bought Ponty and Victoria Hubert

beautiful art from local artists, all benefiting the children of The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. This program has provided dramatic results for the more than 1,000 children who have participated since its inception.

Karl and Laura Kornides Betty Bell, Andi Gillen

Kristen Fowler, John Michael Seals and Anna Boldt

Annie Krepps, Jamie McKinney, Stacey Morales

Tim Fleming, Julieanna Dufek

Ryan and Kelly Brewer ABOUT

44 T O W N

Misty Jones, Taylor Stafford

Brian and Angie Rucker Matt and Ashley Ross

Matt and Jamie Wilson, Scott and Megan Crowe Randy Higgins, Heather McDonald

Heather Samford, Megan Posey

Jes Sakmar, Katie Tew, Caroline Kirkpatrick, Scott Johnston Jordan Huskey, Matt Buford

Decontee Jimmeh, Dr. Dyck, Amber Anderson

Adam and Emily Isreal Kim Blackenberg, Lisa Booher, Virginia Hornbuckle Shannon Powell, John Morgan

Jennifer Andress, Stacey Morales, Joseph Longoria

ABOUT

45 T O W N

Amy Fisher, Andi Gillen

Carrie Thomason, Vevelle Worthten, Catherine Mayo, Bronwyn Chapman

Tayna Danielle, Wade Wood

Misti Weaver, Marc and Jana Unterman, John Gabelhausen, Kris Redden, Sheila McKenna

TUMTUM TREE FOUNDATION WINE TASTING AND SILENT AUCTION

Wine Auction Weekend kicked Samantha McCall, Eric Randecker, Angela Summers, Sanjeer Lanoti

off with a wine tasting and silent auction at Regions Field, followed by private winemakers dinners at local restaurants. America’s longest running charity wine auction benefiting children’s charities has donated over $10.5 million to Alabama children’s charities since its

Peter Curtin, Laura Lynn Lester

inception 27 years ago.

Kris Redden, Dan McKenna, Doug Ford

Jesse Ruth Parrish, Karianne Lowe, Shequita Malone Kathryn and Curt Tanner, Ryan Luts, Adam Pittman

Ashley and Andy Prewitt

Barret LaRussa, Alberto Coutoumanos Gerald and Mary King ABOUT

46 T O W N

Amanda and Elliot Robbins, Kathryn and Chris Trotter

Jordyn Clark, Caroline Beauchaine, Caroline Hubbard, Caroline Driggers

Front Row: Stefania Sanchez, Erin Poe, Deanna Seufferling, Emily Pennington, Back Row: Sean Sanchez, Morgan Poe, Tim Pennington, Leeann Brown

Courtney Carson, Brooke Ratliff

Calleen Danley, Will Cornay

Amy McKinney, Suzanne Mayfeild Amy O’Brien, Lindsey Lutz, Lauren and Enis Goldasich

Mitchell and Jamie Theodore

ABOUT

47 T O W N

Sarah Lindley, Anna Stone, Elizabeth Veris, Andrea Overton

Lee Smith, Anne Michelle Barnett, James Barnett, Natalie Smith

WINE AND CRAFT BEER SHOWCASE This event benefited The Daniel Project, a critical mission of the Paul Meyers Foundation. Guests tasted over 100 fine wines and local craft Nancy Plotman, Jamie Sanders

Bo and Jana Taylor

beers as well as unlimited appetizers featuring Alabama vendors. The goal of the project is to prevent sudden and early deaths in young adults by educating the community on the symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which typically go misdiagnosed, as well as to fund

Katie and Paul Burge

Chase Ajlouny, Stephanie Abrams

screenings for individuals who exhibit HCM symptoms.

Gina Savas, Norma Kay Sprayberry, Norma Ajlouny, Tena Ajlouny

Linda Kay Young, Dan Young, Anne Wilhelm Ghada Shunnarah Siham Shunnarah

Leslie Gregg, Payton Paulovich

Allison and Clark Virden

Karen Askins, Julia Meyers

ABOUT

48 T O W N

Wade Warren, Jeff Gentry

Riyad Shunnarah, Ghada Shunnarah, Michelle Harb, Leeba Strong, Tammy Dinga, Siham Shunarrah, Tracy Shunnarah

Anthony Arnone, Jerry Ragusa

Tena Ajlouny, Regina Cash

Pam Kaufman, Lynn Petro

Phillip McCallum, Amy Kabase

Alan and David Spain

Veronica Dichiara, Marie Baroody

Sarah Grauel, Megan McRoberts, Beth Grauel

Caroline Beauchaine, Emily Peterson, Caroline Hubbard

Allison Kay, Diane Donohue

Lisa Curtis, Anudam Agarwal, Trey Randall and Francis Lund ABOUT

49 T O W N

Nick Veris, Tim Donohue, Elizabeth Veris Anthony and Andrew Baroody

Aimee Maxwell,Alan Hill, Angie Harris, Zach and Abbey Burke

John Banahan, Hikel Boohaker, Stewart Vaughn, Bob Hines

SPORTSMAN SOCIAL Baptist Health Foundation’s recent Sportsman’s Social supporting their Patient Assistance Fund was a huge success. Attendees enjoyed Southern delicacies of wild game, prepared by noted cookbook author Stacy Lyn Harris, and participated in the “Last Man Standing” for an opportunity to win prizes including a coveted Beretta gun and Diamonds Direct necklace. Since 1967, BHF has been a leader in health care philanthropy providing resources for patientswho find themselves in the gap between the medical care they need and what they can afford.

Keith, Julie and Lauren Waterhouse Matt and Shana Moton Kathryn Evans, Teresa Shufflebarger

Cody and Hayden Walker

Brian and Lindy Hale Allie Black, Kate Gillespie

ABOUT

50 T O W N

Hardwick Walthall, Steve McPheeters, Cassandra Joseph, Scott Abney, Anthony Joseph

Chris Bellman, Michael Lytle, Scott Sealock Joe and Lauren Baugh, Chad Post

Perry and Stacy White Merrllyn Mattox, Debra Richard

David and Amy O’Brien

David and Catherine Fowler Hayley Lunsford, Abby Wright Bob and Emily Phillips Tiffany Vukovitch, Susan McCurry

ABOUT

51 T O W N

Scott Plummer, Robert Evans, David Plummer, Josh Earnest, Elliott Cook, Mead Silsbee

Laura Silsbee, Resa Nelson, Liz Clark, Coke Williams

LANE PARKE GRAND OPENING

The Lane Parke Grand Opening was a celebration of the opening of the third main component of the Lane Parke development (Grand Bohemian Hotel, Lane Parke Apartments, Lane Parke Retail). The event was a street festival open to the public with free admission. It was a true community event.

Keith, Julie and Lauren Waterhouse

Katrina Westerberg, Denise Koch, Holly Dale

Richard and Paige Lang “Dora�

Matt, Katie and Ellie Bower

Kristian Gratton, Meredith and Alex Hake April Diemer and Matthew White ABOUT

52 T O W N

Collin Vaughn, Hayley Marsh, Lacey Russell

George Carbonie, Will Lochamy, Scott Register

Amy Burdette, Mallory Branch

Dianne Melton, Buddy Bland

Amy Black, Craig and Weyland Sanford Lauren Adair, Ashton Antonetti Lindsey and Wyatt Seal

Emma and R.P. Polson, Amanda Dreher

Casey and Trish Summers

ABOUT

53 T O W N

Scott and Stefanie Jones

Katherine Buckley, Martha Hutchinson, Colbie Harmon

Erin Moore, Merissa Laite

Sam Smith, Joylyn Rushing, Brandon Smith, Josh Elliott

OPERA SHOTS

Eleanor Walter, Drew Duncan

Opera Shots is Opera Birmingham‘s new annual series of pop-up concerts throughout the community. Held in unexpected places and designed to break down the stereotypes of opera, Opera Shots concerts feature members of the Opera Birmingham Chorus and surprise guest artists presenting an open-micstyle concert of greatest hits of opera and musical theatre, chorus favorites, and jazz standards. Admission is free! This particular one was held at Good People Brewing Company.

Jennifer Prayter, Darlene Murdoch

Floyd and Susan Doss, Caroline McCarron Emily Williams, Elizabeth Naro

Courtney Holt, Eric and Bethany Adams

Lauren Marino, Bobby Skelton

Danabra Kraft, Julie Elkins, Michelle Childers

Jimmy and Aimee Weaver Allison Black-Cornelius, Robin Black

James Coats, Kirsten Hansen-Dreijer

ABOUT

54 T O W N

l imite d ru n t-s hirts

l o c al -hu n t.mys h op if y.c om

Lauren Duffy, Mary Claire Tidwell, David Dobson, Drew Duffy

Harrison Ritchey, Elizabeth Jernigan, Rhodes Vogel Brent and Tona Henson

DUCKS UNLIMITED Clay Cook, Jake Kennedy

Ducks Unlimited is a non-profit conservation group that conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. The Annual Banquet is a great way to meet some people from all around the community Jeff Morris, Scott Boudreaux

who share in the same passion for the

Marleigh Jones, Preston Broadhead

outdoors and protecting our natural resources Anne-Marie and Leonard Cowling

Haley Sebic, Madison Neal

Josh Rudder, Sean Battison

Mitch Ennis, Charlie Debardelaben, Judd Twitty

Jeff Martinez, Jason Widdon, Steven Lee

ABOUT

56 T O W N

Craig Payne, Brandon Harp, Michael McCollum, Mike Limbaugh

Blake Garrett, Rachel and Thomas Morrison

Leah and Brent Richards Ashley and Seth Rouse

Dustin Smith, Lauren Detheridge

Wayne Brown, Carol Singletary

Ty Kitchens, Sam Brown

Chris McIllvne, Andrew Bell

Matt Dunlap, Lindsey Phillips

Cade Grace, Jeremiah Alexander

ABOUT

57 T O W N

Drew Dolan, Jake Rogers

Scott, Parks and Luke Jenkins

Tyler Slaughter, Jason Brooks

Cindy Crook, Rosemarie Bruno, Natalie Brinkman

Brian and Marie Bateh, Karim Shamsi-Basha, Adele Pharo

RAISE THE ROOF Sarah Morlandt, Melanie Carroll

Stephanie and Joseph Shunnarrah

The 5th Annual Raise the Roof for Rett was organized by the SUKI Foundation and Children’s of Alabama. SUKI Foundation is a non-profit benefiting Children’s and is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected with Rett and other neurological disorders. With early detection and Tomas Ritchey, Nick Ritchey

Mark Lucas, Doug Marshall

diagnosis, the life of a child with RS can be improved greatly. SUKI Foundation also supports the world-renowned Rett specialist right here at UAB, Dr. Alan Percy.

Jessica Juliano, Kathleen Cook

Albert and Anna Osorio

Laura Fisher, Cheryl Ritchey, Susanna Ritchey

Casey and Jason Ramsey

Carrie Beth and Charles Buchanan

Danette Bentley, Nicole Allshouse

Marie Bateh, Nikki Woods

ABOUT

58 T O W N

Tracy and Louanne Causey

Lee and Megan Amerson, Ashley Hood

Jennifer Goodwin, John Grant, Mandy Murrell

Sally and Dustin Dew

Tim Ross, Aaron Garrett

Molly Given, Leanna Pittard

CHILDREN’S BALL

The Children’s Ball took on a brand new look and location for 2016. The event was held on Friday, November 11, 2016 at The Club. This year’s black-tie Mandy Hartman, Casey Lee

event featured a silent auction, a live Haston Garrison, Jennifer Garrison, Mary Alice Kline

auction and a fabulous dinner. It was simply a night of fun, with the best view in Birmingham as donations directly benefited Children’s of Alabama.

Brian Weatherford, Brandon Dupree

Michael and Lauren Lovett, Megan and Adam Powell

Lizzie Hartley, Linda Gregg, Sidney Brown Kirk and Tate Forrester

Brandon and Gabrielle Rock

Jordan Bocage, Ben Payton

ABOUT

60 T O W N

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RealtySouth New Beginnings ad ABOUT TOWN.indd 1

11/16/16 10:18 AM

Since 2012, Birmingham’s Home for Original Method Pilates.

6-Person Small Group Classes | Private Lessons | Semi Private Lessons

New Group Class Openings Available Now!

Aero Joe Pilates Studio (Pepper Place) Experience ~ Education ~ Community 2805 2nd Ave S - Suite 100 aerojoepilates.com 205.202.5758

Credit Melissa Dooley photography.

Jeff and Tracie Dugas Angels Morisette, Edith Roper, Cathy Peoples, Nashonda Howard, Mary Hendking, Irene Williams

Cyd Quick, Christina Allison, Sydney Elkins

REAL MEN WEAR PINK WRAP UP PARTY

Chris Lane, Michael Choy, Andrew Collins

The American Cancer Society wrapped up the Real Men Wear Pink campaign in pink fashion! It was a celebration of 24 men who wore pink for the month of October raising awareness and funds for Breast Cancer for the American Cancer Society. A pink trophy was presented to the top fund raiser, Jeff Dugas and was crowned “Pink Man of the Year”. This was the second year for Real Men Wear Pink with last year raising $106,000.

Shawn Bendig, Thomas and Meredith Hoffmann

Chris Lane, Bob Baker

Polly Harper, Beth Shaye and Wayne Trucks

Tracie Dugas, Cyd Quick, Christina Allison, Jeff Dugas, Sydney Elkins, Deb Reid, Gina Burger

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Are You a 2016 Bride?

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FEB 2015

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ART DIRECTION Catherine Guardabassi

Our Annual

nuptials issue

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Allie Bridges MARKETING Amy Smith Rachel Williams PHOTOGRAPHERS Zack Barnes Allie Bridges Kenzie Greer Steve Higginbotham Daniel Lawson Preston Little

37

nuptials p.

out Feb. 2017

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Bromberg’s

William Sonoma

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An Email Interview

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Kara Leigh Leonard

Bromberg’s

Kara Leigh Leonard is a co-owner of White Dresses Boutique in Huntsville.

Prior to opening her Huntsville bridal boutique, Kara played professional tennis and attended Savannah College of Art & Design.

She resides in her hometown of Cullman.

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Pizza Stone Set w/ ceramic rack $24.99 World Market On Dec 29, at 8:04 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:

What are your thoughts on white vs ivory/champagne/blush colored gowns?

Beer Making Kit $39.95

karaleigh@whitedressesboutique.com wrote:

The wedding industry has seen a burst of color over the last few markets.

Gone are the days where brides feel trapped into wearing white - we have seen a lot of girls selecting darker shades of Ivory, as well as champagne and blush colored gowns.

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karaleigh@whitedressesboutique.com wrote:

Alabama Outdoors

The thought of wearing two gowns on your wedding day is a new idea.

While I am always happy to help a bride find two gowns for her big day, I also like to remind my brides that every dress change will mean time away from the fun of your wedding day.

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What are some of your recommendations or advice for beach/destination wedding gowns?

Are girls trending more towards sleek modern styles or more traditional? karaleigh@whitedressesboutique.com:

karaleigh@whitedressesboutique.com wrote:

Our brides tend to select traditional gowns with a modern twist. Traditional can encompass so many different looks and our brides are pretty varied on what they select. I would say the most common word we hear to describe the look our brides are selecting is timeless.

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My advice for brides looking for the perfect beach or destination look is to choose what you want! I absolutely hate when brides try to select a gown solely because they think it looks like their venue - and that includes beach and destination weddings.

Choose the gown you love and it will work in whatever venue you select. My favorite beach look is actually a ball gown, which is totally different than what most people expect for the beach! We also had a bride who did a five foot train on the beach - the pictures were phenomenal!

On Jan 3, at 3:40 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:

What about accessories? karaleigh@whitedressesboutique.com wrote:

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GOWN:

Alys Beach on the Kelly Green

Lian Carlo

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Joanna August from Bella Bridesmaid Big Night Dynamite DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Nouveau Flowers HONEYMOON: Antigua PHOTOGRAPHY: Jacqueline Ward Images HAIR & MAKE-UP: Salon Twist JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES: Grandmother’s broach as hair clip, great-grandmother’s watch, necklace from bride’s parents BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES:

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Accessories are the best way to make a gown fit into the theme of a bride’s wedding. I have witnessed a gown that might not be considered perfect for an outdoor wedding completely transform into the perfect look for an outdoor wedding based on accessory decisions such as veils, belts, headpieces, boleros, etc. Like the gowns, we are seeing a lot of accessories incorporate colors. One of my personal favorite belts in the shop has blush crystals in it. In my opinion, accessories are the perfect way to make a gown the bride’s own.

On Jan 4, at 7:38 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:

On Jan 8, at 6:12 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:

All brides are different, but is thereone piece of advice you would tell them all? karaleigh@whitedressesboutique.com wrote:

The biggest piece of advice I have for brides looking to select their wedding gown is to remember to stay true to yourself and

select something that you feel happiest NUPTIALS

in. You look your best when you are really happy and comfortable. Many brides feel like this is their time to step out of their box and while that can work for some, I have found that most girls are happiest when they look and feel like themselves! Your groom loves you for who you are - don’t force a look that isn’t you!

Anna English & William Tyler Schnell

What are you seeing this season with the tulle skirts and capes? karaleigh@whitedressesboutique.com wrote:

My favorite use of a tulle skirt that I have seen recently was in Emily Maynard’s wedding. She wore a

Today, there are so many different types of engagement rings.From a classic solitaire look to a three-stone setting or pave mounting, brides can create what they have envisioned their entire lives in the DIAMONDS DIRECT showroom.

We have selected six of the most ‘popular’ or prominent engagement ring styles that we see and highlighted them here.

THE CLASSIC SOLITAIRE >

If you are looking to highlight your center diamond by itself, this is the perfect style for you! This style is great for any shape diamond and can be modified by the type of basket holding the diamond. The solitaire style also allows you to select the wedding band of your choice as anything will compliment the ring.

THREE-STONE <

This style is said to represent your past, present and future and features a center diamond accented by a second diamond on each side of the center. The three-stone style allows endless choices because all three stones do not need to be the same. This style is especially popular with a diamond in the center and blue sapphires on the sides.

About Town is published by Gillespie, Inc. P.O. Box 130328 Birmingham, AL 35213

Hilton Sandestin, Florida GOWN: Rani Sharma from Raneez Boutique BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Rani Sharma from Raneez Boutique MUSIC: Crosstown Band & DJ Bally DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Marja Rogers, Florals by the Sea HONEYMOON: Sandals La Source, Grenada PHOTOGRAPHY: Arden Photography HAIR & MAKE-UP: Seema Gulamani

HALO >

This is a very popular style today most noted by a ring, or ‘halo’, of smaller diamonds framing the center diamond. The halo style is often used to make the center diamond appear larger, but is also used as an elegant accent to any shaped diamond.

SHARED PRONG <

This style features diamonds set in prongs, which are shared by the diamond next to it. This look is great because it shows less metal and more sparkle!

CEREMONY & RECEPTION:

Copyright © 2016 Gillespie, Inc. JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES:

Raneez Boutique

PAVE <

Considered a more antique look, the pave style features tiny diamonds set into place with small beads of metal. This type of setting creates a very sparkly or glittery look and often has diamonds on all three sides of the ring.

10/11

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Riverchase United Methodist Church & Riverchase Country Club GOWN: Amsale from The White Room BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Monique Lhuillier from Bella Bridesmaid MUSIC: Compositionz DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Laurie Goodloe & Rebecca Jones HONEYMOON: Playa del Carmen, Mexico PHOTOGRAPHY: Brooke Glassford, Colorbox Photography HAIR & MAKE-UP:

Lynsey Richardson

JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES:

down in Matt’s family

Earrings designed at Bromberg’s with diamonds passed

CHANEL SET <

This style is considered to be a more modern, polished look. In this style, there are diamonds set into the setting- without the use of prongscreating a seamless, contemporary look. The channel setting is particularly for women who tend to be a bit more rough on their jewelry.

To find your style visit the Diamonds Direct showroom on 280, and visit www.diamonds-direct.com to find out more.

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CEREMONY & RECEPTION: GOWN:

Shades Mountain Baptist Church & The Club

Romona Keveza

Amsale from Bella Bridesmaid The Connection Band Flowerbuds HONEYMOON: Antigua PHOTOGRAPHY: Phillip Dupree Photography HAIR & MAKE-UP: Stephanie Lewis, Celine Russell CAKE: Barb’s Cakes BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: MUSIC:

DÉCOR/FLOWERS:

Girls love inspiration for finding their look and celebrities are a great source. After Kate Middleton wore long sleeves, we received tons of girls asking for gowns with lace sleeves. In recent months, we have had a lot of brides asking for blushers after Kim K’s wedding to Kanye. Before Kim wore it, girls weren’t loving the blusher idea in our shop. We know we will be hearing from a lot of girls who want to look similar to the new Mrs. Clooney since the recent wedding of the most famous bachelors in our country!

On Jan 7, at 12:12 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:

On Jan 3, at 7:42 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:

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How does pop culture (celebrities) shape your customers’ preferences? karaleigh@whitedressesboutique.com wrote:

On Dec 29, at 9:02 a.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:

Thoughts on 2 dresses: one for the ceremony and one for the reception?

Anthropologie

DoubleNest Eno $69.95

stunning Modern Trousseau gown, which is offered at our Huntsville bridal boutique. For the ceremony, the gown boasted a lovely lace top and a stunning full tulle skirt! For the reception, Emily took off the skirt to unveil a fitted lace gown that had been worn underneath. We love this idea because it gives the look of two gowns without the expense!

On Jan 5, at 12:34 p.m. info@abouttownsite.com wrote:

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“THIS ONE GOES TO ELEVEN.” ABOUT TOWN IS TURNING 11!

This is Spinal Tap

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THE LAST 11 YEARS?

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Mandy Morris, Shannon Goff, Barra Kettig and Andi Marquez

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ISSUE #7 Beat the Odds August, 2006 Ellen Green and Nick Miles

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