Feb/Mar 2021

COMPLIMENTARY

a b o u t t o w n . io

WOMEN’S ISSUE 2021

Special

Weddings Section

WO the

ME

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Women in Business

Home Hunting

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Elizabeth Casement Makes Old New p.20

page 50

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2021 ’s

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issue

Transitional Trends Fashion Finds from Laura Steele

Handling Social Media During a Break-Up Candi Peeples Answers You Questions

Progress Looks Like Creating Memories That Make A New House

Home

Matt Bearden

VP | Mortgage Investor Relations mbearden@myprogressbank.com 205.705.1642 direct 205.533.5943 cell NMLS# 594920

Steve Odle

Mortgage Loan Officer sodle@myprogressbank.com 205.705.1668 direct 205.586.8456 cell NMLS# 543177

Woody Woodfin

SVP | Mortgage Division Manager wwoodfin@myprogressbank.com 205.705.1605 direct 205.229.2877 cell NMLS# 457100

NMLS# 401921

Vestavia

Birmingham

1360 Montgomery HWY Ste 100 Birmingham AL 35216

2121 Highland Ave S Birmingham AL 35205

myprogressbank.com

BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY IN A SMALL BOX RARELY COMES FROM A BIG BOX STORE. Give her something as unique as she is.

Emerald cut Diamond & Platinum Ring

J ohn B ro m b e r g @ J B a n d C o J e w e lr y. c o m w w w. J B a n d C o J e w e lr y. c o m 205.478.0455 i n st a gra m @ J B a n d C o J e w e lr y M o u n t a in B ro o k Al

Women’s Issue

INSIDE 12 Transitional Trends - Fashion Finds from Laura Steele 16 Keys to a Healthy Heart - Taking Care of Your Health 18 It Takes Two - Creating a Healthy Routine 20 Old House, Young Kids - Inside the Casement’s House 28 Accelerating Athleisure Attire - As Winter Turns to Spring 33 Weddings - A Look at Some of 2020’s 50 Women in Business - Profiling Female Leaders 71 Good Taste - Wines from Women To See More Content Visit: abouttown.io

COVER

Lauren Adair Goldasich, Angel Hufman Lewis, Holly Gunn, Avani Patel, Celia Davenport photo: Beth Hontzas ABOUT

2 TOWN

MISTY JOSEPH SPECIALIZING IN LUXURY CONDO LIVING

CONTACT MISTY@MISTYJOSEPH.COM

205.807.2090

WE CATER TO CURLS "These days, clients with curly hair come to the salon with a good bit of information in their arsenal. However, they are often overwhelmed by that information and not sure how to decide what they can use and what they should just pass on. Should I plop or diffuse or air dry? Am I a 2B or a 3A? Does it matter? How often should I be

3705 4th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 205.582.FOLK (3655) | hairfolk.com | @hairfolk

Photo: Rachel Dalland Photography

washing? Should I use a co-wash?"

WE ASKED...

YOU ANSWERED In January we asked female About Town readers to tell us what they wanted most. Here are their answers.

Do You Know?

WHAT A GIRL WANTS

How strong is your female knowledge?

Which gift would you like to receive the most?

1) Who is the highest-paid female actress?

1.

Meryl Streep

2.

Angelina Jolie

3.

Sofia Vergara

4.

Melissa McCarthy

5) What movie is the quote, “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird” from?

1.

Sweet Home Alabama

2.

The Notebook

3.

Pretty Woman

4.

When Harry Met Sally

2) Which female has the most #1 hits?

6) How many children did Cleopatra have?

1. Rihanna

1. Zero

2. Madonna

2. Two

3. Beyoncé

3. Four

4.

4. Seven

Mariah Carey

1. Two

1.

Jenny Thompson

2. Six

2.

Simone Biles

3. Four

3.

Venus Williams

4. Five

4.

Missy Franklin

4) Who is the wealthiest woman in the U.S.?

8) Which woman has the most Instagram followers?

2.

Jacqueline Mars

3.

Oprah Winfrey

4.

Alice Walton

Maid 53% Chef 23% Personal Stylist 21% Babysitter/Nanny 3%

What is your favorite genre to binge watch?

What type of shoe do you have the most of in your closet?

7) Which female has won the most gold medals?

Mackenzie Bezos

If you could splurge on one, which would it be?

Romantic Comedy 54% Realty TV 26% Documentary 15% Horror 4%

3) How many houses does Oprah have?

1.

Jewelry 38% Night on the town 35% Home-Cooked Meal 15% Flowers 13%

Sneakers 32% Boots 27% Heels 21% Flats 20%

What do you feel sexiest in?

1.

Kylie Jenner

2.

Kim Kardashian

3.

Ariana Grande

4.

Selena Gomez

answers at bottom right

Favorite Dress 61% Athleisure 28% Birthday Suit 7% Swimsuit 4%

Which type of fitness class do you prefer?

Yoga/Pilates 43% Lifting Weights 21% Fusion 20% Cycling 16%

What app do you spend the most time on?

Instagram 67% Facebook 16% News 10% Snapchat 6%

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER

WHO’S THAT GIRL?

What celebratie’s daughters look like now.

Reese Witherspoon & Ava Phillippe

Meryl Streep & Mamie Gummer

ABOUT

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Uma Thurman & Maya Hawke

1) 3 2) 2 3) 2 4) 4 5) 2 6) 3 7) 1 8) 3

Cindy Crawford & Kaia Gerber

Fashion Forward LEVY’S AT GUS MAYER | THE SUMMIT

225 SUMMIT BLVD. SUITE 700 | 205.870.3300

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Ask Candi

MY CARNIVOROUS DIET

UPDATE

Preserving Your Family’s Future

by: Megan Adams

Candi Peeples has earned a reputation as a leader among family law attorneys in Alabama and the U.S. She brings her experience, focus and passion for excellence to each client she represents.

Social Media During a Break-Up >>> I’m considering divorce and not sure what to do about my social media accounts.

Do you have any advice on how to handle these?

The world of social media has changed the way we all communicate on a daily basis. An unintended - but not so surprising - consequence of this is its impact on marriages and divorces. It’s interesting to think about how something as trivial and relatively unimportant as someone’s social media account can play such an important role in a marriage or divorce process, and yet it seems that in today’s social media driven world it should not be too quickly overlooked as you proceed in this process.

The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) did a survey and found that 81% of top divorce attorneys in the country admit to seeing an increase over the past five years in the number of cases using social networking evidence; 66% cited Facebook as the primary source for such online evidence followed by other services such as Instagram, MySpace and Twitter. While Facebook and other social media sites generally are not the only cause of a divorce, the content contained on one’s profile page can be a treasure trove of evidence in many family law proceedings.

My advice to clients is usually as follows:

A. Some attorneys strongly advocate “divorcing” your social media pages if you are going through a divorce.

While this is a somewhat extreme suggestion it will in all likelihood, guarantee the best method of prevention of issues related to social media moving forward.

B. So long as there is no Court Order in place regarding the preservation of digital evidence, there is nothing preventing you from deleting your social media accounts or at minimum removing or deleting any posts that you would prefer not come up in a court proceeding. Remember though, that your “digital footprint” may always be discoverable even if these are deleted. Just because you delete these doesn’t mean the company will in their archives. This further emphasizes the importance of being very careful how you use social media in your daily life.

C. Always change your passwords and remove common access to your social media accounts on any shared devices, icloud accounts or other methods where your spouse may have access.

D. If you really feel like you have to use social media during your divorce, it’s imperative that you use good judgment and be discrete in what you post. An extra measure of caution will never hurt. “Think before you post.”

E. Social media must be seen as both public and permanent and one should be careful not to tweet, share, post, or photograph anything that you would not like to disclose to the whole world. Think about your potential audience before posting anything, in the best of times, and most importantly, when you are mad, angry or upset.

As we all know, screenshots can be taken by anyone with access to your social media pages at any time, and even if you later delete the post, these can often come back to haunt you in a divorce proceeding.

F. Don’t badmouth or share personal information about your spouse on social media. Don’t do this directly or “indirectly” in a vague or cryptic manner either. You must remember that taking the high road is always the best route – and you never want to post anything that your children or even your spouse’s employer could see. While this may feel like the right thing to do, there is never anything positive that could come from this. Remember – settling your case and both of you being reasonable is the best way to save on legal fees. Vent to a friend over pizza and wine – in person.

G. Everyone who uses social media should educate themselves on changes that can be made to enhance the privacy of social media. One important part of this is the location services aspect. Many social media sites will reveal your location when you upload images and post status updates.

H. It’s a good idea, even if you are friendly with your “soon-to-be ex” to keep your social networking groups or circles as separate as possible. You never know when the emotional tides will turn and readily incriminating evidence found online can be used against you.

I. Don’t give evidence to your spouse’s attorney on a “silver platter.” Listing yourself on social media or even a dating site as “single and childless” won’t bode well if that’s not true. Likewise, a new significant other’s Twitter comment about giving you expensive gifts of jewelry might cause a reevaluation of your assets.

J. The best advice with social media is to create as minimal of an online presence as possible.

If you are in doubt on how to minimize the impact of social media on your divorce case, it’s always best to seek experienced advice from a family law attorney to make sure you are protecting yourself.

Last fall About Town profiled local trainer Megan Adams. She mentioned she had just started the Carnivorous Diet. Here’s how it’s been going.

My carnivorous lifestyle that started as a fad-diet experiment is now eight months old. I still love it when someone asks about my diet, or how I eat. It has proven to be simultaneously the simplest explanation and the most challenging comprehension. I eat animal products, and a nominal amount of nuts - mostly almonds. I call it “carnito”: carnivore (strictly animal products) + keto (the nuts). > Yes, animal products ONLY (with the exception of nuts-mostly-almonds to increase my fat intake). The same four foods all day, every day: eggs, meat (predominantly beef and bacon), butter, nuts. > Yes, I still consume alcohol (tequila and Topo). > I’ve lost 15 lbs. I eat when I’m hungry, and stop when I’m not hungry anymore. > No, I do not miss other things. > I am not deficient or lacking anything, per my most recent doctor visit.

I take a multivitamin and beef organs supplement daily that provide sufficient vitamins and micro-nutrients. > No, I do not think it’s ideal for everyone. I do not think anything is ideal for everyone.

Pros: - Loss of body fat, and consequentially weight (an initial goal of mine) - Increased mental clarity - Decreased inflammation throughout, including joints and sinuses - Better sleep - Greater muscular endurance - Increased strength and stamina - Increased digestive health - Increased libido - Simplified grocery shopping and meal preparation - Increased & extended satiation with meals Cons: - Bad breath - Inconvenience away from home - Occasional boredom - The only people that understand are fellow carnivores. My diet choices are personally offensive to more people that you would believe.

All said, the pros far outweigh the cons. Turns out a carnivorous diet is a fad-experiment-turned-lifestyle for this girl, and I’m in it for the long-haul.

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

To see more results from Megan visit: abouttown.io ABOUT

8 TOWN

“From the choreography, the music, and the energy of the instructors, it’s impossible not to leave feeling infinitely better than when you walked in. In spite of my personal fitness ups and downs, I know I can always renew my energy and drive when I walk in that room.”

- Emily Wood B.

TEMPORARILY OFFERING SOCIALLY DISTANCED CLASSES AT THE DOCK IN LAKEVIEW IGNITEBHM.COM • @IGNITECYCLE • (205) 639-6908

Mind & Body

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Your Best You

W? DID YOU KNO

Female FUN FACTS

by: Amanda Traywick who is the owner of The Heights Fitness in Vestavia, a PN1 Certified Nutrition Coach and ACE Certified Personal Trainer.

R

ight now, it’s more important than ever to take care of our health. So often, when we think of our health, we focus on diet and exercise. And of course, these components are paramount to our overall health. But a couple of often overlooked aspects that we neglect are the mental and emotional components. And both of these are essential to our success with following a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of physical activity need to be a priority in all of our lives, more so now than ever before. The American Heart Association recommends that we get 150 minutes of exercise each week and eat a balanced diet in order to live a healthy lifestyle. But what happens when we just don’t feel like it?

Now more than ever, many are finding it difficult to get the right amount of exercise and proper nutrition. But it’s not just because we are living busy lives. It is because of the current situation of the pandemic and its effects on us mentally that we are struggling. As if exercise and good nutrition weren’t challenging enough in normal times. Right? Being that our routines have been disrupted by having children at home full-time or having to work from home, finding time and motivation to take care of ourselves properly can be challenging, to say the least.

Being socially isolated and unable to live what we consider a normal life has caused an increase in depression and anxiety amongst Americans and can often cause us to lack the desire and motivation to take care of ourselves. According to the American Psychological Association, exercise not only boosts your mood but helps to lower anxiety levels. You can often receive these mood-boosting effects within five minutes of finishing a moderate workout.

> So, what can we do to help us stay motivated?

ESTABLISH YOUR WHY

First, establish your why. Sit down and ask yourself why you want to exercise and eat a healthy diet. What are your reasons? Is it to set yourself up for a long, healthy life?

Could it be that you want to be able to run and play with your kids or your grandkids? Each time you come up with an answer to your question, ask yourself again. Try to get deep into the real reasons. When we have established a true why it gives us the ability to refer back to our base motivation during tough times.

HAVE COMPASSION

Second, having compassion for ourselves and our current situation can do wonders for our mental health.

Trying to find a way to navigate life and understand that we may not be able to do “life” the way we have in the past is essential. Holding ourselves to the same standards that we did in 2019 and before is unrealistic. More often than not, we give compassion and understanding to others but fail to offer the same to ourselves. What would it look like if you offered that same grace to yourself that you do to your friends and family?

WINDOW OF LENIENCY

Third, having a window of leniency for ourselves frees us to realize that, while we may fail to eat properly one day or get a 30-minute walk in today, it doesn’t mean we can’t or shouldn’t pick up and continue on tomorrow. I often tell clients to live by the 80/20 rule. Try and eat healthy and exercise 80% of the time. Then allow yourself some grace the other 20%.

The richest selfmade woman in America is Marian Ilitch. She owns the Little Caesars Pizza chain.

Taylor Swift’s favorite cereal is Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Angelina Jolie purchased 60,000 hectares of Cambodian land and turned it into a wildlife reserve, employing former poachers as rangers.

The actors who voiced Mickey and Minnie Mouse were married in real life.

Humans are the only species on the planet that flirt.

SET REALISTIC GOALS

Set a realistic goal for yourself. If you have not been exercising, ease into it. When we change our habits at a manageable pace, we are oftentimes more apt to stick with a plan rather than jumping in headfirst and not being able to live up to our expectations.

The mental game is so essential to our exercise and nutrition goals. When we hold ourselves to unrealistic standards and don’t understand the why’s of what we are doing, we are often doomed before we even begin. Knowing that we will fall and that it is normal and human at best creates an environment where we don’t judge ourselves so harshly and are less likely to quit. Seeking perfection only sets us up for failure.

So, when you hit a bump in the road, ask yourself. “What would I tell my best friend?” Then be sure and take to your advice. The standards you set for your friends and family are the same you should set for yourself.

If you’d like to know more, please call Amanda at (205) 915-8333, or visit at theheightsfitness.com

ABOUT

10 T O W N

The Queen of England owns every swan in the UK. If you kill one, it’s treason.

The founder of Match.com lost his girlfriend to a guy she met on Match.com.

A British chocolate scientist had her taste buds insured for 1 million pounds (almost 1.4 million USD).

Heart care shouldn’t wait — even now

In-person and virtual visits available Ascension St. Vincent’s care teams are close to home and fully prepared for your safety in our care. We collaborate with our integrated network of cardiologists, sharing best practices for emergency heart care and advanced treatment options for ongoing heart conditions. If you have a heart condition and have been delaying care, we’re here to discuss options.

Get the heart care that’s right for you at ascension.org/STVHSheart

© Ascension 2021. All rights reserved.

TRANSITIONAL TRENDS B Y L AU R A S T E E L E MODEL: QUINN PEEPER

As grey skies give way to blue and sunshine warms up longer days, it’s time to take stock of your tired closet and expand your options as we launch into spring.

New trends to brighten your wardrobe for whatever the coming season has in store!

Surefire Shine Cultivate the ultimate definition of “Elevated Casual” with a silk top finished with tuck details at the shoulders in taupe. The shine pairs perfectly with unexpected slate blue satin joggers and a timeless pair of metallic wedges you can wear 9 months of our year!

Pinstripes and Puff Sleeves A versatile V-neck top flatters with short puff sleeves and light pinstripes beautifully cut in against the bodice. Create an edgy look with charcoal ripped skinny crop jeans and strappy heels! You’ll be set to shop or dine al fresco any time.

ABOUT

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Jazzed up Joggers Joggers in a versatile fabric are easy to dress up or down. Pair with a not-so-basic tee with subtly ruffled cap sleeves in a flattering pastel shade and comfy but polished platform wedges to perfect this relaxed ensemble for day or night.

Statement-Making Shirt A special blouse with smoked details, a ruffled edge and sash that ties behind the neck in a beautiful shade of powder blue makes any outfit! Add black pants or dark wash skinny cropped jeans and white & platinum chunk heels for a look that will turn heads.

Weekend Wear that Wows Shake up your casual style with a rosy-hued puff sleeve sweater that effortlessly transitions between seasons. Add a pair of distressed, unstructured jeans and fashionable sneakers and you’ll be ready to go anywhere the weekend takes you.

Lovely in Lilac Brighten up with a fun lavender top with a slight sheen that looks polished with a classic skirt or keep it low-key casual with grey skinny cropped jeans and wear-anywhere cushioned sandals in a neutral tone.

Everyone will compliment you in the pretty color!

PROMOTION

BEFORE

AFTER

What is a Smile Makeover?

ACTUAL KOCH AESTHETIC DENTISTRY PATIENT

by: Dr. Paul Koch at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry

> THE FIRST STEP OF THE SMILE MAKEOVER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT: Understanding what a person would like their smile to look like. We ask questions like, “If you had a magic wand, what would you create for your smile?” This is key because a lot of people come in with outdated information that they have accumulated about what is and is not possible. This limited belief system often keeps them in a state in which they are unhappy with their smile and feel like they will just have to live with it.

> Will It Look Fake?

There are certain guidelines we follow that are in keeping with a person’s natural beauty—the shape of their face, lips, mouth and gum line. When we stay consistent with those guidelines and incorporate certain natural attributes into the design (including color, style, translucency, natural characteristics, etc.), we trick even the most discerning eye into thinking a person’s smile is natural. We also watch a person when they talk to evaluate how much their lower teeth show, since they show during talking much more than smiling.

> STEP TWO The next step is to define the area that we will be improving, and create a prototype for their new smile. This is done with our master ceramist and his lab, and that prototype is applied to the patient’s existing teeth (with any necessary modifications) so that they can preview their new smile. I use the previews to communicate to the ceramist how we want the final teeth to look; this prevents surprises at the end.

> STEP THREE IS CRITICAL One of the most important parts of smile design is deciding to do the correct number of teeth, so there is not a perceptible difference between natural and man-made. This is critical and a step that is often miscalculated.

> What About All Those Online Teeth-Straightening Services?

As a dentist, I know how many factors I must consider when straightening or modifying someone’s teeth. I spent 4 years in dental school and 32 years in clinical practice learning all of the aspects of tooth and bite alignment, not to mention the influence of gum and bone disease and infection, that affect about 70% of people. It is hard to imagine that any online service will consider all of those important factors, let alone recommend treatment of them in order to create a healthier person. After all, dentistry is first and foremost health-care. I always say, it can’t be beautiful if it’s not healthy.

If you have any questions for Dr. Koch, please visit kochaesthetics.com or call (205) 933.0323.

Dr. Paul Koch has been a practicing dentist since 1989. For the past ten years, he has maintained a private Birmingham dentist office dedicated to aesthetic and implant dentistry in Birmingham, Alabama. The practice is locally known as “The Dental Spa.”

DID YOU KNOW? Smiles Relieve Stress: Your body immediately releases endorphins when you smile, even when you force it. This sudden change in mood will help you feel better and release stress.

client: Dailyn Swann, Miss Alabama Teen USA 2021

ANGELA KING B R O W E X P E RT

24 hr Scheduling at AngelaKingBrows.com

photography: NikLayman.com

The Keys to a Healthy Heart B y J u n e C l ar k

J

une 29, 2020 started out like any typical summer day for Debra Anne Rust. The 67-year-old Birmingham native, who serves as a Gifted Education Specialist for the Midfield School System, drove to Tuscaloosa for a monthly lunch with her college roommate. After the visit, she told her friend they needed to get together more frequently because a number of their friends had passed away in recent months. Rust never imagined how close she would come to losing her own life later that day.

“We were already on our way into the hospital, ready to meet and take care of Debra before she even arrived,” recalls Dr. Hunter.

Rust had an Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction—her heart’s front artery was 100% blocked. Dr. Hunter and her team were able to open the artery completely using balloons and stints.

“Debra was very fortunate,” she says. “She came in with classic symptoms: squeezing in her chest, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis. Because we were notified in the field, we had no delay in getting her artery open.”

“When you don’t know if you’re going to live or die, when you can’t breathe, it’s very scary,” Rust explains. “Dr. Hunter just calmed me down immediately. Her presence was very calming and reassuring.

I thought, ‘I have confidence in this lady, she’s going to save my life.’ There was never any doubt in my mind.”

“I hugged my friend and drove home,” Rust shares. “It was a hot day, so I decided I needed to go outside to my back yard and water my plants. All of a sudden, I felt like an alien reached into my heart and pulled it out and was squeezing it. It was the worst pain I’ve ever had in my life.

Then I started sweating profusely. I started throwing up and I couldn’t breathe, that was the scariest part.”

Rust, who had no family history of heart disease and had never experienced any heart problems herself, immediately recognized that her symptoms indicated she was likely having a heart attack. She ran inside, grabbed her cell phone and dialed 9-1-1.

The paramedics from the nearby Bluff Park fire station arrived quickly. They confirmed she was having a heart attack and prepared to transfer her to the hospital.

“That was kind of a scary time. And that’s when…I always cry on this part…my mom and my aunt, who are deceased, came to me like little angels and they said, ‘Don’t you worry, you are going to be fine. You’re going to be alright. You’re going to survive this because you have a lot of work to do.”

The ambulance driver asked Rust which hospital she preferred and she replied without hesitation, “Don’t you dare take me anywhere but St. Vincent’s. That’s where my doctors are and that’s where I want to go.”

The paramedics rushed Rust to Ascension St. Vincent’s, reporting her status to the hospital while in transit. That allowed a team including Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Monica Greis Hunter to prepare for Rust’s arrival.

ABOUT

Dr. Hunter, who is the only female cardiologist at Ascension-St. Vincent’s, says women tend to have a worse prognosis following their first heart attack compared to men because they often minimize or ignore symptoms and delay getting to the hospital because they’re so busy taking care of everyone else. She credits the American Heart Association’s work in recent decades to educate women on the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. In addition to the typical symptoms Debra exhibited, women at risk for a heart attack may experience acid reflux, jaw pain, passing out episodes, heart fluttering and even severe headaches.

One of the biggest things Dr. Hunter wants every patient needs to know is that they need to have routine healthcare and routine follow-up to monitor risk factors like high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. She says medical issues such as increasing instances of diabetes, obesity and sedentary lifestyle are resulting in younger patients presenting with heart attacks and congestive heart failure. “Heart disease is certainly not an old person’s disease. And if we want to live to be an old person, we need to realize that we’re all at risk for heart disease.”

16 T O W N

“Debra should very much be commended because she recognized the symptoms, she went in and got her own 9-1-1 phone call and she was very willing to be an active participant, even since the heart attack, in her own healthcare. She’s been a model patient in regards to follow-up, cardiac rehab, increasing physical activity, taking her medications.” Dr. Hunter reports that Rust’s heart has regained all function and her prognosis is excellent.

“I got back to normal as soon as Dr. Hunter dismissed me,” says Rust.

“I just wanted my life to get back to doing everything I did before I had the heart attack. I try to monitor stress and eat right and do all the things that will prevent another heart attack.” She walks her dog Winston daily, attends Pilates and boxing classes, and loves to hike at Oak Mountain. She looks forward to rescheduling a trip to Africa that got cancelled last year.

JULIE HARRIS Congratulations to all my sellers! Congratulations to all my Buyers!

Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Monica Greis Hunter, says women tend to have a worse prognosis following their first heart attack compared to men because they often minimize or ignore symptoms and delay getting to the hospital because they’re so busy taking care of everyone else.

Rust says she is amazed every day that she’s still alive and very grateful for the time she has. She is passionate about educating women about taking care of themselves. “I never thought I could have a heart attack and I did. I’m working on building up my stamina and preaching to other people about healthcare.”

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IT TAKES TWO Creating a Healthy Routine by: Leslie Dobbins

Looking for a fun way to connect and celebrate with your spouse, a date or friend that doesn’t involve flowers or mushy cards? It’s time to get creative with some fun and fit ideas around our own Magic City. About Town’s fitness guru Leslie Fiorella has some ideas to energize your next meet-up!

1~ MAKE A MEAL

Try cooking a healthy meal together. A trip to the grocery store to pick out ingredients for dinner can be fun before the cooking even begins! If cooking together sounds like a recipe for World War III, grab a healthy takeout from any of Birmingham’s amazing restaurants.

2~ NAMASTE AND CHARDONNAY

Sign up for a yoga, Pilates, group fitness, or dance class together. Follow up your sweat session by enjoying a glass of wine or a smoothie together.

3~ SCHEDULE A SKATE SESSION

Feeling brave? Lace up those roller blades or ice skates and go skating together. You’ll have a blast recreating those middle school memories together!

4~ OWN THE OUTDOORS

Go somewhere you’ve never been before. Hit the trails of Oak Mountain, go on a bike ride, or stroll around the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Add a picnic, and you’ll have an amazing experience!

5~ BE A BHAM TOURIST

Visit historic landmarks in town that may be new or overdue for a visit. Race each other to the top of Vulcan, walk through the historic Civil Rights District or go wild at the Birmingham Zoo! If you’ve only been with kids, you’ll see the zoo in a totally different light on an adult visit.

6~ 5K TO COUCH

Go for a walk or run together on Lakeshore Trail, Rotary Trail or at Railroad Park. Once you’re done exercising, pile on the couch to watch a favorite movie with some light snacks.

> LESLIE DOBBINS Birmingham native Leslie Dobbins is an Elite Fitness Instructor for Life Time Fitness. When she’s not chasing after her 3-year-old son, she enjoys teaching a range of classes based in weights, dance, boxing, cycle and ballet.

ABOUT

18 T O W N

SAVE THE DATE House for our Spring Open on April 22nd.

We are now seeing patients in office for appointments!

We are taking every precaution necessary to keep you and us safe during this time.

l to r:

Cosmetic

Katie Tuck, Dr. Scarlette Smith, Dr. Julie Harper, Rebecca Edwards

Medical

Skin Care

At Dermatology & Skin Care Our practice can help you with Our Skin Bar Boutique carries Center of Birmingham, we offer all of your skin care needs, many lines including EltaMD, cosmetic procedures such including diagnosis and SkinMedica, SkinCeuticals, as Botox, Dysport, Laser Hair treatment of skin cancer, acne, CeraVe, St Tropez, Revision, Removal, Juvederm, Sculptra, dry skin, eczema, dermatitis, Latisse, and more. The Skin Bar Microneedling, Fraxel, and keratosis pilaris, psoriasis and is open during business hours VBeam. Many other esthetic rosacea to name a few. and you do need an appointment procedures are offered such to shop for your skin care as facials, microdermabrasion, products or gifts. Gift certificates chemical peels, and dermaplane are also available. to meet all of your cosmetic Dermatology & Skin Care Center of Birmingham needs.

(205) 978-3336 2470 Rocky Ridge Road bhamdermatology.com

Home Hunting

Old House, Young Kids

by June Clark

PHOTOS: MARY CATHERINE FEHR

The Casements are no strangers to owning an old house or the challenges of seeing a home through extensive renovations. Elizabeth, a Birmingham native, and Mike, who hails from the central coast of California, have renovated and restored several homes in the Birmingham area. Mike, who works as a project manager with Creature, brings knowledge and expertise in building that is beautifully complemented by Elizabeth’s love for interior design and frugal home décor.

ABOUT

20 T O W N

I

Home Hunting

n 2020, the Elizabeth and Mike Casement began looking for a new-to-them home in Birmingham’s Southside neighborhood, near historic Glen Iris Park. Their wish list included a neighborhood situated close to their church and friends in Homewood within the city limits of revitalized Birmingham, with walkability to stores and restaurants and a big flat yard for their four young children and dog. They identified several homes that fit the bill and employed a non-traditional approach to moving into the area.

“We started driving streets to see which homes we liked the look of, which had a good view of downtown and a good location. We narrowed it down to three houses and sent letters to those owners asking if they might be willing to sell their home. One got back to us and, as it turned out, we have a lot of mutual friends, so the sale was very easy. We didn’t need to use an agent and it went off without a hitch like it was meant to be.”

The Casements purchased a stately neoclassical two-story home with large columns and a wrap-around front porch that dates back to the early 1900s.

They estimate the house was likely built between 1905 and 1910, based on its architectural elements and recorded ages of other homes in the area. Over the years the home has had several owners and served as headquarters for the Christian Service Mission, which broadcast a radio station out of what is now the master bathroom. The Casements plan to complete the steps necessary to obtain a Jefferson County historical marker once they finish working on the house.

The Casements have been extremely hands-on with previous renovation projects, but between the rigors of raising and homeschooling four kids under nine and Mike’s work, they decided to call in professional contractors to see the project through completion. They put their trust in Ketcham & Company due to the team’s experience managing restoration projects on old homes around town.

The Casements worked closely with their contractors to maintain important structural elements of the home like the original woodwork and windows, restore previous changes that were not in keeping with the historical trends of the era, while updating areas like the kitchen and bathrooms that required modernization. The result is a beautiful blend of history and elegant functionality.

Casement has decorated the home with an eclectic mix of second-hand furniture, family heirlooms, collected art and found items. “It’s hard to narrow down the list of things I love about this house, but I love the fact that there are almost endless places for knick-knacks. I’m powerless to resist an old book with an interesting or classic title, a piece of perfectly worn silver plate, or a tiny bud vase.”

She loves to search local thrift stores, antique shops and estate sales for unique elements to decorate the home. Favorite spots include Sozo Trading in Avondale, Lovelady Thrift Store in Irondale and the Goodwill and Salvation Army stores on Green Springs Highway.

“I go once or twice a week,” Casement shares. “The inventory changes so frequently that I feel like you have to go a lot. Most trips yield nothing, but every now and then they’ve just gotten a shipment in and I’ll come home with the car entirely full.”

Home Hunting

Guests are welcomed into the home’s elegant entry that provides the perfect spot for an old grand piano.

“The entry was big, but I didn’t really know what to do with the space,” Casement says. “The piano belonged to my friend’s grandmother. She had it in her entry and, when she was redecorating and decided to sell it, I jumped at the offer.”

The Casements invested in the expert restoration of the original wood that clads the grand front staircase, intricate molding and ceiling beams in the front hall and adjoining den. “One of the things we loved about the house when we looked at it was all the woodwork—the beams on the ceiling, the molding around the doorways, the pocket doors, the beautiful built-in benches and the staircase. In the entry and the living room, the contractor sanded the wood down and put another layer of stain and poly on it to make it look fresher, bring it back to life and keep it looking good for another 100 years.”

At the rear of the first floor spans the gorgeous updated kitchen and open eating area. The reworked kitchen features a large island lined with bamboo stools. Cabinets are positioned below the black soapstone counters to allow the windows to bounce natural light around the room. Stainless steel appliances and brass fixtures add an elegant tone to the black and white space. Simple floating shelves hold china and cutting boards and a roll of craft paper posts the weekly menu. A glass top table with bamboo frame is complemented by six matching chairs for casual family meals.

The master bath had seen renovations that detracted from the room’s abundant natural light. The Casements initially considered leaving the room as it was to avoid ballooning their budget, but they recognized the importance of investing in the project and the comfort it would provide every day.

“The master bath is an area where we really reworked everything. The space was originally a bedroom in the house and the previous owners had converted it into a master suite. There was a lot of square footage, but the layout wasn’t what we wanted it to be so we gutted the space. We took out some walls that blocked some of the windows so we could have a big walk-in shower, a soaking tub and a long vanity with his & her sinks.”

ABOUT

22 T O W N

SHE ONCE BUILT A FORT SO LARGE, THAT IT UTILIZED EVERY BLANKET, TOWEL, AND CHAIR IN THE WHOLE HOUSE.

The Casements’ son’s room is painted a dark moody blue that sets off the bright orange and white comforter and a colorful custom mural spray-painted by a local artist.

“The mural was done by Dewon Moton. When we were renovating this house, we lived around the corner a couple blocks away and got to know him. He’s a muralist and artist and works in all media, particularly spray paint. We asked if he’d be willing to do some art for our son’s room. He got some requests from our son about what he might want up there and he specifically asked for a Lamborghini, a rocket, an astronaut, Mars and an electric guitar playing the notes to the guitar solo from ‘Beat It.’ Dewon took all of that and showed us the preliminary sketch and projected it onto the wall and made it come to life.”

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and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential.

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Highland Park Golf Course May 22, 2021

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Casement splurged on colorful floral wallpaper from Anthropologie that creates a stunning focal wall in her daughter’s bedroom.

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Home Hunting

The spacious den exquisitely showcases the home’s dark-stained wood floors and other wood elements that blend well with the charcoal paint accenting the brick fireplace. The room is anchored by a second-hand emerald green sofa from Anthropologie and a pair of chairs Casement found at a thrift store for $15 and had recovered in a leopard print. Collections of vintage books, old cameras, a large conch shell they discovered at the beach and other unique items fill the shelves and walls.

Situated behind the den, the walk-through family room’s white walls provide a prime canvas for gallery collections of artwork and found items Casement has collected. (seen on the opening spread) “We decided we love art too much to stop,” Casement says. “The entire room is just about covered so we figured we’d go for it. My oldest daughter declared, ‘Mom. Definitely too many pictures.’”

A versatile Ikea sofa offers a comfortable spot for the family to pile in to read together. “In three of the rooms, the light fixtures are original,” Casement explains. “We can tell that because we actually have some old pictures of the interior of the house. The entry light, the den light and the light in the family room are all original to the house.”

Off the family room is a breathtaking sun room, (seen on the opening spread) framed by three walls of floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a perfect lookout spot for their rescued lab-pit bull mix, Hank. The room provides a space for a computer desk where work or studying may take place. “This is one of my favorite rooms in the whole house,” Casement says.

The dining room’s (seen on the opening spread) dark beams, molding and fireplace were painted in a carefully selected shade that blends with the dark stain applied in the front rooms.

The dark walls of the dining room set off the relaxed dining table and chairs from World Market, positioned under an ornate crystal chandelier. A ceramic swan, snagged for $3.99 at Goodwill, holding a plant serves as an unexpected centerpiece. A marble-topped chest in the corner belonged to Casement’s great grandfather. It’s topped with a thrifted glass lamp she filled with tumbled river glass collected by the kids on nature walks.

“The chandelier in the dining room is not original, but it is a very old one that my great grandfather brought back as a gift for my great grandmother from France. It was originally made for candles and he had it electrified. Even though it’s not original, it’s definitely around the right time period.”

Casement struggled to find reasonably-priced curtains for the dining room’s 11-foot windows. Her solution? She painted $16 drop cloths ordered on Amazon with a makeup sponge dipped in paint the color of the walls to create an abstract design.

The Casements work together to homeschool their four young children. “My husband has a flexible work schedule and homeschooling allows us to travel when we want to,” says Casement. “His family is on the west coast and we’re able to stay for a week or two without the restrictions of a school calendar. We love the freedom it provides.”

An extra bedroom upstairs serves as a classroom and playroom, with vintage metal lockers, old maps and collected shells and feathers serving dual education and décor purposes.

“We use this space to store our homeschool things and we do school wherever they feel comfortable that day. We keep a lot of toys in here as well and all their nature collection from when they’re out on walks. This is also the room where they do a lot of their art, which keeps our dining table free from art projects.”

When asked if she would consider moving from the home, Casement says she doesn’t think that will happen any time soon. “We love it here. We moved in just before the holidays once the renovations were finished, so it still feels new to us. This place has a long history of family memories, milestones marked and service to those in need that we hope to continue.” to see more of the Casement’s home, visit: abouttown.io

ABOUT

24 T O W N

2457 James Hill Terrace - Hoover 4 Bedroom / 3 Bathroom - Ross Bridge $434,900

UNDER CONTRACT

4000 Cahaba Lake Circle - Hoover

4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bathroom - Waters Edge Bent River $351,500 SOLD

UNDER CONTRACT

3927 Clairmont Ave S Unit 3 - Birmingham 2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom - Forest Park $204,900

SOLD

132 Briar Grove Dive - Irondale

2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom - Crestline Gardens $165,000 SOLD

2350 Freestone Ridge Cove - Hoover 5 Bedroom / 3.5 Bathroom - Ross Bridge $430,000

3472 Sawyer Drive - Hoover

4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bathroom - Ross Bridge $395,000

SOLD

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200 Fern Street - Irondale

3 bedroom / 1 Bathroom - Crestline Gardens $230,000

welcome home!

NEW LISTING

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follow us

on Instagram @HomeBham

Mind & Body

THE MOST IMPORTANT REASONS TO MOVE YOUR BODY h aesthetics

have nothing to do wit

1 2 3 4

Tiffany Martin > Owner, Ignite Cycle

5

ABOUT

26 T O W N

Celebrate what your body can do. Work out because you love your body, not because you hate it. When you exercise, remember to thank your body for what it does for you – your heart for beating, your lungs for helping you breathe, your abs for supporting your back. Your body is so much more than what it looks like.

YOU time. If you don’t need some time to yourself – and for yourself – well, I’m gonna need to know your secret. Whether you choose a 10-minute walk or a 45-minute spin class, give yourself that time…you deserve it!

Endorphins. Elle Woods had it so right. Exercise releases endorphins, and endorphins make you feel better, and…well, you know how the rest goes.

Connect with others. As much as I love chatting with a friend over a glass of wine, sometimes my body needs a little something different. Whether you choose to move your body at home, at a gym, or in a studio, you can find a community of people doing the same. And who doesn’t want to connect over something that makes you feel better?

Conquer a challenge. Listen…you’re faced with enough obstacles every day. It can feel daunting to add another one. But here’s the secret: when it comes to working out, the stakes are low. In a great workout, you’re in control of the intensity.

So, why not create a challenge for yourself you know you can nail? It’ll make you mentally stronger, and it will make those higher-stakes challenges seem a little less daunting.

Committed To Creating Beautiful Smiles We are offering complimentary virtual consults.

Do you want to improve your smile?

Or do you have a dental concern?

Our online consults haven’t stopped! We are working hard to make sure your dental needs don’t have to wait! Connect with us today and get all of your questions answered for free in three easy steps. > Upload a photo of your smile, or area of concern.

Award-winning cosmetic dentist Dr. J. Paul Koch, DMD, is passionate about creating beautiful smiles with treatments including dental implants, porcelain veneers, Invisalign and many more for our patients in the Mountain Brook and surrounding areas. Many patients who have had their smiles restored through our services have noticed increased self-esteem and enjoyed a more youthful and healthy appearance.

> Dr. Koch will create a personalized video with recommendations. > View your video and schedule an appointment! >>> VISIT: kochaesthetics.com Koch Aesthetic Dentistry – The Dental Spa 2311 Highland Ave S. Ste 323 Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 649-7537 www.kochaesthetics.com

Accelerating Athleisure Attire Stylist: Laura Steele Models: Riley Kate Lancaster & Audrey Douglas

Clothing items from Athleta. Earrings from Levy’s at Gus Mayer

With scores of professionals zooming into the office, students logging into class online and everyone else staying close to home for most of the last year, athleisure has become the go-to for way more than workouts and weekend errands. Thankfully, staples like basic tops and yoga pants have given way to a relaxed fashion phenomenon, with pieces appropriate for nearly every scenario. Check out the exciting new fashions style expert Laura Steele curated to energize your not-just-for-exercise wardrobe.

ABOUT

28 T O W N

Trail Trends Two Ways

Small print detailed leggings and matching fabric sports bras draw attention in mauve & pink or blue & violet shades. Add a long zip-front jacket that keeps out the wind and water or a short, fitted bomber-style version plus quilted duffles built for workout or tennis plus complimentary sneakers to tie these trends together and hit the trail.

Accelerating Athleisure Detailed by Design

A white tank over a cropped sports bra tank perfectly compliment taupe biker leggings with fitted back pockets, tucked fabric details and zipper ankles that are anything but ordinary.

Playful Patterns

Don’t be afraid to mix colors, textures and patterns. Black and white leggings with a small detail print pair effortlessly with a long sleeve textured fabric top.

Momentum Camo Long Sleeve Top in Dark Surf Teal, $69 Salutation Stash 7/8 Pocket Tight in Micro Cheetah Oxford Black and Seasalt, $98

Conscious Crop Tank in White, $49 Ultimate Train Tank in White, $49 Delancey Moto Tight in Coffee House, $98

Basically Brilliant

Dress up mauve-hued leggings with a fitted ballet-inspired wrap waist top that features soft silver details rippled throughout the fabric, a scoop neck and cap sleeves.

Bayview Tee in Cobblestone Grey, $59 Rainier Reflective Tight in Smoked Almond Brown, $109

ABOUT

30 T O W N

Attire Flirty Fashion

Grab a lightweight high-neck fitted zip stretch jacket in white to top aqua leggings with waist-flattering crisscrossed fabric details and an aqua-grey watercolor print sports bra.

Exhale Printed Sports Bra in Serene Riviera Blue, $54 Salutation Jacket in White, $129 Elation Pirouette Tight in Riviera Blue, $98

Conscious Crop Tank in White, $49 Pranayama Wrap in Chrome Blue, $89 Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight in Micro Cheetah Oxford Rust/ Seasalt, $98

Conscious Crop Tank in White, $54 Mudra Crop Tank in Anthracite Grey, $59 Mudra 7/8 Tight in Anthracite Grey, $109

Empowering women with workout experiences that enhance both mental & physical well being.

- Classical Pilates Private & Duet Lessons - Prenatal / Postnatal Expertise - Distanced Small Group Classes -

AL’s Premiere Classical Studio Cozy up with Color

Envelope yourself in a super soft slate blue long sleeve wrap layered over leggings in an orange and white small detail print and a cropped white sports bra tank for ultimate comfort.

Magnificently Monochromatic

Forget your boring all-black uniform—try a new style of fitted crop tank and leggings in deep grey/green with figure flattering cutout details on both.

Aero Joe Pilates 2805 2nd Avenue South (Pepper Place) info@aerojoepilates.com | www. aerojoepilates.com

Offering designer and custom designed engagement rings, wedding bands and wedding day jewelry

gs n i dd We ABOUT

33 T O W N

Weddings

PROMOTION

Evlalie Crommelin Draper Given & John Grady Thomas Welden

11/21 ABOUT

Cathedral Church of the Advent & Home of the Bride Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids MUSIC: Atlanta Party Band DÉCOR/FLOWERS: The King’s Garden & AG Lighting CATERING: Savoie Catering WEDDING PLANNER: Kalee Baker HONEYMOON: Riviera Maya, Mexico PHOTOGRAPHY: Mandy Busby Photography CAKE: Pen and Pastry HAIR & MAKE-UP: Celine Russell & Holly Craft CEREMONY & RECEPTION: BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES:

34 T O W N

Weddings

PROMOTION

Tyler Martin Haskins & Keith Carmichael Sherman

10/24

The Grand Bohemian Hotel Antonio Gual from Ivory & White BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids MUSIC: 1 More Song of East Coast Entertainment DÉCOR/FLOWERS: AG Event Design HONEYMOON: The Resort at Paws Up PHOTOGRAPHY: Heather Durham Photography CAKE: Barb’s Cakes HAIR & MAKE-UP: Madeline Hulsey WEDDING PLANNER: Meghan Cease of M. Elizabeth Events CEREMONY & RECEPTION: GOWN DESIGNER:

ABOUT

35 T O W N

Weddings

PROMOTION

Virginia Gaskell Jordan & Andy Ray Wharton Jr.

Mountain Brook Baptist Church & The Country Club of Birmingham GOWN: Monique Lhuillier from Ivory & White BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids MUSIC: Big Bling and the Funk Machine CEREMONY & RECEPTION:

8/15 ABOUT

36 T O W N

Kathy Miller & AG Lighting The Excellence at Playa Mujeres (June 2021) PHOTOGRAPHY: Leslie Hollingsworth Photography CAKE: Sweet Magnolia Bakery HAIR & MAKE-UP: Sydney Jones & Carly Woods VIDEOGRAPHER: Clay Carroll DÉCOR/FLOWERS:

HONEYMOON:

Weddings

PROMOTION

Lakin Lawler & Layton Everett Powell

6/27

Park Crest Event Facility Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids MUSIC: Emerald Empire Band DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Prophouse Birmingham & Bella Blooms and Designs WEDDING PLANNER: Hayden Edinger of Edinger Collective HONEYMOON: Sea Island Resort in GA (Original: Maui Hawaii) PHOTOGRAPHY: Eric and Jamie Photography CAKE: Olexa’s Cafe HAIR & MAKE-UP: Madeline Hulsey of Wildflower Salon CATERING: Park Crest Event Facility CEREMONY & RECEPTION: BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES:

ABOUT

38 T O W N

WE ARE A FLORAL AND GIFT BOUTIQUE WITH A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA! From everyday floral design to weddings, events, Christmas and holiday installations, as well as, beautiful seasonal landscape design, Bella Blooms is more than a flower shop - it is a “make a statement” or “create something special” kind of shop.

205-624-2217

3105 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, AL 35214

bellabloomsanddesigns.com

Weddings

PROMOTION

Kristy Makie Smith & Alex Atwater

10/10

Prince of Peace Catholic Church & Kress Building Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES:

The Goodfellas Jean Brown Flowers HONEYMOON: Antigua PHOTOGRAPHY: Will Flowers Photography CAKE: Julie Hendrix HAIR & MAKE-UP: Beele Hair Studio: Anabel Robert & Ruffin Flowers Jenkins CATERING: Sela’s Imperial Catering MUSIC:

DÉCOR/FLOWERS:

ABOUT

40 T O W N

Weddings

PROMOTION

Jane-Anne Elliott & Kasey Garrick

Hamilton Place at Pursell Farms Tulle New York from Ivory & White BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids MUSIC: The Tip Tops DÉCOR/FLOWERS: BK Wed CATERING: Pursell Farms HONEYMOON: Montego Bay, Jamaica PHOTOGRAPHY: Leslie Hollingsworth Photography HAIR & MAKE-UP: Brittany Benton Massey WEDDING PLANNER: BKwed CEREMONY & RECEPTION: GOWN:

ABOUT

41 T O W N

8/15

Weddings

PROMOTION

Kelly Stout & John Bland

Clubhouse on Highland McClendon Bridals GOWN DESIGNER: Robert Bullock BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Birdy Grey MUSIC: Kenny on the Keys (Reception), Music Excursions (Ceremony) WEDDING PLANNER: Engaged Weddings HONEYMOON: Riviera Maya, Mexico PHOTOGRAPHY: Leslie Hollingsworth Photography CAKE: Telia Johnson Cakes JEWELRY: Susan Standeffer Designs HAIR & MAKE-UP: Madeline Hulsey of Mad Style CEREMONY & RECEPTION:

11/14 ABOUT

GOWN:

42 T O W N

Handcrafted one of a kind pieces combining elegance and timelessness.

Jewelry not just for brides & bridesmaids… but for all women, and all occasions! susanstandefferdesigns.com |

@susanstandefferdesigns

Jean Allsopp Photography

M c C L E N D O N B R I D A L S O F F E R S A T R U L Y U N I Q U E E X P E R I E N C E F O R T O D AY ’ S B R I D E All of our designer bridal gowns are samples that have been selected from across the country. Because of this, you can secure your dream dress at your initial appointment without waiting for weeks~even months~ for it to arrive. This also allows you to purchase gowns at a price that is significantly discounted, while still receiving one-of-a-kind attention from our team.

118 N. Broadway | Sylacauga, Alabama 35150 | 256.369.1446 | kim@mcclendonbridals.com | instagram: @mcclendonbridals

Weddings

PROMOTION

Sarah Beth Sanford & Coleman Reeves

6/20

The Barn at Smith Lake Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: MUSIC:

Tim Tyler

Alli J Creative Floral Design Becky’s Brides HONEYMOON: St. Lucia for Anniversary PHOTOGRAPHY: Leslie Hollingsworth Photography CAKE: Wedding Cakes by Jan O’Donnell HAIR & MAKE-UP: Natalie Moore CATERING: Savoie Catering DÉCOR/FLOWERS:

WEDDING PLANNER:

ABOUT

44 T O W N

Weddings

PROMOTION

Katelyn Loraine George & Glover Mitchell Bruhn Jr.

11/7

Antonio Gual from Ivory & White Shades Crest Baptist Church & Mountain Brook Club BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids MUSIC: Big City Rhythm with East Coast Entertainment DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Pink Pear Florist & Event Rentals Unlimited CATERING: Mountain Brook Club HONEYMOON: Sugar Beach in St. Lucia PHOTOGRAPHY: Leslie Hollingsworth Photography CAKE: Barb’s Cakes WEDDING PLANNER: Threefold Events HAIR & MAKE-UP: Madeline Hulsey of Mad Style CUPS & CAKE KNIFE: Bromberg’s GOWN:

CEREMONY & RECEPTION:

Weddings

PROMOTION

Elizabeth Carol Sullivan & Andrew Borland Carter

8/29

Hunter Street Baptist Church & Vestavia Country Club Dessy from Bella Bridesmaids

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES:

Groove Factor Cindy Vetrano WEDDING PLANNER: Becky Dedge of Seamless Weddings and Events HONEYMOON: Ladera Resort, St. Lucia PHOTOGRAPHY: Leslie Hollingsworth Photography CALLIGRAPHIST: MG Calligraphy and Design and Marsha Lassiter Calligraphy VIDEOGRAPHER: Chace Strickland LIVE PAINTER: Gin Jager Studio MUSIC:

DÉCOR/FLOWERS:

ABOUT

46 T O W N

Weddings

PROMOTION

Ashley Elizabeth Sorrell & Cory Clay Whitsett

The Cathedral of the Advent & Shoal Creek Club Monique Lhuillier from Ivory & White BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids MUSIC: Five Star Funk Lounge of Music Gardens DÉCOR/FLOWERS: Marigold Designs, Onsite Productions, Prophouse Birmingham, and ERU Birmingham HONEYMOON: Tulum, Mexico PHOTOGRAPHY: Alisha Crossley Photography CAKE: Pen and Pastry HAIR & MAKE-UP: Brittany Massey WEDDING PLANNER: Handley Breaux Designs CEREMONY & RECEPTION: GOWN:

10/24

ABOUT

47 T O W N

Here for the moments that matter most.

Here is a place in our heart.

Where caring and sharing build relationships that last a lifetime.

We’re Synovus, and we see banking as an opportunity to lift our community and the people who live here.

1-888-SYNOVUS synovus.com

Synovus Bank, Member FDIC.

2021 WOM

EN IN BUSI NESS photos: Beth Hontzas

ABOUT

50 T O W N

M

WOMEN OF

STORM RESPONSE Samantha Whorton

Anna Hartman

Connectivity and Innovation Engineer

Engineer

At Alabama Power, our customers are at the center of all we do. We are committed to providing Alabama communities the reliable energy to power their homes and businesses. And when severe weather moves through our state, our dedicated team works to maintain service, repair outages and lend a hand in rebuilding the communities we all call home.

Kennedi Harris Distribution Engineer

WOMEN OF RE AL ESTATE

Brooke Wahl FINDING BALANCE

You don’t. I think balance is always a moving target!

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

2020 presented challenges that required new ways of doing things, but the market is primed and ready for a great year of activity.

WHAT LED ME TO THIS PROFESSION

I have a strong family history in the real estate industry and an innate skill set for negotiations.

Watkins & Eager has provided clients with quality legal representation for over 125 years. In addition to the firm’s dedication to our clients, we are dedicated to the communities in which we are a part. Attorneys at Watkins & Eager are known for our integrity and strong work ethic in our professional lives as well as in our philanthropic pursuits and volunteer efforts. Since the opening of the Birmingham location in 2017, the firm’s involvement in the Birmingham metro area is evident.

WOMEN OF L AW

Emily Slay Walters FINDING BALANCE

True balance is virtually unattainable, but I prioritize spending time with my friends and family— preferably over cocktails.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

2020 gave us a healthy new perspective and a narrowed focus on what really matters—I am hopeful we will carry those lessons with us into 2021.

Austin Smith Sistrunk FINDING BALANCE

I make space for spending time with my loved ones and doing things I enjoy.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

The return to a greater sense of community.

WOMEN OF L AW

Nolan Byers, PC has supported a number of wonderful organizations as part of our commitment to the betterment of our community, including, The Women’s Fund, Birmingham AIDS Outreach, University of Alabama Law School’s Public Interest Institute, Jones Valley Urban Farm, and WBHM; but the most gratifying has been our work with Oasis Counseling for Women & Children. We believe that working to make quality mental health services accessible to all in our community is the most important thing we can do to make our city the best it can be!

Dominique McGuire Gilbert, Frances Ross Nolan and Leigh Reynolds Byers

We primarily support our community in two distinct ways. First, Davenport Dental & Wellness Center enjoys investing in the overall community via monetary donations to nonprofit organizations. Second, we’re ardent supporters of other local businesses and entrepreneurs. For instance, many of our patients are local artists, and I adore their work so much that we’ve covered our walls with their paintings. In fact, I may have one of the largest collections of local art in the city - so make an appointment and come see it!

WOMEN OF MEDICINE

Dr. Celia Davenport, DMD FINDING BALANCE

As the sole owner of an independent dental practice, my professional and personal life are fully intertwined by necessity, which can be both complicated and extremely rewarding at the same time.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

Near the end of 2020 we introduced our dental anxiety dog, Dr. Pepper, along with a bevy of facial esthetic services to our practice, and our patients are quickly falling in love with these new additions!

WHAT LED ME TO MY PROFESSION

I was inspired to become a dentist by my father (a.k.a. The World’s Best Dentist).

WOMEN OF FINANCE

At Bryant Bank, the willingness to put care into action and to lend a hand for others comes from one of our core values, “we rise by lifting others”. The entire team is committed to making a lasting impact as we work to help provide stability for many Alabama communities. Since this Alabama family-owned community bank opened in 2005, the promise to serve has always started at the top and worked its way down.

Bankers demonstrate this through volunteerism, philanthropic giving, and corporate programs, as well as financial and non-financial educational events with a focus on the underserved, underprivileged, and youth education. Bryant Bank is proud to be servant leaders on whom Alabamians can depend.

Kim King, Janie Briggs, Meghan Hicks, Natalie Spott, Malisa Moore, Lauren Tatum, Kallee Taulbee, Vickie Gillian

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys prioritizes community engagement as a main tenet of our company culture. As a firm, we are all encouraged to give back, celebrate, and impact the lives of those in our community wherever and whenever possible.

Over the last 20 years, our firm has donated time, money, and resources to a variety of organizations and nonprofits. We support the education of the next generation of leaders, clothe and feed the homeless and underserved, celebrate those in our communities who go above and beyond the call of duty, spread cheer to families and children around the holidays, and embrace any opportunity to extend a helping hand. The needs within the communities we serve run deep, and we constantly strive to fill as many of those gaps as possible. We are proud to call Birmingham home and Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys our law firm.

WOMEN OF L AW

WOMEN OF MARKETING

We are often told to ‘push our differences aside’ to move forward, but what if we brought our differences to the forefront? Angel Lewis Consulting is committed to generating purposeful conversations through listening, learning, understanding, and we want to dig deep and connect with those in our community who have walked a different path.

Angel Lewis FINDING BALANCE

It is a challenge; however, I try to keep work-life separate from my home-life to be fully present for my family.

WHAT LEAD YOU TO YOUR CURRENT PROFESSION

I began my career in sports marketing, and there I gained a deep respect for the strategic analytical, and creative process of reaching a consumer.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

While this has been a painful time for many, I am optimistic that we will have a renewed appreciation of all those little things we took for granted, and the human desire for deep connection will reassert itself.

Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers has always believed in being a strong and supportive business partner to our community non-profits and organizations. By investing and offering support where we can, we realize the value that is created in helping our community to grow and prosper. Over the years, we have participated in numerous events, given insider talks and opened our boutique showroom for a variety of happenings. We are also a woman-owned business, so we thrive on being the best role model, the strongest partner and having the most empathetic ear to several causes. If we are passionate about a project, you can bet we are in it 110%!

Avani Patel FINDING BALANCE

I try my best to not use my phone at work or when I am spending time with my daughter & spouse, so I am able to focus 100% on either family or work.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

I am expecting my 2nd child in 2021 which fills me with great hope for the future, a positive outlook and of course excitement as my spouse and I prepare for our baby’s arrival.

WHAT LED ME TO MY PROFESSION

My desire to create beautiful pieces that become family heirlooms.

WOMEN OF

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

WOMEN OF RE AL ESTATE

ARC Realty has been at the forefront in community and civic affairs throughout the metropolitan region area. ARC supports all the local school systems including UAB and Samford. We support The Mike Slive Foundation for Prostate Cancer, The Alabama Kidney Foundation and breast cancer awareness. ARC raises money for breast cancer and we go all pink in the month of October. Our company believes strongly in being fully engaged in building strong local community ties that enhance and strengthen the cities and region we serve.

Julie Harris FINDING BALANCE

I wake up early, I make a list, I balance my profession and family life in my daily tasks by being present in the moment, listening, and connecting with those around me and adding value where I can in a positive way.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

We can take what we learned from 2020 in business and in life and restart our 2021 with hope, gratitude and courage if we stay faithful and helpful to each other, we can get through anything that comes our way.

WHAT LED ME TO MY PROFESSION

I love working with people and have always studied market trends, the combination of the two made it easy for me to become a real estate professional.

WOMEN OF Laura Catherine Ashburner FINDING BALANCE

I have a very supportive spouse and I constantly shift the work-life balance equation around depending on what area needs more of my time.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

I am optimistic that our country will see lasting change addressing racial and economic inequality and I am hopeful that we will have the opportunity to spend time with friends in person again.

WHAT LED ME TO YOUR PROFESSION

I chose business law because I enjoy the challenge of translating complex legal rules and frameworks into real world, practical advice.

L AW

WOMEN OF FINANCE

Giving back to the community is something Progress Bank is very passionate about. Employees are encouraged to become involved in clubs and organizations they believe will not only empower their community, but also show their dedication in helping local business progress so we are strengthening our community together.

Allison George FINDING BALANCE

I try my best to keep work and life separate; when I am at home, I want my family to have my undivided attention

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

I repeat to myself whenever I am in doubt.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11

Elisa Scroggins FINDING BALANCE

With Progress Bank it’s easy to balance work and life, because I truly enjoy what I do. When I am at home I am wife, mom, and friend. My family is everything to me, and they give me the energy and drive needed to be a successful leader and coworker in my work environment.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

I look forward to getting out and connecting with people again!

My goal at Birmingham Homes Online has always been to take a hands-on approach in my community.

Before founding Birmingham Homes Online, I was committed to making our community a better place in which to live. As a former Cub Scout leader, I enjoy helping nurture future community leaders. As a parent of an equestrian, knowing the value of Cahaba Pony Club, a 55-year-old non-profit that provides educational opportunities for our youth, I helped revive the organization and save it from folding. I served as its district commissioner, helping bring in new members and educational opportunities. I also serve on the board of the Alabama Hunter Jumpers Association and hope to bring my many years of marketing experience to the table to assist this wonderful non profit continue to do great things for youth and adult riders. Additionally, as a parent of a youth golfer, I helped organize carpool and other logistics for practices.

Together with Birmingham Homes Online, I am able to show off our beautiful community to potential home buyers in Alabama and those from out of state. I look forward to finding our clients the perfect place to call home!

Ruwena Healy, Realtor Birmingham Homes Online Team of RealtySouth

FINDING BALANCE

Being tough. “Just do it,” as Nike says. I carve out breaks in my week to set aside for my family and myself (manicures and pedicures are my guilty pleasure). As for my family time, it involves meals together. Times together at the lake. Watching my children being active in their sports of golf and horseback riding.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

I’m optimistic that we will suppress COVID-19 with the vaccines, and continue to move forward with our economic recovery; all while taking advantage of these great low interest rates!

WOMEN OF RE AL ESTATE

WOMEN OF L AW

The law firm of Friedman, Dazzio, Zulanas & Bowling, P.C. provides a wide array of legal services, with a focus on litigation and commercial transactions, to business and individual clients in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Our attorneys have built a strong reputation for quality, comprehensive legal representation and an ongoing commitment to the law, our clients, and our community. From involvement in national legal organizations, serving on boards of charitable and nonprofit foundations, and supporting victim’s rights advocacy groups—to serving on local city and high school advisory boards, coaching youth sports teams, and mentoring local law students—our attorneys exemplify a dedication to participate in, support, and improve the legal profession and the communities in which we live and work. With a diverse range of practice areas, a commitment to client-centered legal services, and a consistent presence in the local community, the attorneys of Friedman Dazzio form a remarkable legal team.

Rachel Cobble, Allison Griffith, Gwen Gordon, Kelsey Reckart, and Carmen Weite

WOMEN OF

Gunn Dermatology is committed to serving the Birmingham community with medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services. We also provide access to effective and unique skincare products and innovative procedures using lasers and radio frequency devices.

MEDICINE

Holly Gunn, MD Gunn Dermatology

FINDING BALANCE

My husband and I both maximize our time with family and minimize the trivial work loads as much as possible.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

This will be our first full year as a new dermatology practice and I’m so excited to see it grow.

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

WOMEN OF RE AL ESTATE

Locally owned and operated we know the Birmingham market and are invested in our clients and community. Our success is measured by the relationships we build. We’re excited about the real estate market in 2021 with buyers continuing to take advantage of historically low interest rates.

Lucy Parker, Katie Crommelin, Blair Moss, Garner Thompson, Mary Evans

At Kirk Drennan Law, we believe in giving back by supporting and helping others in our community. We do that by volunteering our personal time; donating to charitable causes and participating in community education in our field. We post educational articles on our Facebook page and I volunteer at a weekend workshop that educates women going through divorce about their emotional, financial and legal needs, Second Saturday. The lawyers at the firm also do pro bono work by representing economically challenged citizens of Jefferson County as well as surrounding counties.

Jessica Kirk Drennan FINDING BALANCE

Not my forte. I do my best to preserve evenings after 7 and weekends, but no promises.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

There are so many reasons. My family has their health; my business is going strong; my employees are dedicated and loyal; my community is inspiring.

WHAT LED ME TO MY PROFESSION

At my first job out of law school, I was assigned all family law cases in the firm—mainly because the partners didn’t like that type of work. I had never thought about doing divorce; however, I fell in love with the people and the work and never looked back.

WOMEN OF L AW

WOMEN OF

The Morris Bart Law Firm is a proud supporter of the Community Food Bank of Alabama and the local American Red Cross. It’s organizations like these that help our community thrive and we’re honored to do our part.

L AW

Lisa Bailey Miranda Taylor FINDING BALANCE

A long commute gives me the physical boundary I need to compartmentalize work from home.

FINDING BALANCE

Fortunately, I love the clients I represent— this helps my job not feel like “work”.

Outside of the office, I have my sweet dog, friends, and Pure Barre that keep me sane.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

I am looking forward to more opportunities to grow at work while also taking time to travel with family and friends.

WHAT LED ME TO MY PROFESSION

I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer, so I narrowed my field of study through legal internships and challenging personal experiences to learn exactly what kind of person I wanted to represent. Morris Bart & Associates, LLC gives me the ability to advocate for others in a profession I love.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

Too many reasons to list, but I am excited about getting through this pandemic and being able to travel again! I also feel that our country is turning a new page, and I am optimistic that 2021 is going to bring new opportunities that felt impossible as we endured the difficulties of 2020.

WHAT LED ME TO MY PROFESSION

I’ve always had a desire to use the advantages I have had in my life to advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves; my work as a plaintiff’s lawyer helping those that are injured provides that opportunity.

WOMEN OF

Orangetheory Fitness has eight studios that are spread across the great state of Alabama. This summer, our team of 100 employees will participate in a volunteer community serve project. We plan on impacting all eight communities simultaneously. Our goal is for 12% of our member base to participate with us. There is power in numbers and we know we will be able to make an impactful and positive difference.

Lauren Adair Goldasich FINDING BALANCE

I intentionally schedule in time with my family – what gets scheduled gets done.

WHY I’M OPTIMISTIC IN 2021

My team and I have a three-year vision for our company that includes a lot of positive life change for our member base.

WHAT LED ME TO MY PROFESSION

The opportunity to foster the development of leaders who change lives.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

PROMOTION

GOOD TASTE By: Scott Atkinson, Wine Manager at PIGGLY WIGGLY IN CRESTLINE

Who runs the world? GIRLS! We don’t pretend to be cool, or hip, or dope, or whatever other word the kids are using nowadays.

But we can recognize great wine made by talented people. In keeping with the theme of this issue, we are focusing on some of the greatest female-led endeavors in the wine world. Whether it be the Alsatian mountains in France, the rolling hills of Abruzzo in Italy, the Willamette Valley of Oregon, or a classic Napa from California… or even the crown jewels of Burgundy; these are some mouthwatering, and jaw-dropping, wines from all over the globe. Wines which happen to be crafted by supremely talented women.

DOMAINE WEINBACH – It was in 1979 when Catherine

MAYSARA / 3 DEGREES – The Momtazi sisters are forces of

Faller and her daughter Collette took over at Weinbach. They were among the first women to ever lead, and manage, a winery in modern France. In a few shorts years they took the well-respected wines of Weinbach and made them legendary. The wines of Weinbach, and the Faller ladies, are among the most highly prized and sought after bottles made in Alsace.

nature. The eldest, Tahmiene, has been the primary winemaker at Maysara since she was old enough to legally take charge.

She is a natural. It is quite astonishing, and rare, to have such skill and talent in winemaking at such a young age.

The Three Degrees Pinot Noir is an unbelievable value, and a tremendous introduction to the talents of Tahmiene.

This has been a favorite of ours year in and year out. We are confident that you will be impressed as well.

TIBERIO – In 2008 Ricardo Tiberio handed the reins of the winemaking over to his gifted daughter Cristiana. Cristiana may be a farm girl from Abruzzo, but she is a brilliant winemaker who also teaches college level classes in the chemistry of winemaking. She also learned her craft in some of the most highly lauded wineries in Champagne (Jacques Selosse), Loire Valley (Nicolas Joly), and Mosel (Egon Muller) among others. But her heart took her home. “You can only truly make a wine with the greatest expression of the place if you have lived there and really understand the climate and sense of the place.” Which is why you are most likely to find her in the vineyards with her beautiful Abruzzese mountain dogs.

SNOWDEN – Diana Snowden Seysses is winemaking royalty. Not only does she make the wine at her family’s Snowden winery in Napa, but she is also the enologist at the esteemed Domaine Dujac in Burgundy. On this side of the pond, the grapes from the Snowden estate are highly sought after by other Napa wineries, such as Silver Oak and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, among others.

It is pretty awesome to know that Diana gets to make wine from the best grapes, and she sells the rest. Over in France, she is responsible for Domaine Dujac.

Not to mix metaphors, but if there were a Mount Rushmore of Burgundy producers, Diana and Domaine Dujac would be firmly carved in the granite.

ABOUT

71 T O W N

Last Look See if you can spot the 11 differences in these two Magic City scene pictures!

PUBLISHER Hunt Gillespie ASSOCIATE EDITOR June Clark CONTRIBUTING DESIGN Emily Pickens MARKETING Shannan Beasley Jennifer Lyles Dowdle PHOTOGRAPHERS Mary Catherine Fehr Beth Hontzas ADVERTISING For advertising information, please contact Hunt Gillespie at 205.821.4106 EVENTS To request your event to be featured, please send an e-mail at least one month prior to: info@abouttown.io

WEB To see all the features & party pictures, visit: abouttown.io For a list of distribution points visit abouttown.io For detailed info on our readership contact hunt@abouttown.io

6. The pipe by the right Alabama sign is removed.

5. The architecture points on the theatre roof are missing.

4. The American flag on the left is missing.

3. The stoplight is missing its colors.

2. The one-way sign is changed to black.

1. The light pole on the left is missing.

10. The top of the tan wall next to the left Alabama sign has been cut.

9. The window to the left of the right Alabama sign has vanished.

8. The sidewalk line in the bottom left is gone.

7. The McWane sign above the second car on the right is gone.

Can You Spot The Eleven Differences?

11. The City Federal sign next to the light pole on the left is missing.

11

About Town is published by Gillespie, Inc. P.O. Box 130328 Birmingham, AL 35213 Copyright © 2021 Gillespie, Inc.

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