Hickory Living April 21

Complimentary April 2021

On the Cover

REALTORS TO WATCH page 10

Brides

Are Dreaming Again! pages 21–26

Sign Up For

SUMMER CAMP! pages 28-29

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contents

APRIL 2021

MacAdam Smith Publisher mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445

FEATURES 10 • COVER STORY RE/MAX Legendary Realtors To Watch

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18 • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Strategic Wellness & Strategic Med Spa Achieving Better Health And Wellness

BRIDES ARE DREAMING AGAIN!

Kathy Wheeler Design & Advertising Sales kathylivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 238-3224

Sharon Simpson Advertising Director sharon@lncurrents.com (704) 677-9159

23 • The Laboratory Mill 24 • Wedding Planning, Florals, And Invitations In One Convenient Location!

25 • Warehouse 18––A Premier Wedding Venue In Hickory 26 • Wedding Planning Help!

Linda B. Wilson Advertising Sales lindalivingmagazine@gmail.com (704) 657-0237

IN THIS ISSUE

21 Hickory

LIVING 10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave., Unit A Huntersville, NC 28078 (484) 769-7445 HickoryLiving@gmail.com

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

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8 • Welcome To The April Issue 28 • Summer Camp Pages!

30 • What’s Cooking?!

Cheesy Baked Mushroom Chicken

Hickory Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Hickory Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Don Forrest Advertising Sales donlivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 244-6538

contributors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristie Darling • Kathy Wheeler

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Shane Greene Photography

You have a CHOICE for Rehab Ask for Conover Nursing & Rehab!

Our goal is to get you back to the life you love living.

You are in good hands at Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. After an illness, surgery or injury, our team is dedicated to your recovery and safe transition back home!

• Rehab Wing with Central Gym and Indoor Track • Results Oriented Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapists on Staff • Family Owned & Operated

Conover Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 828.695.8282

www.ConoverNursingandRehab.com

920 4th Street SW • Conover, NC 28613

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Welcome to the

April Issue

By Kathy Wheeler

©iStockphoto.com | FamVeld

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ello Spring! Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around Easter. A few weeks before the holiday, we would shop for Easter outfits. The holiday weekend was filled with dying eggs the old-fashioned way with food coloring, hot water, and vinegar. On Sunday morning, my family would wake up before dawn in order to get ready for the sunrise service. It was always hard for my mom to keep us focused because we were busy digging through our Easter baskets filled with eggs, chocolate, colored grass, and stuffed bunnies. After the service, we would have breakfast at church and then head over to my grandparent’s house for an Easter egg hunt with our cousins. Of course, there were photos taken of us all dressed up, and my grandmother served lunch. We had so much fun! I hope you enjoy some of these traditions with your family!

our area. Catawba County’s website (www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/parks/) can help with ideas. Pack a picnic or take a hike. The fresh air will do you good!

Before it gets too hot, enjoy the outdoors by visiting some of the parks in

Summer will be here before you know it. Parents, check out our SUMMER

HICKORY LIVING • APRIL 2021

In this issue of Hickory Living, we are featuring wedding venues and services to help you plan your dream wedding.

Last year, COVID restrictions had many brides rethinking their weddings. Some postponed the ceremony until they could include their entire guest list, while others opted for smaller gatherings. Some couples even held virtual weddings, with only their closest family members or their witnesses in attendance. As the vaccines become more available, brides are dreaming again and planning their perfect day! Starting on page 21, we have featured some vendors and venues who can assist you in creating a beautiful day to remember!

CAMP pages on 28 and 29! If you are planning summer activities for your children, Hickory has a lot of fun things to offer, and now is the time to register!

Real estate has been one industry that has done well this past year. And spring is one of their busiest seasons. If you are planning to list your home or looking to purchase one, read our cover story featuring RE/MAX Legendary of Hickory.

Trae and Amanda Stokes and their agents will take good care of you!

Those looking for a more holistic approach to medicine will be interested in our business spotlight on page 18.

Diana Williams, owner of Strategic Wellness and Strategic Med Spa, specializes in functional medicine and wants to find the root cause of your health concerns.

Enjoy the month and all spring has to offer! Thank you for reading the April issue of Hickory Living magazine.

The Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton and The Law Office of

Helton, Cody

Blair E. Cody, III have Merged.

& Associates, PLLC

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Pictured: Blair E. Cody, III (left) Lyndon R. Helton (right)

828-328-9966 827 Highland Ave. NE Hickory, NC (located near Lenoir-Rhyne University)

www.HeltonCody.com HICKORY LIVING • APRIL 2021

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on the cover

REALTORS TO WATCH

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene

Today’s real estate market can be tricky even if you’re an experienced buyer or seller. In the current market, as always, having an experienced, tech-savvy broker working for you is essential. Finding someone who is readily available, trustworthy, successful, and local is key.

“We’re a new firm,” said Trae Stokes at RE/MAX Legendary. “We’re working hard, and we’re growing fast. We placed in the top four firms in our second year for our market area, and we want people 10

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to know we’re here. It’s as simple as that.”

Photos:

Owner/brokers Trae and Amanda Stokes are the team leaders at RE/MAX Legendary. Their expertise, passion, and dedication to customer satisfaction guide the efforts of their 15 fulltime brokers, also passionate experts. “We know what we’re doing, and we know the market,” Amanda said. “We’re here to meet with you, answer questions, and show you

Above–Legendary Agents, left to right–Front row: Sandi Dingler, Kamie Pitts, Danielle Stone, Sarah Keener Moretz, Trae Stokes, Amanda Stokes, Karen Abernathy, Wendy Flynn, Ashley Carmichael, Claudia Vargas • Back row: Josh Ritchie, David Berry, Cory Klassett, Dale Sharpe

On the cover–Owners/brokers Trae and Amanda Stokes

how we operate. We like building relationships that will build business and produce satisfied clients. It’s easy to stop in to see that we’re a good fit for you, no obligations.

Drop in, you’ll find a helpful agent, a sweet snack, and a fresh cup of coffee.

WHY RE/MAX LEGENDARY? “We care, and we are here to stay” Amanda said, “so that means we’re doing everything to make certain your real estate experience is a rave-review success. The growth we’ve achieved is largely based on satisfied clients and word-of-mouth referrals. When we meet a new client, we’re quick to move them toward their goal. We won’t let you miss an opportunity because we didn’t get started right away. In this market, that can make a huge difference.” The agents at Legendary are well beyond oldschool systems and methods. “We can have your property listed within 24-48 hours, and we’ll work immediately to find a buyer if you’re selling or a new home if you’re shopping.”

RE/MAX Legendary agents come to the table with the full resources of RE/MAX corporate available to them.

With an international network and real estate’s #1 brand recognition, Legendary Realtors can help you buy or sell anywhere. Whether relocating for your career, downsizing at retirement, looking for a new neighborhood, or anything in between, the goal of Legendary agents is to help you buy or sell—or both—quickly, painlessly, and affordably. “We’re full service,” said Amanda. “Our top priority is to serve you. We listen to your needs, and we work to get you there.”

LEGENDARY REALTOR BROKERS “Real estate is a big deal; it involves big money,” Trae continued. “During the process people tend to get stressed, maybe even emotional. We can help you with that. Our brokers get timely continuing education. We’ve done our homework ahead of time—we have qualified buyers ready to go, a huge advantage over trying to sell on your own. People don’t realize that when they don’t work with a real estate agent, they’re leaving money on the table.

Could be a lot. We carry the liability, work only with preapproved buyers, and we’ll get your house sold.”

“We share information with clients, constantly keeping everyone in the loop. People reach out to us because

Photos

, Above: • Realtor/broker Cory Klassett holds training in our state-of-theart board room.

• Legendary agents work hard for you. Pictured, left to right, Kamie Pitts, Claudia Vargas, and Ashley Carmichael.

• RE/MAX Legendary is located at 3244 Springs Road, Northeast in Hickory.

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they say other agents didn’t call back. That doesn’t happen at Legendary. We’re available 24/7, and that’s critical when you’re eager to make an offer or find out if you got the deal accepted.” Stopping in at the Springs Road location in northeast Hickory is easy with plenty of parking.

You’ll meet with a seasoned broker in a comfortable, newly remodeled building. “Individuals and families who come to us want to buy, sell, or rent. Some are interested in residential properties, of course, and we also list and sell land, commercial, industrial, and rental properties.” Some people call RE/MAX Legendary for a free market analysis of their home; some are interested in building on their lot or shopping for a new one. With the low housing inventory now, many people are building their own custom estates— Legendary brokers can assist across the board.

WHO WE ARE — WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU Sarah Keener Moretz, Realtor ABR/SRS, said,” Going above and beyond for our clients is standard at RE/MAX Legendary. Many of us have advanced real estate designations.

We’re ahead of the curve and on top of market trends—a tremendous advantage to clients. For me, I want my clients to wind up pleased with their sales and loving their new properties.”

Cory Klassett is a RE/MAX Legendary agent and current president of the Catawba Valley Association of Realtors.

“We believe our region’s home sales market will be similar to 2020,” Cory shared. “The inventory of available homes is not likely to increase, which means buyers’ interest will stay steady, with plenty of competition. Plus, springtime is prime time for listing your home—it will look its best when everything’s in bloom. Families want to be closed and settled in well before school starts.”

Photos, above:

• Legendary agents, with great communication and negotiating skills, are here to help you buy and sell!

Pictured, left to right, Claudia Vargas, Danielle Stone, Wendy Flynn, and Ashley Carmichael • Legendary broker Josh Ritchie explains agency and buying processes of going under contract with buyer Mr. Martinez.

Josh is quick to secure his buyer’s home at a great price.

• The Legendary Team is always willing to help each other.

Teamwork makes the dream work!

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The team at RE/MAX Legendary has all the resources you need to make a positive first impression when your listing goes up. “We have a vetted list of vendors who can do repairs or painting—any of the up-front work that needs done,” said Josh Ritchie. “Plus, we can advise you on what’s really necessary to prepare your home for sale, so you don’t waste time and money.” Most buyers today like a movein-ready home. Some can’t afford to buy and renovate, so getting that right can mean a quick sale at the right price.

Trae explained that buyers and sellers are always looking for professional agents and want to work with the best.

“Some agents put a yard sign up and then disappear… they’re just dabbling in real estate,” he said. “Our agents are full-time professionals who know this business.

They know local sellers and buyers and can make a deal happen quickly in a good market like today. I see us continuing to grow because people look to us for our expertise and because we really do pull out all the stops to get things done for you.”

Larry and Celestis Barrett are some of Legendary’s recent satisfied customers. They shared their experience…

“RE/MAX Legendary is the best. We have used Amanda Stokes for many buys and sells. We can trust Amanda completely. She always goes above and beyond to make the transaction go smoothly. We will always choose RE/ MAX Legendary for our real estate needs.”

A LITTLE HISTORY The RE/MAX Legendary office may be only two years young, but Amanda, Trae, and the brokers there bring you years of experience. “I’ve been working on my own since I was 15—I worked my way up to managing my own retail clothing store in Asheville when I was 17,” Amanda said. “I love working with people, and real estate suits me perfectly. It’s easy to go to work when you love what you do!”

When Amanda and Trae opened Legendary, six agents immediately joined them, and that says a lot about their successes going forward. Trae grew up in the family furniture business and understands day to day business operations. “Amanda was exploding in her real estate career and needed additional professionals to help with her clients,” Trae said. “Needless to say—we love helping each other, and it’s a priority to help our brokers, as well. They are the heartbeat of this firm, and we’re always ready to bring in more agents who would like to do more…to become Legendary.”

Photos:

• Amanda Stokes, licensed since 2006, with her mother, Karen Abernathy, licensed since 2009, has come a long way! They love what they do and are thankful for the 15 years of continued support.

• Owner/broker Trae Stokes holds monthly meetings to keep his agents up to date on contract changes, market changes, and offer encouragement and praise reports. If you are a realtor looking for a team, call Trae today for a private meeting to see if RE/MAX Legendary is a good fit for you professionally.

Give Trae a call or stop by to learn how to become a Legendary Agent!

Trae Stokes RE/MAX Legendary 3244 Springs Road, NE Hickory, North Carolina 828-855-1055 HICKORY LIVING •APRIL 2021

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P R E PA R I N G F O R

The Most Beautiful Day of Your Life You never want to look more beautiful than on your wedding day! Are there areas of your body that you would like to change?

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Schedule a consultation to find out the best procedures that address your concerns.

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business spotlight

Photos:

Left, Diana Williams MSN, FNP-C, IFMCP, owner and operator of Strategic Wellness Center Opposite page Strategic Med-Spa, a division of Strategic Wellness Center, offers free aesthetic consultations for new clients.

Sarah Davis, RN, administers Radiofrequency Microneedling treatments for her aesthetic clients.

Clients at Strategic Wellness Center are met with care and compassion from the moment they enter the door.

& STRATEGIC MED SPA

Achieving Better Health And Wellness

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene

Attaining excellent health is a goal everyone should embrace, but we need guidance and the most effective approach to achieve that.

Diana Williams is owner and primary provider at Strategic Wellness Clinic, and she offers that guiding wisdom through her expertise in functional medicine and anti-aging strategies. “We know that the body needs to be treated holistically in a way that identifies the root cause of why symptoms and chronic conditions exist,” Diana said. “It is our belief that, along with diet, lifestyle education, stress avoidance, and a number of other effective therapies, our clients can find healing and truly become the best versions of themselves.”

Diana Williams, MSN, FNP-C, IFMCP has 13 years of experience in intensive/critical care and family medicine as a registered nurse and certified family nurse practitioner. When she opened Strategic 18

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Wellness Center three years ago as a functional medicine and anti-aging clinic, she understood that focusing on improving clients’ quality of life was key. She and her team of healthcare providers listen carefully to their clients and prepare a detailed, realistic plan for health and wellness based on the root cause of their illness and symptoms.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE “Our treatments focus on wellness, not illness,” Diana explained. “Anyone seeking an integrative, holistic, functional medicine approach to disease treatment and/or prevention should consider a consultation.” Targeting the root cause of your unique concerns, SWC’s individualized programs, health coaching, and Med-Spa treatments can improve your health in many areas.

• Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy and hormone pellets can stabilize natural balance, slow aging, and restore health.

• HeartMath Biofeedback helps manage stress and diminish pain by unlocking your natural relaxation response.

• The Far Infrared Sauna is offered for detoxification, heart health, pain, and inflammation.

• BEMER PEMF Therapy is a non-invasive technique that stimulates healthy muscles to improve performance and blood flow.

• Platelet Rich Plasma for female hair loss or male-patterned baldness is a quick, affordable, effective, solution for hair loss.

• B12/Lipo Injections boost metabolism and immunity, improve hydration, and offer illness prevention.

• Other Med-Spa services include radiofrequency microneedling, neuromodulators, fillers, and medical grade skin care.

WHY STRATEGIC WELLNESS AND STRATEGIC MED-SPA? “We are a business that is owned and operated by women, and we’re so proud of that!” Diana told me. “We focus on our client’s specific, individual needs, and we take the time to focus on their concerns.

In the traditional medical setting, our clients haven’t experienced that level of attention and focus. Our appointments typically last an hour or more, and we spend much of that time talking, listening, sharing, and teaching. We use lab

results, too, but we seek optimal results, rather than averages. Everything we do is outside the norm for healthcare, but that’s what our patients crave. What they have been doing hasn’t worked, so they come to us.”

Strategic Wellness & Strategic Med Spa 828-838-1225 315 1st Avenue NW, Suite 104 Hickory, NC 28601 www.strategicwellnesscenter.com

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Brides

Are Dreaming Again!

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eddings are as unique as the couples themselves. Some prefer intimate ceremonies with just a few important people in attendance, while others have dreamed of a grand day of celebration with many family and friends. For the later group, 2020 crushed their dreams!

A lot of decisions have to be made when planning your nuptials––from invitations, a color palette, and flowers to food, entertainment and a venue. However, don’t get overwhelmed! On the following pages, we have featured some wonderful venues and vendors to help you plan your perfect day!

Due to the pandemic, 2020 left couples making tremendous guest list reductions or postponing their wedding until they could include everyone on their list. With the vaccine becoming available to more people, brides are dreaming again!

A couple’s wedding day is a milestone representing the beginning of their lives together and a lifelong commitment to each other. It is a day to be remembered and annually celebrated with each anniversary. We wish you the best in planning the wedding of your dreams!

Photos: ©iStockphoto.com | Marlanph | Saiva | Kenzaza | Kkshepel

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848 SOUTH FORK ROAD, LINCOLNTON, NC | 704 - 240 - 4718

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Nestled beside the South Fork of the Catawba River between Hickory and Charlotte, just on the outskirts of Lincolnton, is The Laboratory Mill. The venue is beautiful inside and out with two events spaces. The upstairs is perfect for weddings and receptions, complete with large suites for the bridal party and one for the groom and his men. Downstairs, the Cardroom has a completely different look. It is cozy with brick walls and a speakeasy feel. Many choose the Cardroom for their rehearsal dinner. Add plenty of parking and a great staff, and you have an exceptional venue for all your wedding planning.

band, John. “We provide upfront pricing, tax is included, and tips are always optional, so there are no surprises at the end of the day.

The price also includes tables, chairs, and linens—no separate rentals needed,” Cyndi continued.

We have golf carts to help guests get to and from their cars in the lower parking lots, if needed. And, most importantly, our staff concentrates on helping the wedding go as smoothly as possible. We have a dedicated concierge for the bridal party, staff who assist with parking, and a floor manager the day of the event. We always have staff on hand to answer questions or provide assistance.”

The Mill is a photographer’s dream! On the property are gorgeous views of the river, waterfalls, and even a beach— perfect locations for wedding photos!

To help with your planning, The Laboratory Mill has a list of recommended wedding professionals from florists and DJs to approved caterers. Their recommendations can take care of a lot of the work in planning your perfect day.

ASK WHAT’S INCLUDED! “Searching for venues can be like comparing apples and oranges,” said Cyndi Dellinger, owner of The Laboratory Mill with her hus-

A RICH HISTORY The Laboratory Mill was originally built in 1818 as a cotton

Photos: Left–The Cardroom is located downstairs at The Laboratory Mill. (Photo by Allison Lee Isley) Right–The large venue upstairs is perfect for weddings and receptions. (Photo Angel Kincaid Photography)

factory but burned during the Civil War. Since waterpower was still available, it was then used as a laboratory to turn locally grown, indigenous plants into medicine for the Confederate troops. After the war, the mill was rebuilt into its current footprint

by D.E. Rhyne and was operational until the 1990s as a yarn manufacturing plant. After being boarded up for more than a decade, it was donated by the Rhyne family to Preservation North Carolina who then sold it to John and Cyndi Dellinger in 2007.

It took five and a half years to renovate. Among many other changes, floors were repaired, bricked up windows were restored, the roof was replaced, and a house moving company even jacked up one end of the mill so supporting pillars could be built to fix settling from previous water damage. The Laboratory Mill opened for its first official wedding in August of 2013. Many people who live in the area have parents and grandparents who worked in the mill, and the Dellingers are proud to be a continuing part of the rich history of the Laboratory Community.

For more information, visit www.thelaboratorymill. com, and take a virtual tour of the facility and grounds or call 704-240-4718 to schedule an inperson tour. You will fall in love!

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Wedding Planning, Florals, and Invitations In One Convenient Location!

Once you choose your venue, the detail work of wedding planning begins. Finding designers and custom shops that can handle several items on your list is a tremendous help. Hen and Chicken Papers, Sharon Sturgess Florals, and Weddings by Ridgway are located in the same space, and custom is the name of the game!

You get only one chance to make a first impression! Make those save the date cards and invitations fabulous! They give guests a hint of what’s in store.

Sally Brown, owner of Hen and Chicken Papers, has been assisting brides choose and design their invitations for over 45 years. She has many fine lines of paper products to personalize and a large selection of unique gifts and accessories!

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Floral arrangements tie everything together. Do you have a vision for your bouquet, arrangements, and centerpieces? Sharon Sturgess Florals can make your dream a reality with her creative floral designs. Sharon enjoys getting to know you in order to create a perfect floral plan for your special day.

Her design team offers over 30 years of experience and has a great knowledge of current trends and styles. In addition to having wonderful working relationships with many of the local venues, her team is willing to travel outside of the area to the venue of your choice.

Planning your wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right wedding planner to take care of the details, it can actually be a lot of fun. Lisa Ridgway, owner of Weddings by Ridgway,

works with brides to create their dream wedding, while alleviating the stress and allowing them to enjoy the experience.

Planning, coordinating, decorating, directing, rentals, and working within budgets are her specialty!

Making your wedding unique is in the details! Sally, Sharon, and Lisa have a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to make your wedding day all you dreamed it would be!

The best way to contact these creative women is to visit them downstairs at their store in Viewmont. Enjoy browsing the gifts, floral arrangements, houseplants, notecards, placemats, napkins, and more. They’re open Monday–Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm and are happy to schedule weekend appointments.

A Premiere Wedding Venue in Hickory

The Warehouse can accommodate from 50 to 500 people, with two spaces to choose from or combine. One side is more formal and has chandeliers over the tables with elegant cushioned chairs, while the other side of the venue has farmhouse tables with two large

chandeliers in the center. There is a beautiful bridal suite and groomsmen’s lounge equipped with a pool table and dartboard. In addition to the vast indoor space, there is an expansive outdoor patio and a charming hidden garden.

The options are endless!

Photos by Boyd & Gabby Photography

In a renovated 150-year-old historic Warehouse in downtown Hickory on the newly established city walk, Warehouse 18 is a perfect combination of rustic, vintage, and elegance. With its original wood beams, exposed brick, and chandeliers, it is 10,000 square feet of wedding planning bliss. Add in a customized catering package, two fullservice licensed bars, and a list of vendors to help you with the rest, and your wedding and reception are planned!

The staff at Warehouse 18 enjoy working with couples within their budgets to get them the most for their money.

They go over all the details with you so that there are no hidden charges or surprises. Chairs and tables are included in the venue rental, and ample parking is available. You just have to add your personal touch!

without sacrificing style, class, elegance, and price—Warehouse 18 is the first choice. Visit them online at www.warehouse18venues.com to take a virtual tour or schedule an on-site visit.

When you are looking for comfort and convenience from a great wedding venue

18 2nd Street SE, Hickory, NC 1-828-320-0037

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Wedding Planning

Help!

By Kathy Wheeler

©iStockphoto.com | angel_nt

It takes a lot of vendors and help when planning a large wedding. There are so many details, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It’s important to remember that if everything doesn’t go as perfectly as planned, at the end of the day you will be married…which was the goal! Here’s some advice and tips to help you enjoy the process and questions to ask so there are no surprises on your special day.

FYI, planning the big picture will be a lot of fun! Executing all the details?

Not so much. Consider delegating some of those details to family members or bridesmaids who are willing to help— even better, hire a wedding planner. A good planner can help you brainstorm, make recommendations, work with vendors, keep track of the budget and timeline. While this may be your first wedding, planners have a lot of experience pulling off many large events!

The venue is one of the most expensive items on your list. Some locations offer a few or many amenities and services.

Know what is included in the package you purchase. Venues might provide catering, bar services, linens, tableware, tables and chairs, and staff to help. The convenience of using a full-service venue can simplify planning and cut costs.

Of course, you still need to do a taste testing and approve items they provide.

You may want to customize their offer26

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ings by adding chargers to tableware, chair covers, or toppers to the table linens. Also, most venues have a list of preferred vendors—people they have worked with before who have done an exceptional job. Meet with each vendor separately to see if they are a good fit.

For those venues who offer a blank slate and nothing more, ask if the rental is for one day or two in order to setup. You may need a crew! The last wedding I helped with, we set up for the ceremony and reception, attended the event, and removed everything in one looong day.

surprises the day of your event. Take magazine photos of your vision, and ask to see photos of their previous events.

Food and beverages are another large expense. For your guests’ sake, you will want to get this one right. Due to COVID, buffets are frowned upon—the less people touching your food, the better.

Ask caterers what their suggestions and protocols are to decide how you’d like the food served. If you are having hors d’oeuvres, can they do individual plates?

How many servers will they provide?

What does their tableware look like, and what are the additional costs? Alcohol must be served by a certified licensed bartender, and a permit is required— your venue should handle this unless the caterers are managing the bar.

Stay in touch with your guests! Creating a wedding website is the best way to do this. Zola and The Knot are two websites that offer free tools and hosting so you can easily create one yourself. They also offer wedding registries where your guests can see your gift choices from different stores in one location.

Research your vendors and make a list of questions that you need to ask prior to meeting them. This will avoid unnecessary communication and any

For rentals, do they offer delivery and pickup to and from your venue? Do they offer setup and teardown services?

This will need to be coordinated around your ceremony, reception, and venue rental. If they do not deliver, coordinate your pickup and return times, and assign someone the job of returning those rentals in a timely manner—so you can get to the honeymoon!

My final piece of advice is to hire a day-of wedding coordinator. Your wedding planner may also serve as the coordinator; however, if you planned the wedding yourself, it is worth hiring a wedding coordinator to make sure things run smoothly and you are able to enjoy the day!

We at Hickory Living wish everyone getting married in 2021 a perfect day and a blessed and happy life together!

LANDSCAPES,LLC

Transforming Landscapes into Scenic Views!

• Creative and innovative design • Impeccable reputation • Meticulous attention to detail • Integrity as business professionals • Quality that exceeds client expectations

Visit us online at www.ScenicViewLandscapes.net Owner and Landscape Contractor, Kevin Sipe

• Landscapes • • Hardscapes • Water Features • • Outdoor Lighting • Garden Maintenance •

For Your Landscape Transformation, Contact Kevin Sipe and the Scenic View Team

828-256-2517

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Join In The Fun This Summer!

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The Hickory area offers SUMMER CAMPS for kids of all ages and interests.

Now’s the time to reserve their place in camp!

Two Spot Horizontal $300/month 7.5” wide X 2.7” tall

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What's Cooking?!

Cheesy Baked Mushroom Chicken

A quick and easy way to get comfort food on your dinner table is this recipe for Cheesy Baked Mushroom Chicken. Add some green beans and mashed cauliflower for a well-rounded meal for your family.

Cheesy Baked Mushroom Chicken

Nonstick cooking spray

4

boneless, skinless chicken

breasts ½

cup flour

4

tablespoons butter

8

ounces mushrooms, sliced

½

cup chicken broth

¼

teaspoon salt

¼

teaspoon pepper

2

cups shredded mozzarella

cheese ½

cup Parmesan cheese,

grated ¼

cup green onions, sliced

Directions

Heat oven to 375 F. Prepare baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Cut each chicken breast in half.

Place flour in resealable bag. Place chicken in resealable bag with flour; toss to coat.

In large skillet, melt butter. Add chicken to skillet; brown all sides.

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HICKORY LIVING • APRIL 2021

Transfer chicken from skillet to 11-by-7-inch baking dish.

In skillet, saute sliced mushrooms in remaining butter until softened.

Add chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to boil then cook 5 minutes. Spoon over chicken.

Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses and green onions. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Sunshine Smoothie Makes 2-4 Servings

2

cups orange juice

2

cups grapefruit juice

2

bananas, peeled and cut

into chunks

1

cup vanilla yogurt

1

teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

In blender, blend orange juice, grapefruit juice, banana chunks, yogurt and vanilla extract until smooth. Serve immediately.

Note: If smoothie is too tart, reduce to 1 cup grapefruit juice.

Recipes and photos courtesy of Culinary.net. Find more recipes, visit Culinary.net.

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HICKORY LIVING • APRIL 2021