Madison Living Magazine Feb. 2021

MADISON LIVING THE GUIDE • AROUND TOWN • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

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Weddings of 2020 Getting creative with wedding planning in the age of COVID White Azalea Estate: a dream come true Falling in love with Madison all over again Around Town with Lee Marshall Party in the Park Return to the ballet ...and so much more Madison Living 1

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Madison Living392636033-11

Alison James John Few

MADISON CONTRIBUTORS MADISON Gregg Parker LIVING LIVING Bob Labbe

EDITORIAL Richard George EDITOR Rebekah Martin Joshua Berry JohnJames Few Alison Erin Coggins John Few Lee Marshall CONTRIBUTORS Mayor Paul Finley Bob Labbe CONTRIBUTORS MaryGregg LynneParker Wright Parker MaryGregg Anne Swanstrom Erin Coggins Bob Labbe Joshua Berry Richard George Erica DeSpain MARKETING Joshua Berry MaryCounts Anne Donna Erin Coggins Swanstrom Lee Marshall Lee Marshall ADMINISTRATIVE Mayor Paul Finley Mary Lynne Wright Sierra Jackson Richard George Mary Lynne Wright French Salter Mayor Finley Mary AnnePaul Swanstrom

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CONTACT US Donna Counts Madison Publications, LLC 7734 Madison Blvd.EDITOR Suite 115 MANAGING ADMINISTRATIVE Huntsville, AL 35806 French Salter Sierra256-772-6677 Jackson Phone: Fax: 256-772-6655 French Salter madisonlivingmagazine.com

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Huntsville, 35806 madisonlivingmagazine.com Single copies are available at Phone: 256-772-6677 select throughout Fax:locations 256-772-6655 Madison Living the Madison area. madisonlivingmagazine.com is published monthly by To advertise or to get Madison Living LLC. Madison Publications, more copies, is published monthly to A one-year subscription call 256-772-6677.

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by Madison Madison Publications, 4 Madison Living

4 Madison Living

and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika before landing in north Alabama. She loves sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and places that make north Alabama such a special place.

...

CONTRIBUTORS John Few, Editor Alison James, copy editor

John Few hasearned been in thebachelor’s field of newspaper journalism at and production for over 25 Alison James her degree in journalism Auburn University, years. Johninhas served staffher writer, editor and publisher for a variety of publications graduating 2012.

She as began career in community journalism in Alexander City in Alabama and Mississippi.

He was transferred 2009 toinbegin coverage of loves and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika beforeinlanding northhis Alabama.

She Madison. covering thecorrecting City of Madison the past 10 years, John onplaces sharing theIn stories – and the grammar of those stories – ofhas the reported people and several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James that make north Alabama such a special place.

Clemens High School. Over the years, as Madison has grown, John has been there to cover the news that has made Madison home. Together John and his wife, Lori, have seven children, ranging from 15-23 years old.

John Few, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer

Bob Labbe is abeen lifelong resident the Huntsville community.

He has beenfor innearly the local John Few has in the field ofofnewspaper journalism and production 25 news media for served 48 years, journalistTimes, in television, radio and print years.

John has as a multi-award-winning staff writer for The Demopolis the daily newspaper media. is a member of thefor Huntsville-Madison County HallGazette. of FameHe and has in West He Alabama, and editor the weekly newspaper theAthletic Black Belt was been nominated for to both the his Alabama Press Association Alabama of transferred in 2009 begin coverage of Madison.

Inand covering the Music City ofhalls Madison fame.

Bob hosted radio program, The Years,such for 29 on WLRH-FM the past 10 has years, Johna has reported onReelin’ severalinkey events, asyears construction of the Public Family Radio. He has also a local highHigh school basketball for 28 years andhas was Hogan YMCA and been James Clemens School.

Overreferee the years, as Madison a high school football 15 years.

Bob is anhas avidmade sportsMadison fan and home. collector of 45 grown, John has been referee there tofor cover the news that Together rpm records.

He once boxed Ali and was from the reporter who asked John and his wife, Lori, haveMuhammad seven children, ranging 15-23 years old. the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer

A graduate Mississippi State Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Bob Labbe isof a lifelong resident ofUniversity, the Huntsville community.

He has been in the local Intergraph Corporation 1990 with wife Brenda and son For radio 15 years news media for 48 years, ainmulti-award-winning journalist in Andy. television, andGregg print wrote for Spirit” “Limestone Spirit” sections in “The Times.” media.

He “Madison is a member of theand Huntsville-Madison County Athletic HallHuntsville of Fame and has His articles havefor been in numerous chamber of Alabama commerce publications, been nominated bothpublished the Alabama Press Association and Music halls of “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Gregg considers a privilege to fame.

Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ inWater.”

The Years, for 29 years onitWLRH-FM document Madison’s coming age high in hisschool hundreds of articles forfor “The Madison Public Radio.

He has also been aoflocal basketball referee 28 years and was andfootball “Madison Living” magazine.

Gregg spoiling his collector rescue dachshund, aRecord” high school referee for 15 years. Bob is an enjoys avid sports fan and of 45 rpm Francis He Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netfl series;and andwife records. once boxed Muhammad Ali and was theix reporter whovisiting asked Andy the famed Paul Saadia, bothhis physicians, in Nashville, Bear Bryant last question as coach ofTenn. the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Erin Coggins, Gregg Parker, contributing contributing writer

AErin graduate of is Mississippi University, Gregg Madison High with Coggins a scholasticState journalism adviser andParker historyrelocated teacher attoSparkman Intergraph in 1990 withand wifepublic Brenda and son Andy. ForHer 15 years Gregg School. SheCorporation is also a freelance writer relations consultant. writing muse is wrote “Madison Spirit” and “Limestone “The Huntsville Times.”

Worldfor War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle,Spirit” whom sections she fell ininlove with while a student His articles have been published in numerous chamberErin of commerce publications, studying communications at the University of Alabama. and her husband Jamie “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Water.” Gregg considers it a privilege reside in Madison. to document Madison’s coming of age in his hundreds of articles for “The Madison Record” and “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg enjoys spoiling his rescue dachshund, Francis Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netflix series; and visiting Andy and wife Saadia, both physicians, in Nashville, Tenn.

Erin Coggins, writer Joshua Berry, contributing photographer

Erin Coggins a scholastic journalism adviser and teacher at Sparkman High Joshua Berryishas a degree in biology and works fullhistory time as an aquatic instructor for the School.

She is also aHe freelance writer public relations consultant.

Herdistances. writing muse is City of Huntsville. is also an avidand runner, ranging from short to long When World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom he sheenjoys fell in trying love with while a the student he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, to capture perfect studying theowner University of Alabama.

Erin andhis heradvice husband Jamie momentcommunications on his camera. Asatthe of Everlong Photography, for beautiful reside in Madison. pictures is that nothing looks better than being confi dent in oneself.

Joshua Berry, photographer Joshua Berry has a degree in biology and works full time as an aquatic instructor for the City of Huntsville. He is also an avid runner, ranging from short to long distances. When he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, he enjoys trying to capture the perfect moment on his camera. As the owner of Everlong Photography, his advice for beautiful pictures is that nothing looks better than being confident in oneself.

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IN EVERY ISSUE

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THE GUIDE

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Madison Living 7

....................... THE GUIDE .......................

PARTY IN THE PARK AT THE HEXAGON - FEBRUARY 12

Party in the Park on Friday, Feb. 12, will feature one of the most popular romantic comedies of all time, When Harry Met Sally. The Hexagon parking lot will transform for the evening into a drive-in movie lot where guests do not even have to leave the warmth and safety of their vehicles. Two showtime options are available – 5:30 and 8 p.m. – and each ticket includes the drive-in movie, a gourmet individually packaged dinner, access to an online silent auction and giveaways. Even with this fun lineup, the best part is that it benefits a great cause. This is the ninth annual fundraising event for not-for-profit Madison Hospital, and funds raised will purchase a new imaging C-Arm machine for the hospital’s operating room. Tickets for Party in the Park are $75 per person and can be purchased online at bidpal.net/party2021, or by calling (256) 265-8077. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

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....................... THE GUIDE .......................

BRIDGE THE BALLET February 12, 13 and 14 Dream Theater at the Rock Family Worship Center’s 3401 Holmes Ave, Huntsville The Huntsville Ballet Company (HBC) announced its long awaited return to the stage with “Bridge the Ballet,” February 12-14, at the Dream Theater located on the campus of The Rock Family Worship Theater on Holmes Ave. “This will be our first production after being shut down because of the Covid-19,” said Phillip Otto, Artistic Director of the Huntsville Ballet Company. “Our staff and dancers are all excited to kick off this new season, and look forward to performing at a beautiful new venue.” “We are especially thrilled to announce the return of a special guest choreographer and dancer, Desmond Nunn. An Alabama native, and former HBC dancer, Desmond has been performing in the first national tour of Hamilton: An American Musical,” Otto said.

Bridge the Ballet will feature “Affectionately Yours” a ballet set to the iconic music of George Gershwin as well as the world premiere of “Big Spring Dreams” which highlights Huntsville’s Big Spring Park where people go to dream and their dreams are brought to life through dance. Big Spring Dreams is an eclectic collection of vi-

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....................... THE GUIDE ....................... gnettes of human emotion: love, inspiration, happiness and lastly hope, dedicated to the city of Huntsville and the community that supports the HBC. Nunn will be choregraphing as well as dancing in Bridging the Ballet. According to Otto, “His contributions to our organization in the past helped to make HBC what it is today.”

Nunn is originally from Alabama but currently resides in New York City. He attended The University of Alabama as a dance major under the artistic direction of Cornelius Carter and trained in many different styles of dance.

After college he worked for the Huntsville Ballet Company as a principle dancer and eventually as the Ballet Master of the company. Desmond moved to New York City where he booked a role in The Wiz at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival as a member of the ensemble and was Scarecrow and Wiz understudy. Desmond is currently dance captain, ensemble swing and John Laurens / Philip Schuyler cover in The First National Tour of Hamilton: An American Musical.

Huntsville Ballet’s performance is sponsored by The Damson Automotive Group and will be presented February 12-14 just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend. Bring a date! Plan a daddy- daughter date! Free parking. The Dream Theater at the Huntsville Campus of the Rock Family Worship Center, 3401 Holmes Avenue Tickets Information: Huntsvilleballet.org or 256-539-0961 or go to www.huntsvilleballet.org.

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VON BREWSKI BEER FESTIVAL - February 12-13

The Von Braun Center (VBC) will host the Fifth Annual Von Brewski Beer Festival on Feb. 12-13. The 5th annual Von Brewski Beer Festival will look a bit different this year. There will be four events limited to 200 attendees. BUT, there will be plenty of beer on tap, live music, and of course (pre-made) pretzel necklaces! Tickets for the event can be purchased in person at the VBC Box Office or online at ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $40, then increase to $50 on the day of the event. A non-sampling ticket is $15. You must be 21 years of age or older to attend and have a valid I.D. For more information about the 2021 Fifth Annual Von Brewski Beer Festival, follow @vonbrauncenter on Facebook or visit www.vonbrauncenter.com.

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12 Madison Living

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WEDDINGS

Welcome to our special wedding issue

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Dreaming of the perfect wedding has filled the mind of many as they mature from children into adulthood. Planning for that special day with that special someone has inspired countless daydreams of every beautiful scenario... except one. Unfortunately, the need to take COVID-19 into account was not something anyone could have foreseen over a year ago.

It has been a challenging time for couples planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic, faced with the

uncertainty of whether or not they will have to amend their wedding plans for safety reasons. The couples on the next few pages found creative and very memorable ways to unite their love in matrimony while adjusting to the demands for safety.

We welcome you to our special wedding issue while we take a look at how local couples adjusted their plans in the time of COVID to create their special day. We will also take a look at some tips and ideas in planning a wedding in 2021.

Madison Living 15

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Anna

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18 Madison Living

HOW THEY MET Hunter and Anna met through a mutual connection the summer before her freshman year of college. They first began talking over social media, but they finally planned their first date mid-summer. Their first date consisted of pasta and an evening watching ducks at Huntsville’s Big Spring Park. They spent hours talking and sitting by the water. Years later, Hunter wanted to bring back that memory of joy and chose to propose at the location of their first date. On a chilly October evening, Hunter led Anna through Big Spring Park back to that same bridge and proposed during a massive rainstorm. They had never been happier to dance in the rain, as Anna couldn’t have said yes fast enough!

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT Our wedding day was a dream come true. All of our family and friends worked tirelessly to make the day perfect for us. There were so many special moments, but our first look is a memory

neither of us will ever forget. In a whirlwind of a day, our first look was a moment of peace. When we first saw each other, there was nothing but happiness and excitement. From that moment on, we held smiles all night!

MEET THE TEAM: Venue: The Cotton Gin at Roberson Farms – Rogersville, AL Photographer: Chelsea Vaughn Photography Dress: Kathleen’s Bridal Tux Rental & Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Madison Town & Country Hair & Makeup: Jena Mac Makeup Flowers: Kym Creekmore & Heritage Florist Catering: Slap Your Mama Catering Cake: Jennifer Payne

Madison Living 19

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Steven

Cessalyn Feagan&Douglas October 17, 2020

Madison Living 21

HOW WE MET On October 18, 2015, Steven and I met for a dinner date. There were no nerves or awkward moments of silence, the connection was almost as if we had known one another for years and every moment happened naturally. Our conversation was full of laughter, sharing commonalities, and eagerness of wanting to know more about one another. At the end of the night, I remember thinking that this is the man who I prayed for, a nd I knew that God was in the midst of uniting us together.

HOW WE FELL IN LOVE Steven and I both shared our experiences on how we were at a point in our lives that we were serious about building a prosperous future together.We both prayed and asked God to guide us on a path of being the best supportive and loving partner for each other.

His spiritual foundation, loving spirit, supportive nature, positivity, and compassion makes me fall in love with him more and more each day.

THE PROPOSAL We went to Atlanta, Georgia to celebrate my birthday for the weekend. On December 7, 2019, we went to dinner and as we were approaching the table, I was so surprised to see my parents, Steven’s brother and his wife already seated. After we had exchanged hugs, Steven got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I was so shocked and immediately exclaimed, “YES,” and embraced him! It was truly an amazing proposal that I will cherish forever.

22 Madison Living

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT Walking down the aisle on that beautiful Saturday afternoon while thanking God that He brought this amazing man into my life was my favorite moment. During that time, I kept thinking how blessed I am to have found the one who I can undoubtedly trust with my whole heart to be not only my soulmate but my best friend. At the end of the ceremony, we joined hands together as Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, and were ready to embark upon a lifetime of precious memories together.

MEET THE TEAM: Venue: Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Gold Resort & Spa Photographer: Jerrod Brown Dress: Kathleen’s Bridal Hair: Daryl Matkins Makeup: Kimberly Green Flowers: Glenn Mask Catering: Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Gold Resort & Spa Cake: Dreamcakes Cafe

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24 Madison Living

& McArd le David

Meg

July 26, 2020

HOW WE MET We had no idea what a monumental day Wednesday, October 17th 2018, would be in our lives. David and I were both at Campus 805 for a run hosted by “We Run Huntsville�. This particular Wednesday I had been serving at Manna House and realized the run location was nearby so I thought why not. I was a bit late, but arrived as the group was assembling for the group photo. Unbeknownst to me, I was standing one person away from the man that would become my husband. As I was chatting with a girl that I randomly met on the three-mile run, I had noticed one of my girlfriends at a distance and was going to visit with her

when suddenly this very cute guy walked up to us. He said hello and spoke about the run and then looked at me and asked my name. I answered his questions, but honestly it was one of those moments where I was caught off guard and was surprised he was talking to sweaty nasty feeling me, especially someone as cute as him. Another friend tapped me on the shoulder, pulling me away to catch up. I remember glancing back after maybe a 10-minute exchange with my friend and he was gone as quickly as he appeared. I called my mom before I even got to my car and I told her about the encounter. She immediately asked if he had requested my number, I said no, but it was a definite God-wink

Madison Living 25

of encouragement and a reminder to remain confident in His plan.

Fast forward to Friday, January 4th, 2019...yet another God moment. David & I were at the same restaurant at the same time. I knew there was something so familiar about him, but I couldn’t figure out why or how. Not long after we began chatting did we piece together where we had seen each other before...it was from the run back in October, my Mr. McDreamy!

He concluded this unbelievable second meeting with asking for my number which then led to our first date, then speed dating (as I call it) and now our happy ever after.

THE PROPOSAL David asked to plan our six month dating anniversary for which I was very excited. I knew he was a good planner and

26 Madison Living

whatever he planned it would be fun, I loved his surprises.

A couple of weeks before our celebration, David shared the bad news of him unexpectedly having to travel to DC at the exact time of our anticipated dating anniversary. Nothing was unusual in this because he travels a lot for work and he had missed several of our other little anniversaries. He promised it would still be special in honor of that actual day and he would be coordinating for my parents to follow through with his plans in his place and once he returned from his trip he would take me out to dinner in order to make up for missing.

After many questions to the three of them trying to figure out what these plans were, I finally gave up and just went with it. On July 8th, his plans took my parents and I to one of my favorite places in Huntsville, The Botanical Gardens.

I was very excited and visualized myself face-timing soon with David from somewhere in the gardens. I couldn’t wait to tell him how much I loved the surprise. Once we entered the gardens outside they suggested a walk to the overlook of the lake and fountain. Once there, we were talking about how gorgeous everything is and my Dad brings up what a great idea this was and how thankful he is that David had specially planned this outing for me, how he thought to include us together as a family even though he couldn’t be there himself. Dad then proceeds with asking if he can say a quick prayer with mom and I before continuing to the butterfly house which my heart loved.

After dad prays and we were looking at turtles right below us, I felt a tap and turned around to see my David standing be-

hind me. SURPRISE! David and I begin chatting like normal over the very sweet surprise that he wasn’t on his trip after all.

My parents fade away talking and laughing, then he transitions the conversation into asking me to start our forever right now plus a lot of other precious words that are unfortunately all a blur to me. He went down on one knee and presented the most beautiful ring. I was shocked, so shocked I was speechless like I’ve never ever been in my life! It was as if time just stopped.... as a matter of fact, so speechless was I that he had to repeat the question and then I SAID YES! FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT Two weeks before our original wedding date of March 28th, 2020 the Governor of Alabama gave her understandably first shutdown mandate to protect our state from COVID-19. We were devastated and heartbroken to say the least which makes our most favorite wedding moment be the fact that after postponing and making changes repeatedly, we were able to finally become husband and wife on July 26th, 2020 surrounded by a few of our local friends and family. We intentionally made the decision to meet every adversity with answers that could work and work they amazingly did. Our videographer worked out a live feed for our guests that we couldn’t have in attendance. I did a private FaceTime with my grandparents. We were allowed our first private communion as a married couple, I had a private prayer time with my bridesmaids, we did our first dance outside with our guests socially distanced...these blessings amongst others were overwhelming some of our favorites. Even with our wedding not looking as we had originally planned, it was filled with so many intimate beautiful details, touching moments and time to breathe and take it all in for which we were thankful.

This day was not what we had planned but in it’s own miraculous way became absolutely perfect and turned our focus to the most important part…the holy covenant between a husband, wife and God.

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Madison Living 27

28 Madison Living

&Audrey Mills

Chris

August 8, 2020

HOW WE MET We actually met at while both working in an Emergency Department in Birmingham, Alabama. I had been working there for about a year already when he was hired as a new physician.

He had just finished residency and moved to Birmingham to live with his twin brother. When he started suggesting that we get together outside of work I figured he was just new to the city and was trying to make friends; he is so polite, so that’s really all I took it for. Little did I know, his entire friend group from college was living in Birmingham at the time. We slowly got to know each through walking our weenie dogs in the park, trying out fun new lunch spots, and even some tailgating in Auburn.

HOW WE FELL IN LOVE? I saw Audrey for the first time at a meeting for the ER and I had the thought then that I was going to marry her. I remember

calling my mom 2 weeks after we officially started dating and telling her that I was going to marry Audrey – and here we are!

After the many dog walks, dinner dates, Auburn football games and trips all over together, I fell in love with her infectious fun and loving personality.

It took a little longer for me, but still after only a short amount of time of getting to know Chris I knew he was special. We both love adventure and traveled everywhere together during our first year together. Each trip created new, fun memories that grew our relationship more and more. I remember a specific phone call with my mom In November of 2018 right after Chris and I started dating in October of 2018 where I was just gushing over him; she interrupted me and said “You might think I’m crazy, but I think you’re going to be engaged to this man this time next year”. Of course, I thought she was crazy, but sure enough November of 2019 we were engaged!

Madison Living 29

THE PROPOSAL I wanted to propose to Audrey in Auburn because I feel like a lot of our love story happened there. We went to many Auburn football and basketball games together; we also renovated a game-day house in Auburn together that we now live in as a married couple while Audrey is getting her Master’s. It felt like the perfect setting to propose to her. I planned to have both her family and my family in town for Thanksgiving at the “Auburn house” because the Iron Bowl was in Auburn that year. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, I told Audrey that we were going to get drinks with everyone before dinner that evening. Once she got ready, I asked her if she would want to go early so that we could get a little alone time (since both of our families had been with us for days now). She obliged and I took her to this little nature preserve where there was walking trail to a waterfall. Little did she know that my sister and brother were hiding in the area around us ready to take pictures. Once we got to the waterfall, I gave my speech and proposed. We went back to the house where our families and friends had set up a big after party to celebrate.

We continued the celebration with a dinner at Lucy’s in Auburn in a private room and then with an Iron Bowl tailgate (and WIN! War Eagle) on Saturday! It was perfect.

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT Audrey: I have two favorite wedding moments from the ceremony and the reception. First, we did not do a first look, but before the ceremony took place, we found a place where we could be hidden from each other but still have a moment together before we were officially a married couple. We exchanged letters that we had written to each other containing our vows and had a moment of worship to the song “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe. It was so beautiful and something I will cherish forever. Second,

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our last song that we requested was “Forever” by Chris Brown where the whole wedding danced like that scene from The Office. BUT, after that as a filler song to get everyone outside for our exit they played “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. Everyone gathered in the middle of the dance floor and just screamed their hearts out to this song and was an even better ending to the wedding than we planned.

Chris: I also have two favorite moments from the ceremony and reception. First, my favorite moment from the ceremony was when they opened the doors and I got to see Audrey in her dress and veil. As she mentioned before, we did not do a first look so the anticipation was killing me. The wedding coordinator was also a little late opening the doors and I was just so ready to see her. She looked so beautiful and I couldn’t help but cry.

My reception moment is the same as Audrey’s. It was so fun!

MEET THE TEAM: Venue: The Florentine Building Photographer: Eric and Jamie Photography, our photographer was Maggie McCoy Dress: Kathleen’s Bridal, Designer: Robert Bullock Hair: Glow, Teresa Boyd Makeup: Glow, Teresa Boyd Flowers: The Florentine, Michael Sanchez Catering: The Florentine, Corretti Catering Cake: The Florentine, Corretti Catering

& Kyle Pend lum

Emily

July 19, 2020

HOW THEY MET The story of Emily and Kyle started back in 2010 as students in a college class at Calhoun Community College. Unfortunately for the two, we thought our crossed paths ended there. We went our separate ways and went on with our college career and lives. We remained only 30 minutes from each other for the next few years. Fast forward to 2018 and with the power of technology a re-connection occurred on social media. After late nights and late talks, love began to grow, and we would become inseparable. Kyle knew within the first few dates that Emily was the one and it was all a matter of time before the question was popped.

THE PROPOSAL On November 10, 2018, one day before Emily’s 26th birthday. Both being avid lovers of the outdoors, it was a perfect day to spend outside. Kyle and Emily drove up to the mountains in Tennessee. One of Kyle’s favorite spot on this earth was on these mountains. After riding four wheelers and hiking the mountain side, we hiked a clearing on top of a mountain to watch the sunset. This also becomes one of Emily’s favorite spots as well. It was in that moment with the colors of fall and the sky in the background, Kyle dropped to one knee with the simple question of “Will you marry me?”. Without hesitation, Emily grabs the ring out of the box and is left speechless. As the sun sets and the

Madison Living 31

mountain grows cold, both walk in utter happiness back down the mountain.

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT Our wedding was not as planned but it was never less than the greatest day of our lives. Our original date was May 10, 2020.

We fell in love with this date but as January of 2020 rolled around, Corona has other plans for us. We finally decided in early April it was best to re-schedule the wedding as restrictions on the state intensified. With only a few dates left to re-book, we settle on July 19. Although we both did not want a summer wedding, and it was HOT, we knew this is what we wanted, and we did not want to wait. Although we had to downsize and adjust to the new restrictions, we still had the best wedding I could have dreamed of. I think our favorite wedding moment was finally being able to say “I do” in front of people who truly cared for us and came out to celebrate us. With the bright Alabama summer sun beaming us, our favorite moment was the moment we

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kissed at the altar. We knew all the stress and heartache that 2020 had brought us was well worth the risk.

MEET THE TEAM: Venue: Burritt on the Mountain Photographer: Ginger Zolynsky DJ: ZMC Event Productions Dress: Kathleen’s Bridal Hair: Jena Mac Makeup: Jena Mac Flowers: Weddings by Jeannie Catering: Urban Cookhouse Cake: Batter Up

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34 Madison Living

& Whitehall Travis

Keira

June 18, 2020

HOW WE MET Travis and I met working the same job in 2016.

rain in the parking lot of one of our favorite places. It was perfect in every way and I was over the moon!

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT Because of the military travel ban in 2020 due to COVID-19, we had to unfortunately cancel our wedding in July because Travis couldn’t come home. He randomly got a four day weekend and we decided to elope! We had three days to plan the whole thing. We had our little ceremony on top of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs (which is where he is stationed). We THE PROPOSAL Travis in the Army and he’d just gone through basic and AIT had been apart all year so my favorite part was not only getting in 2018. He came home on Christmas leave and had something to see him again, but getting to look into his eyes and vow to be planned on Christmas Eve with our friends and family to pro- his forever. It was such a sweet, special moment and I loved the pose to me. However, Travis is a very spontaneous person and intimacy of our ceremony as we only had two friends and my he ended up proposing to me the day he got back in the pouring sister there.

HOW WE FELL IN LOVE Travis continually invited me to hangout with him and his friends, and we eventually started going on dates. I knew immediately that I wanted to be with him forever and we’ve been inseparable ever since we started dating on October 28, 2016.

Madison Living 35

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& Deese

Austin

Caroline

July 25, 2020

HOW WE MET We met the summer going into our Junior year of high school when we were 16 through mutual friends. He went to James Clemens and I went to Bob Jones, so the rivalry quickly began. We became best friends and started dating soon after. We dated the rest of high school, broke up for a short period of time right after and quickly made our way back to each other. We knew we were meant to be. We dated for almost 5 years, engaged for a year, and have been married for 6 months.

HOW WE FELL IN LOVE I cannot think of a specific moment we fell in love, but I knew that how we were inseparable and how he treated me that we

were going to get married one day. He is always so supportive of anything I do. Being together since we were 16, we have been through a lot together and still fall more and more in love with each other each day.

THE PROPOSAL I was in Dallas, TX on a work trip when Austin decided to go look at engagement rings. He picked mine up from Hobbs Jewelers the day I returned home. We were about to go out to celebrate some friends 21st birthdays. While I was getting ready, Austin told me he was leaving “to go get a beer with the guys.� He was not gone long at all, so I knew something was up. He was acting nervous and excited. He then told me I am too nervous to

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wait, but I really just went to your parent’s house to ask for your dad’s blessing to marry you. He then got down on one knee in our apartment bathroom and asked me to marry him. It was definitely a surprise and very simple, which is so us! The diamond in my ring is actually his Nanny’s which is so special to me.

FAVORITE WEDDING MOMENT Our wedding was everything we have ever dreamed of and more. It is hard to pick one favorite part, but Austin’s favorite wedding moment was seeing his beautiful bride walk down the aisle to him, knowing the best is yet to come. My favorite wedding moment was walking up the aisle together officially married. It was an amazing feeling and a sigh of relief. Our nerves began to calm down and we were in celebration mode. We then got to party with friends and family the rest of the night at our reception.

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MEET THE TEAM: Venue: Burritt on the Mountain Photographer: Shannon Jackson Photography Dress: Kathleen’s Bridal Bridesmaid Dresses: Kathleen’s Bridal Groom & Groomsmen Tux Rental: Kathleen’s Bridal Hair: Callie Fowler at Society Salon Makeup: Paige Gipson – Makeup & Hair Flowers: Petals by Ali Catering: Catering by Narvell Wedding Cake & Groom’s Cake: Batter Up Cakes Invitations: Zazzle Music: Mark Rohling with Hey Mr Dj! Rings: Hobbs Jewlers Photo Booth: Sigh Photo Booth Wedding Day Coordinator: Hannah Stockman Officiant: Jimmy Lehman

WEDDINGS IN AGE OF COVID Having more than one plan ensures smoother wedding plans

BY ERIN COGGINS

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If there is anything COVID-19 has taught engaged couples, it is to always have a Plan B or maybe even a Plan C. After becoming engaged in December 2019, Savannah Burton Higgins set her eyes on a May 30, 2020 wedding date. She and her fiancé’ Paul planned to invite nearly 175 friends and family to their full ceremony and reception at Monte Sano Lodge. Then COVID. “We canceled about a month and a half from our original date,” Savannah said. “Things were not looking good and it was right when everything started shutting down.”

It was not an easy decision to make as Savannah was literally about to place the invitations in the mail and most of the wedding costs had been paid.

“Despite the close date, our top concern was making sure our guests and mainly our elderly family members would be safe,” Savannah said. “We wanted everyone to feel comfortable attending and at the time we really didn’t know much about the virus. We also didn’t want our close family members to miss out on our special day.”

Enter Plan B—reschedule the wedding for October 2020.

They set an Oct. 17 date, but as time neared their original

wedding date of May 30, the couple decided to get married anyway and just hold a bigger wedding in October.

“May 30 was already on all of our wedding items like koozies, guestbook and it was even engraved on Paul’s wedding ring, so we planned a low-key wedding with our parents, siblings and some close family friends that I grew up babysitting for,” Savannah said.

Savannah’s mom rented the pavilion in Monte Sano State Park where the couple held a “certificate signing” and picnic at the very place they were supposed to be having their big day.

“The dad of my ‘bonus family’ notarized our marriage certificate and we were married,” Savannah said.

Again, as another date loomed closer, the couple decided to forgo their big wedding plans in October for Plan C. “We are now having a one-year anniversary celebration for May 2021,” Savannah said. “We are saying big prayers that it will be safe to be together again. I sent out a third save the date stating that ‘Third time’s a charm,” so here’s to hoping it rings true.”

Besides the bachelor and bachelorette parties, the Hig-

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Madison Living 41

Savannah and Burton Higgins

gins’ do not feel that they lost very much in the process of scheduling, rescheduling and then saying, “I do.” Savannah says all the vendors were great about rescheduling and that they are financially okay while so many others are not.

“The only true regret I have about canceling is that my grandmother passed away in September so she will not be at my ‘real’ wedding in May 2021,” Savannah said. “I have to remind myself that God has a plan and that there is a bigger picture in place. “ As the Higgins’ see light at the end of the tunnel with the news of a vaccine, another couple is in the midst of planning their rescheduled wedding for June 2021. Beth Danner and Thomas Creighton, III were set to exchange vows on June 20, 2020. In March, Danner’s father became ill and had to be relocated from South Carolina to live with the couple and then of course, COVID hit.

“Initially shifting the wedding was Thomas’ idea. We had so much on our plate with the pandemic’s effect on

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both of our jobs, taking on my father’s care fulltime and also building a new home,” Danner said. “My first reaction was one of relief as it would be taking one less thing off our plate while navigating all the other things being thrown at us. There was also some disappointment, but we knew that out of all the other balls we were juggling, a wedding day could afford to be postponed.”

The couple had originally sent out Save the Date magnets, so they decided to send out Change the Date magnets along with a small not explain their shift in date due to pandemic. They also made phone calls to pass along their new plans and Danner says everyone was supportive.

The couple has relied on their wedding planner, Renee Quaife of Your Dream Day with Renee who Danner says has made the whole process so much easier.

“Besides getting us contacts and discounts with vendors and thinking of things we had not thought of, when we decided to postpone due to COVID Renee was willing to help contact vendors,” Danner said. “She completely redid our

planning calendar and checklists to keep us on track for the new date, as well as just being a listening ear during a stressful time.”

Since the couple has not been able to meet face to face with Quaife, they have utilized email, text and phone calls to stay in constant contact. Quaife has been able to visit the site of the wedding to take measurements.

“We haven’t been able to meet to discuss the next components—ceremony specifics and venue layout, but that will start with the 20-week countdown. Things will really pick up from there,” Quaife said.

The couple has set a new date for June 2021. The couple still plans to have their wedding outside on their own property which will help with making things more CDC-complaint.

“We are considering having a smaller guest list than what we were originally planning,” Danner said. “All dinnerware, cutlery and barware will be disposable. Masks and small personal bottles of hand sanitizer will be provided for guests as they enter for the ceremony.”

Besides a postponed date, Danner says the only major change is that one of the food trucks they were going to use may still be shut down due to the pandemic. Like the Higgins’, Danner and Creighton are anxiously waiting the success of the vaccine, especially for their high-risk guests.

“While we have high hopes based on current vaccine information, we are prepared to have a pared down guest list, an enforced mask policy and assigned seats if needed to make our event as safe as possible,” Danner said.

Quaife says that brides do not just want their weddings to happen; they want it to happen a certain way and it is difficult trying to figure out what that looks like in the current world of COVID. “My best advice is to decide what is the most important part of the wedding. What’s non-negotiable? Is it the date?

The ceremony? The reception? The guests? And then, plan everything around that,” Quaife said. “The wedding can still happen, but there might be some creative arranging and rearranging that has to happen, too.”

As a wedding planner, Quaife has learned to appreciate vendors who are willing to work and wait with the couple and that there is a lot of “hurry up and wait” happening.

“We can plan and get things all set, but then we’ll be in a holding pattern to see what is happening in our community,” Quaife said. “Unexpected things happen every day, even without a pandemic, so remember your dream day is still a day that ends in -y.”

No one understands that sentiment more than Savannah.

“For couples planning a wedding right now, don’t stress. I know that seems hard to take in when you are planning one of the biggest days of your life and then you have a pandemic thrown at you, but marriage is not about that big day anyway,” Savannah said. “It is about all of the little moments that come in the days after.”

Beth Danner and Thomas Creighton, III. Photo by Amy Kelley at Fly Leaf Photography

Madison Living 43

the wedding dress shopping experience

A

By MEiGhAN wiNtoN oWner, KathLeen’s bridaL

as a bride-to-be, finding your dream wedding dress can be one of the most exciting aspects of the wedding planning process. from gathering your girls for a day of glam, bubbles, and a bridal fashion show with no one other than you as the model, the day could not be more fun! but how do you prepare for such a big event when you have never gone before? we are going to guide you through: how to prepare for your appointment, what to expect while here, and how to make the most out of your wedding dress shopping experience!

come along. while you are trying on dresses, and determining how you look and feel in each one, there may be a lot of chatter around you. to make the best, and non-stressful, experience make sure you are bringing along only those around you who will elevate the moment for you! before your appointment day, start thumbing through wedding magazines, reading bridal blogs, and pinning your favorite styles on Pinterest. Having a laid-back approach to simply identifying what elements you gravitate toward is a great place to start.

now that you are engaged to the love of your life, it is time to start planning! out of sheer excitement to get the ball rolling on the wedding planning process, most brides start with the dress. it is a moment like no other when you are floating around the room in a white gown daydreaming about all of the different parts of your wedding. it can and should be a magical experience!

collecting ideas of styles, cuts, etc. will only help you when you are ready to try on dresses. although we recommend going into your appointment with an open mind, it is great to have an idea of what you think you might like. we have so many brides come in with a hard sense of what they will wear, and leave entirely in love with something else. that is the beauty of trying on different styles with different elements and being open to something different – you may find your dream dress in something you never thought you would love! the way it flows and glides as you walk the salon floors, the way it makes you feel like nothing could ever beat the way i feel in this dress, the way your confidence is immediately elevated - those are the things you should look for in the perfect dress! by allowing the way you feel in the dress guide your decision, you will ultimately leave knowing you found “the one.” our best advice is to come to your appointment with the idea that you are going to have fun! some brides find their dream dress on the first appointment, and some do not. it is okay to have a couple of different appointments to narrow down precisely what you want. Just remember: do not put so much pressure on yourself! this experience is a fun one, and one you will want to look back on fondly! Have an open mind about styles, give yourself time to prepare each dress and how it makes you feel, and enjoy the process!

so, where to start? a good rule of thumb for making your appointment to start dress shopping is around twelve to nine months out from your wedding date. generally speaking, you want to ensure you have enough time to not only enjoy the process, but also to have any alterations completed, and all of your day-of accessories picked out. to ensure the process is less stressful and less overwhelming, make sure to make an appointment at the bridal salon! we want you to have the best overall experience in our store, and by narrowing down a day and time for your day in, we will be ready to make that happen! also, finalizing your appointment guest list with the salon will help us to prepare! we get asked a lot who, and how many, you should bring along with you to your appointment. our best advice is to go with the less is more idea. sure, the idea of a bunch of girls having fun, looking at sparkly dresses, and sipping champagne sounds ideal, but there is also an equal amount of opinions that 56 Madison Living

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WHITE AZALEA ESTATE

A DREAM COME TRUE New wedding venue fulfills Nan Hardin’s dream

BY ERIN COGGINS Photos by Mariah Oldacre Photography

Madison Living 45

F

For as long as Nan Hardin can remember, she has wanted to be in the wedding business. It all goes back to growing up in Ocean Springs, Miss. where her mother and her friends hosted many wedding receptions and showers in the activities building of the First Baptist Church. Now, Hardin and her family are set to host their first wedding at White Azalea Estate, a new wedding venue in Harvest.

“I have always enjoyed helping with weddings. They are such a celebration of two people coming together to start their journey together and it is exciting to know that we will be part of their special day,” Nan said.

Nan and her husband, Fred, who have lived in both Southern Mississippi and Houston and are both NASA contractors whose jobs required them to travel to Huntsville often. They both like the area’s change in scenery that offers four seasons and a beautiful mountain landscape.

They began to look for an opportunity to move to the area and start the venue business. In 2019, their opportunity came.

“We looked at no less than 25 properties before we found the perfect location,” Nan said. “We were fortunate enough

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to find a wonderful realtor, Martha Case, that was patient and diligent in looking for properties that met our needs. “ The Hardins were looking for a property with some acreage, a structure that could be converted to a venue and a house that they could live in. The property on Jeff Road directly across from Sparkman High School was the “right” location.

“The barn with this property was large enough that we could accommodate large weddings,” Nan said. “We also wanted a space where we could accommodate the ceremony and reception for most weddings indoors without flipping the space.”

The venue was a horse barn and indoor riding arena before the Hardins purchased the property. The renovations began with a “demo weekend” over Memorial Day weekend where the entire family, traveling from Florida, Texas and Massachusetts arrived to knock down walls in the barn and stalls. Nan’s youngest daughter’s boyfriend revealed that the was intending to propose, giving the family a new purpose for completing the venue by January 2021.

“My daughter feels like we are building the venue just

for her wedding. As we went through the design and renovation process, we wanted to make everything as perfect as possible for her wedding,” Nan said. “As we made the design come to life, we could envision what her wedding would look like and knew it was perfect for her.”

The family’s support, however, has not waned since the renovations. White Azalea Estate is truly a family affair. Nan says Fred has been the mastermind behind all renovation activities and will transition into facility and grounds maintenance as the venue opens. Their daughter, Cory, serves as the marketing manager, focusing on website content, booking tours and following up with clients to answer questions. Their youngest daughter, Jamie, is finishing law school so she helps with reviewing contracts and legal topics. Nan will focus on the business aspects.

“And we are all tour guides,” Nan said. “And the rest of the family offers opinions, suggestions and encouragement.”

Even the name has a family aspect to it. And Azaleas were a favorite flower of Nan’s mother.

“I wanted to honor her and the love of event planning that she gave me by making something she loved part of the name,” Nan said.

Thomas Smith, Cory Booth, Nan Hardin, and Fred Hardin

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The white portion of the name was easy as the family wanted the venue to be predominantly white, including using the reclaimed rough swan oak boards of the original barn.

“We wanted the venue to have a clean, elegant look that would contrast with the original black trusses and black frames of the windows. We reclaimed the original oak boards and painted them white for the walls in the ceremony and reception areas,” Nan said. “We have had so many compliments on the look of the venue and the contrast between the white and accents of black and stained wood.”

As fate sometimes happens, the Hardins met their facility manager, Thomas Smith while renovating the property. Smith delivered some items to the property as a heavy equipment operator and after

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several deliveries became interested in what they were doing with the project.

“He told us he would love to be a part of what we were doing because his goal was to get into the catering business,” Nan said. “He started working full-time last December and has been involved with every aspect of the facility renovation. His dream of starting his own catering company is becoming reality and he will be our in-house caterer when we eventually host our own events such as seasonal brunches and dinners.”

The venue hosted its first styled shoot on Oct. 29, 2020, after a year and a half of working on the renovation. The photos can currently be viewed on the venue’s website.

“It was exciting to see the venue being used for the purpose that we intended,” Nan said. “The vendors that participated in the styled shoot brought the venue to life and we were able to sit back and observe what our future weddings would look like and how beautiful the space had become.”

The venue can accommodate a wedding or event for up to 350 people. The Hardins held an open house for the community on Jan. 30 and currently the first scheduled wedding at White Azalea Estate is planned for June 12.

“Our goal is to provide a personal and flexible experience for our couples throughout the process from providing as much information as possible on our website, responding quickly to their requests, helping them find vendors and resources they need and being onsite during the event to make sure thing go according to plan on their big day,” Nan said.

Madison Living 49

....................... AROUND TOWN .......................

A snow day at Davidson Farms last month.

When Moments Become Memories

...

Lee Marshall

Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation

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I

It’s February and we are all coming to terms with all the New Years Resolutions, our “WORD” for the year, etc. I’m gonna keep on the same path…. SERVE. I get to see every day our work and how we are changing lives. Due to privacy I’m not able to share our kids stories very often. But as I was looking on what to write about this month.. I thought of a moment that I felt I just had to share.

So I’ve mentioned Takia before. She’s one of my amazing young ladies who came to Davidson Farms, graduated KTECH, transition to being a mentor at the farm to support our other girls and now she’s in school at Calhoun Community College with a goal to be a social worker. (Spoiler alert! She’s going to be an amazing social worker!!!)

Takia has lived most of her life separated from her sisters. Recently we were able to reunite her with one of her sisters, and it created a memorable holiday. Takia texted me….

“I wanted to tell you thank you again for allowing Brittney to be here at the farm. Friday was so special to me because it has been years since I have spent a Christmas with Brittney.

The work Kids to Love is doing in my life is something that I will never forget. I am so grateful. I love you and hope you had a great Christmas.”

Whew! Who is cutting onions?! We work hard for our kids. So many times we are advocating behind the scenes and they will never know what we do for them. And that’s how it’s supposed to be. But then some days you get a text reminding you the importance of family, of siblings, of sisters. And in that moment you know all the late nights, all the phone calls, all the advocating is worth it.

We serve our girls at Davidson Farms without state or federal funding. It’s OUR success story because OUR community is a part of it.

On behalf of all the kids we serve…thank you!

CONNECTIONS

CHICK-FIL-A BREAKS GROUND and other news from the Madison Chamber of Commerce Madison Living 51

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

The Madison Chamber of Commerce helped Madison Chick-fil-A celebrate their new location on Jan. 15. Representatives from Chick-fil-A were joined by local business leaders and Madison County Commissioner Phil Vandiver in a ground-breaking ceremony (above) at Clift Farms on Hwy. 72, the future home of the Madison location. Madison Chick-fil-A owner Norman Dull (right) said the new location will be ready for a grand-opening this spring.

The MCC reserves the right, in its sole reasonable discretion, to remove a nominee from the selection process.

103 SPENRYN DR., MADISON, ALABAMA 35758

52 Madison Living

•

PHONE 256-325-8317

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

The Madison Chamber of Commerce helped The Palladian at Promenade Apartments celebrate their ribbon cutting on Dec. 15. For more information, go to www.palladianpromenade.com.

W W W. M A D I S O N A LC H A M B E R . CO M

•

W W W. FAC E B O O K . CO M / M A D I S O N C H A M B E R

Madison Living 53

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

February is the month of love and the Madison Chamber of Commerce wants to express their love for the Chamber members and all they do. Some of the MCC ambassadors are pictured left during a planning session. Members like these and so many others are why the Chamber remains a vital tool to promote the Madison business community.

54 Madison Living

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